Search results

1 – 10 of 481
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 28 January 2025

Yanghong Li, Yahao Wang, Zhen Li, Lv Yingxiang, Jin Chai and Erbao Dong

This paper aims to design a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based variable impedance control policy that supports stability analysis for robot force tracking in complex…

26

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to design a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based variable impedance control policy that supports stability analysis for robot force tracking in complex geometric environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The DRL-based variable impedance controller explores and pre-learns the optimal policy for impedance parameter tuning in simulation scenarios with randomly generated workpieces. The trained results are then used as feedforward inputs to improve the force-tracking performance of the robot during contact. Based on Lyapunov’s theory, the stability of the proposed control policy is analysed to illustrate the interpretability of the results.

Findings

Simulations and experiments are performed on different types of complex environments. The results show that the proposed method is not only theoretically feasible but also has better force-tracking effects in practice.

Originality/value

Compared with most other DRL-based control policies, the proposed method possesses stability and interpretability, effectively avoids the overfitting phenomenon and thus has better simulation-to-real deployment results.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 45 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 11 May 2012

Dayu Jin, Kah‐Hin Chai and Kay‐Chuan Tan

A number of new service development (NSD) tools have been proposed to facilitate NSD processes. Despite the proved values, NSD tools are not used frequently. The purpose of this…

2043

Abstract

Purpose

A number of new service development (NSD) tools have been proposed to facilitate NSD processes. Despite the proved values, NSD tools are not used frequently. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usage pattern of NSD tools and to identify the factors that influence their adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

By integrating the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the literature on organizational adoption of innovation, a framework was developed. Empirical data from financial institutions in Singapore and Taiwan were collected. Partial least squares was used to test the model comprising both reflective and formative constructs.

Findings

The framework shows satisfactory predictive power. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behaviour control are significantly related to behaviour intention. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are antecedents of attitude. Competitive pressure influences subjective norm. Perceived behaviour control is determined by compatibility and resource commitment.

Research limitations/implications

TPB can be applied at the firm level by treating the opinion of managers as the proxy of that of the organization. Findings are limited to the small sample size and a focus on only financial services.

Practical implications

Only a small group of NSD tools are used frequently in the firms surveyed. Service firms should pay more attention to the tools available and the factors associated with their adoption.

Originality/value

The paper identifies factors worth noticing when researchers and practitioners develop and implement NSD tools. Also, the data confirmed the appropriateness of the extension of TPB to predict organizational adoption behaviour.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 7 January 2014

Dayu Jin, Kah-Hin Chai and Kay-Chuan Tan

– The purpose of this paper is to rigorously devise a new tool that helps analyze and improve NSD processes.

3048

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to rigorously devise a new tool that helps analyze and improve NSD processes.

Design/methodology/approach

An NSD maturity model (NSDMM) is theoretically developed through a combination of the maturity model concept and findings from NSD success studies.

Findings

NSD success factors can be categorized into four management processes – strategy management, process formalization, knowledge management, and customer involvement. Maturity dimensions and levels are further devised for each process. It is hypothesized that a higher capability to handle these processes positively associates with higher NSD performance.

Research limitations/implications

Studies on NSD success factors are often descriptive rather than prescriptive. This research identified four management processes which are important to focus on when implementing NSD projects. It is among the first to apply the maturity model in the service industry. That said, this research needs to be tested empirically.

Practical implications

The proposed NSDMM enables companies to conduct evaluations of their NSD capabilities. By determining the desired maturity levels, companies can engage in continuous improvement so as to calibrate the NSD process.

Originality/value

By integrating the concept of the maturity model and the NSD success studies, NSDMM serves not only as a diagnostic model to assess current NSD practices, but also as a guideline for continuous NSD process improvement.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 9 May 2016

Shi Cheng, Qingyu Zhang and Quande Qin

The quality and quantity of data are vital for the effectiveness of problem solving. Nowadays, big data analytics, which require managing an immense amount of data rapidly, has…

6178

Abstract

Purpose

The quality and quantity of data are vital for the effectiveness of problem solving. Nowadays, big data analytics, which require managing an immense amount of data rapidly, has attracted more and more attention. It is a new research area in the field of information processing techniques. It faces the big challenges and difficulties of a large amount of data, high dimensionality, and dynamical change of data. However, such issues might be addressed with the help from other research fields, e.g., swarm intelligence (SI), which is a collection of nature-inspired searching techniques. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the potential application of SI in big data analytics is analyzed. The correspondence and association between big data analytics and SI techniques are discussed. As an example of the application of the SI algorithms in the big data processing, a commodity routing system in a port in China is introduced. Another example is the economic load dispatch problem in the planning of a modern power system.

Findings

The characteristics of big data include volume, variety, velocity, veracity, and value. In the SI algorithms, these features can be, respectively, represented as large scale, high dimensions, dynamical, noise/surrogates, and fitness/objective problems, which have been effectively solved.

Research limitations/implications

In current research, the example problem of the port is formulated but not solved yet given the ongoing nature of the project. The example could be understood as advanced IT or data processing technology, however, its underlying mechanism could be the SI algorithms. This paper is the first step in the research to utilize the SI algorithm to a big data analytics problem. The future research will compare the performance of the method and fit it in a dynamic real system.

Originality/value

Based on the combination of SI and data mining techniques, the authors can have a better understanding of the big data analytics problems, and design more effective algorithms to solve real-world big data analytical problems.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 116 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 November 2017

Chiehyeon Lim, Min-Jun Kim, Ki-Hun Kim, Kwang-Jae Kim and Paul P. Maglio

The proliferation of (big) data provides numerous opportunities for service advances in practice, yet research on using data to advance service is at a nascent stage in the…

8834

Abstract

Purpose

The proliferation of (big) data provides numerous opportunities for service advances in practice, yet research on using data to advance service is at a nascent stage in the literature. Many studies have discussed phenomenological benefits of data to service. However, limited research describes managerial issues behind such benefits, although a holistic understanding of the issues is essential in using data to advance service in practice and provides a basis for future research. The purpose of this paper is to address this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

“Using data to advance service” is about change in organizations. Thus, this study uses action research methods of creating real change in organizations together with practitioners, thereby adding to scientific knowledge about practice. The authors participated in five service design projects with industry and government that used different data sets to design new services.

Findings

Drawing on lessons learned from the five projects, this study empirically identifies 11 managerial issues that should be considered in data-use for advancing service. In addition, by integrating the issues and relevant literature, this study offers theoretical implications for future research.

Originality/value

“Using data to advance service” is a research topic that emerged originally from practice. Action research or case studies on this topic are valuable in understanding practice and in identifying research priorities by discovering the gap between theory and practice. This study used action research over many years to observe real-world challenges and to make academic research relevant to the challenges. The authors believe that the empirical findings will help improve service practices of data-use and stimulate future research.

Details

Journal of Service Theory and Practice, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-6225

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 7 January 2014

180

Abstract

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 20 March 2024

Jinwei Lv, Bing Liu and Li Chai

Urbanization is driving the growth of China’s carbon footprint. It’s important to investigate what factors, how and to what extent, affect carbon footprints embedded in various…

181

Abstract

Purpose

Urbanization is driving the growth of China’s carbon footprint. It’s important to investigate what factors, how and to what extent, affect carbon footprints embedded in various categories of rural and urban households’ consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ an environmental extended input-output model to assess and compare the rural-urban household carbon footprints and perform a multivariant regression analysis to identify the varying relationships of the determinants on rural and urban household carbon footprints based on the panel data of Chinese households from 2012 to 2018.

Findings

The results show evidence of urbanity density effect on direct carbon footprints and countervailing effect on indirect carbon footprints. The old dependency ratio has no significant effect on rural family emissions but has a significantly negative effect on urban direct and indirect carbon footprints. A higher child dependency ratio is associated with less rural household carbon emissions while the opposite is true for urban households. Taking advantage of recycled fuel saves direct carbon emissions and this green lifestyle benefits urban households more by saving more carbon emissions. There is a positive relationship between consumption structure ratio and direct carbon footprints while a negative relationship with indirect carbon footprints and this impact is less significant for urban households. The higher the price level of water, electricity and fuel, the lower the rural household’s direct carbon footprints. Private car ownership consistently augments household carbon footprints across rural and urban areas.

Originality/value

This paper provides comprehensive findings to understand the relationships between an array of determinants and China’s rural-urban carbon emissions, empowering China’s contribution to the global effort on climate mitigation.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 19 July 2018

Rajko Novak and Aleksander Janeš

The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate business process orientation (BPO) of the Slovenian power supply business.

1112

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate business process orientation (BPO) of the Slovenian power supply business.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the empirical investigation, the level of BPO maturity was measured in the 19 organizations of the power supply business. The survey was focused on the top, middle and lower managers. As a measuring instrument, a questionnaire for the extended concept of process orientation with nine elements was used.

Findings

The results of the BPO measurement show that, despite this long-standing preoccupation with processes, certified management system and the computerization of operations, process maturity is not high. Particularly the lowest score for information technology represents a surprise.

Practical implications

This research makes significant contributions to the literature and above all to scholars and practitioners who work professionally in this field and will find useful guidance for a better understanding of applying BPO and maturity models.

Social implications

One important reason for performing the maturity measurement in the power supply business is the importance of its activities for the operation and development and environmental impact of the whole of Slovenian society.

Originality/value

Presented research is the first one which considers the BPO maturity in the Slovenian power supply business and therefore contributes to understanding of the “intangible factors” which have impact on the introduction of business process management and BPO.

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 19 June 2020

Yenny Sari, Akhmad Hidayatno, Amalia Suzianti, Markus Hartono and Harman Susanto

One of the main challenges of organisations today is how to navigate their development into ideal sustainable organisations. However, each readiness level requires a different…

2631

Abstract

Purpose

One of the main challenges of organisations today is how to navigate their development into ideal sustainable organisations. However, each readiness level requires a different rubric of indicators. Therefore, this study develops a corporate sustainability maturity model (CSMM), which can be used by organisations to conduct self-assessments, identify their current sustainability maturity levels and transition into mature sustainable organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This CSMM comprises various maturity domains, sub-domains and levels as well as a rubric of indicators for assessing the maturity of corporate sustainability. In its development, a systematic literature review examined existing maturity models, after which a pilot study, based on the literature review, content analysis and expert interviews, was used to create a prototype of the CSSM. Finally, the model was refined and expanded by considering practitioners' feedback and the tendencies of other sustainability maturity models.

Findings

On the basis of the findings, some Indonesian organisations conducted sustainability activities, without having a strategic plan. Moreover, the factors driving organisations to conduct sustainability efforts included external and internal pressure. However, typical factors, such as awareness of sustainability and organisational reputation gained from conducting sustainability activities, were insignificant in the sample.

Originality/value

This CSMM is the first sustainability maturity model developed for readiness assessment in an Indonesian context. Through this CSMM, organisations can determine their current readiness level of sustainability maturity and choose the correct indicators to help improve each sustainability domain in the matrix.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 70 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 October 2021

Katri Kauppi and Davide Luzzini

Increasing amount of empirical research in operations and supply chain management is using institutional theory as its theoretical lens. Yet, a common scale to measure the three…

5909

Abstract

Purpose

Increasing amount of empirical research in operations and supply chain management is using institutional theory as its theoretical lens. Yet, a common scale to measure the three institutional pressures – coercive, mimetic and normative – is lacking. Many studies use proxies or a single, grouped, construct of external pressures which present methodological challenges. This study aims to present the development of multi-item scales to measure institutional pressures (in a purchasing context).

Design/methodology/approach

First, items were generated based on the theoretical construct definitions. These items were then tested through academic sorting and an international survey. The first empirical testing failed to produce reliable and valid scales, and further refinement and analysis revealed that coercive pressure splits into two separate constructs. A second q-sorting was then conducted with purchasing practitioners, followed by another survey in Italy to verify the new measurement scale for four institutional pressures.

Findings

The multimethod and multistage measurement development reveals that empirically the three institutional pressures actually turn into four pressures. The theoretical construct of coercive pressure splits into two distinct constructs: coercive market pressure and coercive regulatory pressure.

Originality/value

The results of the paper, namely, the measurement scales, are an important theoretical and methodological contribution to future empirical research. They present a much-needed measurement for these theoretical constructs increasingly used in management research.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

1 – 10 of 481
Per page
102050