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Article
Publication date: 20 March 2024

Vinod Bhatia and K. Kalaivani

Indian railways (IR) is one of the largest railway networks in the world. As a part of its strategic development initiative, demand forecasting can be one of the indispensable…

Abstract

Purpose

Indian railways (IR) is one of the largest railway networks in the world. As a part of its strategic development initiative, demand forecasting can be one of the indispensable activities, as it may provide basic inputs for planning and control of various activities such as coach production, planning new trains, coach augmentation and quota redistribution. The purpose of this study is to suggest an approach to demand forecasting for IR management.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is carried out, wherein several models i.e. automated autoregressive integrated moving average (auto-ARIMA), trigonometric regressors (TBATS), Holt–Winters additive model, Holt–Winters multiplicative model, simple exponential smoothing and simple moving average methods have been tested. As per requirements of IR management, the adopted research methodology is predominantly discursive, and the passenger reservation patterns over a five-year period covering a most representative train service for the past five years have been employed. The relative error matrix and the Akaike information criterion have been used to compare the performance of various models. The Diebold–Mariano test was conducted to examine the accuracy of models.

Findings

The coach production strategy has been proposed on the most suitable auto-ARIMA model. Around 6,000 railway coaches per year have been produced in the past 3 years by IR. As per the coach production plan for the year 2023–2024, a tentative 6551 coaches of various types have been planned for production. The insights gained from this paper may facilitate need-based coach manufacturing and optimum utilization of the inventory.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on rail ticket demand forecasting and adds value to the process of rolling stock management. The proposed model can be a comprehensive decision-making tool to plan for new train services and assess the rolling stock production requirement on any railway system. The analysis may help in making demand predictions for the busy season, and the management can make important decisions about the pricing of services.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2024

Ali Fazli and Mohammad Hosein Kazemi

This paper aims to propose a new linear parameter varying (LPV) controller for the robot tracking control problem. Using the identification of the robot dynamics in different work…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new linear parameter varying (LPV) controller for the robot tracking control problem. Using the identification of the robot dynamics in different work space points about modeling trajectory based on the least square of error algorithm, an LPV model for the robotic arm is extracted.

Design/methodology/approach

Parameter set mapping based on parameter component analysis results in a reduced polytopic LPV model that reduces the complexity of the implementation. An approximation of the required torque is computed based on the reduced LPV models. The state-feedback gain of each zone is computed by solving some linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to sufficiently decrease the time derivative of a Lyapunov function. A novel smoothing method is used for the proposed controller to switch properly in the borders of the zones.

Findings

The polytopic set of the resulting gains creates the smooth switching polytopic LPV (SS-LPV) controller which is applied to the trajectory tracking problem of the six-degree-of-freedom PUMA 560 robotic arm. A sufficient condition ensures that the proposed controller stabilizes the polytopic LPV system against the torque estimation error.

Practical implications

Smoothing of the switching LPV controller is performed by defining some tolerances and creating some quasi-zones in the borders of the main zones leading to the compressed main zones. The proposed torque estimation is not a model-based technique; so the model variation and other disturbances cannot destroy the performance of the suggested controller. The proposed control scheme does not have any considerable computational load, because the control gains are obtained offline by solving some LMIs, and the torque computation is done online by a simple polytopic-based equation.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new SS-LPV controller is addressed for the trajectory tracking problem of robotic arms. Robot workspace is zoned into some main zones in such a way that the number of models in each zone is almost equal. Data obtained from the modeling trajectory is used to design the state-feedback control gain.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 September 2022

Yassine Benrqya and Imad Jabbouri

An important phenomenon often observed in supply chain, known as the bullwhip effect, implies that demand variability increases as we move up in the supply chain. On the other…

Abstract

Purpose

An important phenomenon often observed in supply chain, known as the bullwhip effect, implies that demand variability increases as we move up in the supply chain. On the other hand, the cross-docking is a distribution strategy that eliminates the inventory holding function of the retailer distribution center, where this latter functions as a transfer point rather than a storage point. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of cross-docking strategy compared to traditional warehousing on the bullwhip effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors quantify this effect in a three-echelon supply chain consisting of stores, retailer and supplier. They assume that each participant adopts an order up to level policy with an exponential smoothing forecasting scheme. This paper demonstrates mathematically the lower bound of the bullwhip effect reduction in the cross-docking strategy compared to traditional warehousing.

Findings

By simulation, this paper demonstrates that cross-docking reduces the bullwhip effect upstream the chain. This reduction depends on the lead-times, the review periods and the smoothing factor.

Research limitations/implications

A mathematical demonstration cannot be highly generalizable, and this paper should be extended to an empirical investigation where real data can be incorporated in the model. However, the findings of this paper form a foundation for further understanding of the cross-docking strategy and its impact on the bullwhip effect.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap by proposing a mathematical demonstration and a simulation, to investigate the benefits of implementing cross-docking strategy on the bullwhip effect. This impact has not been studied in the literature.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2024

Karlo Marques Junior

This paper seeks to explore the sensitivity of these parameters and their impact on fiscal policy outcomes. We use the existing literature to establish possible ranges for each…

22

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the sensitivity of these parameters and their impact on fiscal policy outcomes. We use the existing literature to establish possible ranges for each parameter, and we examine how changes within these ranges can alter the outcomes of fiscal policy. In this way, we aim to highlight the importance of these parameters in the formulation and evaluation of fiscal policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The role of fiscal policy, its effects and multipliers continues to be a subject of intense debate in macroeconomics. Despite adopting a New Keynesian approach within a macroeconomic model, the reactions of macroeconomic variables to fiscal shocks can vary across different contexts and theoretical frameworks. This paper aims to investigate these diverse reactions by conducting a sensitivity analysis of parameters. Specifically, the study examines how key variables respond to fiscal shocks under different parameter settings. By analyzing the behavioral dynamics of these variables, this research contributes to the ongoing discussion on fiscal policy. The findings offer valuable insights to enrich the understanding of the complex relationship between fiscal shocks and macroeconomic outcomes, thus facilitating informed policy debates.

Findings

This paper aims to investigate key elements of New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models. The focus is on the calibration of parameters and their impact on macroeconomic variables, such as output and inflation. The study also examines how different parameter settings affect the response of monetary policy to fiscal measures. In conclusion, this study has relied on theoretical exploration and a comprehensive review of existing literature. The parameters and their relationships have been analyzed within a robust theoretical framework, offering valuable insights for further research on how these factors influence model forecasts and inform policy recommendations derived from New Keynesian DSGE models. Moving forward, it is recommended that future work includes empirical analyses to test the reliability and effectiveness of parameter calibrations in real-world conditions. This will contribute to enhancing the accuracy and relevance of DSGE models for economic policy decision-making.

Originality/value

This study is motivated by the aim to provide a deeper understanding of the roles macroeconomic model parameters play concerning responses to expansionary fiscal policies and the subsequent reactions of monetary authorities. Comprehensive reviews that encompass this breadth of relationships within a single text are rare in the literature, making this work a valuable contribution to stimulating discussions on macroeconomic policies.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2023

Afifa Ferhi and Helali Kamel

Today, the increasing use of fossil fuels, energy security, concerns and the great importance of achieving sustainable economic growth underscore the urgent need to transition to…

Abstract

Purpose

Today, the increasing use of fossil fuels, energy security, concerns and the great importance of achieving sustainable economic growth underscore the urgent need to transition to a green energy system as soon as possible. To shed light on the relationship between the economy and renewable energy, this study assesses the nonlinear relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth for 24 OECD countries between 1990 and 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply two nonlinear models: panel threshold regression (PTR) and panel smooth transition regression (PSTR).

Findings

The results show that the positive effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth is conditional. On the one hand, the results of the nonlinear PTR model yielded a threshold value for renewable energy consumption of about 251.17. Below this threshold, the authors find a negative impact of renewable energy consumption on economic growth. However, above this threshold, renewable energy consumption becomes a favorable source of economic growth. Using the nonlinear PSTR model based on the gamma transition parameter of 2.014, the transition from low renewable energy consumption regime to higher is abrupt.

Originality/value

Referring to previous studies analyzing linear causality between renewable energy and economic growth, most of the results show various mixed and non-stable effects over the study period. The contributions of this study consist in conduct a series of empirical tests of the nonlinear effects of renewable energy use on economic growth using two nonlinear approaches such as the PTR and PSTR models. If the authors show that such a relationship is nonlinear, it is essential to check whether the transition from one weak regime to another strong regime is abrupt or smooth, using the PSTR approach.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2023

Yingguang Wang

The purpose of this paper is to exploit a new and robust method to forecast the long-term extreme dynamic responses for wave energy converters (WECs).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to exploit a new and robust method to forecast the long-term extreme dynamic responses for wave energy converters (WECs).

Design/methodology/approach

A new adaptive binned kernel density estimation (KDE) methodology is first proposed in this paper.

Findings

By examining the calculation results the authors has found that in the tail region the proposed new adaptive binned KDE distribution curve becomes very smooth and fits quite well with the histogram of the measured ocean wave dataset at the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) station 46,059. Carefully studying the calculation results also reveals that the 50-year extreme power-take-off heaving force value forecasted based on the environmental contour derived using the new method is 3572600N, which is much larger than the value 2709100N forecasted via the Rosenblatt-inverse second-order reliability method (ISORM) contour method.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method overcomes the disadvantages of all the existing nonparametric and parametric methods for predicting the tail region probability density values of the sea state parameters.

Originality/value

It is concluded that the proposed new adaptive binned KDE method is robust and can forecast well the 50-year extreme dynamic responses for WECs.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 5 April 2024

Feng Yao, Qinling Lu, Yiguo Sun and Junsen Zhang

The authors propose to estimate a varying coefficient panel data model with different smoothing variables and fixed effects using a two-step approach. The pilot step estimates the…

Abstract

The authors propose to estimate a varying coefficient panel data model with different smoothing variables and fixed effects using a two-step approach. The pilot step estimates the varying coefficients by a series method. We then use the pilot estimates to perform a one-step backfitting through local linear kernel smoothing, which is shown to be oracle efficient in the sense of being asymptotically equivalent to the estimate knowing the other components of the varying coefficients. In both steps, the authors remove the fixed effects through properly constructed weights. The authors obtain the asymptotic properties of both the pilot and efficient estimators. The Monte Carlo simulations show that the proposed estimator performs well. The authors illustrate their applicability by estimating a varying coefficient production frontier using a panel data, without assuming distributions of the efficiency and error terms.

Details

Essays in Honor of Subal Kumbhakar
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-874-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2024

Anam Ul Haq Ganie and Masroor Ahmad

The purpose of this study is to investigate the nonlinear effects of renewable energy (RE) consumption and economic growth on per capita CO2 emissions during the time span from…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the nonlinear effects of renewable energy (RE) consumption and economic growth on per capita CO2 emissions during the time span from 1980 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the logistic smooth transition autoregression (STAR) model to decipher the nonlinear relationship between RE consumption, economic growth and CO2 emissions in the Indian economy.

Findings

The estimated results confirm a nonlinear relationship between India’s economic growth, RE consumption and CO2 emissions. The authors found that economic growth positively impacts CO2 emissions until it reaches a specific threshold of 1.81 (per capita growth). Beyond this point, further economic growth leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Similarly, RE consumption positively affects CO2 emissions until economic growth reaches the same threshold level, after which an increase in RE consumption negatively impacts CO2 emissions.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that India should optimize the balance between economic growth and RE consumption to mitigate CO2 emissions. Policymakers should prioritize the adoption of RE during the early stages of economic growth. As economic growth reaches the specific threshold of 1.81 per capita, the economy should shift to more sustainable and energy-efficient practices to limit the effect of further CO2 emissions on further economic growth.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first-ever endeavor to reexamine the nonlinear relationship between RE consumption, economic growth and CO2 emissions in India, using the STAR model.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2023

Gerrio Barbosa, Daniel Sousa, Cássio da Nóbrega Besarria, Robson Lima and Diego Pitta de Jesus

The aim of this study was to determine if there are asymmetries in the pass-through of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices to its derivatives (diesel and gasoline) in…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine if there are asymmetries in the pass-through of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices to its derivatives (diesel and gasoline) in the Brazilian market.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the future WTI oil price series was analyzed using the self-exciting threshold autoregressive (SETAR) and logistic smooth transition autoregressive (LSTAR) non-linear models. Subsequently, the threshold autoregressive error-correction model (TAR-ECM) and Markov-switching model were used.

Findings

The findings indicated high prices throughout 2008 due to the subprime crisis. The findings indicated high prices throughout 2008 due to the subprime crisis. The results indicated that there is long-term pass-through of oil prices in both methods, suggesting an equilibrium adjustment in the prices of diesel and gasoline in the analyzed period. Regarding the short term, the variations in contemporary crude oil prices have positive effects on the variations in fuel prices. Lastly, this behavior can partly be explained by the internal price management structure adopted during almost all of the analyzed period.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature at some points. The first contribution is the modeling of the oil price series through non-linear models, further enriching the literature on the recent behavior of this time series. The second is the simultaneous use of the TAR-ECM and Markov-switching model to capture possible short- and long-term asymmetries in the pass-through of prices, as few studies have applied these methods to the future price of oil. The third and main contribution is the investigation of whether there are asymmetries in the transfer of oil prices to the price of derivatives in Brazil. So far, no work has investigated this issue, which is very relevant to the country.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2023

Jueshuai Wang

This paper aims to enhance the Global Projection Model (GPM) developed by the International Monetary Fund by constructing a GPM4 model that includes the United States of America…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance the Global Projection Model (GPM) developed by the International Monetary Fund by constructing a GPM4 model that includes the United States of America, the Eurozone, Japan and China.

Design/methodology/approach

This article introduces the United States of America, the Eurozone, Japan and China into a comprehensive global forecasting model, analyzing the impact of liquidity management in G3 economies on nine key macroeconomic variables in China.

Findings

The findings reveal that the liquidity management strategies employed by major economies do exert a certain influence on China's major macroeconomic variables. Different types of liquidity shocks elicit varying effects. Monetary shocks exhibit the strongest instantaneous impact, while credit conditions and policy rate shocks contribute more significantly to China's long-term macroeconomic fluctuations. However, no single shock stands out as the dominant factor.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to expand the GPM model developed by the International Monetary Fund and build a GPM4 model including China, the United States of America, the Eurozone and Japan. For the first time, the GPM model was used to analyze the spillover effects of liquidity management in major economies on China's macroeconomy and revealed the impact of non-price factors such as credit conditions on China's macroeconomic variables.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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