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1 – 10 of 637Fatemeh Afsharnia, Afshin Marzban, Mohammadamin Asoodar and Abas Abdeshahi
The purpose of this paper is to optimize the preventive maintenance based on fault tree (FT)–Bayesian network (BN) reliability for sugarcane harvester machine as a fundamental…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to optimize the preventive maintenance based on fault tree (FT)–Bayesian network (BN) reliability for sugarcane harvester machine as a fundamental machine in the sugar industry that must be operated failure-free during a given period of the harvesting process.
Design/methodology/approach
To determine machine reliability using the algorithm developed based on mapping FTs into BNs, the common failures of 168 machines were carefully investigated over 12 years (2007–2019). This algorithm was then used to predict the harvester reliability, estimate delays by machine downtimes and their consequences on white sugar production losses that can be reduced by optimizing the preventive maintenance scheduling.
Findings
The optimization of preventive maintenance scheduling based on estimated reliability of sugarcane harvester machines using FT–BNs can reduce white sugar production losses, the operation-stopping breakdowns and the downtime costs as a crisis that the sugar industry is facing.
Practical implications
Machine reliability gradually decreased by 31.08% approximately, which resulted in a working time loss of 26% in the 2018–19 harvesting season. In total, the white sugar losses were estimated as 204.17 tons for burnt canes and 114.53 tons for green canes. The losses of the 2018–19 harvesting season have been 11.85 times greater than the first harvesting season. The proposed maintenance interval for critical subsystems including the hydraulic, chopper and base cutter were obtained as 1.815, 1.12 and 1.05 h, respectively.
Originality/value
In this study, a new approach was used to optimize preventive maintenance to reduce delays and their implications upon costs in time, inconvenience and white sugar losses. The FT–BNs algorithm was found a useful tool that was over-fitting of failure occurrence probabilities data for sugarcane harvester machine.
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Sandra Hildbrand and Shamim Bodhanya
This paper aims to explore the complexity that characterises sugarcane production and supply systems by applying soft systems methodology (SSM) and the viable system model (VSM…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the complexity that characterises sugarcane production and supply systems by applying soft systems methodology (SSM) and the viable system model (VSM) based on an interpretive systemic approach. It seeks to understand the extent to which these methodologies may assist in exploring such a complexity.
Design/methodology/approach
SSM and VSM were combined with qualitative research methods to explore two sugarcane production and supply systems’ potential improvement possibilities.
Findings
Trust, transparency and communication shortcomings, poor miller–grower relationships, deficient systemic commitment, insular view, milling inefficiencies, sugarcane quality, quantity and consistency shortcomings, the industry setup and the lack of a common driver are core issues. SSM and VSM facilitated a thorough understanding, yet could not address detected deficiencies.
Research limitations/implications
The research was restricted to two milling areas, and only SSM and VSM were applied.
Practical implications
Presented findings can be used as a basis to facilitate improvement in sugarcane production and supply systems and to advocate the continuity of holistic considerations.
Originality/value
Neither SSM nor VSM have been applied in the sugar industry context. The sugarcane production and supply systems have been holistically investigated, and soft issues have been considered.
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Justin Sexton, Yvette Everingham and Bertrand Timbal
This study aims to investigate the effects of climate change on harvestability for sugarcane-growing regions situated between mountain ranges and the narrow east Australian…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects of climate change on harvestability for sugarcane-growing regions situated between mountain ranges and the narrow east Australian coastline.
Design/methodology/approach
Daily rainfall simulations from 11 general circulation models (GCMs) were downscaled for seven Australian sugarcane regions (1961:2000). Unharvestable days were calculated from these 11 GCMs and compared to interpolated observed data. The historical downscaled GCM simulations were then compared to simulations under low (B1) and high (A2) emissions scenarios for the period of 2046-2065. The 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of paired model differences were assessed using 95 per cent bootstrapped confidence intervals.
Findings
A decrease in the number of unharvestable days for the Burdekin (winter/spring) and Bundaberg (winter) regions and an increase for the Herbert region (spring) were plausible under the A2 scenario. Spatial plots identified variability within regions. Northern and southern regions were more variable than central regions.
Practical implications
Changes to the frequency of unharvestable days may require a range of management adaptations such as modifying the harvest period and upgrading harvesting technologies.
Originality/value
The application of a targeted industry rainfall parameter (unharvestable days) obtained from downscaled climate models provided a novel approach to investigate the impacts of climate change. This research forms a baseline for industry discussion and adaptation planning towards an environmentally and economically sustainable future. The methodology outlined can easily be extended to other primary industries impacted by wet weather.
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Vimal K.E.K., Sonu Raja, Venkata Siva Prasanth Yendeti, Amarendra Kancharla and Jayakrishna Kandasamy
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of current carbon tax (CT) policy on organizations involved in a sharing network relation.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of current carbon tax (CT) policy on organizations involved in a sharing network relation.
Design/methodology/approach
For finding the CT and economic value of the industries connected in a sharing network model a multi-objective multi-integer linear model has been formulated. The data set of the case organization is used for computation. The formulated mathematical model is computed with the aid of GAMS optimization program.
Findings
This research paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the sharing network strategy in increasing the economic value and decreasing the CT for industries involved in sharing network. The CT value INR 3,012.694 for the industries in Scenario II which incorporates the sharing network is less than the CT INR 3,580.167 for industries in Scenario I without sharing network.
Research limitations/implications
The data used for the computation is based on a particular sharing network under investigation. The formulated mathematical model can be checked with similar sharing networks by varying the parameters.
Practical implications
This work can aid in gaining complete knowledge on the sharing network strategy which can uplift the resources and the monetary value of the non-efficient industries moving them towards sustainable and greener supply chain practices.
Social implications
The presented work can impact various industries in developing countries providing them with a strategy to enhance their resources and economic value by maintaining an amicable relation.
Originality/value
This work uniquely was able to validate economic feasibility and CT in accordance with the carbon footprint involved in sharing network. This sharing network also incorporates the concepts of circular economy and reverse logistics for showcasing a better strategy.
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Annie F.A. Chimphango and Johann F. Görgens
Agricultural food residues (agro-residues) receive low economic returns and experience disposal problems. The food production and processing is often not configured to supply…
Abstract
Purpose
Agricultural food residues (agro-residues) receive low economic returns and experience disposal problems. The food production and processing is often not configured to supply agro-residues for production of bioenergy needed in food processing. The feasibility of utilising agro-residues through advances in postharvest technology for sustainable bioenergy conversion is reviewed. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Agro-residues from maize, sugarcane and potatoes in five African countries were assessed from secondary data to identify suitable conversion technologies, energy products and configurations of bioenergy plants for applications in postharvest food processing.
Findings
Strategic alignment of postharvest technology to bioenergy production systems is vital to advancing both food production and bioenergy that benefit rural communities in Africa. High economic returns are possible when the bioenergy plants are either annexure to existing agro-processing operations or operate as a biorefinery.
Research limitations/implications
Assessment of energy self-sufficiency of food production and processing systems is required.
Practical implications
Agro-residues for bioenergy production require investments in infrastructure for storage, transportation and processing of the residues, and development of new risk management techniques.
Social implications
The rural communities will be energy secure resulting in food security through reduced postharvest losses and increased agricultural productivity.
Originality/value
The study stimulates innovative thinking in establishing sustainable bioenergy systems for food processes.
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K.E.K. Vimal, Sonu Rajak and Jayakrishna Kandasamy
The purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model for the design of a circular production system (CPS) for an Indian manufacturing organization participating in a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model for the design of a circular production system (CPS) for an Indian manufacturing organization participating in a symbiotic network.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-objective mixed integer linear programming is used to model the network for quantifying the economic benefits. The data set collected from the case organization is used. The GAMS optimization package is used to simulate the model.
Findings
The model is able to compute the economic benefit achieved through circular operations in the case organization. The flow of different items through the network is also obtained.
Research limitations/implications
The data set of the single organization in the symbiotic network is used to validate the proposed mathematical model. Further research can be done considering the all the organizations in the considered symbiotic network.
Practical implications
This paper will help the authors to better understand the role of sustainable supply chains in a circular economy model especially in energy and materials intensive industries.
Originality/value
This study has uniquely utilized a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming approach for the analysis of variables in CPSs and the corresponding economic benefits.
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Andrew Schmitz, P. Lynn Kennedy and Michael Salassi
In this chapter the development of new sugarcane varieties in Florida and Louisiana is examined, along with the accompanying advancement in mechanization technology through the…
Abstract
In this chapter the development of new sugarcane varieties in Florida and Louisiana is examined, along with the accompanying advancement in mechanization technology through the widespread adoption of sugarcane harvesters. An econometric analysis is carried out to determine the impact of the price of raw sugar on raw-sugar yields in Louisiana and Florida. This study found that in the case of Louisiana, the 3-year lagged US raw-sugar price had a positive and significant impact on sugar yields. The change in raw-sugar prices did not have a significant impact on sugar yields for the Florida industry. Sugar production has increased over time, in part, due to the development of new sugarcane varieties accompanied by modern sugarcane harvesters. Given the relationship between price and yield, particularly in Louisiana, policy makers and producers must be mindful of the potential impact of policy-induced research and development (R&D) on the competitiveness of their industry.
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Sandra Hildbrand and Shamim Bodhanya
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the viable system model (VSM) as a valuable tool to the food industry. A sugarcane supply chain was used to evaluate VSM's applicability…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the viable system model (VSM) as a valuable tool to the food industry. A sugarcane supply chain was used to evaluate VSM's applicability to the food industry by exploring how VSM can help to understand its complexity.
Design/methodology/approach
VSM and qualitative research methods were combined in an interactive manner to produce a VSM diagnosis.
Findings
The VSM diagnosis highlighted that while continuity of the system is not at risk, many improvement opportunities exist. For example, the local mill management lacks autonomy, essential operational measurement cannot be realised, coordination is deficient and a vision or identity for the mill area and a joint effort to engage in strategic considerations is missing. Miller-grower fragmentation surfaced as one cause of these shortcomings.
Research limitations/implications
Although VSM revealed shortcomings, it was unable to facilitate interventions for improvement. VSM's capacity in dealing with shortcomings should be strengthened and the merit of VSM in other food-related supply systems should be investigated.
Practical implications
Millers and growers need to become genuine partners and work jointly on the issues that challenge the system to realise the full potential that is embedded in the system.
Originality/value
VSM has not been applied in the sugar industry context and the amount of researches that explore sugarcane supply chains holistically is limited.
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Abuzar Nomani and Mohammad Khalid Azam
This paper aims to assess how Sharīʿah guidelines improve the working capital needs of the Indian sugar industry. Previous studies reveal that the sugar industry in India is in a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess how Sharīʿah guidelines improve the working capital needs of the Indian sugar industry. Previous studies reveal that the sugar industry in India is in a state of cash deprivation for decades. Finance is not available for expansion, as well as for working capital requirements. Banks have also declined to provide working capital loans to the sugar industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Lack of working capital management and its impact upon sugar mills profitability are examined based on a sample of six Indian sugar mills and the use of panel data analysis for the period 2011-2015.
Findings
The regression results suggest the need for reducing the number of days’ account receivables and inventories to a reasonable minimum to maintain the liquidity necessary for the mills, which current mills cannot manage to achieve, and consequently, suffer liquidity problems.
Practical implications
This paper presents a model of Sharīʿah-compliant working capital financing for cash deprived Indian sugar industry. All the three parties stand to benefit from this arrangement: the farmer will get the price of his crop promptly and at its farmland, sugar mill will secure the required quantity of raw material (sugarcane) without any immediate cash outflow, and the Islamic bank will earn a reasonable mark-up profit from this transaction.
Originality/value
The study is the first comprehensive effort to explore the possible combination of Islamic banking products subject to the fulfillment of needs of sugar mills and farmers and the application of an Islamic banking instrument in the agriculture sector of India. It also suggests the possible models for financing under a Salam and Murabahah contract.
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Maria Aparecida de Moraes Silva, Marilda Aparecida Menezes and Jadir Damião Ribeiro