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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Nzita Alain Lelo, P. Stephan Heyns and Johann Wannenburg

Steam explosions are a major safety concern in many modern furnaces. The explosions are sometimes caused by water ingress into the furnace from leaks in its high-pressure (HP…

Abstract

Purpose

Steam explosions are a major safety concern in many modern furnaces. The explosions are sometimes caused by water ingress into the furnace from leaks in its high-pressure (HP) cooling water system, coming into contact with molten matte. To address such safety issues related to steam explosions, risk based inspection (RBI) is suggested in this paper. RBI is presently one of the best-practice methodologies to provide an inspection schedule and ensure the mechanical integrity of pressure vessels. The application of RBIs on furnace HP cooling systems in this work is performed by incorporating the proportional hazards model (PHM) with the RBI approach; the PHM uses real-time condition data to allow dynamic decision-making on inspection and maintenance planning.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish this, a case study is presented that applies an HP cooling system data with moisture and cumulated feed rate as covariates or condition indicators to compute the probability of failure and the consequence of failure (CoF), which is modelled based on the boiling liquid-expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE) theory.

Findings

The benefit of this approach is that the risk assessment introduces real-time condition data in addition to time-based failure information to allow improved dynamic decision-making for inspection and maintenance planning of the HP cooling system. The work presented here comprises the application of the newly proposed methodology in the context of pressure vessels, considering the important challenge of possible explosion accidents due to BLEVE as the CoF calculations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper however aims to optimise the inspection schedule on the HP cooling system, by incorporating PHM into the RBI methodology, as was recently proposed in the literature by Lelo et al. (2022). Moisture and cumulated feed rate are used as covariate. At the end, risk mitigation policy is suggested.

Originality/value

In this paper, the proposed methodology yields a dynamically calculated quantified risk, which emphasised the imperative for mitigating the risk, as well as presents a number of mitigation options, to quantifiably affect such mitigation.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Benjamin F. Morrow, Lauren Berrings Davis, Steven Jiang and Nikki McCormick

This study aims to understand client food preferences and how pantry offerings can be optimized by those preferences.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand client food preferences and how pantry offerings can be optimized by those preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops and administers customized surveys to study three food pantries within the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern North Carolina network. This study then categorizes food items by client preferences, identifies the key predictors of those preferences and obtains preference scores by fitting the data to a predictive model. The preference scores are subsequently used in an optimization model that suggests an ideal mix of food items to stock based upon client preferences and the item and weight limits imposed by the pantry.

Findings

This study found that food pantry clients prefer fresh and frozen foods over shelf-friendly options and that gender, age and religion were the primary predictors. The optimization model incorporates these preferences, yielding an optimal stocking strategy for the pantry.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on a specific food bank network, and therefore, the client preferences may not be generalizable to other food banks. However, the framework and corresponding optimization model is generalizable to other food aid supply chains.

Practical implications

This study provides insights for food pantry managers to make informed decisions about stocking the pantry shelves based on the client’s preferences.

Social implications

An emerging topic within the humanitarian food aid community is better matching of food availability with food that is desired in a way that minimizes food waste. This is achieved by providing more choice to food pantry users. This work shows how pantries can incorporate client preferences in inventory stocking decisions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on food pantry operations by providing a novel decision support system for pantry managers to aid in stocking their shelves according to client preferences.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 18 September 2024

Louis Botha

As Ratnam makes clear, a cultural–historical perspective on teacher/faculty excessive entitlement is indispensable if we are to use this concept to work with, rather than…

Abstract

As Ratnam makes clear, a cultural–historical perspective on teacher/faculty excessive entitlement is indispensable if we are to use this concept to work with, rather than undermine, education practitioners. In this chapter, a networked relational model of activity is proposed as a tool for understanding excessive entitlement from a cultural–historical activity theory (CHAT) perspective, so that the transformative potential of both entitlement and the modeling of it may be harnessed. The networked relational model, which represents CHAT activity systems as a hand-draw or painted network of relationships between actors and artifacts, allows its creators, in their capacity as researchers or academics, to use it as an imaginative artifact in the Wartofskian sense. That is, by representing activity systems of academic performance as networks of interacting entities, the emergence of excessive entitlement can be traced to, and perhaps mitigated through the relationships that they represent. In this regard, the why, what, and how artifacts proposed by Engeström are taken up as useful means for enhancing the functioning of the networked relational model not just as a tool for analyses of entitlement but also a means for envisioning alternative countercultures into being.

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2024

Ayodeji Ogunleye, Mercy Olajumoke Akinloye, Ayodeji Kehinde, Oluseyi Moses Ajayi and Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa

A correlation has been shown in the literature between credit constraints and the adoption of agricultural technologies, technical efficiencies and measures for adapting to…

83

Abstract

Purpose

A correlation has been shown in the literature between credit constraints and the adoption of agricultural technologies, technical efficiencies and measures for adapting to climate change. The relationship between credit constraints, risk management strategy adoption and income, however, is not well understood. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to investigate how credit constraints affect the income and risk management practices adopted by Northern Nigerian maize farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data were collected from 300 maize farmers in Northern Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, seemingly unrelated regression and double hurdle regression models were the analysis methods.

Findings

The results showed that friends and relatives, banks, “Adashe”, cooperatives and farmer groups were the main sources of credit in the study area. The findings also revealed that the sources of risk in the study area included production risk, economic risk, financial risk, institutional risk, technological risk and human risk. In addition, the risk management strategies used to mitigate observed risks were fertilizer application, insecticides, planting of disease-resistant varieties, use of herbicides, practising mixed cropping, modern planning, use of management tools as well as making bunds and channels. Furthermore, we found that interest rate, farm size, level of education, gender and marital status were significant determinants of statuses of credit constraints while the age of the farmer, gender, household size, primary occupation, access to extension services and income from maize production affected the choice and intensity of adoption of risk management strategies among the farmers.

Research limitations/implications

The study concluded that credit constrained status condition of farmers negatively affected the adoption of some risk management strategies and maize farmers’ income.

Practical implications

The study concluded that credit constrained status condition of farmers negatively affected the adoption of some risk management strategies and maize farmers’ income. It therefore recommends that financial service providers should be engaged to design financial products that are tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers in the study area.

Originality/value

This paper incorporates the role of constraints in influencing farmers’ decisions to uptake credits and subsequently their adoption behaviours on risk management strategies. The researcher approached the topic with a state-of-the-art method which allows for obtaining more reliable results and hence more specific contributions to research and practice.

Details

Agricultural Finance Review, vol. 84 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-1466

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Jaizuluddin Mahmud, Pudji Hastuti, Muhammad Fauzan Rafif, Lambas Parlaungan Panggabean, Irawan Santoso, Sarjono, Manifas Zubair, Rizki Arizal Purnama, Andika Dwi Saputra, Yosa Permata Shafira and Angy Sonia

The purpose of this study is to determine research areas that are most favorable in supporting the development and manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV) components locally in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine research areas that are most favorable in supporting the development and manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV) components locally in Indonesia for 2025–2035. Therefore, will provide direction for the formulation of the related government policies and programs. Consequently, an EV technology research priority must be identified.

Design/methodology/approach

A technology foresight (TF) procedure which consists of a STEEPV analysis, followed by scenarios development and expert elicitation techniques, was conducted to determine an EV technology research priority that may direct future specific local component innovations, and therefore businesses.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that research in a range of EV battery technologies, technologies relating to a variety of key components (to increase local content) and autonomous systems were important to support the local development and manufacturing of EV components in Indonesia.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the scenarios development process was conducted based on selected available experts, mostly internally from BRIN. Some biased opinions may be present.

Originality/value

There have not been any TF studies regarding the development of EV technology research priority in Indonesia.

Details

foresight, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 August 2024

Hadeer Hammad and Noha El-Bassiouny

This study aims to develop and validate a measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption. Compensatory consumption phenomenon is gaining increased significance in consumer…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop and validate a measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption. Compensatory consumption phenomenon is gaining increased significance in consumer behavior literature. In a symbolic-rich culture, the use of possessions creates a perfect venue for self-construction and self-repairing to make up for one’s psychological deficiencies and inadequacies.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research design of qualitative and quantitative methodologies is adopted by using elicitation techniques, interviews and survey data. Extensive development and validation procedures are used. A series of studies, encompassing a total sample of 1,782, are reported.

Findings

The current study offers a valid and reliable measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption by chronologically following the stages of the scale development process. Compensatory consumption had a negative influence on subjective happiness and a positive influence on negative affect and satisfaction with life. Respondents with high materialism scores had significantly higher compensatory tendencies than the low materialism group. The low self-compassionate group had significantly higher compensatory tendencies than the high self-compassionate group.

Originality/value

The current study provides theoretical contributions to consumer behavior research by providing a valid and reliable measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption. Contrary to past scales that followed a mood-alleviation perspective where therapeutic shopping is used to regulate negative emotions, this scale is novel in adopting a self-completion approach where products are pursued for a tactical effort to offset threatened self-concepts.

Book part
Publication date: 9 September 2024

Eva C. Erdmenger

Even though the idea of citizen participation in tourism planning and policy-making is anything but new (Keogh, 1990; Murphy, 1985) its implementation becomes increasingly…

Abstract

Even though the idea of citizen participation in tourism planning and policy-making is anything but new (Keogh, 1990; Murphy, 1985) its implementation becomes increasingly important as citizens play a key role for a socially sustainable tourism development (Bramwell & Lane, 2011; Moscardo, 2011; Papachristou & Rosas-Casals, 2019; Spil et al., 2017). Nonetheless, despite the consensus on the importance and urgency, the plethora of collaborative concepts has hardly been translated into reality. In this chapter, it will be questioned why citizen involvement in tourism policy is such a wicked problem. Further, the issue will be framed with the 10 characteristics of wicked problems by Rittel and Webber (1973) as well as Head’s (2022) governmental responses to wicked problems. Based on empirical data of two urban case studies, namely Munich (Germany) and Copenhagen (Denmark), citizens’ perspectives on their role in tourism have been disclosed to expand the past debate. Contrasting empirical findings and the outlined theoretical frame, various solution approaches could be identified from the so far neglected perspective of those at the heart of the wicked problem – the destination citizens.

Details

Tourism Policy-Making in the Context of Contested Wicked Problems: Politics, Paradigm Shifts and Transformation Processes
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-985-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2024

Alireza Moghayedi, Kathy Michell, Bankole Awuzie and Unekwu Jonathan Adama

The purpose of this study is to explore the increased uptake of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology by Facility Management (FM) organizations for enhanced operational…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the increased uptake of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology by Facility Management (FM) organizations for enhanced operational efficiency and competitive advantage. While AI adoption in FM has been widely reported, limited attempts have been made to assess its impact on the social well-being of FM employees. To contribute towards addressing this gap, this study established the essential employee social well-being factors mostly impacted by the adoption of AI in South African FM organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-stage design comprising a comprehensive review of literature, expert interviews, questionnaire census and focus group discussion sessions was used to elicit data from a sample of participants drawn from 22 South African FM organizations. The data was analyzed using a combination of content analysis, relative importance index and interpretative structural modeling for various data sets toward achieving the study’s objectives.

Findings

Sixteen employee social well-being factors, classified under job satisfaction, social relationship and knowledge development categories, respectively, were identified as being impacted by AI adoption in FM organizations. Furthermore, it was established that job security, job autonomy and professional status, which belong to the job satisfaction social well-being factor category, were deemed by FM employees as being mostly impacted by AI adoption.

Practical implications

The enhanced understanding of the impact of AI adoption on FM employees’ social well-being factors will contribute to the development of a collaborative intelligence framework for managing AI adoption in FM organizations toward engendering optimal AI–FM employee relationships for improved productivity.

Originality/value

Besides being one of the foremost studies to investigate the impact of AI adoption on FM employees’ social well-being, this study introduces a hierarchical framework of understanding employee social well-being factors based on multi-stakeholder perspectives.

Details

Journal of Corporate Real Estate , vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-001X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 August 2024

Zeinab Raoofi, Maria Huge Brodin and Anna Pernestål

Electrification is a promising solution for decarbonising the road freight transport system, but it is challenging to understand its impact on the system. The purpose of this…

Abstract

Purpose

Electrification is a promising solution for decarbonising the road freight transport system, but it is challenging to understand its impact on the system. The purpose of this research is to provide a system-level understanding of how electrification impacts the road freight transport system. The goal is to develop a model that illustrates the system and its dynamics, emphasising the importance of understanding these dynamics in order to comprehend the effects of electrification.

Design/methodology/approach

The main methodological contribution of the study is the combination of the multi-layer model with system dynamics methodology. A mixed methods approach is used, including group model building, impact analysis, and literature analysis.

Findings

The study presents a conceptual multi-layer dynamic model, illustrating the complex causal relationships between variables in the different layers and how electrification impacts the system. It distinguishes between direct and induced impacts, along with potential policy interventions. Moreover, two causal loop diagrams (CLDs) provide practical insights: one explores factors influencing electric truck attractiveness, and the other illustrates the trade-off between battery size and fast charging infrastructure for electric trucks.

Originality/value

The study provides stakeholders, particularly policymakers, with a system-level understanding of the different impacts of electrification and their ripple effects. This understanding is crucial for making strategic decisions and steering the transition towards a sustainable road freight transport system.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 February 2024

Jari Huikku, Elaine Harris, Moataz Elmassri and Deryl Northcott

This study aims to explore how managers exercise agency in strategic investment decisions (SIDs) by drawing on their knowledgeability of the strategic context. Specifically, the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore how managers exercise agency in strategic investment decisions (SIDs) by drawing on their knowledgeability of the strategic context. Specifically, the authors address the role of position–practice relations and irresistible causal forces in this conduct.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine SID-making (SIDM) practices in four case organisations operating in highly competitive markets, conducting interviews with managers at various levels and analysing company documents. Drawing on strong structuration theory, the authors show how managerial decision makers draw upon their knowledge of organisational context when exercising agency in SIDs.

Findings

The authors provide insights into how SIDM behaviour, specifically agents’ conduct, is shaped by a combination of position–practice relations and the agents’ comprehension of their organisation’s context.

Research limitations/implications

The authors extend the SIDM literature by surfacing the issue of how actors’ conjuncturally-specific knowledge of external structures shapes the general dispositions they draw on in exercising agency in practice.

Originality/value

The authors extend the SIDM literature by surfacing the issue of how actors’ conjuncturally-specific knowledge of external structures shapes the general dispositions they draw on in exercising agency in practice. Particularly, the authors contribute to this literature by identifying irresistible causal forces and illuminating why actors might not resist in SIDM processes, despite having the potential to do so.

Details

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1832-5912

Keywords

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