Rui Liu, Shan Liu, Yu-Rong Zeng and Lin Wang
The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new and practical decision support model of the coordinated replenishment and delivery (CRD) problem with multi-warehouse (M-CRD) to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new and practical decision support model of the coordinated replenishment and delivery (CRD) problem with multi-warehouse (M-CRD) to improve the performance of a supply chain. Two algorithms, tabu search-RAND (TS-RAND) and adaptive hybrid different evolution (AHDE) algorithm, are developed and compared as to the performance of each in solving the M-CRD problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed M-CRD is more complex and practical than classical CRDs, which are non-deterministic polynomial-time hard problems. According to the structure of the M-CRD, a hybrid algorithm, TS-RAND, and AHDE are designed to solve the M-CRD.
Findings
Results of M-CRDs with different scales show that TS-RAND and AHDE are good candidates for handling small-scale M-CRD. TS-RAND can also find satisfactory solutions for large-scale M-CRDs. The total cost (TC) of M-CRD is apparently lower than that of a CRD with a single warehouse. Moreover, the TC is lower for the M-CRD with a larger number of optional warehouses.
Practical implications
The proposed M-CRD is helpful for managers to select the suitable warehouse and to decide the delivery scheduling with a coordinated replenishment policy under complex operations management situations. TS-RAND can be easily used by practitioners because of its robustness, easy implementation, and quick convergence.
Originality/value
Compared with the traditional CRDs with one warehouse, a better policy with lower TC can be obtained by the new M-CRD. Moreover, the proposed TS-RAND is a good candidate for solving the M-CRD.
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The purpose of this paper is to forecast the future trend of Ghana’s total energy consumption (GTEC) using two grey models, which are GM(1,1) and the grey Verhulst model.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to forecast the future trend of Ghana’s total energy consumption (GTEC) using two grey models, which are GM(1,1) and the grey Verhulst model.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs the use of Even model GM(1,1) and the grey Verhulst model to forecast GTEC for the next five years. Since various models were used, the margin for error is minimal, hence resulting in a better choice for forecasting the future. The forecast reveals that the GTEC for the next five years will increase rapidly.
Findings
The results reveal that the models can be used accurately to predict the total energy consumption smoothly. This will aid the government of Ghana to take necessary measures such as transforming the economic development pattern and enhancing the energy utilization efficiency since future patterns of energy consumed can be predicted.
Research limitations/implications
This research is meaningful to the government and all stakeholders in Ghana to help develop and appreciate the energy sector and its economic impact. This research is going to help government put in measures for efficient utilization of energy since results reveal an increase in energy consumption.
Practical implications
Research results could be used for development of the energy sector through managerial and economic decision making.
Originality/value
Ghana is a developing country and has great prospects in terms of boosting or resourcing its energy sector to meet future demands. The successfully explored models could aid the government of Ghana to formulate policies in the energy sector and generate future consumption plans.
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Xiao-Ying Li, Zhen-Tao Li, Mu-Ming Hao, Qing-Yang Wang and Zeng-Li Wang
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of liquid film seals with oblique grooves (OGs) and spiral grooves (SGs), considering cavitation, compare…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of liquid film seals with oblique grooves (OGs) and spiral grooves (SGs), considering cavitation, compare and analyze the differences between them.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering cavitation effect, the incompressible steady-state Reynolds equation was solved to obtain the sealing performance parameters of the liquid film seal with oblique groove and spiral groove.
Findings
The hydrodynamic performance of oblique groove seal (OGS) and spiral groove seal (SGS) shows a similar trend with the change of operating parameters. When the groove angle is less than 20°, the load-carrying capacity of SGS is better than that of OGS, while when the groove angle continues to increase, the hydrodynamic performance of OGS is slightly better than that of SGS, and more suitable for use under small differential pressure and high speed.
Originality/value
The hydrodynamic characteristics of liquid film seals with oblique grooves and spiral grooves considering cavitation effect were studied, which provides a theoretical reference for the application of oblique groove seal.
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Jianlan Li, Yuzhi Wang, Wang Zeng and Kaibo Liang
As the China–US trade tensions escalate, the implementation of US sanctions has imposed severe restrictions on the innovation resources of Chinese firms. This study introduces the…
Abstract
Purpose
As the China–US trade tensions escalate, the implementation of US sanctions has imposed severe restrictions on the innovation resources of Chinese firms. This study introduces the theory of peer effect to investigate whether US sanctions stimulate a homogenization of innovation strategies among Chinese companies in the same industry, thereby giving rise to an innovation peer effect.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes a sample of 4,078 A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2021 and employs a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model for analysis.
Findings
The findings indicate that US sanctions significantly stimulate innovation inputs among companies in the same industry, but concurrently, they suppress innovation outputs. Moreover, a higher degree of internationalization weakens the promotion of innovation inputs by US sanctions and amplifies the inhibitory effect on innovation outputs. A high proportion of long-term loans offsets the negative impact on innovation outputs, whereas a high proportion of short-term loans diminishes the positive impact on innovation inputs.
Research limitations/implications
This study elucidates how external shocks impact companies’ innovation capabilities within the same industry, offering a fresh perspective on understanding the influence of China–US trade tensions on innovation among Chinese firms.
Practical implications
Chinese firms should view US sanctions-induced technological challenges as opportunities, fostering breakthrough innovations through industry-academia collaboration. Balancing risk and reward is also key when navigating technological innovation and global strategies.
Originality/value
This study comprehensively reflects the impact of the US sanctions on Chinese firm innovation. It lays the foundation for analyzing the transmission mechanism of other trade policies under the framework of trade friction theory.
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Suresh C. Sood and Hugh M. Pattinson
This chapter covers a diverse range of alternative methods for capturing deep major account insights online. Increasingly in the twenty first century, B2B decision-makers remain…
Abstract
This chapter covers a diverse range of alternative methods for capturing deep major account insights online. Increasingly in the twenty first century, B2B decision-makers remain abreast of industry innovations and product information through participation in online communities. Through using social mobile technologies businesses exchange product and service experiences online amongst peers not just vendor organisations. A key aspect of this chapter shares rationale for selection of a marketing versus research community, community objectives, online techniques to gain major account insights using big data, resourcing, integration with existing marketing systems and budgeting for ongoing maintenance of marketing communities supporting B2B sales and marketing initiatives. This chapter focuses on the emerging area of B2B sales activities for creation and management of online communities for Major Account management of energy supply customers. A case-based research strategy specifically honed towards sensemaking of major account activities through using B2B online communities in conjunction with emerging research methods is outlined and critiqued.
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Pingping Xiong, Zhiqing He, Shiting Chen and Mao Peng
In recent years, domestic smog has become increasingly frequent and the adverse effects of smog have increasingly become the focus of public attention. It is a way to analyze such…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, domestic smog has become increasingly frequent and the adverse effects of smog have increasingly become the focus of public attention. It is a way to analyze such problems and provide solutions by mathematical methods.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper establishes a new gray model (GM) (1,N) prediction model based on the new kernel and degree of grayness sequences under the case that the interval gray number distribution information is known. First, the new kernel and degree of grayness sequences of the interval gray number sequence are calculated using the reconstruction definition of the kernel and degree of grayness. Then, the GM(1,N) model is formed based on the above new sequences to simulate and predict the kernel and degree of the grayness of the interval gray number sequence. Finally, the upper and lower bounds of the interval gray number are deduced based on the calculation formulas of the kernel and degree of grayness.
Findings
To verify further the practical significance of the model proposed in this paper, the authors apply the model to the simulation and prediction of smog. Compared with the traditional GM(1,N) model, the new GM(1,N) prediction model established in this paper has better prediction effect and accuracy.
Originality/value
This paper improves the traditional GM(1,N) prediction model and establishes a new GM(1,N) prediction model in the case of the known distribution information of the interval gray number of the smog pollutants concentrations data.
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As the complexity and uncertainty of megaprojects make it difficult for traditional management models to address the difficulties, this paper aims to design a performance…
Abstract
Purpose
As the complexity and uncertainty of megaprojects make it difficult for traditional management models to address the difficulties, this paper aims to design a performance incentive contract through IT applications, thereby promoting the formation of an information-based governance mechanism for megaprojects and facilitating the transformation and upgrading of the construction management model of megaprojects to informatisation.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduced IT applications into the performance assessment and used the proportion of IT applications replacing traditional manual management as a variable. It analysed different replacement ratios to obtain the optimal solution for the change of contractors behaviours and promote the optimal performance incentive for the informatisation in megaprojects.
Findings
The results show that under the condition of the optimal replacement ratio, achieving the optimal state of a mutual win-win situation is possible for the benefit of both sides. The counter-intuitive finding is that the greater the replacement ratio is not, the better, but those other constraints are also taken into account.
Originality/value
This study enriched the research of the performance configuration incentive from a practical perspective. It extended the research framework of IT incentive mechanisms in the governance of megaprojects from a management theory perspective. It clarified the role of IT applications in incentive mechanisms and the design process of optimal incentive contracts under different performance incentive states. The incentives made the contractors work harder to meet the owner's requirements, and it could improve the efficiency of megaprojects, thus better achieving megaproject objectives.
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Iván La Fé-Perdomo, Jorge Andres Ramos-Grez, Gerardo Beruvides and Rafael Alberto Mujica
The purpose of this paper is to outline some key aspects such as material systems used, phenomenological and statistical process modeling, techniques applied to monitor the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline some key aspects such as material systems used, phenomenological and statistical process modeling, techniques applied to monitor the process and optimization approaches reported. All these need to be taken into account for the ongoing development of the SLM technique, particularly in health care applications. The outcomes from this review allow not only to summarize the main features of the process but also to collect a considerable amount of investigation effort so far achieved by the researcher community.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews four significant areas of the selective laser melting (SLM) process of metallic systems within the scope of medical devices as follows: established and novel materials used, process modeling, process tracking and quality evaluation, and finally, the attempts for optimizing some process features such as surface roughness, porosity and mechanical properties. All the consulted literature has been highly detailed and discussed to understand the current and existing research gaps.
Findings
With this review, there is a prevailing need for further investigation on copper alloys, particularly when conformal cooling, antibacterial and antiviral properties are sought after. Moreover, artificial intelligence techniques for modeling and optimizing the SLM process parameters are still at a poor application level in this field. Furthermore, plenty of research work needs to be done to improve the existent online monitoring techniques.
Research limitations/implications
This review is limited only to the materials, models, monitoring methods, and optimization approaches reported on the SLM process for metallic systems, particularly those found in the health care arena.
Practical implications
SLM is a widely used metal additive manufacturing process due to the possibility of elaborating complex and customized tridimensional parts or components. It is corroborated that SLM produces minimal amounts of waste and enables optimal designs that allow considerable environmental advantages and promotes sustainability.
Social implications
The key perspectives about the applications of novel materials in the field of medicine are proposed.
Originality/value
The investigations about SLM contain an increasing amount of knowledge, motivated by the growing interest of the scientific community in this relatively young manufacturing process. This study can be seen as a compilation of relevant researches and findings in the field of the metal printing process.
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Qunsheng Wang, Bin Zhu, Fubin Zhang, Xuesong Jiang and Jie Wang
While the normal wheel–rail contact model cannot be accurately used for light rail transit (LRT) wheel wear analysis with large wheelset lateral displacement and wheelset yaw…
Abstract
Purpose
While the normal wheel–rail contact model cannot be accurately used for light rail transit (LRT) wheel wear analysis with large wheelset lateral displacement and wheelset yaw angle, a modified semi-Hertzian contact model (MSHM) is proposed in the paper.
Design/methodology/approach
MSHM was first proposed to consider the wheelset motion with the lateral displacement and the yaw angle. Then, a dynamic model of an LRT was established and the influence of some key factors on wheel wear is analyzed. At last, after operating for a certain mileage, the predicted wheel wear is compared with the tested wheel wear.
Findings
Compared with the tested wheel wear, the predicted wheel wear shows a good agreement with the measured result, verifying the accuracy of MSHM.
Originality/value
Considering larger wheelset lateral displacement and yaw angle, MSHM can be used to calculate the wheel wear of the LRT with high accuracy.