A DEMATEL-MABAC-based approach for grading and evaluation of jute fibers

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-355
Author(s):  
Subham Agarwal ◽  
Santonab Chakraborty ◽  
Shankar Chakraborty
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Natural Fibers ◽  
Frictional Resistance ◽  
Jute Fiber ◽  
High Tensile Strength ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Jute Fibers ◽  
Root Content

Purpose Due to several unique characteristics, such as high tensile strength, low extensibility, high frictional resistance, biodegradability, eco-friendliness and cheapness, Jute ranks second just after cotton with respect to its worldwide consumption and production. To overcome the difficulties of the existing Jute grading procedure, this paper aims to focus on the application of decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) methods for evaluation of 10 Tossa Jute fiber lots based on strength, defects, root content, color, fineness and bulk density properties. Design/methodology/approach The DEMATEL method divides all the six physical properties of Jute fiber into cause and effect groups. The most influencing property is also identified. On the other hand, the considered Jute fiber lots are ranked using MABAC method along with the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of each of them. Findings This combined approach would provide a more scientific and realistic way of Jute grading and evaluation based on various properties of the considered Jute fiber lots. The positions of the superior and the inferior Jute lots perfectly match with those as identified by the earlier researchers. Originality/value It is concluded that the adopted combined decision-making tool can be effectively applied for grading and evaluation of other natural fibers with diverse heterogeneous physical properties.

Employing needs-based funding formulae – some unavoidable tradeoffs

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 1092-1102
Author(s):  
Tal Gilead ◽  
Iris BenDavid-Hadar
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Equity ◽  
School Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Funding Formula ◽  
Policy Goals ◽  
Theoretical Investigations ◽  
Schooling System

Purpose The method by which the state allocates resources to its schooling system can serve as an important instrument for achieving desired improvements in levels of educational attainment, social equity and other social policy goals. In many school systems, the allocation of school resources is done according to a needs-based funding formula. The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of some significant tradeoffs involved in employing needs-based funding formulae. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on theoretical investigations of normative aspects involved in using needs-based funding formulae. Findings There are a number of underexplored complications and difficulties that arise from the use of needs-based funding formulae. Dealing with these involves significant tradeoffs that require taking normative decisions. Understanding these tradeoffs is important for improving the use of needs-based funding formulae. Originality/value The paper highlights three under-examined issues that emerge from the current use of needs-based funding formulae. These issues are: to what extent funding formulae should be responsive to social and economic needs? To what extent should funding formulae allow for the use of discretion in resource allocation? To what degree needs-based formulae funding should be linked to outcomes? By discussing these issues and the tradeoffs involved in them, the paper provides a deeper understanding of significant aspects stemming from the use of needs-based funding formulae. This, in turn, can serve as a basis for an improved and better informed process for decision making regarding the use of funding formulae.

Has Lean improved organizational decision making?

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 536-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale Simons ◽  
Jos Benders ◽  
Jochen Bergs ◽  
Wim Marneffe ◽  
Dominique Vandijck
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organizational Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Contexts ◽  
Sustainable Improvement ◽  
Care Processes ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Sustainable improvement is likely to be hampered by ambiguous objectives and uncertain cause-effect relations in care processes (the organization’s decision-making context). Lean management can improve implementation results because it decreases ambiguity and uncertainties. But does it succeed? Many quality improvement (QI) initiatives are appropriate improvement strategies in organizational contexts characterized by low ambiguity and uncertainty. However, most care settings do not fit this context. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a Lean-inspired change program changed the organization’s decision-making context, making it more amenable for QI initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – In 2014, 12 professionals from a Dutch radiotherapy institute were interviewed regarding their perceptions of a Lean program in their organization and the perceived ambiguous objectives and uncertain cause-effect relations in their clinical processes. A survey (25 questions), addressing the same concepts, was conducted among the interviewees in 2011 and 2014. The structured interviews were analyzed using a deductive approach. Quantitative data were analyzed using appropriate statistics. Findings – Interviewees experienced improved shared visions and the number of uncertain cause-effect relations decreased. Overall, more positive (99) than negative Lean effects (18) were expressed. The surveys revealed enhanced process predictability and standardization, and improved shared visions. Practical implications – Lean implementation has shown to lead to greater transparency and increased shared visions. Originality/value – Lean management decreased ambiguous objectives and reduced uncertainties in clinical process cause-effect relations. Therefore, decision making benefitted from Lean increasing QI’s sustainability.

Jumping to conclusions – an analysis of the NBA Draft Combine athleticism data and its influence on managerial decision-making

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Berger ◽  
Frank Daumann
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Predictive Power ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Decision Quality ◽  
Managerial Behavior ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Selection Behavior

PurposeThe NBA Draft policy pursues the goal to provide the weakest teams with the most talented young players to close the gap to the superior competition. But it hinges on appropriate talent evaluation skills of the respective organizations. Research suggests the policy might be valid but to date unable to produce its intended results due to the “human judgement-factor”. This paper investigates specific managerial selection-behavior-influencing information to examine why decision-makers seem to fail to constantly seize the opportunities the draft presents them with.Design/methodology/approachAthleticism data produced within the NBA Draft Combine setting is strongly considered in the player evaluations and consequently informs the draft decisions of NBA managers. Curiously, research has failed to find much predictive power within the players pre-draft combine results for their post-draft performance. This paper investigates this clear disconnect, by examining the pre- and post-draft data from 2000 to 2019 using principal component and regression analysis.FindingsEvidence for an athletic-induced decision-quality-lowering bias within the NBA Draft process was found. The analysis proves that players with better NBA Draft Combine results tend to get drafted earlier. Controlling for position, age and pre-draft performance there seems to be no proper justification based on post-draft performance for this managerial behavior. This produces systematic errors within the structure of the NBA Draft process and leads to problematic outcomes for the entire league-policy.Originality/valueThe paper delivers first evidence for an athleticism-induced decision-making bias regarding the NBA Draft process. Informing future selection-behavior of managers this research could improve NBA Draft decision-making quality.

Discriminant analysis-based modeling of cotton fiber and yarn properties

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baneswar Sarker ◽  
Shankar Chakraborty
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Cotton Fiber ◽  
Fiber Strength ◽  
Natural Fibers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fiber Properties ◽  
Yarn Properties ◽  
Fiber Fineness ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

Purpose Like all other natural fibers, the physical properties of cotton also vary owing to changes in the related genetic and environmental factors, which ultimately affect both the mechanics involved in yarn spinning and the quality of the yarn produced. However, information is lacking about the degree of influence that those properties impart on the spinnability of cotton fiber and the strength of the final yarn. This paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes the application of discriminant analysis as a multivariate regression tool to develop the causal relationships between six cotton fiber properties, i.e. fiber strength (FS), fiber fineness (FF), upper half mean length (UHML), uniformity index (UI), reflectance degree and yellowness and spinning consistency index (SCI) and yarn strength (YS) along with the determination of the respective contributive roles of those fiber properties on the considered dependent variables. Findings Based on the developed discriminant function, it can be revealed that FS, UI, FF and reflectance degree are responsible for higher YS. On the other hand, with increasing values of UHML and fiber yellowness, YS would tend to decrease. Similarly, SCI would increase with higher values of FS, UHML, UI and reflectance degree, and its value would decrease with increasing FF and yellowness. Originality/value The discriminant functions can effectively envisage the contributive role of each of the considered cotton fiber properties on SCI and YS. The discriminant analysis can also be adopted as an efficient tool for investigating the effects of various physical properties of other natural fibers on the corresponding yarn characteristics.

Study on Thermal, Thermo-Mechanical, and Flexural Properties of Jute Fiber Surface Modification and Its Reinforced Composite

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 11-17
Author(s):  
Syed Rashedul Islam ◽  
Abeer Alassod ◽  
Mohammed Kayes Patoary ◽  
Tayyab Naveed ◽  
Md Arshad Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Fiber ◽  
Natural Fibers ◽  
Fiber Surface ◽  
Jute Fiber ◽  
Flexural Properties ◽  
Reinforced Composites ◽  
Acid Pretreatment ◽  
Chemical Treatments ◽  
Jute Fibers ◽  
Composite Properties

In recent years, reinforced composites from biodegradable and natural fibers have a worldwide scope for advanced applications. However, the core limitation of natural fiber reinforced composites are poor consistency among supporting fibers and the matrix. Therefore, optimal structural performance of fibers and matrix is desirable. In this study, chemical treatments (i.e., alkali pretreatment, acid pretreatment, and scouring) were applied to jute fibers for improvement of composite properties. Thermal, thermo-mechanical, and flexural properties, and surface morphology, of untreated and treated jute fibers were studied on the treated fibers. Jute fiber/epoxy composite properties were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), flexural strength and modulus, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The chemical treatments had a significant impact on the properties of jute fiber composites.

Are the saving decision patterns of bank customers also clouded by psychological biases? Evidence from Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Emmanuel Tetteh ◽  
Christopher Boachie
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Loss Aversion ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Weighted Least Squares ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Individual Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Saving Decisions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper attempts to investigate the influence of psychological biases on saving decision-making of bank customers in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachIt employs weighted least squares regression to test the effect of psychological biases on savings decisions of bank customers.FindingsThe findings show that all the nine psychological biases, namely mental accounting, availability, loss aversion, representativeness, anchoring, overconfidence, status quo, framing effect and disposition effect employed for the study have a significant influence on saving decision of bank customers. The results depict that psychological biases are entrenched in the saving pattern of bank customers in Ghana.Practical implicationsFor policy purposes, the study recommends that bank customers need to enhance their knowledge of psychological biases in order to improve their gains from savings, and not to fall prey to these prejudices. The satisfied customer is a dependable source of bank viability and survival.Originality/valueTo the best of the knowledge of the author, this study provides the first empirical evidence of the influence of psychological biases on saving decisions of bank customers in Ghana. The findings of this study will enhance knowledge on the influence of psychological biases on individual decision-making and will accentuate the fact that the individual is not an entirely rational being.

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative framework for supporting assistive technology decision-making in Singapore schools: perspectives of in-service educators

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Ee Wong ◽  
YingMin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Written Feedback ◽  
Technology Initiative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trial Experience ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study explored in-service educators' experience of using the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) for assistive technology (AT) decision-making within Singapore schools.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative design. Eight educators across both mainstream and special education schools were introduced to the WATI framework which they subsequently employed as a trial experience for a student under their care. Written feedback gathered from participants was analysed to identify common issues and themes regarding the use of the WATI framework for AT decision-making.FindingsThe comprehensive consideration of a broad scope of different factors, provision of a structured process for AT decision-making, as well as a common language for use by different stakeholders emerged as key benefits of implementing the WATI. Challenges encountered include administrative struggles in gathering different stakeholders together, time and resource constraints and difficulties in loaning AT devices for trial use.Practical implicationsBased on educators' feedback, recommendations to facilitate the adoption of the WATI for AT decision-making within Singapore schools are discussed and considered. This study also highlights the need for greater AT instruction within both preservice and in-service teacher preparation programmes in Singapore.Originality/valueSchools in Singapore currently rarely adopt any frameworks in place to guide educators through a systematic process of AT consideration. It is anticipated that this study will spearhead and drive the adoption of systematic frameworks such as the WATI for better AT decision-making within Singapore schools.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-03-2021-0015

Evaluation of barriers in the adoption of halal certification: a fuzzy DEMATEL approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahbaz Khan ◽  
Mohd Imran Khan ◽  
Abid Haleem
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Specific Region ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Certification System ◽  
Expert’S Opinion

PurposeHigher level of customer satisfaction for halal products can be achieved by the effective adoption of halal certification through assessment and accreditation (HCAA). There are certain issues that seem detrimental towards the adoption of HCAA. The purpose of this paper is to identify the major barriers towards the adoption of HCAA and evaluate inter-relationships among them for developing the strategies to mitigate these barriers.Design/methodology/approachThe barriers towards the adoption of HCAA are identified through an integrative approach of literature review and expert’s opinion. The inter-relationship among the identified barriers is evaluated using fuzzy-based decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) technique, which categorises them into influential and influenced group.FindingsThe evaluation of inter-relationship among barriers using fuzzy DEMATEL indicates four influencing barriers and six influenced barriers towards the adoption of HCAA. Further, findings suggest an extensive government, and management support is vital in terms of commitment, resources and actions to realise the benefits attributed with HCAA.Research limitations/implicationsThe inter-relationship among barriers is contextual and based on the perception of experts which may be biased as per their background and area of expertise. This study pertains to a specific region and can be extended to the generalised certification system.Originality/valueThe empirical base of the research provides the inter-relationship among the barriers towards the adoption of HCAA which can be effectively used as input in the decision-making process by producers, manufacturers and distributor. The policy maker can analyse the cause group and effect group of barriers to formulate policies that would help in the adoption of HCAA.

Characterization of structure and air permeability of aromatherapic terry textile

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvinija Petrulyte ◽  
Deimante Vankeviciute ◽  
Donatas Petrulis
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Air Permeability ◽  
Factorial Designs ◽  
Linear Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mathematical Equations ◽  
Binder Concentration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the physical properties of smart aromatherapic ramie/cotton terry fabrics containing microcapsules (MC) with essential Eucalyptus oil. Design/methodology/approach – Terry fabrics are manufactured by changing the weft density. The air permeability is determined for grey and microencapsulated textile. The factorial designs are made. For informative experiment the linear type of regression is analysed. Development of physical properties of microencapsulated terry fabrics is discussed. Findings – The air permeability of aromatherapic terry fabrics is determined. All statistical analysis is performed. Appropriate conclusions about the influence of fabric’s structure and microencapsulating process on terry fabric quality are made. Originality/value – To date there are no investigations concerning terry textiles with fragrance MC. This study developed analysis and empiric mathematical equations suitable for evaluating and designing terry fabrics with the air permeability required. Assessment of the influence of fabric’s weft density and binder concentration for the air permeability of terry textile is proposed.

Increasing the flow of Guinness: the role of strategic investment decision-making in organizations

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-21
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Investment Decision ◽  
Strategic Investment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Direction ◽  
Investment Decision Making ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The decision by Guinness in 1965 to expand into Ghana was based on a robust and experienced strategic investment decision-making process (SIDM). It required the knowledge of past failures and successes to implement those lessons onto a new project. As such, the SIDM process can be seen to be one of the most important in terms of an organizations ability to expand and take advantage of situations. What Alkaraan (2016) demonstrates is the factors that govern the SIDM process, why they are important and how they function within an organization. In doing so, organizations that are struggling to succeed may be able to highlight areas that have previously been ignored, to implement a new strategic direction. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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