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Article
Publication date: 11 February 2021

J.N. Reddy, Matthew Martinez and Praneeth Nampally

The purpose of this study is to extend a novel numerical method proposed by the first author, known as the dual mesh control domain method (DMCDM), for the solution of linear…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extend a novel numerical method proposed by the first author, known as the dual mesh control domain method (DMCDM), for the solution of linear differential equations to the solution of nonlinear heat transfer and like problems in one and two dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

In the DMCDM, a mesh of finite elements is used for the approximation of the variables and another mesh of control domains for the satisfaction of the governing equation. Both meshes fully cover the domain but the nodes of the finite element mesh are inside the mesh of control domains. The salient feature of the DMCDM is that the concept of duality (i.e. cause and effect) is used to impose boundary conditions. The method possesses some desirable attributes of the finite element method (FEM) and the finite volume method (FVM).

Findings

Numerical results show that he DMCDM is more accurate than the FVM for the same meshes used. Also, the DMCDM does not require the use of any ad hoc approaches that are routinely used in the FVM.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the idea presented in this work is original and novel that exploits the best features of the best competing methods (FEM and FVM). The concept of duality is used to apply gradient and mixed boundary conditions that FVM and its variant do not.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 July 2020

Nicholas Martinez, Matthew J. Sowcik and James Charles Bunch

Socially responsible leadership (SRL) is a “purposeful, collaborative, values-based process that results in positive social change” (Komives, Wagner, & Associates, 2009, p…

Abstract

Socially responsible leadership (SRL) is a “purposeful, collaborative, values-based process that results in positive social change” (Komives, Wagner, & Associates, 2009, p. xii).This approach to leadership focuses on creating leaders that are capable of tackling the predicted wicked problems the world will face in the next few decades. As the number of leadership education programs continue to grow throughout higher education, it is important to assess the impact leadership education and co-curricular programs are having on students. Utilizing the Multi- Institutional Study of Leadership, this study aimed to better understand whether higher education leadership development, community service and study abroad programs are successfully developing students with self- perceived socially responsible leadership.

Details

Journal of Leadership Education, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1552-9045

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

James S. O'Rourke

This paper examines communication strategies, organization, and tactics of the pharmaceutical firm Merck & Co., Inc., as corporate executives and staff faced the withdrawal from

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines communication strategies, organization, and tactics of the pharmaceutical firm Merck & Co., Inc., as corporate executives and staff faced the withdrawal from market of Vioxx, the company's most profitable product.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores decision methodology and criteria as Merck executives sought to communicate with their most important stakeholders during the most dangerous and critical period in the company's history.

Findings

As well prepared as Merck & Co. was for a product withdrawal, nothing could have prepared company officers for communicating on the scale, scope, and volume that this crisis would demand. The value of a well‐conceived crisis response plan is underscored, as well as a flexible, responsive organization. Among the more notable findings is that even large, well‐funded, experienced professionals may need to reconsider their organizational structure as they address a multi‐faceted, large‐scale problem. Issues include staffing, functional expertise, length of time on task, and strategic use of key resources.

Practical implications

A number of important lessons in communication strategy have emerged from the experience of withdrawing Vioxx from the market and defending the company against both litigation and continuing bad press. First, a crisis communication plan is essential. Their plan allowed Merck & Co. to identify key individuals to be involved, their roles and responsibilities. A second important lesson concerns persistence and a long‐term view, despite near‐term pressure for earnings performance. Overcoming plaintiffs‐bar litigation may take another five years. A third lesson involves identifying and measuring those issues which Merck stakeholders most needed to know in order to correct misconceptions. Finally, corporate officers recognized that they must have faith in their decisions and recognize the value of their employees (across the organization) in communicating the company's message.

Originality/value

This paper examines the pharmaceutical firm Merck & Co., Inc. and the withdrawal from market of Vioxx, the company's most profitable product.

Details

Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0275-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2021

Viviana Elizabeth Zárate-Mirón and Rosina Moreno Serrano

This paper aims to evaluate whether the integration of smart specialization strategies (S3) into clusters significantly impacts their efficiency for countries that still do not…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate whether the integration of smart specialization strategies (S3) into clusters significantly impacts their efficiency for countries that still do not implement this policy. This study tests three effects: whether the kind of policies envisaged through an S3 strategy impacts cluster’s efficiency; whether this impact changes with the technological intensity of the clusters; to determine which S3 is more suitable for sub-clusters at different levels of technological intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

The Mexican economy is taken as case of study because it has a proper classification of its industries intro Porter’s cluster’s definition but still does not adopt the S3 policy. Through data envelopment analysis (DEA), this study evaluates the cluster’s efficiency increment when variables representing the S3 elements are included.

Findings

The results show that strategies following the S3 had a significant impact in all clusters, but when clusters were classified by technological intensity, the impact on efficiency is higher in clusters in the medium low-tech group.

Practical implications

According to the results in the DEA, it can be concluded that these S3 strategies have the potential to increase the clusters’ productivity significantly. These results make convenient the adoption of the S3 policy by countries that already count with a properly cluster definition.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the lack of studies that analyze the join implementation of S3 on clusters.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal , vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2015

Pablo Federico Pryluka

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to analyze the origins of Adelco in the context of the “Consumer Orientation Campaign” (Orientación Para El Consumidor, OPEC, in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to analyze the origins of Adelco in the context of the “Consumer Orientation Campaign” (Orientación Para El Consumidor, OPEC, in Spanish) promoted by the Ministry of Economy between 1978 and 1981; second, to describe the main characteristics of Adelco during its first years, especially its activities, structure and its international connections; finally, to contribute to the study of consumer organizations in Argentina and Latin America, where very little research has been done on the subject.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is organized into three sections. First, it outlines the deep transformations taking place in the Argentine economy during the military regime, highlighting particularly the variations in inflation rates and a series of inflation-related policies. It goes on to offer a brief overview of some new studies in consumer history in Argentina as well as an analysis of the Consumer Orientation campaign, promoted by Martínez de Hoz, the Minister of Economy from 1978 to 1981. Finally, it details the origins and key features of Adelco. For source material, this paper uses a qualitative approach, working with government documents, interviews and magazines. It also makes use of the Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting of Adelco. At the same time, this paper contributes to current debates in the history of consumption.

Findings

This paper reaches two main conclusions. First, while Adelco may have presented itself as a non-government organization (NGO) linked to consumer interests and responsive to grass-roots pressures, it maintained a top-down structure with close ties to state policy. Second, Adelco was part of what Matthew Hilton has analyzed as a shift in the consumer movement of the last several decades: a change from collective action to individual choice.

Originality/value

The main value of the paper rests on three factors. First, it offers an insight into the origins of Adelco, the first consumer defense NGO in Argentina. Second, it studies sources that have never previously been analyzed, such as the Minutes of the Board of Directors meeting and personal interviews. Third, it shows the ties between the origins of Adelco and the consumer policy of the military government in Argentina.

Details

Journal of Historical Research in Marketing, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-750X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 August 2021

Seok-Young Oh and Sehwa Kim

This study aims to investigate how the inter-organizational learning (inter-OL) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) promote intra-organizational learnings (intra-OL) and how…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how the inter-organizational learning (inter-OL) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) promote intra-organizational learnings (intra-OL) and how inter- and intra-OL jointly promote organizational innovation in the Korean electronics industry. This study also examines the moderating effect of organizational dynamism.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique theoretical model shows how inter-OL promotes organizational innovation through intra-OL, knowledge flows and stocks. Data was collected from 201 SMEs in the Korean electronics industry and analyzed by structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings show that inter-OL directly and indirectly influences innovation. Inter-OL promotes both knowledge flows and stocks, but the only feedforward flows influence innovation through knowledge stocks while feedback flows directly influence innovation. Additionally, the study finds an indirect effect of inter-OL on knowledge stocks and a strong direct effect on innovation when dynamism is high. Intra-OL activities fully mediate between inter-OL and innovation when dynamism is low.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses single informants to measure all constructs. Future studies should use multiple informants.

Practical implications

This study shows that OL in SMEs is shaped by internal processes and external collaborations. Maintaining a connection with various external knowledge sources and creating collaborative opportunities to share learning experiences is critical to innovation.

Originality/value

This study is the first to empirically examine the relationship between inter- and intra-OL activities within a conceptual framework. The study provides a strategic view of how to facilitate OL activities considering the degree of organizational dynamism.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 February 2021

Omar Hernández-Rodríguez, Gloriana González and Wanda Villafañe-Cepeda

The authors developed a lesson study innovation for bridging pre-service teachers' experiences in an early methods course and clinical experiences focusing on the development of…

Abstract

Purpose

The authors developed a lesson study innovation for bridging pre-service teachers' experiences in an early methods course and clinical experiences focusing on the development of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). The authors analyze one planning meeting by a lesson study team comprised of four pre-service teachers and one cooperating teacher. The purpose of this research was to determine the nature of documentation during the online planning meeting and how the cooperating teacher facilitated the documentation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used Gueudet and Trouche's (2009) documentation framework to determine the way the lesson study team in our study used all the resources available to plan a lesson. They analyzed the video recordings of the meeting to examine the interplay between material, didactical and mathematical components during the discussions. The material components included the Teacher Desmos Activity Builder and the eTextbook. The didactical components included assessment, scaffolding, multiple representations and problem-solving activities. The mathematical components pertained to systems of linear equations and inequalities with two variables.

Findings

The authors’ findings show that the cooperating teacher performed an invariant set of actions for improving the research lesson and, also, gave recommendations about how to implement the lesson. In facilitating the planning discussions, the cooperating teacher made explicit the relationship between material, didactical and mathematical components. The authors’ work has implications for supporting the preparation of facilitators of online planning sessions during lesson study.

Research limitations/implications

The authors did not have access to the planning meeting where the PSTs created the draft of the research lesson. In addition, they are reporting the observations of only one online meeting.

Originality/value

The authors’ work has implications for supporting the preparation of facilitators of online planning sessions during lesson study.

Details

International Journal for Lesson & Learning Studies, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-8253

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2020

Alexander Vestin, Kristina Säfsten and Malin Löfving

The meaning of Industry 4.0 has started to be outlined for the construction industry, but there is still limited knowledge on the implications for the single-family wooden house…

Abstract

Purpose

The meaning of Industry 4.0 has started to be outlined for the construction industry, but there is still limited knowledge on the implications for the single-family wooden house building industry. The purpose of this paper is to expand the understanding of what the fourth industrial revolution implies for the single-family wooden house industry. The paper contributes with practitioners’ view of the content and meaning of a smart single-family wooden house factory.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory multiple case study was carried out at two Swedish single-family wooden house builders, combined with a traditional literature review.

Findings

As a result of a multiple case studies, the content and meaning of a smart single-family wooden house factory was elaborated on. In total, 15 components of a smart single-family wooden house factory were identified, of which 8 corresponded to the components of Industry 4.0 as described in other sectors.

Research limitations/implications

The study can be expanded to also include multi-family wooden house builders and other branches of the offsite wooden building industry.

Practical implications

Managers in the house-building industry who want to improve and strive for a smart single-family wooden house factory can learn from this study, get an insight of what other companies consider as important and how it relates to Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is a first attempt to understand what Industry 4.0 mean and how it can be accomplished for the single-family wooden house offsite manufacturing industry.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2019

Matthew Tingchi Liu, Yongdan Liu, Ziying Mo, Zhidong Zhao and Zhenghao Zhu

The purpose of this paper is to focus on how corporate social responsibility (CSR) (i.e. responsibility to customers, employees and society) influences customer behavioural…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on how corporate social responsibility (CSR) (i.e. responsibility to customers, employees and society) influences customer behavioural loyalty in the hotel industry. The mediating effects of brand image and customer trust on the relationship between CSR and customer behavioural loyalty are also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 298 valid responses to questionnaire surveys were collected from a convenience sample in China in 2017. A structural equation model was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Hotel customer behavioural loyalty can be enhanced by CSR performance. Performance in each of the three CSR domains positively impacted customer behavioural loyalty to different degrees. The impact of CSR on the customer had the strongest influence on Chinese customers’ behavioural loyalty among the three CSR domains of customer, employee and society. Brand image and customer trust were found to be mediators of the relationship between CSR performance and customer behavioural loyalty.

Originality/value

The current research contributes to the literature by demonstrating that CSR activities are not all equally effective. Results reveal that the society dimension of CSR had the strongest impact on Chinese customers’ brand image of hotels among the three CSR dimensions investigated. In terms of Chinese hotel customers’ trust, the CSR–customer dimension plays the most effective role. The findings also support the notion that Chinese consumers are beginning to use CSR information to evaluate hotels.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1996

Andrew C. Worthington

A public finance framework is used to examine the relationship between community composition, namely occupancy status, and the provision of governmental services. A comprehensive…

Abstract

A public finance framework is used to examine the relationship between community composition, namely occupancy status, and the provision of governmental services. A comprehensive literature survey suggests that a systematic relationship exists between the fraction of renters in a given jurisdiction and the level of fiscal expenditures. More particularly, it would appear that renters ceteris paribus are willing to support a higher level of publicly provided goods than homeowners. The competing hypotheses of renter illusion and renter rationality are discussed, as are the differing implications for public policy. Suggestions are also made on how future research on this important topic might proceed.

Details

Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1096-3367

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