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The purpose of this paper is to solve an inverse problem of structure recognition arising in eddy current testing (ECT) – type NDT. For this purpose, the space mapping (SM) technique with an extraction based on the Gauss‐Newton algorithm with Tikhonov regularization is applied.

The aim is to have a computationally fast recognition procedure of defects since the monitoring results in a large amount of data points that need to be analyzed by 3D eddy current model. According to the SM optimization, the finite element method (FEM) is used as a fine model, while the model based on an integral method such as the volume integral method (VIM) serves as a coarse model. This approach, being an example of a two‐level optimization method, allows shifting the optimization load from a time consuming and accurate model to the less precise but faster coarse surrogate.

The application of this method enables shortening of the evaluation time that is required to provide the proper parameter estimation of surface defects.

In this work only the specific kinds of surface defects were considered. Therefore, the reconstruction of arbitrary shapes of defects when using real measurement data from ECT system can be treated in further research.

The paper investigated the eddy current inverse problem. According to aggressive space mapping method, a suitable coarse model is needed. In this case, for the purpose of 3D defect reconstruction, the reduced VIM approach was applied. From a practical view point, the authors demonstrated that the two‐level inversion procedures allow saving of up to 50 percent CPU time in comparison with the optimization by means of regularized Gauss‐Newton algorithm in the same FE model.

Purpose: This paper contains an evaluation of the results from a survey on ISO 9000 certified hotels in Egypt. This study is focused on factors influencing the choice of the registration agency; problems with registration agencies; satisfaction level with the registration agencies and the use of training and consultancy in achieving the certification. Design/methodology/approach: Postal survey was used in this study to gather the required data from a sample size of 40 certified large hotels in Egypt. The sample was drawn from a list provided by ISO 9000 certification office in Egypt. A response rate of 60 per cent was achieved. Findings: The certified hotels in Egypt performed well in their registration process and benefited from ISO implementation. They were using their registration agencies for private consultancy and it has been recommended that they should avoid using their registration agencies for private consultancy as this creates conflict of interest and constitutes a violation of ISO 62. Originality/value: Adds to the body of knowledge concerning the ISO 9000 registration agencies in the service sector with particular focus on Egypt.

A central goal of strategic management is to understand why some organizations outperform others. Based on the literature, we test the links among strategic resources, firm’s strategic orientation, and performance using data from 1,201 Spanish small and medium‐sized enterprises. The results can guide managers to invest in the appropriate resources since there is evidence that technology, innovation, quality, and human resource management leads to better company performance. It is also shown how strategic resources varies according to strategic orientation.

There is a rising number of Asian brands expanding to Western nations. However, one of the biggest challenges is their reputation of inferior quality. The objectives of this research are to examine the U.S. consumers’ quality perception of Asian brands and what steps can be taken to improve their perceived quality to ultimately influence patronage intentions. This study also considers how age influences U.S. consumers’ perceived quality and patronage intentions.

An online experiment using 328 U.S. female subjects was conducted to examine how quality cues (brand origin and product design) influence their perceived quality of Asian brands. The study also examines how age (due to different levels of exposure of Asian brands) moderates the relationship between product cues and perceived quality.

The findings showed that there was a difference between the younger (Generation X and Y) and older (Baby boomers and Swing) group’s perceived quality of these Asian brand origins, namely Japan and China. Product design had an impact on perceived quality, but age was not a moderating factor.

Chinese and Japanese brands can use these differences in perception of brand origins to market accordingly. Product design cues can also be used effectively to both age groups by Asian brands to improve the perceived quality of U.S. consumers.

This research provides novel insight on U.S. consumers’ perceived quality and patronage intentions from different Asian brand cues. The study also contributes to the body of literature on how the relationship between specific Asian brand cues and perceived quality may differ as a function of age.

Publishes more than sixty abstracts on various aspects of higher education, from 1996 journals. Ranges over technology, quality, business‐education links, financing higher education, gender issues, learning and assessment, learning organizations, educational change, and the place of research in higher education.

This study aims to examine the effect of the structure of board of directors and company ownership on social responsibility disclosure of listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

The variables of the study included independent board of directors, institutional ownership, managerial ownership, family ownership and family-managerial ownership. The study population consisted of 125 listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the years 2009-2014. Content analysis used to measure social responsibility disclosure level and test hypothesis was performed using multiple regression analysis.

The results demonstrated that there was no significant relationship between any of the independent variables and the level of social responsibility disclosure. This study empirically shows managers, investors and other stakeholders that if business owners are made of different groups, namely, institutional ownership, managerial and family ownership, it will not affect the social responsibility disclosure in annual reports.

The outcomes of the current study may bridge the gap between social responsibility disclosure and ownership structure in a developing country like Iran.

This paper deals with the issue of patient transportation inside large public hospitals and its costs. This cost is often related to transportation within departments, wards and outpatient clinics. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate through a qualitative case study how particular tools derived from Lean Thinking such as spaghetti chart, value stream mapping and activity worksheet can help to reduce costs related to patient transportation and other kinds of wastes. In particular the case study analyses the patient path in case of trauma with suspected fractures from the emergency department to patient discharge or hospitalisation.

The paper is based on a qualitative case study. Although the case study has been carried out in a large Italian public hospital, the results can be generalised to all hospitals that are trying to reduce the cost of patient transportation and other kinds of wastes. Indeed, the Lean Thinking tools used here are suitable for all healthcare industries.

The paper demonstrates how tools that were typically derived from the manufacturing sector can also be suitable for the healthcare sector. The results achieved have reduced the average lead time of the patient from the emergency department to hospitalisation or discharge. Considering that the patient paths are made with a stretcher or with a wheelchair pushed by a nurse, the reduced lead time leads to an interesting cost reduction.

This paper is particularly helpful for healthcare practitioners. Managers and practitioners inside healthcare organisations could apply the same logistic solutions and the same tools to analyse the cost of many processes and specifically those in patient path and transportation.

The paper addresses the literature gap regarding the use of specific tools such as spaghetti chart and activity worksheet in the large hospitals.

This study aims to address Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies that can improve the research and implementation of lean supply chain management (LSCM) and the enhanced LSCM subfields in I4.0 technologies.

The authors conducted a systematic literature review to detect, categorize and assess recent data, highlighting patterns and providing suggestions for potential research in this field, to investigate I4.0 literature and its effect on LSCM. The authors examined 79 published types of research from the Scopus database that were published between 2010 and 2021 and classified them into four LSCM fields: logistics, production, supply chain and marketing.

The authors can emphasize the fact that the literature on this topic is in progress, from early German academic research to the current creation of new effects around the world. The majority of the potential effects investigated were discovered to improve specific areas that ultimately enhance the practices of the four LSCM domains as well as performance outcomes. The authors were also able to assess the extent to which present and upcoming I4.0 technologies can improve LSCM research and implementation.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind. Although some research looked into various areas of I4.0 and LSCM topics, there has been no research specifically looking into the impact of I4.0 on LSCM. The originality of this study lies in the treatment of the main fields and sub-fields of LSCM, which can benefit from the technologies of I4.0. Academic scholars interested in the research topics may benefit from the findings of this study. Organizations in various industrial sectors, particularly manufacturing, where lean thinking is used, business professionals specialized in lean operations and supply chain management, along with anyone else who wants to learn more about the interrelationships between I4.0 and LSCM.