Post-records survey inspections in Zimbabwe

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-127
Author(s):  
Samson Mutsagondo
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Archives ◽  
Midlands Province

Purpose This paper aims to establish public departments’ compliance with National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ)’s records survey recommendations as well as to find out reasons for compliance and non-compliance. Design/methodology/approach This quantitative research used a survey research design and collected data using questionnaires, which were triangulated by document reviews and personal observation. A census approach was used where all 15 public departments upon which post-records survey inspections were conducted by Gweru Records Centre in the Midlands Province in 2016 were involved in the study. Findings The study revealed that many public departments in Zimbabwe disregarded records survey recommendations given by NAZ after records surveys. This was despite the fact that NAZ was armed with the National Archives of Zimbabwe Act (1986) which in principle is supposed to induce compliance by client departments. As a result, the records management situation in public departments has not improved much, and in some cases, it has become worse. Originality/value A lot has been published about records surveys in Zimbabwe, for example, by Chaterera (2008, 2013), Dewah (2010), Karimanzira and Mutsagondo (2015), Maboreke (2007) and Mutsagondo (2012). These studies have shown the importance of records surveys. However, none of them has evaluated the effectiveness of records surveys by examining the degree of compliance to records survey recommendations by public departments. This study thus scores a first in this regard. The study will enable NAZ to make a cost-benefit analysis of records surveys as well as to use results of this study to effect necessary operational, tactical and strategic decisions as regards the exercise.

scholarly journals Contractual procurement alternatives of air force contingency pharmaceuticals: a cost-benefit analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-128
Author(s):  
Adam J. Brubakken ◽  
John M. Dickens ◽  
Jason Anderson ◽  
William Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Air Force ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Medical Service ◽  
Transaction Cost Economics ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Reserve Material ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Centralized Purchasing

Purpose This paper aims to explore effective supply chain principles, through the theory of transaction cost economics, as measures to improve current contingency pharmaceutical item shortfalls in the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) Contingency Pharmaceutical Programme. Design/methodology/approach In this research, AFMS contingency pharmaceutical data was collected from various databases, including the Joint Medical Asset Repository, Medical Contingency Requirements Workflow and the Medical Requirements List. Through the methodology of cost-benefit analysis, alternative sourcing and fulfilment practices are evaluated. Findings The findings of this research indicate that the application of centralized purchasing principles, in an effort to leverage prime vendor contract fill rates for shortage items, can lead to 12%–17% increases in pharmaceutical material availability across the programme. Originality/value This research clearly shows that consolidating demand for shortage items across Active Duty War Reserve Material assemblages, though applications of centralized purchasing principles that leverage prime vendor contract fill rates, can lead to substantial increases in material availability at costs that justify the calculated benefits.

Contribution of cost-benefit analysis to optimization of eco-design plants

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 334-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Mellal ◽  
Mébarek Djebabra
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Environmental Constraints ◽  
Industrial System ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Systems ◽  
Functional Behavior ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This study aims to interest the eco-design of the systems. This interest is justified by the need to reducing the environmental impacts in phase of the design plant. Design/methodology/approach – It consists of a proposal for a combined methodology of the industrial systems eco-design. This methodology is based on the simultaneous use of a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) method and dependability tools. Findings – In the developed approach, we use the dependability tools for modeling of the functional behavior of the industrial systems and the CBA method for optimization of the industrial system constraints which are in fact environmental constraints. Practical implications – Methodology suggested constitutes an invaluable help to ensure a better integration of the environment in production. Originality/value – Methodology suggested is tallied by the CBA method, which makes it possible to manage the conflict relation between production and environmental protection.

The social valuation of income: a survey approach

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 808-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
David John Evans ◽  
Erhun Kula ◽  
Yoko Nagase
Keyword(s):  
Political Parties ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Valuation ◽  
Survey Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to estimate survey-based values of the elasticity of marginal social valuation of income, an important welfare parameter in cost-benefit analysis. Design/methodology/approach – A model relating equity welfare weights to income is developed, and iso-elasticity of marginal valuation of income is tested using survey data obtained from a sample of Turkish politicians who are instrumental in policy making. Findings – Based on the survey feedback, formal statistical testing indicates that Turkish politicians, regardless of party allegiance, reveal preferences consistent with an iso-elastic marginal social valuation of income. The estimated value of the elasticity measure is close to unity for each of the political parties. Originality/value – The originality of the paper is in terms of the survey method used to obtain from Turkish politicians estimates of the marginal social valuation of income. This welfare parameter is needed in the calculation of both social discount rates and welfare weights. The paper will be of interest to academics in the field of welfare economics as well as to practitioners involved in the appraisal of social projects and policies.

ZeNXL express logistics: route optimization

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Amol S Dhaigude ◽  
Soham Ray ◽  
Dhrubojit Konwar
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Route Optimization ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Logistics Management ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Service Offering

Learning outcomes This case has four major learning outcomes using hands-on spreadsheet tool. First is to introduce and apply the Clarke and Wright’s Savings algorithm. Second is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis in transportation set up. Third is to find out the optimal route to be taken to fulfill given demand while satisfying time and capacity constraints. Finally, one has to optimize the number of vehicles required for daily operations. Case overview/synopsis Dhruvam, the protagonist of the case, working at ZeNXL, a third-party logistics service provider, was assigned the task of reducing the operational cost of the company as part of the new service offering called “Route optimization.” This new offering would help optimize vehicle delivery routes to meet daily customer demand. The launch of the new service offering was due in the next 10 days with client LG Electronics to be the first beneficiary. Complexity academic level MBA-1 (Logistics Management), MBA-2 (Route Optimization). This case provides an opportunity for instructors to introduce vehicle routing and scheduling as part of logistics management. Students are expected to use the data given in the case and exhibits to develop the optimal routes (using Clarke and Wright’s Savings algorithm) and conduct cost-benefit analysis. This case also provides insights on the challenges associated with start-up operations. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and Logistics

IoT-based production logistics and supply chain system – Part 2

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengru Tu ◽  
Ming K. Lim ◽  
Ming-Fang Yang
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Supply Chain System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Architecture Framework

Purpose The purpose of this paper is threefold: to present internet of things (IoT)-based cyber-physical system (CPS) architecture framework to facilitate the integration of IoT and CPS; to implement an IoT-based CPS prototype based on the architecture framework for a PL application scenario of in a case study; and to devise evaluation methods and conduct experimental evaluations on an IoT-based CPS prototype. Design/methodology/approach The design research method, case study, emulation experiment method, and cost-benefit analysis are applied in this research. An IoT-based CPS architecture framework is proposed, and followed by the development of prototype system and testbed platform. Then, the emulation and experimental evaluation of IoT-based CPS are conducted on the testbed, and the experimental results are analyzed. Findings The emulation experiment results show that the proposed IoT-based CPS outperforms current barcode-based system regarding labor cost, efficiency, and operational adaptiveness. The evaluation of the IoT-based CPS prototype indicates significant improvements in PL tasks and reduced part inventory under a dynamic changing shop-floor environment. Practical implications The case study shows that the proposed architecture framework and prototype system can be applied to many discrete manufacturing industries, such as automobile, airplane, bicycle, home appliance, and electronics. Originality/value The proposed IoT-based CPS is among the first to address the need to integrate IoT and CPS for PL applications, and to conduct experimental evaluations and cost-benefit analysis of adopting IoT-based CPS for PL. This paper also contributes to the IoT research by using diverse research methods to offer broader insights into understanding IoT and CPS.

Narrowing the barriers to Industry 4.0 practices through PCA-Fuzzy AHP-K means

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shailendra Kumar ◽  
Mohd. Suhaib ◽  
Mohammad Asjad
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Fuzzy Ahp ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
New Production ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe study aims to analyze the barriers in the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) practices in terms of prioritization, cluster formation and clustering of empirical responses, and then narrowing them with identification of the most influential barriers for further managerial implications in the adoption of I4.0 practices by developing an enhanced understanding of I4.0.Design/methodology/approachFor the survey-based empirical research, barriers to I.40 are synthesized from the review of relevant literature and further discussions with academician and industry persons. Three widely acclaimed statistical techniques, viz. principal component analysis (PCA), fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (fuzzy AHP) and K-means clustering are applied.FindingsThe novel integrated approach shows that lack of transparent cost-benefit analysis with clear comprehension about benefits is the major barrier for the adoption of I4.0, followed by “IT infrastructure,” “Missing standards,” “Lack of properly skilled manpower,” “Fitness of present machines/equipment in the new regime” and “Concern to data security” which are other prominent barriers in adoption of I4.0 practices. The availability of funds, transparent cost-benefit analysis and clear comprehension about benefits will motivate the business owners to adopt it, overcoming the other barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study brings out the new fundamental insights from the barriers to I4.0. The new insights developed here will be helpful for managers and policymakers to understand the concept and barriers hindering its smooth implementation. The factors identified are the major thrust areas for a manager to focus on for the smooth implementation of I4.0 practices. The removal of these barriers will act as a booster in the way of implementing I4.0. Real-world testing of findings is not available yet, and this will be the new direction for further research.Practical implicationsThe new production paradigm is highly complex and evolving. The study will act as a handy tool for the implementing manager for what to push first and what to push later while implementing the I4.0 practices. It will also empower a manager to assess the implementation capabilities of the industry in advance.Originality/valuePCA, fuzzy AHP and K means are deployed for identifying the significant barriers to I4.0 first time. The paper is the result of the original conceptual work of integrating the three techniques in the domain of prioritizing and narrowing the barriers from 16 to 6.

Communicating the value of your libraries

2007 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen Holt
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Spiritual Values ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Participant ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Ideal

PurposeAims to focus on the issue of value in libraries.Design/methodology/approachDraws from research conducted to set up a conservative transportable cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) methodology that could be applied to public libraries. The paper discusses the CBA‐survey participant comments draws out the value themes that interviewees talked about as they answered various questions.FindingsThere is a huge tendency in North America to talk about libraries as if they are secular churches and to impute spiritual values to them. This paper suggests that while library users may hold such feelings, that is not the first line of reasons for why they use their library.Originality/valueShows how library communications needs to be framed in the practical as well as the ethereal, the practical along with the ideal.

Increasing transparency is not always the panacea

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michiel De Vries ◽  
Iwona Sobis
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Morality ◽  
Corruption In Organizations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that the analysis of corruption must distinguish between corruption in organizations where this kind of behaviour is widespread and corruption in organizations where it is rare, and must also distinguish between corruption as the outcome of an economic cost-benefit analysis and corruption induced by social-psychological factors. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper. Findings – In order to be effective in combating corruption, a fit is needed with the main determinants of corrupt behaviour: first, at the individual level in which either personal morality, social or economic considerations are at stake; second, at the organizational level in which social-psychological factors might be determinative; and third, at the contextual level in which economic prosperity, the nature of the political system and cultural features are important. Practical implications – Especially in systems where corruption is widespread, policymakers could benefit from theories in social psychology to combat corruption. Social implications – To see corruption as the result of an individual cost-benefit analysis or as a lack of morality often misses the point in cases of widespread corruption. Originality/value – The paper points at the added value of social psychology approach to corruption as compared to the approaches at present dominant in public administration.

Cost-benefit analysis for regenerative energy storage in metro

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Li ◽  
Ziyou Gao
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Energy Recovery ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Storage Devices ◽  
Regenerative Energy

Purpose Regenerative braking is an efficient energy saving technology in urban rail system, in which the recovery energy from braking trains is collected by some equipments and released to accelerating trains when needed. However, the high cost and low lifetime of storage devices prevent the widespread use of this technology. The purpose of this paper is to conduct thorough cost-benefit analysis to facilitate China’s urban rail companies to make decisions on the use of such technology. Design/methodology/approach To evaluate the benefit from regenerative energy storage, the authors formulate an improved integrated scheduling and speed control model to calculate the net energy consumption associated with different energy recovery rates and then define the benefit as the amount of energy saving arising from the usage of storage equipments. With the frequent charge/discharge operations on storage equipments, the energy recovery rate generally decreases which lowers the benefit, but the maintenance cost increases. By trading-off benefit and cost, the authors derive the optimal scrapping time, the maximum profit and the profitability condition for storage devices. Findings Simulation studies based on the Beijing Metro Yizhuang Line of China are given. The results show that compared with the current timetable and speed profile, the integrated scheduling and speed control approach with energy recovery rate of 0.5 can reduce the net energy consumption by 12.69 per cent; the net energy consumption can be well approximated as a linear function of energy recovery rate; and the maximum profit and the optimal scrapping time on regenerative energy storage devices are both positively related to the electricity price. The allowance proportion and the number of service trains such that busy lines with higher electricity price or allowance proportion have advantages to use the regenerative energy storage devices. Research limitations/implications In this work, a linear energy recovery rate and a linear maintenance cost are used in the cost-benefit analysis process. In future research, the more accurate expressions on energy recovery rate and maintenance cost should be considered if more data on recovery rate and maintenance cost can be gathered. Originality/value The main values of this paper are to develop the integrated optimization approaches for train scheduling and speed control and, on this basis, make thorough cost-benefit analysis for regenerative energy storage to improve the operations management of urban rail transit.

Cost benefit analysis on SVC and UPFC in a dynamic economic dispatch problem

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sekharan Sreejith ◽  
Sishaj P. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Power System ◽  
Power Flow ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Economic Dispatch ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Facts Devices ◽  
Generation Cost ◽  
Dynamic Economic Dispatch

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to compare the performance of static VAR compensator (SVC) and unified power flow controller (UPFC) in dynamic economic dispatch (DED) problem. DED schedules the online generator outputs with the predicted load demands over a certain period so that the electric power system is operated most economically. During last decade, flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) devices are broadly used for maximizing the loadability of existing power system transmission networks. However, based on the literature survey, the performance of SVC and UPFC incorporated in the DED problem and its cost–benefit analysis are not discussed earlier in any of the literature. Design/methodology/approach – Here, the DED problem is solved applying ABC algorithm incorporating SVC and UPFC. The following conditions are investigated with the incorporation of SVC and UPFC into DED problem: the role of SVC and UPFC for improving the power flow and voltage profile and the approximate analysis on cost recovery and payback period with SVC and UPFC in DED problem. Findings – The incorporation of FACTS devices reduces the generation cost and improves the stability of the system. The percentage cost recovered with FACTS devices is estimated approximately using equated monthly installment (EMI) and non-EMI scheme. It is clear from the illustrations that the installation of FACTS devices is profitable after a certain period. Research limitations/implications – In this research work, the generation cost with FACTS devices is only taken into account while calculating the profit. The other benefits like congestion management, cost gained due to land and cost due to stability issues are not considered. For future work, these things can be considered while calculating the benefit. Originality/value – The originality of the work is incorporation of FACTS devices in DED problem and approximate estimation of recovery cost with FACTS devices in DED problem.

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