Search results

The purpose of this study is to compare the overall performance of the injection moulding process by using metallic inserts produced by both conventional technologies and selective laser melting (SLM).

A systematic methodology is proposed for prior evaluation of the effectiveness of conformal cooling channels to reduce cycle time and/or to reduce the scrap rate.

The mould was reengineered considering the SLM process and manufactured. Injection trials were carried out to validate expectations provided by injection simulations, which resulted on good quality parts and a significant decrease on cooling time, and, consequently, on the overall cycle time. The minimisation of scrap provided energy savings and time-to-market reduction.

The initial costs for AM tools still pose some doubts on decision-makers. The challenge of this study is to implement the methodology on a small-scale production and still ensure that benefits are achieved.

The case study selected for this research work is based on a parking sensor housing, which is a plastic part assembled on the vehicle’s front and rear bumpers, therefore, with aesthetics concerns. The part produced with the conventional mould exhibits surface defects that, to be minimised (not eliminated), require a longer packing time to diminish the sink marks.

The economic impact of the use of SLM is relevant despite the low batch size for the case study presented. Energy savings are achieved due to scrap reduction and shorter cycle time.

The systematic methodology proposed for prior evaluation of the advantages of conformal cooling is possible to be applied both on small scale and high production series.

Laser milling is a recent process in mould making, providing several advantages over traditional mould making technologies by reducing manufacturing time, shortening the number of machining operations and avoiding expensive electrodes. This paper investigates the influence of the operating conditions on both the surface quality and material removal for two types of materials commonly used in mould making.

Laser scanning strategies and operating parameters like scanning speed and laser frequency and power were tested, regarding surface quality and material removal rate. The most representative parameter of the real surface quality, R_k, the core roughness parameter, is used to characterise the surface finishing on all cavities.

The findings of this research work suggest that it is possible to significantly reduce processing time by increasing the hatch spacing up to a value close to the laser beam spot diameter, without compromising surface quality. Lower pulse frequencies and laser power are more appropriate whenever surface quality is an issue. Higher material removal rates are achieved by increasing both the pulse frequency till an optimum value and laser power. The increase of scanning speed reduces the material removal rate by decreasing the overlap degree between individual laser pulses.

The originality is to correlate the influence of the operating conditions of laser milling on both the surface quality and material removal for different types of materials.

The essence of discounted cash flow valuation is simple; the asset is worth the expected cash flows it will generate, discounted to the reference date for the valuation exercise (normally, the day of the calculation). A survey article was written in Parker (1968), where it was stated that the earliest interest rate tables (use to discount value to the present) dated back to 1340. Works from Boulding (1935) and Keynes (1936) derived the IRR (Internal Rate of Return) for an investment. Samuelson (1937) compared the IRR and NPV (Net Present Value) approaches, arguing that rational investors should maximize NPV and not IRR. The previously mentioned works and the publication of Joel Dean’s reference book (Dean, 1951) on capital budgeting set the basis for the widespread use of the discounted cash flow approach into all business areas, aided by developments in portfolio theory. Nowadays, probably the model with more widespread use is the FCFE/FCFF (Free Cash Flow to Equity and Free Cash Flow to Firm) model. For simplification purposes, we will focus on the FCFE model, which basically is the FCF model’s version for the potential dividends. The focus is to value the business based on its dividends (potential or real), and thus care must be taken in order not to double count cash flows (this matter was treated in this case) and to assess what use is given to that excess cash flow – if it is invested wisely, what returns will come of them, how it is accounted for, etc. (Damodaran, 2006). The bridge to the FCFF model is straightforward; the FCFF includes FCFE and added cash that is owed to debtholders. References: Parker, R.H. (1968). “Discounted Cash Flow in Historical Perspective”, Journal of Accounting Research, v6, pp58-71. Boulding, K.E. (1935). “The Theory of a Single Investment”, Quarterly Journal of Economics, v49, pp479-494. Keynes, J. M. (1936). “The General Theory of Employment”, Macmillan, London. Samuelson, P. (1937). “Some Aspects of the Pure Theory of Capital”, Quarterly Journal of Economics, v51, pp. 469–496. Dean, Joel. (1951). “Capital Budgeting”, Columbia University Press, New York. Damodaran, A. (2006). “Damodaran on Valuation”, Second Edition, John Wiley and Sons, New York.

All information is taken from public sources and with consented company interviews.

Opportunities for value creation may be found in awkward and difficult circumstances. Good strategic thinking and ability to act swiftly are usually crucial to be able to take advantage of such tough environments. Amidst a country-wide economic crisis and general disbelief, José de Mello Group (JMG) saw one of its main assets’ (Brisa Highways) market value tumble down to unforeseen figures and was forced to act on it. Brisa’s main partners were eager in overpowering JMG’s control of the company, and outside pressure from Deutsche Bank was rising, due to the use of Brisa’s shares as collateral. JMG would have to revise its strategy and see if Brisa was worth fighting for; the market implicit assessment about the company’s prospects was very penalizing, but JMG’s predictions on Brisa’s future performance indicated that this could be an investment opportunity. Would it be wise to bet against the market?

This study is excellent for finance and strategy courses, at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Company valuation and corporate strategy are required.

Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.

The aim of this paper is to present a new methodological approach to help companies improve their decision-taking capacity regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of climate change (CC).

The study was conducted by combining a wide variety of sources including articles and research reports. Taking into account the complexity of adapting in a context of climate change, the paper developed a simplified conceptual model that integrates multi-criteria analysis. A vulnerability matrix was generated as a combination of adaptive capacity, exposure and sensitivity and how to measure the magnitude, persistence, uncertainty, temporality, degree of importance in combination with the impacts.

The first results reveal that activities related to water resources or natural ecosystems are more important than those related to energy or tourism sectors, and that there is a relationship between opportunities and adaptation needs.

The paper documents the inverse relationship between adaptation measures and opportunities in a study that may be a starting-point for further research into empirical observations of sector vulnerability and the impact and integration of the factor of resilience.

The paper provides a common language to use in the business world for concepts related to climate change. It provides a methodological approach for finding solutions to the problem of resource optimisation in companies and helps to find new business opportunities for sectors.

The paper aims to analyse the narrative that promotes “social enterprise” and “social entrepreneurship” as innovative ways of obtaining economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability for all people on the planet. It assesses their influence on current debates on the development agenda and explores some critical issues that can contribute to re-politicizing the agenda beyond the Millennium Development Goals (MGD).

Using a conceptual approach, the article identifies the discourses on which the central elements of the dominant discourse on “inclusive business” in development rest, and the empirical evidence on the results obtained from this focus. It subsequently employs different critical theoretical approaches to reformulate some of the debates and objectives that would make it possible to re-orientate the agenda from a perspective of social justice and sustainability.

As it is posed, the idea of “inclusive business” for development does enable advance in a direction that would revise the premises on development, include the normative dimension in debates, and present a new evaluative space for economic activity from the perspective of equity, social justice and human development. Making the best use of this opportunity involves deepening the proposals of the solidarity economy in continuous dialogue with other emancipatory experiences and currents of critical thought.

The paper questions some central elements of the orthodox conception of inclusive business and introduces analytical perspectives that are not commonly found in the literature on the topic.