Search results

1 – 10 of 160
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 14 December 2017

Bo Xin, Yuan Li, Jian-feng Yu and Jie Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of the aircraft assembly lines. An approach for modeling and analyzing the production rate of an aircraft…

266

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of the aircraft assembly lines. An approach for modeling and analyzing the production rate of an aircraft assembly line is introduced using the chaos theory.

Design/methodology/approach

First, two key system variables including reliability and learning ability are considered to control the dynamics model. The discrete-time dynamics equation of the production rate is established as a function of the reliability and the learning rate. Then an improved Gauss-learning curve is proposed and applied to aircraft assembling condition. Finally, the bifurcation diagrams and the maximal Lyapunov exponents are used and applied to the experimental study to analyze the dynamic behavior under different combinations of parameters.

Findings

On the basis of the experimental study, it is shown that chaotic behavior really exists in the aircraft assembly lines. The reliability and the Gauss-learning curve can nonlinearly affect the production rate.

Originality/value

This paper applied nonlinear dynamics and chaotic theory to the production analyses of the aircraft assembly lines for the first time. The proposed model has been successfully applied to a practical case, and the result justifies its advantage as well as feasibility to both theory and engineering application.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 7 September 2015

Bo Xin, Yuan Li, Jianfeng Yu and Jie Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the multi-skilled workers assignment problem in complex assembly systems such as aircraft assembly lines. An adaptive binary particle…

606

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the multi-skilled workers assignment problem in complex assembly systems such as aircraft assembly lines. An adaptive binary particle swarm optimization (A-BPSO) algorithm is proposed, which is used to balance the workload of both assembly stations and processes and to minimize the human cost.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a cycle time model considering the cooperation of multi-skilled workers is constructed. This model provides a quantitative description of the relationship between the cycle time and multi-skilled workers by means of revising the standard learning curve with the “Partition-And-Accumulate” method. Then, to improve the accuracy and stability of the current heuristic algorithms, an A-BPSO algorithm that suits for the discrete optimization problems is proposed to assign multi-skilled workers to assembly stations and processes based on modified sigmoid limiting function.

Findings

The proposed method has been successfully applied to a practical case, and the result justifies its advantage as well as adaptability to both theory and engineering application.

Originality/value

A novel cycle time model considering cooperation of multi-skilled workers is constructed so that the calculation results of cycle time are more accurate and closer to reality. An A-BPSO algorithm is proposed to improve the stability and convergence in dealing with the problems with higher dimensional search space. This research can be used by the project managers and dispatchers on assembly field.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 1 October 2020

Robert Osei-Kyei, Vivian Tam and Mingxue Ma

The growth in ageing population globally has led to the increase in demand for retirement or aged care homes. Adopting public–private partnership (PPP) in the global retirement…

922

Abstract

Purpose

The growth in ageing population globally has led to the increase in demand for retirement or aged care homes. Adopting public–private partnership (PPP) in the global retirement village market has become the new approach to address some of the emerging challenges. This paper aims to explore and analyse the critical success factors (CSFs) for the adoption of PPP in the global retirement village market.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical questionnaire survey was conducted with experienced practitioners in the global PPP and retirement village markets. Mean score analysis, normalization range method, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and factor analysis were used for analysis.

Findings

Results show that out of the 27 CSFs identified, the most significant ones in developing PPP retirement village projects are “the age-friendly design of villages”, “appropriate location of PPP retirement village”, “reliable and accessible health and physical facilities” and “effective social inclusion and integration in villages”. Further analysis shows that the 27 CSFs can be grouped into 7 major factor groupings, namely, “effective project monitoring”, “financial support”, “social integration”, “effective contractual arrangement between parties”, “government commitment and support”, “sustainable design of village” and “effective payment structure”.

Originality/value

The outputs of this study will adequately inform retirement village developers, retirement village stakeholders and local government authorities of the best practices they should put in place to ensure the sustainable growth of the global retirement village market.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 1 February 2005

Bo Yan, Ning Hu, Xin Lu and Masaki Kameyama

The governing equations for dynamic transient analysis of a fluid‐saturated two‐phase porous medium model based on the mixture theory are presented. A penalty finite element…

127

Abstract

The governing equations for dynamic transient analysis of a fluid‐saturated two‐phase porous medium model based on the mixture theory are presented. A penalty finite element formulation is derived with the general Galerkin procedure of the finite element method (FEM), and the obtained dynamic system equation can be solved with implicit or explicit time integration method, which is discussed in this paper. Using this method, a porous medium column under impulsive loading is analyzed and the results reveal the phenomena of one‐dimensional wave propagation, which are consistent with analytical solutions. Furthermore, two numerical examples of two‐dimensional problems demonstrate the existence of two body waves, i.e. longitudinal (P‐type) and transverse (S‐type) waves in porous media, and the Rayleigh wave in the vicinity of the surface of porous media.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 12 April 2024

Xin-Yi Wang, Bo Chen and Na Hou

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of political relations on trade in strategic emerging industries (SEIs) in the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) associated…

152

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of political relations on trade in strategic emerging industries (SEIs) in the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) associated countries. This investigation encompasses not only from the perspective of bilateral political relations but also the political intervention of third parties.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the temporal exponential random graphmodel to analyze the dynamic structure and influencing factor of SEIs trade network among 150 BRI-associated countries from 2015 to 2020.

Findings

The results indicate that the trade of SEIs in the BRI-associated countries exhibits a pattern of concentrated exporters and decentralized importers. Amicable bilateral political relations foster trade cooperations in SEIs, while political pressure from the United States has the opposite effect. Furthermore, compared with the influence of third parties, the BRI has created a more robust trade environment characterized by political mutual trust.

Practical implications

BRI-associated countries should strengthen their political communication, and endeavor to transform political consensus and shared vision into concrete collaborative projects, while mitigating geopolitical uncertainties through a sound risk evaluation system. Moreover, they should establish a more transparent and consistent consultation mechanism and leverage the BRI trade network to foster balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships that minimize rivalry and dependence on a single market.

Originality/value

This study goes beyond observed trade cost and incorporates the political factor into the determinants of the BRI trade, thereby expanding the theoretical boundaries of existing BRI research. Also, this study employs bilateral trade data to construct SEIs trade networks (SEITNs) along the BRI route. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic determinates of the SEITNs will provide valuable practical guidance for enhancing and expanding trade and cooperation among BRI-associated countries.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 3 September 2019

Xin Wang, Bo Xu and Z. Chen

This paper aims to investigate spontaneous movement of single droplet on chemically heterogeneous surfaces induced by the net surface tension, using the improved three-dimensional…

275

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate spontaneous movement of single droplet on chemically heterogeneous surfaces induced by the net surface tension, using the improved three-dimensional (3D) lattice Boltzmann (LB) method.

Design/methodology/approach

D3Q19 Shan-Chen LB model is improved in this paper. Segmented particle distribution functions coupled with the P-R equation of state are introduced to maintain the higher accuracy and greater stability. In addition, exact difference method (EDM) is adopted to implement force term to predict the droplet deformation and dynamics.

Findings

The numerical results demonstrate that spontaneous movement of single droplet (=1.8 µm) along wedge-shaped tracks is driven by net surface tension. Advancing angle decreases instantaneously with time, while receding angle changes slightly first and then decreases rapidly. Wetting length is affected by vertex angle and wetting difference, whereas the final value is only dependent on the stronger wettability. Although the velocity of single droplet on wedge-shaped tracks can be increased by the larger vertex angle, it has a negative influence on the displacement. For the same wetting difference, vertex angle equal to 30º is an optimization strategy in this model. If the simulation length is extended enough, then the smaller vertex angle is beneficial for the droplet movement. In addition, a larger wetting difference is beneficial to spontaneous movement, which can speed up the droplet movement.

Originality/value

The proposed numerical model of droplet dynamics on chemically heterogeneous surfaces provides fundamental insights for the enhancement of drop-wise condensation heat transfer.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 15 October 2018

Xin Zhao, Bo Dong and Weizhong Li

The freezing phenomenon of a falling droplet is a frequently encountered phenomenon in various applications, such as spray crystallization, hail formation and artificial…

244

Abstract

Purpose

The freezing phenomenon of a falling droplet is a frequently encountered phenomenon in various applications, such as spray crystallization, hail formation and artificial snowmaking. Therefore, this paper aims to understand the freezing processes of a falling droplet without and with initial horizontal velocity in a cold space.

Design/methodology/approach

The freezing processes of a falling droplet were characterized using a modified enthalpy-based lattice Boltzmann method.

Findings

The temperature field, streamlines and freezing process of the falling droplet were investigated and analyzed. The lower part of the droplet was frozen earlier than the upper part. The freezing trend slowed down in the later stage of the freezing process. The droplet shape was related to the initial vertical velocity, nucleation temperature and initial horizontal velocity.

Originality/value

A modified enthalpy-based lattice Boltzmann method is proposed. In the model, the improved pseudo-potential model is used and the radiation is considered. This method was firstly used to simulate the freezing process of a falling droplet. By examining these freezing processes in detail, the freezing trend and the effect factors of droplet deformation and freezing time were obtained, respectively.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 28 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 7 August 2023

Yan Shi, Bo Zou and Hao Xin

In high-tech markets, innovation is always generative and continuous both within the iteration in a product's development process and throughout the upgrade of multi-generational…

224

Abstract

Purpose

In high-tech markets, innovation is always generative and continuous both within the iteration in a product's development process and throughout the upgrade of multi-generational products. Inspired by this practical phenomenon, this study aims to explore the mechanism of innovation generativity and continuity to explain how future innovations benefit from current innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted qualitative research to explore innovation generativity and continuity by investigating five electronic information enterprises. The authors employed the ambidexterity perspective to explore the research question.

Findings

The authors found innovation generativity has three dimensions: inheritance, metabolism and inspection. These three dimensions and their interactions are what forms the mechanism of innovation generativity and continuity. The authors also found many paradoxes that prompt enterprises to pursue innovation generativity and continuity, and through this innovation process, enterprises are able to attain continuous innovation.

Originality/value

This study theoretically uncovers “how” to carry out innovation generativity and continuity, as well as the antecedents and the outcome. The findings contribute to research on product innovation, continuous innovation and ambidexterity, and have implications for managers who seek to improve innovation generativity and continuity.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 27 April 2023

Xin-Yi Wang, Bo Chen and Yu Song

The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamic changes of the arms trade network not only from the network structure but also the influence mechanism from the aspects of the…

416

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamic changes of the arms trade network not only from the network structure but also the influence mechanism from the aspects of the economy, politics, security, strategy and transaction costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model and the Separable Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model to analyze the endogenous network structure effect, the attribute effect and the exogenous network effect of 47 major arms trading countries from 2015 to 2020.

Findings

The results show that the international arms trade market is unevenly distributed, and there are great differences in military technology. There is a fixed hierarchical structure in the arms trade, but the rise of emerging countries is expected to break this situation. In international arms trade relations, economic forces dominate, followed by political, security and strategic factors.

Practical implications

Economic and political factors play an important role in the arms trade. Therefore, countries should strive to improve their economic strength and military technology. Also, countries should increase political mutual trust and gain a foothold in the industrial chain of arms production to enhance their military power.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is to analyze the special trade area of arms trade from a dynamic network perspective by incorporating economic, political, security, strategic and transaction cost factors together into the TERGM and STERGM models.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Xin Hu, Bo Xia, Martin Skitmore and Laurie Buys

As a viable housing option for older people, retirement villages need to provide a sustainable living environment that satisfies their residents’ needs in terms of affordability…

1498

Abstract

Purpose

As a viable housing option for older people, retirement villages need to provide a sustainable living environment that satisfies their residents’ needs in terms of affordability, lifestyle and environmental friendliness. This is, however, a significant challenge for not-for-profit developers because of the high upfront costs involved in using sustainable practices. The purpose of this paper is to identify the sustainable features and practices adopted in not-for-profit retirement villages.

Design/methodology/approach

Because of the lack of quantitative historical data, a case study approach was adopted to identify the sustainable features and practices used in a not-for-profit retirement village in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Data were collected based on interviews, direct observation and documentation, and collected data were analysed by using content analysis.

Findings

The research findings indicate that similar to private developers, not-for-profit developers also have the capability to make their village environment sustainable. In this case, the sustainable practices cover various aspects including the selection of village location, site planning, provision of facilities and services, social life and living costs. Although the associated costs of adopting sustainable features is a concern for both developers and residents, some of the identified sustainable practices in this case do not result in significant cost increase but can improve the residents’ quality of life substantially.

Practical implications

The research findings provide a number of practical implications on how to deliver sustainable retirement villages in a not-for-profit village setting.

Originality/value

This paper provides a first look at sustainable features and practices adopted in both the development and operation stages of a not-for-profit retirement village.

Details

Facilities, vol. 36 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

1 – 10 of 160
Per page
102050