• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.411-422
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• 2021

Technological adaption and innovative activities foster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) growth, especially women-owned SMEs in Pakistan, However, the impact of technological adaption and innovative activities on SMEs growth in the context of Pakistan has been examined by very researchers. This study aims to identify the effect of technology and open innovation policies on the growth of women-owned SMEs and the present trends and management challenges for successful full implementation of open innovation. The study considered a sample of 693 women enterprises located in different cities in Pakistan. Open innovation is measured through eight innovative practices, reflecting the exploration and exploitation of technology in SMEs. Study findings revealed that women enterprises were involved in several open innovation policies during the last five years. Moreover, the study indicated no significant differences between manufacturing and service SMEs regarding open innovation practices; however, women enterprises are more impressively engaged in open innovation practices. Findings also reveal that women-owned SMEs follow open innovation, mainly for market-related intentions, to compete with competitors and meet customers' demands. Thus, it is suggested that government policy relating to thriving SMEs owned by women should be innovation-oriented. The study contributes to the theoretical and practical implications. Further, the study is helpful for SMEs, researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.37-47
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• 2024

This paper examines the unique transportation challenges posed by Nepal's diverse and rugged terrain, which significantly hampers socio-economic development due to its negative impact on infrastructure, trade, and accessibility. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance road and traditional air transport systems, Nepal's geographic and environmental conditions continue to obstruct efficient connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas. This study proposes Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) as a transformative solution, leveraging recent technological advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of Nepal's current transportation infrastructure and the feasibility of AAM implementation, the paper highlights the potential benefits of AAM, including improved accessibility, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it addresses the anticipated challenges and regulatory considerations necessary for integrating AAM into Nepal's transportation network. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this research aims to contribute to the discourse on overcoming transportation barriers in mountainous regions, offering policy recommendations and identifying areas for future study to facilitate the adoption of AAM in Nepal and similar contexts worldwide.

• Advances in Energy Research
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.135-146
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• 2020

In developing countries especially in African continent, rapid population growth in cities is a major concern. Majority of governments in Africa have made more effort to develop urban areas as compared to the rural ones. Social and economic activities are more concentrated in urban areas. This is a pushing factor for the rapid population growth in cities as many people, especially young generation, tend to migrate from rural to urban. This growth leads to excessive exploitation of natural resources, environmental degradation and increased pressure on social services. Rapid increased population acts as an encouragement to construct smart cities for achieving needs for present and future generations. Tanzania as one of the developing countries in Africa has taken initiatives in establishing smart cities. The aim of this study therefore, is to examine opportunities and challenges in the development of Smart cities in Tanzania with a case study of Mbeya city. In addition, conceptualization about development of smart cities is proposed to prioritize the planning of smart grid among other smart city infrastructure systems. Conclusively, Mbeya city has a full potential of many strengths and opportunities for successful development as a smart city.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2016.05a
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• pp.1-1
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• 2016

Many of the world's large ecosystems are severely stressed due to population growth, water quality and quantity problems, vulnerability to flood and drought, and the loss of native species and cultural resources. Consequences of climate change further increase uncertainties about the future. These major societal challenges must be addressed through innovations in governance, policy, and ways of implementing management strategies. Science and engineering play a critical role in helping define possible alternative futures that could be achieved and the possible consequences to economic development, quality of life, and sustainability of ecosystem services. Science has advanced rapidly during the past decade with the emergence of science communities coalescing around 'Grand Challenges' and the maturation of how these communities function has resulted in large interdisciplinary research networks. An example is the River Experiment Center of KICT that engages researchers from throughout Korea and the world. This trend has been complemented by major advances in sensor technologies and data synthesis to accelerate knowledge discovery. These factors combine to allow scientific debate to occur in a more open and transparent manner. The availability of information and improved communication of scientific and engineering issues is raising the level of dialogue at the science-policy interface. However, severe challenges persist since scientific discovery does not occur on the same timeframe as management actions, policy decisions or at the pace sometimes expected by elected officials. Common challenges include the need to make decisions in the face of considerable uncertainty, ensuring research results are actionable and preventing science being used by special interests to delay or obsfucate decisions. These challenges are explored in the context of examples from the United States, including the California Bay-Delta system. California transfers water from the wetter northern part of the state to the drier southern part of the state through the Central Valley Project since 1940 and this was supplemented by the State Water Project in 1973. The scale of these activities is remarkable: approximately two thirds of the population of Californians rely on water from the Delta, these waters also irrigate up to 45% of the fruits & vegetables produced in the US, and about 80% of California's commercial fishery species live in or migrate through the Bay-Delta. This Delta region is a global hotspot for biodiversity that provides habitat for over 700 species, but is also a hotspot for the loss of biodiversity with more than 25 species currently listed by the Endangered Species Act. Understanding the decline of the fragile ecosystem of the Bay-Delta system and the potential consequences to economic growth if water transfers are reduced for the environment, the California State Legislature passed landmark legislation in 2009 (CA Water Code SS 85054) that established "Coequal goals of providing a more reliable water supply for California and protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Delta ecosystem". The legislation also stated that "The coequal goals shall be achieved in a manner that protects and enhances the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource, and agricultural values of the Delta as an evolving place." The challenges of integrating policy, management and scientific research will be described through this and other international examples.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.214-225
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• 2023

Piezoelectric actuators, which utilize piezoelectric crystals or ceramics, are commonly used in precision positioning applications, offering high-speed response and precise control. However, the use of low-performance ceramics and expensive single crystals is limiting their versatile use in the actuator market, necessitating the development of both high-performance and cost-effective piezoelectric materials capable of delivering higher forces and displacements. The use of textured Pb (lead)-based piezoelectric ceramics formed by so-called templated grain growth method has been identified as a promising strategy to address the performance and cost issue. This review article provides insights into recent advances in texturing Pb-based piezoelectric ceramics for improved performance in actuation applications. We discussed the relevant issues in detail focusing on current challenges and emerging trends in the textured piezoelectric ceramics for their reliability and performance in actuator applications. We discussed in detail focusing on current challenges and emerging trends of textured piezoelectric ceramics for their reliability and performance in actuator applications. In conclusion, the article provides an outlook on the future direction of textured piezoelectric ceramics in actuator applications, highlighting the potential for further success in this field.

• Journal of Technology Innovation
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.47-77
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• 2017

This paper critically examines research trends on the relationship between technological innovation and economic growth in Korea. There are different views on the role of innovation in economic growth including Exogenous and Endogenous Growth, National Innovation System, Technological Capabilities, Economic Catch-up discourses and so on. According to these theoretical discourses, existing studies about Korea are reviewed in a critical way and then future research work is proposed through such a critical review and reflection.

• World Technopolis Review
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.153-164
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• 2014

It is recent that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education emerged as a great concern of the U.S. policy makers in terms of securing national and regional competitiveness. However, few attempts to embrace STEM education as a source for sustainable regional growth have been made mainly due to methodological challenges. This paper investigates the role of STEM education in achieving sustainable economic growth. For the purpose of the paper, a U.S. federal workforce development program named Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) in Southeastern Virginia that was implemented between 2007 and 2010 is selected and evaluated qualitatively. By identifying three themes as a result of three-stage coding methods, the evaluation results call for particular attention of local policy makers and key stakeholders to STEM education as a source of sustainable long-term economic growth in regions.

• Journal of the Korean BIBLIA Society for library and Information Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.269-296
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• 2018

The purpose of the study is to examine prospective librarians' library practicum experiences by using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological method. To achieve the purpose of the study, the study conducted in-depth interviews with the participants of the library practicum in the department of library and information science at the A university. Following Giorgi's four ways of phenomenological description, the study analyzed the collected data from in-depth interviews with the participants. Prospective librarians' library practicum experiences were able to analyze as five significant themes and seventeen sub-categories of the themes. The five main themes are as followings: 'formulating perception of libraries and librarians', 'formulating career design through self-development and challenges', 'growth and challenges in preparing the library practicum', 'growth and challenges in the middle of library practicum' and 'experiences after the library practicum and the evaluation.' On the basis of the findings, the study suggested alternative programs of library practicum and the directions for performing the programs effectively and efficiently.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.1-7
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aims to explore the significance and potential strategies for revitalizing local currency systems. Designed for use within specific regions or communities, local currencies play a crucial role in supporting and revitalizing local economies. By promoting local consumption and supporting local businesses, local currencies contribute to economic growth and job creation at the community level. Research design, data and methodology: The research methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature and various case studies to analyze the effectiveness and sustainability of local currencies. The literature review investigates the theoretical background and diverse implementation cases of local currencies, while the case studies identify the success factors and challenges faced by actual local currency initiatives. Results: This paper confirms that local currencies contribute to economic growth and job creation at the community level by promoting local consumption and supporting local businesses. Additionally, this study investigates the economic, social, and environmental impacts of local currencies. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study analyzes the challenges faced by local currency systems and proposes strategies to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability. These strategies are expected to provide practical assistance in the development and implementation of local currencies, contributing to the revitalization of local economies and the sustainable development of local communities.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.167-187
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• 2012

Organizational growth is achieved through the process of finding opportunities in the environment and establishing a business model with internal and external resources. Bestian Hospital, which primarily focuses on saving the lives of patients with severe burns, has enlarged its business domain through deep understanding of burn patients' problems, including pain and complications during treatments, long-term treatments, skin reconstruction, and so on. Now Bestian is accelerating research for development of antipyretics and cosmetics for burn patients. The success of Bestian has been due to utilization of human and material resources that are essential to performance in the medical field. Also, Bestian properly used a management service organization(MSO) model and constructed an information technology(IT) system for supporting its businesses. However, previous successes do not guarantee continued success. Bestian is entering a new domain with different challenges than it has experienced so far, and how it deals with these challenges will decide its future.