Mahdi Yadegari and Shahriar Mohammadi
Selecting an appropriate strategy can significantly influence an organization’s direction, but numerous interrelated factors make this decision complex and uncertain. Identifying…
Abstract
Purpose
Selecting an appropriate strategy can significantly influence an organization’s direction, but numerous interrelated factors make this decision complex and uncertain. Identifying these relationships and making informed decisions often involves navigating uncertainty. This paper aims to assist managers in leveraging the organization’s intellectual assets to select the most suitable knowledge management strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
This research proposes fuzzy cognitive maps to model and select the appropriate strategy. Given that knowledge is a company’s most valuable asset and its management is critical, the proposed method for selecting a knowledge management strategy was tested in one of Iran’s largest logistics companies. The factors influencing strategy adoption were treated as concepts in the fuzzy cognitive network, with evaluation criteria applied to three strategies: human-oriented, system-oriented and dynamic.
Findings
The model’s output identifies the most suitable strategy based on knowledge management principles and the specific characteristics of the target project within the organization. Compared to the most cited paper in this field, the proposed model shows a 0.15% improvement in sensitivity and a 0.22% improvement in separation degree.
Originality/value
This study proposes a novel method using fuzzy cognitive maps to assist organizations in selecting the best knowledge management strategy, even amidst multiple influencing factors and uncertain conditions.
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OCLC Cataloging Micro Enhancer (CatME) has remained a powerful cataloging tool for many years. This article introduces the history of CatME and demonstrates its efficient…
Abstract
OCLC Cataloging Micro Enhancer (CatME) has remained a powerful cataloging tool for many years. This article introduces the history of CatME and demonstrates its efficient, easy‐to‐use, and economical features. Applying Randall Library’s experience, the authors discuss cataloging workflow, batch searching, batch transactions and exporting, batch label printing, off‐line editing and other efficiency capabilities.
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This study aims to understand the technical and operational challenges encountered by multilingual digital libraries and their strategies to solve problems in sustaining…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to understand the technical and operational challenges encountered by multilingual digital libraries and their strategies to solve problems in sustaining multilinguality services for digital libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the multiple-case method, this study investigated two digital libraries that have sustained multilinguality for over a decade: the World Digital Library and the Digital Library of the Caribbean.
Findings
This study identified eight factors that contributed to the success of the two multilingual digital libraries and eight technical and operational challenges they have faced. A framework for digital libraries to sustain multilinguality is proposed. This framework illustrates the challenges and strategies to address the challenges in 11 aspects: creation, leadership, collaboration, content, metadata, translation, funding, technology, preservation, staffing and copyright.
Research limitations/implications
This study focused on two multilingual digital libraries administered in the USA, though they do not fully represent multilingual digital libraries in the USA. Therefore, the findings from the study may not apply to multilingual digital libraries the USA or other countries. As on-site interviews of both digital libraries were conducted at the beginning of 2019, the timeframe of this study is up to that date.
Practical implications
With more users worldwide seeking information online, more digital libraries will be providing multilingual services. This study provides guidelines to digital library developers and archivists for building and sustaining their digital libraries or archives. The experience and lessons learned from these two digital libraries may also help to better understand challenges and use effective strategies in building and sustaining multilinguality.
Social implications
The users and communities of digital libraries will be able to learn the benefits and challenges as related to building and sustaining digital library services. These services always need support to better serve their users and communities.
Originality/value
As the first multiple-case research that investigates in-depth challenges and approaches of digital libraries in sustaining multilinguality, this study presents a general picture of how the two digital libraries have succeeded in sustaining multilinguality. Theoretically, the study enriches the literature by providing a more comprehensive sustainability framework for multilinguality. This framework specifies possible aspects to consider for gaining sustainability of multilingual digital libraries and offers useful guidelines and insights for the digital library community to build multilingual services.
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The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel managerial approach for improving traditional intellectual capital (IC) management, and its other latter improved approaches, by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel managerial approach for improving traditional intellectual capital (IC) management, and its other latter improved approaches, by integrating the comprehensive IC model with more reliable decision science methods, including the Delphi technique and the analytic network process. This proposed integration endeavors to resolve the issues of IC management related to intuitive decisions by executives and the lack of information regarding the relationships among the considered elements.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed method was applied to a real case study of a logistics organization. This application is expected to increase the IC study in this field since logistics is identified as an underdeveloped business in the field of IC management. In this study, the proposed method was used to identify the priorities of IC management of the firm.
Findings
The obtained results showed that the method provides a new managerial approach to IC management by conveying the important weights and priorities of the major and minor IC elements of a logistics business. The obtained outcome also confirmed the results of past studies.
Originality/value
This study provides a systematic and scientific decision framework that improves previous IC management approaches. This proposed method conveys a new management approach by including proper decision science methods with the comprehensive IC framework. This hybrid concept has not been explored by previous IC management approaches.
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Chong Wu and David Barnes
The purpose of this paper is to present a four‐phase dynamic feedback model for supply partner selection in agile supply chains (ASCs). ASCs are commonly used as a response to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a four‐phase dynamic feedback model for supply partner selection in agile supply chains (ASCs). ASCs are commonly used as a response to increasingly dynamic markets. However, partner selection in ASCs is inherently more complex and difficult under conditions of uncertainty and ambiguity as supply chains form and re‐form.
Design/methodology/approach
The model draws on both quantitative and qualitative techniques, including the Dempster‐Shafer and optimisation theories, radial basis function artificial neural networks (RBF‐ANN), analytic network process‐mixed integer multi‐objective programming (ANP‐MIMOP), Kraljic's supplier classification matrix and principles of continuous improvement. It incorporates modern computer programming techniques to overcome the information processing difficulties inherent in selecting from amongst large numbers of potential suppliers against multiple criteria in conditions of uncertainty.
Findings
The model enables decision makers to make efficient and effective use of the vastly increased amount of data that is available in today's information‐driven society and it offers a comprehensive, systematic and rigorous approach to a complex problem.
Research limitations/implications
The model has two main drawbacks. First, practitioners may find it difficult to match supplier evaluation criteria with the strategic objectives for an ASC. Second, they may perceive the model to be too complex for use when speed is of the essence.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this paper is that, for the first time, it draws together work from previous articles that have described each of the four stages of the model in detail to present a comprehensive overview of the model.
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Hsiu Yuan Hu, Shao-I Chiu, Tieh-Min Yen and Ching-Chan Cheng
The purpose of this paper is to establish an integrated model of Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), to assist…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish an integrated model of Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), to assist enterprises to process supplier quality performance rating and comparison and find the core improvement direction to create the value of all supply chain members.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used the integrated model to process supplier quality performance rating and comparison, which not only improved the order-winners and qualifiers and continued to increase supplier quality performance, but resolved the complex and difficult cause-effect relation issue to find out core improvement items. The cases of Taiwanese industrial computer manufacturers were used to describe the application and benefits of this methodology.
Findings
The results recommended that the improvement item of supplier A shall focus on design and quality conformance. The recommended improvement item and order for supplier B is design, delivery reliability and delivery speed. This study established ANP and DEMATEL evaluation models, and expanded the application field in the supplier performance evaluation.
Originality/value
The ANP model is used to calculate the importance of the evaluation criteria, and the DEMATEL method is introduced to consider the impact of the casual relationship of evaluation items and to adjust the importance of the evaluation item, and to solve the complex and difficult practical causation issue.
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Sanaz Vatankhah, Mahlagha Darvishmotevali, Roya Rahimi, Seyedh Mahboobeh Jamali and Nader Ale Ebrahim
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are decision support systems that provide systematic approaches to solve hospitality and tourism (H&T) problems while minimizing…
Abstract
Purpose
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are decision support systems that provide systematic approaches to solve hospitality and tourism (H&T) problems while minimizing the risk of failure. However, less is known about the application of MCDM techniques in H&T research. This study aims to systematically assess the use of MCDM techniques in H&T research to classify its current application and determine its application potential for H&T research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used bibliometric analysis to examine all published MCDM studies focused on H&T industries, since 1997. In addition, topic modelling was used to discover key concepts. Finally, top cited studies in terms of total citations per year and total citations were qualitatively reviewed for more insights.
Findings
The findings revealed an ongoing interest in applying MCDM techniques in H&T research. Specifically, the extension of fuzzy theory in MCDM techniques is burgeoning among H&T researchers. However, a certain number of MCDM techniques seem to be ignored in this field with a repetitive application of MCDM techniques in particular areas.
Research limitations/implications
The data for the current research was solely retrieved from Scopus and other databases were not included. Therefore, future research is called for to re-examine the study by considering data from various databases.
Originality/value
This study contributes to extant H&T literature by identifying the most prolific and influential countries, journals, publications and trends by applying MCDM techniques in H&T research, and elucidating the implications and characteristics of MCDM techniques in H&T research.
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Fatemeh Shaker, Arash Shahin and Saeed Jahanyan
The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrative approach for improving failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrative approach for improving failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
Design/methodology/approach
An extensive literature review on FMEA has been performed. Then, an integrative approach has been proposed based on literature review. The proposed approach is an integration of FMEA and quality function deployment (QFD). The proposed approach includes a two-phase QFD. In the first phase, failure modes are prioritized based on failure effects and in the second phase, failure causes are prioritized based on failure modes. The proposed approach has been examined in a case example at the blast furnace operation of a steel-manufacturing company.
Findings
Results of the case example indicated that stove shell crack in hot blast blower, pump failure in cooling water supply pump and bleeder valves failed to operate are the first three important failure modes. In addition, fire and explosion are the most important failure effects. Also, improper maintenance, over pressure and excess temperature are the most important failure causes. Findings also indicated that the proposed approach with the consideration of interrelationships among failure effects, failure mode and failure causes can influence and adjust risk priority number (RPN) in FMEA.
Research limitations/implications
As manufacturing departments are mostly dealing with failure effects and modes of machinery and maintenance departments are mostly dealing with causes of failures, the proposed model can support better coordination and integration between the two departments. Such support seems to be more important in firms with continuous production lines wherein line interruption influences response to customers more seriously. A wide range of future study opportunities indicates the attractiveness and contribution of the subject to the knowledge of FMEA.
Originality/value
Although the literature indicates that in most of studies the outcomes of QFD were entered into FMEA and in some studies the RPN of FMEA was entered into QFD as importance rating, the proposed approach is a true type of the so-called “integration of FMEA and QFD” because the three main elements of FMEA formed the structure of QFD. In other words, the proposed approach can be considered as an innovation in the FMEA structure, not as a data provider prior to it or a data receiver after it.
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Jongkyung Park, Kitae Shin, Tai‐Woo Chang and Jinwoo Park
There have been many studies on topics related to supplier relationship management (SRM), namely purchasing strategy, supplier selection and development, and collaboration with…
Abstract
Purpose
There have been many studies on topics related to supplier relationship management (SRM), namely purchasing strategy, supplier selection and development, and collaboration with suppliers. However, these studies have not suggested a solution based on an integrative concept, as they focus only on domain‐specific problems. To overcome this limitation, the purpose of this present paper is to suggest a framework for an integrative SRM system by analyzing comprehensive approaches to overall SRM functions.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviewed and analyzed studies related to SRM from an integrative viewpoint, proposed a framework for an integrative SRM system, and performed a case study based on the analytical hierarchy process with a field survey.
Findings
The paper expects that the proposed framework can play a major role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of SRM by adopting an integrative concept because the functions of SRM are highly interrelated. Furthermore, it verifies the applicability of the framework via a case study.
Research limitations/implications
Not many approaches are available for organizing evaluators or evaluation sheets, which are used for selecting criteria, providing weight, and evaluating supplier performance, that can secure objectivity of the evaluation; thus, when applying this framework to the industry, special consideration is needed.
Practical implications
The proposed framework allows the purchasing members to scrutinize key features of SRM before and during the SRM system operation.
Originality/value
The paper provides useful knowledge about the role of SRM systems by holistically approaching SRM‐related processes while suggesting criteria and recommendations to a purchasing manager.
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Md Tanweer Ahmad and Sandeep Mondal
With the increasing competition among the industries, they remain under pressure as how to select the best set of suppliers for the competitive edge. Often, it has been…
Abstract
Purpose
With the increasing competition among the industries, they remain under pressure as how to select the best set of suppliers for the competitive edge. Often, it has been challenging to develop an effective set of suppliers due to varied and asymmetric mode of criteria. The purpose of this paper is to develop a responsive chain under original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a responsive chain under a two-echelon system (TES) of OEM, which needs to collaborate with a set of suppliers at each echelon through an integrated methodology of AHP and TOPSIS. According to the OEM’s criteria, demands and suppliers’ capacity vary with time, therefore they are not static for a longer period. Hence, supplier selection (SS) problem possesses dynamicity in real practice. For this, MILP is used for finding optimal order quantities based on the optimal ranking at each echelon in the multi-period scenario. Subsequently, sensitivity analysis (SA) is conducted through Taguchi method of parameter design (TMPD) to achieve an optimal ranking in the TES.
Findings
This study suggests optimal criteria’s weight, percentage contribution, and flexibility for the suppliers and manufacturers involving through maximum demand strategy at each echelon of OEM. It also provides robust group of suppliers and manufacturers in the TES through optimal ranking and simultaneously in the order allocations. Furthermore, it restricts the number of suppliers and manufactures at each echelon through proposed methodology to obtain the solution in a very short running time.
Originality/value
To validate this model, a real data set for the case of chain conveyor company is used. This adopted methodology can suggest the organization that how the approach should be implemented.