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1 – 10 of 372Xu Chen, Yingliang Wu, Junfeng Liao, Wenming Zuo and Rujie Zhong
The incentive cost of enterprises increases significantly with the rapid growth of the social commerce (SC) market. In this context, enterprises need to develop the optimal…
Abstract
Purpose
The incentive cost of enterprises increases significantly with the rapid growth of the social commerce (SC) market. In this context, enterprises need to develop the optimal strategy to improve incentive effectiveness and reduce cost. Different types of consumers’ responses to incentives bring different values to enterprises. Hence, this paper proposes the social commerce value network (SCVN) to help enterprises study the contributions of different types of consumers to the network.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the graphical evaluation and review technique (GERT), the authors construct the social commerce value GERT (i.e. SCV-GERT) network and design three progressive experiments for estimating the value contributions of “network stage”, “consumer type”, and “resource type” to the SCVN under the same incentives. The authors initialize the SCV-GERT model with consumer data in SC and distinguish the most valuable consumers by adjusting the incentive parameters.
Findings
The results show that the SCV-GERT model can well describe the value flow of SCVN. The incentive on forwarding consumers brings the greatest value gain to the SCVN, and social trust contributes the most to forwarding consumers.
Practical implications
Under the guidance of the results, platforms and enterprises in SC can select the optimal type of consumers who bring the maximum network value so as to improve the effectiveness of incentive strategy and reduce marketing costs. A four-level incentive system should be established according to the ranking of the corresponding value gains: forwarding consumers > agent consumers > commenting consumers > potential consumers. Enterprises also need to find ways to improve the social resource investments of consumers participating in SC.
Originality/value
This paper investigates the incentive problem in SC grounded in the SCVN and uses the GERT method to construct the SCV-GERT model, which is the first attempt to introduce GERT into the SC context. This study also makes up for the lack of comparative research on different types of consumers in SC and can provide support for enterprises’ customer relationship management and marketing decisions.
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John T. Mentzer and Stephen C. Cosmas
The application of computer modelling and simulation to logistics networks has been quite common. The primary reason is that logistical systems possess inherent characteristics…
Abstract
The application of computer modelling and simulation to logistics networks has been quite common. The primary reason is that logistical systems possess inherent characteristics which are compatible to computer modelling and simulation. One such technique which provides modelling and simulation capabilities and has yet to be applied to logistical networks is GERT (Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique). This article discusses the application of GERT to the area of logistics. The first section presents a brief background on the applicability of computer simulation in logistics. The second section presents an overview of the GERT simulation model. The third section describes an application of the GERT model to a logistics problem. Finally, the fourth section discusses areas of potential research in logistics utilising GERT.
Chenchen Hua, Zhigeng Fang, Yanhua Zhang, Shujun Nan, Shuang Wu, Xirui Qiu, Lu Zhao and Shuyu Xiao
This paper aims to implement quality of service(QoS) dynamic optimization for the integrated satellite-terrestrial network(STN) of the fifth-generation Inmarsat system(Inmarsat-5).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to implement quality of service(QoS) dynamic optimization for the integrated satellite-terrestrial network(STN) of the fifth-generation Inmarsat system(Inmarsat-5).
Design/methodology/approach
The structure and operational logic of Inmarsat-5 STN are introduced to build the graphic evaluation and review technique(GERT) model. Thus, the equivalent network QoS metrics can be derived from the analytical algorithm of GERT. The center–point mixed possibility functions of average delay and delay variation are constructed considering users' experiences. Then, the grey clustering evaluation of link QoS is obtained combined with the two-stage decision model to give suitable rewards for the agent of GERT-Q-learning, which realizes the intelligent optimization mechanism under real-time monitoring data.
Findings
A case study based on five time periods of monitoring data verifies the adaptability of the proposed method. On the one hand, grey clustering based on possibility function enables a more effective measurement of link QoS from the users' perspective. On the other hand, the method comparison intuitively shows that the proposed method performs better.
Originality/value
With the development trend of integrated communication, STN has become an important research object in satellite communications. This paper establishes a modular and extensible optimization framework whose loose coupling structure and flexibility facilitate management and development. The grey-clustering-based GERT-Q-Learning model has the potential to maximize design and application benefits of STN throughout its life cycle.
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Ruiting Xu, Zhigeng Fang and Jinyu Sun
– The purpose of this paper is to find out a scientific method to evaluate quality of complex products, whose quality is different from general products.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find out a scientific method to evaluate quality of complex products, whose quality is different from general products.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on interval grey number theory, reliability analysis method and stochastic network theory, authors have established grey success tree analysis-graph evaluation and review technique (GSTA-GERT) model in this paper.
Findings
Comparing complex products and general products, authors have found that complex products have two characters, i.e. quality of manufacture and quality of service. Furthermore, this paper has proved the GSTA-GERT model is a scientific and reasonable approach to estimate quality of complex products from the sight of manufacture-service network.
Originality/value
This paper has established GSTA-GERT model, which surmounts the defect of traditional estimation method, such as lacking logic analysis in the method of analytic hierarchy process.
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Shuli Yan, Xiangyan Zeng, Pingping Xiong and Na Zhang
In recent years, online public opinion reversal incidents have been occurring frequently, which has increased the complexity of the evolution of online public opinion, and they…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, online public opinion reversal incidents have been occurring frequently, which has increased the complexity of the evolution of online public opinion, and they have become a difficult issue for public opinion management and control. It is of great significance to explore the regularity of online public opinion reversal.
Design/methodology/approach
Combined with the grey characteristics of online public opinion information, a grey graphical evaluation review technique (G-GERT) network model is constructed based on kernel and grey degree, and the frequency, probability and time of online public opinion reversal nodes are calculated using C-marking method and Z-marking method.
Findings
Throughout the online public opinion reversal events, there are all repeated outbreak nodes occurring, so the authors regard the repeated occurrence of outbreak nodes as reversal. According to the average frequency, probability and time of repeated outbreak nodes in the G-GERT network model, the authors predict the corresponding key information of reversal. It can simulate the evolution process of public opinion events accurately.
Originality/value
The G-GERT network model based on kernel and grey degree reveals the regulation of public opinion reversal, predicts the frequency, probability and time of reversal nodes, which are the most concerned and difficult issues for decision-makers. The model provides the decision basis and reference for government decision-making departments.
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Soumen Kumar Roy, A.K. Sarkar and Biswajit Mahanty
The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of a critical subsystem development indigenously on the outcome of an Indian defence R&D project. Indigenous development of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of a critical subsystem development indigenously on the outcome of an Indian defence R&D project. Indigenous development of the critical subsystem requires the development of a number of technologies; hence the study is taken up for indigenously development of critical subsystem.
Design/methodology/approach
A simulation-based approach is used in this paper for studying the effect of indigenization decisions. A defence R&D project with the critical subsystems is modeled in Graphical Evolution and Review Technique (GERT) networks, and simulated in Arena simulation software using discrete event simulation model. The simulation model is thereafter experimented with decision options for the critical subsystem. Data were collected from the project management office (PMO) of short range homing guided missile (SRHGM) for this simulation study.
Findings
It has been found in this case that timely development of technology plays a key role in the Indian defence R&D projects. While indigenization of critical components reduces cost of development, the trade-off lies in much increased project development time. It is imperative that project teams should identify critical components early and work out appropriate strategies of indigenous development to avoid time overrun of the projects.
Research limitations/implications
The accuracy of results of the study could perhaps be affected on account of the extent of data forthcoming from the PMO. However, GERT framework presented in this paper is realistically derived from the practices used in the SRHGM project.
Originality/value
The study would help the project teams to identify critical subsystems early and work out appropriate strategies of indigenous development to avoid time overrun of the projects. This study would also make the project as well as the R&D teams aware of the causes for delays and cost overruns, and assist to deliver a product meeting end-user requirements.
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Saurabh Agrawal, Rajesh K. Singh and Qasim Murtaza
– The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for forecasting product returns to the company for recycling in terms of quantity and time.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for forecasting product returns to the company for recycling in terms of quantity and time.
Design/methodology/approach
Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique (GERT) has been applied for developing the forecasting model for product returns. A case of Indian mobile manufacturing company is discussed for the validation of this model. Survey conducted by the company and findings from previous research were used for data collection on probabilities and product life cycle.
Findings
Product returns for their recycling are stochastic, random and uncertain. Therefore, to address the uncertainty, randomness and stochastic nature of product returns, GERT is very useful tool for forecasting product returns.
Practical implications
GERT provides the visual picture of the reverse supply chain system and helps in determining the expected time of product returns in a much easier way but it requires probabilities of different flows and product life cycle. Both factors vary over a period, so require data update time to time before implementation.
Originality/value
This model is developed by considering all possible flows of sold products from customer to their reuse, store or recycle or landfill. First time this type of real life flows have been considered and GERT has been applied for forecasting product returns. This model can be utilized by managers for better forecasting that will help them for effective reverse supply chain design.
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Gauri Shankar and B.N. Mohapatra
Introduces a conditional repetitive group sampling plan. The OC and ASN functions are derived by GERT approach. The present development would be a valuable addition to the…
Abstract
Introduces a conditional repetitive group sampling plan. The OC and ASN functions are derived by GERT approach. The present development would be a valuable addition to the literature and a useful device to quality control practitioners and also to quality control engineers and plan designers in the development of further new plans.
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Irem Caglayan and Yasemin Afacan
The increasing number of older passengers is resulted in a growing significance of international senior tourism industry. In today's competitive airport environments, improving…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing number of older passengers is resulted in a growing significance of international senior tourism industry. In today's competitive airport environments, improving the airport service performance (ASP) for older passengers is crucial to take an important place in the market. ASP design has been in the focal point of many researchers and airport stakeholders. However, the service performance evaluation regarding airport architectural design and use of older passengers have been mostly underrated.
Design/methodology/approach
The study focused on ASP evaluation of architectural building elements. The proposed simulation-based service walkthrough (SBSW) was applied in a case airport building in Istanbul. Experts performed landside passenger activities to evaluate its ASP with a given walkthrough instruction. An empathic tool, GERonTologic age simulation (GERT) suit, was used to experience the physical limitations of older passengers during the experiment.
Findings
Results showed that SBSW positively influenced experts' evaluation of ASP, where higher service problems were obtained. The GERT suit created a significant difference, where lower ASP scores and higher perceived empathy were observed within the group with the GERT suit. The study concluded that the proposed ASP criteria and SBSW could provide a useful research framework during service design of age-friendly airports.
Originality/value
The study addressed a novel area of enquiry by proposing a new set of ASP criteria for older passengers considering the airport architectural design and evaluating these criteria through a new empathic approach “SBSW”.
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Gauri Shankar, B.N. Mohapatra and S. Joseph
This article presents a new chain sampling plan for three atttibute classes where items are classified into three categories namely good, marginal and bad. Various performance…
Abstract
This article presents a new chain sampling plan for three atttibute classes where items are classified into three categories namely good, marginal and bad. Various performance characteristics of interest to quality control engineers and plan designers are derived through GERT approach. In order to facilitate the operation and construction of the plan, Poisson unity values have been tabulated for a useful subset of the proposed plan.
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