Search results

1 – 8 of 8
Article
Publication date: 20 November 2024

Lingzhi Yi, Kai Ren, Yahui Wang, Wei He, Hui Zhang and Zongping Li

To ensure the stable operation of ironmaking process and the quality and output of sinter, the multi-objective optimization of sintering machine batching process was carried out.

Abstract

Purpose

To ensure the stable operation of ironmaking process and the quality and output of sinter, the multi-objective optimization of sintering machine batching process was carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this study is to establish a multi-objective optimization model with iron taste content and batch cost as targets, constrained by field process requirements and sinter quality standards, and to propose an improved balance optimizer algorithm (LILCEO) based on a lens imaging anti-learning mechanism and a population redundancy error correction mechanism. In this method, the lens imaging inverse learning strategy is introduced to initialize the population, improve the population diversity in the early iteration period, avoid falling into local optimal in the late iteration period and improve the population redundancy error correction mechanism to accelerate the convergence rate in the early iteration period.

Findings

By selecting nine standard test functions of BT series for simulation experiments, and comparing with NSGA-?, MOEAD, EO, LMOCSO, NMPSO and other mainstream optimization algorithms, the experimental results verify the superior performance of the improved algorithm. The results show that the algorithm can effectively reduce the cost of sintering ingredients while ensuring the iron taste of sinter, which is of great significance for the comprehensive utilization and quality assurance of sinter iron ore resources.

Originality/value

An optimization model with dual objectives of TFe content and raw material cost was developed taking into account the chemical composition and quality indicators required by the blast furnace as well as factors such as raw material inventory and cost constraints. This model was used to adjust and optimize the sintering raw material ratio. Addressing the limitations of existing optimization algorithms for sintering raw materials including low convergence accuracy slow speed limited initial solution production and difficulty in practical application we proposed the LILCEO algorithm. Comparative tests with NSGA-III MOEAD EO LMOCSO and NMPSO algorithms demonstrated the superiority of the proposed algorithm. Practical applications showed that the proposed method effectively overcomes many limitations of the current manual raw material ratio model providing scientific and stable decision-making guidance for sintering production operations.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2025

Xue Li, Mei Meng, Xiang Fang Ren and Lei Shen

This study aims to explore a methodology based on the Kano model. And use this method to determine user requirement attributes in the field of school uniform customization. To…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore a methodology based on the Kano model. And use this method to determine user requirement attributes in the field of school uniform customization. To construct a set of processes that can be used as a reference for constructing a clothing customization platform.

Design/methodology/approach

An optimized quantitative Kano model was applied. Initially, a survey was conducted to assess the current market for customized school uniforms in China. Subsequently, a Kano attribute questionnaire was developed, and experts from both supply and procurement sectors were invited to evaluate it. This was followed by categorizing user demands based on the Kano model’s evaluation criteria and conducting a validity analysis using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The priority ranking of user demands was determined through a sensitivity analysis of better-worse coefficients. Ultimately, a platform was established, and a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation was conducted.

Findings

Regarding user demands, procurement-side demand elements prioritize modular design, fabric libraries and online reviews. In contrast, supply-side demand elements focus on style product libraries, layout adaptation to user habits and the preview effects of 3D models. Elements such as qualification verification, personal information uploading, design draft archiving and main tag categorization have a lesser impact on user satisfaction.

Originality/value

The results of the study provide a complete methodological reference for the construction of a garment customization platform. By applying the Kano model, this study categorizes and filters the demands of users for school uniform customization design platforms in China and establishes a 3D virtual display platform aimed at improving user satisfaction.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Alessandro Inversini

The impact of digital technology in the wider travel field has been substantial and significant, changing both the competitive landscape of businesses and the behavior of…

Abstract

Purpose

The impact of digital technology in the wider travel field has been substantial and significant, changing both the competitive landscape of businesses and the behavior of travelers. However, we are now on the cusp of new digital developments encompassing cloud computing, blockchain, internet of things (IoT) and above all, artificial intelligence (AI), which are predicted to disrupt the business and consumer sides of several industries – travel included. This study aims to frame this upcoming digital transformation in travel within a human-centered approach where the critical understanding of digital humanism principles will enrich social scientists’ research agenda in the coming years.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint follows a structure based on (i) setting the scene for the rise of digital transformation, (ii) the historical perspective on digital transformation in travel, (iii) the pandemic’s impact and (iv) future development and research agenda.

Findings

It is only by fostering a human-centered digital transformation perspective that social science researchers in travel can realize the “high-tech for high-touch” promise of fostering a human-to-human encounter empowered and possibly hampered, by digital technologies. This work proposes to start from the concepts of digital technology control, participation, education and ethics to design a research agenda with a 2050 horizon.

Originality/value

This work has been designed to shift the attention of researchers toward a human-centered digital transformation approach to reflect on the human-machine relationship for a better society. Due to its inner characteristics the travel field can foster a reflection on this topic by reaffirming the centrality of human beings and their authorship in the travel product creation.

目的

数字技术在更广泛的旅游领域产生了巨大而显著的影响, 改变了企业的竞争图景和游客行为。然而, 我们现在正处于新的数字发展的风口浪尖, 包括云计算、区块链、物联网以及最重要的人工智能, 预计这些技术将颠覆包括旅游业在内的多个行业的企业端和消费端。这项研究建议将即将到来的旅行数字化转型纳入以人为本的方法, 对数字人文主义原则的批判性理解将丰富社会科学家未来几年的研究议程。

设计与方法

该观点遵循基于以下方面的一种结构, (i)为数字化转型的兴起设定场景, (ii)旅行数字化转型的历史视角, (iii)疫情的影响和(iv)未来发展和研究议程。

研究发现

只有培养以人为中心的数字化转型视角, 旅游领域的社会科学研究人员才能实现“高科技换高品质”的承诺, 培养一种被数字技术赋能但也可能受到阻碍的人与人之间的接触。这项工作建议从数字技术控制、参与、教育和伦理的概念出发, 设计一个2050年的研究议程。

原创性

这项工作旨在将研究人员的注意力转移到以人为中心的数字化转型方法上, 以反思更美好社会的人机关系。由于旅游领域的内在特征, 它可以通过重申人在旅游产品创造中的中心地位和作者身份来促进对这一主题的反思。

Finalidad

El impacto de la tecnología digital en el ámbito de los viajes en general ha sido sustancial y significativo, cambiando tanto el panorama competitivo de las empresas como el comportamiento de los viajeros. Sin embargo, en la actualidad estamos en la cúspide de nuevos desarrollos digitales que abarcan la nube informática, blockchain, IoT y, sobre todo, la inteligencia artificial, que se prevé que alteren los aspectos comerciales y de consumo de varias industrias, incluidos los viajes. Esta investigación propone enmarcar esta próxima transformación digital en los viajes dentro de un enfoque centrado en el ser humano, donde la comprensión crítica de los principios del humanismo digital enriquecerá la agenda de investigación de los científicos sociales en los próximos años.

Diseño y metodología

El presente trabajo presenta una estructura basada en (i) el establecimiento del escenario para el auge de la transformación digital, (ii) la perspectiva histórica de la transformación digital en los viajes, (iii) el impacto de la pandemia y (iv) el desarrollo futuro y líneas de investigación.

Resultados

Únicamente si se fomenta una perspectiva de transformación digital centrada en el ser humano podrán los investigadores de las ciencias sociales en el ámbito de los viajes hacer realidad la promesa de “alta tecnología para un alto contacto”, promoviendo un encuentro entre seres humanos potenciado, y posiblemente obstaculizado, por las tecnologías digitales. Este trabajo propone partir de los conceptos de control de la tecnología digital, participación, educación y ética para diseñar una agenda de investigación con horizonte 2050.

Originalidad

Este trabajo ha sido diseñado para desplazar la atención de los investigadores hacia un enfoque de transformación digital centrado en el ser humano para reflexionar sobre la relación ser humano-máquina para una sociedad mejor. Por sus características internas, el ámbito de los viajes puede propiciar una reflexión sobre este tema reafirmando la centralidad del ser humano y su autoría en la creación del producto turístico.

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2025

Maria Socratous, Georgia Thrasyvoulou and Christiana Stylianou

This paper aims to explore how technological developments can position Cyprus at the forefront of sustainable tourism through the perspectives of key policymakers. It examines the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how technological developments can position Cyprus at the forefront of sustainable tourism through the perspectives of key policymakers. It examines the potential impacts, challenges and opportunities of integrating technological developments in the Cyprus tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research methodology was employed, using a focus group comprising nine key policymakers from the tourism industry in Cyprus. A thematic analysis was conducted on the collected data.

Findings

The findings underscore significant challenges in implementing technological advancements in Cyprus, including the need for substantial investments, bureaucratic processes and reliance on outdated systems. However, there is a clear recognition of the importance of technological developments, with many innovative ideas being proposed to overcome obstacles and drive progress in sustainable tourism.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique perspective by focusing on the role of technology in promoting sustainable tourism in Cyprus through the lens of key policymakers. Its value lies in exploring specific challenges and opportunities in integrating technology into the tourism sector, particularly within the context of a small island nation. The study offers practical solutions for overcoming barriers, emphasising the importance of stakeholder collaboration and investment in technological advancements to enhance Cyprus as a destination that has many aspects to offer in sustainable tourism.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2025

Bo Tian, Jiaxin Fu, Yongshun Xu and Jinjin Li

As the complexity and uncertainty of infrastructural megaprojects challenge traditional management models, there is an increasing focus on value co-creation as an organizational…

Abstract

Purpose

As the complexity and uncertainty of infrastructural megaprojects challenge traditional management models, there is an increasing focus on value co-creation as an organizational strategy to streamline management. However, the role of value co-creation behavior in facilitating the value realization process remains underexplored. This study examines how justice perception (distributive, procedural and interactional justice) improves contractor value co-creation behavior, focusing on the mediating role of psychological ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten hypotheses in the proposed research model were tested through partial least squares structural equation modeling using 199 valid questionnaires from China.

Findings

The results show that contractor value co-creation behavior is directly and positively influenced by procedural, distributive and interactional justice and indirectly influenced by them through the underlying psychological mechanism of psychological ownership.

Originality/value

The findings fill a knowledge gap by examining the effect of justice perception on contractor value co-creation behavior based on social exchange theory. Discovering justice perception will contribute to contractor value co-creation behavior, and psychological ownership mediates this relationship.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2023

Lei Cui

The construction industry has long been criticized for unethical conduct. The owner usually manages the contractor's opportunistic behaviors by employing a professional…

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry has long been criticized for unethical conduct. The owner usually manages the contractor's opportunistic behaviors by employing a professional supervisor, but there is a risk of covert collusion between the supervisor and contractor. Based on the principal–agent theory and collusion theory, this paper aims to investigate optimal collusion-proof incentive contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a game-theoretic framework comprising an owner, supervisor and contractor, who interact and pursue maximized self-profits. Built upon the fixed-price incentive contract, cost-reimbursement contract, and revenue-sharing contract, different collusion-proof incentive contracts are investigated. A real project case is used to validate the developed model and derived results.

Findings

This paper shows that the presence of unethical collusion undermines the owner's interests. Especially, the possibility of agent collusion may induce the owner to abandon extracting quality information from the supervisor. Furthermore, information asymmetry significantly affects the construction contract selection, and the application conditions for different incentive contracts are provided.

Research limitations/implications

This study still has some limitations that deserve further exploration. First, this study explores contractor–supervisor collusion but ignores the possibility of the supervisor abusing authority to extort the contractor. Second, to focus on collusion, this paper ignores the supervision costs. What's the optimal supervision effort that the owner should induce the supervisor to exert? Finally, this paper assumes that the colluders involved always keep their promises. However, what if the colluders may break their promises?

Practical implications

Several collusion-proof incentive contracts are explored in a project management setting. The proposed incentive contracts can provide the project owner with effective and practical tools to inhibit covert collusion in construction management and thus safeguard construction project quality.

Originality/value

This study expands the organization collusion theory to the field of construction management and investigates the optimal collusion-proof incentive contracts. In addition, this study is the first to investigate the effects of information asymmetry on contract selection.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 January 2025

Eslam Abd-El-Nabi, Arafa El-Helloty, Aymen Summra and Mahmoud Hassan Mahmoud

In this study, the effect of the column’s cross-section shape as a design parameter on resisting blast loads in reinforced concrete (RC) buildings was numerically investigated. To…

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the effect of the column’s cross-section shape as a design parameter on resisting blast loads in reinforced concrete (RC) buildings was numerically investigated. To try to give a guideline to the design engineer about the best columns’ cross-section shape when designing an RC building that is more vulnerable to blast loads.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element (FE) analysis was conducted for three RC buildings with different cross-section shapes of columns but with the same area and axial load capacity. The FE analysis was carried out using the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) in Abaqus/CAE software. The effect of the blast loads resulting from the explosion of 50, 150, and 500 kg TNT bombs with a standoff distance of 3 m on all buildings was investigated.

Findings

The Findings showed that large TNT charges of more than 500 kg with a standoff distance of less than 3 m cause catastrophic damage to RC columns of any cross-section-shaped. Also, RC columns with circular cross-section shapes have the best resistance to blast loads, while RC columns with rectangular sections have the worst resistance.

Originality/value

The CEL technique was used to investigate the effect of columns’ cross-section shape on resisting blast loads on full-scale RC buildings. Also, this research gives a guideline to the design engineer about the best columns’ cross-section shape when designing an RC building that is more vulnerable to blast loads.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Shijun Huang, Pengcheng Du and Yu Hong

With the continuous deepening of China's mixed-ownership reform, the participants in the reform have gradually expanded from state-owned enterprises to private enterprises…

Abstract

Purpose

With the continuous deepening of China's mixed-ownership reform, the participants in the reform have gradually expanded from state-owned enterprises to private enterprises. Whether state-owned equity participation in private enterprises can facilitate the development of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in private enterprises is a question that needs urgent examination. This study aims to investigate the impact of state-owned equity participation on the ESG performance of private enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Chinese listed companies as the research sample, this study uses econometric methods such as multiple regression to analyze the relationship between state-owned equity and the ESG performance of private enterprises. Additionally, it explores the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors of this relationship.

Findings

There is a significant inverted U-shaped relationship between state-owned equity and the ESG performance of private enterprises. Mechanism analysis reveals that resource effects and governance effects play a mediating role in this nonlinear relationship. Furthermore, the authors find that environmental regulation and managers' attention to the environment positively moderate the relationship between state-owned equity participation and ESG performance.

Practical implications

A reasonable equity structure is crucial for enhancing corporate ESG performance. Moderate state-owned equity participation helps to leverage resource integration and governance advantages, which will assist private enterprises in maximizing ESG performance and achieving sustainable development.

Social implications

In advancing the process of mixed-ownership reform, the government should maintain an appropriate proportion of state-owned equity to avoid excessive intervention in enterprise decision-making. At the same time, it should ensure that enterprises can genuinely undertake their social and environmental responsibilities while pursuing economic benefits. This is of great significance for promoting sustainable economic and social development.

Originality/value

This study integrates state-owned equity, ESG and nonlinear relationships into a single research framework. It explores the internal mechanisms and influencing factors of their relationship, overcoming the limitations of previous studies and provides a new perspective for understanding the impact of state-owned equity on corporate ESG performance.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

1 – 8 of 8