Truck dispatching and minimum emissions earthmoving

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza S. Kaboli ◽  
David G. Carmichael
Keyword(s):  
Unit Cost ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unit Costs ◽  
Road Project ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Numerical Case Study ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Truck Allocation

Purpose – The dispatching of trucks in earthmoving and like operations is worthy of examination because of potential emission reductions and savings through the appropriate allocation of trucks to excavators and dump sites. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – Truck dispatching is performed through linear programming (LP) and the effect of truck allocation on unit emissions and unit costs established. Number of trucks, unit cost and unit emissions are all considered as objective functions. A cut and fill operation on a road project provides a numerical case study. Findings – It is demonstrated analytically that the minimum unit emissions solution is the same as that for minimum unit cost. Numerical results from the case study, including sensitivity analyses on the underlying parameters, support this conclusion. Practical implications – The LP dispatching solution, based on minimizing truck numbers and unit costs, accordingly impacts the environment the least in terms of emissions. The paper's results will be of interest to those designing and managing earthmoving and like operations for production, cost and emissions. Originality/value – While LP has been used by others to examine optimum unit cost dispatching, this paper is original in examining the dispatching or truck allocation based on both unit cost and unit emissions, and showing the relationship between the optima for both.

scholarly journals Re-examining the philosopher’s stone of leadership

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-663
Author(s):  
Fenwick W. English ◽  
Lisa Catherine Ehrich
Keyword(s):  
School Leadership ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
Multiple Identities ◽  
Leadership Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the phenomenon of leadership at the intersection of aesthetics, identity and self within a dynamic, fluid and interactive compositional mixture which is part of a leader’s continuous process of invention and reinvention. Design/methodology/approach The methodology of this paper is a conceptual analysis and presentation involving some of the extant literature in the field of aesthetics, identity and leadership, including Harold Bloom’s theory of poetry that provides an entrance point to understand the problem of identity. The authors argue that a person, such as a leader, has multiple identities and interactions with others which lead to the co-construction of the self. To demonstrate this argument, the authors explore a case study of the life of the opera diva, Maria Callas. Findings An exploratory conceptual model demonstrating the relationship between identity and self, and insights and Bloom’s theory are applied to illuminate the case study of Maria Callas’ life. A key finding of the analysis is that identity is linked to performance and co-constructed in relation to others. Practical implications The paper concludes by discussing two implications for developing school leadership performance: the need for an aesthetic perspective of leadership and the need to provide a range of teaching approaches to teach leadership. Originality/value There have been few, if any, significant breakthroughs in understanding more about leadership from the traditional methods of social science. It is argued that until and unless researchers move towards working in aesthetic traditions there is not likely to be new understandings of it.

scholarly journals From space food research and innovation to immediate advantages for Earth eating habits

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (11) ◽  
pp. 2448-2461
Author(s):  
Erica Varese ◽  
Paola Cane
Keyword(s):  
System Integration ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology System ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Food Research ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the food innovation strategies carried out by an Italian firm, Argotec, responsible for the development and supply of space food (SF) for European astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), can also be applied to food suitable to be eaten on Planet Earth. This study aims at showing the relationship between SF innovation and terrestrial strategies directed at implementing this kind of food also on terrestrial tables. Design/methodology/approach This research focusses on a case study. The subject of the case study under analysis is Argotec, an internationally recognised Italian aerospace engineering company, dealing with research, innovation and development in various sectors, including engineering, information technology, system integration, small satellites and “Human Space Flight and Operations”. The company produces innovative SF for European astronauts performing long-duration missions on-board the ISS. Moreover, the SF is made available also for terrestrial beings as a solution for everyday eating necessities. Findings Argotec is characterised by strong innovation in terms of products and processes. Throughout the case study, the authors focus on the relationship between SF innovation and its terrestrial applications, since this company also manufactures products, traded under the brand “ReadyToLunch”, suitable for daily meals on Earth. Innovation applied to SF can thus offer advantages also for terrestrial daily meals and therefore help the company achieve other competitive advantages: as to the authors’ knowledge, this is a unique case. Research limitations/implications This study also has some limitations, typical of the applied methodology. In relation to the interview technique, further interviews would be required in order to fully understand the end-user perspectives regarding the importance and interest of this kind of “ready-to-eat” food. Practical implications Practical implications relate to astronauts and to terrestrial consumers. For astronauts, SF is not any more intended only to satisfy humans’ basic needs, and to provide the necessary nutrients during space missions, but has become an important factor in the quality of life in space. For terrestrial consumers, SF may represent a healthy, tasty and nutritious “ready-to-eat” choice: single courses for the main meals and snacks for a break. Originality/value This research fills a gap in literature: to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper presenting a case study on a company responsible for the development and supply of SF for European astronauts on-board the ISS, as well as encouraging the consumption of SF by terrestrial beings, as an ordinary “ready-to-eat” lunch/dinner.

Walk Score and tourist accommodation

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael Ram ◽  
C. Michael Hall
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tel Aviv ◽  
Limited Knowledge ◽  
Walk Score ◽  
Tourist Accommodation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Score Index

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to extend the research on tourist walkability and Walk Score® by posing the question “does tourist accommodation benefit from being located in walkable places?”. Design/methodology/approach Using Tel Aviv municipality as a case study, the prices and number of reviews of 81 hotels and 97 Airbnb listings were associated with their corresponding Walk Score® measures. Findings The relationship between Walk Score and prices and number of reviews was not linear or strong. However, the most expensive accommodation and more popular hotels were below the median Walk Score of Tel Aviv. Research limitations/implications The findings may reflect the specific conditions associated with Tel Aviv, such as city compactness, topography and planning regulations. Practical implications The study suggests that accommodation is beneficial if it is located on the margins of very walkable areas. This raises regulatory and promotion issues for accommodation, and challenges for transport and tourism planners. Originality/value The study adds to the limited knowledge regarding tourism-related walkability, and is the first examination of links between walkability (measured by Walk Score index) and tourist accommodation (hotels and Airbnb).

Modelling the subjective experience of fun at work

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 520-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maeve Clancy ◽  
Carol Linehan
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Fresh Insight ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain some divergent findings on experiences of fun at work. It explains conflicting findings by moving from a focus on classifying the activity (as, e.g. task/managed/organic) to foregrounding the dynamics of the experience, adding to the growing conceptualisation of fun at work as a multi-dimensional construct.Design/methodology/approachThis research draws on empirical data obtained through case study and interviews with 13 participants from two organisations. These interviews were subjected to intense thematic analysis.FindingsIt was found that an individual’s underlying beliefs about the organisation; the perceived drivers of the fun practice; and the level of control exerted over a fun practice significantly shape the experience. The paper draws on the concept of the psychological contract to frame the relationship between these three key interacting elements.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a greater understanding of the dynamics of fun experiences, enabling management to better recognise and contextualise the impact of fun practices.Originality/valueGiven conflicting findings on both the experience and outcomes of fun at work, this study elucidates the dynamics underpinning the experience of fun at work. It is novel to consider experiences of fun through the lens of psychological contracts, which offers fresh insight into the understanding of individual experiences of fun.

Supplier selection using SWARA and WASPAS – a case study of Indian cement industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohit Kumar Singh ◽  
Sachin Modgil
Keyword(s):  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Supplier Management ◽  
Cement Industry ◽  
Ratio Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Assessment ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate and prioritize the key supplier selection indicators and to establish the relationship between available alternatives and selected indicators by using step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS). Design/methodology/approach Authors have extracted the supplier selection criteria from literature and used a combined SWARA-WASPAS method to evaluate and rank the criteria’s. SWARA is applied for evaluating and weighting selection criteria, whereas WASPAS helped in evaluating different available alternatives based on supplier selection indicators. Findings Finding from SWARA suggests that supplier management is the high weighted criteria followed by information sharing and joint actions. WASPAS was used to evaluate the available alternatives and supplier A1 got the highest priority. Additionally, sensitivity analysis indicates the different scenarios for the best supplier selection. Practical implications Working executives can use the SWARA for assessment of weights of finalized indicators for their firm in the cement industry. Further, the calculated weights can be used for product and sum weightage through WASPAS to finalize the best supplier. Originality/value The originality of the manuscript lies in the sector and methodology. Author(s) applied the SWARA and WASPAS method for supplier selection in the Indian cement industry that will help working executives to evaluate their supply chain partners.

scholarly journals Fun, inspiration and discovery: from momentary experiences to overall evaluations

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1937-1955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Liu ◽  
Beverley Sparks ◽  
Alexandra Coghlan
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Customer Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Key Variables ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to use a concurrent mixed method approach to explore the key variables that can influence customer experience at a food and wine event. Design/methodology/approach A concurrent mixed methods approach, using a participant-generated image (PGI) method, together with a recall survey, provided images with associated narratives, descriptive statistics, correlations and hierarchical multiple regression analysis to explore how attendees appraise their experiences based on their goals and the link between experience appraisals and overall evaluations. Findings Through the PGI method (N = 25), the authors determined that customer experience at the event could be viewed as a hierarchical model, comprising a fundamental sensory experience together with three higher-order customer experience components (fun, discovery and inspiration). A separate concurrent recall study (N = 598) demonstrated the relationship between the same four customer experience components and overall satisfaction as well as recommendation and repeat visitation. Practical implications The results suggest that to promote positive customer experiences, along with the product of the event itself, event managers should focus on activity programs that are fun, inspirational and novel, as well as sensory. Originality/value This study focuses on a single case study of an event to examine and extend our understanding of customer experience. The use of a concurrent mixed methods approach provides us with different types of data from two separate samples of participants. By integrating data from each study the authors are able to build a conceptual model of the salient dimensions of customer experience and then quantitatively analyze how these salient dimensions are related to outcome variables.

scholarly journals When infrastructure transition and work practice redesign collide

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 955-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle A. Tucker ◽  
Jane Hendy ◽  
James Barlow
Keyword(s):  
Work Practice ◽  
Work Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practice Redesign ◽  
Ethnographic Interviews ◽  
Management Objectives ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – As management innovations become more complex, infrastructure needs to change in order to accommodate new work practices. Different challenges are associated with work practice redesign and infrastructure change however; combining these presents a dual challenge and additional challenges associated with this interaction. The purpose of this paper is to ask: what are the challenges which arise from work practice redesign, infrastructure change and simultaneously attempting both in a single transformation? Design/methodology/approach – The authors present a longitudinal study of three hospitals in three different countries (UK, USA and Canada) transforming both their infrastructure and work practices. Data consists of 155 ethnographic interviews complemented by 205 documents and 36 hours of observations collected over two phases for each case study. Findings – This paper identifies that work practice redesign challenges the cognitive load of organizational members whilst infrastructure change challenges the project management and structure of the organization. Simultaneous transformation represents a disconnect between the two aspects of change resulting in a failure to understand the relationship between work and design. Practical implications – These challenges suggest that organizations need to make a distinction between the two aspects of transformation and understand the unique tensions of simultaneously tackling these dual challenges. They must ensure that they have adequate skills and resources with which to build this distinction into their change planning. Originality/value – This paper unpacks two different aspects of complex change and considers the neglected challenges associated with modern change management objectives.

Make it work! Creating an integrated workplace concept

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari Ekstrand ◽  
Geir Karsten Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Questionnaire Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continual Improvement ◽  
Secondary Material ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between organisational flexibility and individual adaptation in the implementation of integrated workplace concepts. The focus is on the interconnectedness between different concepts and organisational aspects, as well as on overcoming challenges to fully achieve the intended ends. Design/methodology/approach The discussion builds on a triangulated research design including: semi-structured interviews, observation studies and analysis of secondary material in the form of internal evaluation reports and quantitative questionnaire data. Findings To fully achieve the intended ends, organisational, cultural and managerial aspects need to be aligned with the interconnected workplace concept. To create alignment, the concept also needs to be supported by a process of continual improvement and organisational learning. Research limitations/implications The case study was conducted in one organisation. Additional empirical research is needed to provide more definite conclusions, guidelines and theories. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of applying a socio-material perspective towards implementation and development of integrated workplace concepts. Emphasising change, learning and development rather than standardisation and equality, may, in the end, allow for better concept interconnectedness. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in the perspective of studying the implementation of integrated workplace concepts from a socio-material perspective, shedding light on employee and managerial adaptation to different interrelated aspects and measures.

Trust-building mechanisms in a coopetition relationship: a case study design

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana von Borell de Araujo ◽  
Mário Franco
Keyword(s):  
Social Network Theory ◽  
Trust Building ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Opportunistic Behaviour ◽  
Qualitative Nature ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Contractual Agreement

Purpose From social network theory, this study aims to understand how trust is built in a coopetition relationship. Design/methodology/approach A case study of a qualitative nature was carried out using several semi-structured interviews with managers of two Brazilian firms involved in a dyadic coopetition relationship. Findings Based on the empirical evidence, five categories/themes resulted for understanding trust-building mechanisms: mutual dependence, previous experience and reputation, awareness of the risks of opportunistic behaviour, contractual agreement and dynamic process. The juridical sphere, contractual agreement, was the only one identified in the study where firm representatives presented discordant positions, referring specifically to contractual relations of the terms of the agreement. Practical implications The results of this study provide some suggestions for managers. First, before beginning interaction in a coopetition relationship, it is necessary to assess whether the coopetition relation meets the required conditions for interaction to take place. Second, the results suggest that firms should make provision against members of both organizations making the relationship vulnerable to acts of opportunism. Originality/value This case study is innovative because it reveals manifestations that could help to enhance knowledge of how organizations build trust in dyadic coopetition relationships.

scholarly journals Leveraging procurement-related knowledge through a fuzzy-based DSS: a refinement of purchasing portfolio models

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1077-1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Aloini ◽  
Riccardo Dulmin ◽  
Valeria Mininno ◽  
Pierluigi Zerbino
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Group Decision ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Multinational Company ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Decision Logic ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to model a decision support system (DSS) that could overcome the oversimplified, subjective, compensatory decision logic of extant purchasing portfolio models (PPMs) by leveraging the firms’ procurement-related knowledge base. Design/methodology/approach The DSS was developed through a fuzzy-based approach, whose design and application were framed within a case study in a multinational company. Findings The application of the fuzzy-based DSS to a product class suggests investing in the relationship with two specific suppliers and to loosen the relationship with a third one. Research limitations/implications Exploiting the fuzzy set theory and fostering the elicitation of procurement-related knowledge from the decision-makers, the DSS effectively tackles the concerns about the existing PPMs by including strategic-oriented priorities and contextual constraints in the evaluation. Practical implications The recommendations in output from the DSS are feasible, more analytical and easy to interpret, enabling knowledge sharing, group decision processes and better decision-making. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this manuscript is the first attempt to effectively integrate traditional PPMs with contextual, strategy-related factors to refine the purchasing directions and make them objective.

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