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The purpose of this paper is to develop energy optimizer (ENEO) – a model‐based decision support system (DSS) for an existing European chemical plant with a multi‐stage continuous production process. The system comprises two modules – energy cost minimization and joined energy cost minimization and output maximization. Following the description of the researched production, the paper presents a gist of the underlying formulations. Then, it tests the DSS on real data instances with a focus on its configuration, practical implications and implementation challenges.

The design of the planning tool is consistent with that of the model‐based DSS and based on the existing information systems. The defined research problems are explored with the use of quantitative methods – the operations research methodology.

The findings show that ENEO reflects the essence of the researched production process and can provide benefits in practical business operations.

Both the proposed system configuration and the formulated models lay a foundation to further research within the described industrial setting.

The system can be utilized in daily operations to provide substantial cost savings, improved capacity utilization and reactivity.

This paper contributes to research by bridging the gap between theory and practice. On the one hand, it describes an unexplored problem and its subsequent solution embodied in the DSS. On the other hand, it emphasizes the importance of applying the operations research methodology to the real‐world issues. Therefore, this work is valuable to both academics and practitioners.

An application development framework for a software project based on fusion as an object‐oriented application development method is presented. An object‐oriented approach has been adopted for the design and implementation of the prototype interactive visual modelling system for building a visual presentation of a refinery process and creation of linear programming model for optimizing production decision variables. The main reason for this selection is the consideration of object‐oriented programming (OOP) as an obvious vehicle for the development of complex visual interactive modelling systems. The main dimensions of the framework are as follows: OO approach, fusion method, computer‐aided software engineering (CASE) tool, application development tool, GUI development tool, and C++ as an implementation language.

The purpose of this paper is to determine the interaction between dynamic due date assignment methods and scheduling decision rules in a typical dynamic job shop production system in which setup times are sequence dependent. Two due date assignment methods and six scheduling rules are considered for detailed investigation. The scheduling rules include two new rules which are modifications of the existing rules. The performance of the job shop system is evaluated using various measures related to flow time and tardiness.

A discrete-event simulation model is developed to describe the operation of the job shop. The simulation results are subjected to statistical analysis based on the method of analysis of variance. Regression-based analytical models have been developed using the simulation results. Since the due date assignment methods and the scheduling rules are qualitative in nature, they are modeled using dummy variables. The validation of the regression models involves comparing the predictions of the performance measures of the system with the results obtained through simulation.

The proposed scheduling rules provide better performance for the mean tardiness measure under both the due date assignment methods. The regression models yield a good prediction of the performance of the job shop.

Other methods of due date assignment can also be considered. There is a need for further research to investigate the performance of due date assignment methods and scheduling rules for the experimental conditions that involve system disruptions, namely, breakdowns of machines.

The explicit consideration of sequence-dependent setup time (SDST) certainly enhances the performance of the system. With appropriate combination of due date assignment methods and scheduling rules, better performance of the system can be obtained under different shop floor conditions characterized by setup time and arrival rate of jobs. With reductions in mean flow time and mean tardiness, customers are benefitted in terms of timely delivery promises, thus leading to improved service level of the firm. Reductions in manufacturing lead time can generate numerous other benefits, including lower inventory levels, improved quality, lower costs, and lesser forecasting error.

Two modified scheduling rules for scheduling a dynamic job shop with SDST are proposed. The analysis of the dynamic due date assignment methods in a dynamic job shop with SDST is a significant contribution of the present study. The development of regression-based analytical models for a dynamic job shop operating in an SDST environment is a novelty of the present study.

This paper provides a five-step Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM) approach to systematically guide the development and implementation of contextualised Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) designs.

A case study is conducted at a European chemical manufacturer. The research applies the five-step approach, embracing the descriptive and prescriptive EAM functions combined with the lens of contingency theory.

The research findings demonstrate the suitability of the proposed EAM approach for the contextualisation of S&OP designs from a contingency theory perspective. Its descriptive EAM function serves to assess context-specific S&OP challenges and enables to analyse the contextual fit of S&OP designs. Its prescriptive EAM function guides the development and implementation of context-specific S&OP designs towards increasing the S&OP effectiveness. EAM's integrated view onto people, process and information technology served to analyse current practices on the dynamics of S&OP contextualisation in innovation- and quality-driven contexts. Thereby, the paper contributes to a better S&OP contingency understanding.

The EAM approach offered in this paper provides a concrete and practically applicable guidance to support managers to face their context-specific challenges and guide the contextualisation of their S&OP designs to increase the S&OP effectiveness. Moreover, practitioners can improve their understanding regarding the need for S&OP design adjustments to reflect changes in their companies' contingencies.

The research introduces a novel EAM approach for S&OP contextualisation, particularly reflecting contingency theory's dynamic view of structural adjustments to regain fit (SARFIT).

The failure of organizations to adopt CASE tools has been an area of interest to business researchers for over a decade. The purpose of this study is to test whether the previous research provides a basis for predicting the current adoption of CASE tools by organizations. This study uses a neural network methodology to predict CASE tool adoption using factors that were previously identified in the literature. The model consisted of six variables: IS department stability, need to improve IS department performance, use of external sources of knowledge, job rotation, pressure to reduce development time, and CASE champion. The study found that all the variables were relevant in the prediction of CASE tool adoption with an average accuracy of 71.43 percent.

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an implicit scheme, accurate to the second order, for solving full Navier‐Stokes equations for three dimensional problems, using parallel algorithm.

Parallel solution to the 3‐D incompressible full Navier‐Stokes equations is presented, based on two fractional steps in time and finite element in space. The accuracy of the scheme is second order in both time and space domains. Large time‐step sizes, with Courant‐Friedrichs‐Lewy (CFL) numbers much larger than unity, are taken since the momentum equation is solved implicitly. A fourth order artificial viscosity term is added. In order to stabilize the numerical solution, fourth order artificial viscosity term is used for high Reynolds number flows. The domain decomposition technique is implemented for parallel solution to the problem with matching and non‐overlapping sub‐domains. It is aimed to study both a 3D free and mixed convection problems using the developed scheme. The segregate solution for temperature field is calibrated by a 3‐D free convection problem. Then the flow case where the forced convection is one order of magnitude higher than the free convection is studied.

It is observed that the long time solution to the flow field shows oscillatory behaviour as the Reynolds number of the flow doubled while keeping the ratio of the forced to free convection fixed. The solution using a parallel algorithm gives satisfactory results, in terms of computation time and accuracy, for the natural convection problem in cubic cavity, and, the forced cooling of a room with chilled ceiling having a parabolic geometry as presented at the end. It is observed that doubling the Reynolds number, while keeping all the parameters unchanged, varies the flow behaviour completely.

A code previously developed and published by the author only solved momentum equation and studied the velocity field. In this study, full Navier Stokes equation is solved and the code is calibrated with a well‐known 3D free‐convection for two different Rayleigh number cases and then 3D mixed convection problem is studied for two cases. Re=2000 case results, solved both by the scheme in this study and by commercial code, presented an interesting physics of the problem. For Re=2000 case, continuous cooling of the room is not possible. Doubling the Reynolds number, raising it from 1000 to 2000, while keeping all the parameters unchanged, varies the flow behaviour completely.

Reviews literature on industrial choice, ethnography and flexible specialization. Investigates flexible specialization in more depth, claiming that before ethnographic description can be achieved, abstract simplifications and the choices facing businesses in the local community have to be overcome. Proposes two models for economic recovery – flexible specialization and multinational Keynesianism – and discusses the boundaries that both models impose. Explores the public sphere and enterprise culture, particularly in the UK. Warns of the dangers of ethnographic studies of communities, specifically the imposition of meaning onto communal exchanges. Talks also of social solidarity. Observes that the identification of a communal language and a common work culture is tricky but that ethnography has a role to play in establishing the meaning of flexible specialization in small business communities.

The purpose of this study is to delve into the intricate relationship between network capabilities (NCs), entrepreneurial marketing (EM) and sales performance (SP), with a specific focus on uncovering the nuanced role that ties strength (TS) plays as a mediator.

This research was conducted using a survey method with a population of software small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Colombia using a sample size of 164 questionnaires. The data analysis method used was the partial least squares.

The results show that EM has an impact on SP. TS mediates the influence of NC and EM. Findings highlighted the importance of networking in EM and the relationship with SP.

NCs emerge as a vital determinant for fostering EM within SMEs. Owners should prioritize the development and enhancement of their NCs; for example, building relationships, fostering collaborations and leveraging connections within the industry. Also, this could lead to more innovative marketing strategies, differentiating the firm in a competitive marketplace. The mediating role of TS underscores the importance of not just having network connections but building strong, meaningful relationships with customers. SMEs with high NCs should design more targeted and customized marketing strategies.

The value of this research lies in its intricate exploration of the complex relationships between NCs, TS and EM. This study paves the way for a deeper understanding of network dynamics and their implications within EM. It sets the stage for subsequent studies that may lead to the formulation of more sophisticated network marketing strategies tailored for EM contexts.

As an essential component of Islamic governance for ensuring religious compliance, Shari’ah annual reports (SARs) play an important role in providing communication between Shari’ah board (SB) members and stakeholders. This paper aims to determine the ethical disclosure in SARs to identify how close the Shari’ah disclosure to the standards set by AAOIFI and also substantive morality of Islam. The research also aims to examine the factors determining disclosure performance.

Two disclosure indices are developed to generate data from the SARs: the AAOIFI standards for Shari’ah governance index for form related approach, an Islamic ethicality augmented index reflecting on substantive morality approach. The sample consists of 41 Islamic banks from 15 different countries for the period of 2007–2014. Sampled 305 SARs were examined through disclosure analysis in line with the two indices developed for this study. The econometric analysis was run to identify the factors determining disclosure performance.

The findings suggest that AAOIFI guidelines have an influence on the level of disclosure, even if Islamic banks have not adopted them. However, the level of disclosure for the ethically augmented index is found to be very limited with reliance on general statements in most of the cases. As part of determining factors, the popularity of Shari’ah scholars is significant for both indices, while the existence of an internal Shari’ah auditing department holds some explanatory power. The adoption of AAOIFI standards at the country level, the regulatory quality and the duration of Sharīʿah-compliance are particularly deterministic factors in terms of complying with AAOIFI standards for SARs.

Although SB is the most crucial division of corporate governance in Islamic banks in terms of securing the “Islamic” identity of these institutions, their most important communication instrument, namely, SAR, has not been explored sufficiently, alongside an insufficient attempt to constitute Islamic corporate governance. Initially, this study attempted to constitute an Islamic corporate governance framework as a theoretical construct, which provides context for the empirical part of the research and this should be considered a novel approach. Second, the empirical part of the research aims to fill the gap observed in the literature such as small sample size and index construction-related matters. This research is conducted with a larger sample size as compared to the available studies in the literature and it has developed two indices for disclosure analysis along with developing an Islamic morality-based index beside an index based on AAOIFI standards.

To explore and measure wearout or the acceptance threshold, beyond which, messages in the form of mobile text advertising generate irritation. To assess the set of factors that positively or negatively, according to literature, influences the attitude towards advertising in short message service (SMS) format and on this basis to propose future research along this line. There is also a focus on irritation antecedents.

Two surveys are used to prevent unbiased answers. The first one is driven to study the wearout effect in the SMS context. An offline survey is carried out using a structured questionnaire. A sample size of 188 using convenience sampling is collected. The second research is driven to study irritation and attitude towards SMS advertising. Data are collected through an online questionnaire which is published through social media platforms, an e-mail mailing list and a quick response (QR) code. An international sample size of 253 applying a convenience and snow ball sampling procedure is collected.

The wearout threshold and irritation antecedents in the mobile advertising context are identified as well as positive and negative factors which influence attitude towards SMS advertising. The replies do not match exactly with the significant factors found in previous research.

There are some, among them, sample size and sampling procedure; only one sector was analysed and, although reliability is acceptable, the number of items in each measurement scale was reduced to only two.

Wearout and the characteristics of an SMS message capable to generate positive attitude are described.

Guidelines to improve public attitudes towards SMS advertising and prevention from wearout are given.

Wearout in the mobile advertising context is explored and some insights regarding irritation antecedents and the role played by frequency and other positive factors in the causal model proposed by the academy are assessed.