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1 – 10 of 63
Article
Publication date: 20 June 2018

Mousa Huntul, Daniel Lesnic and Tomas Johansson

The purpose of this study is to provide an insight and to solve numerically the identification of an unknown coefficient of radiation/absorption/perfusion appearing in the heat…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an insight and to solve numerically the identification of an unknown coefficient of radiation/absorption/perfusion appearing in the heat equation from additional temperature measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the uniqueness of solution of the inverse coefficient problem is briefly discussed in a particular case. However, the problem is still ill-posed as small errors in the input data cause large errors in the output solution. For numerical discretization, the finite difference method combined with a regularized nonlinear minimization is performed using the MATLAB toolbox routine lsqnonlin.

Findings

Numerical results presented for three examples show the efficiency of the computational method and the accuracy and stability of the numerical solution even in the presence of noise in the input data.

Research limitations/implications

The mathematical formulation is restricted to identify coefficients which separate additively in unknown components dependent individually on time and space, and this may be considered as a research limitation. However, there is no research implication to overcome this, as the known input data are also limited to single measurements of temperature at a particular time and space location.

Practical implications

As noisy data are inverted, the study models real situations in which practical measurements are inherently contaminated with noise.

Social implications

The identification of the additive time- and space-dependent perfusion coefficient will be of great interest to the bio-heat transfer community and applications.

Originality/value

The current investigation advances previous studies which assumed that the coefficient multiplying the lower-order temperature term depends on time or space separately. The knowledge of this physical property coefficient is very important in biomedical engineering for understanding the heat transfer in biological tissues. The originality lies in the insight gained by performing for the first time numerical simulations of inversion to find the coefficient additively dependent on time and space in the heat equation from noisy measurements.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2009

B. Tomas Johansson

To propose and investigate a stable numerical procedure for the reconstruction of the velocity of a viscous incompressible fluid flow in linear hydrodynamics from knowledge of the…

Abstract

Purpose

To propose and investigate a stable numerical procedure for the reconstruction of the velocity of a viscous incompressible fluid flow in linear hydrodynamics from knowledge of the velocity and fluid stress force given on a part of the boundary of a bounded domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Earlier works have involved the similar problem but for stationary case (time‐independent fluid flow). Extending these ideas a procedure is proposed and investigated also for the time‐dependent case.

Findings

The paper finds a novel variation method for the Cauchy problem. It proves convergence and also proposes a new boundary element method.

Research limitations/implications

The fluid flow domain is limited to annular domains; this restriction can be removed undertaking analyses in appropriate weighted spaces to incorporate singularities that can occur on general bounded domains. Future work involves numerical investigations and also to consider Oseen type flow. A challenging problem is to consider non‐linear Navier‐Stokes equation.

Practical implications

Fluid flow problems where data are known only on a part of the boundary occur in a range of engineering situations such as colloidal suspension and swimming of microorganisms. For example, the solution domain can be the region between to spheres where only the outer sphere is accessible for measurements.

Originality/value

A novel variational method for the Cauchy problem is proposed which preserves the unsteady Stokes operator, convergence is proved and using recent for the fundamental solution for unsteady Stokes system, a new boundary element method for this system is also proposed.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 10 August 2016

Jean Boddewyn

This chapter complements the one that appeared as “History of the AIB Fellows: 1975–2008” in Volume 14 of this series (International Business Scholarship: AIB Fellows on the First…

Abstract

This chapter complements the one that appeared as “History of the AIB Fellows: 1975–2008” in Volume 14 of this series (International Business Scholarship: AIB Fellows on the First 50 Years and Beyond, Jean J. Boddewyn, Editor). It traces what happened under the deanship of Alan Rugman (2011–2014) who took many initiatives reported here while his death in July 2014 generated trenchant, funny, and loving comments from more than half of the AIB Fellows. The lives and contributions of many other major international business scholars who passed away from 2008 to 2014 are also evoked here: Endel Kolde, Lee Nehrt, Howard Perlmutter, Stefan Robock, John Ryans, Vern Terpstra, and Daniel Van Den Bulcke.

Details

Perspectives on Headquarters-subsidiary Relationships in the Contemporary MNC
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-370-2

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 September 2019

Peter E. Johansson, Helena Blackbright, Tomas Backström, Jennie Schaeffer and Stefan Cedergren

The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding regarding how managers attempt to make purposeful use of innovation management self-assessments (IMSA) and performance…

1309

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding regarding how managers attempt to make purposeful use of innovation management self-assessments (IMSA) and performance information (PI).

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretative perspective on purposeful use is used as an analytical framework, and the paper is based on empirical material from two research projects exploring the use of IMSA and PI in three case companies. Based on the empirical data, consisting of interviews and observations of workshops and project meetings, qualitative content analysis has been conducted.

Findings

The findings of this paper indicate that how managers achieve a purposeful use of PI is related to their approach toward how to use the specific PI at hand, and two basic approaches are analytically separated: a rule-based approach and a reflective approach. Consequently, whether or not the right thing is being measured also becomes a question of how the PI is actually being interpreted and used. Thus, the extensive focus on what to measure and how to measure it becomes edgeless unless equal attention is given to how managers are able to use the PI to make knowledgeable decisions regarding what actions to take to achieve the desired changes.

Practical implications

Given the results, it comes with a managerial responsibility to make sure that all managers who are supposed to be engaged in using the PI are given roles in the self-assessments that are aligned with the level of knowledge they possess, or can access.

Originality/value

How managers purposefully use PI is a key to understand the potential impact of self-assessments.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 36 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1992

Kajsa Ellegärd, Dan Jonsson, Tomas Engström, Mats I. Johansson, Lars Medbo and Bertil Johansson

Presents some theoretical principles and empirical evidencerelating to the new Swedish production systems for final assembly ofmotor vehicles. Contends that in these production…

Abstract

Presents some theoretical principles and empirical evidence relating to the new Swedish production systems for final assembly of motor vehicles. Contends that in these production systems it is possible simultaneously to enhance efficiency and quality of working life. Briefly sketches three production forms as they apply to the final assembly of automobiles and discusses the societal environments in which these different forms of production have evolved. Focuses on Volvo′s Swedish Uddevalla plant as one of the main examples so far of a reflective production system for final assembly of automobiles. Amplifies the analysis of different production flow patterns for final assembly and in particular addresses the issue of semi‐parallel mechanistic production flow and parallel organic production flow as alternatives to serial flow on a conventional line assembly.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 12 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2004

Rolf Johansson, Anders Robertsson, Klas Nilsson, Torgny Brogårdh, Per Cederberg, Magnus Olsson, Tomas Olsson and Gunnar Bolmsjö

Presents an approach to improved performance and flexibility in industrial robotics by means of sensor integration and feedback control in task‐level programming and task…

Abstract

Presents an approach to improved performance and flexibility in industrial robotics by means of sensor integration and feedback control in task‐level programming and task execution. Also presents feasibility studies in support of the ideas. Discusses some solutions to the problem using six degrees of freedom force control together with the ABB S4CPlus system as an illustrative example. Consider various problems in the design of an open sensor interface for industrial robotics and discusses possible solutions. Finally, presents experimental results from industrial force controlled grinding.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 May 2022

Tomas Backström and Rachael Tripney Berglund

The study objectives were to (1) identify if providing solution-focused interaction training enables managers and employees to develop and implement actions to improve their…

Abstract

Purpose

The study objectives were to (1) identify if providing solution-focused interaction training enables managers and employees to develop and implement actions to improve their psychosocial work environment and (2) test a recontextualization of the psychosocial work environment as social structures affecting members of the workplace and verify if social interactions effectively change the local psychosocial work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The intervention involved training managers, supervisors and employees in solution-focused interaction. This study used a controlled interrupted time-series design, with an intervention and control group (CG) and pre- and post-measurements.

Findings

The psychosocial work environment improved, indicating that the training led to better social interactions, contributing to changes in the social structures within the intervention group (IG). Collective reflection between participants in the take action phase was the key to success. The recontextualization uncovered these mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

The present study supports a recontextualization of the psychosocial work environment as primarily decided by social structures that emerge in recurrent interactions within work teams. The same social structures also seem to be important for other features of the production system, like job performance.

Practical implications

Training designed to enable high-quality social interactions, like dialogue and collective reflection, has proven to be effective in changing social structures. Moreover, managers may need training in facilitating the collective reflection between participants. Increased focus on social interactions within work teams is suggested for future study of organizational change processes, psychosocial work environment and practical psychosocial work environment management.

Originality/value

The intervention was delivered in the preparation phase to enable an effective take action phase. Both phases are less studied in psychosocial risk assessments research. The recontextualization has never been fully used in psychosocial research.

Book part
Publication date: 16 August 2014

Anne-Maria Holma

This study provides a comprehensive framework of adaptation in triadic business relationship settings in the service sector. The framework is based on the industrial network…

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive framework of adaptation in triadic business relationship settings in the service sector. The framework is based on the industrial network approach (see, e.g., Axelsson & Easton, 1992; Håkansson & Snehota, 1995a). The study describes how adaptations initiate, how they progress, and what the outcomes of these adaptations are. Furthermore, the framework takes into account how adaptations spread in triadic relationship settings. The empirical context is corporate travel management, which is a chain of activities where an industrial enterprise, and its preferred travel agency and service supplier partners combine their resources. The scientific philosophy, on which the knowledge creation is based, is realist ontology. Epistemologically, the study relies on constructionist processes and interpretation. Case studies with in-depth interviews are the main source of data.

Details

Deep Knowledge of B2B Relationships within and Across Borders
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-858-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1995

G. Tomas M. Hult and Bryan A. Lukas

The diversity of the health care sector makes it difficult to comeup with managerially useful generalizations concerning marketingpractice in health care organizations. Develops…

2158

Abstract

The diversity of the health care sector makes it difficult to come up with managerially useful generalizations concerning marketing practice in health care organizations. Develops specific categories of health care offerings and proposes a two‐by‐two matrix for classifying health care offerings based on customer participation and complexity of the health care offering. In each quadrant, offers strategic marketing insights into how the nature of the health care offering might affect the marketing task. Uses network theory as the guiding framework in constructing the health care classification schema.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1992

Tomas Engström and Lars Medbo

Reports results from research collaboration between university andindustry from the last six years (1985‐91) intensive work on thedevelopment of the radically new production…

Abstract

Reports results from research collaboration between university and industry from the last six years (1985‐91) intensive work on the development of the radically new production concepts in use today in Volvo Car Corporation′s Uddevalla plant. Important breakthroughs in knowledge have been realized, including a product description adapted to assembly, new material supply systems and layouts for final assembly. This product description allowed performance to be determined for alternative production concepts. It is also a basic precondition for maintaining a logic in how the material is displayed and assembly work described, and is therefore formalized, principally through material supply systems, information systems and final assembly layouts. Emphasizes that efficient long cycle assembly work and flexible manufacturing assume both completely new preconditions on the shopfloor and a new management form. Makes clear, however, that these pre‐conditions demand a basically untraditional way of reasoning.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 12 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

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