Making the Case for Global Outsourcing

2019 ◽  
pp. 611-632
Author(s):  
Alan D. Smith ◽  
Sara Joy Krivacek
Keyword(s):  
Business Practices ◽  
Cultural Changes ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Customer Expectations ◽  
Global Outsourcing ◽  
Quality Product ◽  
The Common ◽  
Best Business Practices

Social media and empowered customers have significantly raised customer expectations of quality. Although there are similarities and differences in the approaches taken by management, they share the common goal of delivering a high-quality product and satisfying their customers. The majority of the case study concentrates on how both companies monitor quality, evaluate performance, train employees, and promote continuous improvement in order to achieve best business practices. The review of the literature on global outsourcing and analysis of the case studies provide evidence that economic development creates both short-term operation advantages through increased levels of efficiency as well as long-term social and cultural changes. Operational and strategic managers can use this information when making decisions on where to locate various aspects of their business. In some cases, it may make sense to outsource a particular task, but in other cases an organization may want to offshore particular tasks in order to keep control of the process.

scholarly journals A Combined Approach for Model-Based PV Power Plant Failure Detection and Diagnostic

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1261
Author(s):  
Christopher Gradwohl ◽  
Vesna Dimitrievska ◽  
Federico Pittino ◽  
Wolfgang Muehleisen ◽  
András Montvay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Failure Detection ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Combined Approach ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Model Based

Photovoltaic (PV) technology allows large-scale investments in a renewable power-generating system at a competitive levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and with a low environmental impact. Large-scale PV installations operate in a highly competitive market environment where even small performance losses have a high impact on profit margins. Therefore, operation at maximum performance is the key for long-term profitability. This can be achieved by advanced performance monitoring and instant or gradual failure detection methodologies. We present in this paper a combined approach on model-based fault detection by means of physical and statistical models and failure diagnosis based on physics of failure. Both approaches contribute to optimized PV plant operation and maintenance based on typically available supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data. The failure detection and diagnosis capabilities were demonstrated in a case study based on six years of SCADA data from a PV plant in Slovenia. In this case study, underperforming values of the inverters of the PV plant were reliably detected and possible root causes were identified. Our work has led us to conclude that the combined approach can contribute to an efficient and long-term operation of photovoltaic power plants with a maximum energy yield and can be applied to the monitoring of photovoltaic plants.

The Case for Combining Pump Maintenance and Systematic Upgrading

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heinz P. Bloch ◽  
Robert Bluse ◽  
James Steiger
Keyword(s):  
System Performance ◽  
Current System ◽  
Highly Qualified ◽  
Centrifugal Pumps ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Performance Requirements ◽  
Periodic Maintenance ◽  
Work Supports

Virtually, all industrial machinery requires periodic maintenance for dependable long-term operation. In fact, the very term “maintenance” is defined as keeping machines in the as-designed or as-purchased and manufactured condition. At issue is whether the equipment owner’s profitability objectives are best served by “maintaining only”, or by judiciously combining maintenance and upgrading tasks. Assuming the answer favors combining maintenance and upgrading, the question arises whether an intelligent and well thought-out combination of maintenance and upgrading should be entrusted only to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or if qualified non-OEMs should be considered also. The co-authors would like to offer their answer to the question. Experience shows that a highly qualified independent rebuild shop with demonstrated capabilities and experienced personnel can offer high-quality upgrades that improve both uptime and efficiency. Such a shop can do so consistent with current system performance requirements. With the considerable consolidations in the pump industry, the distinct possibility exists that the OEM is not able to offer the same engineering competence he previously had and that independent shops should be considered. This presentation deals with a case study and details where such upgrading was being planned, implemented, and verified to have had the desired results. It further explains the role played by competent pump rebuild shops (we chose to call them “CPRS”) in these important endeavors. Our work supports the premise that rebuilding a vintage process pump to original OEM specifications makes no sense, given current pump rebuilding technology and changes to the system performance that occur over time. We find compelling reasons to systematically upgrade the efficiency and potential run length of large centrifugal pumps. Of course, this upgrading must be pre-planned and then carried out during a future maintenance outage.

Numerical Modelling of a District Scale Groundwater Heat Pump Operation: Case Study from Colchester, UK

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taha Sezer ◽  
Abubakar Kawuwa Sani ◽  
Rao Martand Singh ◽  
David P. Boon
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
District Level ◽  
Thermal Plume ◽  
Injection Wells ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Groundwater Heat Pump ◽  
The Impact

<p>Groundwater heat pumps (GWHP) are an environmentally friendly and highly efficient low carbon heating technology that can benefit from low-temperature groundwater sources lying in the shallow depths to provide heating and cooling to buildings. However, the utilisation of groundwater for heating and cooling, especially in large scale (district level), can create a thermal plume around injection wells. If a plume reaches the production well this may result in a decrease in the system performance or even failure in the long-term operation. This research aims to investigate the impact of GWHP usage in district-level heating by using a numerical approach and considering a GWHP system being constructed in Colchester, UK as a case study, which will be the largest GWHP system in the UK. Transient 3D simulations have been performed pre-construction to investigate the long-term effect of injecting water at 5°C, into a chalk bedrock aquifer. Modelling suggests a thermal plume develops but does not reach the production wells after 10 years of operation. The model result can be attributed to the low hydraulic gradient, assumed lack of interconnecting fractures, and large (>500m) spacing between the production and injection wells. Model validation may be possible after a period operational monitoring.</p>

scholarly journals Identifying Efficient Operating Rules for Hydropower Reservoirs Using System Dynamics Approach—A Case Study of Three Gorges Reservoir, China

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianzhong Zhou ◽  
Benjun Jia ◽  
Xiao Chen ◽  
Hui Qin ◽  
Zhongzheng He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Three Gorges Reservoir ◽  
Central China ◽  
Optimal Decision ◽  
Three Gorges ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Operating Rules ◽  
Hydropower Reservoirs

In the long-term operation of hydropower reservoirs, operating rules have been used widely to decide reservoir operation because they can help operators make an approximately optimal decision with limited runoff information. However, the problems faced by reservoir managers is how to make and select an efficient operating rule properly. This study focuses on identifying efficient and reliable operating rules for the long-term operation of hydropower reservoirs using system dynamics (SD) approach. A stochastic hydrological model of reservoir inflow time series was established and used to generate a large number of inflow scenarios. A deterministic optimization operation model of hydropower reservoirs was constructed and then resolved using dynamic programming (DP) algorithm. Simultaneously, within implicit stochastic optimization (ISO) framework, different operating rules were derived using linear fitting methods. Finally, the most efficient one of the existing operating rules was identified based on SD simulation coupled with the operating rules. The Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in central China was used as a case study. The results show that the SD simulation is an efficient way to simulate a complicated reservoir system using feedback and causal loops. Moreover, it can directly and efficiently guide reservoir managers to make and identify efficient operating rules for the long-term operation of hydropower reservoirs.

Dynamic Stability Identification of a Full-Scale Tainter-Gate and Extension of Gate-Opening Range for Operation

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Anami ◽  
Noriaki Ishii ◽  
Charles W. Knisely
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Analysis ◽  
Dynamic Stability ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Specific Test ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Gate Opening ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Ambient Excitation

To assure the complete stability and long-term safe operation of the large number of Tainter gates used worldwide, an effective method of distinguishing those gates susceptible to instability from unsusceptible gates is essential. This paper presents a case study of the dynamic stability identification of an operational Tainter gate in Japan, based on field vibration testing using steel-rod breaking excitation. First, an overview of the field vibration test and the in-water natural vibration characteristics of the gate is presented. The dynamic stability of the gate was identified from the test results in conjunction with our previously developed theoretical analysis. From the specific test data for a limited number of operating conditions, our theoretical analysis permits assessment of the dynamic stability of the gate for all operating conditions. In particular, the dynamic stability of the gate for small gate openings was confirmed, and subsequently validated by long-duration ambient excitation tests with very small gate openings. This study was the first attempt at operating the gate at openings smaller than the conventional minimum recommended opening. As a result, not only did the field test validate the gate’s reliability for long-term operation, but it also permitted an extension of the gate-opening range for operation.

scholarly journals DACUM as a Model for Horticulture Curriculum Development and Revision: A Case Study

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-576
Author(s):  
Mary C. Halbrooks
Keyword(s):  
Associate Degree ◽  
Landscape Management ◽  
Degree Program ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
State University ◽  
Kent State University ◽  
Curricular Development ◽  
High Level

DACUM (develop a curriculum) was implemented at Kent State University (KSU) to develop and revise curricular content of an associate degree program in horticulture technology. Initially, at KSU-Salem in 1990, a committee followed a typical DACUM process to develop a skills profile for the horticulture technology worker. The skills profile consisted of terminal and intermediate learning objectives that served as the content of basic data sheets for thirteen new courses in horticulture technology. This associate degree program was initiated at Salem in 1991 and offers three concentration areas: landscape management, turfgrass management, and arboriculture. Later, when a proposed new program offering was considered at KSU-Geauga, a modified DACUM process was implemented to develop a new skills profile that refl ected both general knowledge areas of horticultural and business practices and industry-spe- cific competency areas. Comparison of the two curricula revealed similarities between the two skills profiles. This led to the recommendation that the original curriculum also be offered at KSU-Geauga campus with two differences: 1) omit the arboricul- ture concentration, and 2) consider a new concentration in greenhouse and nursery operations in the future. The associate degree program in horticulture technology at the KSU-Geauga campus began in 1999. The DACUM process, by involving members of the horticultural industry in the curricular development process, provided several long-term benefits and a high level of cooperation between industry leaders and KSU-Geauga.

Development banks in BRICS

2020 ◽  
pp. 188-204
Author(s):  
John Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
The Common ◽  
Development Banks

The use of development banks as a source of long-term funding is one of the common characteristics of BRICS economies. This chapter summarizes data on the extent of the involvement of such banks and reviews the key objectives identified for such banks in the academic literature—in particular their role in terms of strategic lending and financial inclusion. The experience of the Brazilian bank Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social is used as a case study. This bank has played a major role in the Brazilian economy as a source of long-term credit, although critics have pointed to a focus on large borrowers and its possible impact in stifling the emergence of private sector financial institutions.

The Common Agricultural Policy, Its Role in European Integration and Influence on the Enlargements of the Organization (Case Study: Georgia)

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Ramiro Troitino ◽  
Archil Chochia
Keyword(s):  
European Integration ◽  
Agricultural Policy ◽  
Common Agricultural Policy ◽  
Special Part ◽  
Eu Policies ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Eu

Abstract The article deals with the problematic of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as the crucial political question related with the European Integration. The authors describes and analysis the role of the CAP within the EU policies, its development form the very beginning of the integration its internal structure, rules of organisation, working system and financial aspects. The close concern is given to the question of the long-term sustainability of CAP and the reform for the next financial period (2014-2020). Th e special part is devoted to the influence of the CAP on the enlargement process with the special impetus to the association of Georgia to the EU.

Latent Defects in a 24-Year Old Waste-to-Energy Facility: Fact or Fiction? Pinellas County Case Study

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Stoller ◽  
Anthony LoRe ◽  
William Crellin ◽  
Robert Hauser
Keyword(s):  
Waste To Energy ◽  
Procurement Process ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Pinellas County ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Latent Defects ◽  
Operation And Maintenance ◽  
Energy Facility

This paper presents the preliminary results of one of the key financial liability issues raised by the operating companies during the competitive procurement process for the long-term operation and maintenance of the 24-year old Pinellas County 3,000 tpd waste-to-energy facility.

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