How Kano’s Performance Mediates Perceived SERVQUAL Impact on Kansei

Through Kansei Engineering (KE) methodology in services, the perceived service quality shows a direct impact on Kansei response. In order to strengthen the KE methodology, Kano model is embedded considering the attractive [A] and one-dimensional [O] performances. However, to what extent the Kano performance brings significant impact on Kansei is questionable and has not been explored yet. It is beneficial to measure the effort spent to improve a certain service attribute, considering the Kano performance and its impact on Kansei. This study on logistics services confirms that the Kano’s attractive category [A] shows the highest impact on Kansei (with loading of 0.502), followed by one-dimensional [O] and must-be [M] ones (with loadings of 0.514 and 0.507), respectively. The service provider should prioritize Kano’s [A] service attributes first for improvement. Keywords - Kano, logistics services, Kansei, SERVQUA

Uncertain Multi-Criteria Optimization Problems

Most real-world search and optimization problems naturally involve multiple criteria as objectives. Generally, symmetry, asymmetry, and anti-symmetry are basic characteristics of binary relationships used when modeling optimization problems. Moreover, the notion of symmetry has appeared in many articles about uncertainty theories that are employed in multi-criteria problems. Different solutions may produce trade-offs (conflicting scenarios) among different objectives. A better solution with respect to one objective may compromise other objectives. There are various factors that need to be considered to address the problems in multidisciplinary research, which is critical for the overall sustainability of human development and activity. In this regard, in recent decades, decision-making theory has been the subject of intense research activities due to its wide applications in different areas. The decision-making theory approach has become an important means to provide real-time solutions to uncertainty problems. Theories such as probability theory, fuzzy set theory, type-2 fuzzy set theory, rough set, and uncertainty theory, available in the existing literature, deal with such uncertainties. Nevertheless, the uncertain multi-criteria characteristics in such problems have not yet been explored in depth, and there is much left to be achieved in this direction. Hence, different mathematical models of real-life multi-criteria optimization problems can be developed in various uncertain frameworks with special emphasis on optimization problems

The Role of the State and Episodes of Growth and Stagnation in the Indian Economy, 1951-2004.

This thesis begins my making a critique of the orthodox approach to analysing economic growth. In particular using medium-run averages hides an important empirical reality of growth in developing countries. These are the episodes of growth and stagnation that actually characterise such growth. In addition there are severe empirical and theoretical problems with uncovering any such link through cross-country regressions. This thesis makes the case for using case-studies and looks at the specific case of India since independence. The thesis uses an empirical approach to define a number of episodes of growth or stagnation. The quantitative aspects relate to changes in average growth of GDP or its components, agriculture, industry or services, or at an even more disaggregated level such as heavy industry. The qualitative aspects relate to issues relevant for the sustainability of growth and stagnation, these include productivity, and the diversification and volatility of output growth. Episodes of growth or stagnation are here defined as a significant change in both the quantitative and qualitative nature of growth relative to a developing country's (India's) own history. This thesis finds that there are four aggregate episodes of growth and stagnation in post-Independence India. These are, the break in economic growth from colonial stagnation after 1951, industrial stagnation from 1965 to 1980, the increase in economic growth after the late 1970s/early 1980s, and a continued episode of growth after reforms beginning in 1991. These are the four case studies focused on in the main empirical section of this thesis. In order to analyse these four episodes of growth and stagnation this thesis makes a case that there is a crucial role for the state either in promoting and sustaining an episode of growth, or the constraints on it leading to an episode of stagnation. These are firstly, the financial role of the state is in allocating the economic surplus to those able to invest productively. Secondly, the role of the state with regard production is to ensure financial resources so allocated are used productively, to either raise productivity in an existing market niche (learning) or upgrade to a higher technology market niche. Finally there are the institutions necessary to mediate the relationship between conflict and economic growth. In this thesis a broad institutional perspective is considered. A repressive state, an inclusive state or an ideological state can help reduce the negative implications of conflict on development. These three factors, the financial and productive roles of the state and institutions are used to frame the analysis of each of the four episodes of growth and stagnation in the post-independence Indian economy

A review of commercialisation mechanisms for carbon dioxide removal

The deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) needs to be scaled up to achieve net zero emission pledges. In this paper we survey the policy mechanisms currently in place globally to incentivise CDR, together with an estimate of what different mechanisms are paying per tonne of CDR, and how those costs are currently distributed. Incentive structures are grouped into three structures, market-based, public procurement, and fiscal mechanisms. We find the majority of mechanisms currently in operation are underresourced and pay too little to enable a portfolio of CDR that could support achievement of net zero. The majority of mechanisms are concentrated in market-based and fiscal structures, specifically carbon markets and subsidies. While not primarily motivated by CDR, mechanisms tend to support established afforestation and soil carbon sequestration methods. Mechanisms for geological CDR remain largely underdeveloped relative to the requirements of modelled net zero scenarios. Commercialisation pathways for CDR require suitable policies and markets throughout the projects development cycle. Discussion and investment in CDR has tended to focus on technology development. Our findings suggest that an equal or greater emphasis on policy innovation may be required if future requirements for CDR are to be met. This study can further support research and policy on the identification of incentive gaps and realistic potential for CDR globally