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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 December 2021

Hristo Trifonov and Donal Heffernan

The purpose of this paper is to describe how emerging open standards are replacing traditional industrial networks. Current industrial Ethernet networks are not interoperable;…

3320

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how emerging open standards are replacing traditional industrial networks. Current industrial Ethernet networks are not interoperable; thus, limiting the potential capabilities for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). There is no forthcoming new generation fieldbus standard to integrate into the IIoT and Industry 4.0 revolution. The open platform communications unified architecture (OPC UA) time-sensitive networking (TSN) is a potential vendor-independent successor technology for the factory network. The OPC UA is a data exchange standard for industrial communication, and TSN is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standard for Ethernet that supports real-time behaviour. The merging of these open standard solutions can facilitate cross-vendor interoperability for Industry 4.0 and IIoT products.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief review of the history of the fieldbus standards is presented, which highlights the shortcomings for current industrial systems in meeting converged traffic solutions. An experimental system for the OPC UA TSN is described to demonstrate an approach to developing a three-layer factory network system with an emphasis on the field layer.

Findings

From the multitude of existing industrial network schemes, there is a convergence pathway in solutions based on TSN Ethernet and OPC UA. At the field level, basic timing measurements in this paper show that the OPC UA TSN can meet the basic critical timing requirements for a fieldbus network.

Originality/value

This paper uniquely focuses on the specific fieldbus standards elements of industrial networks evolution and traces the developments from the early history to the current developing integration in IIoT context.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Organization and Governance Using Algorithms
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-060-5

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2023

Evagelos Varthis and Marios Poulos

This study aims to present metaGraphos, a crowdsourcing system that aids in the transcription and semantic enhancement of scanned documents by using a pool of volunteers or people…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present metaGraphos, a crowdsourcing system that aids in the transcription and semantic enhancement of scanned documents by using a pool of volunteers or people willing to participate in exchange for a financial reward.

Design/methodology/approach

The metaGraphos can be used in circumstances where optical character recognition fails to produce satisfactory results, semantic tagging or assigning thematic headings to texts is considered necessary or even when ground-truth data has to be collected in raw form.

Findings

The system automatically provides a Web-based interface comprising a static HTML page and JavaScript code that displays the scanned images of the document, coupled with the corresponding incomplete texts side by side, allowing users to correct or complete the texts in parallel.

Social implications

By assisting the parallel transcription and the semantic enhancement of difficult scanned documents, the system further reveals the hidden cultural wealth and aids in knowledge dissemination, a fact that contributes significantly to the academic-scientific dialog and feedback.

Originality/value

Individual researchers, libraries and organizations in general may benefit from the system because it is cost-effective, practical and simple to set up client–server architecture that provides a reliable way to transcribe texts or revise transcriptions on a large scale.

Details

Collection and Curation, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9326

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 July 2023

YiQin Sang, Huang Li, Hongjuan Ge, Cong Gao, Yinxiao Hu and Hui Jin

This study aims to conduct the aircraft electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) safety risk assessment process abundantly and hierarchically and establish the assessment…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conduct the aircraft electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) safety risk assessment process abundantly and hierarchically and establish the assessment index system considering the weights and interrelationships of different levels of indices.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the failure of EWIS being multifactorial, hidden and diverse, this paper divides the factors influencing the failure of EWIS into 3 primary indices, 13 secondary indices and 38 tertiary indices. Taking open circuit failure (OCF) and short circuit failure (SCF) as examples, calculate the weights of assessment indices based on the triangular fuzzy number analytic hierarchy process (TFNAHP) and triangular fuzzy number decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (TFNDEMATEL). The cloud model (CM) divides the risk levels and obtains the safety risk assessment results. The comparative analyses of different weight calculation methods, different failure modes and different aircraft EWIS zones verify the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.

Findings

The results show that the proposed method aligns more with the actual situation than other methods. Also, the results identify key focus objects in EWIS safety risk assessment, such as the surrounding environmental factors among the primary indices having the most significant influence on OCF and SCF, the risk level of SCF being higher than that of OCF, etc.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a safety risk assessment index system for aircraft EWIS based on the cable parameters, surrounding environmental factors, installation and protection methods. The weight assignment is added to the assessment index system, and the safety risk assessment model is constructed by combining TFNAHP, TFNDEMATEL and CM.

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2022

Johannes W. Veile

The purpose of the study is to shed light on how to implement Industry 4.0 effectively across companies in buyer–supplier relationships.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to shed light on how to implement Industry 4.0 effectively across companies in buyer–supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows an exploratory research design and analyzes qualitative empirical data of eight case companies from the German automotive industry. The data are inductively categorized to uncover patterns and structures in a qualitative content analysis, whereupon a deeper data structure is developed.

Findings

The research reveals that a comprehensive implementation approach is required to pave the way for digitalized and interconnected supply chains. Several challenges occur during the implementation, such as system heterogeneity and resource scarcity. Prerequisites and fundamentals for a successful implementation include a vision and strategy, management involvement, and sufficient resources. Lastly, indications on how to conduct the implementations were found.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on an exploratory methodology, analyzing data from the German automotive industry. The methodology entails some limitations, and caution must be given when transferring the results to different industries and national contexts. Future studies could complement the findings by studying different contexts and including further supply chain levels.

Practical implications

Managers and practitioners can study the recurring themes in the implementation approaches and the best practices and subsequently learn from the experiences. This knowledge could aid to shape the strategy of companies accordingly.

Originality/value

The study empirically sheds light on the Industry 4.0 implementation approach across companies in buyer–supplier relationships and helps to understand the success factors and underlying mechanisms.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 April 2023

Valeria Ruiz Vargas

This study aims to better inform environmental management at universities by applying and validating the policy integration processes theory through a case study of Manchester…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to better inform environmental management at universities by applying and validating the policy integration processes theory through a case study of Manchester Metropolitan University.

Design/methodology/approach

Social network analyses were used to identify, differentiate and categorise working networks of individuals and departments and the interconnections between them.

Findings

In an organisation, networks can be developed and active at departmental level but not at individual level. High numbers of departments can be doing work related to sustainable development whilst having low and medium levels of interconnections between departments. Influence of stakeholders throughout the network suggests levels of sustainable development policy integration at individual and departmental.

Practical implications

New insights provide evidence for universities’ environmental managers of the need of developing and implementing strategies that involve individuals’ work between departments by providing incentives, supporting capacity building and staff empowerment.

Originality/value

This paper applied and validated the theory of policy integration processes, showing that work at individual level and between departments needs more attention.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 24 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

John Trixstan Santos Ignacio, Charlotte Kendra Gotangco Gonzales and Queena Lee-Chua

A mixed-method study was performed to determine the impact of integrating systems thinking (ST) into an electronic learning module for junior high school teachers in the…

Abstract

Purpose

A mixed-method study was performed to determine the impact of integrating systems thinking (ST) into an electronic learning module for junior high school teachers in the Philippines. The study aims to assess how an ST approach to pedagogy compared against a conventional approach in terms of contribution to the participants’ global climate change content knowledge, holistic thinking and depth and accuracy of knowledge and reasoning.

Design/methodology/approach

The study implemented e-learning modules using an ST approach versus a conventional approach in teaching climate science to junior high school teachers. The paper presents quantitative data obtained from pre and posttests results of the 20 teacher-participants and qualitative data obtained during the focus-group discussion (FGD) after the implementation of the study.

Findings

The results from the statistical analysis indicated that the ST group obtained a significant increase in their assessment scores compared to the non-ST group, according to predetermined criteria. Content knowledge, depth and accuracy of knowledge and reasoning increased the most. The participants mentioned during the FGD that the module helped deepen their understanding of climate change.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to 20 teacher-participants, but it has relevance for public school teachers in the country given that participants had raised concerns regarding the lack of training in their schools for teaching climate science. They admitted that they lacked critical information to include in climate change topics in their classes.

Originality/value

This paper shows how the ST approach can be used to teach climate change to junior high students. The e-learning module can provide teachers with better understanding, knowledge and reasoning to teach climate change to high school students more effectively.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2023

Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos, Spiridoula Margariti, Chrysostomos Stylios, Eleni Arvaniti and Panagiotis Kafetzopoulos

The objective of this study is to improve the food supply chain performance taking into consideration the fundamental concepts of traceability by combining the current frameworks…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to improve the food supply chain performance taking into consideration the fundamental concepts of traceability by combining the current frameworks, its principles, its implications and the emerging technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative literature review of already existing empirical research on traceability systems was conducted resulting in 862 relevant papers. Following a step-by-step sampling process, the authors ended up with 46 final samples for the literature review.

Findings

The main findings of this study include the various descriptions of the architecture of traceability systems, the different sources enabling this practice, the common desirable attributes, and the enabling technologies for the deployment and implementation of traceability systems. Moreover, several technological solutions are presented, which are currently available for traceability systems, and finally, opportunities for future research are provided.

Practical implications

It provides an insight, which could affect the implementation process of traceability in the food supply chain and consequently the effective management of a food traceability system (FTS). Managers will be able to create a traceability system, which meets users' requirements, thus enhancing the value of products and food companies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the food supply chain and the traceability systems literature by creating a holistic picture of where something has been and where it should go. It is a starting point for each food company to design and manage its traceability system more effectively.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2022

Aswathy Sreenivasan and M. Suresh

The purpose of this paper is to “identify”, “analyze” and “construct” a framework to quantify the relationships between several determinants of organizational preparedness for…

432

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to “identify”, “analyze” and “construct” a framework to quantify the relationships between several determinants of organizational preparedness for change in the start-ups during the COVID-19 emergencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) is used to find characteristics that assist in analyzing the readiness or preparedness level before initiating a change deployment process in start-ups. A cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis is performed to determine the driving and dependent elements of change in start-ups.

Findings

From literature research and an expert interview, this study selected ten variables of change preparedness to explore inner interconnections and comprehend the inner connections factors. The findings depict that clarity of mission and goals, reward system, technological advancement and motivational readiness have been considered the most important readiness factor for deploying organizational change in start-ups during the COVID-19 emergencies.

Practical implications

This research will aid the management and researchers gain a better understanding of the factors that influence change preparedness. Constant observation of current changes in the start-ups and the external environment will aid in improving the quality of products or services provided by the start-ups during the COVID-19. The start-ups can use these criteria linked to change readiness. The priority of each element is determined using MICMAC analysis and ranking using the TISM technique, which assists start-ups in ordering the enablers from highest to lowest priority.

Originality/value

There is no research regarding factors influencing organizational readiness for change in start-ups during the COVID-19 emergencies. This research gap is filled by analyzing aspects linked to organizational readiness for change in start-ups. This gap inspired the present study, which uses the “Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM)” technique to uncover change determinants and investigate hierarchical interconnections among factors influencing organizational readiness to change in start-ups during the COVID-19 emergencies.

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2023

Renqiang Xie

While providing users with important innovation resources, an enterprise's open innovation community also encounters numerous challenges. The purpose of this study is to develop…

Abstract

Purpose

While providing users with important innovation resources, an enterprise's open innovation community also encounters numerous challenges. The purpose of this study is to develop and implement a set of evaluation systems that can identify the ecological characteristics of open innovation communities. The ultimate goal is to provide guidance for the construction and establishment of these communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, from the perspective of information ecology, according to the connotation requirements of the four information elements of “people, information, technology and environment” in the information ecosystem, this paper determines the evaluation indicators of enterprise's open innovation community from the aspects of integrity and dynamics. Then, based on the improved analytic hierarchy process, the weight of each index is calculated, and a complete evaluation system of open innovation community is established. Finally, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to conduct empirical research on Haier Open Partnership (HOPE) platform, analyze its ecological situation and existing problems and put forward the corresponding construction recommendations.

Findings

The application of HOPE platform shows that the evaluation index system built in this study has good applicability, and the whole research process and research method have certain reference value for future studies. At the same time, the study found that the HOPE platform has good ecological characteristics, but there are also some problems. This study can directly promote the construction of the platform.

Originality/value

This paper, for the first time, combines the information ecology theory with the open innovation community. The results demonstrate that the open innovation community is an information ecosystem, which can be evaluated ecologically. Furthermore, to ensure the calculation's scientific accuracy, the index weight is determined by constructing a judgment matrix based on expert questionnaires.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 29 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

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