The Latvian economy mainly consists of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). There are two important moments in the enhancement of their successful development and competitiveness: competition and collaboration. In the modern world collaboration or partnership is starting to play an ever increasing role as is shown by the research carried out. This research analyzes the partnership model which consists of three components: partnership context component, external partner network component, and internal environment component.The following research methodology was used: monographic method based also on literature review; logically constructive method – to formulate conclusions, analyze the results and establish correlations; analytical method – to divide whole into parts and analyze the parts during the research; synthesis method – unification of elements into a system to research their correlations; social research methods – to obtain primary information and to verify it; graphic method – to depict factor interactions.
Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) is becoming more common in the construction industry nowadays; however, the aspect of durability of printed concrete is not well-studied yet. Frost resistance is a very important factor for durability of concrete structures located in northern regions. Since air-entraining agents (AEAs) are widely used in conventional concrete, this paper focuses on exploring the potential of using AEAs in 3D concrete as well—the main objective is to determine how it affects fresh and hardened properties, including frost resistance of 3D concrete. Three different mixes were printed and cast—the dry mix consisted of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), limestone filler (LF), sand, as well as viscosity modifying agent (VMA) and superplasticizer (SP). Two mixes contained different amounts of AEA, the third one was used as reference. First, fresh state properties were tested—air content, density, and mini cone flow test. Second, 28-day compressive and flexural strength tests were carried out; bulk and particle densities were also determined. Next, both cast and printed concrete samples were subject to freeze–thaw cycles according to provisions of CEN/TS 12390-9, mass loss due to surface scaling was determined for each sample. As a result, printed concrete samples containing AEA in the amount of 0.06% of binder mass showed the highest frost resistance—addition of AEA decreased both flexural and compressive strength of this printed concrete mix by 30–40%. To conclude, the obtained results give an insight of how addition of AEA to printed concrete mix affects its properties both in long and short term. Further research of certain aspects, for instance, the air void system and pore distribution is needed to gain a deeper understanding on how to increase durability of 3D concrete.
Research background: Management of the complex reality - transformation to the world of the future- is often associated with discovering new directions in a company’s activities. One of these directions is the formation of beneficial partnerships aimed at working together to achieve certain goals, which in turn relate to necessary changes within the company. Change has become inevitable in every enterprise and phased management of change is becoming a daily component of administration and a part of company’s development: the speed, scale and complexity of change is increasing nowadays, and it is impossible to stop this flow. In this context it is very important to determine to what extent and in what aspects a company needs change. Purpose of the article: The aim of the research is to investigate what factors could influence and what aspects could be affected by reinventing the existing business model and establishing a new partnership-based business model within a company and what should be done to implement this change successfully. Research methods: literature analysis, semi-structured interviews and a survey. The research data was processed by continuous comparative analysis, using open coding, level 2 coding, content analysis method. Findings & Value added: the results drawn from this study could provide academics and practitioners with a better understanding of communication and change-readiness capabilities. This knowledge can then be applied to their strategies and management skills for the purpose of achieving partnership-based business model with success.
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