Developing a short-term comparative optimization forecasting model for operational units’ strategic planning

Data drain for peer active units operating in the same sector is a major factor that prevents policy makers from developing flawless strategic plans for their organisation. This study introduces a hybrid model that incorporates a purely deterministic method, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), and a semi-parametric technique, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), to provide a strategic planning tool for efficiency optimization applicable to short-term lag of data availability. For consecutive time instances, t and t+1, the developed DEANN model returns optimum “regression-type” input and output levels for every sample operational unit, even for the fully efficient ones, that may decide to alter the levels of the efficiency determinants, respecting the t-time efficiency frontier.Forecasting, Optimization, Efficiency, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Adaptive Techniques

A Framework for Operational Volume Generation for UAM Strategic Deconfliction

Strategic pre-flight systems focus on the planning and deconfliction of routes for aircraft systems. The urban air mobility concept calls for higher levels of autonomy with both onboard and en route systems but also strategic and other pre-flight systems. Existing endeavors into strategic pre-flight systems focus on improving the route generation and strategic deconfliction of these routes. Introduced with the urban air mobility concept is the premise of operational volumes, 4D regions of airspace, including time, a single aircraft is expected to operate within, forming a contract of finite operational volumes over the duration of a route. It is no longer enough to only deconflict routes within the airspace, but to now consider these 4D operational volumes. To provide an effective all-in-one approach, we propose a novel framework for generating routes and accompanying contracts of operational volumes, along with deconfliction focused around 4D operational volumes. Experimental results show efficiency of operational volume generation utilising reachability analysis and demonstrate sufficient success in deconfliction of operational volumes.Comment: 8 pages, 4 Figure

Exploring the mobile technology deployment process in a creative B2B service industry

This study addresses the limited empirically grounded research to understand the process of the mobile technology deployment (MTD) in a creative B2B industry. Strauss’ evolved grounded theory (GT) approach has been employed to analyse three different cases and perform cross-case display of patterns. Multiple sources of both primary, in-depth interviews with key decision-makers, and secondary data have been used to select seven dimensions of the MTD process, three operational and four strategic, signalling similarities and intercase differences. Creative B2B firms extensively deploy mobile technology (MT) on operational and strategic levels. Findings confirm applicability of existing strategic marketing doctrines in relation to the MTD where follower-firm employs MT based on cost-efficiency and risk avoidance strategic orientation. The second firm, challenger, organises and manages the MTD based on market opportunities. The third, leader, is characterised by risk-taking approach and innovation orientation to the MTD. This study provides insights into practices of the MTD in creative B2B companies describing strategic paths that firms follow in order to build competitive positioning through employment of MT. The seven-dimensions framework of the MTD can be practically implied for strategy and operation planning in companies currently applying and potentially willing to deploy MT

The need for concept of efficiency evaluation of security control at airports

There are many demands placed on centralized security checkpoints of passenger and cabin luggage. Among the most important rank requirements for high passenger satisfaction, assurance of high security check effectiveness and operational efficiency. These three base requirements, however, do not support each other and in some ways they even conflict. Other aspects influencing operational security control are ever increasing volumes of handled passengers and the efforts to reduce flight ticket prices. Operational efficiency evaluation and targeted control are supported by the possibility to assure specific basic requirements. These include assuring required amount of security control staff, on the right place and at the right time. In sequence, a concept of security control efficiency evaluation is needed for operational, tactical and strategic planning

A concept of water usage efficiency to support water reduction in manufacturing industry

Increasing pressures on freshwater supplies, continuity of supply uncertainties, and costs linked to legislative compliance, such as for wastewater treatment, are driving water use reduction up the agenda of manufacturing businesses. A survey is presented of current analysis methods and tools generally available to industry to analyze environmental impact of, and to manage, water use. These include life cycle analysis, water footprinting, strategic planning, water auditing, and process integration. It is identified that the methods surveyed do not provide insight into the operational requirements from individual process steps for water, instead taking such requirements as a given. We argue that such understanding is required for a proactive approach to long-term water usage reduction, in which sustainability is taken into account at the design stage for both process and product. As a first step to achieving this, we propose a concept of water usage efficiency which can be used to evaluate current and proposed processes and products. Three measures of efficiency are defined, supported by a framework of a detailed categorization and representation of water flows within a production system. The calculation of the efficiency measures is illustrated using the example of a tomato sauce production line. Finally, the elements required to create a useable tool based on the efficiency measures are discussed

Regional Competitiveness: In Search of a Framework for Greek Regions Strategic Planning and Measurement of Competitiveness.

(This paper is the result of a research program that was carried out by the Laboratory for Evaluation of Development Policies and Programs, University of Thessaly). Greek economy, after nominal converging with other western European countries and meeting the accession criteria to the European Monetary Union, sets as a new objective the attainment of “real†convergence. Success in this objective, while operating in a globalized economic environment and the single European market, will be judged on the choice of a development policy focused on competitiveness and regional development. This paper exactly aims at informing the strategic planning of a regional competitiveness policy. Especially, it intends to set specifications for a regional competitiveness strategy, to define actions at an institutional level for its implementation and to propose a quantification and measurement system of its results. Based on the definition of competitiveness and its determinant factors for each level (national, branch, enterprise, regional) and how they are intertwined, the necessity for a regional competitiveness strategy is validated by a critical analysis of Greek economy¢s recent related data and performance. The frame in which Greek regions¢ competitiveness problems will be addressed is analyzed under the light of the European Union¢s new regional development policies Furthermore, the article analyzes the competitiveness strategic planning of Greece and Greek regions in interventions of the current programming period. Namely, it evaluates the extent at which competitiveness is identified and specified in the Community Support Programme, the Competitiveness Operational Programme and the SWOT analyses of the Regional Operational Programmes. Moreover the policies that implement the European regional policy (CSP, OP) and the competitiveness policy (COP) are being evaluated on aspects that include fund allocation, strategy update, regional priorities, implementation progress, efficiency, performance, and synergies, as far as competitiveness and its determinant factors are concerned. Based on literature review, the paper assesses and analyzes the most renowned benchmark systems of countries¢ and regions¢ competitiveness. This paper results to a coherent set of proposals for regional competitiveness policy strategic planning. Particularly, it defines requests towards the aforementioned policy and identifies important issues for the forthcoming programming period. It proposes the establishment of regional agencies analogous to the National Competitiveness and Development Council, alternative organizational forms and a typical action plan. It defines an index set for Greek regions¢ competitiveness benchmarking, a synthesis and utilization methodology, and evaluates the documentation of available data.

Operational Efficiency Forecasting Model of an Existing Underground Mine Using Grey System Theory and Stochastic Diffusion Processes

Forecasting the operational efficiency of an existing underground mine plays an important role in strategic planning of production. Degree of Operating Leverage (DOL) is used to express the operational efficiency of production. The forecasting model should be able to involve common time horizon, taking the characteristics of the input variables that directly affect the value of DOL. Changes in the magnitude of any input variable change the value of DOL. To establish the relationship describing the way of changing we applied multivariable grey modeling. Established time sequence multivariable response formula is also used to forecast the future values of operating leverage. Operational efficiency of production is often associated with diverse sources of uncertainties. Incorporation of these uncertainties into multivariable forecasting model enables mining company to survive in today’s competitive environment. Simulation of mean reversion process and geometric Brownian motion is used to describe the stochastic diffusion nature of metal price, as a key element of revenues, and production costs, respectively. By simulating a forecasting model, we imitate its action in order to measure its response to different inputs. The final result of simulation process is the expected value of DOL for every year of defined time horizon

What can managers do for creativity? : brokering creativity in the creative industries

'Creativity' has become a fashionable term in the contemporary managerial and political lexicon, signalling generalised approval in education, business and the arts. In Britain, 'creative industries' has replaced 'cultural industries' as the umbrella term for artistic and cultural production and distribution, and 'creativity' has been incorporated into the national tourism brand . In business, managers and academics use 'creativity' to indicate an organisation's capacity for innovation, flexibility and autonomy; these 'creative' values are seen to have replaced operational efficiency and strategic planning as the primary source of 'competitive advantage' in business. In education, creativity has spread beyond its original context of arts based subjects and is used to refer to a generalised ability to solve problems and generate new concepts across the entire curriculum. The term creativity has become so all-embracing as to lose any clearly defined meaning and value. Ask any organisation, industry or individual whether they would ever admit to being 'uncreative' and the corruption of meaning is only too apparent. It seems that we are all creative now. Creativity has become both the language and currency of today's knowledge economy

Management Accounting System Effectiveness and Firm Success: Evidence from Information and Communication Technology Businesses in Thailand

Management accounting system is an instrument of business operations which executives have implemented to enhance critical decision-making, facilitating and managing information for the purpose of improving management. While management accounting system is important, its outcomes have become interesting issues of business practitioners and researchers. In this research, management accounting system effectiveness (MASE) becomes an important topic that is needed to verification and investigation. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impacts of MASE on the firm success of information and communication technology businesses in Thailand. Here, MASE is an independent variable of the research and firm success is a dependent variable of the research. Operational excellence, strategic congruence, and value creation are also the mediators of the research. A questionnaire is used as the research tool for data collection, and accounting managers or accounting directors of the companies are the key informants. The 193 information and communication technology companies in Thailand are samples of the research. The results of the research reveal that (1) both business planning efficiency and firm decision-making achievement positively impacts operational excellence; (2) organizational control quality positively affects strategic congruence, value creation, and firm success; and (3) corporate direction effectiveness positively influences operational excellence, strategic congruence, and value creation. Both operational excellence and strategic congruence also have positive relationships with value creation and firm success. Likewise, value creation has a positive influence on firm success. In summary, management accounting system effectiveness (MASE) is a main driver of explaining and enhancing firm success. This research generates theoretical contributions and managerial contributions. Conclusion, limitations of the research and suggestions for further research are provided in detail

Gestión Sustentable De Riesgos Y Crisis En El Turismo Mexicano Y Latinoamericano Como Problema Estratégico Para La Seguridad De Los Destinos. Implicaciones Para Ciudad Juárez, México

The integrated management of risk and crisis in tourism has recently been incorporated to scientific debate and therefore to the practical management; which is why concepts and procedures are required to gain efficiency and practical operational development. The aim of this study is to justify the sustainable management process of risk and crisis in Mexican and Latin American tourism as a strategy for the security of destinations, and identify the experiences that promote a better preparedness and planning of risk and crisis caused by insecurity in Ciudad Juarez. The results of this study demonstrate that the integrated management of risk and crisis on tourism is justified as a strategic problem for security in tourist destinations, as well as the necessity to have policy and institutional framework to manage tourism safety. Then as a learning experience, an analysis of crisis and management strategies related to unsafe destinations in Latin America and Mexico are presented. Finally, the strategic projection for the preparation and planning of tourism, facing risks and crisis caused by insecurity in Ciudad Juarez is proposed. This includes the characterization of the city as an insecure cross-border tourist destination, the formulation of the strategic problem, the development of the principles to form a Sustainable and Secure Tourism System, and the planning of action areas for short-term and longterm implementation