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1 – 10 of over 1000Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, Mohamed Ahmed Hafez Ahmed, Opeoluwa Akinradewo and Igbebo Omoh-Paul
The construction industry is unique but with uncertainties. This is because of the operating environment. This intricacy gives rise to several construction risks and is compounded…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry is unique but with uncertainties. This is because of the operating environment. This intricacy gives rise to several construction risks and is compounded in developing countries’ turbulent times. If not managed, these risks enhanced in turbulent times could negatively impact the Nigerian construction projects’ cost, time, quality, and performance. Hence, this study investigated the perceived encumbrances facing construction risk management techniques and identified measures to promote sustainable-based construction risk management in turbulent times.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers adopted a qualitative approach and achieved saturation with 28 participants. The participants were government policymakers, quantity surveyors in government ministries/agencies/departments, consultant engineers, consultant architects, consultant and contracting quantity surveyors, and construction contractors knowledgeable about construction risk management. The research employed a thematic analysis for the study’s data.
Findings
Findings identified turbulent times related to the industry and major techniques for managing construction project risks in the Nigerian construction industry. It revealed lax adoption and implementation of practices. Also, the study identified major encumbrances facing construction risk and proffered initiatives that would promote sustainable-based construction risk management in turbulent times.
Originality/value
This study investigates encumbrances and suggests measures to promote construction project risk management in turbulent times in Nigeria. Also, the study contributes to the literature’s paucity, uncovering perceived encumbrances and evolving organisations’ management styles to imbed sustainable-based risk management practices by qualitative research design method.
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Luca Sciacovelli, Aron Cannici, Donatella Passiatore and Paola Cinnella
The purpose of the paper is to analyse the performances of closures and compressibility corrections classically used in turbulence models when applied to highly-compressible…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to analyse the performances of closures and compressibility corrections classically used in turbulence models when applied to highly-compressible turbulent boundary layers (TBLs) over flat plates.
Design/methodology/approach
A direct numerical simulation (DNS) database of TBLs, covering a wide range of thermodynamic conditions, is presented and exploited to perform a priori analyses of classical and recent closures for turbulent models. The results are systematically compared to the “exact” terms computed from DNS.
Findings
The few compressibility corrections available in the literature are not found to capture DNS data much better than the uncorrected original models, especially at the highest Mach numbers. Turbulent mass and heat fluxes are shown not to follow the classical gradient diffusion model, which was shown instead to provide acceptable results for modelling the vibrational turbulent heat flux.
Originality/value
The main originality of the present paper resides in the DNS database on which the a priori tests are conducted. The database contains some high-enthalpy simulations at large Mach numbers, allowing to test the performances of the turbulence models in the presence of both chemical dissociation and vibrational relaxation processes.
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Qingyang Wang, Weifeng Wu, Ping Zhang, Chengqiang Guo and Yifan Yang
To guide the stable radius clearance choice of water-lubricated bearings for single screw compressors, this paper aims to analyze the effects of turbulence and cavitation on…
Abstract
Purpose
To guide the stable radius clearance choice of water-lubricated bearings for single screw compressors, this paper aims to analyze the effects of turbulence and cavitation on bearing performance under two conditions of specified external load and radius clearance.
Design/methodology/approach
A modified Reynolds equation considering turbulence and cavitation is adopted, based on the Jakobsson–Floberg–Olsson boundary condition, Ng–Pan model and turbulent factors. The equation is solved using the finite difference method and successive over-relaxation method to investigate the bearing performance.
Findings
The turbulent effect can increase the hydrodynamic pressure and cavitation. In addition, the turbulent effect can lead to an increase in the equilibrium radius clearance. The turbulent region exhibits a higher load capacity and cavitation rate. However, the increased cavitation negatively impacts the frictional coefficient and end flow rate. The impact of turbulence increases as the radius clearance decreases. As the rotating speed increases, the turbulence effect has a greater impact on the bearing characteristics.
Originality/value
The research can provide theoretical support for the design of water-lubricated journal bearings used in high-speed water-lubricated single screw compressors.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2024-0029/
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Shiang-Wuu Perng, Horng Wen Wu and De-An Huang
The purpose of this study is to advance turbulent thermal convection inside the constant heat-flux round tube inserted by multiple perforated twisted tapes.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to advance turbulent thermal convection inside the constant heat-flux round tube inserted by multiple perforated twisted tapes.
Design/methodology/approach
The novel design of this study is accomplished by inserting several twisted tapes and drilling some circular perforations near the tape edge (C1, C3, C5: solid tapes; C2, C4, C6: perforated tapes). The turbulence flow appearances and thermal convective features are examined for various Reynolds numbers (8,000–14,000) using the renormalization group (RNG)
Findings
The simulated outcomes reveal that inserting more perforated-twisted tapes into the heated round tube promotes turbulent thermal convection effectively. A swirling flow caused by the twisted tapes to produce the secondary flow jets between two reverse-spin tapes can combine with the main flow passing through the perforations at the outer edge to enhance the vortex flow. The primary factors are the quantity of twisted tapes and with/without perforations, as the perforation ratio remains at 2.5 in this numerical work. Weighing friction along the tube, C6 (four reverse-spin perforated-twisted tapes) brings the uppermost thermal-hydraulic performance of 1.23 under Re = 8,000.
Research limitations/implications
The constant thermo-hydraulic attributes of liquid water and the steady Newtonian fluid are research limitations for this simulated work.
Practical implications
The simulated outcomes will avail the inner-pipe design of a heat exchanger inserted by multiple perforated twisted tapes to enhance superior heat transfer.
Originality/value
These twisted tapes form tiny circular perforations along the tape edge to introduce the fluid flow through these bores and combine with the secondary flow induced between two reverse-spin tapes. This scheme enhances the swirling flow, turbulence intensity and fluid mixing to advance thermal convection since larger perforations cannot produce large jet velocity or the position of perforations is too far from the tape edge to generate a separated flow. Consequently, this work contributes a valuable cooling mechanism toward thermal engineering.
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Lili Wang, Ying’ao Liu, Jingdong Duan and Yunlong Bao
This study aims to enhance the lubrication performance of thrust bearings. The influence of columnar convex–concave compound microtexture on bearing performance is investigated
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to enhance the lubrication performance of thrust bearings. The influence of columnar convex–concave compound microtexture on bearing performance is investigated
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the compound microtexture model of thrust bearings, considering surface roughness and turbulent effect, the variation of lubrication characteristics with the change in the compound microtexture parameters is studied.
Findings
The results indicate that, compared with circular microtexture, the maximum pressure of compound microtexture of thrust bearings increases by 7.42%. Optimal bearing performance is achieved when the internal microtexture depth is 0.02 mm. Turbulent flow states and surface roughness lead to a reduction in the optimal depth. The maximum pressure and load-carrying capacity of the bearing decrease as the initial angle increases, whereas the friction coefficient increases with the increase in the initial angle. The lubrication performance is best for bearings with a circumferential parallel arrangement of microtexture.
Originality/value
The novel composite microtexture with columnar convex-concave is proposed, and the computational model of thrust bearings is set. The influence of surface roughness and turbulent flow on the bearing performance should be considered for better conforming with engineering practice. The effect of microtexture depth, arrangement method and distribution position on the lubrication performance of the compound microtexture thrust bearing is investigated, which is of great significance for improving tribology, thrust bearings and surface microtexture theory.
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Oswald A. J. Mascarenhas, Munish Thakur and Payal Kumar
This chapter addresses one of the most crucial areas for critical thinking: the morality of turbulent markets around the world. All of us are overwhelmed by such turbulent…
Abstract
Executive Summary
This chapter addresses one of the most crucial areas for critical thinking: the morality of turbulent markets around the world. All of us are overwhelmed by such turbulent markets. Following Nassim Nicholas Taleb (2004, 2010), we distinguish between nonscalable industries (ordinary professions where income grows linearly, piecemeal or by marginal jumps) and scalable industries (extraordinary risk-prone professions where income grows in a nonlinear fashion, and by exponential jumps and fractures). Nonscalable industries generate tame and predictable markets of goods and services, while scalable industries regularly explode into behemoth virulent markets where rewards are disproportionately large compared to effort, and they are the major causes of turbulent financial markets that rock our world causing ever-widening inequities and inequalities. Part I describes both scalable and nonscalable markets in sufficient detail, including propensity of scalable industries to randomness, and the turbulent markets they create. Part II seeks understanding of moral responsibility of turbulent markets and discusses who should appropriate moral responsibility for turbulent markets and under what conditions. Part III synthesizes various theories of necessary and sufficient conditions for accepting or assigning moral responsibility. We also analyze the necessary and sufficient conditions for attribution of moral responsibility such as rationality, intentionality, autonomy or freedom, causality, accountability, and avoidability of various actors as moral agents or as moral persons. By grouping these conditions, we then derive some useful models for assigning moral responsibility to various entities such as individual executives, corporations, or joint bodies. We discuss the challenges and limitations of such models.
Aboobucker Ilmudeen and Alaa A. Qaffas
Although information technology (IT) governance and IT capability have been extensively examined, the impact of IT governance mechanisms on IT-enabled dynamic capability (ITDC…
Abstract
Purpose
Although information technology (IT) governance and IT capability have been extensively examined, the impact of IT governance mechanisms on IT-enabled dynamic capability (ITDC) with moderators has received less attention. This study investigates how the impact of IT governance mechanisms on firm performance is achieved through an ITDC through the moderating role of IT governance decentralization and a turbulent environment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study extends from the traditional view of IT capabilities and integrates dynamic capability theory to propose that IT governance is vital for the ITDC. Path analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and moderation analysis were performed using partial least squares (Smart PLS 3.0) as the data analysis methods. This study empirically tests the proposed mediated moderation model by using data collected from 254 firms in China to test the hypotheses.
Findings
Significant and impactful relationships are found in the model that includes turbulent environment moderating effects. Contrary to expectations, IT governance decentralization is also significant but not very strong.
Research limitations/implications
This study’s findings have implications for investigating IT governance, IT-enabled capabilities and moderators. Accordingly, this study has implications for board and executive management to capitalize on dynamic IT capability, to keep pace with the challenges and turbulent conditions associated with business needs and for the productivity paradox in the context of Chinese firms.
Originality/value
This country-specific research study theoretically contributes to the IT governance, dynamic capabilities and turbulent environment in the information systems literature and proposes many practical guides to the board and executive management of companies in the Chinese context.
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Ranjan Chaudhuri, Balakrishna Grandhi, Demetris Vrontis and Sheshadri Chatterjee
The purpose of this study is to assess the significance of employee work flexibility and the policy of the organization for survival during any crisis. This study also…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the significance of employee work flexibility and the policy of the organization for survival during any crisis. This study also investigates the moderating role of leadership support (LS) during such turbulent conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has used literature from the fields of organization performance, human resources and organization policy (OP), along with the theories of resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capability view (DCV) to develop a conceptual model. Later, the conceptual model is validated using the structural equation modeling technique. The study used a survey method with a sample of 311 participants. These participants are employed as human resource managers (HRM) and other supportive workforce at different levels in the organizations.
Findings
The study shows that innovativeness and employee flexibility (EFL) are critical toward organizations’ survival during any crisis. Also, the study highlights the importance of OP and LS for the survival of organizations during and after any turbulent condition.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides valuable inputs to the leadership teams of organizations, especially HRM. This research also provides food for thought for policymakers and researchers in the field of organizational performance. This study also contributes to the overall body of literature on organization analysis and extends the literature on RBV and DCV.
Originality/value
The study adds value to the overall body of literature on organization performance and capabilities along with human resource management. Few studies have nurtured issues on EFL during turbulent conditions. Also, there are limited studies in the areas of OP such as favorable and unfavorable policies toward employees. Thus, this study can be considered unique. Moreover, the study investigates the moderating role of LS which adds value toward the body of literature on organizational leadership capability.
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The purpose of this study is to develop a model of a starting situation for relationship initiation in turbulent business networks.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a model of a starting situation for relationship initiation in turbulent business networks.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is designed as an extreme single case study that takes its point of departure in a company’s bankruptcy in the Swedish automotive industry.
Findings
This study illustrates how a new business relationship can start from a resource combination previously controlled by one actor (i.e. a single company) in a turbulent business network, thereby bringing nuances to the common understanding that new relationships start in stable business networks where resource combinations are developed between actors in established business relationships.
Originality/value
Previous studies have stated that the development of a mutual orientation between actors leads to the formation of a business relationship. The business relationship then leads to resource adaptations between the two companies. The developed model, however, illustrates that this pattern can be reversed in situations of turbulence. Hence, previously adapted resources might lead to the formations of a business relationship. Based on this observation, the authors argue that there are reasons to question if previous models of business relationship initiation and development in business networks are adequately equipped for analysis in turbulent business networks.
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Maria Elisavet Balta, Thanos Papadopoulos and Konstantina Spanaki
This paper aims to draw on the Dynamic Capabilities View to discuss how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) use digital technologies to develop digital capabilities that will…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to draw on the Dynamic Capabilities View to discuss how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) use digital technologies to develop digital capabilities that will enable them to change their current business model and trajectory, that is, to pivot-within turbulent environments, and subsequently to survive and grow.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected and analysed qualitative data from 26 SMEs in South-East England that have used digital technologies to pivot during the pandemic. The data was collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews. The authors analysed the data by creating first-order concepts, second-order themes, and aggregating dimensions.
Findings
The findings suggest that (1) digital technologies enable pivoting by facilitating the creation of the following digital capability types: “digital sensing”, “digital seizing” and “digital transforming”; (2) Each of these digital capability types is underpinned by micro-foundations (sub-capabilities) and shaped by the digital culture of the organisation. (3) these capabilities are triggered by the turbulent environment and the existing digital technologies, and are shaped by the digital culture.
Originality/value
The authors contribute to the literature of digital entrepreneurship as the authors illustrate (1) how the micro-foundations of digital capabilities, as facilitated by digital technologies, assist pivoting; and (2) the process from key activities during pivoting to second-order themes that represent micro-foundations to digital (dynamic) capabilities for pivoting in turbulent environments. The study highlights the importance of digital pivoting for businesses in the UK Southeast that have many aspirations for growth and innovation, whilst striving to address multiple challenges including digital divide and literacy, inflation and cost of living crisis, as well as supply chain issues.
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