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The paper deals with research activities to develop optimization workflows implying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. The purpose of this paper is to present an industrial and fully-automated optimal design tool, able to handle objectives, constraints, multi-parameters and multi-points optimization on a given CATIA CAD. The work is realized on Rapid And CostEffective Rotorcraft compound rotorcraft in the framework of the Fast RotorCraft Innovative Aircraft Demonstrator Platform (IADP) within the Clean Sky 2 programme.

The proposed solution relies on an automated CAD-CFD workflow called through the optimization process based on surrogate-based optimization (SBO) techniques. The SBO workflow has been specifically developed.

The methodology is validated on a simple configuration (bended pipe with two parameters). Then, the process is applied on a full compound rotorcraft to minimize the flow distortion at the engine entry. The design of the experiment and the optimization loop act on seven design parameters of the air inlet and for each individual the evaluation is performed on two operation points, namely, cruise flight and hover case. Finally, the best design is analyzed and aerodynamic performances are compared with the initial design.

The adding value of the developed process is to deal with geometric integration conflicts addressed through a specific CAD module and the implementation of a penalty function method to manage the unsuccessful evaluation of any individual.

This paper links supply chain risk management to medicine supply chains to explore the role of policymakers in employing supply chain risk management strategies (SCRMS) to reduce generic medicine shortages.

Using secondary data supplemented with primary data, the authors map and compare seven countries' SCRMS for handling shortage risks in their paracetamol supply chains before and during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consistent with recent research, the study finds that policymakers had implemented few SCRMS specifically for responding to disruptions caused by COVID-19. However, shortages were largely avoided since multiple strategies for coping with business-as-usual disruptions had been implemented prior to the pandemic. The authors did find that SCRMS implemented during COVID-19 were not always aligned with those implemented pre-pandemic. The authors also found that policymakers played both direct and indirect roles.

Combining longitudinal secondary data with interviews sheds light on how, regardless of the level of preparedness during normal times, SCRMS can be leveraged to avert shortages in abnormal times. However, the problem is highly complex, which warrants further research.

Supply chain professionals and policymakers in the healthcare sector can use the findings when developing preparedness and response plans.

The insights developed can help policymakers improve the availability of high-volume generic medicines in (ab)normal times.

The authors contribute to prior SCRM research in two ways. First, the authors operationalize SCRMS in the medicine supply chain context in (ab)normal times, thereby opening avenues for future research on SCRM in this context. Second, the authors develop insights on the role policymakers play and how they directly implement and indirectly influence the adoption of SCRMS. Based on the study findings, the authors develop a framework that captures the diverse roles of policymakers in SCRM.

In-work transfers are often seen as a good trade-off between redistribution and efficiency as they alleviate poverty among low-wage households, while increasing financial incentives to work. In the context of the recent economic downturn, they have been advocated to offset the disincentive effect of wage cuts and to cushion the negative redistributive impact of earnings losses and cuts in the minimum wage. We study this double effect for Ireland, a country deeply affected by the economic crisis, and for which existing in-work support policies are of limited scope. The employment and poverty effects of alternative policies are analysed thanks to counterfactual simulations built using a micro-simulation model, the Living in Ireland Survey 2001 and labour supply estimations. We focus on an extension of the existing scheme, the Family Income Supplement and its replacement by the refundable tax credit in force in the United Kingdom.

This study offers insight on the impact of virtual team projects (VTPs) of varying types (global vs domestic teams, technology vs non-tech projects) on competency and anxiety outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paired-sample t-tests and ANOVA tests were performed on student survey responses pre- and post-engagement of different VTPs.

The results demonstrated positive effects of VTPs on intercultural sensitivity (ISS), computer self-efficacy, perceived ease of use of online learning and COVID-19 anxiety. ISS (“interaction confidence”) improved more for students in the global vs. domestic teams and technology-related outcomes (CSE, PEU and computer anxiety) and ISS (“respect for cultural differences”) improved more for students that participated in tech projects, whereas COVID-19 anxiety lessened more for those that participated in non-tech projects.

The study expands understanding of the Technology Acceptance Model and provides insight into the ISS literature showing that VTPs could be a worthwhile pedagogical approach for improving student competencies and anxiety during times of academic disruption, but that project type can influence these changes.