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1 – 10 of over 24000Maryam Shahtaheri, Carl Thomas Haas and Tabassom Salimi
Good planning is key to good project performance. However, for the sub-class of round-the-clock projects requiring mixed mode planning a suitable planning approach does not exist…
Abstract
Purpose
Good planning is key to good project performance. However, for the sub-class of round-the-clock projects requiring mixed mode planning a suitable planning approach does not exist. The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate such an approach.
Design/methodology/approach
Development of the approach builds on a synthesis and extensions of previous work related to projects with round-the-clock schedules, containing multiple workflows (sequential/cyclical). This approach considers the interdependence among shift-schedule, productivity, calendar duration, and risk registers. It quantifies the confidence in those strategies using a Monte Carlo and a multi-dimensional joint confidence limit (JCL) simulation platform.
Findings
n of workflows and their interdependencies. Also, the platform results show that the deviation between the deterministic outcomes and the simulated ones are a good indicator when dealing with projects with minimal tolerance for possible imposed mitigation strategies (e.g. round-the-clock projects).
Research limitations/implications
The validation of the approach is limited to a multi-billion dollar nuclear refurbishment case study and functional demonstration. The applicable class of projects is limited, and includes those for which failure of cost, schedule, or quality implies project failure.
Originality/value
It is anticipated that the proposed approach will assist with developing a realistic planning strategy by incorporating various factors and constraints under the impact of risks and uncertainty. This may lead to a more reliable determination of outcomes for round-the-clock projects.
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John Lau, Nick Hoo, Rob Horsley, Joe Smetana, Dongkai Shangguan, Walter Dauksher, Dave Love, Irv Menis and Bob Sullivan
Temperature cycling tests, and statistical analysis of the results, for various high‐density packages on printed‐circuit boards with Sn‐Cu hot‐air solder levelling, electroless…
Abstract
Temperature cycling tests, and statistical analysis of the results, for various high‐density packages on printed‐circuit boards with Sn‐Cu hot‐air solder levelling, electroless nickel‐immersion gold, and organic solder preservative finishes are investigated in this study. Emphasis is placed on the determination of the life distribution and reliability of the lead‐free solder joints of these high‐density package assemblies while they are subjected to temperature cycling conditions. A data acquisition system, the relevant failure criterion, and the data extraction method will be presented and examined. The life test data are best fitted to the Weibull distribution. Also, the sample mean, population mean, sample characteristic life, true characteristic life, sample Weibull slope, and true Weibull slope for some of the high‐density packages are provided and discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between the reliability and the confidence limits for a life distribution is established. Finally, the confidence levels for comparing the quality (mean life) of lead‐free solder joints of high‐density packages are determined.
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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…
Abstract
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.
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This book is a policy proposal aimed at the democratic left. It is concerned with gradual but radical reform of the socio‐economic system. An integrated policy of industrial and…
Abstract
This book is a policy proposal aimed at the democratic left. It is concerned with gradual but radical reform of the socio‐economic system. An integrated policy of industrial and economic democracy, which centres around the establishment of a new sector of employee‐controlled enterprises, is presented. The proposal would retain the mix‐ed economy, but transform it into a much better “mixture”, with increased employee‐power in all sectors. While there is much of enduring value in our liberal western way of life, gross inequalities of wealth and power persist in our society.
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The individual and joint effects of overconfidence and aspirations on negotiator performance were examined. Past research has suggested that negotiator overconfidence impedes…
Abstract
The individual and joint effects of overconfidence and aspirations on negotiator performance were examined. Past research has suggested that negotiator overconfidence impedes effective dispute resolution. It is argued here, however, that overconfidence may not impair negotiator performance in all situations and may actually be beneficial in some. Specifically, the dual concern model offers a framework for predicting negotiator outcomes as a function of overconfidence and aspiration difficulty. Face‐to‐face buyer‐seller negotiations were conducted between different combinations of over‐ and realistically‐confident negotiators. Hypotheses involving the impact of overconfidence and aspiration difficulty on the key constructs of the dual concern model were supported Predictions involving their subsequent effects on negotiator performance, however, were not supported, although this lack of support appeared to stem from unresponsiveness on the part of sellers only. Even though overconfident negotiators fared no worse than realistically confident negotiators regardless of aspiration difficulty or the appropriateness of their opponent's confidence, they did not fare any better either. A variety of theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Mary Weir and Jim Hughes
Introduction Consider a hi‐fi loudspeaker manufacturing company acquired on the brink of insolvency by an American multinational. The new owners discover with growing concern that…
Abstract
Introduction Consider a hi‐fi loudspeaker manufacturing company acquired on the brink of insolvency by an American multinational. The new owners discover with growing concern that the product range is obsolete, that manufacturing facilities are totally inadequate and that there is a complete absence of any real management substance or structure. They decide on the need to relocate urgently so as to provide continuity of supply at the very high — a market about to shrink at a rate unprecedented in its history.
Ning Du, John E. McEnroe and Kevin Stevens
The purpose of this paper was to examine whether a less precise (or imprecise) estimate may increase investors’ confidence and improve investors’ perceptions of fair value…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to examine whether a less precise (or imprecise) estimate may increase investors’ confidence and improve investors’ perceptions of fair value reliability. The main criticism of fair value accounting has been its lack of reliability perceived by investors.
Design/methodology/approach
A 2 × 3 randomized experiment was used where management incentive and information precision are manipulated.
Findings
The results from this study indicate that perceived reliability is jointly affected by management’s incentives and information precision. Reliability rating is the highest for fair value stated as a point estimate with a specified confidence level attached to it. Further analysis indicates that higher perceived reliability is related to its representational faithfulness because participants perceive that a point estimate with a specified confidence level better matches uncertainty in measuring future cash flows.
Originality/value
This is the first study to examine whether a less precise (or imprecise) estimate may increase investors’ confidence and improve investors’ perceptions of fair value reliability. Because of the subjectivity and uncertainty in fair value estimates, less precise fair value estimates may not be viewed as less reliable. In fact, using a precise format to represent fair value estimates may not be appropriate (neither reliable nor credible), because a precise point estimate fails to capture its underlying uncertainty in future cash flows. A less precise format could represent a credible choice for fair value because it reflects uncertainty and subjectivity and effectively communicates management’s assessments of variability in future cash flows.
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Emiliano Ruiz-Barbadillo and Jennifer Martínez-Ferrero
Sustainability assurance services are carried out in a competitive market where a wide range of assurance providers operate without the need for any specific professional…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainability assurance services are carried out in a competitive market where a wide range of assurance providers operate without the need for any specific professional qualifications, competencies or skills. Assurance providers have heterogeneous professional backgrounds and experiences that lead to substantial diversity in sustainability assurance quality levels. This paper aims to provide an understanding of sustainability assurance quality. From a legitimacy perspective, the authors focus on the choice of assurance providers by exploring why a company voluntarily chooses an incumbent financial auditor to jointly provide audit and sustainability assurance services. The authors argue that to avoid the legitimacy threats undermining stakeholders’ confidence in the sustainability information disclosed, companies should only choose their incumbent financial auditors to provide sustainability assurance services when these auditors possess the professional attributes associated with sustainability assurance quality.
Design/methodology/approach
This study develops regression models for an international sample for 2007–2016, where the authors analyze why a company voluntarily chooses an incumbent auditor to jointly provide audit and sustainability assurance services from a legitimacy theory perspective.
Findings
Evidence confirms that the choice of incumbent auditors as assurance providers is more likely when these providers are more specialized in the industry. The authors also find that independence does not play a significant role in this decision. Therefore, an assurance provider’s industry specialization can be understood as an attribute that is associated with sustainability assurance quality and one which limits the legitimacy threats caused by a lack of sufficient sustainability knowledge.
Practical implications
Given that companies have complete freedom when choosing their assurance providers, the selection of a high-quality incumbent auditor is an indirect measure of social commitment and a mechanism to improve public trust. The results confirm that it is fundamental for firms to understand the situations when choosing an incumbent financial auditor to provide sustainability assurance services is the best way to ensure firm legitimacy while obtaining higher sustainability assurance quality due to the spillover effect. This paper provides useful evidence for firms and managers who can become aware that the legitimacy threat associated with the auditing profession’s questionable competence to conduct efficient sustainability assurance engagements can be reduced if they hire an incumbent financial auditor with greater industry specialization. For assurance providers, the results are especially useful, as they should know that companies will be more likely to choose their incumbent financial auditor when that auditor possesses certain professional attributes, like industry specialization. The ability to assimilate and exploit the knowledge gained through auditing activities can be improved even more by specialization, which enhances sustainability assurance quality.
Social implications
From a social perspective, stakeholders perceive industry specialization as an indicator of the professional skills necessary to increase both the real and perceived quality of sustainability assurance services, thereby limiting the legitimacy threat arising from a lack of sustainability knowledge. The evidence also provides valuable results for regulatory bodies, as it shows that firms are not able to address the legitimacy gap caused by stakeholders’ perceptions that incumbent financial auditors can easily be controlled by companies. Thus, doubts arise as to whether this joint provision undermines auditor independence. Precisely, these doubts about assurance provider independence can erode public confidence in assurance and devalue the quality of the service. The results of this paper highlight the need to strengthen regulation on sustainability reporting and assurance. The advances and relevance of sustainable development in recent years and in future agendas require a firm commitment to sustainability reporting and assurance of quality, reliability, integrity and confidence.
Originality/value
First, this study contributes to recent empirical studies that focus on the role of sustainability assurance services in the legitimation process of corporate sustainability reporting. However, while that research analyzes how the legitimacy theory explains the voluntary adoption of sustainability assurance, this paper adds to the literature by presenting evidence about why certain incumbent auditors are appointed to carry out sustainability assurance services. Second, this paper contributes to the sustainability assurance quality literature. Third, unlike previous studies that have regressed various client-specific and institutional factors that influence firms’ decisions to choose assurance providers, this study contributes to the research by providing knowledge about a set of professional features that may explain the decision model of assurance providers selection from a legitimacy perspective.
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While academic research has been conducted on auditors’ ability to exercise professional skepticism in face-to-face client interviews, little is known about auditors’ application…
Abstract
Purpose
While academic research has been conducted on auditors’ ability to exercise professional skepticism in face-to-face client interviews, little is known about auditors’ application of professional skepticism in email communication with the client. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that impact auditor professional skepticism during client inquiries conducted through email.
Design/methodology/approach
A 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment was conducted with 69 undergraduate and graduate auditing students as surrogates for auditors. The experimental design crossed two levels of client expressed confidence (high and low) and two levels of client response timing to the auditor’s email inquiry (earlier than expected and later than expected).
Findings
Results indicate that management expressed confidence moderates the influence of management response timing on auditor professional skepticism and that auditor perceptions of client credibility mediate this interactive effect. When the client’s response is low in confidence, auditors perceive a later-than-expected response from the manager as less credible than an earlier-than-expected response, which leads to less reliance on management explanations, which signifies more skepticism. However, when confidence is high, response timing does not impact perceptions of the client’s credibility.
Practical implications
The results imply that junior auditors should be vigilant of how communication cues in client emails may impact their judgments. Even though management response timing and expressed confidence should not influence auditor skepticism per se, auditors seem to vary their level of skepticism with the timing of the client’s response when client confidence is low but not when client confidence is high, despite the information content of the client’s response being held constant.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on professional skepticism by addressing the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s concerns about the need for auditors to exercise more professional skepticism in practice, particularly in an environment in which computer-mediated communication is increasing at a fast pace; and assists practitioners in better understanding the factors that influence the degree of skepticism auditors exercise when collecting audit evidence through email. The study should be of interest to audit firms, as it provides evidence on whether auditors use nonverbal cues such as chronemics, or time-related messages, in email communication to judge management and evidence reliability and credibility.
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John Lau, Jerry Gleason, Valeska Schroeder, Gregory Henshall, Walter Dauksher and Bob Sullivan
The High Density Packaging Users Group Consortium has conducted a study of process development and solder‐joint reliability of high‐density packages on printed circuit boards…
Abstract
Purpose
The High Density Packaging Users Group Consortium has conducted a study of process development and solder‐joint reliability of high‐density packages on printed circuit boards (PCB) using a low‐melting temperature lead‐free solder. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reliability tests (e.g. temperature cycling and shock and vibration) and failure analysis (FA) of high‐density packages on PCB with the low‐melting temperature lead‐free solder (Sn‐57 wt%Bi‐1 wt%Ag).
Design/methodology/approach
The design for reliability, materials, and assembly process aspects of the project have been discussed in “Design, materials, and assembly process of high‐density packages with a low‐temperature lead‐free solder (SnBiAg)” also published in this journal issue. In this study, reliability tests (e.g. temperature cycling and shock and vibration) and FA of high‐density packages on PCB with the low‐melting temperature lead‐free solder (Sn‐57 wt%Bi‐1 wt%Ag) are investigated.
Findings
Lead‐free solder‐joint reliability of high‐density packages, such as the PBGA388, PBGA256, PBGA208, PBGA196, PBGA172, PQFP80, and TSSOP56 were determined by temperature cycling, shock, and vibration tests. Temperature cycling test data for over 8,100 cycles between 0 and 100°C in a 44 min. cycle were statistically analyzed. Shock and vibration test data based on the HP Standard Class Bi‐II Products SPEC have also been reported.
Originality/value
Currently there is a lack of experimental and simulation data and field experience in respect of one of the critical issues for industry – that of solder joint reliability in lead‐free soldering. The paper contains some important research results and recommendations.
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