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1 – 10 of 37Michele Forzan, Fabrizio Dughiero, Mattia Guglielmi and Antonio Marconi
This paper aims to study the possibility of controlling the electromagnetic stirrer (EMS) is fundamental in a continuous casting line to achieve the desired properties of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the possibility of controlling the electromagnetic stirrer (EMS) is fundamental in a continuous casting line to achieve the desired properties of homogeneity and mechanical strength in the solidified cast.
Design/methodology/approach
Coupled electromagnetic (EM) and fluid dynamic (FD) simulations allow to predict the mixing effect on molten metal, in terms of velocity amplitude and shape of the flow. This paper describes the numerical results of EMS effect within a cylindrical crucible, surrounded by a solenoidal inductor, filled with a low melting temperature alloy, i.e. GalInStan.
Findings
Induced forces and resulting velocity distribution of the flow of the liquid metal have been calculated depending on varying amplitude and frequency of the supplied current. As expected, at a given amplitude of the current supply, the velocity distribution shows a maximum at a certain frequency while the intensity of electrodynamic forces monotonically increase as the frequency increases
Originality/value
The paper deals with simply models and experiments applied to coupled EM and FD problem, to assess the applied methodology.
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Valdir Antonio Vitorino Filho and Roberto Giro Moori
This study aims to examine the role of technological capabilities in the competitive advantage of supply chains for the “countryside” hub of São Paulo state.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of technological capabilities in the competitive advantage of supply chains for the “countryside” hub of São Paulo state.
Design/methodology/approach
An interdisciplinary approach was adopted by combining the strategic orientation of supply chain management as a link between market and operational activities, with technological capabilities as an essential factor for competitive advantage. This exploratory, mixed-method study was conducted in the Campinas technology hub, which has become important for its available skilled workforce, and broad and structured supply chain. The study sample included ten companies and dealt with the techniques of content analysis and non-parametric statistics – the Mann–Whitney U technique.
Findings
The results revealed that strategic supply chain management has an impact on technological capabilities and competitive advantage.
Originality/value
They also showed that technological capabilities have a partial mediating effect on competitive advantage.
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Francisco Antonio dos Anjos, Melise de Lima Pereira and Florença Fiedler Pichler Von Tennenberg
In order to offer a theoretical and empirical contribution to the theme, the purpose of this paper is to assess the tourist image of the destination Balneário Camboriú, Santa…
Abstract
Purpose
In order to offer a theoretical and empirical contribution to the theme, the purpose of this paper is to assess the tourist image of the destination Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brazil, from the tourists’ perspective. The authors specify the latent dimensions involved in the formation of the cognitive, affective, and conative image of coastal tourism destination, through which the authors can analyze and measure the construct.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is exploratory, descriptive, and predominantly quantitative. It uses non-probability convenience sampling, consisting of a sample of 425 tourists. Data collection were conducted in the studied destination during the summer season – 2015/2016.
Findings
Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the authors identified and tested the factors that comprise the image. Structural equation model evaluated the relationship that theoretically exists between the components of the image and the weight of the various components (cognitive, affective, and conative) on the overall image of the destination.
Originality/value
This research contributes theoretically and empirically to the discussions on the components of the destination image, in as much as it analyzes and interprets the cognitive, affective, and conative components of the image of the tourism destination Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Gustavo Tietz Cazeri, Rosley Anholon, Luis Antonio Santa-Eulalia and Izabela Simon Rampasso
The purpose of this viewpoint is to present some reflections about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacts on the transition to Industry 4.0 in the Brazilian…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this viewpoint is to present some reflections about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacts on the transition to Industry 4.0 in the Brazilian manufacturing sector context.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, a bibliographic research study was carried out to establish a theoretical background and contextualization. After analysing different kinds of documents, the authors of this viewpoint discussed potential COVID-19 impacts on the transition to Industry 4.0 in the Brazilian manufacturing sector. A multidisciplinary discursive approach was used in the debates.
Findings
The COVID-19 pandemic will negatively influence the transition of Brazilian manufacturing sector to Industry 4.0. Despite the fact that some “World Class Companies” based in Brazil still continue the transition process towards the “Digital Revolution”, most of Brazilian manufacturing companies are postponing important initiatives related to Industry 4.0 due to uncertainties. In addition, policies promoting innovation are increasingly necessary.
Practical implications
This viewpoint presents interesting implications for researchers and society. Researchers can use these reflections to structure surveys or case studies to better understand the aforementioned impacts on companies due to the pandemic. These reflections can also be used by society for public policy debates. For companies, the information presented highlights the relevance of Industry 4.0 as an important phenomenon to manufacturing sector and companies' competitiveness.
Originality/value
This viewpoint presents reflections which may be used to encourage debates about how to manage digital transformation in the manufacturing sector during an unstable environment.
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THE Deutsche Luftfahrtschau, popularly known as the Hanover Air Show, is held biennially by the Bundesverband der Deutschen Luft‐ und Raumfahrtindustrie e.V. (the German Aerospace…
Abstract
THE Deutsche Luftfahrtschau, popularly known as the Hanover Air Show, is held biennially by the Bundesverband der Deutschen Luft‐ und Raumfahrtindustrie e.V. (the German Aerospace Industries Association) and will take place from April 24 to May 3 at Langenhagen Airport, Hanover. As in previous years, it will run concurrently with the famous Hanover Trade Fair.
Antônio André Cunha Callado and Aldo Leonardo Cunha Callado
The underlying question to the investigation is “are supply chain performance indicators usage patterns related to specific strategic goals?” The paper aims to analyze whether…
Abstract
Purpose
The underlying question to the investigation is “are supply chain performance indicators usage patterns related to specific strategic goals?” The paper aims to analyze whether specific supply chain performance metrics from the Balanced Scorecard are related to specific strategic goals among individual agribusiness companies.
Methodology/Approach
A survey among 121 individual Brazilian agribusiness companies was undertaken. Each of them was asked to declare their respective strategic goal as well as point out which performance indicators they used from a list composed by 49 performance indicators divided into the four traditional perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard. Percentages were used to identify the use extent of these performance indicators and upper quartiles and estimated percentages were used to identify the groups of performance indicators for all strategic goal considered.
Findings
The groups of eligible performance indicators relating to Balanced Scorecard frameworks for specific strategic goals changes its composition significantly if upper quartiles or estimated percentages are applied. The results also suggest that the intensity of use of performance indicators from the learning and growth perspective changes significantly among groups of individual companies as they aim different strategic goals.
Research Limitations/Implications
The research carried out in this paper is based on responses provided by senior managers regarding managerial practices, but it does present a new perspective about relations between strategic goals and usage patterns of supply chain performance indicators from the perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard.
Practical Implications
The managerial implications arising from the findings suggest that supply chain performance metrics selection criteria should consider the characteristics of strategic goal.
Originality/Value of Paper
There is little existing literature that addresses attention to the relations between strategic goals and the structure of Balanced Scorecard framework toward supply chain performance measurement and this paper aims to fill this gap.
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Antônio André Cunha Callado and Lisa Jack
The overarching question here is whether common balanced scorecards (BSCs) are possible between partners in supply networks. The purpose of this paper is to form four independent…
Abstract
Purpose
The overarching question here is whether common balanced scorecards (BSCs) are possible between partners in supply networks. The purpose of this paper is to form four independent samples of Brazilian input suppliers, producers, distributors and retailers from the agri-food industry to identify how many of the metrics used in BSCs can be related to specific supply chain (SC) roles.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 121 agribusiness companies was undertaken. Usage of indicators was identified through percentages, while the groups of performance indicators for the SC roles considered were identified through two reference values.
Findings
Customer satisfaction was the single metric present within the BSC framework for all SC roles. Different SC roles showed different compositions of indicators used.
Research limitations/implications
The research findings are descriptive and based on responses provided by senior managers. A new perspective of the use of specific performance metrics by different SC participants is seen.
Practical implications
Performance measurement within SCs needs to consider the specific measures used by different roles within the SC. The data suggest that any implementation of performance measurement systems for supply networks should consider performance indicators that are common to the role-type and specific to the constituent companies.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to the debate on whether a common set of measures in a scorecard can be used between SC partners. The findings suggest that it may be very difficult to achieve a BSC framework that is common and practical for all SC participants and that other alternatives should be investigated.
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Sara Candidori, Serena Graziosi, Paola Russo, Kasra Osouli, Francesco De Gaetano, Alberto Antonio Zanini and Maria Laura Costantino
The purpose of this study is to describe the design and validation of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed phantom of a uterus to support the development of uterine balloon tamponade…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to describe the design and validation of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed phantom of a uterus to support the development of uterine balloon tamponade devices conceived to stop post-partum haemorrhages (PPHs).
Design/methodology/approach
The phantom 3D model is generated by analysing the main requirements for validating uterine balloon tamponade devices. A modular approach is implemented to guarantee that the phantom allows testing these devices under multiple working conditions. Once finalised the design, the phantom effectiveness is validated experimentally.
Findings
The modular phantom allows performing the required measurements for testing the performance of devices designed to stop PPH.
Social implications
PPH is the leading obstetric cause of maternal death worldwide, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. The proposed phantom could speed up and optimise the design and validation of devices for PPH treatment, reducing the maternal mortality ratio.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the 3D-printed phantom represents the first example of a modular, flexible and transparent uterus model. It can be used to validate and perform usability tests of medical devices.
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Paulo Augusto Cauchick Miguel and José Antonio Carnevalli
This paper continues the analysis of the data collected in a survey of quality function deployment (QFD) carried out in Brazil, and deepens the study by carrying out interviews at…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper continues the analysis of the data collected in a survey of quality function deployment (QFD) carried out in Brazil, and deepens the study by carrying out interviews at some of the companies which participated in the survey to identify best practices on QFD application.
Design/methodology/approach
To analyze the data collected in a survey of QFD and interviews, eight exemplary criteria based on the QFD literature were considered. The paper then presents and discusses best practices in QFD application.
Findings
The results of analyzing the interviews showed that there were exemplary aspects in the use of the method and the key points in the QFD implementation that should be considered were related to: support from upper management, carrying out training, creating the team, frequency and length of meetings, and creating a conceptual model, among other aspects.
Research limitations/implications
It is important to stress that the importance of some of these exemplary aspects varies with the type of company and the product developed with QFD, and could be less important for other products and industries.
Practical implications
The results showed that there were key points in the QFD implementation that should be considered depending on type of company and the product.
Originality/value
The key points in the QFD implementation identified in this paper may be useful to QFD users and academics.
Details
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TODAY aviation is a most influential factor in our lives and Brooklyn a most influential factor in aviation. This was clear to all who attended the very successful conference on…
Abstract
TODAY aviation is a most influential factor in our lives and Brooklyn a most influential factor in aviation. This was clear to all who attended the very successful conference on High Speed Aeronautics organized as a feature of the Centennial year by the Department of Aeronautical Engineering and Applied Mechanics of the Institute. Over 600 research workers and technicians assembled at the Engineering Societies Building, New York, to hear and to discuss papers by scientists and engineers from America, England, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden.