Nuno R.P. Costa, António R. Pires and Celma O. Ribeiro
The purpose of this paper is to focus the application of design of experiments (DOE) using industrial equipments, reinforcing idea that non‐statistical aspects in planning and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus the application of design of experiments (DOE) using industrial equipments, reinforcing idea that non‐statistical aspects in planning and conducting experiments are so important as formal design and analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
Two case studies are presented to illustrate typical industrial applications and difficulties. Supported on these case studies and literature, this paper presents guidelines to planning, conducting and analysis involving technical and organizational aspects.
Findings
Solving problems in industry, including in companies recognized as competent in the respective industrial sector, is not just a question of applying the right technique. Ceramic industry case study illustrates how important are non‐statistical issues in DOE application. Paint industry case study illustrates the strong relationship of the results with incorporating presented guidelines into practice. Moreover, both case studies consolidating a fundamental advantage of DOE: experimentation provides more knowledge about products, processes and technologies, even in unsuccessful case studies.
Research limitations/implications
Unsuccessful cases studies are very useful for identifying pitfalls and others limitations. This paper highlight difficulties aroused from non‐statistical aspects, although it is possible to find unsuccessful case studies due to statistical issues also. So, papers illustrating inadequate application of statistical techniques are welcome.
Practical implications
Successful DOE implementation depends on statistical and non‐statistical aspects. Although none of them shall be neglected, technical skills and technological knowledge about processes and products, management understanding of potential possibilities of statistical techniques and statistical fundamentals and knowledge about techniques of DOE must be ensuring to successful case studies in industrial setting.
Originality/value
This paper highlights non‐statistical aspects instead of the statistical ones. Tob overcome difficulties structured guidelines were designed to support DOE application in industrial setting.
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Lucas Gabriel Zanon, Tiago F.A.C. Sigahi, Rosley Anholon and Luiz Cesar Ribeiro Carpinetti
This paper applies fuzzy grey cognitive maps (FGCM) to support multicriteria group decision making (GDM) on supply chain performance (SCP) considering the role of organizational…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper applies fuzzy grey cognitive maps (FGCM) to support multicriteria group decision making (GDM) on supply chain performance (SCP) considering the role of organizational culture as a moderating factor.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper follows the quantitative axiomatic prescriptive model-based research. It introduces a MGDM model that relies on the SCOR® model performance attributes and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. The proposal is underpinned by the soft computing technique of FGCM, aimed at addressing the inherent subjectivity associated with evaluating the culture-performance relationship within supply chains.
Findings
The FGCM-based model proposes a management matrix tool for supporting SPC management. It results in a graphical representation that deconstructs SCP and organizational culture into key elements and provides directives for action plans that align improvement efforts. An illustrative application is presented to guide and promote the model’s application in different configurations of supply chains.
Practical implications
This model offers valuable insights into addressing the impact of organizational culture on decision-making related to SCP. Additionally, it facilitates scenario simulation. The management matrix visually illustrates how each performance attribute is influenced by each cultural dimension on a quantitative scale. It also ranks these attributes based on the overall level of influence they receive from culture.
Originality/value
The study provides a unique outlook on the use of FGCMs to support the SCP decisional process by detailing and accounting for the influence of organizational culture. This is done through the development of a novel matrix that allows for visual management and benchmarking.
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Andrea Barraza‐Urbina and Angela Carrillo Ramos
The purpose of this paper is to describe UWIRS (Ubiquitous Web Information Retrieval Solution), an agent‐based Web Information Retrieval (WIR) solution designed taking into…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe UWIRS (Ubiquitous Web Information Retrieval Solution), an agent‐based Web Information Retrieval (WIR) solution designed taking into account the unique features of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the limitations of existing WIR solutions for ubiquitous environments.
Design/methodology/approach
UWIRS can offer recommendation services by using the Multi‐Agent Vizier Recommendation Framework (Vizier). Vizier was designed under a generic approach and therefore can provide services to information retrieval applications so these may offer product recommendations that consider several adaptation/personalization dimensions (e.g. user dimension, context, among others).
Findings
Overall, the main challenge resides on: location, retrieval, integration and presentation of information from the WWW, quickly and accurately, to satisfy a user's singular information needs.
Originality/value
In UWIRS, agents cooperate in order to retrieve personalized information, considering user needs, goals, preferences and contextual features. UWIRS's agents are responsible for: interpreting user input and adding adaptation information by means of a query enrichment process; identifying and selecting the appropriate data sources taking into consideration the Profile Set (composed of User, Device and Information‐Provider Profiles); executing query routing and the information retrieval process; integrating and filtering the retrieved results; and lastly, coherent presentation of quality and relevant ubiquitous information (anytime, anywhere and anyhow) that satisfies the user's particular information needs and constraints associated to his/her access device.
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Lovelin Obi, Mohammed Arif, Emmanuel I. Daniel, Olugbenga Timo Oladinrin and Jack Steven Goulding
Circular economy (CE) and offsite construction (OSC) are two innovations for improving the construction industry's overall performance against a myriad of sustainability-driven…
Abstract
Purpose
Circular economy (CE) and offsite construction (OSC) are two innovations for improving the construction industry's overall performance against a myriad of sustainability-driven agenda/initiatives. There is a real opportunity to conjoin OSC and CE to provide new insight and opportunities to deliver more evidence-based sustainable systems. This study analyses extant literature in CE and OSC (between 2000 and 2021) through a bibliometric review to tease out critical measures for their integration and transformation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a science mapping quantitative literature review approach employing bibliometric and visualisation techniques to systematically investigate data. The Web of Science (WoS) database was used to collect data, and the VOSviewer software to analyse the data collected to determine strengths, weights, clusters and research trends in OSC and CE.
Findings
Important findings emerging from the study include extensive focus on sustainability, waste, life cycle assessment and building information modelling (BIM), which currently serve as strong interlinks to integrate OSC and CE. Circular business models, deconstruction and supply chain management are emerging areas, with strong links for integrating CE and OSC. These emerging areas influence organisational and operational decisions towards sustainable value creation, hence requiring more future empirical investigations.
Originality/value
This study is a novel research using bibliometric analysis to unpick underpinning conduits for integrating CE and OSC, providing a blueprint for circular OSC future research and practice. It provides the needed awareness to develop viable strategies for integrating CE in OSC, creating opportunities to transition to more sustainable systems in the construction sector.
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Rafaela Cabral Almeida Trizotto, Leandro da Silva Nascimento, Josiane Piva Testolin da Silva and Paulo Antônio Zawislak
Challenges related to sustainability have increasingly become pivotal in the realm of business strategy and innovation. Nevertheless, the incorporation of sustainability…
Abstract
Purpose
Challenges related to sustainability have increasingly become pivotal in the realm of business strategy and innovation. Nevertheless, the incorporation of sustainability principles into business strategies and innovative practices remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. This paper aims to undertake a thematic literature review on this theme.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered from the Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct databases. The final sample comprised 85 papers. For analytical purposes, this study adopted topic modeling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) methodology.
Findings
The authors identified five dominant topics concerning the relationship between sustainability, innovation and business strategy. Through a cross-analysis of these topics, the authors theorize that a sustainable innovation strategy encompasses three complementary and interdependent dimensions: capabilities, management and firm. Building on this analysis, the authors outline a research agenda aimed at further exploration and advancement of this theme.
Practical implications
This review enhances the synthesis of research on the theme, prompting reflections on how companies can initiate innovative sustainable actions that align with their business strategy. Additionally, the authors identify specific elements that require improvement to enhance each of the three dimensions of sustainable innovation strategies, such as eco-efficiency, circular economy and the adoption of innovative business models oriented toward services/servitization.
Social implications
By interweaving sustainability with innovation and business strategy, this study underscores the critical topics that companies and public policymakers should address to support sustainable development at the national level.
Originality/value
While previous literature reviews have focused on the dyadic relationships between sustainability and strategy, or sustainability and innovation, this study extends the boundaries of knowledge by integrating these three concepts into a hybrid theoretical stream.
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Dev Raj Adhikari, Prakash Shrestha and Bibek Raj Adhikari
This research aims to explore people management (PM) dimensions in Nepalese recycling startups (R-startups).
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to explore people management (PM) dimensions in Nepalese recycling startups (R-startups).
Design/methodology/approach
It follows a case study and qualitative research approach. Information is collected from Internet searches and R-startups’ blogs. For research purposes, 12 cases out of 30 R-startups are selected using convenient and purposeful non-probability sampling methods.
Findings
Three major findings are as follows: (1) the founders of R-startups have become more environmentally aware and motivated to source materials, manufacture products and deliver them without harming the environment; (2) the founders are establishing work-flow to create future employment opportunities and (3) the PM dimensions in R-startups appear to be sustainable and apparently linked with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.5, which aims to reduce waste generation substantially through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
Research limitations/implications
Since researchers use widely accessible internet information, there is no possibility of interfering with the website's text and data. The analysis is solely based on the opinions of founders/co-founders of R-startups.
Practical implications
This research presents PM dimensions in R-startups and contributes to the literature in this new field of study. Although on a small scale, this research can provide a basis for minimizing circulatory gaps and closing the loop through circular business (CB). It also provides insights into managing waste in order to create opportunities and wealth.
Originality/value
This is one of the few unexplored areas of academic research. The critical PM dimensions investigated in this study can serve as a baseline for future theoretical development in the context of a specific country.