Initial attempt to optimize the operation of a hydrometric network using branch and bound algorithm

The paper presents a new approach developed to formulate and solve the problem of field operation of a hydrometric network. In present practice, optimization techniques are not used for solving this problem. In the initial attempt, documented in the paper, the traveling salesman algorithm is used to find the optimal solution. Assumptions used and experience gained during the research are addressed in the paper. For the Dauphin hydrometric field area in Manitoba, an "optimal" solution has been obtained and presented. Based on the analysis of the results, conclusions were drawn about future research directions incorporating development of an effective heuristic algorithm for solving the traveling hydrometric technician problem. Key words: operation, hydrometric network, optimization, heuristic algorithm, traveling salesman algorithm.

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Facing disruptive technologies: aligning purchasing maturity to contingencies

Supply Chain Management An International Journal ◽

10.1108/scm-03-2018-0087 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 147-169 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Britta Søgaard ◽

Heather Dawn Skipworth ◽

Michael Bourlakis ◽

Carlos Mena ◽

Richard Wilding

Keyword(s):

Strategic Alignment ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Directions ◽

Company Strategy ◽

New Approach ◽

Content Type ◽

Disruptive Technologies ◽

Future Research Directions ◽

Exploratory Case Studies ◽

Selection Of

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how purchasing could respond to disruptive technologies by examining the assumptions underlying purchasing strategic alignment and purchasing maturity through a contingency lens.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a systematic review across purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment literature. This is supplemented with exploratory case studies to include practitioners’ views.FindingsThis research demonstrates that neither purchasing maturity nor purchasing strategic alignment are suitable approaches to respond to disruptive technologies. Purchasing maturity does not allow purchasing managers to select relevant practices. It also shows no consideration of any contingencies, which practitioners highlight as important for the selection of practices. Purchasing strategic alignment includes the company strategy as a contingency but does not provide any practices to choose from. It does not include any other contextual contingencies considered important by practitioners. The findings indicate that linking the two research streams may provide a more suitable approach to responding to disruptive technologies.Research limitations/implicationsThis research demonstrates the requirement to develop a new approach to responding to disruptive technologies, by linking purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment to contextual contingencies. This is a currently unexplored approach in academic literature, which refutes the generally accepted premise that higher maturity unilaterally supports a better positioning towards technological disruption. This research also highlights a requirement for practitioners to shift their approach to “best practices”.Originality/valueThis is the first research to systematically review the relationships between purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment. It adds to contingency theory by suggesting that purchasing maturity models can support the achievement of strategic alignment. Also, future research directions are suggested to explore these relationships.

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Digital Forensics

International Journal of Organizational and Collective Intelligence ◽

10.4018/ijoci.2020040103 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 37-53 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Reza Montasari ◽

Richard Hill ◽

Simon Parkinson ◽

Pekka Peltola ◽

Amin Hosseinian-Far ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Digital Forensics ◽

Future Research ◽

Law Enforcement Agencies ◽

Research Directions ◽

New Approach ◽

Digital Devices ◽

Future Research Directions ◽

Digital Forensic Investigations ◽

New Research

Considering the ever-growing ubiquity of technology, there is an associated growth in the possibility of digital devices related to a criminal investigation or civil litigation. As the variety of digital devices is increasing, the storage capacity of each is also rising exponentially. Due to the varied and large volumes of data produced, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) worldwide are facing a significant backlog of cases. This has culminated in significant delays in dealing with cases that urgently require digital forensic investigations (DFIs). It is of paramount importance that new research approaches be adopted to address such challenges. This article evaluates the existing set of circumstances surrounding the field of digital forensics (DF). The article provides two important contributions to the field of DF; it identifies and analyses the most important mid- and long-term challenges that need to be considered by LEAs. It also proposes important specific future research directions, the undertaking of which can assist LEAs in adopting a new approach to addressing these challenges.

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