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The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between implementing a higher level of telework and operational performance and explore the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability and Management Control (MC) mechanisms. More specifically, the study focuses on the role of four MC mechanisms (action, outcome, personnel and cultural controls), and three dimensions of ICT capabilities (internal use, collaboration and communication) by taking a Dynamic Capability View (DCV). The results suggest that mandated use of telework in response to a crisis (COVID-19 pandemic) has a negative impact on operational performance. However, higher levels of telework increase the scope and use of MC, which in turn improves performance. Accordingly, we conclude that MC positively mediates the negative effect of TW on performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the popularity of businesses in rural environments, research on rural entrepreneurship is still sparse. Little is known about the operational performance of new rural ventures, which is a fundamental aspect for the competitiveness of any business. This research evaluates operational performance outcomes in rural entrepreneurship - Delivery, Flexibility, Production Cost, Product Quality. The results show that the ventures have a high performance in delivery and product quality, and medium performance in flexibility and cost of production. These findings can be useful to rural entrepreneurs and policy makers to improve operational performance and competitiveness. This article sheds light on the understanding of operational performance in rural entrepreneurship and provides valuable findings that can direct future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study examined the effects of submergence ratio and two-phase pipe section length on the performance of airlift pumps, providing an in-depth analysis of their operating principles and efficiency. • To the best of the authors' knowledge, there are almost no published articles on the gas lift pump two-phase pipe length. • To solve the problem that the flow model of airlift pump is limited by the requirements of flow range, this paper, building on the Stenning and Mark (1968) model, consider pipeline losses to establish a more accurate airlift pumps flow model. • The airlift pumps flow model proposed in this paper provides an explicit expression for the constant K in the Stenning and Mark (1968) model. • The model proposed in this paper not only accurately predicts the performance of airlift pumps at low gas flow rates but also maintains high precision at high gas flow rates. This paper conducts experiments on gas–liquid two-phase flow in airlift pumps (ALPs) using air–water as the medium, measuring liquid flow rates over a broad range of flow rates, and investigates the effects of submergence ratio and the two-phase pipe section length on the performance of ALPs. Evaluate the performance of ALPs under specified operating conditions. Experimental results show that liquid flow velocity initially increases with the increase in gas flow velocity and then stabilizes; the highest liquid flow velocity does not necessarily correspond to the highest efficiency. The performance of the ALPs increases with the two-phase pipe section length within a certain range of the two-phase pipe section length. However, once this range is exceeded, the performance of the ALPs is nearly unaffected by the two-phase pipe section length; the minimum gas flow velocity required to pump liquid increases as the submergence ratio decreases. This paper presents ALPs model that is independent of pipe diameter and flow range and validates it against experimental results. The model outcomes align well with the experimental data across all flow ranges. Additionally, the model effectively captures the sensitivity changes related to the two-phase pipe section length and the submergence ratio, and accurately predicts the minimum gas flow velocity required for liquid discharge under various operating conditions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many pumped hydro compressed air energy storage systems suffer from large head variations in the hydraulic machinery. To address this defect, this study proposes a multi-machine compensable pumped hydro compressed air energy storage system and reveals its operational, energy, exergy, and economic performances. First, the energy, exergy, and economic models of the system are established. Second, the operational characteristics of each component are analyzed. Third, the energy, exergy, and economic performances of the system are presented. Finally, the impact of operating pressure on the energy and exergy performance is analyzed. The results indicate that air pressure variations of 0.300 MPa/0.256 MPa in Tank 1 are reduced to head variations of 11.0 m/12.7 m at the hydraulic machinery, respectively. Furthermore, the round-trip efficiency, exergy efficiency, and energy storage density reached were 0.672, 0.694, and 0.038 kW·h/m3, respectively. The most significant work wastage and exergy loss occurred in Tanks 1 and 2, contributing to 48.5 % and 37.5 % of the total, respectively. As the operating pressure increases, the round-trip and exergy efficiencies decrease, and the energy storage density increases. In this study, the head amplitude at the hydraulic machinery under charging and discharging conditions was reduced by nearly 2/3 and 1/2, respectively. • A novel pumped hydro compressed air energy storage system is proposed. • Operational characteristics in each device are analyzed. • Energy, exergy and economic performances of the system are revealed. • Impact of operating pressure is compared and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trend forecasting shows that Indian container terminals will handle 25 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2025. However, improving operational performance is the best strategy to achieve this target. Many factors have adversely affected the Indian container terminal's operational performance despite the fact that the Indian government has undertaken several initiatives. This study identifies factors and interactive effects of the factors influencing the operational performance of Indian container terminals. A conceptual model is developed using fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) encompassing the successful factors. The conceptual model developed through QCA includes the physical characteristics, driving factors, and challenges. This study reveals the combined and individual effects of the identified factors. The results show that the most common factors are the quay infrastructure, yard infrastructure, infrastructure up-gradation, system initiatives, reefer systems, and logistics advantage. This study adds to the existing literature regarding the Indian container terminals' performance and supports the decision-makers in improving the operational performance of container terminals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liner shipping companies (LSCs) apply distinct operational strategies in order to improve efficiency. The relationship between various operational strategies and profitability, however, has not been systematically and empirically examined. This study innovatively extracts and quantifies eight commonly used operational strategy measures from Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, and investigates the relationship between LSCs' operational strategies and profitability. This relationship is further examined in light of market focus or non-focus approaches. Machine learning-based clustering methods use four of these operational strategy measures (market scope, market scope diversity, average voyage distance, and ship size diversity) in order to categorize LSCs as focused or non-focused. The results of this study show that focused LSCs tend to achieve higher level of profitability than do non-focused LSCs. Non-focused companies, on the other hand, can limit the interplay between operational strategies and profitability. More specifically, we find that two operational strategies (capacity allocation and service frequency) have a non-linear relationship to profitability, while speed choice and idle capacity ratio are linearly related to profitability. • Extract eight operational strategy measures of liner companies from AIS data. • Identify the market focus approach of liner companies. • Investigate the relationship between profit margin and operational strategies. • Investigate the impact of market focus approach on identified relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge development of the influence mechanism for the operational performance of large passenger railway stations (OPLPRS) is of great significance for station managers in making comprehensive management decisions, particularly in determining the decision direction under limited allocatable resources. Hence, this paper is dedicated to conducting an empirical study on the influence path analysis of OPLPRS to enrich the relevant theoretical development and better assist in the choice of decision direction at the macro level. First, a hierarchical performance component system (HPCS) with multiple groupings is developed for OPLPRS, and several hypotheses are formulated for its internal structural relationships. Then, a multi-path analytic method based on structural equation modeling (SEM-MPAM) is proposed to (1) establish and validate the conceptual structure of HPCS and measure each path coefficient inside, and (2) quantitatively analyze the direct, indirect, and compound influence paths of each performance component or group on the OPLPRS with and without considering the decision timeliness. Survey data from two representative large passenger railway stations in China is applied to the proposed SEM-MPAM to conduct the influence path analysis. The results well support the developed hypotheses and path structure, yield the influence intensity of multiple paths, and therefore identify the critical influence paths of the OPLPRS under different conditions. Finally, the practical implications gained, the applications of multi-path analytic findings in meeting different decision-making needs, and the applicability of the proposed method are discussed, which helps station managers better seek the optimal improvement of OPLPRS in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Credible building modelling is essential to the building energy certification and building renovation towards better energy performance and indoor climate. The primary objective of this work is to assess the consequences related to the level of effort necessary to simulate the building geometry and its facilities and to guide practitioners in building modelling by providing insights about the model simplification consequences both for the energy performance and comfort. This work focuses on the sensitivity of model geometry simplification and heating system and the influence of these on the energy and thermal comfort KPIs in standard simulation conditions. Moreover, the study presents models verification towards operational performance, investigates the complexity of adapted simulation conditions, e.g., heating setpoint, actual people load on the model credibility comparing to monitored data. The sensitivity study main conclusion is that there are relatively small differences in heating demand among models with different zoning methods of geometries, while the implementation of detailed heating systems in the simulation has a more noticeable effect on the results of all output KPIs. The Model verification activity main conclusion is that adapted people's load can improve the model accuracy. Models with detailed geometry, lead to more accurate results when the heating set-point in the model is defined as monitored data per apartment. For dwellings with a limited number of IAQ measured points, use of the standard set-point is advised instead of monitored. For the apartments with sufficient IAQ sensors, adapted heating setpoint and people load can significantly improve the model predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined driving behavior, vehicle operational performance, and exhaust emissions data at a roundabout level. The relative positive acceleration, power demand, speed, acceleration, vehicular jerk, Vehicle Specific Power modes, mass carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions were evaluated by roundabout type (single-lane, compact two-lane, and multi-lane) and sub-segment (downstream, circulating area, and upstream). Real-world vehicle tailpipe emissions, internally observable variables, dynamic and location data were measured along six conventional roundabouts in Portugal (1 Hz resolution). Although the multilane roundabout yielded the lowest amounts of carbon dioxide, it resulted in highly volatile behaviors based on vehicular jerk thresholds. The emission hotspots were found downstream roundabouts while drivers tend to adopt highly volatile behaviors close to the circulatory roadway. This paper brings valuable knowledge to researchers and transportation practitioners, who are involved in intersection design and control strategies, about the impacts of roundabout design and location based on several criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents extensive monitoring, detailed long term operational performance and on-field degradation measurement of utility scale grid connected 10 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in real operating conditions. Different performance indices are evaluated incorporating IEC standard 61724 guidelines based on actual plant monitoring data (incident solar irradiation, ambient and module temperature and generated electrical energy) from January 2016 to December 2020 (period of five years). The annual average reference, array and final yield, performance ratio, capacity utilization factor, array capture and system losses, PV array and system efficiency of the plant were found to be 6–6.7 h/day, 4.83–5.1 h/day, 4.69–4.86 h/day, 72–74%, 19–20%, 1.02–1.33 h/day, 0.15–0.156 h/day, 12% and 11% respectively. Degradation of fielded modules is assessed by visual inspection and I-V curve tracing. Correlation of I-V characterization with electrical parameters of visually degraded installed PV modules is also presented. The calculated linear degradation rates varied from 0.97 to 1.52%/year in modules with considerable bird dropping, 1.33 to 1.61%/year in modules with light EVA discoloration, 1.6 to 1.86%/year in modules with glass breakage, 2.31 to 3.94%/year in modules with glass breakage and dark EVA discoloration, and 2.97 to 5.8%/year in modules with glass breakage and cell cracks. The annual linear degradation rates were found to be in the range of 0.9 to 1.1%/year for normal fielded modules with no visible degradation and 0.97 to 2.9%/year for visually degraded modules with mean and median values of 1.8%/year and 1.6%/year with six years operational period. The levelized cost of electricity, simple and discounted payback period and return on investment were found to be 4.05 Rs, 5.5 years, 11 years and 62.22% respectively. Annual CO 2 savings of the plant is around 16,000 tons and CO 2 emission reduction potential of installed pc-Si technology is found to be 1.6 tons/kW p. • Prolonged operational performance of utility scale 10 MW PV plant is evaluated based on real time plant monitoring. • Extensive degradation investigation is presented based on on-field experimental measurement in hot semi-arid climate. • Correlation of identified degradation modes and failures with electrical performance of degraded PV modules is presented. • Detailed financial and environmental analysis is presented in terms of LCOE, SPP, DPP, NPV, ROI & cumulative CO 2 savings. • Results provide important insights on PV plant operation in hot climate and in in improved operation of future PV plants [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grounded on the Resource Based View (RBV) theory, this paper argues that technological advances and process optimisation through standardisation and centralisation could been used to improve various aspects of port operational performance. Using information and secondary data from the case of Patrick Terminals in Australia, the impacts of the Patrick's Brisbane AutoStrad™ container terminal and National Operations Centre (NOC) on yard design and operations, quay crane deployment, operational productivity, safety, manpower, vessel planning, customer service delivery, invoicing, and process alignment and standardisation, were examined. It was found that the deployment of advanced technology i.e. Brisbane AutoStrad™, bundled with the optimisation of business processes through standardisation and centralisation at the NOC, are valuable and costly-to-imitate tangible and intangible resources which can translate into positive operational performance in terms of better equipment and facility utilisation, higher productivity, reduced costs, and more satisfied customers. This research contributes to strengthen the RBV theory in the context of container terminals management while also provides managerial insights to port managers and policy makers not only in Australian container terminals but also those in Asia, given their growth and competitive position on the global basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many pumped hydro compressed air energy storage systems suffer from defects owing to large head variations in the hydraulic machinery. To solve this problem, this study proposes a novel pumped hydro compressed air energy storage system and analyzes its operational, energy, and exergy performances. First, the composition and operating principles of the system are analyzed, and energy and exergy models are developed for each module. Second, the operational characteristics of each module during the charging and discharging processes are analyzed. Finally, the energy and exergy performances of the system in single- and multi-cycle charging and discharging processes are revealed. The results show that the water pressure potential energy transfer module (module 2) effectively converts the pressure variation of nearly 1.6 MPa in the air storage tank to a head variation of 58.5 m during pumping and 48.2 m during power generation of the pumped storage unit. The electrical energy waste and exergy losses in module 1 are the highest, reaching 39.0% and 53.3%, respectively. After a single cycle, the efficiency, exergy efficiency, and energy storage density of the proposed system reach 59.0%, 70.1%, and 0.255 kW h/m3, respectively. After multiple cycles, the average efficiency increases to 62.5%. [Display omitted] • A novel pumped hydro compressed air energy storage system is proposed. • Thermodynamic modeling of each module is developed. • The operational characteristics of the modules are analyzed. • Energy and exergy performance during single- and multi-cycles are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing energy demand in developing countries has jeopardised energy security, necessitating the employment of solar energy to augment conventional energy sources. It is important to assess the annual performance parameters of solar power plants to understand its place in energy generation. This study analyses the performance and economic viability of a large-scale solar power park located in India. A 50 MWp Solar Photovoltaic Power Park (SPPP) located at Sakunala, in the State of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the largest solar power park in India, and the site receives an average solar radiation of 5.5–6.0 kWh/m2/day. The design, performance analysis, economic feasibility, and greenhouse gas mitigation of the 50 MWp SPPP is presented. The energy yields, performance ratio (PR), capacity utilization factor (CUF), and losses are assessed based on the IEC 61724 standards for two consecutive years (2018–2019 and 2019–2020). The performance results obtained are compared with the PVsyst simulation results. The PR, CUF, and energy yields are estimated as 0.779, 0.24, and 107,326.4 MWh in 2018–2019 and 0.691, 0.22, and 96,707.336 MWh in the year 2019–2020, respectively. The PVsyst simulator evaluates the PR, CUF, and energy yields as 0.80, 0.24, and 106,022 MWh, respectively. Further, the effect of power curtailment policies on solar PV projects is also discussed and the effect of curtailment policy on the economy of the solar power park in terms of payback period and emissions are analysed. The performance of the SPPP is also compared with those of other PV plants installed all over the world. • Design and performance analysis of a Solar PV park by using PVsyst simulator • Techno-economic analysis of a solar PV park based on the measured data • Renewable energy curtailment • Effect of renewable energy curtailment on economy and emission • Power purchase agreements and its importance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depreciating costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity, increasing government support and initiatives, and rising prices of grid electricity have spurred the production of electricity through solar PV systems. The Chandigarh government in India has installed a 200 kWp on-grid PV system on the roofs of pre-fabricated portable cabins (PPC) to fulfil their local energy demand at the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) complex. In this paper, the operational performance of this system in warm and temperate climates is characterized based on on-field recorded data. Results for annual reference yield are 5.21 kWh/kWp/day, the array yield is 4.15 kWh/kWp/day, and the system-wide final yield is noted as 3.70 kWh/kWp/day. The annual array efficiency, the inverter efficiency, and the system efficiency were recorded at 12.24%, 89.27%, and 10.93%, respectively. The performance ratio is 71.30%, and the capacity utilization factor is 15.21%. We also noted the capture losses for the plant to be at 20.12%, out of which thermal capture losses was 6.97%. Based on this empirical assessment, the annual electricity produced by the system was 2,66,460.0 kWh. Based on the electricity production from this plant, we estimate that PPC building based PV systems may have the potential to mitigate the CO 2 emissions for the base year by 421.1 tCO 2 eq. in comparison with present-day conventional thermal power plants in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microleakage, frequently arising from aging or inadequate installation, significantly affects the performance and longevity of refrigeration systems. The presence of microleakages, while not precipitating an immediate system failure, results in the gradual deterioration of components and escalates the energy consumption within buildings. Nonetheless, identifying these microleakages through conventional methodologies poses significant challenges. This study introduced a dynamic model specifically designed for detecting microleakages in multi-connected air conditioning systems, particularly in variable refrigerant volume (VRV) systems. Experiments performed under standard operating conditions were integral to enhancing the model's accuracy and furthering its validation. The model integrates the structural and thermophysical attributes of various components, thereby addressing the issues related to data acquisition in standard VRV during instances of microleakage. The analysis of dynamic parameter shifts during system microleakage led to the generation of a comprehensive dataset, which proves invaluable for machine learning and fault detection tasks. A detection and alerting protocol is written in Python presented, chiefly anchored on pressure deviations, augmented by temperature shifts and refrigeration and heating capacities, all represented as virtual volumetric alterations. The findings indicate a delayed transmission of the leakage signal from the leakage point to the system's detection points, with the maximal delay occurring at the compressor inlet under refrigeration conditions, amounting to 239 s. Evaluation under prescribed conditions indicated variances in pressure, temperature, and refrigeration and heating capacities by up to 13.2 %, thereby validating the model's precision and reliability. The program, tested with the generated dataset, accurately identifies leakage states within an average time of 20 min. This model and detection strategy provide a new perspective on microleakage in refrigeration systems, suggesting a robust strategy for their sustained and secure operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As world advances towards goals of "carbon peak" and "carbon neutrality", tailings filling has become an important direction for the construction of green and low-carbon mines. Mixing time has an important effect on the performance of tailings filling slurry and filling body. This research explores the mechanism of mixing time on mechanical properties, slurry fluidity and microstructure of superfine tailing cemented paste backfill (SCPB) under conditions of different nano-Al 2 O 3 (NA) dosage. The results show that prolonging mixing time causes the slurry fluidity to increase and then decrease or increase and then gradually stabilize with different NA dosages, while the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) increases and then decreases. When the NA dosage are 0%, 1%, 2% and 3%, the mixing time that optimizes fluidity and strength are 5 min, 5 min, 9 min and 11 min, respectively. Both mixing time and NA dosage have significant effects on the early strength of SCPB. The UCS of SCPB increases and then decreases with the increase of NA dosage, and reaches the highest at 2% NA dosage at different curing time. Taking into account the microscopic test results, it can be seen that the hydrolysis degree of C 3 S and gypsum is higher under the ideal mixing time, which can generate more hydration products such as C-S-H and AFt. Meanwhile, NA dissolves and releases reactive Al and Al(OH) 4 - in alkaline conditions to take part in the hydration reaction, generating alumina hydrate, AFt, and C-(A)-S-H, thus further improving the quantity of hydration products generated and decreasing porosity in the microstructure of SCPB, and thus improving the strength of SCPB. The findings offer reference for improving utilization of superfine tailings and effective backfilling. • Mixing time prolongation affects SCPB slurry's fluidity and strength, showing a increasing then decreasing or stabilization. • Higher NA dosage extends mixing time needed for SCPB slurry's optimal fluidity. • SCPB slurry's cured porosity decreases and stabilizes as mixing time lengthens. • SCPB slurry has 5 states under mixing: wet and dry separation, nucleation, flocculation, suspension, and homogeneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research develops a relational model between institutional pressures to adopt Cleaner Production and the environmental, economic and operational performance impacts of such practices. Thus, by using a survey with a sample of two hundred and eight (208) Brazilian industrial companies, it was possible to evaluate the principal motivators driving Cleaner Production in these companies, define measures for the levels of adoption of such practices and analyse their contributions to environmental, economic and operational performance. It was concluded that all institutional pressures exert a positive influence on the levels of adoption of such Cleaner Production practices by the companies, with the pressure exerted by the productive chain, of which the companies form a part, particularly standing out, as well as the pressure from internal and external stakeholders. Moreover, it was concluded that the companies' environmental, economic and operational performance is positively impacted by Cleaner Production practices supported by pressure exerted on the organizations. This study fills a gap in theory by advancing the frontier of knowledge in this field and serving as a reference for environmental public policies that support business guidelines regarding the need for investment in clean technology. • A relational model between institutional pressures to Cleaner Production Brazilian industrial performance was developed. • The main motivators for Brazilian industrial companies to adopt Cleaner Production were identified and analyzed. • The main practices of Cleaner Production adopted by Brazilian industrial companies were identified and analyzed. • The main impacts on the environmental, operational and economic performance of Cleaner Production practices were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze the effects of information sharing on the operational performance of technology companies in the competitive environment in the management skills and innovative focus of the firms in the technology sector. Due to the limitations of the research, only the technology firms formed our sample group and we can give the analysis results only through the technology companies. The sample population of the research should also be considered in terms of the intensive technology-oriented industrial firms. A research model has been developed to examine the relationships between variables and to test hypotheses. The data obtained from the collected 312 questionnaires were responded by the engineers working in 28 technology companies. In particular, because of the fact that the sample population is engineers, they have taken part in our research because they assume important duties and responsibilities in both the operational part and in the innovation orientation. In conclusion, we have proved the advantage of sharing information and being innovative in order not to fall back from competition for technology companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a systematic literature review of the recent scholarly literature on product complexity (number, diversity, and interrelatedness of product variants and components) and operational performance (measured in terms of cost, time quality, and delivery reliability) in manufacturing and supply chain firms, considering the manufacturing context as well as the mechanisms behind the relationships. The results show that product complexity has a consistently negative relationship with cost, time, quality, and delivery performance measures, though the relationships with quality and delivery performance are less clear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Proposing a novel approach to predict energy consumption in mosque buildings during the operation stage. • Simulating various scenarios involving different operational variables of the mosque and the utilized systems. • Developing a Convolution Neural Network (CNN) deep learning model to predict the mosques' annual energy consumption. • Comparing the developed deep learning model against the Support Vector Regression (SVR) model. The energy consumption resulting from the construction sector is increasing rapidly. Different building types have different energy consumption schemes, especially during their operational stage. Among these types of buildings, mosques are considered one of the intermittent building types that suffer from huge energy wastage. That's why there is a need to monitor their operational performance through retrofitting or changing their operational scheme to enhance their operational performance and examine the effect of different alterations on the annual energy consumption. However, using traditional methods and simulation models to examine the impact of different alterations on the annual energy consumption of the mosque is considered difficult and time-consuming. Using machine learning and deep learning models, energy prediction models facilitated energy consumption predictions for improving building energy utilization. Therefore, this paper proposes an efficient approach for predicting mosques' energy consumption using a deep learning approach. Convolution Neural Network (CNN) deep learning model is developed to predict the annual energy consumption of mosque buildings based on various operational Scenarios. 3D Laser scanning and a detailed energy analysis model with various simulation results are used to generate the mosque's simulated energy consumption dataset. Different operational variables, such as the operational schedule, division of the mosque into zones, utilization of dimmers, presence of cooling system and the setting point, and the power consumption of the lighting system and appliances, have been utilized to estimate the annual energy consumption for the mosque to formulate the database. Using the mosque's simulated energy consumption dataset, the CNN model was trained and tested to obtain the best model configuration with regard to the defined performance metrics. Besides, the performance of the developed model has been compared with the Support Vector Regression (SVR) model. The developed model has achieved results of 4.5% and 0.98 for the MAPE and R2, respectively. The results revealed the developed CNN model's effectiveness for predicting energy consumption for mosque buildings. This model will help compare different operational strategies for mosque buildings and determine energy consumption and energy-efficient options based on different operational characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on a windsurfing sail during steady sailing. We performed wind tunnel experiments on a scaled-down sail model to measure the aerodynamic forces and moments at varying angles of attack and rig-back (swept-back). The study found that increasing the rig-back angle resulted in lower lift, drag, rolling moment coefficients and lift-to-drag ratio. Using kinematic considerations, the aerodynamic data was transformed into key performance parameters, including driving force, side force, and rolling moment. The study emphasis on the sail's aerodynamic rolling moment by taking into account a maximum righting moment threshold from the sailor. This threshold can restrict the maximum achievable driving force from the sail, and is particularly important at high apparent wind speeds. The study suggests that higher rig-back angles can be beneficial when the maximum driving force is restricted by the moment threshold. In these conditions, the reduction in sail rolling moment from a higher rig-back angle can offset the potential reduction in lift-to-drag ratio. This finding provides valuable insights into the optimal techniques for improving windsurfing performance under steady sailing conditions. This study contributes to the understanding of the underlying physical principles governing windsurfing and provides a basis for further research in this area. • Higher rig-back angles can be advantageous when sailing upwind and at higher relative travelling speeds. • Reduction in sail's rolling moment from a higher rig-back angle can offset the reduction in lift-to-drag ratio. • Sail's rolling moment is the most pertinent at low true wind angle, high relative travelling speed and high true wind speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and energy efficiency measures (EEMs) could enhance the performance of manufacturing industries, but research on the role of I4.0 on EEMs adoption with respect to production resources and operational performance is lacking. The academic contribution of this research in terms of novelty is twofold: first, this study has represented an innovative attempt to explicitly consider EEMs impact on production resources operational performances. Second, the study qualitatively highlights the contribution of specific I4.0 technologies to boost performance of industrial EEMs. To achieve the research objectives, a framework is developed to assess EEMs based on the impact over various production resources and operational performance, further integrating how Industry 4.0 technologies may affect such impacts. The application of the framework in selected companies allowed several interesting insights compared to extant literature. The synergic use and management of machine data and hardware allows to reap unexploited benefits beyond energy efficiency, such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), labour effectiveness, reliability, reduced operational costs. The study reveals the contribution of specific I4.0 technologies with respect to specific EEMs: whilst implementing Artificial Intelligence is deemed important for boosting the benefits of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and closed cycle process in water management (improving OEE, productivity and reducing operational costs), Internet of Things seems to beneficially affect the adoption of motor systems by improving OEE and reliability. The study concludes with limitations, major recommendations for industrial decision-makers and future research avenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various kinds of applications of BDA in the firms. Not many studies are there which deal with the impact of BDA towards issues like forecasting, decision-making, as well as performance of the firms simultaneously. So, there exists a gap in the research. In such a background, this study aims at examining the impacts of BDA on the process of decision-making, forecasting, as well as firm performance. Using resource-based view (RBV) as well as dynamic capability view (DCV) and related research studies, a research model was proposed conceptually. This conceptual model was validated taking help of PLS-SEM approach considering 366 respondents from Indian firms. This study has highlighted that smart decision making and accurate forecasting process can be achieved by using BDA. This research has demonstrated that there is a considerable influence of adoption of BDA on decision making process, forecasting process, as well as overall firm performance. However, the present study suffers from the fact that the study results depend on the cross-sectional data which could invite defects of causality and endogeneity bias. The present research work also found that there is no impact of different control variables on the firm's performance. • Impact of big data analytics (BDA) on decision-making, forecasting, and firm performance • Theory based model using resource-based view and dynamic capability view • PLS-SEM approach considering 366 respondents from Indian firms • Smart decision making and accurate forecasting process can be achieved by using BDA. • No impact of different control variables on the firm's performance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Most special-use freeway lanes, such as High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, have traditionally been designed with either limited access or continuous access control from the adjacent general-purposed (GP) lanes. Studies have shown the advantages and disadvantages of each design in terms of safety, mobility, environment, and enforcement, among other factors. With a focus on improving the operational performance of HOV facilities, this paper proposes a new design called partially limited access control where the continuous access is mostly designated along the freeway to achieve higher travel speed while buffers between the HOV lane(s) and the adjacent GP lanes are strategically placed on selected freeway segments to accommodate higher throughput on those segments. The placement of buffers primarily aims to reduce the impact of HOV cross-weave flow on the capacity of GP lanes. In this research paper, a methodology for determining the location and length of buffers in the partially limited access control has been developed. A case study is performed along a 13-mile section of HOV facility on SR-210 E in Southern California, which is coded and evaluated in traffic microsimulation. The results show that the partially limited access control increases the throughput (represented by total vehicle miles traveled or VMT) and decreases the delay (represented by total vehicle hours traveled or VHT) of the freeway as compared with either the limited access or continuous access control. As a result, the overall efficiency (represented by average travel speed calculated as VMT/VHT) of the freeway with partially limited access HOV facility is 21% and 6% higher than that of the freeway with limited access and continuous access HOV facility, respectively, under the baseline traffic demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate environmental performance (CEP) is widely acknowledged as a multidimensional construct. The researchers in the field of ecology, environmental management, and sustainability studies have long faced the dilemma of how exactly to measure CEP, given the vast array of instruments available and the lack of an operational definition. Our aim was to propose a new conceptualization of CEP based on a comprehensive and critical review of three decades of dedicated research. First, in order to provide an operationalization of the multidimensional construct of CEP, several academic and industry-based CEP reporting inventories are reassembled into a large set of 140 indicators grouped into 14 functional categories, identified using the grounded theory approach. Second, the critical review proposes a classification and discussion of empirical contributions according to their data sources, based on the content analysis of 172 empirical papers (published between 1980 and 2017), using the variable “corporate environmental performance”. Third, we discuss the pros and cons of using certain types of CEP measures and we suggest relevant guidelines for researchers on how to choose the adequate instruments which maximize both the reliability of data sources and the construct validity of CEP measures. Fourth, a new definition of CEP highlights the pivotal concept of environmental impact and the corporate goal of reducing and preventing environmental harm. Finally, we discuss the future of CEP research, given the opportunity and necessity for a more relevant and dimensional approach to measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is a growing interest in social responsibility in research as well as in practice, the majority of studies on corporate social responsibility do not explicitly investigate operations management issues when adopting socially responsible practices under the “people” pillar of sustainability. This paper, dealing with the theme of social responsibility in operations management, aims at clarifying the complex relationship between socially responsible product/service and the operations of the company. The empirical context of the study is the sport industry, where the attention to social issues is well established. We used a mixed theoretical-empirical approach to develop a conceptual model, which results in two hypotheses grounded on the literature and three exploratory interviews from three Italian equestrian centres. We test the hypotheses by collecting data from a survey of 156 Italian equestrian centres and applying structural equation modelling (SEM). Our findings show that differentiating the product portfolio by introducing socially responsible products/services influences the operations of the company at different levels. Moreover, although companies consider socially responsible products/services differentiation strategies as something different from other socially responsible practices they seem to activate a social-orientation virtuous cycle: offering a socially responsible product/service is associated with the implementation of other socially responsible practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in sustainability and its relation to performance has grown significantly among practitioners and operations management (OM) scholars. However, there is still a paucity of research on the antecedents and drivers of sustainability, as well as on the relationship between sustainability and performance. Moreover, the literature offers contradictory results on this relationship. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to provide a research synthesis about the overall state of the art of empirical research on the impact of sustainability management practices on performance, encompassing social and environmental dimensions. To achieve this goal, the authors develop a rigorous systematic review of the extant literature on sustainability relationships with firm performance, emphasizing the under-researched area of causal models of sustainability and operational performance. This research is a first attempt to go beyond the highly dispersed work on the subject, aiming to provide more generalizable evidence about theories, methods and findings. The synthesis embraces 231 papers in total and identifies the main variables on causal models depicting the relationships between sustainability and performance, analyses how the studies on the subject are conducted, and investigates the impact and the mechanisms through which sustainability affects operational performance (OP). Overall, there are positive effects of sustainability on performance, such as lower costs, better delivery and product quality, enhanced volume and mix flexibility, although different mechanisms drive the sustainability-performance links and they differ according to contexts. The study outlines implications for practice and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates how the characteristics of operational processes—systematic and project-based—affect the impact of adopting the safety management systems on different performance metrics. The proposed approach allows the development of a framework which matches safety problems and risks encompassed by organizational tasks with solutions generated by new safety knowledge linked to the adoption of the OHSAS 18001 standard. Our analysis of the effect over work accidents, as well as operational and economic performance of implementing the OHSAS 18001 in Spanish manufacturing, construction and professional services organizations during 2006–2009 shows that organizations modify existing safety practices to mitigate work accidents, and that safety learning effects widely vary across industry sectors. Organizations whose current knowledge is mostly codified and processes are highly systematic benefit more from safety knowledge and experience, whereas the effects of the OHSAS 18001 dilute in organizations whose knowledge is high in tacitness, and whose processes difficult the visibility of the consequences of work accidents. This study has important implications for managing knowledge acquisition processes. The findings offer valuable insights on how managers can develop communication and coordination actions to cope with the potential incompatibilities between safety management systems, the properties of knowledge and work environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability has long been recognised as a ubiquitous phenomenon underlying the functions and performance of firms. Drawing on a natural-resource-based viewd of the firm (NRBV), this paper examines the impact of technological, organisational and environmental (TOE) drivers on sustainable manufacturing practices (SMP), and the influence of these practices on competitive capabilities (i.e., quality, cost, delivery and flexibility). The model is empirically validated by means of the partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on survey data from a spectrum of Egyptian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The findings demonstrate that environmental pressures from stakeholders, management support and the engagement of employees positively influences SMP. In contrast to the existing literature, we find that technology infrastructure, technology competence, and environmental regulations do not significantly affect SMP. Interestingly, the relationship between SMP and the competitive capabilities of Egyptian SMEs is positively significant. The paper proposes a number of implications emphasising the role of institutional context in encouraging SMEs to engage in pro-environmental behaviour and thereby shifting the attention of future research directions on SMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades more and more production companies have adopted the lean paradigm to get operational performance improvements. More recently, the competitive environment is requiring an increasing attention towards sustainability issues leading to the implementation of practices to also improve sustainability performance and, in particular, the environmental impacts. The relationships between lean and green approaches in terms of their mutual influence in achieving target performance have been investigated in several studies (see for example (Dieste et al., 2019)– (Henao et al., 2019)). Most of related studies identify a supportive relationship between the two paradigms, and only few negative effects have been identified. Whilst the impact on performance in lean-green contexts has become a field of research in its own, little has been said in literature about how the new Industry 4.0 (smart manufacturing) paradigm and the emerging technologies, impacting in every area of a production company, can be of support to further strengthen the lean-green binomial (an exception is represented by (Duarte and Cruz-Machado, 2017)). This paper aims at proposing a framework to analyse how a smart environment relying on the Industry 4.0 tools and technologies can support the evolution of a lean-green company towards higher levels of operational performance. The final goal is to support practitioners in the strategic choice of what smart technologies to adopt in combination with selected lean and green practices to create an impact on selected operations strategy indicators or to identify initiatives to fill operational gaps in the context of a continuous improvement and radical innovations plans. Such approach may serve as a signpost for the shaping of operations strategies, especially in relation to technology management. In order to achieve the above-mentioned goal, a four-step methodology has been adopted to review the existing literature and to organize it in a way that allows highlighting the impacts of smart technologies, lean and green practices on performance indicators and to identify possible reciprocal influences. Eventually, to get a validation of the proposed approach, a semi-structured interview has been shared with four manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to get their perspective on framework potential benefits. [Display omitted] • SMEs need reference framework for smart-lean-green initiatives. • Advanced analytics supports TPM programs combined with EMS development. • Advanced analytics supports TPM programs to achieve 3R principles. • Advanced analytics supports VSM analysis to accomplish 3R principles. • Advanced analytics supports Poka-Yoke within Design for environment practices. List of used acronyms • Adv. Anal. → Advanced Analytics • SMEs → Small and Medium-sized Enterprises; • TPM → Total Productive Maintenance; • EMS → Environmental management system; • 3R → Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latent Thermal Energy Storage (LTES) is a promising solution to reduce cooling energy consumption in buildings. Laboratory and computational studies have demonstrated its capabilities while commercial passive and active systems are available. This paper presents data and analysis of the performance of an active LTES ventilation system in two case-studies, a seminar room and an open plan office in the UK. Analysis using environmental data from the system’s control as well as additional space monitoring indicates that (a) internal temperature is maintained within adaptive thermal comfort limits, (b) acceptable Indoor Air Quality is also maintained (using metabolic CO 2 as indicator) and (c) energy costs are low compared to air-conditioned buildings. Thermal and CFD computational studies indicate that purging and charging duration and associated set-points for room temperature as well as air flow rate are the important parameters for optimised performance for a given LTES design. These parameters should be optimised according to the use of the space and prevailing external conditions to maintain internal thermal comfort within upper (usually in the afternoon) and lower (usually in the morning) limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two aims of this study: one is to analyze the relationship among perceived environmental uncertainty, supply chain integration and operational performance and the other is to test direct, indirect and total effects among the variables. To achieve the aims of this study, various research methods were used. The population is Korean firms in China. Questionnaires were sent to the sample firms, and 208 data were used in the analysis. Validity and reliability of measuring items were verified by a confirmatory factor analysis, and the causal links among the variables were verified by a structural equation modeling analysis. The results are as follows. First, the relationship between perceived environmental uncertainty and supply chain integration is the causal link. Environmental uncertainty is an antecedent of supply chain integration and this is explained by information processing theory. Second, supply chain integration has a positive effect on operational performance. To improve performance, managers have need of interaction with suppliers and customers as well as inter-departments. Third, there is no direct effect between environment and performance but there are direct, indirect and total effects among the variables. The negative effect of perceived environmental uncertainty on performance (direct effect) is changed with positive effect (indirect and total effects). This is explained by fit as mediation by Venkatraman (1989). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ISO 14001 has been widely applied by various power plant sectors to manage their plants’ performance. This paper aims to conduct monitoring on the environmental and operational performances of an ISO 14001 certified coal power plant in Malaysia. This work suggests some area for improvements for those performance parameters which show inconsistency and downtrend, statistically. Relevant environmental and operational performance parameters were selected as the indicators for air quality, generating efficiency, power availability and reliability. The environmental parameters are the air quality parameters which include Total Suspended Particulate, Particulate Matter up to 10 μm in size and Sulfur Oxides. Thermal Efficiency and Equivalent Availability Factor were selected as parameters for generating efficiency and availability. For reliability, the parameters are Equivalent Unplanned Outage Factor and Equivalent Planned Outage Factor. Overall findings showed that better performance was recorded on environmental aspect, suggesting more focuses were put on regulatory concerns to ensure high environmental compliances. The present work provides some of the approaches in achieving more effective ISO 14001 implementation in power plant industry, in tandem with the policy of Malaysia government towards a more self-regulating manner. It demonstrates some relevant evidences toward treating operational improvement as equally significant and beneficial efforts for economic gain and environmental enhancement. Furthermore, this study provides a useful structure method for future research on performance monitoring as well as for the reference of other certified and non-certified ISO 14001 power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study helps to reconcile the trade-offs between sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and operational performance. Inspired by the paradox theory, the study advocates avoiding the contradictory elements and accepting the complementary elements between SSCM and Operational Performance. Accordingly, the study identifies various SSCM and operational performance elements followed by their evaluation to understand their complementary and contradictory nature. The study is conducted in two stages. First, the study constructs a list of SSCM features through exploratory factor analysis. Second, a unique decision framework of MACBETH (Measuring Attractiveness by Categorical-Based Evaluation Technique) and TODIM (Tomada de Decisión Inerativa Multicritero) methods is used to evaluate the SSCM features based on their impact on operational performance criteria. The proposed framework is validated in the context of the Indian Automobile Industry. The study results provide an empirically validated and prioritized list of SSCM features. In the list, the top-ranked features complement the operational performance criteria. In contrast, the lower-ranked features compromise the operational criteria, at least in the short term. Thus, this study reduces the skepticism around the adoption of SSCM by focusing on the top-ranked features of the list and avoiding the lower-ranked features during the early phases of SSCM adoption. Additionally, the study provides guidance to supply chain managers on achieving sustainability in a supply chain without compromising on its traditional goals. The results are of practical importance as supply chain managers may now choose to implement specific SSCM features that exhibit minimum negative impact on operational performance. Consequently, the study encourages an assertive adoption of SSCM even in developing countries. • The study attempts to address the skepticism of organizations toward SSCM. • It recommends a sequential adoption of SSCM features to ensure a minimal negative impact on supply chain operational goals. • The study uses exploratory factor analysis to identify six SSCM features. • The sequence of SSCM features is decided on their ability to conform to the operational goals of the supply chain. • The evaluation of SSCM features is done by a unique decision-making framework based on MACBETH and TODIM techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a biofouling index based on the relative pressure drop is presented to quantitatively evaluate the amount of fouling in spacer-filled membrane filtration channels. The biofouling index was defined as the inverse of the time to reach a relative pressure drop of 100% and can be interpreted as a fouling rate or cleaning frequency. The index was applied to evaluate biofilm growth in membrane fouling simulators with reverse osmosis membranes and commercial feed spacers operated with different feed water nutrient concentrations and crossflow velocities. Biofilm accumulation on the membrane and feed spacer was characterized in situ using optical coherence tomography. We showed that the biofouling index is directly related to the volume of biofouling independent of the applied crossflow velocity and a suitable tool for improved quantitative comparison of the biofouling rate. Furthermore our results suggest that the pressure drop is better described as function of the velocity at the perimeter of a spacer cell instead of the average velocity in the channel. Although the biofouling index is developed for biofouling, the index may be applied to quantitatively assess mitigation strategies in spacer filled channels for a wider range of fouling types. [Display omitted] • Biofouling index is a tool for improved quantitative evaluation of biofouling rate. • Biofouling index is the average fouling rate based on the relative pressure drop. • Relative pressure drop measures the change in channel geometry due to fouling. • Relative pressure drop depends on channel geometry and not on velocity. • Pressure drop depends on the perimeter velocity instead of the average velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sea–sea transhipment of containers between vessels has become a key part of the container handling activities in the global maritime shipping network constituting 25.8% of the worldwide container port throughput in 2017 (Drewry Shipping Consultants, 2018). Since the 1990s, the global port system has seen the development of pure transhipment hubs close to interoceanic passages (Straits of Malacca, Suez Canal, Panama Canal, etc.) and port sites at other strategic maritime locations. Some regional markets, such as the Mediterranean Sea, seem to offer the right conditions for the emergence of pure transhipment hubs characterized by a transhipment incidence, i.e., the share of sea-sea transhipped containers in the terminal's total container traffic, of >65% (Notteboom et al., 2019). Although prior academic papers have stressed main issues related to pure transhipment hubs' competitive and operational performance, no contributions have investigated their link with economic and financial performance. This paper aims at analysing the main drivers that are expected to shape transhipment hubs' profitability and to compare their financial performance with gateway terminals (focused on import/export cargo only) and terminals handling a mix of gateway and transhipment flows. A database is developed consisting of the operational, economic and financial data of main Italian container terminals for the period 2009–2020. An OLS statistical model is tested for investigating the relationships between economic-financial performance and technical-operational performance of pure transhipment hubs compared to gateway and mixed terminals. The findings reveal that, for the same operational performance, terminals predominantly focused on transhipment activities tend to reach significantly lower levels of profitability compared to gateway and mixed terminals. It is also demonstrated that these terminals have a lower ability to create a positive cash flow and income compared to gateway and mixed terminals. The research outcomes provide useful insights for both port managers and policy makers involved in the development and management of pure transhipment hubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel dynamic quantitative risk assessment method to analyze the operational performance of chemical processes. Unlike traditional methods, the proposed method estimates the probability of undesirable event occurrence by monitoring multiple key variables in the process. This probability is continuously updated considering real-time disturbances in the variables. The consequences are estimated using dynamic loss functions developed considering multiple key state variables. As a result, the process׳ operational performance is assessed dynamically in the form of quantitative risk (dollar) value. The quantitative dynamic risk value helps to make swift operational decisions to maintain the process within the safer operating limits, thus preventing untoward incidents/accidents. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology, it is tested on two case studies, a simple tank system and the benchmark Tennessee Eastman process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study proposes a multicriteria approach for the comparative analysis of the operational performance of Brazilian airport terminals. Methodology Two multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) methods – De Borda and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) - were applied in an integrated manner to the database of the performance report from the Brazilian Department of Civil Aviation (Secretaria de Aviação Civil – SAC/PR), composed of evaluations issued by 18,062 respondents regarding 15 airport terminals, 12 of which are analyzed in this study considering 8 evaluation criteria. On the first level, the AHP method was used to assign weights to the criteria. On the second level, the De Borda method was applied to rank the alternatives. Results The proposed method resulted in a final ranking of alternatives that was significantly different from the one presented in the SAC/PR report. Contribution to knowledge The employment of the integrated De Borda-AHP method is not common and ensured a greater approximation with the overall user satisfaction indicator, showing that it is the more appropriate methodological option when compared with the arithmetic mean commonly used in public reports. Contribution to society Based on the obtained ranking, air transport users will be able to have a more realistic comparative picture of the main airport terminals analyzed. Contribution to the management of the airport system This work contributes to the strategic planning and allocation of investments seeking to adapt and expand the sector, and also to the continuous improvement of the service levels provided at airports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper seeks to verify how the impact of green practices on operational performance can be improved when firms are agile. In fact, agility can offer original and effective contributions to make the firms' operations greener. Using a combination of statistical techniques, our analysis develops in two steps. First, it investigates the relationships between green practices and operational performance; second, it verifies the moderating role of agility within the aforementioned relationships. The findings of the first step are twofold: 1) firms can enjoy increasing levels of operational performance when focusing on green practices linked to the circular economy, specifically: recycling, recovery, and reuse; 2) eco-materials and green packaging do not have any significant impact on operational performance. In the second step, our findings suggest that agility can completely reverse the impact of green practices on operational performance. In fact, when agility plays a moderating role, recycling, recovery, and reuse do not provide any significant impact on operational performance, while eco-materials and green packaging have a positive influence on firms' operations. Accordingly, firms seeking to improve their operational performance through green practices should focus their investments on the capability to be agile. [Display omitted] • Reuse, recycle, and reduce can improve the operational performance. • Eco-materials and green packaging do not impact on operational performance. • Agility reverses the impact that green practices have on operations. • Agile firms improve operational performance via eco-materials and green packaging. • Agile firms cannot improve operational performance via circular economy practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Firms develop manufacturing planning and control activities as a response towards supply chain uncertainty. • Manufacturing planning and control activities serve as enablers of supply chain risk management capabilities. • Supply chain risk management can be classified as preventive and reactive risk management. • Manufacturing planning and control activities affect firms' operational performance through supply chain risk management. This paper builds on the dynamic capability view to theorize the role of manufacturing planning and control (MPC) activities and supply chain risk management (SCRM) capabilities towards the firm's operational performance. The study hypothesize that companies enhance MPC activities to respond to supply chain uncertainty (SCU) and enable SCRM that positively impacts operational performance. Data from 356 manufacturing companies in developing countries and regions, drawn from the sixth version of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey is used to examine the hypothesized model empirically. The findings indicate that the MPC activities effectively respond to SCU and act as an enabler of preventive and reactive SCRM. Furthermore, the paper finds that MPC activities drive operational performance through effective SCRM. Also, the findings suggest that preventive risk management practices impact operational performance only through reactive risk management. Finally , the paper enriches the literature by identifying and discussing the theoretical and managerial significance of the role of MPC activities in the association between SCU, risk management practices, and firm performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As critical infrastructure such as transportation hubs continue to grow in complexity, greater importance is placed on monitoring these facilities to ensure their secure and efficient operation. In order to achieve these goals, technology continues to evolve in response to the needs of various infrastructure. To date, however, the focus of technology for surveillance has been primarily concerned with security, and little attention has been placed on assisting operations and monitoring performance in real-time. Consequently, solutions have emerged to provide real-time measurements of queues and crowding in spaces, but have been installed as system add-ons (rather than making better use of existing infrastructure), resulting in expensive infrastructure outlay for the owner/operator, and an overload of surveillance systems which in itself creates further complexity. Given many critical infrastructure already have camera networks installed, it is much more desirable to better utilise these networks to address operational monitoring as well as security needs. Recently, a growing number of approaches have been proposed to monitor operational aspects such as pedestrian throughput, crowd size and dwell times. In this paper, we explore how these techniques relate to and complement the more commonly seen security analytics, and demonstrate the value that can be added by operational analytics by demonstrating their performance on airport surveillance data. We explore how multiple analytics and systems can be combined to better leverage the large amount of data that is available, and we discuss the applicability and resulting benefits of the proposed framework for the ongoing operation of airports and airport networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the backdrop of overwhelming concern for greenhouse gas emission, global warming and overall environmental degradation, many manufacturing enterprises are now integrating their manufacturing philosophy with proactive environmental management approach. It is uppermost in the minds of many whether such environmental proactive approach will also help to improve financial performance of the manufacturing enterprises. This study explores this pertinent issue in the context of manufacturing enterprises of two democratic countries from the east and the west, India and UK respectively. Data collected through a questionnaire validated by invited experts distributed among manufacturing enterprises of India and UK were used to construct the structural model for testing the relationship between environmental proactivity and financial performance. The fitness and robustness of the structural model can be considered adequate. The results indicate positive correlation of environmental proactivity with financial performance, manufacturing based operational performance and non-manufacturing based operational performance. Model equations derived from structural analysis, however, reveal much stronger positive correlation of financial performance with manufacturing based operational practices than with the non-manufacturing based operational practices. The novelty of this research work lies in its managerial implications. It is suggested from the research that the manufacturing enterprises of India and UK should focus more on the manufacturing based operational practices than non-manufacturing based operational practices in order to improve environmental and as well as financial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how the adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices, including green sources, affects environmental and operational performance indicators. A multiple-case study was conducted using large Brazilian firms that have achieved particular success in their sectors and that occupy high positions in important rankings of corporate sustainability. The results of the study indicate that the GSCM practice of “internal environmental management” has the greatest positive effect on environmental performance indicators, and that the GSCM practice of “cooperation with customers” has the greatest positive effect on operational performance indicators. Thus, if a company aims to improve environmental performance (EP), it may create procedures and programs based on the environmental management system and adopt cleaner production initiatives. If a company intends to improve its operational performance (OP), it may respond to audits, improve information exchange between companies and clients and build research and development (R&D) areas to promote environmental innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present an investigation into the operational performance of a novel heat pump assisted solar façade loop-heat-pipe (LHP) water heating system using both theoretical and experimental methods. This involved (1) development of a computer numerical model; (2) simulation of the operational performance of the system by using the model; (3) test rig construction; and (4) dedicated experiment for verification of the model. It was found that the established model is able to predict the operational performance of the system at a reasonable accuracy. Analyses of the research results indicated that under the selected testing conditions, the average thermal efficiency of the LHP module was around 71%, much higher than that of the loop heat pipe without heat pump assistance. The thermal efficiency of the LHP module grew when the heat pump was turned-on and fell when the heat pump was turned-off. The water temperature remained a steadily growing trend throughout the heat pump turned-on period. Neglecting the heat loss of the water tank, the highest coefficient of the performance could reach up to 6.14 and its average value was around 4.93. In overall, the system is a new façade integrated, highly efficient and aesthetically appealing solar water heating configuration; wide deployment of the system will help reduce fossil fuel consumption in the building sector and carbon emission to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operation of the hydrogen filling station at Herøya, Porsgrunn, Norway is reported and analysed in this paper. A 12 bar(g) pressurised alkaline electrolyser with a nominal load of 24 kW provides hydrogen for this filling station and is designed to work with time variable power from renewable resources. Two wind turbines rated at 6 kW each and two solar panels rated at 2.5 kW each are available on site to provide the power for hydrogen production which can then be used to supply a number of fuel cell and modified Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. The station has a hydrogen storage capacity of 6.3 m 3 in pressurised tanks at 450 bar(g). As a part of the authors’ experimental work, operational data and the characteristics of the pressurised alkaline electrolyser installed at the site under different operational modes have been collected and analysed. The archival value of this paper is the presentation and discussion of the electrolyser characteristics which are relevant to the identification of an acceptable control strategy to integrate such electrolyser loads within the power system and thus provide improved performance of the power system when exposed to the highly time variable energy supply from renewable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While it is now generally agreed that system safety cannot be adequately addressed using technical analysis alone, an approach to modeling the organizational issues associated with safety is still needed. This paper offers an analytical approach to assessing the complex relationships among organizational culture and safety practices and outcomes. The paper argues that, in principle, organizational culture can be represented as a network of shared mental models (SMMs). While it would be impractical to construct a network that fully captures an organization's culture, the approach can be used to model particular dimensions of culture. Thus, a network of SMMs is a meaningful representation of safety culture to the extent that the data effectively capture shared knowledge about system safety. Similarly, organizational learning can be quantified as the evolution of that network's structure over time. The goal of the research is to develop a quantitative methodology for analyzing the relationship of organizational culture and learning to safety performance. The research is built on a collaborative effort between academia and industry focused on improving process safety in the oil and gas industry, but it can be applied to safety-related problems across organizations. The results are expected to have implications for training, professional development, safety protocols, and methods for measuring and managing safety practices in the development and operation of complex engineered systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Integrated model of maintenance, quality control and production scheduling. • Batch sequence, maintenance actions and sampling parameters are simultaneously optimized. • Hybrid optimization approach is used for solving the model. • Effect of model parameters on solution is investigated using experimental analysis. • Proposed model results in dynamic planning of decision parameters. This paper presents an integrated planning between the three core functions of shop floor management; maintenance, production scheduling, and quality. The methodology is based on the conditional reliability of components and its effect on system operation. The objective is to minimize the system operation cost of the combined decision and investigate the cost-effectiveness of the integrated policy over the non-integrated planning. The integrated approach helps the decision-maker to find maintenance actions for individual components, production schedule and sampling parameters for process quality inspection. Mathematical models for integration and a flow chart for the combined methodology of the three functions are presented. Metaheuristic approaches, simulated annealing, and genetic algorithm are used for optimization. A simulation study at different levels of component degradation (service age) and schedule tightness factor is presented. Besides, we present an experimental analysis of varying model parameter values for the integrated planning and compare the results with the independent (non-integrated) planning approach. The results show the improved operational performance of the integrated planning and a lesser operating cost than the non-integrated planning. The proposed approach is dynamic as quality control parameters and production decisions will change as per the maintenance decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the research is to present an investigation on the operational performance of the integrated photovoltaic/thermal system (PV/T) and solar thermal collector (TC) with a heat pump system (PVT-TC) and its potential use for generating high thermal energy and electricity simultaneously. The numerical simulation model and testing rig of the PVT-TC heat pump system have been developed to analyze the electrical, thermal, and total efficiency of the system. An experimental test was carried out under real weather conditions. The experimental results revealed that the average electrical, thermal efficiency, and coefficient of performance (COP) of the PVT-TC heat pump system are 14.08%, 66.71%, and 6.11, respectively. According to comparative analysis with the similar systems, the PVT-TC heat pump system exhibits a higher electrical and thermal efficiency, thus showing a better application potential in residential buildings. The PVT-TC system occupies 3.3278 m2 and generates an average of 0.86 kWh/day of electricity and 6.35 kWh/day of thermal energy, as a result of 86.1% of primary energy saving efficiency being obtained. In addition, the PVT-TC heat pump system is simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics® to examine the temperature distribution of the solar TC and PV/T systems. The numerical model is also verified by the experimental data, with a root mean square deviation with less than 1.53%. • A novel PVT-TC system coupled with a solar direct-expansion heat pump system. • An experimental study was conducted to analyze the performance of the novel system. • The average COP of the PVT-TC solar heat pump system was obtained to be 6.11 • Average thermal efficiency of PVT-TC system was achieved to be 66.71%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]