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1 – 10 of over 11000There is coupling between the branches of mobile parallel robots, similar to traditional parallel mechanisms, but there is currently relatively little research on the coupling…
Abstract
Purpose
There is coupling between the branches of mobile parallel robots, similar to traditional parallel mechanisms, but there is currently relatively little research on the coupling problem between the branches of mobile parallel robots.
Design/methodology/approach
This study optimizes the coupling analysis method of traditional parallel mechanisms, treats the mobile parallel mechanism as a whole, takes the motion of the active pair as input and the overall motion of the mobile parallel mechanism as output and analyzes the input–output characteristics of the mobile parallel mechanism. Moreover, this study applies this theory to a mobile parallel mechanism, designs control logic and finally conducts simulation and physical verification.
Findings
This study proposes a coupling analysis method suitable for parallel mobile robots and designs the control logic of their active pair based on the results of their coupling analysis. This study designs a multimode variable coupling parallel mobile robot, which can change the coupling of the mechanism by changing its own branch chain structure, so that it can switch between different coupling configurations to meet the different needs brought by different terrains.
Originality/value
The work presented in this paper propose a method for analyzing the coupling of mobile parallel robots and simplify their control logic by applying coupling theory to the design of mobile parallel robots. This study conducts simulation and physical experiments, thereby filling the gap in the coupling analysis of parallel mobile robots and laying the foundation for the research of uncoupled parallel mobile robots.
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Laetitia Tosi and Justine Marty
This study aims to investigate the optimization of coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action and focuses on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the optimization of coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action and focuses on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
Conducted as a case study in collaboration with an international humanitarian organization, this research examines the components and associated coordination mechanisms of humanitarian action phases.
Findings
The analysis reveals the complexities of managing humanitarian crises, emphasizing the need for adaptive coordination strategies. Four key crisis response coordination mechanisms are explored – structural configuration, outcome standardization, process standardization and mutual adjustment. The study particularly assesses the emergency-development phase.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to a single humanitarian organization and the COVID-19 context. Future research could explore additional case studies and broader contexts to enhance understanding of coordination mechanisms in humanitarian crises.
Practical implications
This research has practical implications for humanitarian organizations, policymakers and practitioners involved in crisis response. Enhancing coordination mechanisms and strategies can improve the efficacy of response efforts and facilitate navigation of the complexities of humanitarian crises.
Social implications
Effective coordination is crucial in mitigating the impact of humanitarian crises and promoting social resilience. By optimizing coordination mechanisms, this research contributes to building more adaptive societies in the face of global challenges.
Originality/value
This study innovatively applies the activities-resources-actors (ARA) model to the humanitarian context and concentrates on the response to COVID-19 of one international humanitarian organization. By adapting the ARA model to a real-world scenario, this research provides insights into optimizing coordination mechanisms in crisis management.
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Andreas Norrman and Ebba Eriksson Ahre
Critical infrastructure (CI) sectors and their resilience are vital for societies to function. In many countries, vital societal functions (VSFs) and CIs depend on…
Abstract
Purpose
Critical infrastructure (CI) sectors and their resilience are vital for societies to function. In many countries, vital societal functions (VSFs) and CIs depend on inter-organizational and international supply chains (SCs) which combine public and private actors with often competing interests and unclear responsibilities that create discontents. While collaborative supply chain risk management (SCRM) can increase the robustness and resilience of VSF&CIs, their inherent characteristics complicate SCRM. To understand this, supply chain risk governance (SCRG) has conceptually been introduced, suggesting collaborative mechanisms that facilitate inter-organizational SCRM. The purpose of this study is to elaborate on and substantiate the theoretical and practical relevance of an existing SCRG framework, by empirically exploring governance of collaborative SCRM and suggesting future research.
Design/methodology/approach
An abductive case study was performed in a VSF&CI, the Swedish food system, to contextualize top-level governance of collaborative SCRM and elaborate on the conceptual SCRG framework. Archival data supplemented expert interviews with public and private actors representing direct and indirect SC actors.
Findings
Current discourse and interventions in the Swedish food system’s SCRM confirmed discontent in governance and the importance of SCRG mechanisms and supported further conceptualization, e.g. of legal mechanisms vs economic incentives, the importance of government inquiries and the understanding of the influence of indirect public SC actors.
Research limitations/implications
Considering the geographical scope of the study, transferability is limited but invites comparisons with both other countries and the SCRG of other VSF&CIs. Proposed research avenues guide future conceptualization and contextualization of SCRG.
Practical implications
The framework can support CI actors to jointly find and reduce discontents related to inter-organizational SCRM and support policymakers to increase public–private collaboration.
Originality/value
The novelty lies in empirically studying SCRG in critical infrastructures by combining SCRM and risk governance lenses.
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Susanne Gretzinger, Susanne Royer and Birgit Leick
This conceptual paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of value creation and value capture with smart resources in the Internet of Things (IoT)-driven business models…
Abstract
Purpose
This conceptual paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of value creation and value capture with smart resources in the Internet of Things (IoT)-driven business models against the backdrop of an increasingly networked and connectivity-based environment. More specifically, the authors screen strategic management theories and adapt them to the specificities of new types of smart resources by focusing on a conceptual analysis of isolating mechanisms that enable value creation and value capture based upon different types of smart resources.
Design/methodology/approach
By adapting the state of the art of the contemporary resource-based discussion (resource-based view, dynamic capabilities view, relational view, resource-based view for a networked environment) to the context of IoT-driven business models, the paper typifies valuable intra- and inter-organisational resource types. In the next step, a discursive discussion on the evolution of isolating mechanisms, which are assumed to enable the translation of value creation into value appropriation, adapts the resource-based view for a networked environment to the context of IoT-driven business models.
Findings
The authors find that connectivity shapes both opportunities and challenges for firms, e.g. focal firms, in such business models, but it is notably social techniques that help to generate connectivity and transform inter-organisational ties into effective isolating mechanisms.
Originality/value
This paper lays a foundation for a theoretically underpinned understanding of how IoT can be exploited through designing economically sustainable business models. In this paper, research propositions are established as a point of departure for future research that applies strategic management theories to better understand business models that work with the digitisation and connectivity of resources on different levels.
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Yi He, Feiyu Li and Xincan Liu
In today’s digital economy, it is very important to cultivate digital professionals with advanced interdisciplinary skills. The purpose of this paper is that universities play a…
Abstract
Purpose
In today’s digital economy, it is very important to cultivate digital professionals with advanced interdisciplinary skills. The purpose of this paper is that universities play a vital role in this effort, and research teams need to use the synergistic effect of various educational methods to improve the quality and efficiency of personnel training. For these teams, a powerful evaluation mechanism is very important to improve their innovation ability and the overall level of talents they cultivate. The policy of “selecting the best through public bidding” not only meets the multi-dimensional evaluation needs of contemporary research, but also conforms to the current atmosphere of evaluating scientific and technological talents.
Design/methodology/approach
Nonetheless, since its adoption, several challenges have emerged, including flawed project management systems, a mismatch between listed needs and actual core technological needs and a low rate of conversion of scientific achievements into practical outcomes. These issues are often traced back to overly simplistic evaluation methods for research teams. This paper reviews the literature on the “Open Bidding for Selecting the Best Candidates” policy and related evaluation mechanisms for research teams, identifying methodological shortcomings, a gap in exploring team collaboration and an oversight in team selection criteria.
Findings
It proposes a theoretical framework for the evaluation and selection mechanisms of research teams under the “Open Bidding for Selecting the Best Candidates” model, offering a solid foundation for further in-depth studies in this area.
Originality/value
Research progress on the Evaluation Mechanism of Scientific Research Teams in the Digital Economy Era from the Perspective of “Open Bidding for Selecting the Best Candidates.”
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Lan Luo, Yuyang Liu, Yue Yang, Jianxun Xie and Guangdong Wu
This study aims to explore the interaction of “contractual governance – relational governance – governmental governance” mechanisms and proposes hypotheses about the effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the interaction of “contractual governance – relational governance – governmental governance” mechanisms and proposes hypotheses about the effects of megaproject governance on governance performance from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a megaproject governance model is developed to explain the relationship between governance mechanisms and governance performance. The model is based on related literature and explores the interactions between governance mechanisms and how they work to improve governance performance. The structural equation model (SEM) is adopted to explore the influence path on governance performance for megaprojects.
Findings
The results indicate that: (a) The findings highlight the positive role of project governance mechanisms on governance performance. (b) Contractual governance, relational governance, and governmental governance directly affect governance performance. In addition, contractual governance mediates governance performance through relational governance and governmental governance; governmental governance mediates governance performance through contractual governance and relational governance. (c) Contractual governance, relational governance, and governmental governance play a positive role in governance performance.
Research limitations/implications
Governmental governance is added to project governance theory and the empirical research method is used to explore the interaction between contractual governance, relational governance, and governmental governance of megaprojects. The SEM is used to systematically explore the paths of megaproject governance mechanisms on governance performance, considering the interactive role of the “contractual governance - relational governance - governmental governance” and the mediating role.
Practical implications
The study reveals the impact path of multidimensional megaproject governance mechanisms on governance performance. In this paper, the empirical findings can help the project participants by providing a decision-making basis for good governance and references for the governments to promote the construction of a micro-institutional environment for megaprojects.
Originality/value
The contributions of this study are (1) to add an exploration of governmental governance to the existing project governance theory, and (2) to consider the interactions of the “contractual governance – relational governance – governmental governance” mechanisms, and (3) to explore their effects on governance performance, including direct and mediating effects. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of megaproject governance by considering governmental governance and the interactions of the three governance mechanisms. Understanding the impact of megaproject governance on governance performance could assist project stakeholders and provide decision guidance for good governance.
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Instant crowdsourcing logistics (ICL) platform is an emerging business model in the field of logistics services. Crowdsourcees’ active participation in platform value co-creation…
Abstract
Purpose
Instant crowdsourcing logistics (ICL) platform is an emerging business model in the field of logistics services. Crowdsourcees’ active participation in platform value co-creation is the key to success for this business model. This study aims to explore the influence of platform governance mechanisms on crowdsourcees’ participation in value co-creation on the platform.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on governance theory, this study constructed a model of the influence of platform governance mechanisms on crowdsourcees’ value co-creation intentions and discussed the role of community diversity in this model. The survey data of 319 collected from crowdsourcees on China’s well-known ICL platform were analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation model.
Findings
The results showed that platform governance mechanisms have a significant influence on crowdsourcees’ value co-creation intentions. Among them, the impact of the welfare resource support mechanism is the largest, followed by the reputation reward and punishment mechanism, while the price coordination mechanism has the least impact. Community diversity has a significant positive moderating effect on the welfare resource support mechanism and crowdsourcees’ value co-creation intentions, but not between other governance mechanisms and crowdsourcees’ value co-creation intentions.
Originality/value
The results provide references for ICL platform to develop a targeted governance mechanism to enhance the positive role of community diversity and reduce the negative impact.
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To help alleviate the immense suffering caused by humanitarian crises worldwide, organisations are forming relationships for effective coordination and resource sharing. However…
Abstract
Purpose
To help alleviate the immense suffering caused by humanitarian crises worldwide, organisations are forming relationships for effective coordination and resource sharing. However, organisations can struggle to build trust because of the uncertain context, varying institutional mandates and socio-cultural differences. Thus, this paper aims to better understand how humanitarian groups can leverage formal mechanisms to produce greater trust.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts a logical–positivist research paradigm to formulate and test its hypotheses. This paper answered this study’s research question using structural equation modelling from survey data of 180 humanitarian managers.
Findings
In inter-organisational humanitarian relationships, formal mechanisms indirectly foster trust through two mediators: distributive justice and information sharing.
Research limitations/implications
This research presents the perspective of only one partner in inter-organisational relationships. Moreover, the operationalisations of formal mechanisms and trust were not comprehensive (i.e. only contracts and integrity-based trust, respectively).
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research is a first attempt to empirically link the widely discussed idea of formal mechanisms, distributive justice, information sharing and trust in inter-organisational humanitarian relationships. Further, this research is the first attempt to present and empirically validate a theoretical model that addresses how formal mechanisms foster trust in inter-organisational relationships.
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Sarah A. Courchesne, Dave Stynen, Judith H. Semeijn and Marjolein C.J. Caniëls
Organizations are increasingly joining inter-organizational networks to foster sustainable employability for their employees. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors…
Abstract
Purpose
Organizations are increasingly joining inter-organizational networks to foster sustainable employability for their employees. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors and mechanisms central to their success as experienced by key stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
An explorative, qualitative approach was adopted, using four focus groups with network coordinators (N = 18) and HR professionals (N = 14). Fourteen Dutch inter-organizational networks were represented. Respondents were recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was applied using open coding to generate themes.
Findings
The results of this study outline environmental, structural, and inter-personal factors and mechanisms that contribute to the success of inter-organizational networks that aim to foster sustainable employability for their employees. The environmental factors and mechanisms consist of challenges stemming from the labor market. The structural factors and mechanisms include: a network’s flat structure, flat fee, lack of informal rules, the allocation of roles and expectations for stakeholders and shared network activities. Lastly, the inter-personal factors and mechanisms are: communication among stakeholders, establishing reciprocity, interaction and collaboration between stakeholders, the valuation of trust, a convivial culture and shared vision among stakeholders. The dynamics between these factors and mechanisms are compared to other forms of inter-organizational networks. Furthermore, several recommendations for network coordinators and practitioners regarding the development of networks are presented.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into the factors and mechanisms that are regarded by stakeholders as influencing the success of inter-organizational networks in their ability to foster sustainable employability for workers. We have identified a unique model that captures this new way of inter-organizational collaboration and builds on insights from literature on collaborative governance regimes, institutional fields and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Specifically, the model provides a framework that consists of environmental, structural and interpersonal factors and mechanisms for network success. This study increases our understanding of how collaborative efforts can be fostered beyond organizational boundaries and existing Human Resource Management practices.
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This research paper aims to conceptualize digital transformation governance and its conventional mechanisms and to present governance solutions tailored to an organization’s level…
Abstract
Purpose
This research paper aims to conceptualize digital transformation governance and its conventional mechanisms and to present governance solutions tailored to an organization’s level of digital maturity. The objective is to provide a framework for large organizations to select appropriate governance mechanisms based on their digital maturity level, enabling them to effectively manage and govern their digital transformation journey.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a meta-synthesis methodology, systematically reviewing and synthesizing findings from 175 academic papers and 31 reports/white papers. The research involves a rigorous qualitative approach, including literature search, selection of relevant texts, information extraction, analysis of qualitative findings, quality control and presentation of findings.
Findings
The proposed model suggests a three-tiered approach to digital transformation governance based on the organization’s digital maturity: “beginner,” “intermediate” and “advanced” stages. The findings indicate that as an organization advances in its digital maturity, its governance mechanism tends to be less centralized and involves multiple relevant units. Conversely, organizations with lower digital maturity require a more concentrated approach to digital governance.
Research limitations/implications
The study is based on a systematic review and synthesis of existing literature. Further empirical research could validate and refine the proposed model.
Practical implications
By using the proposed maturity-driven model, organizations can choose a more suitable and effective governance mechanism for the realization of their digital transformation roadmap based on their digital maturity level. The model offers a comprehensive framework for selecting and combining appropriate governance mechanisms at each maturity stage.
Originality/value
The proposed framework offers a strategic and novel yet practical tool, enabling organizations to advance their digital governance capabilities in sync with their transformation roadmap. The study consolidates dispersed findings and expands the range of viable governance mechanisms contingent on digital progression.
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