scholarly journals R&D Portfolio Management: the case study of a big energy company in Brazil

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-94
Author(s):  
Mariana Savedra Pfitzner ◽  
Ruy de Quadros Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Tariff Reduction ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Energy Company ◽  
Distribution Company ◽  
Energy Companies

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.13071/regec.2317-5087.2012.1.1.4038.74-94Portfolio Management entails the systematic evaluation, selection and prioritization of R&D projects in the organizational context. The aim of this article is to discuss the use of tools for managing the R&D portfolio in the Brazilian electricity sector, using the case study of an energy distribution company as an analytical support. In this sector, investment in research projects and guidelines for their completion are enforced by law. Otherwise, energy companies would not invest in R&D, they would rather buy equipment and systems from international suppliers. The execution of these projects is also strongly supervised by ANEEL, which guarantees that their results will turn into new products, patents, job creation, tariff reduction and operational efficiency for the company. If projects do not accomplish with government criteria, energy companies may be strongly penalized. In order to avoid such risk, companies may implement Portfolio Management tools.

scholarly journals Intelligent system for non-technical losses management in residential users of the electricity sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Uparela Cantillo ◽  
Ruben González ◽  
Jamer Jiménez Mares ◽  
Christian Quintero Monroy
Keyword(s):  
Intelligent Systems ◽  
Intelligent System ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Self Organizing Maps ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Distribution Company

The identification of irregular users is an important assignment in the recovery of energy in the distribution sector. This analysis requires low error levels to minimize non-technical electrical losses in power grid. However, the detection of fraudulent users who have billing does not present a generalized methodology. This issue is complex and varies according to the case study. This paper presents a novel methodology to identify residential fraudulent users by using intelligent systems. The proposed intelligent system consists of three fundamental modules. The first module performs the classification of users with similar power consumption curves using self-organizing maps and genetic algorithms. The second module allows carrying out the monthly electricity demand forecasting through of recursive adjustment of ARIMA models. The third module performs the detection of fraudulent users through an artificial neural network for pattern recognition. For the design and validation of the proposed intelligent system, several tests were performed in each developed module. The database used for the design and evaluation of the modules was constructed with data supplied by the energy distribution company of the Colombian Caribbean Region. The results obtained by the proposed intelligent system show a better performance versus the detection rates obtained by the company.

scholarly journals PORTFOLIO ROBUSTNESS EVALUATION: A CASE STUDY IN THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Carlos LOURENÇO ◽  
João Oliveira SOARES ◽  
Carlos A. BANA E COSTA
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Electricity Distribution ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Distribution Company ◽  
Multicriteria Decision Support

Managers continually face the task of allocating resources to projects when there is not enough money to fund them all. Portfolio Robustness Evaluation (PROBE) is a multicriteria decision support system developed to help managers to perform that difficult task. This paper presents a PROBE model, developed for an electricity distribution company, to select the best portfolio of projects, subject to budget constraints for different types of projects and various organisational units in multiple time periods. Projects requiring large-scale investments are analysed separately from the small-scale projects. The robustness of the selected portfolio of large-scale projects is analysed in an iterative process where broader uncertainty ranges are considered for the values of the projects, and also when an environmental impact criterion is added to the evaluation model.

scholarly journals Total Quality Management: the case of an electricity distribution company

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Carla de Souza Gomes dos Santos ◽  
Leandro Machado Carvalho ◽  
Caio Ferreira de Souza ◽  
Augusto da Cunha Reis ◽  
Alberto Eduardo Besser Freitag
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Electricity Distribution ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Management Guidelines ◽  
Technical Procedure ◽  
Pdca Cycle ◽  
Distribution Company ◽  
Practical Implications

Goal: this research aims to deploy TQM in the new customers area of an electricity distribution company, located in Campos dos Goytacazes (Rio de Janeiro), based on three management pillars: guidelines, processes and routine. Design / Methodology / Approach: the nature of this work is applied research, with a qualitative problem approach, characterized as exploratory, using case study as a technical procedure, with data collected between april and september of 2015. Results: the performed methodology allowed a reduction of both "orders after deadline" (12%) and "unproductive visits" (22%) indicators. Limitations of the investigation: the research presented limitations, first, because of the resistance of some employees during the tools implementation and second, the methodology was implemented only in a sector of the company. Practical implications: the study was based on indicators and targets already used by the company. It was proposed and implemented an anomalies analysis and tools such asthe PDCA cycle, Pareto and Ishikawa diagrams, 5W1H, and Standard Operating Procedures. Originality / Value: there is little research with emphasis on TQM, especially when referring to an analysis using three levels of management (guidelines, process and routine) in the Brazilian electricity sector.

scholarly journals Smart Energy Access and Women Empowerment: A Case Study of Chitandika Village in Zambia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 117-128
Author(s):  
Mantubwe Wampata ◽  
Bupe Getrude Mwanza
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Women Empowerment ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
Energy Company ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Energy Companies

Smart energy access provides numerous advantages in rural areas such as economic development and improved livelihood. Despite the efforts by energy companies to supply to rural areas, women still face a range of constraints in their ability to participate in energy activities. Therefore, this study sought to analyze the goals of access to smart energy on women empowerment from the energy company perspective, assess the extent to which access to smart energy has contributed to empowerment and to establish the challenges faced by women in accessing smart energy with the intent of outlining strategies for future implementation. The study used a qualitative thematic analysis approach. The data was collected through structured, open-ended interviews with 20 women respondents with access to energy in chitandika village and 1 in-depth interview with the key energy expert. The study found that access to smart energy in chitandika village had a positive effect on women empowerment as it provided several benefits for the women. Additionally, the study established general and specific challenges that women face in accessing smart energy. Furthermore, it was established that the key strategies for implementing smart energy access on women empowerment were gender mainstream in energy projects, understanding women’s energy needs and demands, promoting productive use, supporting credit, and saving schemes and promoting skill development.

scholarly journals Intelligent system for non-technical losses management in residential users of the electricity sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Miguel Uparela Cantillo ◽  
Ruben González ◽  
Jamer Jiménez Mares ◽  
Christian Quintero Monroy
Keyword(s):  
Intelligent Systems ◽  
Intelligent System ◽  
Demand Forecasting ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Self Organizing Maps ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Distribution Company

The identification of irregular users is an important assignment in the recovery of energy in the distribution sector. This analysis requires low error levels to minimize non-technical electrical losses in power grid. However, the detection of fraudulent users who have billing does not present a generalized methodology. This issue is complex and varies according to the case study. This paper presents a novel methodology to identify residential fraudulent users by using intelligent systems. The proposed intelligent system consists of three fundamental modules. The first module performs the classification of users with similar power consumption curves using self-organizing maps and genetic algorithms. The second module allows carrying out the monthly electricity demand forecasting through of recursive adjustment of ARIMA models. The third module performs the detection of fraudulent users through an artificial neural network for pattern recognition. For the design and validation of the proposed intelligent system, several tests were performed in each developed module. The database used for the design and evaluation of the modules was constructed with data supplied by the energy distribution company of the Colombian Caribbean Region. The results obtained by the proposed intelligent system show a better performance versus the detection rates obtained by the company.

A Case Study on Web-based Learning Environment Evaluation in Higher Education: Learner Perspectives in a Private University in Malaysia.

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-33
Author(s):  
Zarina Che Imbi ◽  
Tse-Kian Neo ◽  
Mai Neo
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Private University ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Web Based Learning ◽  
Kirkpatrick’S Model

In the era of digital learning, multimedia-based classroom has been commonly used in higher education including Malaysian higher education institutions. A case study has been performed to evaluate web-based learning using Level 1 to 3 of Kirkpatrick's model in a multi-disciplinary course at Multimedia University, Malaysia. In this study, mixed method research was employed in which triangulation was performed from multiple sources of data collection to give deeper understanding. Students perceived that learning with multimedia was enjoyable. They were also motivated in learning and engaged through the use of web module as multimedia was perceived to motivate them and make learning fun. Students showed significant improvements in their knowledge based on the pre-test and post-test results on learning evaluation. Students were perceived to transfer the learning from web-based learning into the learning outcome. The systematic evaluation can provide the feedback that educators and institution as a whole need to improve the learning environment and programme quality. This study contributes to the research field by adding another perspective in evaluations of web-based learning. It also provides empirical evidence on student perspectives, learning and behaviour in a private university. It demonstrated that the Kirkpatrick's model is useful as an evaluation tool to be used in higher education.

scholarly journals Portfolio optimization of power plants by using renewable energy in Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyedeh Asra Ahmadi ◽  
Seyed Mojtaba Mirlohi ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Ahmadi ◽  
Majid Ameri
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Portfolio Optimization ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Capital Costs

Abstract Lack of investment in the electricity sector has created a huge bottleneck in the continuous flow of energy in the market, and this will create many problems for the sustainable growth and development of modern society. The main reason for this lack of investment is the investment risk in the electricity sector. One way to reduce portfolio risk is to diversify it. This study applies the concept of portfolio optimization to demonstrate the potential for greater use of renewable energy, which reduces the risk of investing in the electricity sector. Besides, it shows that investing in renewable energies can offset the risk associated with the total input costs. These costs stem from the volatility of associated prices, including fossil fuel, capital costs, maintenance, operation and environmental costs. This case study shows that Iran can theoretically supply ~33% of its electricity demand from renewable energy sources compared to its current 15% share. This case study confirms this finding and predicts that Iran, while reducing the risk of investing in electricity supply, can achieve a renewable energy supply of ~9% with an average increase in supply costs. Sensitivity analysis further shows that with a 10% change in input cost factors, the percentage of renewable energy supply is only partially affected, but basket costs change according to the scenario of 5–32%. Finally, suggestions are made that minimize risk rather than cost, which will bring about an increase in renewable energy supply.

Is culture change a fad? Driving business results at Penna, ten years on

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 123-126
Author(s):  
Bev White ◽  
Gary Browning ◽  
Javier Bajer
Keyword(s):  
Culture Change ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Results ◽  
Sustainable Culture ◽  
Systemic Interventions ◽  
Successful Business

Purpose – Ten years ago Penna, the global HR services group, needed a radical business and culture re-invention if it was to survive. This article aims to tell the story behind Penna's journey and describe how a sustainable culture change intervention became the cornerstone of a successful business. Design/methodology/approach – This case study is the result of an initial ethnographical research followed by concrete and systemic interventions. Findings – The case study identifies four elements that sustained the business impact of a culture change program over a significant period of time. Originality/value – This longitudinal case study follows a culture change program in an organizational context over a period of ten years.

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