Benoit Delinchant, Guillaume Mandil and Frédéric Wurtz
Life cycle analysis (LCA) is more and more used in the context of electromagnetic product design. But it is often used to check a design solution regarding environmental impacts…
Abstract
Purpose
Life cycle analysis (LCA) is more and more used in the context of electromagnetic product design. But it is often used to check a design solution regarding environmental impacts after technical and economical choices. This paper aims to investigate life cycle impact optimization (LCIO) and compare it with the classical life cycle cost optimization (LCCO).
Design/methodology/approach
First, a model of a dry-type transformer using different materials for windings and the magnetic core is presented. LCCO, which is a mixed continuous-discrete, multi-objective technico-economic optimization, is done using both deterministic and genetic algorithms. LCCO results and optimization performances are analyzed, and an LCA is presented for a set of optimal solutions. The final part is dedicated to LCIO, where the paper shows that these optimal solutions are close to those obtained with LCCO.
Findings
This paper investigated LCIO using an environmental impacts model that has been introduced in the optimization framework Component Architecture for the Design of Engineering Systems. The paper shows how a mixed continuous-discrete, multi-objective technico-economic optimization can be done using an efficient deterministic optimization algorithm such as Sequential Quadratic Programming. Thanks to the technico-economic-environmental model and the efficient optimization algorithm, both LCCO and LCIO were performed separately and together. It has been shown that optimal solutions are similar, leading to the conclusion that only one modeling is required (economic or environmental) but on the life cycle.
Originality/value
The classical sequential methodology of design is improved here by the use of a model of calculation of the environmental impacts allowing the optimization. This original optimization allowed the authors to show that an analysis of the life cycle from an economic point of view or from an environmental point of view led to quasi-equivalent technical solutions. The key is to take into account the life cycle of the product.
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This research aims to provide an updated meta-analysis of cross-cultural training effectiveness through quantitatively reviewing the links between cross-cultural training and…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to provide an updated meta-analysis of cross-cultural training effectiveness through quantitatively reviewing the links between cross-cultural training and three outcomes: adjustment, cultural intelligence and job performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from 37 independent samples from 1991 through August 2021 involving a total of 7,040 trainees, the author adopt random-effects meta-analyses method to assess the relationships between cross-cultural training and three outcomes and examine potential moderators (i.e. training phase, training method and rating source) that influence these relationships.
Findings
The meta-analytical results mainly support our hypotheses. Cross-cultural training -adjustment exhibits a medium and significant positive effect, whereas cross-cultural training is positive significantly related to job performance and cultural intelligence of small effect sizes. Training method and data source significantly moderate the cross-cultural training's impact on cultural intelligence and performance correspondingly.
Originality/value
This study considers longitudinal statistics for measuring cross-cultural training effectiveness, breaking down the inadequacy of cross-sectional measurement and covers sub-dimensions of cross-cultural training outcomes to provide more comprehensive and advanced evidence of cross-cultural training effectiveness for the latest 30 years.
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H.J. Warnecke, R.‐D. Schraft, M. Schweizer and G. Wurtz
A German research team has developed a robotic tool that enables the ‘interference fit’ fastening process to be automated. The problems of high forces and positioning an…
Abstract
A German research team has developed a robotic tool that enables the ‘interference fit’ fastening process to be automated. The problems of high forces and positioning an ‘oversize’ component have been overcome.
Ardavan Dargahi, Stéphane Ploix, Alireza Soroudi and Frédéric Wurtz
The use of energy storage devices helps the consumers to utilize the benefits and flexibilities brought by smart networks. One of the major energy storage solutions is using…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of energy storage devices helps the consumers to utilize the benefits and flexibilities brought by smart networks. One of the major energy storage solutions is using electric vehicle batteries. The purpose of this paper is to develop an optimal energy management strategy for a consumer connected to the power grid equipped with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) power supply and renewable power generation unit (PV).
Design/methodology/approach
The problem of energy flow management is formulated and solved as an optimization problem using a linear programming model. The total energy cost of the consumer is optimized. The optimal values of decision variables are found using CPLEX solver.
Findings
The simulation results demonstrated that if the optimal decisions are made regarding the V2H operation and managing the produced power by solar panels then the total energy payments are significantly reduced.
Originality/value
The gap that the proposed model is trying to fill is the holistic determination of an optimal energy procurement portfolio by using various embedded resources in an optimal way. The contributions of this paper are in threefold as: first, the introduction of mobile storage devices with a periodical availability depending on driving schedules; second, offering a new business model for managing the generation of PV modules by considering the possibility of grid injection or self-consumption; third, considering Real Time Pricing in the suggested formulation.
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P. Enciu, F. Wurtz, L. Gerbaud and B. Delinchant
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate automatic differentiation (AD) as a new technology for the device sizing in electromagnetism by using gradient constrained optimization…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate automatic differentiation (AD) as a new technology for the device sizing in electromagnetism by using gradient constrained optimization. Component architecture for the design of engineering systems (CADES) framework, previously described, is presented here with extended features.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is subject to further usage for optimization of AD (also named algorithmic differentiation) which is a powerful technique that computes derivatives of functions described as computer programs in a programming language like C/C++, FORTRAN.
Findings
Indeed, analytical modeling is well suited regarding optimization procedure, but the modeling of complex devices needs sometimes numerical formulations. This paper then reviews the concepts implemented in CADES which aim to manage the interactions of analytical and numerical modeling inside of gradient‐based optimization procedure. Finally, the paper shows that AD has no limit for the input program complexity, or gradients accuracy, in the context of constrained optimization of an electromagnetic actuator.
Originality/value
AD is employed for a large and complex numerical code computing multidimensional integrals of functions. Thus, the paper intends to prove the AD capabilities in the context of electromagnetic device sizing by means of gradient optimization. The code complexity as also as the implications of AD usage may stand as a good reference for the researchers in this field area.
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Configuration systems are used as a means for efficient design of customer tailored product service systems (PSS). In PSS configuration, mapping customer needs with optimal…
Abstract
Purpose
Configuration systems are used as a means for efficient design of customer tailored product service systems (PSS). In PSS configuration, mapping customer needs with optimal configuration of PSS components have become much more challenging, because more knowledge with personalization aspects has to be considered. However, the extant techniques are hard to be applied to acquire personalized configuration rules. The purpose of this paper is to extract the configuration rule knowledge in symbolism formulation from historical data.
Design/methodology/approach
Customer characteristics (CCs) are defined and introduced into the construction of configuration rules. Personalized PSS configuration rules (PCRs) are thereby proposed to collect and represent more knowledge. An approach combining Local Cluster Neural Network and Rulex algorithm is proposed to extract rule knowledge from historical data.
Findings
The personalized configuration rules with CCs are able to alleviate the burden of customers in expressing functional requirements. Furthermore, in the long-term relationship with a customer in PSS realization, PSS offerings can be reconfigured according to the changing CCs with the guide of PCRs.
Originality/value
The contribution of this paper lies in introducing the attribute of CCs into the antecedents of PCRs and proposing the neural networks-based approach to extracting the rule knowledge from historical data.
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Michael J. Ryan, Daniel R. Eyers, Andrew T. Potter, Laura Purvis and Jonathan Gosling
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the existing scenarios for 3D printing (3DP) in order to identify the “white space” where future opportunities have not been proposed or…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the existing scenarios for 3D printing (3DP) in order to identify the “white space” where future opportunities have not been proposed or developed to date. Based around aspects of order penetration points, geographical scope and type of manufacturing, these gaps are identified.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured literature review has been carried out on both academic and trade publications. As of the end of May 2016, this identified 128 relevant articles containing 201 future scenarios. Coding these against aspects of existing manufacturing and supply chain theory has led to the development of a framework to identify “white space” in the existing thinking.
Findings
The coding shows that existing future scenarios are particularly concentrated on job shop applications and pull-based supply chain processes, although there are fewer constraints on geographical scope. Five distinct areas of “white space” are proposed, reflecting various opportunities for future 3DP supply chain development.
Research limitations/implications
Being a structured literature review, there are potentially articles not identified through the search criteria used. The nature of the findings is also dependent upon the coding criteria selected. However, these are theoretically derived and reflect important aspect of strategic supply chain management.
Practical implications
Practitioners may wish to explore the development of business models within the “white space” areas.
Originality/value
Currently, existing future 3DP scenarios are scattered over a wide, multi-disciplinary literature base. By providing a consolidated view of these scenarios, it is possible to identify gaps in current thinking. These gaps are multi-disciplinary in nature and represent opportunities for both academics and practitioners to exploit.
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Anna Marrucci, Riccardo Rialti and Marco Balzano
The purpose of this article is to develop a configurational approach based on the TOE framework (technology, organization and environment) to understand the degree of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to develop a configurational approach based on the TOE framework (technology, organization and environment) to understand the degree of implementation of I4.0 technologies in manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, the study considers technological infrastructure and competence, I4.0 integration capabilities, organizational agility and strategic flexibility, environmental dynamism and industry-specific forces as simultaneous pre-conditions for achieving an effective implementation of I4.0 technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methodology as it allows for asymmetric and configurational-focused testing of proposition and sound theoretical development. In total, 305 responses were collected through a survey administered to SME managers in Europe and the United Kingdom (UK).
Findings
The study examines the influence of technology, organizational and environmental aspects on I4.0 technologies implementation in SMEs. High I4.0 degree of implementation is structured around 5 configurations, while other 4 configurations are related to low levels of I4.0 implementation.
Originality/value
This study proposes a configurational approach for SMEs to become I4.0 ready and how they may successfully implement I4.0 technologies. Such findings represent an original and novel contribution to existing research, offering a broad view on the I4.0 implementation by manufacturing SMEs.
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Grzegorz Bocewicz, Irena Bach and Robert Wójcik
The purpose of this paper is to present research in the area of the applications of knowledge‐based and constraint programming (CP)‐driven methodology in production planning and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present research in the area of the applications of knowledge‐based and constraint programming (CP)‐driven methodology in production planning and development of decision‐making software supporting scheduling of multi‐robot in a multi‐product job shop, taking into account imprecise (fuzzy) activity specification, and resource sharing by some industrial processes that simultaneously produce different products.
Design/methodology/approach
Applications of the knowledge‐based, logic‐algebraic and CP‐driven approach for multi‐robot task allocation problem and generating of fuzzy plan/schedule of production activities for a given period of time.
Findings
This paper illustrates the useful information that can be obtained from fuzzy and crispy‐like schedule describing production activities in a multi‐product job shop.
Research limitations/implications
The use of knowledge‐based and CP‐driven methodology for production planning in a multi‐product job shop was a very effective method dedicated to solve typical decision problems in the area of project‐driven production flow management applied in make‐to‐order manufacturing.
Practical implications
The methodology discussed in the paper can be used to design fuzzy Gantt diagrams, which define admissible schedule of production orders for a given period of time.
Originality/value
The paper's contribution covers various issues of decision making while employing the knowledge‐ and CP‐based framework. The proposed approach provides the framework allowing one to take into account distinct (pointed), and imprecise (fuzzy) data, in a unified way and treat it in a unified form of a discrete, constraint satisfaction problem.
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Kathrin Cresswell, Allison Worth and Aziz Sheikh
This paper aims to outline an approach to study the implementation and adoption of information technology systems in healthcare.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to outline an approach to study the implementation and adoption of information technology systems in healthcare.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the introduction of electronic health records, part of the English National Programme of Information Technology, as an example to illustrate how theoretical lenses need to be effectively integrated with practical considerations in order to help researchers to overcome the theory‐practice gap in relation to research in this area.
Findings
Integrating actor‐network theory (ANT) with other theoretical lenses can usefully inform the design of evaluation of the implementation of electronic health record systems into healthcare settings, but it is necessary that such deliberations are informed by guidance on how to use conceptual considerations in practice.
Originality/value
The paper outlines how combining a case study‐based approach informed by multi‐sited ethnography and drawing on ANT offers a method for a theoretically‐based approach to such evaluations.