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Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Ali Azadeh, Maryam Sattarian and Azadeh Arjmand

To achieve the optimum performance of electric transmission power system performance, the possibility of generators’ failure and the consequences are amongst the most important…

98

Abstract

Purpose

To achieve the optimum performance of electric transmission power system performance, the possibility of generators’ failure and the consequences are amongst the most important and real assumptions which should be taken into consideration. This paper aims to recognize the most influential factors on generators’ failures that can have a deep effect on the total cost and environmental issues. The integrated proposed approach is useful for investigating the generators’ failure effects on the performance of electric power transmission grids from the economic and environmental perspectives. In other words, the cost and pollution minimization policies are considered to decrease the unfavorable generators’ failure effects on electric power flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this study are gathered from a real case in USA in first step, the influential generator points that their failure has a significant effect on the objective function, have been recognized. Then, different failure scenarios are defined, and the optimum values in each of these scenarios through the GAMS modeling software are found. Consequently, by using a two-level factorial design approach, the critical generators across the power grid are determined.

Findings

The results show that by using such information, it is possible to detect the significant nodes in the power system grid and have a better maintenance plan. In addition, by means of this analysis and changing the capacity of main generators, it is possible to significantly reduce the operation costs. By comparing the indexes in case of the generator’s location, it seems that some of them are critical because of their capacity and position in the network (as their failure causes infeasibility in the model). Also, some of these deficiencies caused considerable index changes and critical consequences.

Practical implications

The integrated proposed approach is useful for investigating the generators’ failure effects on the performance of electric power transmission grids from the economic and environmental perspectives. In other words, the cost and pollution minimization policies are considered to decrease the unfavorable generators’ failure effects on electric power flow.

Social implications

This paper endeavors to recognize the most influential factors on generators’ failures that can have a deep effect on the total cost and environmental issues.

Originality/value

The integrated proposed approach is useful for investigating the generators’ failure effects on the performance of electric power transmission grids from the economic and environmental perspectives. In other words, the cost and pollution minimization policies are considered to decrease the unfavorable generators’ failure effects on electric power flow.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

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Article
Publication date: 5 December 2016

Ali Azadeh, Razieh Heydari, Reza Yazdanparast and Abbas Keramati

This study aims to present an integrated approach based on resilience engineering (RE) for layout optimization of a maintenance workshop in a large transmission unit.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present an integrated approach based on resilience engineering (RE) for layout optimization of a maintenance workshop in a large transmission unit.

Design/methodology/approach

Moreover, optimum facility layout design (FLD) is identified by RE, fuzzy simulation and fuzzy data envelopment analysis.

Findings

RE is considered in context of flexibility and redundancy. Results indicated that U-Shaped layout with flexible facilities increases the efficiency of the maintenance workshop.

Originality/value

This is the first study that considers RE for optimization of FLD in a gas transmission unit. RE significantly increases safety features of hazardous systems such as a gas transmission unit.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 13 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

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Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Ali Azadeh, Reza Yazdanparast, Saeed Abdolhossein Zadeh and Abbas Keramati

Resilience engineering, job satisfaction and patient satisfaction were evaluated and analyzed in one Tehran emergency department (ED) to determine ED strengths, weaknesses and…

463

Abstract

Purpose

Resilience engineering, job satisfaction and patient satisfaction were evaluated and analyzed in one Tehran emergency department (ED) to determine ED strengths, weaknesses and opportunities to improve safety, performance, staff and patient satisfaction. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The algorithm included data envelopment analysis (DEA), two artificial neural networks: multilayer perceptron and radial basis function. Data were based on integrated resilience engineering (IRE) and satisfaction indicators. IRE indicators are considered inputs and job and patient satisfaction indicators are considered output variables. Methods were based on mean absolute percentage error analysis. Subsequently, the algorithm was employed for measuring staff and patient satisfaction separately. Each indicator is also identified through sensitivity analysis.

Findings

The results showed that salary, wage, patient admission and discharge are the crucial factors influencing job and patient satisfaction. The results obtained by the algorithm were validated by comparing them with DEA.

Practical implications

The approach is a decision-making tool that helps health managers to assess and improve performance and take corrective action.

Originality/value

This study presents an IRE and intelligent algorithm for analyzing ED job and patient satisfaction – the first study to present an integrated IRE, neural network and mathematical programming approach for optimizing job and patient satisfaction, which simultaneously optimizes job and patient satisfaction, and IRE. The results are validated by DEA through statistical methods.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

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Article
Publication date: 5 March 2019

Ali Azadeh, Mahdokht Kalantari, Ghazaleh Ahmadi and Hossein Eslami

Construction materials comprise a major part of the total construction cost. Given the importance of bitumen as a fundamental material in construction projects, it is imperative…

137

Abstract

Purpose

Construction materials comprise a major part of the total construction cost. Given the importance of bitumen as a fundamental material in construction projects, it is imperative to have an accurate forecast of its consumption in the planning and material sourcing phases on the project. This study aims to introduce a flexible genetic algorithm-fuzzy regression approach for forecasting the future bitumen consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed approach, the parameter tuning process is performed on all parameters of genetic algorithm (GA), and the finest coefficients with minimum errors are identified. Moreover, the fuzzy regression (FR) model is used for estimation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used for selecting among GA, FR or conventional regression (CR). To show the applicability of the proposed approach, Iran’s bitumen consumption data in the period of 1991-2006 are used as a case study.

Findings

Production, import, export, road construction and price are considered as the input data used in the present study. It was concluded that, among all the forecasting methods used in this study, GA was the best method for estimating.

Practical implications

The proposed approach outperforms the conventional forecasting methods for the case of bitumen which is a fundamental economic ingredient in road construction projects. This approach is flexible, in terms of amount and uncertainty of the input data, and can be easily adapted for forecasting other materials and in different construction projects. It can have important implications for the managers and policy makers in the construction market where accurate estimation of the raw material demand is crucial.

Originality/value

This is the first in this field introducing a flexible GA-FR approach for improving bitumen consumption estimation in the construction literature. The proposed approach’s significance has two folds. Firstly, it is completely flexible. Secondly, it uses CRs as an alternative approach for estimation because of its dynamic structure.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Article
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Mohammad Sheikhalishahi, Liliane Pintelon and Ali Azadeh

– The purpose of this paper is to review current literature analyzing human factors in maintenance, and areas in need of further research are suggested.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review current literature analyzing human factors in maintenance, and areas in need of further research are suggested.

Design/methodology/approach

The review applies a novel framework for systematically categorizing human factors in maintenance into three major categories: human error/reliability calculation, workplace design/macro-ergonomics and human resource management. The framework further incorporates two well-known human factor frameworks, i.e., the Swiss Cheese model and the ergonomic domains framework.

Findings

Human factors in maintenance is a pressing problem. The framework yields important insights regarding the influence of human factors in maintenance decision making. By incorporating various approaches, a robust framework for analyzing human factors in maintenance is derived.

Originality/value

The framework assists decision makers and maintenance practitioners to evaluate the influence of human factors from different perspectives, e.g. human error, macro-ergonomics, work planning and human performance. Moreover, the review addresses an important subject in maintenance decision making more so in view of few human error reviews in maintenance literature.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

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Article
Publication date: 11 April 2016

Ali Azadeh, Mansour Zarrin and Nima Salehi

Reverse logistics refer to processes related to the reuse of products. The role of suppliers’ performance is crucial in achieving quality, cost, service and delivery aims of a…

2136

Abstract

Purpose

Reverse logistics refer to processes related to the reuse of products. The role of suppliers’ performance is crucial in achieving quality, cost, service and delivery aims of a supply chain. The selection of suppliers is regarded as one of the critical issues encountered by purchasing and operations managers in a supply chain to enhance organization’s global marketplace competitiveness. Most of the supply chain models are rather complex problems. Consequently, it is impossible to propose systematic models to handle them. Therefore, in this paper a new integrated approach based on experimental design and computer simulation is proposed for supplier selection. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a simulation approach is implemented to determine certain equivalent of parameters values in a CLSC network design which cannot be computed through mathematical model. Suppliers’ order quantities are investigated by Taguchi method for planning time horizon. Moreover, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is applied to assess suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery time, production capabilities, services and technology.

Findings

In the numerical example, there are three suppliers for different regions. Purchase value of each supplier is measured in three years successively. According to the proposed method, the authors find the minimum level of costs together with the maximum number of high-quality products.

Practical implications

The objective functions of model are minimizing the costs and maximizing number of high-quality products. The integrated approach introduced in this paper enables managers to select their suppliers effectively in their real system.

Originality/value

Most supply chain models are complex and the identification of proper and optimal solutions in complex real-world systems often requires the solution of multi-objective problems involving multiple stochastic variables. Therefore, the paper introduces a new integrated approach for supplier selection in closed loop supply chain. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study that integrates DEA, computer simulation and Taguchi method for supplier selection in closed loop supply chains.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

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Article
Publication date: 5 June 2007

A. Azadeh, S.F. Ghaderi and V. Ebrahimipour

This paper seeks to present an integrated principal component analysis (PCA) data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework for assessment and ranking of manufacturing systems based on…

1127

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an integrated principal component analysis (PCA) data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework for assessment and ranking of manufacturing systems based on equipment performance indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated framework discussed in this paper is based on PCA and DEA. The validity of the integrated model is further verified and validated by numerical taxonomy (NT) methods.

Findings

The results of the integrated PCA DEA framework show the ranking of sectors and weak and strong points of each sector with regard to equipment and machinery. Moreover, a non‐parametric correlation method, namely, Spearman correlation experiment shows high level of correlation among the findings of PCA, DEA and NT. Furthermore, it identifies which indicators have major impacts on the performance of manufacturing sectors.

Practical implications

To achieve the objectives of this study, a comprehensive study was conducted to locate all economic and technical indicators which influence equipment performance. These indicators are related to equipment productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and profitability. Standard factors such as down time, time to repair, mean time between failure, operating time, value added and production value were considered as shaping factors. The manufacturing sectors are selected according to the format of International Standard for Industrial Classification.

Originality/value

The modeling approach of this paper could be used for ranking and analysis of other sectors in particular or countries in general.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Ehsan Aghakarimi, Hamed Karimi, Amir Aghsami and Fariborz Jolai

Considering the direct impact of retailers' performance on the economy, this paper aimed to propose a comprehensive framework to evaluate the performance of different branches of…

321

Abstract

Purpose

Considering the direct impact of retailers' performance on the economy, this paper aimed to propose a comprehensive framework to evaluate the performance of different branches of a retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a case study, the weights of indicators were calculated by the best-worst method (BWM) and the branches' performance was appraised using data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Findings

The branches were ranked in terms of performance, and sensitivity analysis and statistical tests were conducted to realize the weaknesses and strengths of the branches. Then, some strategies were proposed using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to improve the performance of the weak branches.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to previous studies on the evaluation of retailers' performance by proposing a triple framework based on resilience, sustainability and sales-marketing indicators. This paper focused on branches' operations and branches' optimization by improving performance in terms of these three indicators. This paper also offers a qualitative and quantitative analysis of retailers' performance, which has received less attention in previous studies.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 22 April 2024

Amirreza Alizadeh Majd, Robin Bell, Sa’ad Ali, Arefeh Davoodi and Azadeh Nasirifar

This study aims to investigate the impact of job rotation on employee performance and explores the mediating role of human resources (HR) strategy and training effectiveness on…

495

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of job rotation on employee performance and explores the mediating role of human resources (HR) strategy and training effectiveness on this relationship, within the petrochemical industry, which represents a highly specialist and hazardous industrial context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through a questionnaire which was distributed among the experts working in an Iranian petrochemical organization. Previously validated scales were used to measure job rotation, employee performance, HR strategy and training effectiveness, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for hypothesis testing.

Findings

The research findings indicated that job rotation had a negative effect on employee performance, while training effectiveness and HR strategy positively mediated the relationship between job rotation and employee performance. This highlights the importance of ensuring effective training and a HR strategy to support job rotation of skilled and specialist employees.

Practical implications

Managers of employees in specialist and hazardous industries, such as petrochemical workers, interested in job rotation to support employee career development, should be mindful of potential negative implications on employee performance. To support and improve employee performance, job rotation should be considered alongside HR strategy and training.

Originality/value

Previous research has largely focused on the value of job rotation to develop managers’ organizational understanding and to reduce injury within blue-collar work, which has led to a paucity of research into job rotation within highly skilled and specialist industrial roles. It is highlighted within the literature that it remains unclear what supports effective job rotation. This study addresses this lacuna by investigating how job rotation affects employee performance in a highly skilled and specialized industry and how strategy and training effectiveness mediate this effect.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 56 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

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Article
Publication date: 30 December 2019

Ali Mostafaeipour, Sajjad Sadeghi, Mehdi Jahangiri, Omid Nematollahi and Ali Rezaeian Sabbagh

Wind as a major source of renewable energy has received tremendous attentions due to its unique features to reduce carbon emission and also to keep the environment safe…

275

Abstract

Purpose

Wind as a major source of renewable energy has received tremendous attentions due to its unique features to reduce carbon emission and also to keep the environment safe. Nevertheless, to use wind energy properly, the environmental circumstances and geographical location related to wind intensity should be considered as a priority. Different factors may affect the selection of a suitable location for developments of wind power plants; thus, these factors should be considered concurrently to identify the optimum location of wind plants.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, first, basic data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used, then dual DEA was used and, finally, Anderson Petersen (AP) model of dual DEA was selected to prioritize cities or decision-making units (DMUs). Numerical Taxonomy (NT) method was also used to assess the validity of AP dual model in DEA. The prescribed approach was applied for five cities in East Azerbaijan province of Iran.

Findings

The results indicate that wind power as a renewable energy can be harnessed in few cities, and the ranking by DEA illustrated that the city of Tabriz is the first priority.

Practical implications

Low environmental degradation effects in comparison to other methods and the ability to utilization at a widespread level include the benefits of using wind energy in the generation of electricity. In this regard, the study of relevant potentials and finding suitable locations for the deployment of wind energy utilization equipment are essential. Using DEA method helps us to choose optimal locations according to different criteria.

Social implications

Wind energy is justifiable in reducing social costs in comparison with fossil fuel plants, which includes negative effects, and its electricity can be used as a sustainable energy in the country's economic, social and cultural development.

Originality/value

For identifying the most proper location for development of wind power plants in Iran, DEA is applied for the first time to prioritize the suitable locations for installations of wind turbines among five different cities in the East Azerbaijan region. A number of crucial factors including land price, distance to power, rate of natural hazards, wind speed and topography are considered for location optimization of wind turbines for the first time. Also, to validate the results of DEA method, NT method is used to assess the validity of AP dual model in DEA.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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