On the Frequency of Monitoring and Updating a Company's Strategic Business Development Plans

Amid economic or political uncertainty, strategic planning is an integral attribute of the success of entrepreneurial activities. Strategic planning has a special advantage over other types of business planning, namely its dynamic nature, when the draft plan is adjusted to the changed conditions of the economic environment. But the launch of the plan adjustment process is complicated by the need to select significant indicators of economic processes, on the basis of which the adjustment will be made. The main tool for the company’s management team to address the question of the frequency of the plan updating is the use of accounting and financial statement indicators. The purpose of the work is to analyze alternative methods of making managerial decisions in relation to the adjustment of strategic plans of the enterprise development. The main disadvantages of the management control system are identified on the basis of accounting and financial statements. The authors suggest such alternatives as making management decisions on the basis of intuitive understanding of the economic reality and the use of neural networks to monitor the economic environment at both the macro and micro levels, in order to trace any deviations from the specified vector of development. They also highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of the proposed tools. Thus, the main disadvantage of the intuitive managerial decision-making is the loss of verifiability of the proposed response measures; as for artificial neural networks, the main disadvantages here are a complex mathematical apparatus and a very time-consuming process needed for the effective network training.

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Balanced Scorecard in the strategic planning of a construction company

Journal of Global Management Sciences ◽

10.32829/gms.v1i1.57 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Roberth Frias ◽

Maria Medina

Keyword(s):

Strategic Planning ◽

Strategic Management ◽

Balanced Scorecard ◽

Organization Theory ◽

Management Control ◽

Management Tool ◽

The Balanced Scorecard ◽

Construction Company ◽

Construction Companies ◽

The Impact

This research focused on the strategic management tool Balanced Scorecard and strategic planning, as a guide to guide the management of companies, allowing communication and the functionality of the strategy using KPIs that allow to identify, maintain control and increase efficiency and the achievement of optimal results. For the deductive hypothetical analysis, the specific factors that affect business management performance were grouped into two variables: Balanced Scorecard and Strategic Planning. The objective of the work was to demonstrate the impact of the Balanced Scorecard in the strategic planning of a construction company. In order to support the research, the following theories were approached: the Financial Theory, the Economic Theory of the Company, the Transaction Costs, the Network Theory, the Organization Theory, the Dependence on Resources, the Strategic Management Theory and the Business Diagnosis Theory. The result obtained confirms the hypothesis that there is a significant incidence of the Balanced Scorecard in the strategic planning of construction companies. In conclusion, the construction company has obtained significant improvements in the results in each of the indicators evaluated with the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard, demonstrating improvements in their management results, affirming that there is better performance and management control allowing them to achieve the organizational objectives set.

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Convolutional Neural Network for the Semantic Segmentation of Remote Sensing Images

Mobile Networks and Applications ◽

10.1007/s11036-020-01703-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 200-215

Author(s):

Muhammad Alam ◽

Jian-Feng Wang ◽

Cong Guangpei ◽

LV Yunrong ◽

Yuanfang Chen

Keyword(s):

Neural Network ◽

Remote Sensing ◽

Neural Networks ◽

Image Processing ◽

Deep Learning ◽

Semantic Segmentation ◽

Natural Scene ◽

Remote Sensing Images ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Target Segmentation

AbstractIn recent years, the success of deep learning in natural scene image processing boosted its application in the analysis of remote sensing images. In this paper, we applied Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) on the semantic segmentation of remote sensing images. We improve the Encoder- Decoder CNN structure SegNet with index pooling and U-net to make them suitable for multi-targets semantic segmentation of remote sensing images. The results show that these two models have their own advantages and disadvantages on the segmentation of different objects. In addition, we propose an integrated algorithm that integrates these two models. Experimental results show that the presented integrated algorithm can exploite the advantages of both the models for multi-target segmentation and achieve a better segmentation compared to these two models.

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Approaches to motion control intellectualization of a mobile robot

Neurocomputers ◽

10.18127/j19998554-202101-06 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stepan A. Lapshinov ◽

Vadim A. Shakhnov ◽

Anton V. Yudin

Keyword(s):

Mobile Robot ◽

Motion Control ◽

Control Device ◽

Alternative Methods ◽

Design Solution ◽

Movement Direction ◽

Software Complex ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Drive Control ◽

Omni Wheel

The paper considers the principles of intelligent motion control of mobile robots using the example of omni-wheel modules. The proposed design solution uses components of movement intelligence in any direction, receiving commands from a human operator or above a standing automatic control device, consisting of an angle of movement direction and the required distance of movement. This paper presents an embodiment of using omni-wheels to move a mobile robot over a flat surface. Features of device and application of drive with three omni-wheels in comparison with differential drive are considered. Kinematics, basic principles of motion control formation, hardware and software complex for its implementation are described. There were revealed two alternative methods of organization of drive control in conditions of shortage of low-level hardware resources on the basis of 8-bit microcontroller, their advantages and disadvantages have been analyzed. Process support and materials have been presented that allows realizing the competitive advantages of development while minimizing the cost of components. Features of mobile robot travel route development have been mentioned on the example of competitive practice.

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Application of neural networks in membrane separation

Reviews in Chemical Engineering ◽

10.1515/revce-2018-0011 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 265-310 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Morteza Asghari ◽

Amir Dashti ◽

Mashallah Rezakazemi ◽

Ebrahim Jokar ◽

Hadi Halakoei

Keyword(s):

Neural Networks ◽

Chemical Engineering ◽

Membrane Separation ◽

Mechanistic Model ◽

Computing Time ◽

Permeate Flux ◽

Practical Applications ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Wide Range ◽

Physical And Chemical

AbstractArtificial neural networks (ANNs) as a powerful technique for solving complicated problems in membrane separation processes have been employed in a wide range of chemical engineering applications. ANNs can be used in the modeling of different processes more easily than other modeling methods. Besides that, the computing time in the design of a membrane separation plant is shorter compared to many mass transfer models. The membrane separation field requires an alternative model that can work alone or in parallel with theoretical or numerical types, which can be quicker and, many a time, much more reliable. They are helpful in cases when scientists do not thoroughly know the physical and chemical rules that govern systems. In ANN modeling, there is no requirement for a deep knowledge of the processes and mathematical equations that govern them. Neural networks are commonly used for the estimation of membrane performance characteristics such as the permeate flux and rejection over the entire range of the process variables, such as pressure, solute concentration, temperature, superficial flow velocity, etc. This review investigates the important aspects of ANNs such as methods of development and training, and modeling strategies in correlation with different types of applications [microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO), electrodialysis (ED), etc.]. It also deals with particular types of ANNs that have been confirmed to be effective in practical applications and points out the advantages and disadvantages of using them. The combination of ANN with accurate model predictions and a mechanistic model with less accurate predictions that render physical and chemical laws can provide a thorough understanding of a process.

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Predicting carcass energy content and composition in broilers using the group method of data handling-type neural networks

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s002185961000105x ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 149 (2) ◽

pp. 249-254 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

A. FARIDI ◽

M. MOTTAGHITALAB ◽

H. DARMANI-KUHI ◽

J. FRANCE ◽

H. AHMADI

Keyword(s):

Neural Networks ◽

Body Weight ◽

Goodness Of Fit ◽

Carcass Composition ◽

Poultry Meat ◽

Alternative Methods ◽

Group Method ◽

Meat Production ◽

Data Handling ◽

Input Variables

SUMMARYThe success of poultry meat production has been strongly related to improvements in growth and carcass yield, mainly by increasing breast proportion and reducing carcass fat. Conventional laboratory techniques for determining carcass composition are expensive, cumbersome and time consuming. These disadvantages have prompted a search for alternative methods. In this respect, the potential benefits from modelling growth are considerable. Neural networks (NNs) are a relatively new option for modelling growth in animal production systems. One self-organizing sub-model of artificial NN is the group method of data handling-type NN (GMDH-type NN). The present study aimed at applying the GMDH-type NNs to data from two studies with broilers in order to predict carcass energy (CEn, MJ/g) content and relative growth (g/g of body weight) of carcass components (carcass protein, breast muscle, leg and thigh muscles, carcass fat, abdominal fat, skin fat and visceral fat). The effective input variables involved in the prediction of CEn and carcass fat content using data from the first study were dietary metabolizable energy (ME, kJ/kg), crude protein (CP, g/kg of diet), fat (g/kg of diet) and crude fibre (CF, g/kg of diet). For data from the second study, the effective input variables involved in the prediction of carcass components were dietary ME (MJ/kg), CP (g/kg of diet), methionine (g/kg of diet), lysine (g/kg of diet) and body weight (kg). Quantitative examination of the goodness of fit, using R2 and error measurement indices, for the predictive models proposed by the GMDH-type NN revealed close agreement between observed and predicted values of CEn and carcass components.

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Opportunities and Questions: A Short Report on Rubric Assessments in Asia and the Middle East

10.31235/osf.io/p9tjc ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Ronnie Goodwin

Keyword(s):

Middle East ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Alternative Methods ◽

Learning Theories ◽

Short Report ◽

Rating Systems ◽

Self Assessment ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

The Impact

This qualitative short report considers the viability of the use of rubrics or alternative methods to assess writing in Asia and the Middle East. The background of learning theories, assessment types, and self-assessment literature provides a foundation for further discussion of the appropriate use of rubrics, including the prioritization of criterion, the quality of scoring, the impact of organizational features on scoring, the influence of bias, and the best application of rubric assessment. Relevant points for further study are identified, such as differentiation in research between generalized analytical rating systems and rubric assessment with specific, empirical criterion. The contradictory research regarding the advantages and disadvantages of rubric assessment in comparison with holistic assessment are of particular and crucial interest for global pedagogy. Many of the reviewed Western articles excluded Asian perspectives- except for China- and thus present a limited understanding of social and educational compatibility with new assessments and rubric assessments in particular. The discussion identifies patterns and points of contention and seeks to explore viewpoints rather than limit the scope of inquiry and consideration thus noting that relevant literature suggests that with appropriate teacher training, teachers may appropriately use rubrics as a formative assessment tool for writing in Asia and the Middle East.

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The Basic Principles of Competitive Strategy

Business Law and Ethics ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-8195-8.ch036 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 693-718

Author(s):

Nabyla Daidj

Keyword(s):

Strategic Planning ◽

Competitive Advantage ◽

External Environment ◽

Strategic Thinking ◽

Strategic Analysis ◽

Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽

Complex Dynamic ◽

Strategic Positioning ◽

Basic Principles ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages

Firms operate in a more and more complex, dynamic, less predictable environment. This situation requires following different approaches of strategic positioning and strategic planning and developing new patterns of strategic thinking. There are several strategic models and tools. Most of them have advantages and disadvantages. In spite of these limitations, these models must be examined. The purpose of this chapter is to conduct a strategic analysis (external and internal diagnoses). It familiarizes the reader with the forces that shape competition in a company's external environment and then analyzes internal strategic capabilities for identifying strategic sustainable competitive advantage.

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Managing the Land Administration Process

Land Administration ◽

10.1093/oso/9780198233909.003.0013 ◽

2000 ◽

Author(s):

Peter Dale ◽

John McLaughlin

Keyword(s):

Strategic Planning ◽

Limited Range ◽

Management Control ◽

Sufficient Information ◽

Operational Control ◽

Management Skills ◽

Land Administration ◽

Course Of Action ◽

Routine Tasks ◽

The Right

Technology rarely poses the major concerns in any effort to build and sustain an effective land administration infrastructure. Rather, the core challenges tend to be related to management issues, as will be discussed in this chapter. Management was described in our earlier book as the art and science of making decisions in support of certain perceived objectives. Like politics, it is the art of achieving the possible, the ability to get things done. Management skills are needed in order to implement policy decisions and to meet the objectives set for any organization. Good management seeks to do this in an optimum fashion—perfect solutions never arise. Management entails extrapolating trends from a limited range of facts—sufficient information is never available for decisions to be made with certainty as to their outcome. Better information will however bring about a better understanding of any system and hence create the possibility for its better operation. Information is needed to: 1. monitor what is going on so that areas where decisions need to be made can be identified; 2. help evaluate alternative strategies for dealing with the problems or opportunities that have been identified; 3. assist in selecting the right course of action; and 4. facilitate the implementation of whatever has been decided. Management operates at all levels from the personal to the institutional; for instance all individuals need to practise self-management in order to achieve their optimum personal goals. More particularly, management within an organization operates at three key levels—strategic planning, management control, and operational control. Strategic planning is the process whereby decisions are made on an organization’s objectives, including where the organization should position itself to cope with future trends and markets. Operational control involves the day-to-day processes of ensuring that routine tasks are carried out efficiently and effectively. Management control is the interface between these two, ensuring that adequate resources are secured, either in terms of people, money, or equipment, to achieve the organization’s mission and objectives.

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The “Paris-End” of Town? Deriving Urban Typologies Using Three Imagery Types

Urban Science ◽

10.3390/urbansci4020027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 27

Author(s):

Kerry A. Nice ◽

Jason Thompson ◽

Jasper S. Wijnands ◽

Gideon D. P. A. Aschwanden ◽

Mark Stevenson

Keyword(s):

Neural Networks ◽

Satellite Imagery ◽

Urban Form ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Global Scale ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Street View ◽

Social Demographic

Urban typologies allow areas to be categorised according to form and the social, demographic, and political uses of the areas. The use of these typologies and finding similarities and dissimilarities between cities enables better targeted interventions for improved health, transport, and environmental outcomes in urban areas. A better understanding of local contexts can also assist in applying lessons learned from other cities. Constructing urban typologies at a global scale through traditional methods, such as functional or network analysis, requires the collection of data across multiple political districts, which can be inconsistent and then require a level of subjective classification. To overcome these limitations, we use neural networks to analyse millions of images of urban form (consisting of street view, satellite imagery, and street maps) to find shared characteristics between the largest 1692 cities in the world. The comparison city of Paris is used as an exemplar and we perform a case study using two Australian cities, Melbourne and Sydney, to determine if a “Paris-end” of town exists or can be found in these cities using these three big data imagery sets. The results show specific advantages and disadvantages of each type of imagery in constructing urban typologies. Neural networks trained with map imagery will be highly influenced by the structural mix of roads, public transport, and green and blue space. Satellite imagery captures a combination of both urban form and decorative and natural details. The use of street view imagery emphasises the features of a human-scaled visual geography of streetscapes. However, for both satellite and street view imagery to be highly effective, a reduction in scale and more aggressive pre-processing might be required in order to reduce detail and create greater abstraction in the imagery.

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Analyzing Cloud-based Startups: Evidence from a Case Study in Italy

International Business Research ◽

10.5539/ibr.v10n5p73 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 73 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Luca Ferri ◽

Marco Maffei ◽

Gianluigi Mangia ◽

Andrea Tomo

Keyword(s):

Cloud Computing ◽

Implementation Process ◽

Entrepreneurial Activity ◽

Entry Barriers ◽

Cloud Adoption ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Managerial Implications ◽

Entrepreneurial Activities ◽

Startup Firms

The aim of this study is to analyze the reasons behind the adoption of cloud computing and its implementation process in startup firms as well as to verify the advantages and disadvantages deriving from the adoption of this tool and how it could increase entrepreneurial activities. We applied a research framework developed by previous scholars on cloud adoption within SMEs in an attempt to adapt it to startup firms. In particular, we conducted a case study in an Italian technological startup.Our results show that cloud technology supports and facilitates entrepreneurial activity, especially reducing several entry barriers for new entrepreneurs. This study contributes to the existing literature on cloud computing, and it has several managerial implications. First, it shows that setting up the organizational model on cloud computing allows entrepreneurs to reduce organizational efforts and ICT investments. Furthermore, this technology can reduce diversification costs by eliminating entry barriers, thus opening new markets and opportunities for entrepreneurs.

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