Search results

1 – 10 of 54
Article
Publication date: 11 July 2016

Romana Berariu, Christian Fikar, Manfred Gronalt and Patrick Hirsch

The purpose of this paper is to present a system dynamics (SD) model that allows one to simulate resource deployment to fulfill increasing needs for commodities such as food and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a system dynamics (SD) model that allows one to simulate resource deployment to fulfill increasing needs for commodities such as food and other consumables during disaster situations. The focus is on managing a suddenly increased demand (hoarding behavior) of an affected population under restricted transport conditions. The model aims to support decision makers by fostering comprehension of the systemic behavior and interdependencies of those complex settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature review and case study analyses the SD model was established and implemented with STELLA 10.1.1.

Findings

The needs of relief units for response operations and supply of evacuees in the affected region result in conflicting needs under limited transport conditions during disaster situations. Therefore, uncertainties and dynamic parameters as, e.g., occurring delays, limited information, or delivery constraints and their influence on resource deployment under a sudden demand, have been identified and incorporated in this work. The authors found that an oscillating behavior within the system is possible to occur and is more intensified in case of regarding the additional needs of evacuees and relief units.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the high level of abstraction, it is not possible to incorporate all influencing variables in the SD model. Therefore, the authors focused on the most important ones with regard to the model objective.

Practical implications

To focus on awareness raising is of importance for decision makers in the context of disaster management. Furthermore, the authors found that the oscillating behavior is more irregular in case of assuming a higher increase rate of the water gauge than if a low increase rate is assumed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, none of the work already done refers to providing a flood-prone area with commodities under consideration of a sudden demand, by applying the SD approach. The presented model contributes on the generation of systemic insights of resource deployment under consideration of conflicting needs in times of a river flood to support decision makers in those situations.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1931

Manfred Christian

THE Argus aero‐engine “As 8” with its triple victory in the “Challenge de Tourisme International 1930,” gained an important triumph.

Abstract

THE Argus aero‐engine “As 8” with its triple victory in the “Challenge de Tourisme International 1930,” gained an important triumph.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1931

G.H. Handasyde

THE Cirrus‐Hermes Engineering Company's products derive a special interest from the fact that they were the first to be produced to meet the demand for the light type of…

Abstract

THE Cirrus‐Hermes Engineering Company's products derive a special interest from the fact that they were the first to be produced to meet the demand for the light type of aeroplane, and from 1924 to the present time the firm has concentrated entirely on the production of a 4‐cylinder air‐cooled engine which differs only in size and in detail improvements from the first model.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 3 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2012

Shuang Yu, Jun Miao, Hua Wang and Zhiyuan Qian

The purpose of this paper is to find the root cause of the current issue for a scan drive mechanism which is used to drive and to control the Microwave Radiometer Imager (MWRI…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the root cause of the current issue for a scan drive mechanism which is used to drive and to control the Microwave Radiometer Imager (MWRI) equipment of the FY‐3 meteorological satellite in China.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to find the root cause of the irregularly unstable motor current, some possible reasons for this anomaly, including satellite dynamic, telemetry, electronics and mechanism system, are investigated. The root cause is focused on the mechanism that is increasing friction caused by limitation rollers striking the rotating part from time to time, which has been verified by simulation and test.

Findings

Findings gained from the simulations and tests results were: for a rotational space mechanism with high velocity accuracy requirement, if the moment of inertial (MOI) of the load is quite large, the balance is the key factor to the equipment performance. Moreover, thermal gradient and temperature difference are also important factors, especially to the space mechanism with large dimensions. Even a very small thermal deformation can lead to quite a number of unexpected results.

Practical implications

The better performance of the next optimized MWRI equipment in orbit showed that the performed measures are very effective and useful. The experience gained in settling this issue can be used for the design of a space scanning mechanism with high rotating speed and high accuracy.

Originality/value

The paper is an original work for the authors. The issue has not been found in the related literatures. It is based on research work on an engineering problem of unstable current issue, which is significant to the MWRI payload of the FY‐3 satellite.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 84 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Ayhan Aydogdu, Serhat Burmaoglu, Ozcan Saritas and Serhat Cakir

Technologies are constantly developed to address new demands and provide further opportunities. Owing to a number of potential application areas of nanotechnologies within this…

Abstract

Purpose

Technologies are constantly developed to address new demands and provide further opportunities. Owing to a number of potential application areas of nanotechnologies within this sector, the purpose of this study is to take defense as a case and propose a strategic roadmap for the use of nanotechnologies in the Turkish Defense Industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presented in this paper uses a bibliometric analysis of the most cited publications in the past decade with the aim of identifying the trends in the development of nanotechnology. Interviews were carried out with experts based on the featured words of bibliometric analysis (nanoparticles, nanostructure, self-assembly, drug delivery, graphene, etc.) to reveal the commercialization time of nanotechnology products and applications. After that, a survey was carried out with engineers for determining the possible emergence time of nanotechnology applications and/or products used in military up to year 2035. Finally, a roadmap was created based on the obtained data from bibliometric analysis, interviews and survey results.

Findings

Nanotechnology roadmap was prepared, one which would contribute to the preparation of the defense industry for the future and help in keeping up with technological developments.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. Interviews and surveys have limitation with the bounded rationality of corresponders.

Practical implications

The paper proposed a nanotechnology roadmap for the defense sector with a data-led foresight practice.

Originality/value

Performing such a study is considered to be crucial for the armies of developed and developing countries, so that the military sector also avails benefits from this revolutionary technology. Quantitative and qualitative methods were mixed for developing the roadmap.

Details

foresight, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 August 2021

Jan G. Langhof and Stefan Gueldenberg

The article aims at examining the ethical limits and risks of servant leadership. During the Second World War, the German army officer Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg is a loyal…

Abstract

Purpose

The article aims at examining the ethical limits and risks of servant leadership. During the Second World War, the German army officer Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg is a loyal servant to his nation and homeland. But when he learns about the Nazis’ mass murders and crimes, he begins to have doubts about whom he should serve. Being confronted with numerous moral dilemmas, he finally decides to join a resistance group. Of course, Stauffenberg's situation as colonel and leader was an extreme case. Time and again, however, managers and leaders are faced with similar dilemmas. Indeed, the current COVID-19-crisis shows that even today’s leaders are repeatedly faced with almost insoluble dilemmas. The recent literature about ethics and leadership suggests a philosophy which is almost portrayed as a panacea to any ethical issues: servant leadership (SL). This study, however, questions the commonly held view that SL is always ethical. The purpose of our historical case study is twofold. First, this study explores the ethical challenges Stauffenberg (and other officers) faced and how they dealt with them. Second, this study elaborates on what responses (if any) SL would provide to these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The applied method is a historical case study, in which the authors draw on a plethora of secondary literature, including books, reports, and articles.

Findings

By analyzing the historical case of “Operation Valkyrie,” this study elaborated and identified risks and limitations of SL and pointed out ways to address these risks. In particular, SL poses risks in the case of a too narrow understanding of the term “service.”

Originality/value

While other leadership styles, e.g. transformational leadership or charismatic leadership, have been extensively studied with regard to ethical risks, in the case of SL possible risks and limitations are still largely unexplored.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2005

Hermann Frank, Christian Korunka, Manfred Lueger and Josef Mugler

Entrepreneurship is defined as a “life skill”, and the European Union (EU) has recently called on member states to promote the development of entrepreneurial attitudes from…

2519

Abstract

Purpose

Entrepreneurship is defined as a “life skill”, and the European Union (EU) has recently called on member states to promote the development of entrepreneurial attitudes from primary school right through to university level. The paper aims to investigate which factors influence entrepreneurial thinking and attitudes towards entrepreneurship in vocational and general secondary education in Austria.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the configuration approach. This approach was adapted as a conceptual model for the origins of entrepreneurial orientation and start‐up inclinations among school pupils. The model consists of four dimensions: person, education context, education process, and environment. A total of 900 Austrian pupils at secondary‐level schools were surveyed with a standardized questionnaire.

Findings

The results show that entrepreneurial orientation as well as inclinations to start up a new business can indeed be influenced considerably, with potential targeted influences at the personality level, in the education process, and in the pupil's immediate and general environment. It is easier to influence entrepreneurial orientation than start‐up inclinations.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the heterogeneous school systems in Europe it may be difficult to transfer findings from one country to another. Much more research is needed for identifying country‐specific factors of influence.

Practical implications

The results provide evidence that the potential for developing entrepreneurial orientation and promoting the abilities needed for a free and self‐determined career has not been exhausted by any means.

Originality/value

The study shows that the education process can have a considerable influence on entrepreneurial orientation, and that the EU's call for the promotion of entrepreneurial spirit can be fulfilled in the sphere of education.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2004

Manfred Weiss

Looks at the unique way Germany’s trade unions work, by the use of workers’ participation with elected representatives, which uses works councils in conjunction with management…

Abstract

Looks at the unique way Germany’s trade unions work, by the use of workers’ participation with elected representatives, which uses works councils in conjunction with management. Briefly sketches the structure and function of these very different and apposite ends of the spectrum.

Details

Managerial Law, vol. 46 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0558

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Romana Berariu, Christian Fikar, Manfred Gronalt and Patrick Hirsch

– The purpose of this paper is to present a training model for decision makers that covers the complexity which is inherent in decision-making processes in times of floods.

1285

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a training model for decision makers that covers the complexity which is inherent in decision-making processes in times of floods.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature review, case study analysis and iterative interviews with decision-makers, the model was established. It enables one to simulate different scenarios depending on selected influencing factors and was implemented with Stella 9.1.

Findings

Flood events are highly complex and their development process is significantly influenced by various conditions. The findings show that the most important factor is the water level which determines the time available to respond. The presented System Dynamics (SD) model has the capability to capture such complex settings. Through what-if analysis and the comparison of different scenarios, learning effects are achieved by using the model.

Research limitations/implications

The level of abstraction is high. Not all influencing variables can be incorporated due to the variety of flood events. Based on experts’ recommendations, the most relevant factors were included as areas of focus in the model.

Practical implications

The generated model is presented to facilitate holistic comprehension of the modelling process. It offers the possibility to start learning processes through scenario analyses in order to strengthen decision-makers’ understanding of complexity.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, there are no comparable studies that focus on the generation process of building an SD-model for educational purposes in flood response.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2013

Tim Giesen, Erwin Bürk, Christian Fischmann, Wolfgang Gauchel, Manfred Zindl and Alexander Verl

The purpose of this paper is to provide a technical review of a new Bernoulli gripper development using computed fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, and also to outline an appropriate…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a technical review of a new Bernoulli gripper development using computed fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, and also to outline an appropriate independent testing method for validating and evaluating process capability in terms of automated thin wafer handling. The investigation has been carried out by a collaborative way of Festo and Fraunhofer IPA as a connecting link between applied research and industrial needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, the paper first describes the basic development and fundamental principles of a gripper based on Bernoulli's law. The gripper was dimensioned and designed with the aid of CFD methods. The performance of the hardware was tested using extreme parameter settings while gripping thin, fragile workpieces. The performance of the gripper was tested from the aspects of shortest cycle times, positioning accuracy and air consumption and followed a manufacturer-independent design of experiments. A characterization of the gripping force generated during horizontal and vertical tension tests provides conclusive closed loop validation with regard to the gripper's air flow in the initial CFD model.

Findings

Photovoltaic (PV) grippers are challenging components since the handling objects, 200-120 μm thin crystalline silicon wafers with an area of 156×156 mm, are one of the most fragile parts as far as required handling speeds and cycle times are concerned.

Originality/value

The paper provides a detailed technical review of a CFD application used in the development of a Bernoulli gripper and also describes a method for testing and evaluating PV grippers for industrial scale applications. The article presents the results of a close cooperation regarding an industrial development (Festo AG & Co. KG) and independent applied research (Fraunhofer IPA) for advanced product benchmarking and validation in a relatively young but dynamic and increasingly-automated PV industry.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

1 – 10 of 54