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Article
Publication date: 6 September 2024

Yongsheng Zhao, Jiaqing Luo, Ying Li, Caixia Zhang and Honglie Ma

The combination of improved PSO (IPSO) algorithm and artificial neural network (ANN) model for intelligent monitoring of the bearing performance of the hydrostatic turntable.

Abstract

Purpose

The combination of improved PSO (IPSO) algorithm and artificial neural network (ANN) model for intelligent monitoring of the bearing performance of the hydrostatic turntable.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an artificial neural network model based on IPSO algorithm for intelligent monitoring of hydrostatic turntables.

Findings

The theoretical model proposed in this paper improves the accuracy of the working performance of the static pressure turntable and provides a new direction for intelligent monitoring of the static pressure turntable. Therefore, the theoretical research in this paper is novel.

Originality/value

Theoretical novelties: an ANN model based on the IPSO algorithm is designed to monitor the load-bearing performance of a static pressure turntable intelligently; this study show that the convergence accuracy and convergence speed of the IPSO-NN model have been improved by 52.55% and 10%, respectively, compared to traditional training models; and the proposed model could be used to solve the multidimensional nonlinear problem in the intelligent monitoring of hydrostatic turntables.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2024-0081/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2024

Mornay Roberts-Lombard, Charles Makanyeza, Olumide Jaiyeoba and Tendai Douglas Svotwa

This study uses relationship marketing theory to explore affective and calculative commitment as mediators in the delight–loyalty link. Furthermore, it investigates the role of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study uses relationship marketing theory to explore affective and calculative commitment as mediators in the delight–loyalty link. Furthermore, it investigates the role of perceived employee service delivery skills, perceived value and trust in the relationships between delight, affective commitment, calculative commitment and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive research approach was applied, and the data were collected from 332 retail banking customers in an emergent market who are overall satisfied with their bank. A self-administered questionnaire collected data from 332 respondents who adhered to the stipulated requirements to participate in the study. These respondents were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. The constructs’ interrelationships were analysed via structural equation modelling. The measurement and structural models were also assessed.

Findings

Affective and calculative commitment and delight impact loyalty. Both affective commitment and calculative commitment were found to mediate the relationship between delight and customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The study enhances an understanding of the role of affective and calculative commitment in strengthening the delight–loyalty link from a relationship marketing theory perspective.

Practical implications

The study provides guidance to the retail banking industry in emerging markets on the importance of affective and calculative commitment in strengthening the delight–loyalty link. It further informs retail banks of the need to provide banking customers with products and service value that exceed their expectations to strengthen their future commitment and loyalty to their bank.

Originality/value

Guided by relationship marketing theory, the role of affective and calculative commitment in mediating the delight–loyalty link in an emerging market context is uncovered.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Raphael Timothy Steffen, Michael Robert Tucker, Francesco Sillani, Denis Schütz and Markus Bambach

For additive manufacturing (AM) through laser-based powder bed fusion of polymers (PBF-LB/P), accurate characterization of powder flowability is vital for achieving high-quality…

Abstract

Purpose

For additive manufacturing (AM) through laser-based powder bed fusion of polymers (PBF-LB/P), accurate characterization of powder flowability is vital for achieving high-quality parts. However, accurately characterizing feedstock flowability presents challenges because of a lack of consensus on which tests to perform and the diverse forces and mechanisms involved. This study aims to undertake a thorough investigation into the flowability of eight feedstock materials for PBF-LB/P at different temperatures using various techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

For ambient temperature assessments, established metrics such as avalanche angle and Hausner ratio, along with the approximated flow function coefficient (FFCapp), are used. The study then focuses on the influence of elevated temperatures representative of in-process conditions. FFCapp and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are performed and analyzed, followed by a correlation analysis as a holistic approach to identify key aspects for flowability. Furthermore, two feedstock materials are compared with a previous study to connect the present findings to PBF-LB/P processing.

Findings

The study revealed intrinsic material properties such as mechanical softening near the melting point to become significant. This partially explains why certain powders with poor ambient temperature flowability are consistently demonstrated to produce high-quality parts. FFCapp and thermal characterization through DSC are identified as critical metrics for optimizing feedstock material characteristics across temperature ranges.

Originality/value

Previous studies emphasized specific characterizations of feedstock material at ambient temperature, presented a limited materials selection or focused on metrics such as shape factors. In contrast, this study addresses a partially understood aspect by examining the critical role of temperature in governing feedstock material flowability. It advocates for the inclusion of temperature variables in flowability analyses to closely resemble the PBF-LB/P process, which can be applied to material design, selection and process optimization.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 December 2023

Álvaro Saavedra, Raquel Chocarro, Mónica Cortiñas and Natalia Rubio

This paper aims to understand how the perceived usefulness of voice assistants (VAs) is affected by the perceived quality of the process (interaction) and the outcome…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how the perceived usefulness of voice assistants (VAs) is affected by the perceived quality of the process (interaction) and the outcome (information). The authors also aim to determine the extent to which the perceived usefulness of VAs improves the perceived privacy associated with their use and increases users’ intention to continue using them. Consumer technology innovativeness is included as a personal trait moderator, to compare the results between tech and nontech innovators. For this purpose, the authors use the framework of the uses and gratifications theory (U&GT).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 467 VA users was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The authors identify two main determinants of the perceived usefulness of VAs that influence users’ intention to continue using this technology, process quality and outcome quality. These two factors influence the continued use of VAs in different ways depending on the technology innovativeness of the consumers. The results show that tech innovators are oriented toward the interactive experience, and therefore, mainly value the process quality. In addition, nontech innovators are oriented toward a satisfactory response from VAs, and therefore, primarily value the outcome quality. In addition, the positive effect of perceived usefulness on perceived privacy is higher for tech innovators.

Originality/value

This study enhances the literature on the perceived usefulness of VAs within the framework of U&GT. It identifies two antecedents (process quality and outcome quality) of perceived usefulness and observes significant differences based on technological innovativeness.

Objetivo

Este artículo tiene como objetivo entender cómo la utilidad percibida de los Asistentes de Voz (AV) se ve afectada por la calidad percibida del proceso (interacción) y el resultado (información). Asimismo, busca determinar hasta qué punto la utilidad percibida de los AVs mejora la privacidad percibida asociada con su uso y, consecuentemente, la intención de los usuarios de seguir utilizándolos. La innovación tecnológica se incluye como moderador personal para comparar los resultados entre innovadores tecnológicos y no tecnológicos. Para este propósito, utilizamos la Teoría de Usos y Gratificaciones (U&GT).

Diseño

Se realizó una encuesta a 467 usuarios de AVs, y se utilizó la modelización de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) para analizar los datos.

Resultados

La calidad del proceso y la calidad del resultado son antecedentes claros de la utilidad percibida de los AVs, que afecta a la intención de los usuarios de seguir usándolos. La influencia de ambos factores difiere entre usuarios según su nivel de innovación tecnológica. Los resultados muestran que los innovadores tecnológicos valoran más la experiencia interactiva y la calidad del proceso, mientras que los no innovadores tecnológicos se enfocan en obtener respuestas satisfactorias de los AVs. Además, la influencia positiva de la utilidad percibida en la privacidad percibida es más pronunciada en los innovadores tecnológicos.

Originalidad

Este estudio enriquece la literatura sobre la utilidad percibida de los AVs dentro del marco de la U&GT. Identifica dos factores previos (calidad del proceso y calidad del resultado) de la utilidad percibida y observa diferencias significativas basadas en la innovación tecnológica.

目的

本文旨在了解语音助手(VAs)的感知有用性如何受到过程(交互)和结果(信息)的感知质量的影响。我们还旨在确定语音助手的感知有用性在多大程度上改善了与使用语音助手相关的感知隐私, 并提高了用户继续使用语音助手的意愿。我们将消费者的技术创新性作为个人特质调节因素, 以比较技术创新者和非技术创新者的结果。为此, 我们使用了 “使用与满足理论"(U&GT)框架。

设计/方法/途径

我们对 467 名增值服务用户进行了调查, 并使用结构方程模型(SEM)对数据进行了分析。

研究结果

我们确定了影响用户继续使用该技术意向的虚拟机构感知有用性的两个主要决定因素:(1)过程质量和(2)结果质量。根据消费者的技术创新能力, 这两个因素以不同的方式影响着虚拟现实技术的持续使用。结果显示, 技术创新者以互动体验为导向, 因此主要看重过程质量。此外, 非技术创新者倾向于从虚拟机构获得令人满意的回应, 因此主要看重结果质量。此外, 对于科技创新者来说, 感知有用性对感知隐私的积极影响更大。

价值

本研究在 U&GT 框架内加强了有关虚拟机构感知有用性的文献。它确定了感知有用性的两个前因(过程质量和结果质量), 并观察到了基于技术创新性的显著差异。

Article
Publication date: 26 February 2024

Vanessa Quintal, Abhinav Sood and Ian Phau

The paper aims to empirically test a framework to predict the desire and intention to engage with an elective health-care procedure and implement a methodology to test the…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to empirically test a framework to predict the desire and intention to engage with an elective health-care procedure and implement a methodology to test the anticipated positive and negative emotions in hedonic adaptation to an elective procedure.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies in USA and Australia (N = 1,200) confirmed the psychometric properties of the key constructs under the chemical peel condition. Two further studies in the USA and Australia (N = 1,100) explored the research question and hypotheses in the adapted model of goal-directed behaviour under the Botox condition. A survey was self-administered to online panels who had previously engaged in such elective procedures.

Findings

The findings highlighted the pragmatic implications for communication and activation strategies to safeguard consumer interests and retain their loyalty.

Originality/value

From the authors’ best understanding, neither a methodology nor a theoretical framework exists to explore hedonic adaptation to recurring engagement with elective health care. A methodology and theoretical framework will highlight the mood states and factors that predict desire and intention to engage. This can advance the research on hedonic adaptation and decision-making and offer pragmatic suggestions for communication and activation strategies to safeguard consumer interests and retain their loyalty.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2023

Nnedinma Umeokafor, Abimbola Windapo and Oluwole Alfred Olatunji

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of the characteristics of procurement strategies, in this instance labour-only, on project performance concerning health…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of the characteristics of procurement strategies, in this instance labour-only, on project performance concerning health and safety (H&S), a project performance indicator.

Design/methodology/approach

Using non-probability purposeful and snowballing sampling methods, questionnaires were used to collect data from construction professionals in Nigeria. This was then analysed using descriptive (frequency and mean scores) and inferential statistics (Mann–Whitney-U and Kendall's Tau_b tests).

Findings

The findings indicate a statistically significant negative correlation between ‘the level of client involvement and ‘fatalities' and a positive one with ‘conducting of health and safety risk assessment' and ‘conducting employee surveys on health and safety attitude’. Poor hygiene is found to be the worst lagging indicator, while conducting of inspection is the most adopted leading indicator of project health and safety performance. It also emerged that there is no significant difference in the health and safety performance of projects procured through the procurement strategy in urban and rural areas.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable insight into the complexities in H&S management due to the high level of client involvement in labour-only procurement system (LoPS) projects and the level of diversity in their responsibilities therein. It creates a fundamental direction for developing a detailed framework or guidance notes for client involvement in the integration of H&S into LoPS projects.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the influence of the characteristics of procurement strategy on project health and safety performance. Evidence in the literature shows that project delivery outcomes significantly improve if procurement is strategically used, including when it is considered early in projects. However, integrating H&S into procurement strategies has received little attention.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2024

Guadalupe Vila-Vázquez, Carmen Castro-Casal, Romina García-Chas and Dolores Álvarez-Pérez

The purpose of this study was to analyze, through a sequential model, the underlying mechanisms connecting transformational leadership with employee task performance…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze, through a sequential model, the underlying mechanisms connecting transformational leadership with employee task performance. Specifically, it examined the causal chain of transformational leadership-job characteristics (task variety and task significance)-job engagement-task performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 320 employees and their supervisors from Spanish young technology and knowledge-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using structural equations.

Findings

The results show that the effect of transformational leadership on task performance (assessed by supervisors) occurs sequentially via task significance and job engagement. Additionally, job engagement mediates the relationship between task variety and task performance.

Practical implications

Findings highlight the relevance for supervisors to employ a transformational leadership style that leads employees directly and indirectly, through task significance, to be more engaged and achieve higher task performance. They also emphasize the importance of proper job design that allows employees to be fully invested in their job performance.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of leadership and employee performance for the survival and growth of these firms, the study of these relationships is largely unexplored. This study proposes and tests a serial model in which supervisor transformational leadership is linked to employee task performance through two sequential mediators: job characteristics (task variety and task significance) and job engagement.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 45 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2024

Serhat Gülmüş, Sema Alaçam and Orkan Zeynel Güzelci

This study aims to conduct environmental comfort analyses of vernacular architecture to establish design principles for a more sustainable design domain. In the scope of this…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conduct environmental comfort analyses of vernacular architecture to establish design principles for a more sustainable design domain. In the scope of this research, 47 individual Harran earthen houses, comprising 32 different types and six typologies are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Environmental comfort is selected as an umbrella term for the analysis of thermal comfort, visual comfort, and natural ventilation performance criteria. The performance simulations are conducted utilizing ClimateStudio and SolidWorks software. These simulations yield values for thermal comfort, glare, daylight, solar radiation, airflow, and pressure, which are used to compare different Harran earthen house typologies.

Findings

The study’s results indicate that various environmental comfort standards are met by Harran earthen houses through passive systems, without the need for technology or mechanical equipment. In terms of thermal comfort, visual comfort, and natural ventilation performance criteria, a typology that has advantages in one criterion may have disadvantages in the others. Factors such as orientation, material selection, opening arrangement, and architectural form are found to have an impact on environmental comfort.

Originality/value

This study differs from previous Harran earthen house and environmental comfort studies by focusing on multiple performance criteria and conducting a typology-based comparison based on performance analysis. The results of the study are expected to provide valuable insights into the environmental comfort studies of Harran earthen houses, emphasizing their relevance and applicability in contemporary architectural and urban design.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Ruey Jer Bryan Jean, Daekwan Kim and John W. Cadogan

This study aims to develop and test a framework of the antecedents to and performance outcomes of exporters’ use of different services offered by Internet-based…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop and test a framework of the antecedents to and performance outcomes of exporters’ use of different services offered by Internet-based Business-to-Business (I-B2B) platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

We test the model based on a unique survey dataset of 350 Chinese exporters who subscribed to Alibaba.com, a major I-B2B platform.

Findings

Drawing on the signaling theory, export and I-B2B platform literature, we develop a typology of exporters’ use of services offered by I-B2B platforms. We find that the extent to which firms have cost efficiency advantages, adopt an export diversity strategy, operate under high levels of psychic distance and experience high levels of domestic regulatory uncertainty are all positively related to exporters’ use of I-B2B platform services. The use of those services is either positively or negatively related to export success depending on the services in question. The magnitudes of these performance relationships are contingent on the exporters’ transparency strategies.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the antecedents to and consequences of exporters’ use of the services offered by I-B2B platforms.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 November 2023

Bernice Skytt, Hans Högberg and Maria Engström

The Purpose of the study was to investigate the construct validity and internal consistency of the LaMI among staff in the context of elderly care in Sweden.

Abstract

Purpose

The Purpose of the study was to investigate the construct validity and internal consistency of the LaMI among staff in the context of elderly care in Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire data from a longitudinal study of staff working in elderly care were used. Data were collected using the Leadership and Management Inventory. First data collection was for explorative factor analysis (n = 1,149), and the second collection, one year later, was for confirmatory factor analysis (n = 1,061).

Findings

The explorative factor analysis resulted in a two-factor solution that explained 70.2% of the total variance. Different models were tested in the confirmatory factor analysis. The final model, a two-factor solution where three items were omitted, showed acceptable results.

Originality/value

The instrument measures both leadership and management performance and can be used to continually measure managers’ performances as perceived by staff to identify areas for development.

Details

Leadership in Health Services, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1879

Keywords

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