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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 August 2022

Veronica Ines Fernandez Orellano and Taís Cardoso Tellini

This study investigates the impact of political alignment on intergovernmental transfers to the Brazilian unified health system (SUS). The authors analyzed both automatic transfers

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of political alignment on intergovernmental transfers to the Brazilian unified health system (SUS). The authors analyzed both automatic transfers based on pre-established rules and discretionary transfers, using two criteria of political alignment between mayors and the central government.

Design/methodology/approach

For the empirical analysis the authors used regression-discontinuity design (RDD) and the outcomes of close elections between 2001 and 2017.

Findings

The results indicate positive and statistically significant effects of party alignment on the two transfer categories, especially discretionary transfers, but also on transfers based on pre-established rules. The effect of direct party alignment, when mayors and the president are from the same party, is greater than that resulting from coalitions established in municipal and federal elections.

Research limitations/implications

The positive effect of party alignment was found both in discretionary transfers (those that do not have previously established rules) and some non-discretionary transfers (although they have previously defined regulations). A part of these regulations depends on production capacity and on taking part in programs promoted by the central government, which may produce entropy in the financing system, and a margin to benefit political allies. In the case of the SUS system, it is possible that this entropy is greater in the basic health care category than in the moderate and high complexity one, allowing a higher margin for discretion in transfers allocated to the former. Stricter rules associated to basic health care transfers would be desirable.

Practical implications

In Brazil, stricter rules and monitoring associated to basic healthcare intergovernmental transfers would be desirable.

Social implications

The results may inspire some improvement in the mechanisms that govern the distribution of resources to basic healthcare in Brazil, improving social welfare by improving social justice in the distribution of resources to basic healthcare.

Originality/value

The authors does not know any other study about the impact of party alignment on the distribution of intergovernmental transfers to the Brazilian unified health system.

Details

EconomiA, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1517-7580

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2019

Fuzhou Du, Ke Wen and Hao Yu

Aiming at the problems of geometric precision misalignment and unconsidered physical constraints between large components during the measurement-assisted assembly, a self-adaptive…

Abstract

Purpose

Aiming at the problems of geometric precision misalignment and unconsidered physical constraints between large components during the measurement-assisted assembly, a self-adaptive alignment strategy based on the dynamic compliance center (DCC) is proposed in this paper, using force information to guide alignment compliantly.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the self-adaptive alignment process of large components is described, and its geometrical and mechanical characteristics are analyzed based on six-dimensional force/torque (F/T). The setting method of DCC is studied and the areas of DCC are given. Second, the self-adaptive alignment platform of large components driven by the measured six-dimensional F/T is constructed. Based on this platform, the key supporting technologies, including principle of self-adaptive alignment, coordinate transfer, calculation of six-dimensional F/T and alignment process control, are illustrated.

Findings

Using the presented strategy, the position and orientation of large component is adjusted adaptively responding to measured six-dimensional F/T and the changes of contact states are consistent with the strategy. Through the setting of DCC, alignment process runs smoothly without jamming.

Practical implications

This strategy is applied to the alignment experiment of large components muff coupling. The experimental results show that the proposed alignment strategy is correct and effective and meets the real-time requirement.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a novel way to apply force information in large component self-adaptive alignment, and the setting method of DCC was presented to make the alignment process more feasible.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2021

Brighton Tshuma, Herman Steyn and Cornelis Cristo van Waveren

This article describes advances in the study of knowledge transfer (KT) in project-based organizations (PBOs). Project management offices (PMOs) have both a moderation role and a…

Abstract

Purpose

This article describes advances in the study of knowledge transfer (KT) in project-based organizations (PBOs). Project management offices (PMOs) have both a moderation role and a mediation role to play in KT between projects. In order to improve KT between projects, this paper explores the mediation role of the PMO in the transfer of knowledge with different levels of articulability. The aim is to improve the usability of transferred knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method was used to investigate KT in five-divisional PMOs within a multinational engineering and project management PBO. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted and the results were analysed using ATLAS.Ti (a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software).

Findings

The findings show that it is the way in which the PMO structures knowledge management (KM) infrastructure and processes, which determines the success of its mediation role in the transfer of tacit and explicit knowledge between projects. The articulability of knowledge influences the PMO's mediation role and the PMO's mediation role in turn improves the usability of knowledge, thereby creating a conducive environment for a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study offers a framework to assist scholars and practitioners to understand the mediation role of the PMO in the transfer of knowledge with different levels of articulability within the projects environment. Such understanding can improve the usability of transferred knowledge, thereby creating a competitive edge for a PBO. The study shows that the PMO can be used as an instrument for KT between projects, a theme that was not found in literature. The paper thus offers new empirical information.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 August 2022

Juri Matinheikki, Katri Kauppi, Alistair Brandon–Jones and Erik M. van Raaij

Contemporary supply chain relationships inherently rely on delegation of work between organizations and, thus, are subject to agency problems for which a wide range of governance…

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Abstract

Purpose

Contemporary supply chain relationships inherently rely on delegation of work between organizations and, thus, are subject to agency problems for which a wide range of governance mechanisms exist. This review of agency theory (AT), across four distinct fields, explains the connection between governance mechanisms and supply chain relationship types.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a systematic literature review (SLR) of articles using AT in a supply chain context from the operations and supply chain management, general management, marketing, and economics fields.

Findings

The authors categorize the governance mechanisms identified to create a typology of agency relationships in supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

The developed typology provides parsimonious theory on different forms of supply chain agency relationships and takes a step towards a “supply chain-oriented agency theory” explaining and predicting relationship types and governance in supply chains. Furthermore, a future research agenda calls for more accurate measuring of agency costs, to examine residual gains alongside residual losses, to take a dual-sided perspective of agency relations and to adopt AT to examine more complex supply networks.

Practical implications

The review provides a menu of governance mechanisms and describes situations under which these mechanisms could be deployed to guide managers when developing their supply chain relationships.

Originality/value

The first review to combine and elaborate views from four major disciplines using AT as a lens to supply chain relationships. Expanding the traditional set of governance mechanisms provides academics and practitioners with a bigger “menu” of options to consider.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 42 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2022

Guangrun Sheng, Xixiang Liu, Zixuan Wang, Wenhao Pu, Xiaoqiang Wu and Xiaoshuang Ma

This paper aims to present a novel transfer alignment method based on combined double-time observations with velocity and attitude for ships’ poor maneuverability to address the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel transfer alignment method based on combined double-time observations with velocity and attitude for ships’ poor maneuverability to address the system errors introduced by flexural deformation and installing which are difficult to calibrate.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on velocity and attitude matching, redesigning and deducing Kalman filter model by combining double-time observation. By introducing the sampling of the previous update cycle of the strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS), current observation subtracts previous observation are used as measurements for transfer alignment filter, system error in measurement introduced by deformation and installing can be effectively removed.

Findings

The results of simulations and turntable tests show that when there is a system error, the proposed method can improve alignment accuracy, shorten the alignment process and not require any active maneuvers or additional sensor equipment.

Originality/value

Calibrating those deformations and installing errors during transfer alignment need special maneuvers along different axes, which is difficult to fulfill for ships’ poor maneuverability. Without additional sensor equipment and active maneuvers, the system errors in attitude measurement can be eliminated by the proposed algorithms, meanwhile improving the accuracy of the shipboard SINS transfer alignment.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2013

Rachelle Bosua and Krishna Venkitachalam

Knowledge management (KM) has become a key driver of organisational performance. The existing literature suggests that many organisations fail in their attempts to align their KM

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Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) has become a key driver of organisational performance. The existing literature suggests that many organisations fail in their attempts to align their KM strategies with knowledge processes within their organisation. Based on the management literature on alignment, there is a gap in the understanding of how an organisation's KM strategy and KM processes in workgroups can be aligned. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that alignment in terms of KM is important and underpins the improvement of KM processes in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study research approach was used to examine alignment between strategy and processes of knowledge in organisations. In total, three case organisations representing different industry sectors were chosen to examine how organisations align their KM strategies with workgroup knowledge processes.

Findings

This study proposes a Strategic‐Workgroup Alignment Framework that explains the key alignment enablers and different alignment approaches required to align KM strategy with workgroup KM processes in organisations.

Research limitations/implications

The authors acknowledge the limitations of this paper. Although the proposed framework provides valuable insights with respect to different alignment approaches, it does not specify how each alignment approach can be assessed in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. As part of the alignment approaches, this study's focus was between strategy and processes of knowledge: further research could bring to light new alignment options of knowledge and the associated implications.

Originality/value

This study illustrates that organisations can improve the management of knowledge through alignment between KM strategies and KM processes. Such an improvement is also possible in the absence of a KM strategy emphasis, where alignment would require a deeper examination of workgroup knowledge processes. This study also identifies specific alignment enablers to align KM strategy and KM processes.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2011

Wang Xinlong and Shen Liangliang

In order to accomplish real‐time alignment of Shipborne strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) on moving bases, a novel solution method of utilizing neural networks for rapid…

Abstract

Purpose

In order to accomplish real‐time alignment of Shipborne strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) on moving bases, a novel solution method of utilizing neural networks for rapid transfer alignment of Shipborne SINS was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The system error state equations and measurement equations of the Shipborne transfer alignment were established. Based on the nonlinear and time‐variant SINS model on moving bases, a neural network learning algorithm based on Kalman filtering was presented, and the methods of constructing and training of neural networks input‐output sample pairs suitable for Shipborne SINS were proposed.

Findings

Velocity and attitude errors between the master and slave inertial navigation system (INS) are chosen as network's inputs, and the information of sample pairs is affluent, which can advance the stability and generalization of the neural networks. The neural networks algorithms based on Kalman filtering not only have the self‐learning ability, but also remain recursive optimal estimation capability of Kalman filtering. Through the introducing of the local level trajectory frame, the trained neural networks can be independent on a ship heading, and only dependent on the relative position errors between master with slave INS and the inertial sensor errors.

Originality/value

This article presents an innovative solution method of utilizing neural networks for rapid transfer alignment of Shipborne SINS.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 August 2020

Maria Carmela Annosi, Lucia Marchegiani and Francesca Vicentini

The present study aims to describe the micro-dynamics of decision-making that refer to knowledge translation pursued by organizational actors to see how they affect the travel of…

Abstract

Purpose

The present study aims to describe the micro-dynamics of decision-making that refer to knowledge translation pursued by organizational actors to see how they affect the travel of new ideas within the managerial practice of Project Portfolio Management (PPM). The study focuses on how the alignment of actors' meanings is reached at the organizational level and how they move towards a common direction by synthesizing information and negotiating meanings across the activities that constitute PPM. The study also investigates the intermediation function of information support systems in knowledge translation, which brokers information among those involved in the PPM practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This piece of research uses an inductive, qualitative research approach and a methodological combination of case study research and grounded theory to investigate and explore the processes of knowledge transfer and translation enacted by the organizational actors (both human and non-human) involved in innovation portfolio decision-making.

Findings

The findings of this research reveal the sequence of portfolio decision-making process that confirms that PPM occurs not only in a single hierarchical level or meeting, but that decisions are made across different organizational levels in a complex network of relationships where many actors are involved. We also show that the technological artefacts have an intermediate role in knowledge translation.

Research limitations/implications

Despite referring to a single case study, the results discussed in this piece of research provides insightful evidence for academics and practitioners alike. In fact, the paper discusses organizational pre-alignment and alignment as a crucial enabler of knowledge transfer. Moreover, the intermediate role of an information support system is discussed.

Practical implications

Our study highlights the positive effect on actors' meaningful participation in PPM associated with the adoption of information support systems in PPM. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of considering a horizontal perspective in the decision-making process, so that knowledge translation occurs by leveraging on all the actors' breadth of experience and expertise.

Originality/value

This research emphasizes two organizational routines termed as decision- making preparation processes that were identified as key enablers of portfolio decision-making: cross-functional pre-alignment and an information support system.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 58 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2011

Werner Winiwarter

The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge acquisition bottleneck problem in natural language processing by introducing a new rule‐based approach for the automatic…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge acquisition bottleneck problem in natural language processing by introducing a new rule‐based approach for the automatic acquisition of linguistic knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has developed a new machine translation methodology that only requires a bilingual lexicon and a parallel corpus of surface sentences aligned at the sentence level to learn new transfer rules.

Findings

A first prototype of a web‐based Japanese‐English translation system called Japanese‐English translation using corpus‐based acquisition of transfer (JETCAT) has been implemented in SWI‐Prolog, and a Greasemonkey user script to analyze Japanese web pages and translate sentences via Ajax. In addition, linguistic information is displayed at the character, word, and sentence level to provide a useful tool for web‐based language learning. An important feature is customization; the user can simply correct translation results leading to an incremental update of the knowledge base.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the technical aspects and user interface issues of JETCAT. The author is planning to use JETCAT in a classroom setting to gather first experiences and will then evaluate a real‐world deployment; also work has started on extending JETCAT to include collaborative features.

Practical implications

The research has a high practical impact on academic language education. It also could have implications for the translation industry by superseding certain translation tasks and, on the other hand, adding value and quality to others.

Originality/value

The paper presents an extended version of the paper receiving the Emerald Web Information Systems Best Paper Award at iiWAS2010.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2021

Felipe Mendes Borini, Leandro Lima Santos, Muhammad Mustafa Raziq, Rafael Morais Pereira and Aldo José Brunhara

This paper underscores how organizational ambidexterity and organizational innovation play differentiated roles in the subsidiary reverse knowledge transfers (RKT). The authors…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper underscores how organizational ambidexterity and organizational innovation play differentiated roles in the subsidiary reverse knowledge transfers (RKT). The authors argue that both organizational ambidexterity and organizational innovation play a positive but differentiated role in the RKT process in that the former positively influences subsidiary knowledge creation, whereas the latter positively influences subsidiary knowledge transfers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 289 foreign subsidiaries operating in Brazil. Hypotheses were developed and tested by applying partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results supported the hypotheses and showed that organizational ambidexterity promotes knowledge creation, and that organizational innovation facilitates knowledge transfers.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers implications with regard to drivers of subsidiary investments and actions of subsidiary managers vis-à-vis the subsidiary objectives of knowledge creation and/or transfers.

Originality/value

Showing the different roles of organizational ambidexterity and organizational innovation, this paper reveals some underlying mechanisms of the RKT process and contributes by explaining the competitive heterogeneity of subsidiaries, with impacts on subsidiary management’s evolutionary and resource dependence perspective.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

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