Conflict resolution for product performance requirements based on propagation analysis in the extension theory

Traditional product data mining methods are mainly focused on the static data. Performance requirements are generally met as possible by finding some cases and changing their structures. However, when one is satisfied with the structures changed, the other effects are not taken into account by analyzing the correlations; that is, design conflicts are not identified and resolved. An approach to resolving the conflict problems is proposed based on propagation analysis in Extension Theory. Firstly, the extension distance is improved to better fit evaluating the similarity among cases, then, a case retrieval method is developed. Secondly, the transformations that can be made on selected cases are formulated by understanding the conflict natures in the different performance requirements, which leads to the extension transformation strategy development for coordinating conflicts using propagation analysis. Thirdly, the effects and levels of propagation are determined by analyzing the performance values before and after the transformations, thus the co-existing conflict coordination strategy of multiple performances is developed. The method has been implemented in a working prototype system for supporting decision-making. And it has been demonstrated the feasible and effective through resolving the conflicts of noise, exhaust, weight and intake pressure for the screw air compressor performance design

Response of Fresh Food Suppliers to Sustainable Supply Chain Management of Large European Retailers

This article analyses new supply chain management (SCM) strategies of the largest retail distribution chains in Europe within the context of differing sustainability concepts and approaches. An analysis is carried out of the strategic plans of such retailers, as well as recent developments in the sector. We begin by identifying the priority actions of retailers and then evaluating, by means of a survey, how small horticultural marketing firms (mainly cooperatives) in southeast Spain respond to the needs of these retailers. Subsequently, an analysis is carried out on these small marketing firm exporters to identify the relative weight which they assign to the variables assessed, while also considering the existing relationships between said weighted variables and business profits. Our results show that retailers tend to establish more simplified supply chains (that is, shorter and more vertical), essentially demonstrating their interpretation of a sustainable supply chain. In contrast, horticultural marketing firms have concentrated more on tactical and operational issues, thereby neglecting environmental, social and logistics management. Thus, their success rate in meeting the sustainability demands of their customers can be considered medium-low, requiring a more proactive attitude. Improved and collaborative relations, and the integration of sustainability concepts between suppliers (marketing firms) and their clients could contribute to successfully meeting sustainability demands. From the point of view of the consumer, close supplier–retail relationships have solved food safety issues, but the implementation of sustainability in other supply chain activities and processes is a pending issue. We propose strategic approximation and collaboration to bridge the gap between the varying sustainability demands in the supplier–retail relationship within perishable supply chains. Although this article specifically addresses fresh vegetable supply chains, the results may be extrapolated to other agri-food chains with a similar structure

ELABORATIVE AND CRITICAL DIALOG: TWO POTENTIALLY EFFECTIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING AND LEARNING INTERACTIONS

Recent research on learning individual monologs and collaborative problem solving suggests that students learn best when they are required to be active participants in interactive dialogs. However, some interactive dialogs are more conducive to learning than others. Two dialog patterns that seem to be effective in producing successful problem solving and deep learning are elaborative and critical interactions. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the relative impact of each dialog on learning and problem solving by experimentally manipulating the types of conversations in which dyads engage.Undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: a singleton control, a dyadic control, an elaborative dyad, or a critical dyad. The domain chosen for the experiment was a bridge optimization task in which individuals or dyads modified a simulated bridge, with the goal of making it as inexpensive as possible.Both problem solving and learning from the simulation were assessed. Performance on the task included a combination of two factors: the quality of the design and the price. Overall learning was measured by the gain from pre- to posttest on isomorphic evaluations, and was further decomposed into text-explicit and inferential knowledge. The results suggest elaboration is easier to train and led to stronger problem solving and learning than the control condition, whereas the critical interactions were more difficult to instruct and led to problem solving and learning equal to the control condition

Cooperative production networks - multiagent modeling and planning

Consumer goods are mainly produced in multiple steps through a long process. These steps are often done by separate, independent production nodes (enterprises), linked by supply chains. The networks of enterprises — where members have their own objectives and act in an autonomous, rational way to reach their goals — can be naturally modeled by agent-based methodology. The inner structure of each enterprise is similar in the sense that it contains separated planning functions (e.g., production-, inventory-, capacity planning). While the operation inside an enterprise can be controlled centrally, the interaction between the nodes could be synchronized only by negotiation and coordination. Coordination can be based on protocols which regulate information, material and financial flows alike. In this paper we expose an agent-based organizational model of production networks and suggest some planning algorithms which can handle the uncertainty of demand. In addition, we outline the first results of our ongoing research, an analysis of the asymmetric information case and an appropriate coordination mechanism

Repositioning the Essential Art in Collaborative Technology-Mediated Design Education

Asserting the responsiveness of integrated design processesto the human condition relies upon these processes being informedby an artistic tradition founded in cognitive activities that are motivatedby the conceiving of unique environmental form. This paper examines the changing, yet essential role of creative activities in contemporary project delivery systems within the context of an ideal business construct,the Virtual Organization. The implications of this transformationfor project-based design studio synthetic experience-contingent learningare discussed with reference to an ideal pedagogical construct,the Virtual Design Studio. Because the latter represents learning experiences that are predicated on its empirical counterpart, the Virtual Organization, pedagogical dimensions appropriate to learning strategiesin collaborative technology-mediated environments are explicated