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The aim of the study is the question, that is, which evaluation method for the measured temperature profile is more suitable and feasible for quantitative thermometry (QT): A simple measurement setup based on 3-point temperature sensing by means of semiconductor sensors (NTCs) or thermographic methods which offer 2-dimensional (2D) temperature measurements of the sample with good spatial resolution but an inferior temperature sensitivity. What experimental effort is required to adjust the test setup to satisfy the boundary conditions of the underlying thermodynamic equations?

In this paper results of both methods are contrasted and the error of QT measurement is assessed by finite element analysis (FEA) in this follow-up.

The low-cost NTC method allows a straightforward determination of a lower estimate of the fatigue strength with only a very small measurement error. Even asymmetries in the thermal boundary conditions of the test setup are broadly tolerated, as well as a lack of thermal isolation.

The method is restricted to metallic materials without phase transitions during fatigue in the fatigue strength regime.

QT is not a new method. The assessment of the methods proposed in the literature regarding their practicability in terms of accuracy is innovative focus of this work. Nevertheless, highly accurate thermometric measurements can be performed by using simple commercial sensors in combination with a standard digital multimeter.

A MIXED feeling seems to be present in the minds of members of Public Library Committees regarding the clause in the new Libraries Bill which gives local authorities the option of increasing the present limited rate of one penny to any amount up to a maximum total of twopence in the pound. In view of the fact that the extension of the rate can only be made at the discretion of local authorities, it is difficult to see what objections can be brought against it. One of the strongest arguments in favour of an extension of the penny rate limit is that about thirty library districts have varied the Acts by special legislation giving increased rating powers. When one realizes the demands made on Public Libraries at the present day, compared with those made upon them in 1855, when the penny rate was fixed, the suggested increase appears to be only reasonable.

New Research Laboratory. The recently opened Passfield Research Laboratories at Passfield, Hants., will be devoted to combined research programmes for Metal Containers Ltd., the U.K. company, and Inland Steel Container Co., the U.S. company, and the work being undertaken is expected to lead to improved containers in steel, plastics and fibre materials and new steel/plastic and fibre/plastic packaging systems.

CAREFUL inspection and maintenance of hulls and floats is of the utmost importance, as a forced or heavy landing with a hull or float which is in a doubtful seaworthy condition might easily result in the total loss of the sea‐plane.

This paper aims to go a step further in the analysis of double fit in the human resource management (HRM) strategy context, exploring how its effect on performance is influenced by employees’ perceptions about the HRM strategy. Traditionally, the literature has considered the need for a double fit (horizontal and vertical) in the design of HRM strategies. However, as recent critical reviews have argued, a deeper theoretical analysis seems to be needed to understand fully how they affect organisational performance, and why firms with similar levels of alignment have different human resource outcomes.

Based on the literature review, the paper proposes a new theoretical model combining two fields of the strategic HRM literature which had been traditionally disconnected: the double fit approach and the literature on employee satisfaction and involvement. The design of the HRM strategy is reviewed considering the classical distinction between universalistic, contingent, contextual and configurational perspectives.

The findings of this paper provide an alternative model to examine the double fit in the HRM strategy context.

Drawing on these approaches, the paper proposes the introduction of the “system strength” construct, which measures the perceived robustness of the HRM system, as a moderator of the effects of double fit on organisational performance.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of literature concerning mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in family businesses and to highlight areas for future research.

This literature review systematically analyses the findings of 41 journal articles on M&A in family businesses, identifying key thematic categories according to the main topics of the studies.

This study finds that it is important to distinguish and examine the type of governance, such as family and non-family, when studying M&A issues, because their distinctive features influence their strategic choices, business goals, and, thus, M&A behavior. Three topic areas are identified in existing research: M&A propensity, process, and performance. Furthermore, methodological and definitional issues regarding the findings are discussed.

The findings imply that owing to their idiosyncratic nature, the use of alternative theoretical frameworks in addition to agency theory is encouraged in future studies in order to better capture the nature of family businesses. In general, further research on M&A issues in family business settings is needed, especially in the pre-merger phase, which is crucial to M&A performance.

Overlooking particular issues that may arise in the context of transactions involving family businesses may lead to problems in M&A processes. Recognizing the importance of these issues in such transactions has important value for practitioners supporting family businesses in M&A processes.

This study takes the first step in analyzing the literature on M&A in family businesses, establishing linkages between family business, corporate governance, and financial management literature, and structuring the existing research to highlight opportunities with relevance for both theory and practice.

This paper aims to discuss the association between human resource management and performance from a process perspective, differentiating intended and implemented vertical and horizontal fit. Although researchers have examined deeply the relationship between these constructs, extant literature demonstrates inconclusive results. Previous studies have stressed the strategic importance of vertical and horizontal fit from a prescriptive view. Nevertheless, a deeper understanding, focused on management processes, is needed.

This paper reviews and integrates two streams of strategic human resources management (SHRM) literature: the fit perspective, drawing on Martín-Alcázar et al.’s (2005) model, and the system strength approach, proposed by Bowen and Ostroff (2004).

The conceptual analysis developed in this paper concludes that HRM system strength mediates the effects of an aligned strategy on performance. In this sense, the paper argues that success in implementation of the HRM strategy depends on employees’ perceptions about the system of policies and practices through which it is carried out. Additionally, organizational communication is considered as the mechanism to create a shared HRM meaning to translate to employees.

Drawing on the theoretical discussions in the paper, the following implications for HRM practice are identified: the usefulness of the system strength construct as a tool to measure employees’ perceptions and anticipate potential problems at the implementation stage, the importance of organizational communication mechanisms, the relevance of formal and informal connections between HR managers and top executives and the need for specific training to promote HR managers’ communicational skills.

This study examines the relationship between HRM and organizational performance by presenting a new model that integrates HRM strategy formulation and implementation, proposes employee perceptions concerning HRM are mediators of HRM strategy and firm performance, highlights the role of organizational communication in creating and managing shared HR messages and introduces system strength as an instrument to assess vertical and horizontal fit during implementation.

Selects one of Hamaker′s procedures for deriving a “σ” method (i.e. known process standard deviation) double sampling plan and exploits some of its properties to develop a system of “s” method (i.e. unknown process standard deviation) double sampling plans by variables that match the system of single specification limit “s” method single sampling plans of the current edition of the international standard on sampling by variables. ISO 3951: 1989. The new system is presented in two forms, the second of which may also be used for combined double specification limits and multivariate acceptance sampling.

Calls for empirical and theory-based outcome measures in the place marketing literature are made more pressing as policymakers manage post-COVID high street recovery. This study aims to evaluate how knowledge of repeat buying established in the consumer marketing domain might be adapted to benchmark place marketing effectiveness, applying the Law of Double Jeopardy to capture the predictable relationship between footfall and visit frequency on competing high streets.

The authors match footfall and survey data collected simultaneously on nine local high streets in one London borough to ask if a predictable Double Jeopardy relationship exists. The authors then test the theoretical assumptions of independence that underpin the Law in patterns of switching; the predictable distribution of regular, infrequent and new visitors; and the absence of user segmentation.

The authors observe that Double Jeopardy constrains behavioural outcomes, that a simple model fits high street footfall data well and that its theoretical assumptions are supported.

This paper makes several practical and theoretical contributions. The authors demonstrate a method to model expected repeat visit frequency from footfall density and elaborate footfall data into its frequency classes. The authors also locate the effects of loyalty over time within existing knowledge of spatial competition for high street patronage and demonstrate how place marketing insights can be derived from applications of this useful law.