1,784 research outputs found
Higher-Order Aggregate Networks in the Analysis of Temporal Networks: Path structures and centralities
Recent research on temporal networks has highlighted the limitations of a
static network perspective for our understanding of complex systems with
dynamic topologies. In particular, recent works have shown that i) the specific
order in which links occur in real-world temporal networks affects causality
structures and thus the evolution of dynamical processes, and ii) higher-order
aggregate representations of temporal networks can be used to analytically
study the effect of these order correlations on dynamical processes. In this
article we analyze the effect of order correlations on path-based centrality
measures in real-world temporal networks. Analyzing temporal equivalents of
betweenness, closeness and reach centrality in six empirical temporal networks,
we first show that an analysis of the commonly used static, time-aggregated
representation can give misleading results about the actual importance of
nodes. We further study higher-order time-aggregated networks, a recently
proposed generalization of the commonly applied static, time-aggregated
representation of temporal networks. Here, we particularly define path-based
centrality measures based on second-order aggregate networks, empirically
validating that node centralities calculated in this way better capture the
true temporal centralities of nodes than node centralities calculated based on
the commonly used static (first-order) representation. Apart from providing a
simple and practical method for the approximation of path-based centralities in
temporal networks, our results highlight interesting perspectives for the use
of higher-order aggregate networks in the analysis of time-stamped network
data.Comment: 27 pages, 13 figures, 3 table
An ensemble perspective on multi-layer networks
We study properties of multi-layered, interconnected networks from an
ensemble perspective, i.e. we analyze ensembles of multi-layer networks that
share similar aggregate characteristics. Using a diffusive process that evolves
on a multi-layer network, we analyze how the speed of diffusion depends on the
aggregate characteristics of both intra- and inter-layer connectivity. Through
a block-matrix model representing the distinct layers, we construct transition
matrices of random walkers on multi-layer networks, and estimate expected
properties of multi-layer networks using a mean-field approach. In addition, we
quantify and explore conditions on the link topology that allow to estimate the
ensemble average by only considering aggregate statistics of the layers. Our
approach can be used when only partial information is available, like it is
usually the case for real-world multi-layer complex systems
GOALS survey: P6 pupils and further and higher education
The Quality in Education Centre (QIE) at the University of Strathclyde was commissioned bythe GOALS Project team to provide baseline data from pupils who had not, as yet,participated in the GOALS programme for the purpose of contributing to a larger evaluation ofthe impact of the GOALS Project, and to make recommendations on the future developmentof the project. This report summarises and discusses data from surveys of a sample of P6pupils and interview data from a smaller sample of their parents
Dry Bulk Tanker Material Sampling Device
The purpose of this project is to provide an easy to manufacture solution to sampling material from dry bulk tankers. A device was developed using basic design requirements. Once a design was created a CAD design was drawn to illustrate and prototype the device. This prototype was placed under rigorous testing to determine effectiveness. The end result provides a dry bulk sampling device for plant workers and/or truck drivers to sample the material in their tankers and send to the laboratory when unloading at a facility
O efeito do ciclo da vida, da descentralização e da dimensão organizacional na adopção do BSC
Mestrado em Contabilidade, Fiscalidade e Finanças EmpresariaisA teoria da contigência defende que o tipo de sistema de controlo de gestão utilizado numa determinada empresa depende das circunstâncias que a envolvem (Otley, 1999). Factores como a descentralização, a dimensão e o estádio do ciclo de vida em que a empresa se encontra afectam o tipo de ferramenta de controlo de gestão utilizado na organização (e.g. Abdel-Kader & Luther, 2008; Hoque & James, 2000; Bruns & Waterhouse, 1975; Miller & Friesen 1984).
Este estudo tem como objectivo analisar se empresas de maior dimensão, mais descentralizadas e no estádio maduro do seu ciclo de vida são mais propensas à adopção e utilização do balanced scorecard (BSC). Para esse efeito foram utilizadas 3.518 respostas de um questionário dirigido a administradores, directores financeiros e controllers de empresas portuguesas.
Os resultados indicam que organizações maduras, mais descentralizadas e de maior dimensão tendem a adoptar mais o BSC, mas apenas as de maior dimensão (dentro das pequenas e médias empresas) o utilizam frequentemente.Contingence Theory suggests that firms use management control systems according to several factors (Otley, 1999). Some of these factors are decentralization, size, and life cycle stage (e.g. Abdel-Kader & Luther, 2008; Hoque & James, 2000; Bruns & Waterhouse, 1975; Miller & Friesen 1984).
This study evaluates whether large firms, more decentralized, and on the maturity stage of the life cycle, are more prone to adopt and use the balanced scorecard (BSC). Using 3.518 responses to a questionnaire sent to executives (CEO, CFO and controllers) of Portuguese companies, the results show that larger, more decentralized and in the maturity stage firms tend to adopt more the BSC, though only larger firms within the Small and Medium Enterprises use the BSC frequently
Politicians on the board : a driving force for Corporate Social Responsibility performance of german DAX 30 firms?
This paper aims to explore the following question: Do political directors on supervisory boards
affect the corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of firms? Based on identity theory,
this paper predicts that politicians incorporate their political identity and social interests into
their role as directors and consequently increase the CSR performance of the firm. Furthermore,
this study explores whether gender diversity on the board of directors and the power of CEOs
intensify this relationship. The empirical setting includes all 41 firms listed in the German DAX
30 between 2009 und 2020. In order to analyze the panel data set regression analyses are
conducted. The results of the study indicate a non-significant result on the influence of political
directors on CSR performance in the sample. A potential reason could be the often extremely
high number of board members in German DAX 30 firms and the comparatively low influence
of each individual or the low regional linkages of firms with politicians of this scale.
Furthermore, additional post hoc analyses suggest that there are significant positive correlations
between conservative as well as national politicians on CSR performance. This effect weakens
under the influence of the moderating factors gender diversity and CEO power. Thus, these
results indicate that the differentiation of political orientation, jurisdiction scope and other
characteristics can contribute decisively to the understanding of the effect of political directors
on CSR performance.Este documento pretende explorar a seguinte questão: Os directores políticos dos conselhos de
supervisão afectam o desempenho das empresas em matéria de responsabilidade social
empresarial (RSE)? Baseado na teoria da identidade, este documento prevê que os políticos
incorporem a sua identidade política e interesses sociais no seu papel de directores e
consequentemente aumentem o desempenho da empresa em termos de RSE. Além disso, este
estudo explora se a diversidade de género no conselho de administração e o poder dos CEOs
intensificam esta relação. A amostra inclui todas as 41 empresas listadas no DAX 30 alemão
entre 2009 e 2020. A fim de analisar o conjunto de dados do painel, são efectuadas análises de
regressão. Os resultados do estudo indicam um resultado não significativo sobre a influência
dos directores políticos no desempenho da RSE na amostra. Uma razão potencial poderia ser o
número frequentemente extremamente elevado de membros do conselho de administração nas
empresas do DAX 30 alemão e a influência comparativamente baixa de cada indivíduo ou a
baixa ligação regional das empresas com políticos desta escala. Além disso, análises post hoc
adicionais sugerem que existem correlações positivas significativas entre políticos
conservadores e políticos nacionais sobre o desempenho em termos de RSE. Este efeito
enfraquece sob a influência dos factores moderadores diversidade de género e poder de
direcção. Estes resultados indicam que a diferenciação da orientação política e do âmbito de
jurisdição pode contribuir decisivamente para compreender o efeito dos directores políticos no
desempenho da RSE
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