Yuqin Wang, Bing Liang, Wen Ji, Shiwei Wang and Yiqiang Chen
In the past few years, millions of people started to acquire knowledge from the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). MOOCs contain massive video courses produced by instructors…
Abstract
Purpose
In the past few years, millions of people started to acquire knowledge from the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). MOOCs contain massive video courses produced by instructors, and learners all over the world can get access to these courses via the internet. However, faced with massive courses, learners often waste much time finding courses they like. This paper aims to explore the problem that how to make accurate personalized recommendations for MOOC users.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes a multi-attribute weight algorithm based on collaborative filtering (CF) to select a recommendation set of courses for target MOOC users.
Findings
The recall of the proposed algorithm in this paper is higher than both the traditional CF and a CF-based algorithm – uncertain neighbors’ collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm. The higher the recall is, the more accurate the recommendation result is.
Originality/value
This paper reflects the target users’ preferences for the first time by calculating separately the weight of the attributes and the weight of attribute values of the courses.
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Shiwei Wang, Qingxuan Jia, Gang Chen and Dan Liu
This paper aims to present a complete relative pose error model for robot calibration, considering both the relative distance error and the relative rotation error of the robot…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a complete relative pose error model for robot calibration, considering both the relative distance error and the relative rotation error of the robot end-effector, which can improve calibration accuracy.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the relative distance error model and the relative rotation error model of robot calibration are derived by ignoring high-order nonlinear errors, and the two models form into a complete relative pose error model. Besides, mathematical expectation of the nonlinear errors is calculated, indicating that they have little influence on calibration accuracy.
Findings
Comparative experiments have indicated that the proposed complete relative pose error model does better in robot calibration than only the distance error model.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this paper lies in the derivation of the relative rotation error model, which helps to form a complete relative pose error model for calibration. The proposed method improves calibration accuracy, with avoiding identifying the transformation matrix between the measurement system frame and the robot base frame.
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Shiwei Su and Dandan Wang
The development of modern building planning has become inseparable from the concept of green energy saving, which has gradually become an important method for energy-saving design…
Abstract
The development of modern building planning has become inseparable from the concept of green energy saving, which has gradually become an important method for energy-saving design of building planning and has become the research direction of planners. Based on this, the status quo of research on green building at home and abroad was investigated and the principle of energy saving for green building planning was put forward; then the building shape coefficient, eco-strategy design of green building energy, building energy-saving layout and other aspects were analyzed in detail; finally, the Amsterdam large CBD complex Valley green building was analyzed. The results show that the building has fully considered the energy-saving design in the process of planning and design, which not only ensures the commercial demand, but also reflects the residential use and finally achieves the goal of green energy saving.
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Kailun Feng, Shiwei Chen, Weizhuo Lu, Shuo Wang, Bin Yang, Chengshuang Sun and Yaowu Wang
Simulation-based optimisation (SO) is a popular optimisation approach for building and civil engineering construction planning. However, in the framework of SO, the simulation is…
Abstract
Purpose
Simulation-based optimisation (SO) is a popular optimisation approach for building and civil engineering construction planning. However, in the framework of SO, the simulation is continuously invoked during the optimisation trajectory, which increases the computational loads to levels unrealistic for timely construction decisions. Modification on the optimisation settings such as reducing searching ability is a popular method to address this challenge, but the quality measurement of the obtained optimal decisions, also termed as optimisation quality, is also reduced by this setting. Therefore, this study aims to develop an optimisation approach for construction planning that reduces the high computational loads of SO and provides reliable optimisation quality simultaneously.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes the optimisation approach by modifying the SO framework through establishing an embedded connection between simulation and optimisation technologies. This approach reduces the computational loads and ensures the optimisation quality associated with the conventional SO approach by accurately learning the knowledge from construction simulations using embedded ensemble learning algorithms, which automatically provides efficient and reliable fitness evaluations for optimisation iterations.
Findings
A large-scale project application shows that the proposed approach was able to reduce computational loads of SO by approximately 90%. Meanwhile, the proposed approach outperformed SO in terms of optimisation quality when the optimisation has limited searching ability.
Originality/value
The core contribution of this research is to provide an innovative method that improves efficiency and ensures effectiveness, simultaneously, of the well-known SO approach in construction applications. The proposed method is an alternative approach to SO that can run on standard computing platforms and support nearly real-time construction on-site decision-making.
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Milena Jakšić, Ana Krstić Srejović, Marina Milanović and Predrag Mimović
The paper analyzes the relative technical efficiency of the transition economies of the Western Balkans in the period 2007–2021, in comparison with the former countries with a…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper analyzes the relative technical efficiency of the transition economies of the Western Balkans in the period 2007–2021, in comparison with the former countries with a socialist state system, today members of the European Union (EU), based on selected macroeconomic indicators and panel data.
Design/methodology/approach
Data envelopment analysis (DEA), i.e. its extension, DEA Window analysis, is applied. Total technical efficiency, as a prerequisite of economic efficiency, is decomposed into pure technical efficiency (PTE) and scale efficiency (SE). Bootstrapping method and Mann–Whitney U test were used to check the robustness of the obtained results, i.e. efficiency values.
Findings
The results show that in 2020, all observed countries recorded a significant drop in economic efficiency as a result of a general, disproportionate drop in the value of selected macroeconomic variables, which occurred due to the global economic crisis and the slowdown in economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This drop in efficiency was significantly greater in the former socialist states, now members of the European Union, which showed their greater sensitivity to global crises. None of the observed economies in the observed period was relatively efficient, that is, at the level of best practice, which occurred primarily as a consequence of the inefficiency of business conditions expressed in the economies of scale.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study stems from the very nature of the concept of DEA efficiency, which is relative in nature. Also, the results and their interpretation are also significantly influenced by the choice of model variables, as shown by Lábaj et al. (2013), as well as a small number of decision-making units (DMUs). The mentioned limitations prevent unambiguous interpretation and generalization of the obtained results.
Practical implications
The study may be of importance to economic policy makers in macroeconomic decision-making. The application of the DEA concept in measuring the technical efficiency of national economies is a useful tool in the analysis of macroeconomic performance and a benchmarking approach for positioning and achieving competitive advantage on the international market.
Originality/value
Since research of this type is very limited, the results of this study make a theoretical and empirical contribution to the literature, creating a basis for future research and reexamination. The application of the DEA concept in measuring the technical efficiency of national economies is a useful tool in the analysis of macroeconomic performance and a benchmarking approach for positioning and achieving competitive advantage in the international market.
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Slađana Savović and Predrag Mimović
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of cross-border acquisitions on the efficiency and productivity of acquired companies in the cement industry in the context of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of cross-border acquisitions on the efficiency and productivity of acquired companies in the cement industry in the context of a transitional economy.
Design/methodology/approach
The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Malmquist Productivity Index were used to assess the efficiency and productivity of the acquired companies over the period 2000–2018. DEA and Malmquist index are combined with bootstrapping to perform succinct statistical inferences for determining the accuracy of results. The study assesses partial efficiency and productivity of three inputs: material, capital and labour, as well as the total factor efficiency and productivity of the acquired companies in the short and long term after the acquisitions.
Findings
The research results suggest that efficiency of material, efficiency of labour and the total factor efficiency of the acquired companies are higher after the acquisitions than before, while efficiency of capital is lower. In addition, the results show that the acquisitions had a positive impact on total factor productivity of the acquired companies.
Practical implications
The results of this study have practical implications for managers, especially for policy-makers and industry analysts in deciding whether to encourage or discourage cross-border acquisitions in transitional economies.
Originality/value
The study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of cross-border acquisitions on efficiency and productivity of acquired companies in the manufacturing industry. Research in transitional economies related to subject matter is limited, and this study is the first empirical investigation of the effect of cross-border acquisitions on the efficiency and productivity in the cement industry in Serbia by applying the Data Envelopment Analysis.
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Zijian Wang, Ximing Xiao, Shiwei Fu and Qinggong Shi
This study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the marginalization of county-level public libraries.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the marginalization of county-level public libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The research surveyed 25 counties in central China, including Hubei, Chongqing, Hunan, and Guizhou provinces. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with library directors and deputy directors, focusing on main and branch library construction, cultural inclusivity, library assessment, and digital services.
Findings
Contributing factors to library marginalization were identified as economic pressure, institutional domain, longstanding issues, organizational entity, and societal misconceptions. Building on this, the study introduces the HBAC model to explain county-level public library marginalization. Considering the actual social context of these libraries, the article proposes a “3 + 1” approach to mitigate their marginalization.
Originality/value
The research methodology, analysis process, theoretical model, and recommendations provided could shed light on academic research and practical exploration in the field of public libraries globally.
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Slađana Savović, Predrag Mimović and Violeta Domanović
This paper explores the impact of international acquisitions on the efficiency and productivity of the cement industry in an emerging economy.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the impact of international acquisitions on the efficiency and productivity of the cement industry in an emerging economy.
Design/methodology/approach
The data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Malmquist index (MI) are used to calculate the partial efficiency and productivity of individual inputs (materials, labour and fixed assets), as well as the total factor efficiency and productivity during the period 2000–2018. DEA and MI are combined with bootstrapping to perform succinct statistical inferences for determining the accuracy of results. In this paper we apply the input-oriented CCR DEA Window model. With respect to the level of analysis, data was collected from individual companies and then aggregated data at the industry level.
Findings
The research results show that international acquisitions positively affect efficiency of the cement industry in the long term. Efficiency of capital is lower in the short period after acquisitions. Additionally, international acquisitions positively affect partial productivity, as well as total factor productivity of the cement industry.
Practical implications
The results of the study may be significant for managers and policy makers to design appropriate strategies for the improvement of the cement industry performance over time.
Originality/value
Research in emerging economies related to subject matter is limited, and this is one of the earliest research studies which explore change in efficiency and productivity at the level of Serbian cement industry.
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Ana Krstić, Dragana Rejman-Petrović, Ivana Nedeljković and Predrag Mimović
The purpose of this paper is an analysis of the process of digital transformation of enterprises, by measuring the efficiency of the use of information and communication…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is an analysis of the process of digital transformation of enterprises, by measuring the efficiency of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in business in 29 European countries in the period from 2012 to 2020.
Design/methodology/approach
A Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes data envelopment analysis (CCR DEA, 1978) window model has been developed to measure the ICT efficiency of European countries. Several indicators of the use of information and communication technologies in enterprises are selected as the variables of the proposed models, which are available as such in the Eurostat database for European countries. Due to the sensitivity of the results obtained by applying the DEA method to measurement errors and output values, the robustness analysis of the obtained values of average efficiency is also performed, using the bootstrap method.
Findings
The obtained results show that the highest average technical efficiency of the use of ICT in companies by windows, in the observed period, is recorded in Belgium, while Denmark is in the second place. Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Latvia have the lowest average technical ICT efficiency per window. The analysis of the obtained results by years in the same period brings identical conclusions. Only Belgium has been ICT efficient many times. In general, for all observed countries, the movement of average ICT efficiency in the observed period shows a slightly growing trend, with the exception of a significantly decline in 2013. However, the fact is that the ICT efficiency of the observed countries in the past period is relatively low and for all countries it is 46.36%, with no country being 100% efficient and with eight countries whose average efficiency is below 50% of best practice.
Research limitations/implications
To measure and evaluate the efficiency of ICT use in enterprises, four variables for efficiency assessment are identified, given the fact that only these data are available continuously for the observed period from 2012 to 2020 in the Eurostat database.
Practical implications
Low efficiency of using digital potential in business of the observed countries indicates the need for better understanding of the nature and goals of the digital business transformation process by employees and management, to create conditions for effective implementation and optimization of business digitalization.
Originality/value
Measurement of digital transformation is the subject of a very small number of studies and research, which mainly focus on measuring and assessing the impact of digital transformation on individual countries and perform a comparative analysis of technological development in those countries. Also, analyses are mainly based on identifying similarities and differences between countries or ranking countries according to adopted evaluation criteria using different digitization indices. A step forward in this research is the application of the DEA window method for measuring the relative efficiency of the use of ICT in enterprises, and the development of a model that can be extended if necessary with indicators for which data are available.
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Min Li, Hangxuan Liu, Xingquan Zhang, Hengji Yang, Lisheng Zuo, Ziyu Wang, Shiwei Duan and Song Shu
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of laser peening (LP) on mechanical and wear properties of 304 stainless steel sheet.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of laser peening (LP) on mechanical and wear properties of 304 stainless steel sheet.
Design/methodology/approach
Three-dimensional morphology, micro-hardness and micro-structure of shocked samples were tested. The wear amount, wear track morphology and wear mechanism were also characterized under dry sliding wear using Al2O3 ceramics ball.
Findings
The LP treatment generates deformation twins that contribute to the grain refinement and hardness increase. The wear test displays that the wear mechanism of samples is mainly abrasive wear and oxidation wear at 10 N load. While at 30 N, the delamination and adhesion areas of treated sample are reduced visibly compared to untreated ones.
Originality/value
This study specifically investigates the mechanical and wear properties of 304 stainless steel after the direct action of LP on its surface, which shows an effective improvement on the wear resistance. For example, the wear loss of processed sample is reduced by 19% at 30 N, the friction coefficient decreases from 0.4714 to 0.4308 and the groove depth is reduced from 78.1 to 74.4 µm under same condition.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2024-0007/