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1 – 10 of 246
Article
Publication date: 28 November 2023

Shiqin Zeng, Frederick Chung and Baabak Ashuri

Completing Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisition process on schedule is critical to avoid delays and cost overruns on transportation projects. However, transportation agencies face…

Abstract

Purpose

Completing Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisition process on schedule is critical to avoid delays and cost overruns on transportation projects. However, transportation agencies face challenges in accurately forecasting ROW acquisition timelines in the early stage of projects due to complex nature of acquisition process and limited design information. There is a need of improving accuracy of estimating ROW acquisition duration during the early phase of project development and quantitatively identifying risk factors affecting the duration.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research methodology used to develop the forecasting model includes an ensemble algorithm based on decision tree and adaptive boosting techniques. A dataset of Georgia Department of Transportation projects held from 2010 to 2019 is utilized to demonstrate building the forecasting model. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is performed to identify critical drivers of ROW acquisition durations.

Findings

The forecasting model developed in this research achieves a high accuracy to predict ROW durations by explaining 74% of the variance in ROW acquisition durations using project features, which is outperforming single regression tree, multiple linear regression and support vector machine. Moreover, number of parcels, average cost estimation per parcel, length of projects, number of condemnations, number of relocations and type of work are found to be influential factors as drivers of ROW acquisition duration.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the state of knowledge in estimating ROW acquisition timeline through (1) developing a novel machine learning model to accurately estimate ROW acquisition timelines, and (2) identifying drivers (i.e. risk factors) of ROW acquisition durations. The findings of this research will provide transportation agencies with insights on how to improve practices in scheduling ROW acquisition process.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2023

Shilpa Bhaskar Mujumdar, Haridas Acharya, Shailaja Shirwaikar and Prafulla Bharat Bafna

This paper defines and assesses student learning patterns under the influence of problem-based learning (PBL) and their classification into a reasonable minimum number of classes…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper defines and assesses student learning patterns under the influence of problem-based learning (PBL) and their classification into a reasonable minimum number of classes. Study utilizes PBL implemented in an undergraduate Statistics and Operations Research course for techno-management students at a private university in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Study employs an in situ experiment using a conceptual model based on learning theory. The participant's end-of-semester GPA is Performance Indicator. Integrating PBL with classroom teaching is unique instructional approach to this study. An unsupervised and supervised data mining approach to analyse PBL impact establishes research conclusions.

Findings

The administration of PBL results in improved learning patterns (above-average) for students with medium attendance. PBL, Gender, Math background, Board and discipline are contributing factors to students' performance in the decision tree. PBL benefits a student of any gender with lower attendance.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to course students from one institute and does not consider external factors.

Practical implications

Researchers can apply learning patterns obtained in this paper highlighting PBL impact to study effect of every innovative pedagogical study. Classification of students based on learning behaviours can help facilitators plan remedial actions.

Originality/value

1. Clustering is used to extract student learning patterns considering dynamics of student performances over time. Then decision tree is utilized to elicit a simple process of classifying students. 2. Data mining approach overcomes limitations of statistical techniques to provide knowledge impact in presence of demographic characteristics and student attendance.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 February 2022

Muralidhar Vaman Kamath, Shrilaxmi Prashanth, Mithesh Kumar and Adithya Tantri

The compressive strength of concrete depends on many interdependent parameters; its exact prediction is not that simple because of complex processes involved in strength…

Abstract

Purpose

The compressive strength of concrete depends on many interdependent parameters; its exact prediction is not that simple because of complex processes involved in strength development. This study aims to predict the compressive strength of normal concrete and high-performance concrete using four datasets.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, five established individual Machine Learning (ML) regression models have been compared: Decision Regression Tree, Random Forest Regression, Lasso Regression, Ridge Regression and Multiple-Linear regression. Four datasets were studied, two of which are previous research datasets, and two datasets are from the sophisticated lab using five established individual ML regression models.

Findings

The five statistical indicators like coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error, root mean squared error, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency and mean absolute percentage error have been used to compare the performance of the models. The models are further compared using statistical indicators with previous studies. Lastly, to understand the variable effect of the predictor, the sensitivity and parametric analysis were carried out to find the performance of the variable.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper will allow readers to understand the factors involved in identifying the machine learning models and concrete datasets. In so doing, we hope that this research advances the toolset needed to predict compressive strength.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Shrutika Sharma, Vishal Gupta, Deepa Mudgal and Vishal Srivastava

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is highly dependent on printing process parameters for achieving high mechanical strength. It is a time-consuming and expensive operation to…

Abstract

Purpose

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is highly dependent on printing process parameters for achieving high mechanical strength. It is a time-consuming and expensive operation to experiment with different printing settings. The current study aims to propose a regression-based machine learning model to predict the mechanical behavior of ulna bone plates.

Design/methodology/approach

The bone plates were formed using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique, with printing attributes being varied. The machine learning models such as linear regression, AdaBoost regression, gradient boosting regression (GBR), random forest, decision trees and k-nearest neighbors were trained for predicting tensile strength and flexural strength. Model performance was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2) and mean absolute error (MAE).

Findings

Traditional experimentation with various settings is both time-consuming and expensive, emphasizing the need for alternative approaches. Among the models tested, GBR model demonstrated the best performance in predicting both tensile and flexural strength and achieved the lowest RMSE, highest R2 and lowest MAE, which are 1.4778 ± 0.4336 MPa, 0.9213 ± 0.0589 and 1.2555 ± 0.3799 MPa, respectively, and 3.0337 ± 0.3725 MPa, 0.9269 ± 0.0293 and 2.3815 ± 0.2915 MPa, respectively. The findings open up opportunities for doctors and surgeons to use GBR as a reliable tool for fabricating patient-specific bone plates, without the need for extensive trial experiments.

Research limitations/implications

The current study is limited to the usage of a few models. Other machine learning-based models can be used for prediction-based study.

Originality/value

This study uses machine learning to predict the mechanical properties of FDM-based distal ulna bone plate, replacing traditional design of experiments methods with machine learning to streamline the production of orthopedic implants. It helps medical professionals, such as physicians and surgeons, make informed decisions when fabricating customized bone plates for their patients while reducing the need for time-consuming experimentation, thereby addressing a common limitation of 3D printing medical implants.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 December 2023

Melodi Botha

Entrepreneurial trait and behaviour approaches are used to identify differing entrepreneurial profiles. Specifically, this study aims to determine which entrepreneurial…

Abstract

Purpose

Entrepreneurial trait and behaviour approaches are used to identify differing entrepreneurial profiles. Specifically, this study aims to determine which entrepreneurial competencies (ECs) can predict entrepreneurial action (EA) for distinct profiles, such as male versus female, start-up versus established and for entrepreneurs within different age groups and educational levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using a survey method on a large sample of 1,150 South African entrepreneurs. Chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) algorithms were used to build decision trees to illustrate distinct entrepreneurial profiles.

Findings

Each profile has a different set of ECs that predict EA, with a growth mindset being the most significant predictor of action. Therefore, this study confirms that a “one-size-fits-all” approach cannot be applied when profiling entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

From a pedagogical standpoint, different combinations of these ECs for each profile provide priority information for identification of appropriate candidates (e.g. the highest potential for success) and training initiatives, effective pedagogies and programme design (e.g. which individual ECs should be trained and how should they be trained).

Originality/value

Previous work has mostly focused on demographic variables and included a single sample to profile entrepreneurs. This study maintains much wider applicability in terms of examining profiles in a systematic way. The large sample size supports quantitative analysis of the comparisons between different entrepreneurial profiles using unconventional analyses. Furthermore, as far as can be determined, this represents the first CHAID conducted in a developing country context, especially South Africa, focusing on individual ECs predicting EA.

Details

Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2023

Gaurav Kumar, Molla Ramizur Rahman, Abhinav Rajverma and Arun Kumar Misra

This study aims to analyse the systemic risk emitted by all publicly listed commercial banks in a key emerging economy, India.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the systemic risk emitted by all publicly listed commercial banks in a key emerging economy, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study makes use of the Tobias and Brunnermeier (2016) estimator to quantify the systemic risk (ΔCoVaR) that banks contribute to the system. The methodology addresses a classification problem based on the probability that a particular bank will emit high systemic risk or moderate systemic risk. The study applies machine learning models such as logistic regression, random forest (RF), neural networks and gradient boosting machine (GBM) and addresses the issue of imbalanced data sets to investigate bank’s balance sheet features and bank’s stock features which may potentially determine the factors of systemic risk emission.

Findings

The study reports that across various performance matrices, the authors find that two specifications are preferred: RF and GBM. The study identifies lag of the estimator of systemic risk, stock beta, stock volatility and return on equity as important features to explain emission of systemic risk.

Practical implications

The findings will help banks and regulators with the key features that can be used to formulate the policy decisions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by suggesting classification algorithms that can be used to model the probability of systemic risk emission in a classification problem setting. Further, the study identifies the features responsible for the likelihood of systemic risk.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2022

Ibrahim Karatas and Abdulkadir Budak

The study is aimed to compare the prediction success of basic machine learning and ensemble machine learning models and accordingly create novel prediction models by combining…

Abstract

Purpose

The study is aimed to compare the prediction success of basic machine learning and ensemble machine learning models and accordingly create novel prediction models by combining machine learning models to increase the prediction success in construction labor productivity prediction models.

Design/methodology/approach

Categorical and numerical data used in prediction models in many studies in the literature for the prediction of construction labor productivity were made ready for analysis by preprocessing. The Python programming language was used to develop machine learning models. As a result of many variation trials, the models were combined and the proposed novel voting and stacking meta-ensemble machine learning models were constituted. Finally, the models were compared to Target and Taylor diagram.

Findings

Meta-ensemble models have been developed for labor productivity prediction by combining machine learning models. Voting ensemble by combining et, gbm, xgboost, lightgbm, catboost and mlp models and stacking ensemble by combining et, gbm, xgboost, catboost and mlp models were created and finally the Et model as meta-learner was selected. Considering the prediction success, it has been determined that the voting and stacking meta-ensemble algorithms have higher prediction success than other machine learning algorithms. Model evaluation metrics, namely MAE, MSE, RMSE and R2, were selected to measure the prediction success. For the voting meta-ensemble algorithm, the values of the model evaluation metrics MAE, MSE, RMSE and R2 are 0.0499, 0.0045, 0.0671 and 0.7886, respectively. For the stacking meta-ensemble algorithm, the values of the model evaluation metrics MAE, MSE, RMSE and R2 are 0.0469, 0.0043, 0.0658 and 0.7967, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The study shows the comparison between machine learning algorithms and created novel meta-ensemble machine learning algorithms to predict the labor productivity of construction formwork activity. The practitioners and project planners can use this model as reliable and accurate tool for predicting the labor productivity of construction formwork activity prior to construction planning.

Originality/value

The study provides insight into the application of ensemble machine learning algorithms in predicting construction labor productivity. Additionally, novel meta-ensemble algorithms have been used and proposed. Therefore, it is hoped that predicting the labor productivity of construction formwork activity with high accuracy will make a great contribution to construction project management.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2024

Juho Park, Junghwan Cho, Alex C. Gang, Hyun-Woo Lee and Paul M. Pedersen

This study aims to identify an automated machine learning algorithm with high accuracy that sport practitioners can use to identify the specific factors for predicting Major…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify an automated machine learning algorithm with high accuracy that sport practitioners can use to identify the specific factors for predicting Major League Baseball (MLB) attendance. Furthermore, by predicting spectators for each league (American League and National League) and division in MLB, the authors will identify the specific factors that increase accuracy, discuss them and provide implications for marketing strategies for academics and practitioners in sport.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used six years of daily MLB game data (2014–2019). All data were collected as predictors, such as game performance, weather and unemployment rate. Also, the attendance rate was obtained as an observation variable. The Random Forest, Lasso regression models and XGBoost were used to build the prediction model, and the analysis was conducted using Python 3.7.

Findings

The RMSE value was 0.14, and the R2 was 0.62 as a consequence of fine-tuning the tuning parameters of the XGBoost model, which had the best performance in forecasting the attendance rate. The most influential variables in the model are “Rank” of 0.247 and “Day of the week”, “Home team” and “Day/Night game” were shown as influential variables in order. The result was shown that the “Unemployment rate”, as a macroeconomic factor, has a value of 0.06 and weather factors were a total value of 0.147.

Originality/value

This research highlights unemployment rate as a determinant affecting MLB game attendance rates. Beyond contextual elements such as climate, the findings of this study underscore the significance of economic factors, particularly unemployment rates, necessitating further investigation into these factors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of game attendance.

Details

International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1464-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2023

Mohammad Hossein Rahmati and Mohammad Reza Jalilvand

Current models of organizational excellence are appropriate for the private organizations. It is evident that if an appropriate model is not adopted, the process of excellence in…

Abstract

Purpose

Current models of organizational excellence are appropriate for the private organizations. It is evident that if an appropriate model is not adopted, the process of excellence in the organizations fails and some dimensions of the organization get affected by unpredictable damages. This research aims to identify an appropriate excellence model for public organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the excellence criteria and models. Second, the models were through an expert-oriented questionnaire, analyzed by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique. Participants were experts in the two domains of excellence models and public sector management. A sample of 15 experts was selected using purposive sampling. In order to emphasize on reliability, 10 questionnaires were adopted for analysis.

Findings

The findings showed that the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model is the most appropriate model for excellence measurement in the public organizations based on the five selected indices.

Originality/value

The identification of a model for measuring organizational excellence for public sector can significantly contribute to existing literature on excellence measurement.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2024

Hassan Th. Alassafi, Khalid S. Al-Gahtani, Abdulmohsen S. Almohsen and Abdullah M. Alsugair

Heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and cooling (HVAC) systems are crucial in daily health-care facility services. Design-related defects can lead to maintenance issues…

Abstract

Purpose

Heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and cooling (HVAC) systems are crucial in daily health-care facility services. Design-related defects can lead to maintenance issues, causing service disruptions and cost overruns. These defects can be avoided if a link between the early design stages and maintenance feedback is established. This study aims to use experts’ experience in HVAC maintenance in health-care facilities to list and evaluate the risk of each maintenance issue caused by a design defect, supported by the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Following semistructured interviews with experts, 41 maintenance issues were identified as the most encountered issues. Subsequently, a survey was conducted in which 44 participants evaluated the probability and impact of each design-caused issue.

Findings

Chillers were identified as the HVAC components most prone to design defects and cost impact. However, air distribution ducts and air handling units are the most critical HVAC components for maintaining healthy conditions inside health-care facilities.

Research limitations/implications

The unavailability of comprehensive data on the cost impacts of all design-related defects from multiple health-care facilities limits the ability of HVAC designers to furnish case studies and quantitative approaches.

Originality/value

This study helps HVAC designers acquire prior knowledge of decisions that may have led to unnecessary and avoidable maintenance. These design-related maintenance issues may cause unfavorable health and cost consequences.

1 – 10 of 246