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Prior studies have argued that small firms with dynamic capabilities can revise and reconfigure their internal resources to meet the uncertainties of their business environment. However, there is a lack of understanding of how they can develop such critical capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to propose that small firms can employ information and communication technology (ICT) capabilities as a facilitator for developing dynamic capabilities. Thus, the study builds on resource-based view (RBV) literature and information systems (IS) literature by examining the influence of ICT capabilities on the dynamic capabilities of small firms.

Several hypotheses were tested by analysing the survey data from 291 small high-technology firms in Sweden.

The results reveal that ICT capabilities influence dynamic capabilities of small firms. More specifically, the ICT use for internal efficiency positively influences adoptive capabilities, collaborative use of ICT positively influences networking capabilities, and ICT use for communications positively influences both adaptive and innovation capabilities. Consequently, the results suggest that the different components of ICT capabilities facilitate the development of the different organizational capabilities that together represent dynamic capabilities and thus, can contribute to a small firm’s competitive advantage.

This study has few implications for the managers and CEO’s of small high-technology firms. First, by prioritizing ICT capabilities, small firms can benefit from the development of dynamic capabilities that will support them to meet the challenges of turbulent business environment. Second, because small firms usually lack internal resources (i.e. financial resources and competence), the study provides more specific direction on how they can strategically invest and build different components of ICT that will positively influence their adaptive, absorptive, innovative, and network capabilities.

The study provides an alternative view of how ICT capabilities influence the performance of small firms, and outlines how such capabilities influence the development of dynamic capabilities. Therefore, the study in hand contributes to the RBV and IS literature by specifically linking the components of ICT capabilities to dynamic capabilities and its related sub-capabilities.

The purpose of this paper is to test a theoretically derived representation of a relationship management capability. The relationship management capability architecture developed from the literature integrated theory on dynamic capabilities, the resource‐advantage theory of competition, and prior capability research in innovation and information technology management.

The second‐order constructs of relationship infrastructure, relationship learning and relationship behaviour argues to represent a relationship management capability (RMC) was assigned measures adapted from the literature, and pilot tested with industry consultants. The final questionnaire was sent to senior executives responsible for customer relationship management in manufacturing and business service firms in the UK. The structural model representing the RMC was shown to be robust with a comparative fit index of 0.91.

Although the low response rate and the subjectiveness of respondents encourage caution in interpreting the research findings, the results suggest that relationship management systems, implemented through collaborative and flexible behaviours, and renewed through adaptive and generative knowledge derived from experience and challenging current relationship management assumptions, are key dimensions of a RMC.

This framework advances and tests a new theoretical perspective of a relationship management capability that incorporates a capacity for renewal. In addition, it provides managers with a tool to evaluate their organisation's relationship management capability at key stakeholder interfaces on attributes that define relationship infrastructure, relationship learning and relationship behaviour, as this capability is renewed over time.

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Examines the ninth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the adsorption properties of CoFe_1.9Mo_0.1O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (CFMo MNPs) using, anionic dye “congo red (CR)” as a model of water pollutants.

The magnetic nano-adsorbent was synthesized via sol-gel process. Different techniques including; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, point of zero charge, scanning electron microscope and X-ray powder diffraction were used to characterize the prepared adsorbent. Adsorption experiments were conducted in batch mode under various conditions (contact time, shaking speed, initial dye concentration, initial solution pH, solution temperature and adsorbent amount) to investigate the adsorption capability of CFMo MNPs for CR.

The results showed that, CFMo MNPs could successfully remove more than 90% of CR dye within 20 min. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were better described using pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Langmuir models, respectively. The maximum adsorbed amount (q_max) of CR dye was 135.14 mg/g. The adsorption process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous in nature as demonstrated by the thermodynamics ( ΔGo, ΔHoand ΔSo).

This study provided a good example of using an easily separated magnetic nano-adsorbent for fast removal of a very toxic organic pollutant, congo red, from the aquatic environment

The employment of Mo-doped cobalt ferrite for the first time for removing hazardous anionic dyes such as congo red from their aqueous solutions.

This study aims to prevent mild steel (MS) against corrosion in 0.5 M HCl solution, 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine was used. The effectiveness of the compound as a corrosion inhibitor was studied via electrochemical, surface and theoretical calculation techniques.

For concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 10.0 mM, almost similar polarization resistances were obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and linear polarization resistance tests. It also investigated inhibitive activity of 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine on the steel surface using scanning electron and atomic force microscope instruments. Langmuir adsorption is the best matched isotherm for the adsorption of the inhibitor to the steel surface.

EIS method was used to determine inhibition efficiency, which was determined to be 95.7% for 10.0 mM inhibitor containing acid solution. Density functional theory’s predictions for quantum chemistry agreed well with the other experimental results.

The methods used in this study are effective and applicable; the used organic inhibitor is 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine; and protective effectiveness is important, which is crucial for the task of MS corrosion prevention.

The purpose of this paper is to study, analyze and present the lubricating mechanism and tribological properties of two types of oil‐based titanium complex grease containing Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Two types of oil‐based sebacic acid/stearic acid titanium complex greases containing PTFE additive were synthesized using 3 L reaction vessel, and the base oils including neopentyl polyol ester and mixed oil of 650SN and neopentyl polyol (1:1.8). Friction‐reduction, antiwear, and load‐carrying properties of greases were evaluated using a four‐ball tester, and their dropping point and penetration were characterized using relevant ASTM standards. Morphologies of wear scar and chemical states of typical elements on worn surfaces were characterized by means of scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively.

Tribological results show that titanium complex grease containing PTFE had better friction‐reduction and antiwear properties than base grease. However, PTFE could not improve the load‐carrying capacity of base grease. Moreover, a synergistic effect between deposited film and adsorptive film contributes to good tribological properties of titanium complex grease.

Such a very useful lubricating material could be used in industrial applications including steel plants, power plants, packaging, and fertilizer industries.

The lubricating mechanism of titanium complex grease containing PTFE was proposed by tribochemical analysis of worn surfaces. The mechanism should become the direction of the theoretical and applied research of grease in the future.

The purpose of this paper is to study the inhibitive and adsorptive characteristics of ethanol extract of Gongronema latifolium (GL) as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in H₂SO₄.

The inhibition efficiencies were evaluated using thermometric and hydrogen evolution techniques.

The inhibition efficiency of ethanol extract of GL vary with concentration of the extract, period of immersion and with temperature. The extract acts as an inhibitor because of its phytochemical and amino acid composition. The extract is adsorbed spontaneously on the surface of mild steel according to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The mechanism of physical adsorption is proposed from the trend of the inhibition efficiency with temperature and the values of some kinetic and thermodynamic parameters obtained.

The study provides information on the use of ethanol extract of GL as a corrosion inhibitor. Electrochemical studies such as polarisation and alternating current impedance spectra will throw more light on the mechanistic aspects of the corrosion inhibition.

Ethanol extract of GL can be used as an environmentally friendly inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in H₂SO₄.

This environmentally friendly inhibitor could find possible applications in metal surface anodising and surface coatings.

This paper aims to investigation of processes for Pb²⁺ elimination from water/wastewater as a significant public health issue in many parts of world. The removal of Pb²⁺ ions by various nanocomposites has been explained from water/wastewaters. ZnO-based nanocomposites, as eco-friendly nanoparticles with unique physicochemical properties, have received increased attention to remove Pb²⁺ ions from water/wastewaters.

In this review, different ZnO-based nanocomposites were reviewed for their application in the removal of Pb²⁺ ions from the aqueous solution, typically for wastewater treatment using methodology, such as adsorption. This review focused on the ZnO-based nanocomposites for removing Pb²⁺ ions from water and wastewaters systems.

The ZnO-based nanocomposite was prepared by different methods, such as electrospinning, hydrothermal/alkali hydrothermal, direct precipitation and polymerization. Depending on the preparation method, various types of ZnO-based nanocomposites like ZnO-metal (Cu/ZnO, ZnO/ZnS, ZnO/Fe), ZnO-nonmetal (PVA/ZnO, Talc/ZnO) and ZnO-metal/nonmetal (ZnO/Na-Y zeolite) were obtained with different morphologies. The effects of operational parameters and adsorption mechanisms were discussed in the review.

The findings may be greatly useful in the application of the ZnO-based nanocomposite in the fields of organic and inorganic pollutants adsorption.

The present study is novel, because it investigated the morphological and structural properties of the synthesized ZnO-based nanocomposite using different methods and studied the capability of green-synthesized ZnO-based nanocomposite to remove Pb²⁺ ions as water contaminants.

The current review can be used for the development of environmental pollution control measures.

This paper reviews the rapidly developing field of nanocomposite technology.

This paper aims to propose a review of the current open innovation paradigm to include the effects of culture in the internationalized working environment.

Focusing on interpersonal skills, the authors aim to show the current open innovation framework should be extended to include a cross-cultural lens.

In addition, cultural intelligence is a necessary core competency that can “shine a light” on the various ambiguities and uncertainties encountered in the Chinese business terrain.

Cultural intelligence will enhance open innovation alliance effectiveness.