Component-Oriented Reassembly in Remanufacturing Systems: Managing Uncertainty and Satisfying Customer Needs

2018 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Wang ◽  
Gamini P. Mendis ◽  
Shitong Peng ◽  
John W. Sutherland
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Decision Process ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Iteration Algorithm ◽  
Customer Needs ◽  
Significant Interest ◽  
Markov Decision ◽  
The Relationship

Remanufacturing has recently received significant interest due to its environmental and economic benefits. Traditionally, the reassembly processes in remanufacturing systems are managed using a product-oriented model. When a product is returned and disassembled, the used components may be processed incorrectly, and the quality of the remanufactured products may not meet customer needs. To solve these problems, a component-oriented reassembly model is proposed. In this model, returned components are inspected and assigned scores according to their quality/function and categorized in a reassembly inventory. Based on the reassembly inventory, components are paired under the control of a reassembly strategy, and these pairs are then assembled into reassembly chains. Each chain represents a product. To evaluate the performance of different reassembly strategies under uncertain conditions, we describe the reassembly problem using an agent-environment system. The platform is modeled as a Markov decision process (MDP), and a reassembly score iteration algorithm (RSIA) is developed to identify the optimal reassembly strategy. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated via a case study using the reassembly process of diesel engines. The results of the case study show that the component-oriented reassembly model can improve the performance of the reassembly system by 40%. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to evaluate the relationship between the parameters and the performance of the reassembly system. The component-oriented model can reassemble products to meet a larger variety of customer needs, while simultaneously producing better remanufactured products.

scholarly journals Does Tenure Security Reduce Disaster Risk? A Comparative Study of the Nairobi Settlements of Kibera and Kawangware

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rónán McDermott ◽  
Pat Gibbons ◽  
Dalmas Ochieng ◽  
Charles Owuor Olungah ◽  
Desire Mpanje
Keyword(s):  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Complex Relationship ◽  
Tenure Security ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Urban Informal Settlements ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractWhile scholarship suggests that improving tenure security and housing significantly reduces disaster risk at the household level within urban settings, this assertion has not been adequately tested. Tenure security can be conceived as being composed of three interrelated and overlapping forms: tenure security as determined by legal systems; de facto tenure security; and tenure security as perceived by residents. This article traces the relationship between tenure security, the quality of housing, and disaster risk on the basis of a mixed methods comparative case study of the settlements of Kawangware and Kibera in Nairobi. Although the findings suggest that owner-occupancy is associated with the structural integrity of dwellings to a greater extent than tenantship, no association was found between the length of occupancy by households and the structural integrity of the dwelling. Moreover, tenantship is not found to be closely associated with fires and flooding affecting the dwelling as extant scholarship would suggest. Formal ownership is linked with greater investment and upgrading of property with significant implications for disaster risk. Our findings highlight the complex relationship between tenure security and disaster risk in urban informal settlements and provide impetus for further investigation.

AN EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC GOVERNANCE AND INCOME INEQUALITY: A CASE STUDY OF VIETNAM

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
PHUC VAN PHAN
Keyword(s):  
Income Inequality ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Dynamic Panel Data ◽  
Living Standard ◽  
Public Governance ◽  
The Relationship

Public governance and income inequality relationship is complex and debatable. This paper examines the extent to which the quality of local governance affects inequality in Vietnam spanning the 2006–2016 period. I apply a generalized method of moments (GMM) estimators to a dynamic panel data extracted from the Vietnam’s provincial competitiveness index and the Vietnam household living standard surveys. The findings are that there is a positive inequality — corruption link but no statistically significant correlation coefficient between the overall level of governance and income disparity. The study, therefore, suggests that the Vietnamese Government at all levels should consider both more effective legal practices and economic low-cost solutions to mitigate corruption.

Adiabatic Markov Decision Process: Convergence of Value Iteration Algorithm

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thai Duong ◽  
Duong Nguyen-Huu ◽  
Thinh Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Markov Decision Process ◽  
Decision Process ◽  
Transition Probability ◽  
Transition Probability Matrix ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Optimal Decision ◽  
Iteration Algorithm ◽  
Value Iteration ◽  
Markov Decision ◽  
Value Iteration Algorithm

Markov decision process (MDP) is a well-known framework for devising the optimal decision-making strategies under uncertainty. Typically, the decision maker assumes a stationary environment which is characterized by a time-invariant transition probability matrix. However, in many real-world scenarios, this assumption is not justified, thus the optimal strategy might not provide the expected performance. In this paper, we study the performance of the classic value iteration algorithm for solving an MDP problem under nonstationary environments. Specifically, the nonstationary environment is modeled as a sequence of time-variant transition probability matrices governed by an adiabatic evolution inspired from quantum mechanics. We characterize the performance of the value iteration algorithm subject to the rate of change of the underlying environment. The performance is measured in terms of the convergence rate to the optimal average reward. We show two examples of queuing systems that make use of our analysis framework.

Rule-Based Ontology Decision Model

2016 ◽  
pp. 271-291
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Decision Support Systems ◽  
Decision Process ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Rule Based ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Markov Decision ◽  
Minimization Technique ◽  
Complex Decision

In chapter 7, we examined some selected case study applications of some decision support systems. Those considered were the matrix-based used in determining labour cost, sub-chaining method, linear regression, optimization (i.e. minimization) technique and Markov decision process. As earlier discussed, our focus will be on rule-based decision support systems. This is because rule-based systems are more encompassing and can easily be employed to deal with complex decision about construction activities. Hence in this chapter, an overview of rule-based decision system will be examined.

Some Selected Case Study Applications

2016 ◽  
pp. 180-270
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Decision Support Systems ◽  
Decision Process ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Markov Decision ◽  
Decision Support Models ◽  
Minimization Technique

Having examined the modelling principles of underpinning based decision support systems applied to construction in Chapter 6, this chapter will now demonstrate their detail applications in construction practice. Specifically, 7 decision-support systems will be examined. The choices are based on the fact that data for use in the decision support models are available. The decision-support systems considered are the matrix-based used in determining labor cost, sub-chaining method, linear regression, optimization (i.e. minimization) technique, Markov decision process and rule-based systems.

scholarly journals Determiners in the Consumer’s Purchase Decision Process in Ecotourism Contexts: A Portuguese Case Study

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Roseta ◽  
Bruno Barbosa Sousa ◽  
Lara Roseta
Keyword(s):  
Decision Process ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Purchase Decision ◽  
Operational Environment ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Local Traditions ◽  
Post Purchase ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose: This paper entails a reflection on sustainability and specific tourism contexts (i.e., ecotourism). It focusses mainly on local communities’ determiners in the consumer’s purchase decision process in ecotourism. This research aimed at understanding the determiners in the process of consumer decisions in ecotourism contexts, as well as verifying the growing importance of ecotourism. Methodology: A questionnaire was conducted (with ecotourism specific contexts), in Portugal. Portugal is a tourist destination that has gained notoriety and recognition in recent years. In total, 197 questionnaires were collected, aiming for a deeper understanding of the real social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts resulting from the uncontrolled development of tourism. This study aimed at testing the proposed conceptual model empirically (i.e., the relationship between destination image and post-purchase behaviour). Findings: Sustainability must be looked at as a vital need for society in general, as well as for the tourism sector. Ecotourism is the natural evolution of tourism employing care for the environment, culture and local traditions, while promoting environmental education. Research Limitations: The results obtained are limited, considering the availability of most accommodation units in the ecotourism segment in Portugal (e.g., hotels). As next steps, it is advisable that hotel units come to realise the pertinence of such research as they are the main beneficiaries of these initiatives, being then recommended that they collaborate with the process of completing surveys. Originality/Value: Managers and ecotourists can use the outcomes of this study to gain an in-depth understanding of customer experiences (i.e., sustainability experiences), to develop effective marketing strategies, and to create an operational environment that can maximise customers’ perceived experiential values. Destination image plays a fundamental part in terms of experience and the tourist’s own satisfaction, with a need to improve the degree of affectivity towards the hotel unit.

Relationship between organizational commitments and organizational citizenship behaviour in a sample of private banking employees

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 91-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Zayas-Ortiz ◽  
Ernesto Rosario ◽  
Eulalia Marquez ◽  
Pablo Colón Gruñeiro
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Organizational Citizenship ◽  
Civic Virtue ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Moral Commitment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Private Banking ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether there was a relationship between commitment and the behaviour of organizational citizenship among bank employees. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on the outcomes of a doctoral dissertation, which was a case study combining a mix methodology. The results validated the conceptual model proposed by the researcher and answered the research questions. Measurement instruments used include the organizational citizenship scale and the organizational commitment scale, developed and validated by Rosario et al. (2004). Findings – The paper finds that there is a positive correlation between the organizational commitment and the indicators of organizational citizenship behaviour and civic virtue, courtesy and altruism dimensions shown by the employees. The dimensions of affective and moral commitment had the strongest correlation with the civic virtue dimension of organizational citizenship. Research limitations/implications – Sample consist only of private banking employees. Practical implications – The organizations should support the affective and moral commitment in their personnel in order to develop strong citizenship behaviour. Social implications – The organizational commitment with demonstrations of citizenship behaviour, civic virtue, and courtesy and altruism dimensions may impact the organization and the community creating a good base to improve the quality of life. Originality/value – This is the first attempt to study the relationship between organizational commitments and organizational citizenship behaviour in a sample of private banking employees in Puerto Rico.

Rethinking the Relationship Between Public Regulation and Private Litigation: Evidence from Securities Class Action in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-361
Author(s):  
Robin Hui Huang
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Class Action ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Securities Law ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Public And Private Enforcement ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The U.S

Abstract China has a civil procedure for collective litigation, which is dubbed Chinese-style class action, as it differs from the U.S.-style class action in some important ways. Using securities class action as a case study, this Article empirically examines both the quantity and quality of reported cases in China. It shows that the number of cases is much lower than expected, but the percentage of recovery is significantly higher than that in the United States. Based on this, the Article casts doubt on the popular belief that China should adopt the U.S.-style class action, and sheds light on the much-debated issue concerning the relationship between public and private enforcement of securities law. The Article also discusses the future prospects of securities class action in China in light of some recent developments which may provide its functional equivalents, including the regulator-brokered compensation fund and public interest group litigation.

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