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1 – 6 of 6M. Neumayer, T. Suppan, T. Bretterklieber, H. Wegleiter and Colin Fox
Nonlinear solution approaches for inverse problems require fast simulation techniques for the underlying sensing problem. In this work, the authors investigate finite element (FE…
Abstract
Purpose
Nonlinear solution approaches for inverse problems require fast simulation techniques for the underlying sensing problem. In this work, the authors investigate finite element (FE) based sensor simulations for the inverse problem of electrical capacitance tomography. Two known computational bottlenecks are the assembly of the FE equation system as well as the computation of the Jacobian. Here, existing computation techniques like adjoint field approaches require additional simulations. This paper aims to present fast numerical techniques for the sensor simulation and computations with the Jacobian matrix.
Design/methodology/approach
For the FE equation system, a solution strategy based on Green’s functions is derived. Its relation to the solution of a standard FE formulation is discussed. A fast stiffness matrix assembly based on an eigenvector decomposition is shown. Based on the properties of the Green’s functions, Jacobian operations are derived, which allow the computation of matrix vector products with the Jacobian for free, i.e. no additional solves are required. This is demonstrated by a Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno-based image reconstruction algorithm.
Findings
MATLAB-based time measurements of the new methods show a significant acceleration for all calculation steps compared to reference implementations with standard methods. E.g. for the Jacobian operations, improvement factors of well over 100 could be found.
Originality/value
The paper shows new methods for solving known computational tasks for solving inverse problems. A particular advantage is the coherent derivation and elaboration of the results. The approaches can also be applicable to other inverse problems.
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Risto Rajala, Saara A. Brax, Ari Virtanen and Anna Salonen
The purpose of this paper is to identify integrated solutions business as the first generation of servitized offerings and modular solution offerings as the second development…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify integrated solutions business as the first generation of servitized offerings and modular solution offerings as the second development phase in servitization of original equipment manufacturers. This study examines how the servitized manufacturer, Kone, moves from integrated solutions to modular solutions business and develops the requisite capabilities to design, produce and implement modular solution offerings.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reports a longitudinal case study of a provider of integrated solutions installed in buildings. During the ten years studied, the manufacturer implemented a strategic initiative to modularize its integrated solutions offering.
Findings
The firm’s transition to modular solutions progressed through three major capability development phases: solutions based on ad hoc integration, smart solutions based on modular design and through-chain modularity. The modular structure aims at fostering the efficiency of the solution offering and the associated production system.
Research limitations/implications
Leveraging the benefits of modularity calls for an aligned combination of strategic, operational and technical capabilities contributing to the integration of resources in a modular production system for the solution providers’ competitive performance.
Practical implications
The study reports how a solution provider can develop the operational capabilities to integrate the core and peripheral components into the solution, and orchestrate the modular production system.
Originality/value
This study is a rare longitudinal analysis of how a manufacturer builds a modular offering, the solution platform and the required competitive capabilities to provide the solution.
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Frank Siedlok, Paul Hibbert and Fiona Whitehurst
The purpose of this paper is to develop a more detailed understanding of how embedding in different social networks relates to different types of action that individuals choose in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a more detailed understanding of how embedding in different social networks relates to different types of action that individuals choose in the context of organizational closures, downsizing or relocations. To develop such insights, this paper focuses on three particular types of social networks, namely, intra-organizational; external professional and local community networks. These three types of networks have been frequently related to different types of action in the context of closures and relocations.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper. The authors develop the argument by integrating relevant recent literature on the salience related to embedding in different types of social networks, with a particular focus on responses to organizational closure or relocation.
Findings
The authors argue that at times of industrial decline and closure: embeddedness in intra-organizational networks can favor collective direct action; embeddedness in professional networks is likely to favor individual direct action and embeddedness in community networks can lead to individual indirect action. The authors then add nuance to the argument by considering a range of complicating factors that can constrain or enable the course (s) of action favored by particular combinations of network influences.
Originality/value
On a theoretical level, this paper adds to understandings of the role of network embeddedness in influencing individual and collective responses to such disruptive events; and direct or indirect forms of response. On a practical level, the authors contribute to understandings about how the employment landscape may evolve in regions affected by organizational demise, and how policymakers may study with or through network influences to develop more responsible downsizing approaches.
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Louise Margaret Prendergast, Gill Toms, Diane Seddon, Carys Jones, Bethany Fern Anthony and Rhiannon Tudor Edwards
The purpose of this paper is to share the learning concerning how services and the paid carers working in them can support people living with dementia (PLWD) and their unpaid…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to share the learning concerning how services and the paid carers working in them can support people living with dementia (PLWD) and their unpaid carers to overcome social isolation. This learning comes from the key findings from a Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation of a Shared Lives (SL) Day support service, known as TRIO.
Design/methodology/approach
SROI is a form of cost-benefit analysis that captures and monetises stakeholder outcomes. The SROI evaluation included a rapid evidence review, an interview study and a questionnaire study. The learning shared is drawn from the interview and questionnaire data that explored the reported outcomes relating to social connection, which included data related to participating in meaningful activities, confidence and independence.
Findings
PLWD who accessed the SL Day support service experienced better social connection, a sense of control over their activities (including their social activities) and community presence. A key foundation of these outcomes was the meaningful relationship that developed between the PLWD, their unpaid carer and the paid carer.
Research limitations/implications
This evaluation was a pilot study with a small, albeit representative sample size.
Practical implications
The learning suggests feasible and effective ways for paid carers to support the social connection of PLWD and their unpaid carers with their wider community.
Originality/value
There has been little exploration of how community-based short breaks (like SL Day support) can enhance social connection. The authors drew on a social relational model lens to illustrate how this service type had supported successful outcomes of community and social inclusion for PLWD.
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Koji Kimita, Tim C. McAloone, Keiji Ogata and Daniela C.A. Pigosso
This study aims to develop a systematic method called servitization maturity model to support companies in developing distinctive capabilities for successful servitization.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a systematic method called servitization maturity model to support companies in developing distinctive capabilities for successful servitization.
Design/methodology/approach
The concept of maturity models is adopted to support companies in developing distinctive capabilities for servitization. A systematic literature review and case study approach are employed to develop the maturity model.
Findings
The findings highlight 46 capabilities classified into seven categories: strategy and leadership, performance, offerings, customers, organization, network and digital technology. Furthermore, the evolutionary path is defined by combining two types of levels, i.e. capability and maturity levels, to develop these capabilities.
Research limitations/implications
The evolutionary path was partially validated through the application, while further investigation is required to validate the evolutionary path. Therefore, future research should investigate the further validation of the evolutionary path by conducting multiple case studies.
Practical implications
The proposed maturity model enables companies to not only capture the bigger picture of the required capabilities without oversight, but also determine a process for improving the requisite capabilities with feasible efforts.
Originality/value
Existing maturity models focused on the transition from less to more advanced services. However, recent studies emphasized that companies need to determine strategies that reflect their capabilities rather than simply move toward more advanced services. Based on this assumption, this study provides successive stages that enable companies to improve their capabilities through feasible efforts.
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Eija Vaittinen and Miia Martinsuo
Manufacturing firms delivering complex products and systems are increasingly offering advanced data-based services. Customers, however, are not always willing to adopt…
Abstract
Purpose
Manufacturing firms delivering complex products and systems are increasingly offering advanced data-based services. Customers, however, are not always willing to adopt manufacturers’ advanced services, so manufacturers need knowledge of how to promote customers’ service readiness. The purpose of this paper is to further develop the concept of service readiness by proposing a framework for industrial customers’ organizational dimension of service readiness and by increasing the understanding of the conditions underpinning that service readiness.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study explores service readiness among customers of a manufacturer delivering complex systems and related services. Interviews were conducted within the company and among key customers as the potential users of those services.
Findings
Customers use versatile processes, engage multiple people and use different evaluation criteria when considering adoption of data-based services. The organizational component of service readiness involves requirements in the service context, supplier relations and organizational habits and culture. Actions are proposed for manufacturers to promote customers’ readiness for new services.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited through its qualitative design and case selection. Mapping of the organizational dimension of service readiness further develops the concept of service readiness and offers a framework for further research. This research offers novel understanding of organization-level service adoption to complement individual-centric technology adoption.
Practical implications
New knowledge is offered to manufacturing firms about customers’ challenges and requirements in adopting advanced services. This knowledge will help manufacturers to support customers and develop the activities of their own salespeople when introducing advanced services.
Originality/value
The findings expose the contents of the organizational dimension of customers’ service readiness. The study provides a more complete picture of service readiness and shows it to be a multilayered concept with interdependencies between its levels, between individuals in customer organizations and even between the manufacturer and the customer organization.
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