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Article
Publication date: 16 November 2010

Sylvie K. Chetty and Loren M. Stangl

The aim of this paper is to study how network relationships are used in the internationalization and innovation of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the software…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study how network relationships are used in the internationalization and innovation of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the software industry. The paper seeks to use the extant literature to develop a matrix consisting of incremental internationalization and innovation and radical internationalization and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an in‐depth qualitative study of ten software firms in New Zealand. The unit of analysis is the firm. Multiple sources of data collection are used, but the main method of data collection is semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

The ten firms in the study fall into four distinct groups, depending on the type of internationalization and the type of innovation, and each group has particular types of network relationships. Firms with limited network relationships have incremental internationalization and innovation, but those with diverse network relationships have radical internationalization and innovation. The findings indicate that network relationships are influential in shaping the firm's future as well as sustaining the firm.

Practical implications

The matrix developed could assist managers to identify where they appear and what relationships they need to form in order to internationalize their innovation. Managers need to be aware of the changing dynamics of network relationships, and the impact this will have on the firm.

Originality/value

The paper identifies a gap in current SME research that combines the following three research streams: internationalization, innovation, and networks. The original contribution of the paper is to address this gap so that researchers and practitioners have some understanding of innovation and internationalization of SMEs in the context of networks.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 44 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Xiao Xu and Yimin Zhang

This study aims to form composite solid lubricant coatings on the surface of bearing steel, which can significantly improve the tribological properties of thrust cylindrical…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to form composite solid lubricant coatings on the surface of bearing steel, which can significantly improve the tribological properties of thrust cylindrical roller bearings (TCRBs). Phosphating films possess microscopic porosity that typically needs to be sealed with oil, grease or wax. Due to its unique crystal structure, the phosphating film itself also exhibits a certain degree of lubricity. In this study, solid lubricants are used to fill the pores of the phosphating film. By combining the phosphating film with solid lubricants, lubrication and wear reduction can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the surfaces of the shaft washer (WS) and seat washer (GS) were treated with zinc-phosphating. Subsequently, a solid lubricant solution (polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], MoS2 and graphite) was sprayed onto the phosphated samples at concentrations of 1 , 2  and 3 g/L. The porous and adsorptive nature of the phosphating film was used to embed the solid lubricant particles into the film, thus forming a composite lubrication layer containing solid lubricants on the surface of the bearing steel.

Findings

The addition of solid lubricant materials has shown significant potential in reducing wear losses compared with phosphated samples without such additives. Increasing the amount of solid lubricant added can facilitate the formation of a transfer film, which further enhances the protective properties. However, it is important to note that excessive amounts of solid lubricant material can contribute to seizure, leading to increased wear losses of the cage and a higher average coefficient of friction (ACOF).By spraying a PTFE solution with a concentration of 2 g/L, the lowest ACOF and cage wear loss were achieved, resulting in reductions of 60.5% for the ACOF and 89.4% for the cage wear loss. Similarly, when spraying a graphite solution with a concentration of 3 g/L, the lowest wear losses for GS and WS were observed, with reductions of 51.7% for GS wear loss and 38.9% for WS wear loss.

Originality/value

The combination of the phosphating film and solid lubricants aims to achieve lubrication and wear reduction, providing a new approach to wear-resistant technology for TCRBs.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2023-0231/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 75 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2023

Yueyong Wang, Yimin Zhang and Risheng Long

This study aims to investigate the effect of compound pit textures on the tribological properties of thrust cylindrical roller bearings (TCRBs) using several parameters, such as…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of compound pit textures on the tribological properties of thrust cylindrical roller bearings (TCRBs) using several parameters, such as compound type, pit diameter, pit depth and pit area density.

Design/methodology/approach

The surface texture parameters of the shaft washer (WS) raceway include pit diameter (D; 100, 300 and 500 µm), pit depth (H; 10 and 20 µm) and pit area density (S; 10%, 13% and 18%). Pits were produced on the WS of the TCRBs using laser marking equipment. The friction and wear performances of compound pit-textured TCRBs under starved lubrication conditions are studied using a friction and wear test rig. The influence mechanisms of the compound pit texture on the friction and wear properties of TCRBs are discussed through real tests and discussions.

Findings

Compared with nontextured bearings, the average coefficient of friction (ACOFs) and wear loss of TCRBs with single/compound pit textures are reduced when rotating under starved lubrication. D has the greatest effect on the COFs curve. When D = 300 µm, H = 10 µm and S = 10%, the ACOF and wear loss are the lowest, that is, 0.0207 and 3.38 mg, respectively. Under the same lubrication conditions, compared with the nontextured bearing group, the COF and wear loss are reduced by 41.4 and 59.6%, respectively.

Originality/value

This study provides a useful reference for the raceways of textured TCRBs.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 75 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2022

Risheng Long, Qiang Ma, Zhihao Jin, Yimin Zhang, Hui Han, Shaoni Sun and Xuanying Du

The purpose of this paper is to report the tribological behavior of dimples textured rolling element bearings (REBs) under variable load and starved lubrication.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the tribological behavior of dimples textured rolling element bearings (REBs) under variable load and starved lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

The pattern parameters include line-diameter of dimples (200 µm, 250 µm, 300 µm), depth of dimples (10 µm, 20 µm, 30 µm). Dimple patterns were prepared on the raceways of the shaft washers of cylindrical roller thrust bearings (CRTBs). A vertical wear test rig was used to obtain their coefficients of friction (COFs) under stepped load (1200–6000 N, with a manually increase of 1200 N every 3600 s) and starved lubrication. The wear losses and worn surfaces were characterized. The tribological performance between stepped load and fixed load (4000 N) was compared. The influence mechanism of dimples on the friction and wear properties of CRTBs under stepped load and starved lubrication was also discussed.

Findings

Compared with the data of smooth ones, the average COFs of the dimples textured bearings are almost all reduced under stepped load and starved lubrication, while their mass losses almost all get higher. The depth−diameter ratio and the effective volume coefficient of dimples are the important factors. In this work, compared with the smooth group, when the line-diameter of dimple is 250 µm and the depth is 20 µm, i.e. the depth−diameter ratio is 0.08, its average COF is reduced by 46.8% and its mass loss is reduced by about 7%, showing wonderful friction-reducing effect and good wear resistance.

Originality/value

This work can provide a reference for the raceway design of REBs.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 74 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2021

Risheng Long, Chao Zhao, Zhihao Jin, Yimin Zhang, Zhen Pan, Shaoni Sun and Weihua Gao

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the friction and wear performance of grooves textured cylindrical roller thrust bearings with different groove dimensions under starved…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the friction and wear performance of grooves textured cylindrical roller thrust bearings with different groove dimensions under starved lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

The groove dimensions include: width of grooves (WOG, 50 µm, 100 µm and 150 µm), depth of grooves (DPOG, 7 µm, 11 µm and 15 µm) as well as groove deflection angle (GDA, 45°). A fiber laser marking system was used to prepare groove patterns on the raceways of shaft washers. The friction and wear properties of grooves textured bearings were researched through a vertical universal wear test rig using a customized roller bearing tribo-pair under starved lubrication. Static finite element analyses were conducted to reveal their surface stresses. Through the comprehensive comparison and analyses, the influence mechanism of grooves on the tribological behavior of cylindrical roller thrust bearings was proposed and discussed.

Findings

When grooves textured bearings run under starved lubrication, their average coefficients of friction (COFs) and wear losses are all significantly reduced and much lower than those of smooth group. The influence of DPOG on the COF curves is significant, while the influence of WOG on the COF curves is a little weak. The influence of groove dimensions on the surface stresses of grooves textured bearings is weak, whether the WOG or DPOG. In this work, when the WOG is 100 µm and the DPOG is 15 µm, its average COF and wear loss are both the lowest, 0.0066 and 0.61 mg, respectively. Compared with the data of smooth group, its friction coefficient is reduced by 75.3% and its mass loss is reduced by 95.8%, showing a significant improvement in this condition.

Originality/value

This work can provide a valuable reference for the raceway design and reliability optimization of rolling element bearings.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 73 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2020

Walanchalee Wattanacharoensil, Sappawat Kantamara and Kaewta Muangasame

This study aims to investigate what the crucial elements are when it comes to using a mascot to brand a destination. This study applies the proposed framework of “mascot usage for…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate what the crucial elements are when it comes to using a mascot to brand a destination. This study applies the proposed framework of “mascot usage for destination branding” to two mascot cases, namely, Kumamon and Sukjai. In particular, the Kumamon mascot is first investigated, looking at how it is used to promote Kumamoto, one of the key cities in Kyushu, Japan. Sukjai, another mascot, is then analysed in a similar light. The dominant factors that lead to the success of Kumamon mascot are analysed on the case of Sukjai mascot. The disparity between the two mascot cases allows for a better understanding of the dimensions and practices or lack thereof, that can occur in mascot creation and implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology is applied, and thematic and content analyses are applied to the three data sources, namely, secondary data collection from different data sources in the English and Japanese languages; researcher onsite observation in Kumamoto; and an in-depth interview with purposive sampling experts.

Findings

The findings indicate that according to the proposed framework, Kumamon has shown all three elements of the framework, namely, promoting destination identity and personality, creating differentiation for the location and having strong stakeholder involvement. On the other hand, these elements were found not to be as strong in the Sukjai case. The findings from the case comparison determine several underlining factors, including the national culture, which can help or hinder in laying the groundwork for the successful application of a mascot in destination branding.

Originality/value

This study complements the previous literature on mascot branding and elaborates on the framework of mascot usage for destination branding based on a combination of the three proposed elements.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1989

J. Frasier

Describes a method of using WordPerfect to produce book and spinelabels that are identical except for volume number. Examines programs todefine label format, creating macro files…

Abstract

Describes a method of using WordPerfect to produce book and spine labels that are identical except for volume number. Examines programs to define label format, creating macro files for printing, and printing labels using macros.

Details

OCLC Micro, vol. 5 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 8756-5196

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2008

Angel E. Muñoz Zavala, Arturo Hernández Aguirre, Enrique R. Villa Diharce and Salvador Botello Rionda

The purpose of this paper is to present a new constrained optimization algorithm based on a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm approach.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new constrained optimization algorithm based on a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces a hybrid approach based on a modified ring neighborhood with two new perturbation operators designed to keep diversity. A constraint handling technique based on feasibility and sum of constraints violation is adopted. Also, a special technique to handle equality constraints is proposed.

Findings

The paper shows that it is possible to improve PSO and keeping the advantages of its social interaction through a simple idea: perturbing the PSO memory.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed algorithm shows a competitive performance against the state‐of‐the‐art constrained optimization algorithms.

Practical implications

The proposed algorithm can be used to solve single objective problems with linear or non‐linear functions, and subject to both equality and inequality constraints which can be linear and non‐linear. In this paper, it is applied to various engineering design problems, and for the solution of state‐of‐the‐art benchmark problems.

Originality/value

A new neighborhood structure for PSO algorithm is presented. Two perturbation operators to improve PSO algorithm are proposed. A special technique to handle equality constraints is proposed.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Abhijeet Chandra, Kantesha Sanningammanavara and A. Satya Nandini

The purpose of this paper is to survey retail investors to study the determinants of their investment behaviour and show that individual heterogeneity and financial factors such…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey retail investors to study the determinants of their investment behaviour and show that individual heterogeneity and financial factors such as gender, age, educational status, income, and investment levels determine their trading behaviour across three domains; however, features such as marital status and occupation do not play any significant role in shaping their trading behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured surveys are conducted on retail and small investors using the brokerage services of a firm. Data collected from primary methods are used for statistical analysis in ANOVA and multiple regression frameworks.

Findings

The authors also report that retail investors’ self-perceived confidence as a function of both expected and unexpected changes in the market and personal factors largely determines trading behaviour of retail investors and that self-perceived confidence level and self-reported portfolio size are positively associated implying that (over-)confident retail investors tend to believe that their investment skills being superior are bound to perform better and thus they typically hold larger than average investment portfolios.

Practical implications

These findings are significant because research on cross-sectional variance of individual investment behaviour explains how investor heterogeneity plays a critical role in investment and asset allocation decisions. Investors, researchers, and practitioners would use the results for financial decision making specifically related to personal finance, behavioural portfolio management, and investment advisory.

Originality/value

This paper is an empirical approach to explore the retail investor behaviour using psychometric approach with respect to self-perceived confidence and other perceived measures of investor behaviour. The authors contribute to the emerging set of literature on investor behaviour and behavioural finance.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 44 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2019

Andreas Oehler, Florian Wedlich, Stefan Wendt and Matthias Horn

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether differences in market-wide levels of investor personality influence experimental asset market outcomes in terms of limit orders…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether differences in market-wide levels of investor personality influence experimental asset market outcomes in terms of limit orders, price levels and price bubbles.

Design/methodology/approach

Investor personality is determined by a questionnaire. These data are combined with data from 17 experimental asset markets. Two approaches are used to estimate market-wide levels of investor personality. First, the market-wide average of each personality trait is determined; second, the percentage of individuals with comparable personality in a market is computed. Overall, 364 undergraduate business students participated in the questionnaire and the experimental asset markets.

Findings

Limits and transaction prices are higher in markets with higher mean values in participants’ extraversion and openness to experience and lower mean values in participants’ agreeableness and neuroticism. In markets with lower mean values of subjects’ openness to experiences more overpriced transactions are observed. In markets with a higher proportion of extraverted subjects and a lower proportion of neurotic subjects higher limits and transaction prices are observed. Bubble phases last longer in markets with a higher proportion of extraverted and a lower proportion of neurotic subjects.

Originality/value

Overall, the findings suggest that market-wide personality levels influence market outcomes. As a consequence, market-wide levels of personality help to explain prices in auctions with limited number of participants. Additionally, studies that analyze the influence of subjects’ characteristics, including risk aversion, emotional states or overconfidence, on market outcomes should also consider personality traits as potential underlying factor.

Details

Studies in Economics and Finance, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1086-7376

Keywords

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