Exploring adjustment mechanisms in the sales and operations planning process: an industrial case study

Nowadays, Safety-critical computers are extensively used in may civil domains like transportation including railways, avionics and automotive. We noticed that in design of some previous works, some critical safety design parameters like failure diagnostic coverage (DC) or common cause failure (CCF) ratio have not been seriously taken into account. Moreover, in some cases safety has not been compared with standard safety levels (IEC-61508 SIL1-SIL4) or even have not met them. Most often, it is not very clear that which part of the system is the Achilles' heel and how design can be improved to reach standard safety levels. Motivated by such design ambiguities, we aim to study the effect of various design parameters on safety in some prevalent safety configurations: 1oo2 and 2oo3. 1oo1 is also used as a reference. By employing Markov modeling, sensitivity of safety to each of the following critical design parameters is analyzed: failure rate of processing element, failure diagnostics coverage, common cause failures and repair rates. This study gives a deeper sense regarding influence of variation in design parameters over safety. Consequently, to meet appropriate safety integrity level, instead of improving some system parts blindly, it will be possible to make an informed decision on more relevant parameters.

Buildings in rural areas are more exposed to open weather conditions than city centres and, therefore, need to be designed to be more energy efficient. This study systematically investigates the sensitivity of critical building design parameters (building orientation, insulation thickness, glazing properties, shading, and ventilation type) on the heating and cooling energy demand of a rural building in a Mediterranean climate. This study also aims to determine optimum energy-efficient building design conditions in the Mediterranean climate. Thermal simulations were performed using the IESVE tool in a typical two-storey Mediterranean house designed in rural İzmir, Turkey. It was found that critical design parameters such as solar orientation, insulation thickness, glazing properties, shading, and ventilation type affect heating and cooling energy demand. Orientation of the building to the South, 23.5 cm insulation thickness, triple glazing windows, and shading provide maximum energy savings. In addition, South orientation or a deviation of 22.5° from the South, 15 cm insulation thickness, double-glazed windows, and shading ensure significant energy savings and acceptable energy performance in the Mediterranean climate. However, no significant difference in energy performance was found depending on ventilation type (mechanical or mixed mode (natural + mechanical)). The results of this study can promote energy-efficient building design at the local level and help architects design new energy-efficient buildings in the Mediterranean countryside. This study can also contribute to creating energy-efficient building design policies to reduce buildings’ dependence on fossil fuels.

The highly competitive and rapidly changing nature of the current business environment creates tremendous pressure on organizations to collaborate. This led to utterly different type of business eco-system in which individual organizations in collaborative business services increasingly demand for a collaborative business process that can easily adapt to changes. As a result, the development and management of organization's IT infrastructures that can able to cope up with the requirements of dynamic and flexible business environments are challenging. Service-based approach can enhance the development and management of collaborative processes through service abstraction to satisfy the needs of today's dynamic business environment. Service-oriented computing paradigm uses service models to represent the requirements of continuously changing business needs through service abstraction and use platform independent interaction nature of web service and its enabling available technologies for implementation. Hence, in this paper we discussed the collaborative BPM trends and concepts, technologies and proposed a generic framework to realize automatic conversion of service models into Web services in order to support dynamic and adaptive development of collaborative business process and deploy them over the internet through a web service standards platform.

All methods associated with failure analysis attempt to identify critical design variables and parameters such that appropriate process controls can be implemented to detect problems before they occur. This paper introduces a new approach to the identification of critical design variables and parameters through the concept of bridging nodes. Using a network-based perspective in which design parameters and variables are modeled as nodes, results show that vulnerable parameters tend to be bridging nodes, which are nodes that connect two or more groups of nodes that are organized together in order to perform an intended function. This paper extends existing modeling capabilities based upon a behavioral network analysis (BNA) approach and presents empirical results identifying the relationship between bridging nodes and parameter vulnerability as determined by existing, network metric-based methods. These topological network robustness metrics were used to analyze a large number of engineering systems. Bridging nodes are associated with significantly larger changes in network degradation, as measured by these metrics, than non-bridging nodes when subject to attack (p < 0.001). The results indicate the structural role of vulnerable design parameters in a behavioral network.

The design parameters are the most momentous factors in carrying out performance matching. For complex electromechanical products with a large number of design parameters, determining a set of critical design parameters which have a great influence on the performance is the premise of performance matching. In this paper, from a systematic perspective, a screening method of critical design parameters based on energy and a causal model is proposed. Since energy is the driving force of the product operation to achieve performance, the design parameters affect the performance through energy flow in the product. Therefore, the causal model among design parameters, characteristic energy, and performance is established, where its path coefficients are determined based on the quantitative calculation of the energy flow simulation model. Then, the performance pertinence is defined and calculated to describe the comprehensive influence of the design parameters on performance and to screen the critical parameters. Finally, the performance matching process is presented to support the performance matching. With a refrigerator as an example, 5 parameters were screened from 11 variable design parameters, and day power consumption decreased by 6.85%, which verifies the effectiveness of the method.

<b>Highlights</b> <list list-type=bullet><list-item> To improve the planting of soybean at high speeds, a guiding-groove precision metering device was developed. </list-item><list-item> The seed feeding and clearing processes were analyzed to determine the critical design and operating factors. </list-item><list-item> The effects of the critical parameters on metering performance were simulated using a discrete element model. </list-item><list-item> The metering performance was evaluated using bench tests with a fabricated metering device. </list-item></list> <b>Abstract</b>. Precision planting is the inevitable trend of agricultural development, and the promotion of precision planting technology is the key to increasing crop yields. To improve the performance of precision planting at high speeds, a mechanical-type precision metering device was developed for soybean. The innovative feature of the device is the guiding-groove (GG) that provides “waiting areas” for seeds to form a line and subsequently enter the seed cells in an orderly and rapid manner. Using force analysis, a mechanical model of the seed feeding stage was developed. Relationships between the design parameters of the GG metering device and its metering performance (multiple index, miss index, quality index, and feeding efficiency index) were obtained through simulations using a discrete element model (DEM). The simulations conducted in this study were based on central composite design (CCD). The relationships were then used to determine the design parameters to achieve the best metering performance. With these design parameters, the GG metering device was fabricated and evaluated using bench tests. Results showed that the critical design parameters were the width of the guiding-groove (L1), angle of the groove bottom surface to the horizontal plane (η), width of the groove wheel (L), and cone angle of the shell (δ). The relationship between these parameters and the metering performance could be described by a second-order polynomial equation, and the best metering performance occurred with L = 25.3 mm, η = 8.3°, L1 = 8.1 mm, and δ = 23.6°. The bench test results showed that the GG metering device designed with these optimal parameters had metering performance values (quality index) of 93% and higher at planter travel speeds of 8 to 15 km h-1. In addition, the coefficients of variation of metering performance over the range of planter travel speeds were lower than 30%.

Current developments towards the buyer’s market and related trends such as more diversified production programs, shorter product life cycles and more volatile fluctuations in demand are leading to an increasingly dynamic and complex business environment. For this reason, productions and logistics systems face even more frequent adaptions. In order to react to these challenges in a structured manner, a sequential adaption process with six individual phases was developed. This paper points out, that production and logistics systems can be adapted more frequently, more precisely and quicker when cyber-physical production systems (CPPS) are supporting the adaption process. In particular, the availability of real-time feedback data from production and logistics processes in CPPS has proven to be advantageous for a more intelligent adaption process. In addition, the requirements for an intelligent adaption process are formulated based on these new technological possibilities. The paper especially focuses on the logistics and production technical aspects of the adaption process and the adaption object. On the one hand, possible applications of CPPS technologies are presented for each of the six phases, on the other hand, this paper analyzes the overall impact on the whole adaption process when individual CPPS technologies are used.

Prior studies argue that CSR should be integrated with business operations to get its benefits. However, the empirical research on how CSR and business operations can be incorporated is still limited. This study aims to investigate how to integrate CSR and business operations and to identify the impact of such integration on company performance. Using a sample of 342 manufacturing companies in Java, Indonesia, PLS-SEM was employed to create a path model depicting the relationships between functional integration and company performance. The results showed that Cost, Quality, Supplier, and Employee, have significant positive relationships on company performance, while Innovation and Customers have no impact on company performance.

Residence time distribution (RTD) is a critical parameter in design and optimization of flotation processes and machines. RTD measurements provide valuable indication into the distribution of residence times experienced by particulates (e.g., particles, oil droplets) within the system, enabling the identification of flow regimes and potential issues such as short-circuiting, dead zones or inadequate mixing. While previous studies in the literature have generally focused on RTD measurements in mechanical flotation cells, there are limited experimental studies available for pneumatic flotation cells. In this study, RTD measurements were performed to characterize the type of flow regime in the REFLUXTM Flotation Cell (RFC), and to investigate the impacts of operational parameters, including bias, feed flux, and gas flux, using a laboratory-scale RFC-100. An impulse-response methodology was employed with a KCl solution used as a tracer in a two-phase (liquid–gas) system. Large and Small Tanks in Series (LSTS), N-mixer in Series, and Perfect Mixer models were applied to a database created by experimental results. The results revealed that the fluid behavior in RFC-100 approached a plug-flow pattern rather than perfect mixing in the two-phase (liquid–gas) system. Furthermore, an increase in bias resulted in a decrease in mean residence time (MRT), and the tracer concentration inside the cell could be adjusted by varying the gas flux under the same feed flux.

Critical parameters are quantitative measures of performance that may be used to determine the overall ability of a design to serve its purpose. Although critical parameters figure in almost every field of design where there is a demand for progressive improvement, they do not appear to figure significantly in the design of interactive systems. As a result, systems are designed that are recognizably different from other systems but not necessarily better at doing the job intended. This paper discusses the role of critical parameters in design, and illustrates their lack of use in interactive system design by presenting a number of of examples drawn from the HCI literature. It identifies a consequent need for research to establish critical parameters for applications and to build models of the performance of designs against these parameters. Some ideas are presented on how critical parameters might be established for specific applications, and the paper concludes by summarising some of the benefits that might be gained from moving in this direction.

In this paper, the electrical characteristics of a double gate P-channel GaSb Electron-Hole Bilayer Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (EHBTFET) is comprehensively investigated and impact of main design parameters on the performance of the device is thoroughly assessed. The corresponding low carrier effective mass of GaSb provides high probability of tunneling current that eventually exhibits an improvement in the on-state current and subthreshold swing (SS). The results reveal that unlike the conventional tunnel field effect transistor (TFET) in which band to band tunneling current occurs horizontally from source to channel, the tunneling junction in EHBTFET is electrically created in the intrinsic channel in the entire region of the gate overlap length along the vertical direction. Due to the expanding of the tunneling area, the on-state current of EHBTEFT is increased five order of magnitude in comparison with lateral TFET and subthreshold swing of SS = 2 mV dec−1 with on/off current ratio of 2.5 × 1011 is achieved. The top and bottom gate workfunction are critical design parameters that fundamentally affect the tunneling rate. The 2D variation matrix of threshold voltage and on-state current are calculated as a function of top and bottom gate workfunction for optimizing the device performance. In addition, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis via calculating standard deviation and mean value of main electrical parameters are assessed to evaluate the susceptibility of device performance with respect to the variation of design parameters. The main feature of this device is the insensitivity of the tunneling rate to the source doping density that solves the problem of low solubility of dopants in III-V materials. Moreover, subthreshold swing and off-state current and are not affected by the gate length scaling, facilitating the employment of this device in nanoscale regime. The results in this paper pave the way for designing low power steep-slope logic circuits.

A Conventional progressive scanning method can be used for small and medium size LED (Light Emitting Diode) dot-matrix display board. However, this conventional scanning approach has some drawbacks such as flicker, lower luminous intensity, requirement of high speed LED driver, etc., specifically for large LED dot-matrix display. This paper brings forward the analysis of scanning method clarifying the limitations of conventional scanning approach with several critical design parameters. After that, a new scanning approach, congenial to both small and large has been proposed to get over these limitations. Eventually, simulation of the mathematical models of the two methods are expounded that points to the vital design parameters constraints along with the advantages of new method. The mathematical models and analyses give understanding of system design approach to the LED driver circuit designers to estimate various design parameters.

This research discusses the implementation of job training programs on employee performance at PT World White Enterprise Brand Prepp Studio, a company operating in the creative industry. The main focus of this research is to analyze the effectiveness and impact of the training program that has been implemented by the company in improving employee skills and performance. This research methodology includes analysis related to training sourced from several previous studies. The research results show that the training program has made a positive contribution to increasing employee productivity and competency. With this program, employees are able to face work demands more efficiently and have a positive impact on the company's production results. In addition, this research also evaluates employee responses and perceptions of the training program, which can be a basis for improving and developing the program in the future. The implications of these findings can help PT World White Enterprise Brand Prepp Studio and similar companies to design more effective training programs, in accordance with industry needs and developments. This study provides insight into the importance of investing in human resource development to achieve competitive advantage in a dynamic business environment.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to add to the understanding of the international work experiences of lesbian and gay self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) with a particular focus on the effects of different contexts on their disclosure decisions. In doing so, this study responds to the call for more empirical and extensive studies of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) expatriates.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on in-depth analysis of four interviews of lesbian and gay SIEs.FindingsThe findings presented in this paper support three contextual determinants – personal, organizational, and country-level context. These contextual determinants significantly influence lesbian and gay SIEs’ disclosure decisions and their overall international work experience.Originality/valueGiven the rapid globalization and dynamic business environment, workforce diversity has become a business imperative over the past few decades. Diversity in today’s workforce includes not simply gender and racial diversity, but also age, culture, sexual orientation, religion, education, and disabilities as primary categories of diversity. Moreover, new technologies require highly skilled labor the world over, exacerbating existing global talent shortages. These advancements in technology, accompanied by massive shortfalls in skilled labor, have expanded the pool of potential expatriates to include those non-traditional ones who have been excluded from international assignments. Particularly, as LGBT rights to equal employment opportunity and their potential contributions to international assignments have been increasingly recognized worldwide in recent years, attention to LGBT expatriates has grown exponentially. Nevertheless, neither their experiences as lesbian and gay SIEs in international assignments nor the effects of contexts on those experiences, including disclosure decisions, have yet to be fully explored. In this sense, this paper provides a contribution to the deeper understanding of lesbian and gay SIEs in multidimensional contexts of an international assignment. Although the study examined lesbian and gay expatriates, results suggest insights into the entire LGBT expatriate community.

Studying the code compression design space – A synthesis approach