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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2004

Salvatore Nuccio and Ciro Spataro

This paper concerns with the measurement uncertainty estimation in the analog‐to‐digital conversion‐based instruments. By using an ad hoc developed software tool, the Monte Carlo…

465

Abstract

This paper concerns with the measurement uncertainty estimation in the analog‐to‐digital conversion‐based instruments. By using an ad hoc developed software tool, the Monte Carlo method is applied in order to assess the uncertainties associated with the measurement results, overcoming the possible inapplicability of the pure theoretical approach prescribed in the ISO – “Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement”. By implementing the software tool in the measurement instruments, the proposed approach can be utilized in order to make the instrument itself able to auto‐estimate the measurement uncertainties.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Ata Karbasi, Maryam Mahdikhani, Melanie Gerschberger and Sina Aghaie

This study applies organizational information processing theory (OIPT) to investigate managing production process variability in uncertain environments using information…

Abstract

Purpose

This study applies organizational information processing theory (OIPT) to investigate managing production process variability in uncertain environments using information technology (IT) capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct an empirical analysis using the three-stage least squares (3SLS) technique on 1,612 manufacturing firms over ten years.

Findings

The findings show that IT capability plays a dual role: it reduces the positive impact of environmental uncertainty on production process variability and mitigates the negative relationship between production process variability and operational performance.

Practical implications

Our findings suggest that managers should focus on reducing production process variability by strengthening their firms' IT capabilities. This is particularly crucial in volatile environments where external uncertainties can significantly impact operational processes.

Originality/value

Variability in the production process is a significant source of inefficiency and disruption within business processes. Using OIPT, our study contributes to the field by empirically analyzing the role of IT capabilities in reducing production process variability under environmental uncertainty.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2024

Dian Palupi Restuputri, Ilyas Masudin, Auraria Putri Septira, Kannan Govindan and Widayat Widayat

This study highlights the significance of knowledge management in the relationship between organizational ambidexterity and organizational performance within the context of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study highlights the significance of knowledge management in the relationship between organizational ambidexterity and organizational performance within the context of Indonesian SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative research approach, employing a survey questionnaire to collect data from a sample of SMEs operating in Indonesia. Structural Equation Modeling using Partial Least Square is used to investigate the relationship between variables.

Findings

The findings of this study show that in the context of small and medium enterprises, the variables of environmental and technological uncertainty are not driving factors in organizational ambidexterity. In contrast, market uncertainty has a significant effect on organizational ambidexterity. Moreover, it is also found that knowledge management does not support the variables of environmental, market, and technological uncertainty on organizational ambidexterity in small and medium enterprises. The results show that knowledge management plays a significant role in organizational ambidexterity. It also shows that knowledge management could support a significant way between organizational ambidexterity and organizational performance.

Originality/value

The findings of this study give insights for SMEs to attain a sustainable competitive edge in a dynamic business landscape by implementing efficient knowledge management techniques that bolster their ambidextrous capacities.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2024

Tapas Sudan and Rashi Taggar

This study presents the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU)-induced Trade Supply Chain Vulnerability (TSCV) on the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in India by…

Abstract

Purpose

This study presents the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU)-induced Trade Supply Chain Vulnerability (TSCV) on the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in India by leveraging the World Bank Enterprise Survey data for 2014 and 2022. Applying econometric techniques, it examines firm size’ influence on productivity and trade participation, providing insights for enhancing SME resilience and trade participation amid uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The econometric techniques focus on export participation, along with variables such as total exports, firm size, productivity, and capital intensity. It addresses crucial factors such as the direct import of intermediate goods and foreign ownership. Utilizing the Cobb-Douglas production function, the study estimates Total Factor Productivity, mitigating endogeneity and multicollinearity through a two-stage process. Besides, the study uses a case study of North Indian SMEs engaged in manufacturing activities and their adoption of mitigation strategies to combat unprecedented EPU.

Findings

Results reveal that EPU-induced TSCV reduces exports, impacting employment and firm size. Increased productivity, driven by technological adoption, correlates with improved export performance. The study highlights the negative impact of TSCV on trade participation, particularly for smaller Indian firms. Moreover, SMEs implement cost-based, supplier-based, and inventory-based strategies more than technology-based and risk-based strategies.

Practical implications

Policy recommendations include promoting increased imports and inward foreign direct investment to enhance small firms’ trade integration during economic uncertainty. Tailored support for smaller firms, considering their limited capacity, is crucial. Encouraging small firms to engage in international trade and adopting diverse SC mitigation strategies associated with policy uncertainty are vital considerations.

Originality/value

This study explores the impact of EPU-induced TSCV on Indian SMEs’ trade dynamics, offering nuanced insights for policymakers to enhance SME resilience amid uncertainty. The econometric analysis unveils patterns in export behavior, productivity, and factors influencing trade participation during economic uncertainty.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

J.E. Hardy and T.E. McKnight

Bench‐top wind tunnels are used extensively by the US Air Force for calibrating anemometers. As anemometers have improved, the need for reduced uncertainties in the bench‐top wind…

Abstract

Purpose

Bench‐top wind tunnels are used extensively by the US Air Force for calibrating anemometers. As anemometers have improved, the need for reduced uncertainties in the bench‐top wind tunnels was required. A three‐pronged approach was used to reduce low velocity uncertainties by a factor of 2‐3.Design/methodology/approach – The reduction in velocity uncertainties was achieved by upgrading the wind tunnel instrumentation that measured the pressure and differential pressure and by improving the velocity calibration of the bench‐top wind tunnel. A detailed uncertainty analysis was performed to determine how much the instrumentation needed to improve. A laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) was used to calibrate each wind tunnel at low velocities.Findings – The uncertainty analysis indicated that the main contributors to the velocity uncertainty were the differential pressure and the pressure measurements. These two process instruments were upgraded to reduce their individual uncertainties by a factor of 2. Additionally each bench‐top wind tunnel was calibrated using the LDV with special emphasis on flows from 0.15‐3.0 m/s. In all, nine wind tunnels were calibrated and the upgraded systems exhibited a reduction in uncertainties in the low flow region of a factor of 2‐3.Originality/value – A need to reduce velocity uncertainties in bench‐top wind tunnels was a requirement for the US Air Force calibration program. Upgraded instrumentation and individual calibration with an LDV provided the needed reduction. In the low flow region of 0.15 to 3.0 m/s, uncertainties were reduced by a factor of 2‐3.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2024

Ahmed Al Mubarak and Evangelos Giouvris

Our purpose is to explore how culture’s impact on investment is depending on uncertainty levels.

Abstract

Purpose

Our purpose is to explore how culture’s impact on investment is depending on uncertainty levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the interplay between national culture, uncertainty, and corporate investment decisions. Focusing on the uncertainty avoidance dimension (HUA) from Hofstede’s culture framework and utilizing the World Uncertainty Index (WUI) as a measure of uncertainty, this research explores how culture’s impact on investment is depending on uncertainty levels.

Findings

Our results reveal that high HUA countries lower long-term investment during periods of heightened uncertainty, particularly in riskier investments like R&D, rather than capital expenditure. This relation is more pronounced for smaller firms. The findings suggest that HUA is associated with less risk taking, primarily when uncertainty is high. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the interaction between HUA and uncertainty exerts more significant and consistent effects on corporate investment than other cultural dimensions, religion, and various formal institutions, contrary to prevailing literature.

Originality/value

This study looks at the relationship between national culture and corporate investment under ambiguity, and what are the implications for risk taking. If national culture is related to riskier investments, such as R&D, relative to safer investments, like capital expenditure this would imply that risk taking is explaining the relationship between national culture and corporate investment. This relation should be clear during uncertain times. This is the first study to include the moderating effects of the level of uncertainty on the relation between national culture and corporate investment (or financial decisions in general).

Details

Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

S.C.L. Koh, A. Gunasekaran and S.M. Saad

To present the application of a business model for holistic uncertainty management for twenty‐first century manufacturing enterprises.

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Abstract

Purpose

To present the application of a business model for holistic uncertainty management for twenty‐first century manufacturing enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is carried out to UK manufacturing enterprises to collect relevant data, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis and cluster analysis are performed to infer the results.

Findings

It can be concluded that different manufacturing environments suffer different effects of underlying causes of uncertainty on product tardy delivery. The product tardy delivery performance in make‐to‐order (MTO) manufacturing environment is found significantly affected by a wide range of underlying causes of uncertainty. It is interesting to find that mixed‐mode (MM) manufacturing environment has an opposite outcome. Correlation results provide significant evidence that underlying causes of uncertainty do not have linear association with product tardy delivery. This finding reinforces the proposition that the effects of uncertainty are difficult to quantify due to the compound effect. The cluster analyses of the business environmental factors of the manufacturing enterprises in MM, make‐to‐stock (MTS) and MTO environments found that size of enterprise, product variety, product complexity, number of parts, ratio of buy vs make parts, the use of rough‐cut capacity planning, and the use of buffering or dampening techniques in production, influence the effects of underlying causes of uncertainty on product tardy delivery.

Research limitations/implications

Only UK manufacturing enterprises are investigated. The results will be relevant to MTO, MM and MTS manufacturing environments.

Practical implications

The application of the business model has provided useful knowledge to MM, MTS and MTO manufacturing enterprises on which underlying causes of uncertainty are significantly affecting their product tardy delivery performance.

Originality/value

A holistic approach such as the business model has given a solid foundation for the enterprises to evaluate their performance. Using the knowledge of significant underlying causes of uncertainty, the enterprises could then prioritise the effort and devise suitable buffering or dampening techniques.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2009

Graham Walton

The purpose of this paper is to explore how uncertainty as a concept is being faced in many areas of work (including libraries). The use of scenario planning in managing this…

2636

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how uncertainty as a concept is being faced in many areas of work (including libraries). The use of scenario planning in managing this uncertainty is to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Reasons for the prominence of uncertainty are identified from the broad management literature. The impact uncertainty has on the organisation, and the individual and strategic direction is also discussed using the literature. This provides the context to establish how uncertainty, has historically been faced, by libraries. The same approach is applied when the application of scenario planning in managing uncertainty is established. Scenario planning is investigated at the wider level and then the focus moves to its relevance for libraries.

Findings

Uncertainty is a strategic concern for many organisations (both proffer and not for profit), which poses specific challenges for managers. It is caused by technological developments and changes in markets with other contributions from environmental, fiscal and political factors. Scenario planning is a proactive way to manage the impact of uncertainty. By using scenarios it is possible to identify key factors that will have serious implications in the future. Taking actions and informed decisions based upon the scenarios, future risks can be avoided and possible opportunities anticipated. Effective scenarios can be produced by going through an agreed group process.

Originality/value

The paper provides an examination of different aspects of uncertainty, its management through scenario planning and the relevance for libraries.

Details

Library Management, vol. 30 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2000

Wang Qing Yin, Ren Biao and Wang FengLi

We introduce the concepts of information, uncertainty information, systems and uncertainty systems, analyze the intension of these concepts, and point out the differences and…

5768

Abstract

We introduce the concepts of information, uncertainty information, systems and uncertainty systems, analyze the intension of these concepts, and point out the differences and connections among various concepts of systems. We put forward a mathematical method to research uncertainty systems and present a problem that can be solved with our method but cannot be solved with the interval analyzing method. Otherwise, from analyzing the purpose of introducing the concepts of information, uncertainty information, systems and uncertainty systems, we conclude that uncertainty information and uncertainty systems are among the most important subjects studied in scientific research, especially in applied research, both that being presently conducted and the abundance which is to come in the future.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 29 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Imen Ghadhab and Hamza Nizar

This paper investigates the effect of political uncertainty on the decision to cross-list in the United States (US).

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates the effect of political uncertainty on the decision to cross-list in the United States (US).

Design/methodology/approach

To reach our paper aim, we use a sample of 589 non-US firms cross-listed in the US for the period from 2000 to 2019. We perform logit regression and use several political uncertainty proxies, including US election presidential years, political voting margin and the political uncertainty index from Baker et al. (2002), as a continuous measure of general political condition (Francis et al., 2021).

Findings

We find the following results. Non-US firms are less likely to cross-list their shares when US political uncertainty is high. We also find that the decision to cross-list is driven by price informativeness as a channel that can explain the role of political uncertainty. Our results are robust to the endogeneity concern. In addition, we find that political administration (Democrats vs Republicans) significantly affects the decision to cross-list. More particularly, we show that firms are more likely to cross-list their shares in the US when Democrats win the elections. Moreover, we find that cross-listed firms exhibit lower valuation compared to their non-cross-listed peers when US political uncertainty is high.

Originality/value

Using a unified framework of non-US firms cross-listed in the US, this paper contributes to different strands of the literature. Our first main contribution adds to the literature on cross-listing by providing, in our knowledge, the first evidence regarding the relation between cross-listing and political uncertainty. We add to the existing literature by showing that US political uncertainty significantly determines the decision to cross-list and value creation for cross-listed firms. Whether and how managers alter their strategic decision behavior in such settings is less clear. Hence, our paper contributes to the literature by documenting how political uncertainty impacts cross-listing decision and shapes management guidance decisions. Second, this study joins a growing body of literature that examines the real impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on economic outcomes. We provide empirical evidence suggesting that cross-listed firms exhibit lower valuation during period of high political uncertainty due to decreased price informativeness.

Details

The Journal of Risk Finance, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1526-5943

Keywords

11 – 20 of over 109000