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1 – 5 of 5Elisabeth Ilie‐Zudor and László Monostori
The purpose of this paper is to introduce an agent‐based model for partners' selection in inter‐organizational supply‐chains. Screening activities undertaken by the main…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce an agent‐based model for partners' selection in inter‐organizational supply‐chains. Screening activities undertaken by the main contracting organization for the case of large project deliveries and parameters to be considered are identified, a multi‐level quantitative framework to support the decision‐making process in effectively selecting an efficient and a compatible set of partners is proposed. Different agent behaviours are introduced and modelled; their impact on the results of the bidding processes is analysed through a simulation model specifically developed for this purpose.
Design/methodology/approach
Among the biggest challenges, companies confront with is the finding of appropriate action lines, methods or IT tools to overcome problems introduced by the saturation of the market, fierce competition and downfall of entry‐barriers. The paper uses a paradigm that is seen as one of the most promising in responding to the needs of modern companies: the agent‐based paradigm.
Findings
Designing an efficient supply network greatly influences the level of uncertainty that a company is encountering. An agent‐based model may efficiently help the inter‐organizational networks partners' selection process. To operate effectively in open environments such as supply chains, agents must be adaptive. System/agents performance can be improved by doing what‐if simulation runs.
Research limitations/implications
A further possible work direction, considering that nowadays a society must find a compromise between being internationally competitive and having a healthy environment, would be the introduction in the model of a special type of agent, namely the project delivery waste management agent.
Practical implications
In addition to contributing to the scientific literature, this research also aims at supporting practical business situations in the industry by creating a normative decision‐making model based on an agent‐based approach. The simulation model developed supports the tuning of parameters used in the evaluation process and makes possible analyzing the effect of different agent behaviours.
Originality/value
Research that identifies means to constrain the pre‐contracting selection problem for specific delivery chains as bridge constructions is needed. The paper details the particularities of such chains, and makes a presentment of roles of actors with impact on the assessment process. One specific of the approach is that in addition to participants as suppliers and main contracting organization also issues (goals) relevant in the supplier's appraisal process are represented by independent agents.
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Elisabeth Ilie-Zudor, Anikó Ekárt, Zsolt Kemeny, Christopher Buckingham, Philip Welch and Laszlo Monostori
– The purpose of this paper is to examine challenges and potential of big data in heterogeneous business networks and relate these to an implemented logistics solution.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine challenges and potential of big data in heterogeneous business networks and relate these to an implemented logistics solution.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper establishes an overview of challenges and opportunities of current significance in the area of big data, specifically in the context of transparency and processes in heterogeneous enterprise networks. Within this context, the paper presents how existing components and purpose-driven research were combined for a solution implemented in a nationwide network for less-than-truckload consignments.
Findings
Aside from providing an extended overview of today’s big data situation, the findings have shown that technical means and methods available today can comprise a feasible process transparency solution in a large heterogeneous network where legacy practices, reporting lags and incomplete data exist, yet processes are sensitive to inadequate policy changes.
Practical implications
The means introduced in the paper were found to be of utility value in improving process efficiency, transparency and planning in logistics networks. The particular system design choices in the presented solution allow an incremental introduction or evolution of resource handling practices, incorporating existing fragmentary, unstructured or tacit knowledge of experienced personnel into the theoretically founded overall concept.
Originality/value
The paper extends previous high-level view on the potential of big data, and presents new applied research and development results in a logistics application.
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Examines the thirteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…
Abstract
Examines the thirteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
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Examines the twelfth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…
Abstract
Examines the twelfth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
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The year 2020 brought a series of previously unknown experiences, events, and life situations to the world. Fear of unknown, uncertainty, unpredictability, and dramatic changes…
Abstract
The year 2020 brought a series of previously unknown experiences, events, and life situations to the world. Fear of unknown, uncertainty, unpredictability, and dramatic changes have had a strong impact on all strata and segments of society. We assume that global happenings of the last decade, climate change, pandemic followed by its related strict restrictions mean a determining event for youngsters which fundamentally shapes their lifestyle, future prospects, problem perception, and their generational characteristics as well. In our study, we examine the real-life situation of students at the University of Szeged from numerous aspects, with particular regard to the possible generation-transforming role of climate and quarantine situation, and we also scrutinize to what extent our previous estimations can be verified with data. The online data collection was carried out in the spring of 2021, the sample contains 1195 members. As the result of the data analysis, we indicated that the coronavirus epidemic does not play a leading role in the problem perception of the students, however, their responses about their self-characterization testify on increased perception of crisis phenomena. Although public life and public discourse have been thematized by the coronavirus epidemic since spring 2020, incompetence of politicians and global environmental change are the most serious problems for the students. In the basic dimensions of youth vulnerability namely in the field of education, leisure, and finance, the satisfaction of the students are the lowest. As a result of the restrictive measures, the online activity of the students has further strengthened; instead of silence and apolitical behavior, the students are characterized by a strong public–political interest, increased sensitivity to global problems in the third wave of the pandemic.
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