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1 – 10 of over 3000
Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Mica Grujicic, S. Ramaswami and Jennifer Snipes

In the recent work, a new blast-wave impact-mitigation concept involving the use of a protective structure consisting of bimolecular reactants (polyvinyl pyridine+cyclohexyl…

Abstract

Purpose

In the recent work, a new blast-wave impact-mitigation concept involving the use of a protective structure consisting of bimolecular reactants (polyvinyl pyridine+cyclohexyl chloride), capable of undergoing a chemical reaction (to form polyvinyl pyridinium ionic salt) under shockwave loading conditions, was investigated using all-atom reactive equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular-dynamics analyses. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the beneficial shockwave dispersion/attenuation effects offered by the chemical reaction, direct simulations of a fully supported single planar shockwave propagating through the reactive mixture were carried out, and the structure of the shock front examined as a function of the extent of the chemical reaction (i.e. as a function of the strength of the incident shockwave). The results obtained clearly revealed that chemical reactions give rise to considerable broadening of the shockwave front. In the present work, the effect of chemical reactions and the structure of the shockwaves are investigated at the continuum level.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, the problem of the (conserved) linear-momentum accompanying the interaction of an incident shockwave with the protective-structure/protected-structure material interface has been investigated, within the steady-wave/structured-shock computational framework, in order to demonstrate and quantify an increase in the time period over which the momentum is transferred and a reduction in the peak loading experienced by the protected structure, both brought about by the occurrence of the chemical reaction (within the protective structure).

Findings

The results obtained clearly revealed the beneficial shock-mitigation effects offered by a protective structure capable of undergoing a chemical reaction under shock-loading conditions.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, the present manuscript is the first report dealing with a continuum-level analysis of the blast-mitigation potential of chemical reactions.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2012

Tiziana Russo Spena, Angela Caridà, Maria Colurcio and Monia Melia

The purpose of this paper is to focus on Temporary Shops, a recent communication and distribution innovation used by firms in order to improve interaction with customers and to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on Temporary Shops, a recent communication and distribution innovation used by firms in order to improve interaction with customers and to reinforce brand loyalty and equity. The main aim of the study is to frame the Temporary Shops phenomenon in Italy and to analyze its value co‐creation potential.

Design/methodology/approach

The DART model proposed by Prahalad and Ramaswamy has been chosen as the theoretical framework for understanding the Temporary Shops phenomenon. The authors investigate the process of value co‐creation inside the Temporary Shops through its four key building blocks, namely, dialogue, access, risk/benefits and transparency. Through a multiple‐case study, the authors study in‐depth evidence from five leading firms that represent the main Temporary Shops in Italy over the last two years.

Findings

Temporary Shops provide a locus of value co‐creation in which the interactive and experiential relationship between the firm and the customer is engaged and value co‐creation emerges.

Research limitations/implications

There are two main limitations: this study is exploratory and analyzes co‐creation only from the company perspective. Further studies may widen the unit of analysis from firm to customer's network and thus provide further insights about antecedents and implications of the interaction in a multi‐sensory context.

Originality/value

The work contributes to understanding the role of experiential environment in value co‐creation processes, as well as analyzing the contribution of a new distribution phenomenon with respect to co‐creation through the application of the DART model.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2016

Mica Grujicic, Jennifer Snipes and S. Ramaswami

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze a new blast-wave impact-mitigation concept using advanced computational methods and tools. The concept involves the use of a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze a new blast-wave impact-mitigation concept using advanced computational methods and tools. The concept involves the use of a protective structure consisting of bimolecular reactants displaying a number of critical characteristics, including: a high level of thermodynamic stability under ambient conditions (to ensure a long shelf-life of the protective structure); the capability to undergo fast/large-yield chemical reactions under blast-impact induced shock-loading conditions; large negative activation and reaction volumes to provide effective attenuation of the pressure-dominated shockwave stress field through the volumetric-energy storing effects; and a large activation energy for efficient energy dissipation. The case of a particular bimolecular chemical reaction involving polyvinyl pyridine and cyclohexyl chloride as reactants and polyvinyl pyridinium ionic salt as the reaction product is analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Direct simulations of single planar shockwave propagations through the reactive mixture are carried out, and the structure of the shock front examined, as a function of the occurrence of the chemical reaction. To properly capture the shockwave-induced initiation of the chemical reactions during an impact event, all the calculations carried out in the present work involved the use of all-atom molecular-level equilibrium and non-equilibrium reactive molecular-dynamics simulations. In other words, atomic bonding is not pre-assigned, but is rather determined dynamically and adaptively using the concepts of the bond order and atomic valence.

Findings

The results obtained clearly reveal that when the chemical reactions are allowed to take place at the shock front and in the shockwave, the resulting shock front undergoes a considerable level of dispersion. Consequently, the (conserved) linear momentum is transferred (during the interaction of the protective-structure borne shockwaves with the protected structure) to the protected structure over a longer time period, while the peak loading experienced by the protected structure is substantially reduced.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, the present work is the first attempt to simulate shock-induced chemical reactions at the molecular level, for purposes of blast-mitigation.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 March 2004

Tao Gao

This paper delves into the mechanism of the contingency framework for foreign entry mode decisions and identifies two essential tasks that jointly determine the outcome of the…

Abstract

This paper delves into the mechanism of the contingency framework for foreign entry mode decisions and identifies two essential tasks that jointly determine the outcome of the entry mode decision. It then recognizes a critical weakness in previous research pertaining to the comparison of entry modes along a key decision criterion, the degree of control. Existing studies generally treat equity involvement as the only source of entrant control, while largely ignoring non‐equity sources of control (i.e., bargaining power and trust). Non‐equity sources of control, when underutilized, amount to missed opportunities, increased resource commitments, and heightened risk exposures in foreign markets. Drawing from a pluralism perspective in transaction and relationship governance, the author presents a more integrative method for the ranking of entry modes along the degree of control. The central message is that companies entering foreign markets should make an earnest effort to identify trust and bargaining power situations and fully utilize their control potential in making entry mode decisions.

Details

Multinational Business Review, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1525-383X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Paula Caligiuri, Mila Lazarova and Stephan Zehetbauer

Using a sample of 76 US‐based multinational firms, this study tests two hypotheses: whether top management teams' national diversity, and the number of countries of operation…

3330

Abstract

Using a sample of 76 US‐based multinational firms, this study tests two hypotheses: whether top management teams' national diversity, and the number of countries of operation worldwide are related to other established indicators of internationalization. Results suggest that both hypothesized indicators are aspects of the nomological network for a firm's internationalization.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 23 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2022

Mohit Manchanda and Madhurima Deb

Extant literature on business-to-business (B2B) has largely ignored studying multi-homing through a psychological lens. This paper aims to outline the results of three constituent…

Abstract

Purpose

Extant literature on business-to-business (B2B) has largely ignored studying multi-homing through a psychological lens. This paper aims to outline the results of three constituent studies, which were designed to reveal potential differences in multi-homers’ versus single-homers’ loyalty behaviors in a B2B and supply chain management (SCM) setting; identify factors that differentiate single-homers and multi-homers in these settings; and examine the relevance and effect of perceived risk on multi-homing behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

In Studies 1 and 2, the authors used a questionnaire-based survey to capture the perceptions of 503 and 458 SCM experts, respectively. They then deployed AMOS v.21 to perform structural equation modeling. In Study 3, the authors used a mixed-methods approach to interview 18 SCM experts and then applied these insights to a survey with 242 SCM experts.

Findings

Study 1 reveals that multi-homers’ loyalty toward their preferred SP has a weaker effect on willingness to pay premium prices and share-of-wallet than single-homers’ loyalty. Study 2 establishes that several attitudinal factors distinguish multi-homers from single-homers in a loyalty framework. Study 3 concludes that perceived risk dimensions promote multi-homing intention, which in turn promotes multi-homing behavior.

Originality/value

Through empirical investigation, the present research succeeds in establishing that multi-homing is a concern for SPs, deciphering the attitudinal factors that distinguish multi-homers and single-homers in a loyalty framework, and confirming the influence of perceived risk dimensions on multi-homing. Thus, the study has several theoretical and practical implications for B2B services in emerging economies.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 37 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Mica Grujicic, Jennifer Snipes and S. Ramaswami

The purpose of this paper is to model a nacre-like composite material, consisting of tablets and polyurea tablet/tablet interfaces, B4C. This composite material is being…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model a nacre-like composite material, consisting of tablets and polyurea tablet/tablet interfaces, B4C. This composite material is being considered in the construction of the so-called backing-plate, a layer within a multi-functional/multi-layer armor system.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the basic functions of the backing-plate (i.e. to provide structural support for the ceramic-strike-face and to stop a high-velocity projectile and the accompanying fragments) in such an armor system, the composite-material architecture is optimized with respect to simultaneously achieving high flexural stiffness and high ballistic-penetration resistance. Flexural stiffness and penetration resistance, for a given architecture of the nacre-like composite material, are assessed using a series of transient non-linear dynamics finite-element analyses. The suitability of the optimized composite material for use in backing-plate applications is then evaluated by comparing its performance against that of the rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), a common choice for the backing-plate material.

Findings

The results obtained established: a trade-off between the requirements for a high flexural stiffness and a high ballistic-penetration resistance in the nacre-like composite material; and overall superiority of the subject composite material over the RHA when used in the construction of the backing-plate within multi-functional/multi-layer armor systems.

Originality/value

This study extends the authors previous research on nacre-mimetic armor to optimize the architecture of the armor with respect to its flexural stiffness and ballistic-penetration resistance, so that these properties could be increased over the levels attained in the current choice (RHA) for the backing layer of multi-functional/multi-layer armor.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2013

Harun Emre Yildiz

Previous theoretical explanations and empirical analyses of the multinationality-performance relationship have produced mixed arguments and results. Linear and curvilinear…

1378

Abstract

Purpose

Previous theoretical explanations and empirical analyses of the multinationality-performance relationship have produced mixed arguments and results. Linear and curvilinear relationships have been theorized and confirmed empirically. This study aims to reconcile earlier mixed findings by incorporating the role of entry mode choice as a moderating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive literature survey is conducted in order to provide an explanation for the different performance patterns of internationalization via licensing, joint venture and wholly owned subsidiary.

Findings

Based on the assumptions of Transaction Cost Economics and Organizational Capability perspectives, several research propositions about the multinationality-performance relationship are formulated, which provide a more fine-tuned approach to the performance implications of multinationality.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to multinationality-performance debate by showing that the impact of multinationality depends on the firm-level strategies implemented while going international; to be more precise, the net benefits from multinationality are likely to vary for different modes of foreign market entry.

Details

Multinational Business Review, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1525-383X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2022

Elena Ehrensperger, Daria Greenberg, Harley Krohmer, Felix Nagel, Wayne Hoyer and Z. John Zhang

The purpose of the study is to introduce the idea of arena-relevant marketing capabilities and examine their impact on firm performance. Arena-relevant marketing capabilities are…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to introduce the idea of arena-relevant marketing capabilities and examine their impact on firm performance. Arena-relevant marketing capabilities are capabilities particularly relevant for success in a specific competitive arena in which rivals from different industries try to satisfy customer needs with alternative products and services. The authors focus on the luxury arena and pose the following research questions: Which are the arena-relevant marketing capabilities in the luxury competitive arena (i.e. luxury-arena-relevant capabilities)? (2) What is the relative importance of luxury-arena-relevant vs general marketing capabilities for firm performance in the luxury competitive arena?

Design/methodology/approach

To identify luxury-arena-relevant marketing capabilities, the authors conduct a qualitative study among 21 top managers of luxury brands. A subsequent large-scale managerial survey empirically tests the effects of luxury-arena-relevant vs general marketing capabilities on firm performance.

Findings

The study identifies four luxury-arena-relevant marketing capabilities: perfection in product creation, exclusive pricing, luxury-congruent storytelling and luxury brand inspiration. It confirms empirically that they have a higher impact on firm performance within the luxury competitive arena than general marketing capabilities.

Originality/value

The study takes an innovative perspective on marketing capabilities by linking them with the concept of a competitive arena and underlines the academic relevance of the concept of arena-relevant marketing capabilities for explaining firm performance.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 56 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2004

Ikechi Ekeledo and K. Sivakumar

This research has two major purposes: developing and testing a resource‐based framework for entry mode choice and ascertaining the extent to which the determinants of foreign…

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Abstract

This research has two major purposes: developing and testing a resource‐based framework for entry mode choice and ascertaining the extent to which the determinants of foreign market entry mode choice in the manufacturing sector apply to foreign market entry mode choice in the non‐separable service sector. Using mail survey data collected from top‐level managers of US firms that had been engaged in international business, the article tests a number of research hypotheses concerning foreign market entry mode choice in the manufacturing and service sectors. The managerial and research implications of the findings are delineated and directions for future research are offered.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 3000