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Article
Publication date: 19 May 2022

Merlin Sajini M.L., Suja S. and Merlin Gilbert Raj S.

The purpose of the study is distributed generation planning in a radial delivery framework to identify an appropriate location with a suitable rating of DG units energized by…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is distributed generation planning in a radial delivery framework to identify an appropriate location with a suitable rating of DG units energized by renewable energy resources to scale back the power loss and to recover the voltage levels. Though several algorithms have already been proposed through the target of power loss reduction and voltage stability enhancement, further optimization of the objectives is improved by using a combination of heuristic algorithms like DE and particle swarm optimization (PSO).

Design/methodology/approach

The identification of the candidate buses for the location of DG units and optimal rating of DG units is found by a combined differential evolution (DE) and PSO algorithm. In the combined strategy of DE and PSO, the key merits of both algorithms are combined. The DE algorithm prevents the individuals from getting trapped into the local optimum, thereby providing efficient global optimization. At the same time, PSO provides a fast convergence rate by providing the best particle among the entire iteration to obtain the best fitness value.

Findings

The proposed DE-PSO takes advantage of the global optimization of DE and the convergence rate of PSO. The different case studies of multiple DG types are carried out for the suggested procedure for the 33- and 69-bus radial delivery frameworks and a real 16-bus distribution substation in Tamil Nadu to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology and distribution system performance. From the obtained results, there is a substantial decrease in the power loss and an improvement of voltage levels across all the buses of the system, thereby maintaining the distribution system within the framework of system operation and safety constraints.

Originality/value

A comparison of an equivalent system with the DE, PSO algorithm when used separately and other algorithms available in literature shows that the proposed method results in an improved performance in terms of the convergence rate and objective function values. Finally, an economic benefit analysis is performed if a photo-voltaic based DG unit is allocated in the considered test systems.

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2024

Haiyan Song and Hanyuan Zhang

The aim of this paper is to provide a narrative review of previous research on tourism demand modelling and forecasting and potential future developments.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide a narrative review of previous research on tourism demand modelling and forecasting and potential future developments.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative approach is taken in this review of the current body of knowledge.

Findings

Significant methodological advancements in tourism demand modelling and forecasting over the past two decades are identified.

Originality/value

The distinct characteristics of the various methods applied in the field are summarised and a research agenda for future investigations is proposed.

目的

本文旨在对先前关于旅游需求建模和预测的研究进行叙述性回顾并对未来潜在发展进行展望。

设计/方法

本文采用叙述性回顾方法对当前知识体系进行了评论。

研究结果

本文确认了过去二十年旅游需求建模和预测方法论方面的重要进展。

独创性

本文总结了该领域应用的各种方法的独特特征, 并对未来研究提出了建议。

Objetivo

El objetivo de este documento es ofrecer una revisión narrativa de la investigación previa sobre modelización y previsión de la demanda turística y los posibles desarrollos futuros.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

En esta revisión del marco actual de conocimientos sobre modelización y previsión de la demanda turística y los posibles desarrollos futuros,se adopta un enfoque narrativo.

Resultados

Se identifican avances metodológicos significativos en la modelización y previsión de la demanda turística en las dos últimas décadas.

Originalidad

Se resumen las características propias de los diversos métodos aplicados en este campo y se propone una agenda de investigación para futuros trabajos.

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2024

Sarah Plimley

This paper aims to explore the intricate relationship between social capital, faith and prison-leaver resettlement, emphasising how penal voluntary sector organisations (PVSOs…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the intricate relationship between social capital, faith and prison-leaver resettlement, emphasising how penal voluntary sector organisations (PVSOs) aid prison-leavers in their resettlement and desistance journeys, following incarceration.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a combination of narrative and thematic analysis, data was collected from 20 prison-leavers in England through semi-structured interviews. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit participants from various community-based resettlement settings.

Findings

Thematic analysis revealed the emergence of faith in various iterations in facilitating desistance, Transforming Rehabilitation failure, identity transformation of the prison-leaver, the role of social capital in effective resettlement and the importance of PVSOs. In particular, the findings demonstrate the vital role of a “Faith Anchor”, defined in this paper as a trust-based relationship with an individual or spiritual entity, in facilitating desistance. This paper argues the need to recognise and fully integrate social capital building, faith and specialised support from PVSOs, as essential components of successful offender resettlement and desistance journeys.

Research limitations/implications

The study considers the connection between faith, social capital and offender resettlement. Although demonstrating the role of faith in positive change and community engagement, there are limitations. Primarily, by exclusively recruiting participants through PVSOs, it might overlook varied resettlement experiences. Additionally, measuring desistance is complex and is limited by some academic views that it centres around abstinence. Although small-scale saturation was reached; generalisation should be approached with caution. Notably, post-Transforming Rehabilitation, the human cost of resettlement gaps became evident. Future research could benefit from a longitudinal lens, tracing desistance beyond initial PVSO interactions and offering richer, longitudinal insights.

Practical implications

Significance of “faith anchors”: A “faith anchor” aids the desistance process. Integrating faith in resettlement offers emotional support for prison leavers. Value of social capital: It is pivotal for offender resettlement. Positive social networks are key for successful reintegration. Role of PVSOs: They provide vital resettlement support. Enhanced collaboration can optimise assistance for prison leavers. Addressing current system shortcomings: Rectifying the effects of Transforming Rehabilitation ensures holistic support, catering to prison leavers’ needs. Concept of “faith exchange”: Merging faith and support offers tailored resettlement approaches, fostering effective reintegration.

Social implications

The study underscores the social implications of effective offender resettlement strategies. The integration of “faith anchors” and social capital aids in the personal rehabilitation of prison leavers and also supports community cohesion. By acknowledging faith as indictive to building trust-based relationships, communities can reduce the stigma associated with former offenders, promoting inclusivity and understanding. Additionally, the essential role of PVSOs highlights the value of community-driven initiatives in supporting reintegration. A combined approach that combines faith, social capital and community support can reshape societal perspectives on desistance, encouraging a more inclusive and empathetic approach to offender reintegration.

Originality/value

The insights gained contribute to the evolving discourse on prison-leaver resettlement and desistance and uniquely highlight the potential of a combined approach between social capital, faith and voluntary sector support, in achieving desistance goals. The term “faith exchange” emerges from this study as an original conceptual contribution, accentuating the relationship between faith and support in resettlement and desistance.

Details

Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3841

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2023

Shun-Peng Zhu, Xiaopeng Niu, Behrooz Keshtegar, Changqi Luo and Mansour Bagheri

The multisource uncertainties, including material dispersion, load fluctuation and geometrical tolerance, have crucial effects on fatigue performance of turbine bladed disks. In…

Abstract

Purpose

The multisource uncertainties, including material dispersion, load fluctuation and geometrical tolerance, have crucial effects on fatigue performance of turbine bladed disks. In view of the aim of this paper, it is essential to develop an advanced approach to efficiently quantify their influences and evaluate the fatigue life of turbine bladed disks.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a novel combined machine learning strategy is performed to fatigue assessment of turbine bladed disks. Proposed model consists of two modeling phases in terms of response surface method (RSM) and support vector regression (SVR), namely RSM-SVR. Two different input sets obtained from basic variables were used as the inputs of RSM, then the predicted results by RSM in first phase is used as inputs of SVR model by using a group data-handling strategy. By this way, the nonlinear flexibility of SVR inputs is improved and RSM-SVR model presents the high-tendency and efficiency characteristics.

Findings

The accuracy and tendency of the RSM-SVR model, applied to the fatigue life estimation of turbine bladed disks, are validated. The results indicate that the proposed model is capable of accurately simulating the nonlinear response of turbine bladed disks under multisource uncertainties, and SVR-RSM model provides an accurate prediction strategy compared to RSM and SVR for fatigue analysis of complex structures.

Originality/value

The results indicate that the proposed model is capable of accurately simulate the nonlinear response of turbine bladed disks under multisource uncertainties, and SVR-RSM model provides an accurate prediction compared to RSM and SVRE for fatigue analysis of turbine bladed disk.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 August 2023

Chiara Luisa Cantu and Annalisa Tunisini

The research question is how can a company implement a circular innovation in a supply network context? Leveraging the main conceptual and interpretative models of the industrial…

1210

Abstract

Purpose

The research question is how can a company implement a circular innovation in a supply network context? Leveraging the main conceptual and interpretative models of the industrial marketing and purchasing thinking, this study aims to investigate the interplay between the process of circular innovation development and the changes in the structure and dynamics of the supply network in which innovation takes place.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies a case study design focusing on participant interaction dynamics. The case relates to an industrial company producing an innovative coating solution for compostable packaging. The data used to develop the case study came from multiple sources but primarily from semistructured interviews that cover the implementation of the circular innovation and the configuration of the circular network.

Findings

The dynamics of interconnected relationships can configure a circular network that interconnects business and non business actors through vertical, horizontal and heterogeneous relationships. The network configuration is supported by the new mobilizer actor that facilitates the sharing of circular knowledge within the circular network, together with the sharing of a market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation within the supply network, through the educational learning path.

Originality/value

This paper aims to contribute to a new understanding of how circular innovation can be developed, adopted and diffused. In a network, when circular innovation takes place, the focal issue is not the new product or technology in itself but how such innovation is developed and implemented by and through the reconfiguration of the business and non-business relationships into circular network.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2024

Agathe S. Lacaze, Fernando A.F. Ferreira and Margarida R. Santos

Strategic management plays a pivotal role in the growth and success of organizations, significantly impacting their business performance and competitive edge. In today’s…

Abstract

Purpose

Strategic management plays a pivotal role in the growth and success of organizations, significantly impacting their business performance and competitive edge. In today’s globalized markets, strategic management is gaining prominence as a means to enhance company performance and distinctiveness. Within this landscape, the evaluation of organizational effectiveness takes on heightened significance, complemented by the emergence of strategic management frameworks designed to secure enduring competitive advantages for businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the best known approaches to organizational resource assessment is the value, rarity, inimitability and organizational-oriented (VRIO) framework. However, this tool comes with inherent limitations that have hindered its advancement, primarily related to the need for less subjective means of identifying and assigning weights to resources and capabilities during the evaluation process. This study, therefore, endeavored to refine the VRIO framework, making it more transparent and empirically robust. To achieve this aim, the framework was combined with the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method (i.e. a multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method), and a real-life application was conducted.

Findings

The evaluation system created was tested, and the results demonstrate that the dual methodology used can increase the understanding of resource appraisal and lead to more informed and potentially better evaluations of resources and capabilities. The strengths and shortcomings of this new structured evaluation model are also analyzed.

Originality/value

The authors know of no prior work reporting the integrated use of VRIO and DEMATEL in this study context.

Details

Management Decision, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2022

Fathien Azuien Yusriza, Nor Aida Abdul Rahman, Luai Jraisat and Arvind Upadhyay

The supply chain (SC) encompasses all actions related to meeting customer requests and transferring materials upstream to meet those demands. Organisations must operate towards…

Abstract

Purpose

The supply chain (SC) encompasses all actions related to meeting customer requests and transferring materials upstream to meet those demands. Organisations must operate towards increasing SC efficiency and effectiveness to meet SC objectives. Although most businesses expected the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to severely negatively impact their SCs, they did not know how to model disruptions or their effects on performance in the event of a pandemic, leading to delayed responses, an incomplete understanding of the pandemic's effects and late deployment of recovery measures. Therefore, this study aims to consider the impact of implementing Bayesian network (BN) modelling to measure SC performance in the airline catering context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a method for modelling and quantifying SC performance assessment for airline catering. In the COVID-19 context, the researchers proposed a BN model to measure SC performance and risk events and quantify the consequences of pandemic disruptions.

Findings

The study simulates and measures the impact of different triggers on SC performance and business continuity using forward and backward propagation analysis, among other BN features, enabling us to combine various SC perspectives and explicitly account for pandemic scenarios.

Originality/value

This study's findings offer a fresh theoretical perspective on the use of BNs in pandemic SC disruption modelling. The findings can be used as a decision-making tool to predict and better understand how pandemics affect SC performance.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 January 2023

Torben Juul Andersen and Søren Bering

The aim of this study is to gain important insights on integration oriented servitization identifying essential dimensions of effective structures, coordination approaches and…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to gain important insights on integration oriented servitization identifying essential dimensions of effective structures, coordination approaches and management controls adopted by manufacturing firms that integrate forward towards distribution, sales and services.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a theory-guided qualitative abductive methodology to conduct a comparative case-study of two manufacturing firms in the same industry integrating forward to enhance servitization but with significantly different performance outcomes. The findings are uncovered from a broad spectrum of primary and secondary data spanning two decades.

Findings

The consistently high-performing firm puts equal emphasis on production and downstream distribution, sales and services and motivate individuals to engage in entrepreneurial efforts to develop combined product-services offerings that are valued by customers. The underperforming firm prioritizes operating efficiency driven by engineering prowess and managed through planning, standardization, authority and central controls.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on two representative firms operating in a specific industry context, which has ramifications for the generalizability of results and calls for replication studies to substantiate and extend findings.

Practical implications

Forward integration from manufacturing into distribution, sales and services represents a specific servitization strategy that needs structure and particular coordination approaches to be effective in complex dynamic product-markets. The characteristics of the outperforming case company provide useful insights on effective integrated servitization efforts.

Social implications

Forward integration is a commonly adopted strategy among manufacturing firms that constitute the backbone of modern economies and effective governance of these integration oriented servitization efforts has important implications for societal value creation.

Originality/value

This study builds on rationales from management science including economic theory, corporate strategy and different micro-foundational lenses and thereby hone recent calls for broader theoretical foundations to enlighten studies of the servitization puzzle.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 43 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2023

George Paltayian, Andreas Georgiou and Katerina Gotzamani

This paper presents a decision-making framework for e-banking operations, based on the Quality Function Deployment and the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The main research question…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents a decision-making framework for e-banking operations, based on the Quality Function Deployment and the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The main research question is the development of a framework and its potential contributions in supporting decision makers in implementing quality strategies that will encourage the usage of e-banking services (EBS).

Design/methodology/approach

The introduced framework comprises four distinct stages which include criteria determination, field surveys and EFA, QFD application including AHP and finally sensitivity analysis investigating the dynamic nature of the environment. AHP determines the intensity of the relationship between e-banking quality criteria and customer banking activities. A novel House of Quality (HoQ) is proposed, based on a market mix founded on key e-banking activities, and sensitivity analysis is used to investigate alternative scenarios. To illustrate the steps of applying this framework, the authors use a convenience sample from the Greek e-banking sector.

Findings

Through the illustrated example is supported that the proposed approach can reveal valuable information when contemplating strategies to improve e-banking usage and expand its acceptance. In addition, sensitivity analysis leads to purposeful insights regarding the effects of market segmentation and/or target settings on the ranking of e-banking quality/selection criteria provided by the HoQ. In the specific numerical example, the most critical quality factors were “Security and Reliability”, “Convenience”, “Design”, “Pricing” and “Skills,” although different rankings night well appear in different contexts or geographical regions. Moreover, sensitivity analysis showed that these results depend on the specific market mix and targets. As mentioned above, the implementation of the framework in different geographical regions or e-service sectors might certainly reveal different critical factors.

Research limitations/implications

Discussed in the paper body.

Practical implications

Discussed in the paper body.

Originality/value

The paper presents a well-defined four stage framework for improving EBS penetration. It utilizes a structured qualitative and quantitative approach and outlines and ranks e-banking quality factors stemming from the market mix and allows assessment of alternative scenarios through sensitivity analysis.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2023

Lan H. Phan and Peter T. Coleman

For decades, conflict resolution (CR) educators working cross-culturally have struggled with a fundamental dilemma – whether to offer western, evidence-based approaches through a…

Abstract

Purpose

For decades, conflict resolution (CR) educators working cross-culturally have struggled with a fundamental dilemma – whether to offer western, evidence-based approaches through a top-down (prescriptive) training process or to use a bottom-up (elicitive) strategy that builds on local cultural knowledge of effective in situ conflict management. This study aims to explore which conditions that prompted experienced CR instructors to use more prescriptive or elicitive approaches to such training in a foreign culture and the implications for training outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

There are two parts to this study. First, the authors conducted a literature review to identify basic conditions that might be conducive to conducting prescriptive or elicitive cross-cultural CR training. The authors then tested the identified conditions in a survey with experienced CR instructors to identify different conditions that afforded prescriptive or elicitive approaches. Exploratory factor analysis and regression were used to assess which conditions determined whether a prescriptive or elicitive approach produced better outcomes.

Findings

In general, although prescriptive methods were found to be more efficient, elicitive methods produced more effective, culturally appropriate, sustainable and culturally sensitive training. Results revealed a variety of instructor, participant and contextual factors that influenced whether a prescriptive or elicitive approach was applied and found to be more suitable.

Originality/value

This study used empirical survey data with practicing experts to provide insight and guidance into when to use different approaches to CC-CR training effectively.

Details

International Journal of Conflict Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1044-4068

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 17000