scholarly journals Morphological Effects in SnO2 Chemiresistors for Ethanol Detection: A Review in Terms of Central Performances and Outliers

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Andrea Ponzoni
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Approach ◽  
Gas Sensing ◽  
Hierarchical Organization ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pure Sno2 ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Functional Features ◽  
Suitable Reference

SnO2 is one of the most studied materials in gas sensing and is often used as a benchmark for other metal oxide-based gas sensors. To optimize its structural and functional features, the fine tuning of the morphology in nanoparticles, nanowires, nanosheets and their eventual hierarchical organization has become an active field of research. In this paper, the different SnO2 morphologies reported in literature in the last five years are systematically compared in terms of response amplitude through a statistical approach. To have a dataset as homogeneous as possible, which is necessary for a reliable comparison, the analysis is carried out on sensors based on pure SnO2, focusing on ethanol detection in a dry air background as case study. Concerning the central performances of each morphology, results indicate that none clearly outperform the others, while a few individual materials emerge as remarkable outliers with respect to the whole dataset. The observed central performances and outliers may represent a suitable reference for future research activities in the field.

Improving the efficiency of public administrations through business process reengineering and simulation

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 419-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Rinaldi ◽  
Roberto Montanari ◽  
Eleonora Bottani
Keyword(s):  
Public Administration ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Reengineering ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Process Reengineering ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Research Activities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a business process reengineering (BPR) approach to a public administration of Italy, to first assess the efficiency of the administration, then to redesign its internal processes, to improve the current performance. Design/methodology/approach – A detailed mapping of the AS IS processes of the public administration was initially carried out, together with the collection of the relevant data. Then, a simulation model was designed to support the BPR approach. In particular, the model was exploited to assess the performance of the AS IS scenario of the organization, then to investigate numerous TO BE process configurations and evaluate the achievable performance improvements. Findings – From the study, it emerged that the current efficiency level of the public administration examined has potentials to be significantly improved. For instance, by maintaining its current workforce, the public administration could consider the opportunity of providing additional services to the citizens or to serve citizens from the neighbouring municipalities. Otherwise, the organization could consider a reorganization and reduction of its current workforce, at the same time keeping the service level to its citizens almost unchanged. Research limitations/implications – Results of this study cannot be fully generalized, since the whole analysis is grounded on specific public administration. Moreover, although the simulation outcomes of the TO BE processes show interesting improvements compared to the AS IS scenario, the TO BE configurations were not (yet) implemented in practice. Therefore, the results provided should be confirmed in future research activities. Practical implications – The case study allowed deriving some useful guidelines to improve the efficiency of the public administration examined, as well as to identify some TO BE configurations that could be implemented in practice. Originality/value – Scientific literature includes a limited number of studies that evaluate the efficiency of public organizations in real contexts. Moreover, no studies target public administrations in Italy. Therefore, this case study represents an interesting addition to the literature.

Requirements on Dimensions for a Maturity Model for Smart Grids Based on Two Case Studies

2022 ◽  
pp. 443-464
Author(s):  
Agnetha Flore ◽  
Jorge Marx Goméz
Keyword(s):  
Requirements Engineering ◽  
Smart Grids ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Literature Research ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
First Case ◽  
Agile Approach ◽  
Further Development

This contribution describes two different types of requirements engineering analysis of the necessary dimensions of a possible maturity model for Smart Grids to be implemented for utilities. For the first case study, the requirements engineering for necessary dimensions for a Smart Grid maturity model was elicited using a systematic literature research. On the contrary a more agile approach is used for the second requirements engineering. For this more agile approach, interviews with energy suppliers were conducted, taking into account the analysis of the literature research. Various energy suppliers from Germany took part in the survey. The results were used to develop the basic framework for a maturity model for Smart Grids, which can still be tailored if necessary. Finally, future research activities for the application and further development of maturity models for Smart Grids in the energy industry are explained as well as the different procedural variants in the requirements analysis.

scholarly journals Perspektiven für eine konzeptionelle Orientierung der Bildungsgeographie

2015 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Freytag ◽  
H. Jahnke
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Human Geography ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Future Research ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Geographical Education ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Key Concepts ◽  
Suitable Reference

Abstract. Education has become central to the social and political debates in many countries. Under the influence of comparative international studies as well as national rankings of education institutions there is a growing awareness for social and regional inequalities of formal education infrastructure and processes. This article focuses on the geographical education research in Germany by reviewing existing research work on the one hand and opening perspectives for future studies in geography of education on the other. The main aim is to restructure the field of German Bildungsgeographie (geography of education) along key concepts and perspectives from human geography. After a brief introduction, the first part discusses the concept of Bildung (education) and its transformation. The following chapter sketches the major lines of research in geography of education in the German-speaking context. In the last and most extensive part six key concepts from human geography are pointed out as suitable reference points to situate existing and future research activities in the field of geography of education.

scholarly journals The mentoring relation as an interpersonal process in EDUCATE: A qualitative case study of mentor–mentee perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago De Ossorno Garcia ◽  
Luke Doyle
Keyword(s):  
Educational Technology ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Interpersonal Process ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
The Relationship

The EDUCATE research-based accelerator employs academic mentors to support entrepreneurs to use research in the development of educational technology. Mentorship is a common feature of business accelerators, yet only a few empirical studies have shown or analysed the relationship and how it influences business success outcomes. In EDUCATE, the mentorship adopts a unique approach by focusing the relationship on goals and evidence-based knowledge exchange concerning educational technology. Examining previous literature on mentorship and exploring the novel features of EDUCATE, a qualitative case study was conducted using a semi-structured interview with a mentor and mentee within the programme. Although this was a limited study of only one dyad mentor−mentee relationship, the research elicits findings that may be of interest for future research. The study highlights the importance of the interpersonal process of mentorship, and advances understanding of what constructs effective mentorship relationships for accelerators. Findings suggest that from the perspective of the mentee, the psychosocial function forms a big component of the relationship. Concepts such as trust, decision-making, personality and self-efficacy arise in the analysis. In contrast, the mentor focuses on career functions and aspects of the programme such as frequency of interaction and knowledge about research. In addition, structured goals within the relationship seem to help the research activities expected in the accelerator. In conclusion, mentorship within EDUCATE is key for the programme, the psychosocial functions in the relationship are critical for entrepreneur satisfaction and, consequently, the integration of research and practice. Constructs such as trust and personality are worth exploring as components within training of the psychosocial aspect of mentors’ activity, as opposed to the traditional view of expert and experienced mentors, often acquired in business accelerators. The analysis of the interpersonal process is of importance to further understand the definition of ‘good mentor’ within formal mentoring programmes for evaluation purposes.

Requirements on Dimensions for a Maturity Model for Smart Grids Based on Two Case Studies

2021 ◽  
pp. 271-292
Author(s):  
Agnetha Flore ◽  
Jorge Marx Goméz
Keyword(s):  
Requirements Engineering ◽  
Smart Grids ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Literature Research ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
First Case ◽  
Agile Approach ◽  
Further Development

This contribution describes two different types of requirements engineering analysis of the necessary dimensions of a possible maturity model for Smart Grids to be implemented for utilities. For the first case study, the requirements engineering for necessary dimensions for a Smart Grid maturity model was elicited using a systematic literature research. On the contrary a more agile approach is used for the second requirements engineering. For this more agile approach, interviews with energy suppliers were conducted, taking into account the analysis of the literature research. Various energy suppliers from Germany took part in the survey. The results were used to develop the basic framework for a maturity model for Smart Grids, which can still be tailored if necessary. Finally, future research activities for the application and further development of maturity models for Smart Grids in the energy industry are explained as well as the different procedural variants in the requirements analysis.

SME’s Performance Through Comparative Performance Indicators, Measured by Business Statistics- Albania Case

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 361
Author(s):  
Godiva Rembeci
Keyword(s):  
Economic Performance ◽  
National Economy ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Productivity Measurement ◽  
Comparative Performance ◽  
Global Consensus ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Business Statistics ◽  
National Economies

Now days there is a global consensus among all stakeholders that SMEs represent a driving force to the overall economic development, due to their significant contribution both on GDP and employment of national economies. SMEs also by numbers dominate the world business stage, although their contribution does vary among the countries. SMEs in Albania represents about 98% of the total enterprises with a contribution to national GDP for about 70%. The structure and the performance of national economy is depended very much on the economic performance and contribution of SME, that’s why most of the governments have strategic programmes which support the SME’s development. To measure SMEs’ performance and their ability to compete on national and international markets requires a lot of information in all aspects. Through this paper the author aims to measure and analyze the economic performance of SMEs operating in Albania. To achieve this objective, official data on business statistics published by national the statistical office (INSTAT) are used for two years period 2014-2015. In addition using an international framework addressed to the objective “improve the techniques for SMEs productivity measurement”, for the first time, a set of comparative performance indicators is established and in doing so, those results can be used as term of reference in future research activities in SMEs sector. From the results it came out that although the positive growth rate of GDP during the last years , the performance indicators of SMEs show a slightly negative trend, indicating indirectly the need for support, in order to empower their contribution in national economy.

Statistical approach for describing failures and lifetimes of water mains

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 209-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianhua Lei ◽  
Sveinung Sægrov
Keyword(s):  
Data Base ◽  
Ductile Iron ◽  
Counting Process ◽  
Statistical Approach ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Average Lifetime ◽  
Maintenance Practice ◽  
Water Mains ◽  
Near Future

This paper demonstrates the statistical approach for describing failures and lifetimes of water mains. The statistical approach is based on pipe inventory data and the maintenance data registered in the data base. The approach consists of data pre-processing and statistical analysis. Two classes of statistical models are applied, namely counting process models and lifetime models. With lifetime models, one can estimate the probability which a pipe will fail within a time horizon. With counting process models one can see the deteriorating (or improving) trend in time of a group of “identical” pipes and their rates of occurrence of failure (ROCOF). The case study with the data base from Trondheim municipality (Norway) demonstrates the applicability of the statistical approach and leads to the following results: 1). In the past 20 years, Trondheim municipality has experienced approximately 250 to 300 failures per year. However, the number of failures per year will significantly increase in the near future unless better maintenance practice is implemented now. 2). Unprotected ductile iron pipes have a higher probability of failures than other materials. The average lifetime of unprotected ductile iron pipes is approximately 30 to 40 years shorter than the lifetime of a cast iron pipe. 3). Pipes installed 1963 and 1975 are most likely to fail in the future; 4) The age of a pipe does not play a significant role for the remaining lifetime of the pipe; 5). After 2 to 3 failures, a pipe enters a fast-failure stage (i.e., frequent multiple between failures).

Supplier Development at LG Electronics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyojin Kim ◽  
Daesik Hur ◽  
Tobias Schoenherr
Keyword(s):  
Management Practice ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Supply Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supplier Development ◽  
Environmentally Conscious ◽  
Competitive Capabilities ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Buyer Firm

Supplier development has been a critical supply management practice since the 1990s. In many instances, it has even become imperative for buyer firms to support and prepare their supply bases for uncertain economic and market environments, socially and environmentally conscious customers, advances in digital technologies, and increasing competition. Yet, research that approaches supplier development with the objective to advance all these dimensions in an integrated fashion is scarce. This study fills this void by exploring how a buyer firm may address these emerging challenges in its supply base. Specifically, an in-depth case study of LG Electronics explores how the firm designs and operates multidimensional supplier development activities to foster the stability and sustainability of its supply base while enhancing its core suppliers’ competitive capabilities. This chapter illustrates how supplier development can be taken to the next level, presents implications for managerial practice, and outlines promising future research avenues.

A systematic literature review of healthcare supply chain and implications of future research

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuj Dixit ◽  
Srikanta Routroy ◽  
Sunil Kumar Dubey
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Drug Manufacturing ◽  
Customer Training

Purpose This paper aims to review the healthcare supply chain (HSC) literature along various areas and to find out the gap in it. Design/methodology/approach In total, 143 research papers were reviewed during 1996-2017. A critical review was carried out in various dimensions such as research methodologies/data collection method (empirical, case study and literature review) and inquiry mode of research methodology (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), country-specific, targeted area, research aim and year of publication. Findings Supply chain (SC) operations, performance measurement, inventory management, lean and agile operation, and use of information technology were well studied and analyzed, however, employee and customer training, tracking and visibility of medicines, cold chain management, human resource practices, risk management and waste management are felt to be important areas but not much attention were made in this direction. Research limitations/implications Mainly drug and vaccine SC were considered in current study of HSC while SC along healthcare equipment and machine, hospitality and drug manufacturing related papers were excluded in this study. Practical implications This literature review has recognized and analyzed various issues relevant to HSC and shows the direction for future research to develop an efficient and effective HSC. Originality/value The insight of various aspects of HSC was explored in general for better and deeper understanding of it for designing of an efficient and competent HSC. The outcomes of the study may form a basis to decide direction of future research.

scholarly journals Toward a Working Model of Leadership in Nonprofit Sport Governance

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian O’Boyle ◽  
David Shilbury ◽  
Lesley Ferkins
Keyword(s):  
Chief Executive Officers ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Working Model ◽  
Executive Officers ◽  
Scholarly Discourse

The aim of this study is to explore leadership within nonprofit sport governance. As an outcome, the authors present a preliminary working model of leadership in nonprofit sport governance based on existing literature and our new empirical evidence. Leadership in nonprofit sport governance has received limited attention to date in scholarly discourse. The authors adopt a case study approach involving three organizations and 16 participant interviews from board members and Chief Executive Officers within the golf network in Australia to uncover key leadership issues in this domain. Interviews were analyzed using an interpretive process, and a thematic structure relating to leadership in the nonprofit sport governance context was developed. Leadership ambiguity, distribution of leadership, leadership skills and development, and leadership and volunteerism emerged as the key themes in the research. These themes, combined with existing literature, are integrated into a preliminary working model of leadership in nonprofit sport governance that helps to shape the issues and challenges embedded within this emerging area of inquiry. The authors offer a number of suggestions for future research to refine, test, critique, and elaborate on our proposed working model.

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