Collaboratives to improve industrial maintenance contract relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 545-562
Author(s):  
Arjan De Jong ◽  
Klaas Smit
Keyword(s):  
Research Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Technical System ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Performance Contracts ◽  
Contract Type ◽  
Industrial Maintenance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how collaborative contracts can improve industrial maintenance contract relationships. Design/methodology/approach The research compares performance contracts with collaborative contracts, a new contract type whereby the contract parties align their objectives. The study uses game theory and describes the contract types as mechanism designs to compare the contract types. The mechanisms are validated with case studies. The utility of the contract types is verified with Monte Carlo simulations using expert opinions. Findings The research demonstrates that, under certain conditions, collaborative contracts result in a higher utility than performance contracts for all contract parties. Practical implications The use of collaborative contracts between an operator of a technical system and a maintenance organisation reduces maintenance costs and improves the availability of the technical system, increasing the utility for all contract parties. Originality/value The collaborative contract is a new contract type for maintenance services and the research method provides a new approach to optimise industrial maintenance contract relationships.

Development of insect repellent finish by a simple coacervation microencapsulation technique

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachna Sharma ◽  
Alka Goel
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Insect Repellent ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Eucalyptus Oil ◽  
Gum Acacia ◽  
Major Benefit ◽  
Natural Insecticide ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The paper focused onto the development of microcapsules by using two essential oils. It proposes the uses of eucalyptus oil and cedarwood oil as a natural insecticide. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of developed microcapsules to impart insect repellency on textile substrate. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an experimental study using two essential oils and gum in formations of microcapsules through a simple coaseravtion encapsulation technique. The developed solution was analyzed, including confirmation of size and structure through. Application of developed finish on substrate was also undertaken to prove better ability as repellent fabric. Findings The paper highlights useful invention of microencapsulated fabric developed with the combination of gum acacia and eucalyptus oil as core and shell material. The developed fabric has better ability to repel silverfish as compared to microencapsulated fabric developed with gum acacia (shell) and cedarwood oil (core). Research limitations/implications Due to the lack of time and less availability of essential oils, only two oils were used to test the insect repellent behavior. Practical implications This paper fulfills an identified need, it includes implications for the development of a very useful natural insecticide to repel silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) insect. This insect is a very common problem found in cloth wardrobes and bookshelves; it mainly attacks the fabric with cellulosic content and starch. Social implications Society will get major benefit of using these microencapsulated finished fabrics, which repel silverfish from their home and keep their clothing and books safe for longer period. The natural fragrance and medicinal benefits of these essential oils can never be ignored. Originality/value This study sets a new approach to repel insects like silverfish from the bookshelves and clothing wardrobes. A layer of insect repellent microencapsulated finished fabric can be added in these shelves and wardrobes. It is an eco-friendly approach of using natural essential oils instead of chemical insecticides.

scholarly journals Impacts and challenges of Southern African Development Community’s industrialization agenda on Botswana and Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kezia H. Mkwizu ◽  
Gladness L. Monametsi
Keyword(s):  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Documents ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
African Development ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Conference Papers ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the impacts and challenges of the Southern African Development Community’s industrialization agenda on the industrialization of two Sub-Saharan African states, Botswana and Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts the documentary research method by carefully analyzing relevant policy documents, conference papers, reports, and journals.FindingsWhile there is an impact on policy provisions targeted towards industrialization, there are challenges such as poor policy implementation that, if not addressed, could dampen efforts by policymakers in achieving the goal of industrializing the countries.Practical implicationsGovernments should ensure equal synergy relations amongst institutions tasked with implementation. Increase investment in research and development (R&D) and human capital as drivers of innovation are needed for industrialization.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the discourse on industrialization. It also highlights challenges faced by countries whose policies have had minimal impact on industrialization.

scholarly journals Putting resilient sustainability into strategy decisions – case studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (7) ◽  
pp. 1598-1612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Winnard ◽  
Jacquetta Lee ◽  
David Skipp
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Real World ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Companies ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Strategic Decision Support ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the results of testing a new approach to strategic sustainability and resilience – Sustainable Resilient Strategic Decision-Support (SuReSDS™). Design/methodology/approach The approach was developed and tested using action-research case studies at industrial companies. It successfully allowed the participants to capture different types of value affected by their choices, optimise each strategy’s resilience against different future scenarios and compare the results to find a “best” option. Findings SuReSDS™ enabled a novel integration of environmental and social sustainability into strategy by considering significant risks or opportunities for an enhanced group of stakeholders. It assisted users to identify and manage risks from different kinds of sustainability-related uncertainty by applying resilience techniques. Users incorporated insights into real-world strategies. Research limitations/implications Since the case studies and test organisations are limited in number, generalisation from the results is difficult and requires further research. Practical implications The approach enables companies to utilise in-house and external experts more effectively to develop sustainable and resilient strategies. Originality/value The research described develops theories linking sustainability and resilience for organisations, particularly for strategy, to provide a new consistent, rigorous and flexible approach for applying these theories. The approach has been tested successfully and benefited real-world strategy decisions.

Design and analysis of a climbing robot for pylon maintenance

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-219
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Lu ◽  
Shiping Zhao ◽  
Xiaoyu Liu ◽  
Yishu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Adhesion Force ◽  
External Surface ◽  
Climbing Robot ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rotary Joint ◽  
Inspection And Maintenance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of “Pylon-Climber II”, a 5-DOF biped climbing robot (degree of freedom – DOF) for moving on the external surface of a tower and assisting the electricians to complete some maintenance tasks. Design/methodology/approach The paper introduces a pole-climbing robot, which consists of a 5-DOF mechanical arm and two novel grippers. The gripper is composed of a two-finger clamping module and a retractable L-shaped hook module. The robot is symmetrical in structure, and the rotary joint for connecting two arms is driven by a linear drive mechanism. Findings The developed prototype proved a new approach for the inspection and maintenance of the electricity pylon. The gripper can reliably grasp the angle bars with different specifications by using combined movement of the two-finger clamping module and the retractable L-shaped hook module and provide sufficient adhesion force for the Pylon-Climber II. Practical implications The clamping experiments of the gripper and the climbing experiments of the robot were carried out on a test tower composed of some angle bars with different specification. Originality/value This paper includes the design and development of a 5-DOF biped climbing robot for electricity pylon maintenance. The climbing robot can move on the external surface of the electric power tower through grasping the angle bar alternatively. The gripper that is composed of a two-finger gripping module and a retractable L-shaped hook module is very compact and can provide reliable adhesion force for the climbing robot.

Closing the delivery gap

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-336
Author(s):  
Kevin Peter Fiori ◽  
Jennifer Schechter ◽  
Sesso Christophe Gbeleou ◽  
Sandra Braganza ◽  
Joseph Rhatigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continuous Quality ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Comprehensive Mapping ◽  
Hiv Aids

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the authors’ experience operationalizing the care delivery value chain (CDVC) as a management and continuous quality improvement (QI) approach to strengthen HIV/AIDS services provided in Northern Togo through addressing gaps across a care continuum. Design/methodology/approach The authors led a series of discussions to develop a CDVC specific to existing HIV/AIDS services in Northern Togo. Using the CDVC framework, 28 specific gaps in service delivery were identified and integrated into a strategic QI plan. Findings At 12 months, 92 percent of delivery gaps had demonstrated improvement. The CDVC framework proved to be valuable in the following ways. First, it facilitated the first comprehensive mapping of HIV/AIDS services in the Kara region of Togo. Second, it enabled the identification of gaps or insufficiencies in the currently available services across the full continuum of care. Third, it catalyzed the creation of a strategic QI plan based on identified gaps. Research limitations/implications This case description is the authors’ experience in one setting and should not be considered comparative in nature. Furthermore, the approach described may not be applicable to all initiatives and/or organizations. As described, the lack of sophisticated and comprehensive data collection systems limited the authors’ ability to collect reliable data on some of the QI initiatives planned. Practical implications The operationalization of the CDVC framework is an effective approach to drive continuous QI. Originality/value Through the operationalization of the CDVC, the authors developed a new approach for assessing existing services, identifying gaps in service delivery and directing continuous QI initiatives in a strategic manner.

Reflections on civil culpability and accountability in the destabilization of financial institutions

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-336
Author(s):  
Mario Serio
Keyword(s):  
Financial Markets ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Private Law ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to try and trace a new itinerary in the matter of the destabilization of financial institutions, i.e. the identification of a catalogue of measures that private law can offer in order to make sure that all unlawful initiatives resulting in the loss of credibility of financial markets and prejudice to the public at large do not escape the imposition of all possible liabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe matter here applied consists of the recourse to a number of experiences deriving from European legal systems that have tackled the phenomenon of unlawful attacks on the integrity of the financial markets through individual or organized acts. This comparative approach also benefits from the scrutiny of both legislation and judicial decisions: the latter are also looked at from the perspective of legal authors.FindingsThe most striking result of the research is that the instruments provided for by the private law remedies seem to be very efficient in the contrast of unlawful practices adversely affecting financial markets: the new spirit emerging from this survey is that it is imperative to set aside all contracts and agreements aimed at creating illicit ways to make profits and hide their origins.Practical implicationsThe practical implication should be to encourage all institutions with the task of checking the good functioning of financial markets to avail themselves of the tools here described to stabilize markets and deprive illegal contracts of their ill effects: it would be most desirable if such an approach were to be taken.Originality/valueThe novelty lies in the new approach described above (practical implications).

Menu engineering and activity-based costing

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 1417-1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossano Linassi ◽  
Anete Alberton ◽  
Sidnei Vieira Marinho
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Operating Costs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Based Costing ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Menu Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Abc Methods

Purpose This paper aims to examine whether using menu engineering (ME) together with activity-based costing (ABC) for menu analysis provides new insights into true menu profitability. The traditional ME approach only uses food costs to determine the contribution margin (CM) of individual menu items. This combined approach uses both food and traceable operating costs to estimate CMs more accurately. Design/methodology/approach An improved ME model was developed and tested in an oriental restaurant in Brazil. Direct observation of restaurant activities allowed most costs to be traced (not simply allocated) to individual menu items. Findings The results revealed small differences in the rankings between the traditional approach and ABC/ME, demonstrating that the integration of ABC with ME made it to possible to identify increased food-costs and lower CMs for all groups of menu items. The results also show that ABC methods are applicable to an oriental-style restaurant. Research limitations/implications Just one restaurant and only 80 per cent of the menu were examined in this study. Future research should apply the model used here to other restaurant types located in different geographical areas to validate the approach. Practical implications The results suggest that ME can be improved upon by first assessing variable costs using ABC methods. Originality/value This paper combines two different analytic techniques (ME and ABC) into a new approach that reveals the true picture of profit and loss for a menu from a restaurant in Brazil.

B2B engagement within an internet of things ecosystem

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadia Soltani
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dominant Logic ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to investigate business-to-business (B2B) engagement within an internet of things (IoT) ecosystem. A conceptual framework is proposed that can be used for building engagement strategies considering key actors within an IoT ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach The study used an integrative literature review as a research method and investigated engagement across several disciplines along with antecedents and outcomes of engagement to form an understanding of IoT engagement. Findings The findings in this study revealed IoT engagement antecedents as IoT readiness, commitment, communication, involvement and support and, consequently, the outcomes of IoT engagement as trust, loyalty, better performance and satisfaction. Furthermore, IoT engagement needs to be considered from three perspectives, namely, from a multidimensional perspective, beyond a dyad perspective and from the service-dominant logic perspective, which suggests thinking of goods as services and highlights the importance of value co-creation. Research limitations/implications As the study of B2B engagement within the IoT ecosystem is conceptual, empirical investigations are suggested for elaborating on the findings. Practical implications The conceptual framework provides managers within an IoT ecosystem with thorough recommendations on why to change their perspectives toward engagement; it points out drivers of engagement that need to be maintained and adds IoT readiness as a new antecedent to engagement literature. Originality/value This study contributes a coherent conceptualization of actors’ engagement within IoT ecosystems and enhances both the theoretical and practical domain of B2B engagement.

Modeling the enablers of sourcing risks faced by startups in COVID-19 era

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aswathy Sreenivasan ◽  
M. Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Other ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modeling ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Formidable Challenge ◽  
Supplier Risk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Startups across all sectors are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are facing a formidable challenge in terms of marketing and operations. Most of the startups have experienced a downturn in demand and supply due to COVID-19 led disturbances in sourcing networks. This paper aims to identify, analyze and categorize the significant risks influencing sourcing operations in startups during the COVID-19 era in India, using the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) approach. Design/methodology/approach Eight enablers were identified through literature review and expert opinions from various startups in India. This study adopted the TISM approach to analyze the inter-relationships between the enablers. Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) analysis was used to rank the sourcing risk enablers and classify them as autonomous, independent, linkage and dependent enablers. Findings The results indicate “insufficient fund” as the most critical enabler. Network issues and employee flexibility risk were among the other critical enablers that have a high driving power. Supplier risk, quality risk and demand risk were found to have highly dependent on other enablers for implementation. Research limitations/implications This study mainly focuses on the sourcing risks in startup operations in India. This study can be extended to many other countries. Practical implications This study will help startup industry managers and practitioners understand the interactions of enablers and identify critical enablers to mitigate risks in startup sourcing operations in the COVID-19 era. Originality/value The present study identifies the sourcing risk enablers in the COVID-19 era. It is the first attempt to analyze the interrelationship among sourcing risks in startups using the TISM approach.

Client importance, bank risk, and systemic risk

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-544
Author(s):  
Li Li ◽  
Mary Ma ◽  
Victor Song
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Risk ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Banking Industry ◽  
Bank Risk ◽  
Crash Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Crisis Period ◽  
Distress Risk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of audit client importance on future bank risk and systemic risk in US-listed commercial banks. Design/methodology/approach The authors use archival research method. Findings The authors mainly find that client importance is negatively related with future bank-specific crash risk and distress risk, and also with sector-wide systemic crash risk and systemic distress risk in the future. The authors also report some evidence that these relations become more pronounced during the crisis period than during the non-crisis period. Moreover, the effect of client importance on systemic risk is found to strengthen in banks audited by Big-N auditors, by auditors without clients who restate earnings, and by auditors with more industry expertise. Research limitations/implications These findings contribute to the auditing and systemic risk literature. Practical implications This study has implications for regulating the banking industry. Originality/value This study provides original evidence on how client importance affects bank-specific risk and systemic risk of the banking industry.

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