• Wind and Structures
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.279-292
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• 2018

Inspired by the energy harvesting eel, a flexible flag behind a D-shape cylinder in a uniform viscous flow was simulated by using the immersed boundary method (IBM) along with low-speed wind tunnel experimentation. The flag in the wake of the cylinder was strongly influenced by the vortices shed from the upstream cylinder under the vortex-vortex and vortex-body interactions. Geometric and flow parameters were optimized for the flexible flag subjected to passive flapping. The influence of length and bending coefficient of the flexible flag, the diameters (D) of the cylinder and the streamwise spacing between the cylinder and the flag, on the energy generation was examined. Constructive and destructive vortex interaction modes, unidirectional and bidirectional bending and the different flapping frequency were found which explained the variations in the energy of the downstream flag. Voltage output and flapping behavior of the flag were also observed experimentally to find a more direct relationship between the bending of the flag and its power generation.

• Asian Journal of Business Environment
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.23-29
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• 2013

Purpose - The study investigates the obstacles faced by small business owners (SBOs) in accessing finance in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The study aims to identify the causes of inaccessibility to finance for SBOs, investigate the role of government agencies in supporting SBOs, assess the extent to which banks support SMMEs, and suggest solutions to ease the challenge of inaccessibility of finance. Research design, data, methodology -We used a triangulation research design, wherein SMME owners and managers in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality were the target population. We used simple random sampling techniques to select respondents, and conducted in-depth interviews to collect qualitative data. Results - We analyzed quantitative data using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and factor analysis. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The study identifies and discusses the obstacles in accessing finance; the main among which are the lack of collateral security, poor business plans, lack of knowledge, and lack of financial deposit. Conclusions -We urge the banks, government, and government agencies to support the SMME sector, for it remains the economic engine of many African countries and helps in reducing the impact of socio-economic challenges, like unemployment and poverty.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.355-367
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• 2019

Control of horseshoe vortex in the circular cylinder-plate juncture using vortex generator (VG) was studied at $Re_D$(where D is the diameter of the cylinder) = $2.05{\times}10^5$. Impact of a number of parameters e.g., the shape of the VG's, number of VG pairs (n), spacing between the VG and the cylinder leading edge (L), lateral gap between the trailing edges of a VG pair (g), streamwise gap between two VG pairs ($S_{VG}$) and the spacing between the two VG's in parallel arrangement ($Z_{VG}$) etc. were investigated on the horseshoe vortex control. The study is conducted using surface oil flow visualization and surface pressure measurements in low speed wind tunnel. It is observed that all the parameters studied have significant control effect, either by reduction in separation region or by lowering the adverse pressure along the symmetric axis upstream of the juncture.

• International Journal of Quality Innovation
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.89-105
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• 2004

Many researchers and practitioners have acknowledged the need to investigate the relationships amongst various criteria of implementing total quality management (TQM) in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs). There is a need to have practical research methodologies that take cognisance of the peculiarities of SMMEs and impact on their quality management practices in developing countries. This paper presents the theoretical foundation of a proposed Generative Research Methodology and configures the specification of a TQM implementation framework in SMMEs. The methodology combines rigorous research approaches, builds theory based on the dynamics of the environment and the firms' characteristics and incorporates various TQM criteria into the design of the framework. It synchronises inductive and deductive research methods in three phases and uses various means to acquire empirical evidence and examine the dependent and independent variables of TQM implementation. It is anticipated that the methodology could help SMMEs to develop, analyse and evaluate the framework for attaining quality performance goals.