Richard Tarpey, Chenchen Yang, Feng Yang, Qianqian Yuan and Jinfeng Yue
Make-to-order (MTO) manufacturers often receive lead time-sensitive orders requiring multiple custom parts not commonly in stock. These irregular orders can be challenging to…
Abstract
Purpose
Make-to-order (MTO) manufacturers often receive lead time-sensitive orders requiring multiple custom parts not commonly in stock. These irregular orders can be challenging to manage across numerous suppliers, resulting in high costs and associated risks in completing orders on time. Many MTO manufacturers develop relationships with multiple sourcing suppliers, spreading risk and ensuring delivery performance at a reasonable cost. These relationships, however, result in an order allocation problem. The purpose of this study is to consider previously proposed frontier portfolio solution methodologies used in sourcing selection and improve upon an identified weakness to improve the evaluation and selection of order quantities across multiple suppliers.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyzes an existing frontier portfolio selection model where potentially inefficient portfolios are selected and considered. The authors propose introducing a data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique paired with the frontier portfolio selection model to eliminate inefficient portfolios from being considered to help MTO manufacturers determine allocations by calculating and evaluating two factors: on-time probability and associated cost.
Findings
While previously proposed frontier models provide mechanisms to allocate orders across different suppliers to meet variable service levels and costs, this study finds model improvements to eliminate inefficient portfolios to facilitate better decisions for order allocation. This study finds a more efficient potential solution using a frontier method paired with DEA to help the MTO manufacturer select sourcing partners and determine the associated quantity allocation for each chosen supplier. The technique provides flexibility, resulting in a range of options to solve the dilemma with differing emphasis on due dates and costs.
Practical implications
The proposed method provides a pool of more efficient frontier portfolios ranging from higher on-time probability and higher cost to less on-time likelihood and lower cost, resulting in less chance of an inefficient portfolio choice. Such a design ensures that regardless of the preference and specific need criteria (cost versus on-time delivery), MTO manufacturers have flexibility in choosing an optimal solution.
Originality/value
This paper extends an existing model of supplier selection to improve selection quality based on a DEA technique to remove inefficient portfolios.
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This study addresses the challenge of generating material waste from support structures in 3D printing manufacturing and aims to explore more cost-effective manufacturing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study addresses the challenge of generating material waste from support structures in 3D printing manufacturing and aims to explore more cost-effective manufacturing strategies for 3D printing manufacturers by considering two strategies: technology upgrading and material recycling.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examines the optimal decisions for manufacturers under each scenario (including a benchmark model and models for the two strategies) and explores the most profitable strategy by comparing the optimal profits of the manufacturer and analyzing the impact of key factors.
Findings
This study reveals that the choice of the optimal manufacturing strategy depends on the cost coefficient of technological effort and the fixed cost associated with introducing material recycling. In addition, it finds that material recycling is particularly effective in enhancing consumer surplus.
Practical implications
The analysis provides an important basis for decision-making for 3D printing manufacturers considering technology upgrading and material recycling, which can not only enhance economic benefits but also contribute to the sustainable advancement of 3D printing technology.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to focus on the adverse effects of support structures in 3D printing manufacturing and systematically explore the economic feasibility of improving this issue through both technology upgrading and material recycling.
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Muhammad Mustafa Raziq, Sharjeel Saleem, Felipe Mendes Borini and Farah Naz
We examine the relationships among leader spirituality, organizational innovativeness, transformational leadership style and project success. Integrating principles of behavioral…
Abstract
Purpose
We examine the relationships among leader spirituality, organizational innovativeness, transformational leadership style and project success. Integrating principles of behavioral learning and social learning theories, we argue that spiritual leadership style is positively linked to project success, and this relationship is mediated by transformational leadership. Furthermore, the relationship between leader spirituality and transformational leadership is moderated by organizational innovativeness.
Design/methodology/approach
Data are collected from 180 individuals working in seven large project-based organizations from the telecom sector in Pakistan. The individuals comprise engineers, functional managers, dedicated project managers and individuals who have led and/or worked in project teams. Data are analyzed using variance-based structural equation modeling.
Findings
Results suggest that the relationship between spiritual leadership style and project success is positive and is partially mediated by transformational leadership. Furthermore, organizational innovativeness positively moderates the spiritual leadership and transformational leadership relationship.
Originality/value
Research calls for examining the relationship between leadership styles and project success. We address this call through examining the role of spiritual leadership style (which is rather ignored in project management literature) for project success. Furthermore, we take a novel evolutionary approach of integrating different leadership styles and indicating determinants as well as contingencies to leadership development.
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Zeyuan Wang, He Xu, Manman Zhang, Zhaorui Cai and Yongyuan Chen
This paper aims to present a novel approach to facial recognition that enhances privacy by using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology combined with transformer models…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a novel approach to facial recognition that enhances privacy by using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology combined with transformer models, eliminating the need for visual data and thus reducing privacy risks associated with traditional image-based systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed RFID-transformer recognition system (RTRS) uses RFID technology to capture signal features such as phase and received signal strength indicator, which are then processed by a transformer model. The model is specifically designed to handle structured RFID data, capturing subtle patterns and dependencies to achieve accurate biometric recognition. The system’s performance was validated through comprehensive experiments involving different environmental conditions and user scenarios.
Findings
The experimental results demonstrate that the RTRS system achieves a recognition accuracy of 98.91%, maintaining robust performance across various challenging conditions, including low-light environments and changes in face orientation. In addition, the system provides a high level of privacy preservation by avoiding the collection and storage of visual data.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work introduces the first RFID-based facial recognition system that fully leverages transformer models, offering a privacy-preserving alternative to traditional image-based methods. The system’s ability to perform accurately in diverse scenarios while ensuring user privacy makes it a significant advancement in biometric technology.
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Xin Feng, Xu Wang and Mengxia Qi
In the era of the digital economy, higher demands are placed on versatile talents, and the cultivation of students with innovative and entrepreneurial abilities has become an…
Abstract
Purpose
In the era of the digital economy, higher demands are placed on versatile talents, and the cultivation of students with innovative and entrepreneurial abilities has become an important issue for the further development of higher education, thus leading to extensive and in-depth research by many scholars. The study summarizes the characteristics and patterns of dual-innovation education at different stages of development, hoping to provide a systematic model for the development of dual-innovation education in China and make up for the shortcomings.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses Citespace software to visualize and analyze the relevant literature in CNKI and Web of Science databases from a bibliometric perspective, focusing on quantitative analysis in terms of article trends, topic clustering, keyword co-linear networks and topic time evolution, etc., to summarize and sort out the development of innovation and entrepreneurship education research at home and abroad.
Findings
The study found that the external characteristics of the literature published in the field of bi-innovation education in China and abroad are slightly different, mainly in that foreign publishers are more closely connected and have formed a more stable ecosystem. In terms of research hotspots, China is still in a critical period of reforming its curriculum and teaching model, and research on the integration of specialization and creative education is in full swing, while foreign countries focus more on the cultivation of students' entrepreneurial awareness and the enhancement of individual effectiveness. In terms of cutting-edge analysis, the main research directions in China are “creative education”, “new engineering”, “integration of industry and education” and “rural revitalization”.
Originality/value
Innovation and entrepreneurship education in China is still in its infancy, and most of the studies lack an overall overview and comparison of foreign studies. Based on the econometric analysis of domestic and foreign literature, this paper proposes a path for domestic innovation and entrepreneurship education reform that can make China's future education reform more effective.
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Debiao Meng, Peng Nie, Shiyuan Yang, Xiaoyan Su and Chengbo Liao
As a clean and renewable energy source, wind energy will become one of the main sources of new energy supply in the future. Relying on the stable and strong wind resources at sea…
Abstract
Purpose
As a clean and renewable energy source, wind energy will become one of the main sources of new energy supply in the future. Relying on the stable and strong wind resources at sea, wind energy has great potential to become the primary energy. As a critical part of the wind turbine, the gearbox of a wind turbine often bears a large external load. Especially at sea, due to the effects of ocean corrosion, waves and wind, the burden of the wind turbine gearbox is greater, which brings great challenges to its reliability analysis. This study aims to systematically review the reliability research in wind turbine gearboxes and guide future research directions and challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
This study systematically reviews some design requirements and reliability analysis methods for wind turbine gearboxes. Then, it summarizes previous studies on wind load uncertainty modeling methods, including the processing of wind measurement data and the summary of three different classifications of random wind speed prediction models. Finally, existing reliability analysis studies on two major parts of the gearbox are described and summarized.
Findings
First, the basic knowledge of wind turbine gearboxes and their reliability analysis is introduced. The requirements and reliability analysis methods of wind turbine gearboxes are explained. Then, the processing methods of wind measurement data and three different random wind speed prediction models are described in detail. Furthermore, existing reliability analysis studies on two common parts of wind turbine gearboxes, gears and bearings, are summarized and classified, including a summary of bearing failure modes. Finally, three possible future research directions for wind turbine gearbox reliability analysis are discussed, namely, reliability research under the influence of multiple factors on gears, damage indicators of bearing failure modes and quantitative evaluation criteria for the overall dynamic characteristics of offshore wind turbine gearboxes and a summary is also given.
Originality/value
This paper aims to systematically introduce the relevant contents of wind turbine gearboxes and their reliability analysis. The contents of wind speed data processing, predictive modeling and reliability analysis of major components are also comprehensively reviewed, including the classification and principle introduction of these contents.
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Jianchun Sun, Shiyong Yang, Shengping Huang, Zhijiang Shang and Weihao Ling
This paper addresses the issue of internal spatial environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnel construction by proposing a comprehensive evaluation model. The model aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper addresses the issue of internal spatial environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnel construction by proposing a comprehensive evaluation model. The model aims to provide a scientific basis for environmental pollution prevention in non-blasting tunnel construction, thereby facilitating green tunnel construction and sustainable development management.
Design/methodology/approach
The study firstly refines and constructs the evaluation index system from the perspective of pollution sources. A novel weight calculation method is introduced by integrating the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator, and a comprehensive evaluation model for internal environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnels is established by incorporating the grey clustering evaluation method. Finally, an empirical study is conducted using the Erbaoshan Tunnel as a case study to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the model.
Findings
The study develops an evaluation system for internal environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnels and applies it to the Erbaoshan Tunnel. The results classify the pollution level as “general pollution,” confirming the rationality and applicability of the evaluation system and model while also identifying the primary pollution factors.
Originality/value
This study first developed a comprehensive evaluation system for environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnel construction from the pollution source perspective, making the system more comprehensive. Additionally, it innovatively combined AHP–OWA and gray clustering methods to scientifically assess pollution levels, providing valuable scientific guidance for the evaluation and management of non-blasting tunnels and similar underground projects.
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Wanying Xie, Wei Zhao and Zeshui Xu
This study aims to investigate the differences in consumer reviews across multiple e-commerce platforms to better assist consumers in making informed decisions. By examining the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the differences in consumer reviews across multiple e-commerce platforms to better assist consumers in making informed decisions. By examining the specific content of these differentiated reviews, the study seeks to provide insights that can enhance e-commerce services and improve consumer satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
The research utilizes the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) method for text analysis to identify the varying concerns of consumers across different e-commerce platforms for the same product. Additionally, the study expands the sentiment dictionary to address polysemy issues, allowing for a more precise capture of sentiment differences among consumers. A non-parametric test is employed to compare reviews across multiple platforms, providing a comprehensive analysis of review disparities.
Findings
The findings reveal that consumer concerns and sentiments vary significantly across different e-commerce platforms, even for the same product. The combination of text analysis and non-parametric testing highlights the objectivity of the research, offering valuable evidence and recommendations for improving e-commerce services and enhancing the shopping experience.
Originality/value
This study is original in its approach to combining text analysis with non-parametric testing to examine multi-platform review differences. The research not only contributes to the understanding of consumer behavior in the context of e-commerce but also provides practical suggestions for platforms and consumers, aiming to optimize service quality and consumer satisfaction.
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Yankun Qi, Xiaoyu Li, Jinghui Liu, Hanqiu Li and Chen Yang
To systematically characterize and objectively evaluate basic railway safety management capability, creating a closed-loop management approach which allows continuous improvement…
Abstract
Purpose
To systematically characterize and objectively evaluate basic railway safety management capability, creating a closed-loop management approach which allows continuous improvement and optimization.
Design/methodology/approach
A basic railway safety management capability evaluation index system based on a comprehensive analysis of national safety management standards, railway safety rules and regulations and existing safety data from railway transport enterprises is presented. The system comprises a guideline layer including safety committee formation, work safety responsibility, safety management organization and safety rules and regulations as its components, along with an index layer consisting of 12 quantifiable indexes. Game theory combination weighting is utilized to integrate subjective and objective weight values derived using AHP and CRITIC methods and further combined using the TOPSIS method in order to construct a comprehensive basic railway safety management capability evaluation model.
Findings
The case study presented demonstrates that this evaluation index system and comprehensive evaluation model are capable of effectively characterizing and evaluating basic railway safety management capability and providing directional guidance for its sustained improvement.
Originality/value
Construction of an evaluation index system that is quantifiable, generalizable and accessible, accurately reflects the main aspects of railway transportation enterprises’ basic safety management capability and provides interoperability across various railway transportation enterprises. The application of the game theoretic combination weighting method to derive composite weights which combine experts’ subjective evaluations with the objectivity of data.
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Yuan Feng, Jing Zhang, Wei Han and Yongtao Luo
As China is on an inevitable march into the digital era, firms have accumulated abundant digital assets, such as algorithms and data. Facing the possibility of using digital…
Abstract
Purpose
As China is on an inevitable march into the digital era, firms have accumulated abundant digital assets, such as algorithms and data. Facing the possibility of using digital assets as a new type input, besides traditional inputs such as capital and labor, would powerful managers perform better? Would managerial power help managers increase the efficiency of how a firm combines traditional and digital inputs and converts them into outputs? Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether powerful managers promotes corporate productivity by using digital assets as a new input.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from listed Chinese firms between 2008 and 2020, the authors constructed panel regressions with three-way fixed effects to examine whether and how managerial power influences corporate productivity in the current digital context, particularly under market uncertainty.
Findings
The findings reveal no consistent relationship between managerial power and corporate productivity. The results explain this from two contrasting effects: while managerial power promotes technological change it hinders technical efficiency – two components of total productivity. Moreover, this study identifies market uncertainty as a significant external contingency. In uncertain markets, strong managerial power positively impacts corporate productivity.
Originality/value
The results extend extant theoretical insights in the literature on how managerial power might influence corporate productivity.