W. Pedrycz and E. Roventa
The concept of fuzzy information becomes a cornerstone of processing and handling linguistic data. As opposed to processing of numeric information where there is a wealth of…
Abstract
The concept of fuzzy information becomes a cornerstone of processing and handling linguistic data. As opposed to processing of numeric information where there is a wealth of advanced methods, by entering the area of linguistic information processing we are immediately faced with a genuine need to revisit the fundamental concepts. We first review a notion of information granularity as a primordial concept playing a key role in human cognition. Dwelling on that, the study embarks on the concept of interacting at the level of fuzzy sets. In particular, we discuss a basic construct of a fuzzy communication channel. The ideas of communication exploiting fuzzy information call for its efficient encoding and decoding that subsequently leads to minimal losses of transmitted information. Interestingly enough, the incurred losses depend heavily on the granularity of the linguistic information involved – in this way one can take advantage of the uncertainty residing within the transmitted information granules and exploit it in the design of the corresponding channel.
Details
Keywords
Thich Van Nguyen, Nam Cao Nguyen and Ockie J.H. Bosch
The purpose of this paper is to identify the leverage points in the Vietnamese coffee supply chain (SC) that would be used for increasing competitive advantages of the product.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the leverage points in the Vietnamese coffee supply chain (SC) that would be used for increasing competitive advantages of the product.
Design/methodology/approach
A sequential approach by combining two established modelling techniques (causal loop diagram and Bayesian belief networks) was applied to identify the leverage points in the Vietnamese coffee SC for increasing the competitive advantages of the product. Data for the study were collected from a series of workshops and in-depth interviews with numerous relevant stakeholders of the coffee industry in the central highland of Vietnam.
Findings
The systems’ archetypes were developed and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify potential factors that can increase the competitive advantages of coffee production. The results indicate that higher investment in all elements of the coffee SC will lead to an enhanced competitive advantage.
Originality/value
Supply chain management (SCM) has become a potentially valuable method for improving competitive advantages, as competition is no longer only between organizations but also among SCs. Therefore, this research focus on enhancing the competitive advantages of production via SCM.
Details
Keywords
Eugene Roventa and Tiberiu Spircu
The possibilities of using Bézier curves as a concrete tool in the development of the inference engine of a decision support system allowing approximate reasoning are explored. We…
Abstract
The possibilities of using Bézier curves as a concrete tool in the development of the inference engine of a decision support system allowing approximate reasoning are explored. We propose using Bézier curves for representing membership functions or implementing some kind of fuzzy implication. The effects on the axioms characterizing fuzzy implications are investigated. Bézier curves are easily computable, flexible and have nice smooth properties. They are extensively used in the CAD/CAM domain. They could play an important role in some processes of imprecise knowledge representation and manipulation. Such techniques are promising in the implementation of several stages of developing the inference engine of a fuzzy decision support system. Moreover, these methods capture some of the flexibility and subtlety characteristic of human reasoning.
Details
Keywords
Guenter Mueller and James B. Smith
Trappers study their prey and take advantage of the daily regularities in the selected victim's behavior. Corporate strategists, however, must be more astute than trappers; they…
Abstract
Trappers study their prey and take advantage of the daily regularities in the selected victim's behavior. Corporate strategists, however, must be more astute than trappers; they must adjust their companies' strategies to changing circumstances in the corporate environment.
During the last three decades or so, the introduction of gender studies into higher education in Romania as a field of teaching and research has proved to be a very uneven and…
Abstract
During the last three decades or so, the introduction of gender studies into higher education in Romania as a field of teaching and research has proved to be a very uneven and sometimes precarious process. The notion of gender has not been properly integrated into scholarly research, and women’s and gender studies have therefore been seen as an appendix to mainstream research in the humanities and the social sciences. This chapter aims at providing a meaningful picture of how gender studies have become part of the higher education system in Romania, what challenges have been met on the way and what future gender studies have in the education landscape. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the significance and importance of the TARGET project for the implementation of the first gender equality plan in the Romanian higher education system.
Details
Keywords
Ruth Bookbinder, Anna Mdee and Katy Roelich
This paper aims to discuss the practical dilemmas of institutional change to tackle the climate crisis in a UK university, identifying key assumptions and issues that block…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the practical dilemmas of institutional change to tackle the climate crisis in a UK university, identifying key assumptions and issues that block meaningful change. The research was part of an initiative to define a theory of change (ToC) to meet the university’s institutional climate commitments.
Design/methodology/approach
The findings are based on interviews with members of an inter-disciplinary ToC working group, a staff–student climate coalition and student representatives at the university. Interviewees were purposively selected to gain insights into assumptions about the nature of the university and its role in tackling the climate crisis, which must be addressed for the university to effectively implement its climate plan.
Findings
This paper identified tensions between the university’s role as a public and commercial institution, a lack of clarity over decision-making processes and the difficulties in balancing (and being transparent about) actions with commitments to tackle the climate crisis. A democratic and flexible approach to change is essential to mitigate these issues, providing an opportunity to reflect on the diversity of the university community and openly debate goals and commitments.
Originality/value
In setting out the initial steps of a ToC in a UK university, this paper offers practical insights for higher education institutions looking to change practices. By highlighting assumptions at a particular institution, this paper also contributes a level of granularity to a growing field of research on efforts in higher education institutions to tackle the climate crisis.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to revisit Igor Ansoff's work and how it interfaces with the various schools of strategic management.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to revisit Igor Ansoff's work and how it interfaces with the various schools of strategic management.
Design/methodology/approach
Ansoff's work of 40 years is reviewed and related to other schools of thought in strategic management.
Findings
Ansoff's work is much more comprehensive than the literature suggests. His later work (after 1990) is largely unnoticed by academics, nevertheless, it is the empirical findings of his theoretical postulations. Moreover, his work interfaces with virtually all schools of thought in strategic management.
Research limitations/implications
It will provide a broader view of Ansoff's work and perhaps trigger additional research as a result of his later work. Most researchers continue to associate Ansoff with his early thoughts.
Practical implications
Ansoff's work has found wide applications in a variety of industries. His work was mostly with industries that used his propositions in order to better strategies.
Social implications
Ansoff's later research and empirical findings could provide a launchpad for re‐examining the method by which organizations assess their environment, strategic behaviour, and internal capability. Therefore, organizations may have an alternative method to develop strategy.
Originality/value
This is the first attempt to provide a historical view of Ansoff's work and perhaps his timeliness. The recent economic crisis only further supports Ansoff's basic position that companies must create custom strategies to fit their environment, culture, and capabilities.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to identify the training needs of the next generation of psychiatrists, and barriers in prescribing first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the training needs of the next generation of psychiatrists, and barriers in prescribing first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), long-acting injectable (LAIs) antipsychotics and clozapine.
Design/methodology/approach
An electronic survey was sent to psychiatry residents (N= 75/288, 26 percent) at four Canadian residency programs in late December 2017. The survey was based on an instrument originally developed at the University of Cambridge and consisted of 31 questions in 10 content domains.
Findings
Nearly 80 percent of residents were aware that FGAs and second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have similar efficacy. However, extra-pyramidal symptoms and lack of training experience were the leading concerns associated with the prescribing of FGAs. Although over 90 percent of residents felt confident about initiating an oral SGA as a regular medication, only 40 percent did so with FGAs. Confidence with initiating LAIs and clozapine was 60 and 61 percent, respectively.
Practical implications
The survey highlights the need for better training in the use of FGAs, clozapine and LAIs. These medications can be effectively used in providing patients with the most appropriate evidence-based treatment options to improve treatment outcomes, while ensuring that these resources are not lost to the future generations of psychiatrists.
Originality/value
The survey may be the first of its kind to assess antipsychotic prescribing attitudes in Canadian psychiatry residents in multiple sites.