Nima Gerami Seresht, Rodolfo Lourenzutti, Ahmad Salah and Aminah Robinson Fayek
Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and…
Abstract
Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and relies on the analysis of uncertain, imprecise and incomplete information, including subjective and linguistically expressed information. Various modelling and computing techniques have been used by construction researchers and applied to practical construction problems in order to overcome these challenges, including fuzzy hybrid techniques. Fuzzy hybrid techniques combine the human-like reasoning capabilities of fuzzy logic with the capabilities of other techniques, such as optimization, machine learning, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and simulation, to capitalise on their strengths and overcome their limitations. Based on a review of construction literature, this chapter identifies the most common types of fuzzy hybrid techniques applied to construction problems and reviews selected papers in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique to illustrate their capabilities for addressing construction challenges. Finally, this chapter discusses areas for future development of fuzzy hybrid techniques that will increase their capabilities for solving construction-related problems. The contributions of this chapter are threefold: (1) the limitations of some standard techniques for solving construction problems are discussed, as are the ways that fuzzy methods have been hybridized with these techniques in order to address their limitations; (2) a review of existing applications of fuzzy hybrid techniques in construction is provided in order to illustrate the capabilities of these techniques for solving a variety of construction problems and (3) potential improvements in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique in construction are provided, as areas for future research.
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Marc Wouters, Susana Morales, Sven Grollmuss and Michael Scheer
The paper provides an overview of research published in the innovation and operations management (IOM) literature on 15 methods for cost management in new product development, and…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper provides an overview of research published in the innovation and operations management (IOM) literature on 15 methods for cost management in new product development, and it provides a comparison to an earlier review of the management accounting (MA) literature (Wouters & Morales, 2014).
Methodology/approach
This structured literature search covers papers published in 23 journals in IOM in the period 1990–2014.
Findings
The search yielded a sample of 208 unique papers with 275 results (one paper could refer to multiple cost management methods). The top 3 methods are modular design, component commonality, and product platforms, with 115 results (42%) together. In the MA literature, these three methods accounted for 29%, but target costing was the most researched cost management method by far (26%). Simulation is the most frequently used research method in the IOM literature, whereas this was averagely used in the MA literature; qualitative studies were the most frequently used research method in the MA literature, whereas this was averagely used in the IOM literature. We found a lot of papers presenting practical approaches or decision models as a further development of a particular cost management method, which is a clear difference from the MA literature.
Research limitations/implications
This review focused on the same cost management methods, and future research could also consider other cost management methods which are likely to be more important in the IOM literature compared to the MA literature. Future research could also investigate innovative cost management practices in more detail through longitudinal case studies.
Originality/value
This review of research on methods for cost management published outside the MA literature provides an overview for MA researchers. It highlights key differences between both literatures in their research of the same cost management methods.
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Yujuan Xi, Xiangyang Wang and Yunxia Zhu
This paper aims to explore the relationships between organizational unlearning and knowledge transfer in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) from a routine-based view…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationships between organizational unlearning and knowledge transfer in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) from a routine-based view. The study also stresses the mediating role that knowledge integration capability plays in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
In all, 178 samples were collected from Chinese multinational corporations that experienced cross-border M&As. In addition, the bootstrap method was used to test the mediating role of knowledge integration capability.
Findings
The empirical results indicate that knowledge integration capability is the crucial link between organizational unlearning and knowledge transfer. Specifically, this capability goes beyond the direct effect of organizational unlearning on knowledge transfer and points to the importance of enhancing knowledge integration capability. In turn, knowledge integration capability has a significant influence on knowledge transfer. The study finds that knowledge integration capability mediates the relationship between organizational unlearning and knowledge transfer.
Originality/value
This study adopts a routine-based view to develop a theoretical model for examining the relationship between organizational unlearning, knowledge integration capability and knowledge transfer in the context of cross-border M&As. This model provides new insights for a routine-based understanding of the important mediating role of knowledge integration capability for knowledge transfer and the effects of this role on the specific knowledge transfer, i.e. technological, marketing and managerial knowledge.
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Yanting Huang, Sijia Liu and Yuqing Liang
This paper aims to explore the effect of fairness concerns on supply chain members' optimal decisions and profits, to compare their profits under different policies, and to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the effect of fairness concerns on supply chain members' optimal decisions and profits, to compare their profits under different policies, and to investigate the impact of each policy on members, consumers, and the environment with fairness concerns.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering government policies and fairness concerns in recycling management, this paper develops five recycling and remanufacturing decision models (anarchy policy model, reward-penalty mechanism model, recycling investment subsidies model, government tax model, and fund subsidy system model). In each model, the manufacturer and the online platform form the Stackelberg game. This research further discusses comprehensive environmental benefits and consumer surplus under five scenarios.
Findings
First, the fairness concerns of the online platform inhibit the recovery rate and supply chain members' profit while increasing the platform's utility. Second, fairness concerns increase the profit gap between the manufacturer and online platform, and the higher the degree of fairness concerns, the greater the profit gap; however, the four policies reduce the profit gap. Finally, when there are fairness concerns, environmental taxes damage the interests of supply chain members and consumers, but are most beneficial to the environment; recycling investment subsidies are on the contrary; the fund subsidy system depends on the relative size of the treatment fund and the subsidy fund.
Originality/value
This paper provides useful insights on how to regulate government policy to improve supply chain management with fairness concerns.
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Shuangshuang Li, Xintian Liu, Xiaolan Wang and Yansong Wang
During the running of automobile, the stabilizer bar is frequently subjected to the impact of complex random loads, which is prone to fatigue failure and accident. In regard to…
Abstract
Purpose
During the running of automobile, the stabilizer bar is frequently subjected to the impact of complex random loads, which is prone to fatigue failure and accident. In regard to this, the purpose of this paper is to study and discuss fatigue life of automobile stabilizer bar.
Design/methodology/approach
Durability bench test shows that failure is located at the joint of sleeve and stabilizer bar body. Based on the collection and compilation of micro-strain load spectrum of the stabilizer bar, the strain-life model is studied considering the influence of average stress and maximum stress at failure area. Seven-grade strain-life curves of the stabilizer bar are established. According to the principle of linear damage accumulation, the relationship between fatigue life and damage is discussed, then the fatigue life of stabilizer bar is predicted. Fatigue life evaluation is carried out from three aspects: reliability analysis, static analysis and fatigue life simulation.
Findings
The results show that the reliability of the test sample is 99.9 percent when the confidence is 90 percent and the durability is 1,073 load spectrum cycles; the ratios of predicted and simulated life to design life are 2.77 and 2.30, respectively.
Originality/value
Based on the road load characteristics of automobile stabilizer bar, the method of fatigue life prediction and evaluation is discussed, which provides a basis for the design and development of automobile chassis components.
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Michael Wang and Daniel Prajogo
Based on the resource-based view (RBV) theory, this study examines how supply chain digitalisation affects firms’ performance by enabling firms to build supply chain agility and…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the resource-based view (RBV) theory, this study examines how supply chain digitalisation affects firms’ performance by enabling firms to build supply chain agility and innovation capability.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from the dataset of 271 firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we used structural equation modelling to validate the models. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed to test the research hypotheses.
Findings
The results suggest a positive correlation between supply chain digitalisation and a company’s performance, fully mediated by both supply chain agility and innovation capability. The interplay between supply chain agility and innovation capability has the potential to result in unfavourable outcomes for a firm’s performance. These results provide valuable insights into supply chain management during digital transformation.
Originality/value
The study advances the extant research on the antecedents of a firm’s performance by incorporating supply chain digitalisation and mediating mechanisms of supply chain agility and innovation capability that serve as a conduit between supply chain digitalisation and a firm’s performance based on RBV.
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Haijie Wang, Xintian Liu, Que Wu, Xiaolan Wang and Yansong Wang
The purpose of this paper is to obtain a more accurate fatigue life of structures by introducing the surface roughness into fatigue life prediction model.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to obtain a more accurate fatigue life of structures by introducing the surface roughness into fatigue life prediction model.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the fatigue life prediction model with surface roughness correction, the shock absorber cylinder is taken as an example to verify the feasibility of the improved method. Based on the load of the shock absorber cylinder during driving, fatigue experiments are performed under longitudinal and lateral forces, respectively. Then, the fatigue life predicted by the modified model is compared with that predicted by the traditional model.
Findings
By comparing with the test results, considering the influence of mean stress, the Manson method is more accurate in life prediction. Then, the modified Manson-Coffin and Manson method with surface roughness is more accurate in life prediction under longitudinal force and lateral forces, respectively. This verifies the feasibility of the improved method with the surface roughness.
Originality/value
The research on the influence of surface roughness on fatigue life can lay the technical foundation for the life prediction of products and have great significance to the quality evaluation of products.
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This chapter seeks to analyse neighbouring in times of rapid change in the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai. Using the local neighbourhood of Tianzifang as a case study, this…
Abstract
This chapter seeks to analyse neighbouring in times of rapid change in the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai. Using the local neighbourhood of Tianzifang as a case study, this chapter shows how the pace of change in Shanghai since the 1950s has reshaped the social fabric of the area, including traditional neighbour relations. As Tianzifang has shifted from an unknown neighbourhood comprised of traditional lilong dwellings, where social relations played out in private communal settings, to one of Shanghai’s most famous tourist spots, the relationships between residents, as well as with ‘outsiders’ and the familiar local environment, have also changed. Traditional neighbourly ties have been broken, rebuilt and transformed again through waves of new residents coming into the area and the displacement of others who can no longer afford to live there. For those who remain, the question of who is, and thus who is not, a ‘real’ neighbour has been narrowed to include only ‘insiders’ with a deep sense of belonging and connection to the area – i.e. the urban working class who have always lived in Tianzifang and own rather than rent their homes. Yet even this is no longer sufficient. The disruption that Tianzifang’s physical and social transformation has brought to residents’ lives has also imposed new social norms about how neighbours should behave in this new, intermediary space of public and private. ‘Real’ neighbours are those who conform to changing social norms while neighbours who breach them can be ostracised and excluded by others who once saw them as an insider.
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Michael Wang, Samsul Islam and Wei Yang
Supply chain risk (SCR) has been extensively explored in various sectors, yet there is a notable scarcity of SCR studies in the dairy industry. This study aims to identify the…
Abstract
Purpose
Supply chain risk (SCR) has been extensively explored in various sectors, yet there is a notable scarcity of SCR studies in the dairy industry. This study aims to identify the primary and distinctive risks in the dairy supply chain (DSC), propose a typological model for SCR, highlight challenges specific to the DSC and offer mitigation strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
We employ a systematic literature review to collect and review relevant research articles published between 2010 and 2019 to identify the main risks and mitigation strategies associated with the DSC, enabling the construction of a typological model of DSC risks.
Findings
Results of the systematic review of the SCR literature show that the main DSC risks include on-farm risk (e.g. risks originating from the farming system), off-farm risk (e.g. supply risk, demand risk and manufacturing risk) and inherent SCR (e.g. logistics risk, information risk and financial risk). Notably, we find that the farming system plays a key role in today’s agricultural supply chain operations, indicating the importance of considering on-farm risk in the entire DSC. Additionally, mitigation strategies are located in response to the identified DSC risks by the typology of DSC risks.
Originality/value
This paper is the first attempt to develop a typological model of SCR for the dairy industry by a systematic literature review. The findings contribute to providing a comprehensive understanding of DSC risks by bridging the gap of ignoring the on-farm risks of the DSC in the existing literature. The typology may serve as a guide in practice to develop mitigation strategies in response to DSC risks.
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Qing-Yun Deng, Shun-Peng Zhu, Jin-Chao He, Xue-Kang Li and Andrea Carpinteri
Engineering components/structures with geometric discontinuities normally bear complex and variable loads, which lead to a multiaxial and random/variable amplitude stress/strain…
Abstract
Purpose
Engineering components/structures with geometric discontinuities normally bear complex and variable loads, which lead to a multiaxial and random/variable amplitude stress/strain state. Hence, this study aims how to effectively evaluate the multiaxial random/variable amplitude fatigue life.
Design/methodology/approach
Recent studies on critical plane method under multiaxial random/variable amplitude loading are reviewed, and the computational framework is clearly presented in this paper.
Findings
Some basic concepts and latest achievements in multiaxial random/variable amplitude fatigue analysis are introduced. This review summarizes the research status of four main aspects of multiaxial fatigue under random/variable amplitude loadings, namely multiaxial fatigue criterion, method for critical plane determination, cycle counting method and damage accumulation criterion. Particularly, the latest achievements of multiaxial random/variable amplitude fatigue using critical plane methods are classified and highlighted.
Originality/value
This review attempts to provide references for further research on multiaxial random/variable amplitude fatigue and to promote the development of multiaxial fatigue from experimental research to practical engineering application.