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1 – 10 of over 161000
Article
Publication date: 1 May 2003

M. Zeng and W.Q. Tao

A comparative study is performed to reveal the convergence characteristics and the robustness of four variants in the semi‐implicit method for pressure‐linked equations (SIMPLE

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Abstract

A comparative study is performed to reveal the convergence characteristics and the robustness of four variants in the semi‐implicit method for pressure‐linked equations (SIMPLE)‐family: SIMPLE, SIMPLE revised (SIMPLER), SIMPLE consistent (SIMPLEC), and SIMPLE extrapolation (SIMPLEX). The focus is concentrated in the solution at fine grid system. Four typical fluid flow and heat transfer problems are taken as the numerical examples (lid‐driven cavity flow, flow in an axisymmetric sudden expansion, flow in an annulus with inner surface rotating and the natural convection in a square enclosure). It is found that an appropriate convergence condition should include both mass conservation and momentum conservation requirements. For the four problems computed, the SIMPLEX always requires the largest computational time, the SIMPLER comes the next, and the computational time of SIMPLE and SIMPLEC are the least. As far as the robustness is concerned, the SIMPLE algorithm is the worst, the SIMPLER comes the next and the robustness of SIMPLEX and SIMPLEC are superior to the others. The SIMPLEC algorithm is then recommended, especially for the computation at a fine grid system. Brief discussion is provided to further reveal the reasons which may account for the difference of the four algorithms.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 12 September 2022

Richard P. Bagozzi

Concepts equip the mind with thought, provide our theories with ideas, and assign variables for testing our hypotheses. Much of contemporary research deals with narrowly…

Abstract

Concepts equip the mind with thought, provide our theories with ideas, and assign variables for testing our hypotheses. Much of contemporary research deals with narrowly circumscribed concepts, termed simple concepts herein, which are the grist for much empirical inquiry in the field. In contrast to simple concepts, which exhibit a kind of unity, complex concepts are structures of simple concepts, and in certain instances unveil meaning going beyond simple concepts or their aggregation. When expressed in hylomorphic structures, complex concepts achieve unique ontological status and serve particular explanatory capabilities. We develop the philosophical foundation for hylomorphic structures and show how they are rooted in dispositions, dispositional causality, and various mind–body trade-offs. Examples are provided for this emerging perspective on “Big concepts” or “Big Ideas.”

Book part
Publication date: 20 October 2015

Michaele L. Morrow and Timothy J. Rupert

We conduct an experiment asking participants to choose to purchase either a traditional or hybrid car to examine how federal-state conformity of tax incentives impacts the…

Abstract

We conduct an experiment asking participants to choose to purchase either a traditional or hybrid car to examine how federal-state conformity of tax incentives impacts the decisions of taxpayers. We also examine perceptions of taxpayers surrounding federal-state conformity. Consistent with theory related to the effects of information environment and using an experiment in which taxpayers are asked to evaluate tax incentives related to a purchase decision between a traditional and hybrid car, we find that conformity is a significant factor in increasing the propensity to take advantage of the tax incentive. Specifically, we find that participants with simple and conforming federal-state incentives are more likely to take advantage of the tax incentive than with complex and conforming federal-state incentives. In addition, the effects of conformity between federal and state incentives suggest that participant perceptions of the federal system were heavily influenced by the actions of the state.

Details

Advances in Taxation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-277-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2009

Jim McLoughlin, Jaime Kaminski, Babak Sodagar, Sabina Khan, Robin Harris, Gustavo Arnaudo and Sinéad Mc Brearty

The purpose of this paper is to develop a coherent and robust methodology for social impact measurement of social enterprises (SEs) that would provide the conceptual and practical…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a coherent and robust methodology for social impact measurement of social enterprises (SEs) that would provide the conceptual and practical bases for training and embedding.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a holistic impact measurement model for SEs, called social impact for local economies (SIMPLEs). The SIMPLE impact model and methodology have been tried and tested on over 40 SEs through a series of three day training courses, and a smaller number of test cases for embedding. The impact model offers a five‐step approach to impact measurement called SCOPE IT; MAP IT; TRACK IT; TELL IT and EMBED IT. These steps help SE managers to conceptualise the impact problem; identify and prioritise impacts for measurement; develop appropriate impact measures; report impacts and embed the results in management decision making.

Findings

Preliminary qualitative feedback from participants reveals that while the SIMPLE impact training delivers positive learning experiences on impact measurement and prompts, in the majority of cases, the intensions to implement impact systems, the majority feels the need for follow up embedding support. Paricipant's see value in adopting the SIMPLE approach to support business planning processes. Feedback from two SEs which has receives in‐house facilitates embedding support clearly demonstrates the benefits of working closely with an organisation's staff team to enable effective implementation.

Research limitations/implications

Some key future research challenges are identified as follows: systematically research progress in implementation after training for those participants that do not have facilitated embedding; to further test and develop embedding processes and models (using SIMPLE and other methods) with more SE organisations to identify best practices.

Originality/value

The SIMPLE fills a gap as a tool for holistic impact thinking that offers try and test accessible steps, with robust measures. The innovative steps take SEs through all key impact thought processes from conceptualisation to embedding guidance, feeding into business planning and strategic decision‐making processes. The comparison between the limitations of stand alone impact training and the benefits of facilitated embedding processes is instructive.

Details

Social Enterprise Journal, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-8614

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Article
Publication date: 1 November 2003

B.F. Wang, Y.F. Zhang and J.Y.H. Fuh

An approach to extract machining features for casting parts is presented. It is capable of recognizing interacting machining features. There are five phases in the recognition…

Abstract

An approach to extract machining features for casting parts is presented. It is capable of recognizing interacting machining features. There are five phases in the recognition process: Boolean difference of the final part model and the raw part; identification of machining faces (M‐faces) from the final part model and the raw part model; decomposition of the removed simple volumes into delta simple volumes based on M‐faces; gluing the delta simple volumes into sets of feasible simple volumes based on M‐faces; testing. This strategy is process‐oriented and feature‐independent. It recognizes all features that can be produced by common machining operations in a uniform way and produces alternative sets of machining features.

Details

Integrated Manufacturing Systems, vol. 14 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-6061

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Article
Publication date: 2 February 2022

Jungkeun Kim, Jooyoung Park, Seongseop (Sam) Kim, Hector Gonzalez-Jimenez, Jae-Eun Kim, Rouxelle De Villiers, Jacob C. Lee and Marilyn Giroux

This research aims to examine the role of perceived threat (i.e. COVID-19) on people’s preferences for destination logo designs. In addition, it investigates the influence of…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to examine the role of perceived threat (i.e. COVID-19) on people’s preferences for destination logo designs. In addition, it investigates the influence of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and sensation seeking on the aforementioned effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Five experiments are used. Studies 1 A and 1B examine the impact of the threat of COVID-19 on visiting intentions as influenced by different destination logos. Study 2 replicates the previous studies and tests for evidence of mediation by the perceived risk. Studies 3 and 4 investigate the moderating role of childhood SES and sensation seeking.

Findings

The results show that a salient threat of COVID-19 leads people to display higher visiting intentions when presented with simpler (vs complex) destination logo designs. The perceived risk mediates this effect as well. This preference is evident only for people with low (vs high) childhood SES and only for relatively low sensation seekers.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the branding literature by investigating how situational factors can influence affective reactions to brand logos and to the tourism literature by further investigating the impact of logos on visiting intentions.

Practical implications

This study provides actionable insights for tourism marketers and logo designers, allowing them to select or create positively perceived destination logos during a potential global crisis.

Originality/value

This research offers the first evidence that pandemic-related threat perceptions influence people’s visiting intentions when presented with different destination logos, and that these effects are influenced by individual characteristics such as childhood SES or sensation seeking. In doing so, the current study offers a more sophisticated understanding of the potential boundary conditions driving people’s brand logo evaluation.

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2020

Mengjie Hua, Shuo Yang, Quan Xu, Mo Chen, Huagan Wu and Bocheng Bao

The purpose of this paper is to develop two types of simple jerk circuits and to carry out their dynamical analyses using a unified mathematical model.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop two types of simple jerk circuits and to carry out their dynamical analyses using a unified mathematical model.

Design/methodology/approach

Two types of simple jerk circuits only involve a nonlinear resistive feedback channel composited by a nonlinear device and an inverter. The nonlinear device is implemented through parallelly connecting two diode-switch-based series branches. According to the classifications of switch states and circuit types, a unified mathematical model is established for these two types of simple jerk circuits, and the origin symmetry and scale proportionality along with the origin equilibrium stability are thereby discussed. The coexisting bifurcation behaviors in the two types of simple jerk systems are revealed by bifurcation plots, and the origin symmetry and scale proportionality are effectively demonstrated by phase plots and attraction basins. Moreover, hardware experimental measurements are performed, from which the captured results well validate the numerical simulations.

Findings

Two types of simple jerk circuits are unified through parallelly connecting two diode-switch-based series branches and a unified mathematical model with six kinds of nonlinearities is established. Especially, the origin symmetry and scale proportionality for the two types of simple jerk systems are discussed quantitatively. These jerk circuits are all simple and inexpensive, easy to be physically implemented, which are helpful to explore chaos-based engineering applications.

Originality/value

Unlike previous works, the significant values are that through unifying these two types of simple jerk systems, a unified mathematical model with six kinds of nonlinearities is established, upon which symmetrically scaled coexisting behaviors are numerically disclosed and experimentally demonstrated.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 47 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

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Article
Publication date: 7 August 2009

Grzegorz Drałus and Jerzy Świątek

The purpose of this paper is to present research in the area of the modeling of complex systems using feed‐forward neural network.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present research in the area of the modeling of complex systems using feed‐forward neural network.

Design/methodology/approach

Applications of multilayer neural networks with supervisor learning on the own simulator program wrote in Borland® Pascal Language. Series‐parallel identification method is applied. Tapped delay lines (TDL) in static neural networks for modeling of dynamic plants are used. Gradient and heuristic learning algorithms are applied. Three kinds of calibration of learning and testing data are used.

Findings

This paper illustrates that feed‐forward multilayer neural networks can model complex systems. Feed‐forward multilayer neural networks with TDL can be used to build global dynamic models of complex systems. It is possible to compare the quality both models.

Research limitations/implications

The learning and testing data from real systems to tune neuronal models require use of calibrating these data to range 0‐1.

Practical implications

The models quality depends on kind of calibration learning data from real system and depends on kind of learning algorithms.

Originality/value

The method and the learning algorithms discussed in the paper can be used to create global models of complex systems. The multilayer neural network with TDL can be used to model complex dynamic systems with low dynamics.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 38 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2018

Sunny Li Sun, Jianqiang Xiao, Yanli Zhang and Xia Zhao

How do entrepreneurs use simple rules to build their business models? Based on an inductive study of three Chinese Internet and technology firms, the authors find that business…

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Abstract

Purpose

How do entrepreneurs use simple rules to build their business models? Based on an inductive study of three Chinese Internet and technology firms, the authors find that business models emerge from simple rules that entrepreneurs learn from their experience. Simple rules also guide entrepreneurs to actualize and exploit opportunities in the marketplace, and they can help business models evolve through market feedback, especially in internationalization. This paper aims to delve into the black box of entrepreneurial decision-making and offer a better depiction of the business model development process in uncertain and fast-changing environments and thus provide guidance for future entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the case method (Eisenhardt, 1989; Yin, 2003), the authors first present a thick description of characteristics of three companies and the dynamics of their business models. They then code these descriptions into first-order measures. Finally, they aggregate these measures into abstract constructs. They constantly compare the theoretical constructs and the emerging theory with the existing literature on business models.

Findings

The authors generate three key insights from the findings: business models emerge from simple rules learned from entrepreneurs’ experience, simple rules help entrepreneurs exploit and actualize opportunities in the marketplace and simple rules help businesses expand and evolve business models through market feedback, especially in internationalization.

Originality/value

This paper falls into the intersection of strategy and entrepreneurship – an emerging new field of strategic entrepreneurship – and is concerned with how businesses create and sustain a competitive advantage while simultaneously identifying and exploiting new opportunities. The authors bring people – the individual decision-makers for businesses – back in strategy research and depict a more realistic picture of the behavior of successful entrepreneurs and their business model development process.

Details

Multinational Business Review, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1525-383X

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2006

Yong Keun Yoo

Aims to examine a comprehensive approach to combine several simple multiple valuation, so as to improve the valuation, accuracy of the simple multiple valuation technique.

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Abstract

Purpose

Aims to examine a comprehensive approach to combine several simple multiple valuation, so as to improve the valuation, accuracy of the simple multiple valuation technique.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to combine several simple multiple valuations, the equity value is estimated by a weighted average of the valuation outcomes obtained from several simple multiple valuations. To calculate the weight of each valuation outcome, the out‐of‐sample price‐deflated regression of stock prices on several simple multiple valuation outcomes is conducted. Next, the alternative hypothesis of whether the composite approach yields a higher valuation accuracy than the simple multiple valuation is tested, using the actual stock price of the valued firm as the benchmark to measure the valuation accuracy under the assumption of market efficiency.

Findings

It was found that combining several simple multiple valuation outcomes of a firm, each of which is based on a stock price multiple to a historical accounting performance measure of the comparable firms (historical multiple), improves the valuation accuracy of the simple multiple valuation using a single historical multiple. However, further analysis shows that the combination of the simple multiple valuation outcomes based on a stock price multiple to analysts’ earnings forecasts of the comparable firms (forward earnings multiple) and several simple multiple valuation outcomes based on historical multiples does not improve the valuation accuracy of the simple multiple valuation using a forward earnings multiple.

Research limitations/implications

One caveat of this study is that only the linear combination of the simple multiple valuation outcomes is considered. Non‐linear combination of the simple multiple valuation outcomes based on both forward earnings multiple and historical multiples may be able to improve the valuation accuracy of the simple multiple valuation using a forward earnings multiple. This possibility is still an open question.

Practical implications

The findings imply that a historical multiple contains incremental information not captured by other historical multiples, which is useful for the improvement of the valuation accuracy. However, the historical multiples may have no incremental information beyond a forward earnings multiple.

Originality/value

The forward earnings multiples as well as the historical multiples for the equity valuations of broader firms are considered. Given the previous finding that forward earnings multiple presents the highest valuation accuracy among the valuation multiples, it is further investigated whether the composite approach using forward earnings multiple and historical multiples can improve the valuation accuracy of the simple multiple valuation using a forward earnings multiple. In addition, the potential problem of selection bias in the previous study is addressed, which examines only the equity valuations in the tax court.

Details

Review of Accounting and Finance, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1475-7702

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 161000