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Article
Publication date: 3 October 2023

Tamara Besednjak Valič, Janez Kolar, Urša Lamut and Alenka Pandiloska Jurak

This paper aims to explore the key anchors of the National Innovation System shaping the nature of collaboration between academic high-performance computing centres (academic HPC…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the key anchors of the National Innovation System shaping the nature of collaboration between academic high-performance computing centres (academic HPC centres) and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working in the automotive and electronics sectors of the Danube region. With two main research questions, it discusses the importance of knowledge transfer and technology transfer for collaboration between University and Industry (U-I collaboration) in three groups of developmentally distinct countries: competitively advanced, competitively intermediate and competitively lagging. As main anchors of the innovation system, stable legal environment, exciting innovation policies and strong R&D funding are recognised.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative empirical study in 14 Danube region countries included 92 focus group participants, expert representatives of academic HPC centres and SMEs. The data were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed.

Findings

The findings show the main prerequisites of the framework conditions for efficient U-I collaboration evolve through a goal-oriented National Innovation Policy and developed and functioning legal environment supporting labour market and intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement. Additionally, skilled people are needed to be able to operate with HPC, where it seems all the countries lack such skilled workforce. In competitively lagging countries, the high levels of brain drain exhibit strong impact to U-I collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

Research into relationships between academic HPC centres and SMEs conducted was qualitative; therefore, limitations in terms of generalisation arise from it. On the other hand, the research is promising in terms of offering the guidance for policy makers who can use the findings when delivering innovation policy mix, adjusted to developmental level of own innovation ecosystem.

Originality/value

The study is among the pioneering work in U-I collaboration between academic HPC centres and SMEs from automotive and electronics industries in the Danube region. The research addresses the dynamics of collaboration and offers policy implications to strengthen the particular U-I collaboration.

研究目的

本文旨在探究國家創新系統的主要支柱; 這些支柱決定了學術性的高速網路與計算中心 (註: 此為直譯) (以下簡稱學術高網算中心) 與於多瑙河地區的汽車製造業和電子產品行業內營運的中小型企業之間的合作性質。本文透過兩條主要的研究問題、去探討知識轉移和技術轉讓對大學與產業界之間的合作的重要性而這些產業是屬於在發展階段上三個明顯不同的國家組別裏的這三個組別是 競爭先進的、競爭性中級的和競爭落後的。穩定的法律環境、令人興奮的創新政策和強大的研究與開發資金被認為是創新系統的三個主要支柱。

研究設計

研究人員在14個位於多瑙河地區的國家裏進行一個質性觀察研究研究涵蓋92個焦點小組參與者、來自學術高網算中心和中小型企業的專家代表。有關的數據被錄音繼而被轉寫下來最後被分析。

研究結果

研究結果顯示效率高的大學產業界合作的框架條件的主要先決條件是透過一個以目標為導向的國家創新政策而逐漸形成繼而發展起來; 另外所需的條件是一個支援勞工市場、保障知識產權、並執行有關的法律的正常運作的法律環境。其次若想與學術高網算中心一起工作技術人才是必須的因學術高網算中心內的所有國家似乎欠缺技術勞動力。在落後於競爭對手的國家裏高度的人才外流對大學與產業界之間的合作會產生重大的影響。

研究的局限/啟示

由於研究採用的研究方法為質性研究法故研究結果、就普遍化的歸納而言是有其局限的。唯研究結果在實務方面有其作用因政策制定者在推行與科技進步與對策有關的策略時他們可把研究結果作為指引就其自身創新生態系統的發展水準而作出適當的調整。

研究的原創性/價值

本研究探討涉及學術高網算中心與於多瑙河地區的汽車製造業和電子產品行業內營運的中小型企業之間合作的大學產業界合作就此而言可說是開創性研究之一。本研究探究有關的大學產業界合作的變革動力並為政策制定者提供啟示以能強化有關的合作。

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2024

Fawad Ahmed, Wei Hu, Ahmad Arslan and Haoyu Huang

Human resource management (HRM) practices must take an ambidextrous approach because of changing work environments and challenges. Ambidextrous practices in HRM fall in the domain…

Abstract

Purpose

Human resource management (HRM) practices must take an ambidextrous approach because of changing work environments and challenges. Ambidextrous practices in HRM fall in the domain of developing expertise for complex environments and reducing ambiguities in present turbulent times. Dual-oriented ambidextrous human resource practices (AHRP) can promote employee innovation performance. Drawing on social exchange theory to explore the impact of AHRP on employee innovation performance, this paper examines the mediating role of inclusive leadership style.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire from employees of three Fortune 500 Chinese companies from the telecom, electronics and automotive sectors with temporal separation in two waves. The final sample constituted 276 useable responses.

Findings

Results indicate that ambidextrous HR practices have a significant impact on innovation performance, and an inclusive leadership style mediates this relationship, together explaining a 27.8% variance.

Originality/value

This paper examines the effect of dual-oriented AHRPs in the emerging markets context as a guide to best practices for managers to employ ambidexterity in HRM to enhance employees' innovation performance by enhancing both commitment as well as cooperation simultaneously.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 37 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2023

Kenyth Alves de Freitas, Barbara Bechler Flynn, Ely Laureano Paiva and Amrou Awaysheh

This paper investigates how companies become resilient to supply chain (SC) piracy through using transactional and relational governance mechanisms to develop strategies effective…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates how companies become resilient to supply chain (SC) piracy through using transactional and relational governance mechanisms to develop strategies effective in environments characterized by weak regulative institutions and mistrust.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed case studies of nine large manufacturers with operations in Brazil.

Findings

The companies employed transactional and relational governance mechanisms to learn from past incidents, anticipate, and respond to the threat of SC piracy, becoming more resilient over time. Transactional governance mechanisms reduced risk triggers through technology, while relational governance mechanisms enhanced trust between SC and non-SC members, allowing the members to build social capital.

Practical implications

The authors provide practical guidance for managers and policymakers in developing risk management strategies based on technology and collaboration to reduce SC piracy in environments characterized by mistrust.

Social implications

SC piracy is a serious problem for global operations and SCs in many low-cost manufacturing locations. Besides the cost and service level consequences, the authors also highlight worker safety consequences, including the potential for kidnapping, psychological trauma, injuries, and death.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the little-researched topic of SC piracy. The authors examine the negative effects of a weak institutional environment, while most prior research focuses on the positive effects of a strong institutional environment. The authors position transactional and relational governance mechanisms as essential elements of SC risk resilience.

Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Kalidas Das and Pinaki Ranjan Duari

Several graphs, streamlines, isotherms and 3D plots are illustrated to enlighten the noteworthy fallouts of the investigation. Embedding flow factors for velocity, induced…

36

Abstract

Purpose

Several graphs, streamlines, isotherms and 3D plots are illustrated to enlighten the noteworthy fallouts of the investigation. Embedding flow factors for velocity, induced magnetic field and temperature have been determined using parametric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Ternary hybrid nanofluids has outstanding hydrothermal performance compared to classical mono nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids owing to the presence of triple tiny metallic particles. Ternary hybrid nanofluids are considered as most promising candidates in solar energy, heat exchangers, electronics cooling, automotive cooling, nuclear reactors, automobile, aerospace, biomedical devices, food processing etc. In this work, a ternary hybrid nanofluid flow that contains metallic nanoparticles over a wedge under the prevalence of solar radiating heat, induced magnetic field and the shape factor of nanoparticles is considered. A ternary hybrid nanofluid is synthesized by dispersing iron oxide (Fe3O4), silver (Ag) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles in a water (H2O) base fluid. By employing similarity transformations, we can convert the governing equations into ordinary differential equations and then solve numerically by using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg approach.

Findings

There is no fund for the research work.

Social implications

This kind of study may be used to improve the performance of solar collectors, solar energy and solar cells.

Originality/value

This investigation unfolds the hydrothermal changes of radiative water-based Fe3O4-Ag-MgO-H2O ternary hybrid nanofluidic transport past a static and moving wedge in the presence of solar radiating heating and induced magnetic fields. The shape factor of nanoparticles has been considered in this study.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 August 2023

Raghavendra Rao N.S. and Chitra A.

The purpose of this study is to propose an extended reliability method for an industrial motor drive by integrating the physics of failure (PoF).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose an extended reliability method for an industrial motor drive by integrating the physics of failure (PoF).

Design/methodology/approach

Industrial motor drive systems (IMDS) are currently expected to perform beyond the desired operating conditions to meet the demand. The PoF of the subsystem affects its reliability under such harsh operating circumstances. It is crucial to estimate reliability by integrating PoF, which helps in understanding its impact and to develop a fault-tolerant design, particularly in such an integrated drive system. An integrated PoF extended reliability method for industrial drive system is proposed to address this issue. In research, the numerical failure rate of each component of industrial drive is obtained first with the help of the MIL-HDBK-217 military handbook. Furthermore, the mathematically deduced proposed approach is modeled in the GoldSim Monte Carlo reliability workbench.

Findings

From the results, for a 15% rise in integrated PoF, the reliability and availability of the entire IMDS dropped by 23%, resulting in an impact on mean time to failure (MTTF).

Originality/value

The integrated PoF of the motor and motor controller affects industrial drive reliability, which falls to 0.18 with the least MTTF (2.27 years); whose overall reliability of industrial drive drops to 0.06 if it is additionally integrated with communication protocol.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 50 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2023

Ana C. Lopes, Álvaro M. Sampaio and António J. Pontes

With the technological progress, high-performance materials are emerging in the market of additive manufacturing to comply with the advanced requirements demanded for technical…

Abstract

Purpose

With the technological progress, high-performance materials are emerging in the market of additive manufacturing to comply with the advanced requirements demanded for technical applications. In selective laser sintering (SLS), innovative powder materials integrating conductive reinforcements are attracting much interest within academic and industrial communities as promising alternatives to common engineering thermoplastics. However, the practical implementation of functional materials is limited by the extensive list of conditions required for a successful laser-sintering process, related to the morphology, powder size and shape, heat resistance, melt viscosity and others. The purpose of this study is to explore composite materials of polyamide 12 (PA12) incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), aiming to understand their suitability for advanced SLS applications.

Design/methodology/approach

PA12-MWCNT and PA12-GNP materials were blended through a pre-optimized process of mechanical mixing with various percentages of reinforcement between 0.50 wt.% and 3.00 wt.% and processed by SLS with appropriate volume energy density. Several test specimens were produced and characterized with regard to processability, thermal, mechanical, electrical and morphological properties. Finally, a comparative analysis of the performance of both carbon-based materials was performed.

Findings

The results of this research demonstrated easier processability and higher tensile strength and impact resistance for composites incorporating MWCNT but higher tensile elastic modulus, compressive strength and microstructural homogeneity for GNP-based materials. Despite the decrease in mechanical properties, valuable results of electrical conductivity were obtained with both carbon solutions until 10–6 S/cm.

Originality/value

The carbon-based composites developed in this research allow for the expansion of the applicability of laser-sintered parts to advanced fields, including electronics-related industries that require functional materials capable of protecting sensitive devices against electrostatic discharge.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2023

Cleiton Lazaro Fazolo De Assis and Cleber Augusto Rampazo

This paper aims to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) filaments for fusion filament fabrication (FFF). PC/ABS have emerged…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) filaments for fusion filament fabrication (FFF). PC/ABS have emerged as a promising material for FFF due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, the optimal processing conditions and the effect of the blending ratio on the mechanical properties of the resulting workpieces are still unclear.

Design/methodology/approach

A statistical factorial matrix was designed, including infill pattern, printing speed, nozzle size, layer height and printing temperature as factors (with three levels). A total of 810 workpieces were printed using PC/ABS blends filament with the FFF. The workpieces’ finishing and mass were evaluated. Tensile tests were performed. Analysis of variance was performed to determine the main effects of the processing conditions on the mechanical properties.

Findings

The results showed that the PC/ABS (70/30) exhibited higher tensile. Tensile rupture corresponded to 30% of the tensile strength. The infill pattern showed the highest contribution to the responses. The concentric pattern showed higher tensile strength. Tensile strength and mass ratio demonstrated the influence of mass on tensile strength. The influence of printing parameters on deformation depended on the blend proportions. Higher printing speed and lower layer height provided better quality workpieces.

Originality/value

This study has implications for the design and manufacturing of three-dimensional printed parts using PC/ABS filaments. An extensive experimental matrix was applied, aiming at a complete understanding of mechanical behavior, considering the main printing parameters and combinations not explored by literature.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 June 2023

Mohit Goswami, Yash Daultani and M. Ramkumar

This paper analytically models and numerically investigates two operating levers, namely optimization of product price and optimization of product quality in the context of a…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper analytically models and numerically investigates two operating levers, namely optimization of product price and optimization of product quality in the context of a manufacturer that sells the products directly in the marketplace. The study attempts to identify how optimizing product quality and product price can fulfill a manufacturer's economic aims such as maximization of the manufacturer's profit and market demand. Anchored to the extant literature, the demand is modeled as a parametric joint multiplicative function of price and quality. Further, price is modeled as a function of product quality.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors evolve the analytical expression for the manufacturer's profit. Thereafter, following the mathematical principles of unconstrained optimization, the authors arrive at the conditions for optimal product quality and product price. The authors further perform numerical experiments to understand the behavior of economic dimensions such as profit and demand with respect to sensitivities associated with cost, quality and price.

Findings

The authors find that under product quality optimization, the optimal product quality is a unique solution in that a highest possible theoretical manufacturer's profit is obtained. However, in the case of product price optimization, the optimal product price is non-unique and is a function of product quality. The authors further find that in the context of functional quality-level expectations, product quality optimization as an operating lever gives a better dividend. However, in the case of higher product quality expectations, product price optimization performs better than product quality optimization. Further, several novel findings are also obtained from numerical experimentations.

Originality/value

The findings of the authors' study have implications for types of industries characterized by relatively low as well as relatively high competitive intensity. Further, as opposed to several extant studies that have often carried out joint optimization of quality and price, the authors' study is one of the first to study the impact of product price and product quality on the manufacturer's economic objective in a disparate and focused manner, thus capturing individual effects.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 October 2023

V. Chowdary Boppana and Fahraz Ali

This paper presents an experimental investigation in establishing the relationship between FDM process parameters and tensile strength of polycarbonate (PC) samples using the…

710

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents an experimental investigation in establishing the relationship between FDM process parameters and tensile strength of polycarbonate (PC) samples using the I-Optimal design.

Design/methodology/approach

I-optimal design methodology is used to plan the experiments by means of Minitab-17.1 software. Samples are manufactured using Stratsys FDM 400mc and tested as per ISO standards. Additionally, an artificial neural network model was developed and compared to the regression model in order to select an appropriate model for optimisation. Finally, the genetic algorithm (GA) solver is executed for improvement of tensile strength of FDM built PC components.

Findings

This study demonstrates that the selected process parameters (raster angle, raster to raster air gap, build orientation about Y axis and the number of contours) had significant effect on tensile strength with raster angle being the most influential factor. Increasing the build orientation about Y axis produced specimens with compact structures that resulted in improved fracture resistance.

Research limitations/implications

The fitted regression model has a p-value less than 0.05 which suggests that the model terms significantly represent the tensile strength of PC samples. Further, from the normal probability plot it was found that the residuals follow a straight line, thus the developed model provides adequate predictions. Furthermore, from the validation runs, a close agreement between the predicted and actual values was seen along the reference line which further supports satisfactory model predictions.

Practical implications

This study successfully investigated the effects of the selected process parameters - raster angle, raster to raster air gap, build orientation about Y axis and the number of contours - on tensile strength of PC samples utilising the I-optimal design and ANOVA. In addition, for prediction of the part strength, regression and ANN models were developed. The selected ANN model was optimised using the GA-solver for determination of optimal parameter settings.

Originality/value

The proposed ANN-GA approach is more appropriate to establish the non-linear relationship between the selected process parameters and tensile strength. Further, the proposed ANN-GA methodology can assist in manufacture of various industrial products with Nylon, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and PET as new 3DP materials.

Details

International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2690-6090

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Tim Gruchmann, Gernot M. Stadtfeld, Matthias Thürer and Dmitry Ivanov

Experiencing more frequent, system-wide disruptions, such as pandemics and geopolitical conflicts, supply chains can be largely destabilized by a lack of materials, services or…

Abstract

Purpose

Experiencing more frequent, system-wide disruptions, such as pandemics and geopolitical conflicts, supply chains can be largely destabilized by a lack of materials, services or components. Supply chain resilience (SCRES) constitutes the network ability to recover after and survive during such unexpected events. To enhance the understanding of SCRES as a system-wide quality, this study tests a comprehensive SCRES model with data from multiple industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a theoretical framework conceptualizing SCRES as system quality, extending the classical proactive/reactive taxonomy by multiple system states consisting of the supply system properties, behaviors and responses to disruptions. Underlying hypotheses were tested using an online survey. The sample consists of 219 responses from German industries. Maximum likelihood structural equation modeling (ML-SEM) and moderation analysis were used for analyzing the survey data. The study was particularly designed to elaborate on supply chain theory.

Findings

Two pathways of parallel SCRES building were identified: proactive preparedness via anticipation and reactive responsiveness via agility. Both system responses are primarily built simultaneously rather than successively. The present study further provides empirical evidence on the central role of visibility and velocity in achieving comprehensive SCRES, while flexibility only exerts short-term support after a disruption. The study additionally points to potential “spillover effects” such as the vital role of proactive SCRES in achieving reactive responsiveness.

Originality/value

The present study confirms and expands existing theories on SCRES. While stressing the multidimensionality of SCRES, it theorizes the (inter-)temporal evolution of a system and offers practical guidelines for SCRES building in various industrial contexts. It thus supports the transformation toward more resilient and viable supply chains, contributing to the increasing efforts of middle-range theory building to achieve an overarching theory. The study also points to potential future research avenues.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 54 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

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