Methodology to evaluate transversal competences in the master's degree in industrial engineering based on a system of rubrics and indicators

[EN] This paper presents a methodology to evaluate transversal competences in the context of the subject “Design and application of industrial equipment” in the Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain). The competency-based education implies several activities, such as a project-based learning that must be eventually defended in public by students in groups. Evidence of learning is collected based on a well-defined system of rubrics and indicators, which are known in advance by students. We have observed that the use of such techniques improves the students learning on the contents of the subject, allows to acquire the transversal competences related to the analysis and problem solving, and enhances the ability to understand concepts intuitively. Moreover, results clearly show a positive influence on the use of such tools for improving the professional and ethical commitment to the issues raised.Llopis-Albert, C.; Rubio, F. (2021). Methodology to evaluate transversal competences in the master's degree in industrial engineering based on a system of rubrics and indicators. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 8(1):30-44. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2021.15244OJS304481Eberle, B. (1996). Scamper: Games for Imagination Development. Prufrock Press Inc. ISBN 978-1-882664-24-5.Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2015). Improving productivity using a multi-objective optimization of robotic trajectory planning. Journal of Business Research, 68 (7), 1429-1431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.01.027Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2018). Optimization approaches for robot trajectory planning. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 5(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2018.9867Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2019). Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis applied to the design of a network flow of automated guided vehicles for improving business productivity. Journal of Business Research, 101, 737-742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.12.076Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F., Liao, H., Zeng, S. (2019a). Stochastic inverse finite element modeling for characterization of heterogeneous material properties. Materials Research Express, 6(11), 115806. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ab4c72Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Mata, V., Pulloquinga, J.L., Zamora-Ortiz, P., Escarabajal, R.J. (2020). Optimal Reconfiguration of a Parallel Robot for Forward Singularities Avoidance in Rehabilitation Therapies. A Comparison via Different Optimization Methods. Sustainability, 12(14), 5803. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145803Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Mata, V., Zamora-Ortiz, P., Escarabajal, R.J., Pulloquinga, J.L. (2020a). Optimal Reconfiguration of a Limited Parallel Robot for Forward Singularities Avoidance. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 7(1), 113-127. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2020.13352Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Suñer, J.L. (2015). Assembly Line Productivity Assessment by Comparing Optimization-Simulation Algorithms of Trajectory Planning for Industrial Robots. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 10 pages. Article ID 931048. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/931048Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., & Suñer, J. L. (2016). Industrial robot efficient trajectory generation without collision through the evolution of the optimal trajectory. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 86, 106-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2016.09.008Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C. (2019). Viability of using wind turbines for electricity generation in electric vehicles. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 6(1), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2019.11743Rubio, F., Valero, F., & Llopis-Albert, C. (2019a). A review of mobile robots: Concepts, methods, theoretical framework, and applications. International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, 16(2), 172988141983959. https://doi.org/10.1177/1729881419839596Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Besa, A.J. (2020). Sustainability and optimization in the automotive sector for adaptation to government vehicle pollutant emission regulations. Journal of Business Research 112, 561-566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.10.050UPV, 2020. Proyecto institucional competencias transversales. Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Valencia. Spain. https://www.upv.es/entidades/ICE/info/Proyecto_Institucional_CT.pdfValero, F., Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Cuadrado, J.I. (2017). Influence of the Friction Coefficient on the Trajectory Performance for a Car-Like Robot. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 9 pages. Article ID 4562647. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4562647Valero, F., Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C. (2019). Assessment of the Effect of Energy Consumption on Trajectory Improvement for a Car-like Robot. Robotica, 37(11), 1998-2009. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0263574719000407Valero, F., Rubio, F., Besa, A.J. (2019a). Efficient trajectory of a car-like mobile robot. Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, 46(2), 211-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-10-2018-021

Application of Learning Analytics to Improve Higher Education

[EN] In the digital era, the teacher assumes very diverse roles among which are to be an adviser, a generator of multimedia content, and more recently a data analyst. Big data analytics may play a major role in Higher Education for all the agents involved, the teachers and educators, the students themselves and the managers or heads of university centers. This paper applies learning analytics to the subject of Theory of Machines and Strength of Materials of the bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain). The aim of analyzing the available information is to improve teachers’ actions and communication, to enhance resource efficiency, to assess classroom procedures, the achievement of transversal competences, the student typology and their results, or the attitudes and commitment they acquire with the subject taught. Results show the existence of niches with competitive advantages, improvements in the quality and performance of the teaching-learning experience.Llopis-Albert, C.; Rubio, F. (2021). Application of Learning Analytics to Improve Higher Education. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 8(2):1-18. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2021.16287OJS11882Dollár, A., Steif, P. S. (2012). Web-based Statics Course with Learning Dashboard for Instructors. Computers and Advanced Technology in Education. https://doi.org/10.2316/P.2012.774-025Ferguson, R. (2012). Learning analytics: Drivers, developments and challenges. In International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 4, (5-6), 304-317. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTEL.2012.051816Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2015). Improving productivity using a multi-objective optimization of robotic trajectory planning. Journal of Business Research, 68 (7), 1429-1431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.01.027Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2018). Optimization approaches for robot trajectory planning. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 5(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2018.9867Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2019). Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis applied to the design of a network flow of automated guided vehicles for improving business productivity. Journal of Business Research, 101, 737-742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.12.076Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F., Liao, H., Zeng, S. (2019a). Stochastic inverse finite element modeling for characterization of heterogeneous material properties. Materials Research Express, 6(11), 115806. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ab4c72Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Mata, V., Pulloquinga, J.L., Zamora-Ortiz, P., Escarabajal, R.J. (2020). Optimal Reconfiguration of a Parallel Robot for Forward Singularities Avoidance in Rehabilitation Therapies. A Comparison via Different Optimization Methods. Sustainability, 12(14), 5803. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145803Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Mata, V., Zamora-Ortiz, P., Escarabajal, R.J., Pulloquinga, J.L. (2020a). Optimal Reconfiguration of a Limited Parallel Robot for Forward Singularities Avoidance. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 7(1), 113-127. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2020.13352Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F. (2021). Methodology to evaluate transversal competences in the master's degree in industrial engineering based on a system of rubrics and indicators. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 8(1), 30-44. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2021.15244Llopis-Albert C., Rubio F., Valero F. (2021a). Modelling an industrial robot and its impact on productivity. Mathematics, 9(7):769. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9070769Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2021). Impact of digital transformation on the automotive industry. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 162, 120343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120343Llopis-Albert, C., Palacios-Marqués, D., Simón-Moya, V. (2021). Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) applied to the adaptation of the automobile industry to meet the emission standards of climate change policies via the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 169, 120843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120843Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valle-Falcones, L.M., Grima-Olmedo, C. (2020). Use of technical computing systems in the context of engineering problems. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 7(2), 84-99. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2020.14283OEI (2019). Learning analytics and education. Revista iberoamericana de educación. Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (OEI). Monográficos, volumen 80(1), 217 pages. https://rieoei.org/RIE/issue/view/Learning%20Analytics/vol%2080%281%29Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Suñer, J.L. (2015). Assembly Line Productivity Assessment by Comparing Optimization-Simulation Algorithms of Trajectory Planning for Industrial Robots. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 10 pages. Article ID 931048. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/931048Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., & Suñer, J. L. (2016). Industrial robot efficient trajectory generation without collision through the evolution of the optimal trajectory. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 86, 106-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2016.09.008Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C. (2019). Viability of using wind turbines for electricity generation in electric vehicles. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 6(1), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2019.11743Rubio, F., Valero, F., & Llopis-Albert, C. (2019a). A review of mobile robots: Concepts, methods, theoretical framework, and applications. International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, 16(2), 172988141983959. https://doi.org/10.1177/1729881419839596Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Valero, F., Besa, A.J. (2020). Sustainability and optimization in the automotive sector for adaptation to government vehicle pollutant emission regulations. Journal of Business Research 112, 561-566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.10.050UPV, 2020. Proyecto institucional competencias transversales. Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Valencia. Spain. https://www.upv.es/entidades/ICE/info/Proyecto_Institucional_CT.pdfValera Á., Valero F., Vallés M., Besa A., Mata V., Llopis-Albert C. (2021). Navigation of autonomous light vehicles using an optimal trajectory planning algorithm. Sustainability. 2021; 13(3):1233. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031233Valero, F., Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C., Cuadrado, J.I. (2017). Influence of the Friction Coefficient on the Trajectory Performance for a Car-Like Robot. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 9 pages. Article ID 4562647. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4562647Valero, F., Rubio, F., Llopis-Albert, C. (2019). Assessment of the Effect of Energy Consumption on Trajectory Improvement for a Car-like Robot. Robotica, 37(11), 1998-2009. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0263574719000407Valero, F., Rubio, F., Besa, A.J. (2019a). Efficient trajectory of a car-like mobile robot. Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, 46(2), 211-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-10-2018-021

A powerful technique for combining complex path models with latent variables

[EN] This article presents the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as a powerful technique for combining complex path models with latent variables. A case study is introduced together the estimation technique, the measurement scales, the hypothesis needed to relate the variables and the problems concerning the assessment and improvement of the model fit. The theoretical framework allows analyzing the relationships among the variables, which provides effective strategies in the decision-making process and problem solving.Llopis Albert, C.; Palacios Marqués, D. (2016). A powerful technique for combining complex path models with latent variables. International Journal on Advances in Education Research. 3(3):73-83. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/108469S73833

Inverse problems in engineering

[EN] An inverse problem in engineering is the process of obtaining from a set of observations the causal factors that produce those data. Contrary to forward problems, an inverse problem starts with the results and subsequently calculates the causes. They are widely applied in many engineering fields since they allows obtaining parameters that cannot be directly observed. Additionally, they play a major role in uncertainty, reliability and risk assessment. This paper discusses an uncertainty assessment about the environmental impacts of future scenarios of sustainable groundwater pumping strategies on the quantitative status of an aquifer.Llopis Albert, C.; Palacios Marqués, D. (2016). Inverse problems in engineering. International Journal on Advances in Education Research. 3(2):61-67. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/108475S61673

Applications of fuzzy logic for determining the driving forces in collaborative research contracts

This study examines various factors (human capital, experience, attraction capacity, and profile) of technology centers that, according to the literature, affect the performance of science-industry R&D partnerships. The measure of performance is the income that R&D contracts generate divided by the number of clients that the research center has. The data sample considers technology centers operating in the region of Catalonia that act under the TECNIO umbrella brand. The analysis uses fsQCA methodology, which allows identifying a combination of causes that lead to the outcome. Results support the argument that different causal paths explain profitable R&D contracts.Berbegal-Mirabent, J.; Llopis Albert, C. (2016). Applications of fuzzy logic for determining the driving forces in collaborative research contracts. Journal of Business Research. 69(4):1446-1451. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.10.123S1446145169

Decision making under uncertainty in environmental projects using mathematical simulation modeling

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-6135-yIn decision-making processes, reliability and risk aversion play a decisive role. The aim of this study is to perform an uncertainty assessment of the effects of future scenarios of sustainable groundwater pumping strategies on the quantitative and chemical status of an aquifer. The good status of the aquifer is defined according to the terms established by the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). A decision support systems (DSS) is presented, which makes use of a stochastic inverse model (GC method) and geostatistical approaches to calibrate equally likely realizations of hydraulic conductivity (K) fields for a particular case study. These K fields are conditional to available field data, including hard and soft information. Then, different future scenarios of groundwater pumping strategies are generated, based on historical information and WFD standards, and simulated for each one of the equally likely K fields. The future scenarios lead to different environmental impacts and levels of socioeconomic development of the region and, hence, to a different degree of acceptance among stakeholders. We have identified the different stakeholders implied in the decision-making process, the objectives pursued and the alternative actions that should be considered by stakeholders in a public participation project (PPP). The MonteCarlo simulation provides a highly effective way for uncertainty assessment and allows presenting the results in a simple and understandable way even for non-experts stakeholders. The methodology has been successfully applied to a real case study and lays the foundations to performa PPP and stakeholders' involvement in a decisionmaking process as required by the WFD. The results of the methodology can help the decision-making process to come up with the best policies and regulations for a groundwater system under uncertainty in groundwater parameters and management strategies and involving stakeholders with conflicting interests.Llopis Albert, C.; Palacios Marqués, D.; Merigó -Lindahl, JM. (2016). Decision making under uncertainty in environmental projects using mathematical simulation modeling. Environmental Earth Sciences. 75(19):1-11. doi:10.1007/s12665-016-6135-yS1117519Arhonditsis GB, Perhar G, Zhang W, Massos E, Shi M, Das A (2008) Addressing equifinality and uncertainty in eutrophication models. Water Resour Res 44:W01420. doi: 10.1029/2007WR005862Capilla JE, Llopis-Albert C (2009) Gradual conditioning of non-gaussian transmissivity fields to flow and mass transport data. J Hydrol 371:66–74. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.03.015CHJ (Júcar Water Agency) (2016) Júcar river basin authority. http://www.chj.es/CHS (Segura Water Agency) (2016) Segura river basin authority. http://www.chsegura.es/Custodio E (2002) Aquifer overexploitation: what does it mean? Hydrogeol J 10:254–277EC (2000). Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 23 2000, establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy. Official Journal of the European Communities L327/1eL327/72. 22.12.2000EC (2006) Directive 2006/118/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deteriorationGómez-Hernández JJ, Srivastava RM (1990) ISIM3D: an ANSI-C three dimensional multiple indicator conditional simulation program. Comput Geosci 16(4):395–440Harbaugh AW, Banta ER, Hill MC and McDonald MG (2000) MODFLOW- 2000, The US geological survey modular groundwater model-user guide to modularization concepts and the groundwater flow process. US Geol. Surv. Open-File Rep 00–92, 12Hu LY (2000) Gradual deformation and iterative calibration of Gaussian related stochastic models. Math Geol 32(1):87–108Jagelke J, Barthel R (2005) Conceptualization and implementation of a regional groundwater model for the Neckar catchment in the framework of an integrated regional model. Adv Geosci 5:105–111Llopis-Albert C (2008) Stochastic inverse modeling conditional to flow, mass transport and secondary information. Universitat Politècnica de València, València. ISBN 978-84-691-9796-7Llopis-Albert C, Capilla JE (2009a) Gradual conditioning of non-gaussian transmissivity fields to flow and mass transport data. Demonstration on a synthetic aquifer. J Hydrol 371:53–55. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.03.014Llopis-Albert C, Capilla JE (2009b) Gradual conditioning of non-gaussian transmissivity fields to flow and mass transport data. Application to the macrodispersion experiment (MADE-2) site, on Columbus air force base in Mississippi (USA). J Hydrol 371:75–84. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.03.016Llopis-Albert C, Capilla JE (2010a) Stochastic simulation of non-gaussian 3D conductivity fields in a fractured medium with multiple statistical populations: a case study. J Hydrol Eng 15(7):554–566. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000214Llopis-Albert C, Capilla JE (2010b) Stochastic inverse modeling of hydraulic conductivity fields taking into account independent stochastic structures: a 3D case study. J Hydrol 391:277–288. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2010.07.028Llopis-Albert C, Pulido-Velazquez D (2014) Discussion about the validity of sharp-interface models to deal with seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers. Hydrol Process 28(10):3642–3654Llopis-Albert C, Pulido-Velazquez D (2015) Using MODFLOW code to approach transient hydraulic head with a sharp-interface solution. Hydrol Process 29(8):2052–2064. doi: 10.1002/hyp.10354Llopis-Albert C, Palacios-Marqués D, Merigó JM (2014) A coupled stochastic inverse-management framework for dealing with nonpoint agriculture pollution under groundwater parameter uncertainty. J Hydrol 511:10–16. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2014.01.021Llopis-Albert C, Merigó JM, Palacios-Marqués D (2015) Structure adaptation in stochastic inverse methods for integrating information. Water Resour Manage 29(1):95–107. doi: 10.1007/s11269-014-0829-2Llopis-Albert C, Merigó JM, Xu Y (2016) A coupled stochastic inverse/sharp interface seawater intrusion approach for coastal aquifers under groundwater parameter uncertainty. J Hydrol 540:774–783. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2016.06.065McDonald MG and Harbaugh AW (1988) A modular three-dimensional finite-difference groundwater flow model. US geological survey technical manual of water resources investigation, Book 6, US geological survey, Reston, Virginia, 586Molina JL, Pulido-Velazquez M, Llopis-Albert C, Peña-Haro S (2013) Stochastic hydro-economic model for groundwater quality management using Bayesian networks. Water Sci Technol 67(3):579–586. doi: 10.2166/wst.2012.598Peña-Haro S, Llopis-Albert C, Pulido-Velazquez M (2010) Fertilizer standards for controlling groundwater nitrate pollution from agriculture: El Salobral-Los Llanos case study, Spain. J Hydrol 392:174–187. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2010.08.006Peña-Haro S, Pulido-Velazquez M, Llopis-Albert C (2011) Stochastic hydro-economic modeling for optimal management of agricultural groundwater nitrate pollution under hydraulic conductivity uncertainty. Environ Model Softw 26(8):999–1008. doi: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2011.02.010Pulido-Velazquez D, Llopis-Albert C, Peña-Haro S, Pulido-Velazquez M (2011) Efficient conceptual model for simulating the effect of aquifer heterogeneity on natural groundwater discharge to rivers. Adv Water Resour 34(11):1377–1389. doi: 10.1016/j.advwatres.2011.07.010Reichert P, Borsuk M, Hostmann M, Schweizer S, Spörri C, Tockner K, Truffer B (2005) Concepts of decision support for river rehabilitation. Environ Model Softw 22:188–201Wright SAL, Fritsch O (2011) Operationalising active involvement in the EU water framework directive: why, when and how? Ecol Econ 70(12):2268–2274Zhou H, Gómez-Hernández JJ, Li L (2014) Inverse methods in hydrogeology: evolution and recent trends. Adv Water Resour 63:22–37. doi: 10.1016/j.advwatres.2013.10.01

Optimization approaches for robot trajectory planning

[EN] The development of optimal trajectory planning algorithms for autonomous robots is a key issue in order to efficiently perform the robot tasks. This problem is hampered by the complex environment regarding the kinematics and dynamics of robots with several arms and/or degrees of freedom (dof), the design of collision-free trajectories and the physical limitations of the robots. This paper presents a review about the existing robot motion planning techniques and discusses their pros and cons regarding completeness, optimality, efficiency, accuracy, smoothness, stability, safety and scalability.Llopis-Albert, C.; Rubio, F.; Valero, F. (2018). Optimization approaches for robot trajectory planning. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 5(1):1-16. doi:10.4995/muse.2018.9867SWORD1165

Analysis of the Use of a Wind Turbine as an Energy Recovery Device in Transport Systems

[EN] A wind turbine can act as an energy recovery device (ERS) in a comparable way to brakes (regenerative braking). When the velocity of a vehicle changes, the amount of energy related to it also changes. When its velocity decreases, the energy tends to dissipate. Over time, this dissipated energy has been ignored. For example, during the braking process, the kinetic energy of the vehicle was converted into heat. In recent years, society¿s greater awareness of climate change, pollution, and environmental issues has led to a great deal of interest in developing energy recovery systems. It allows the recovery of kinetic energy from braking (KERS), resulting in consumption reductions (efficiency gains) of up to 45%. The usefulness of installing a wind turbine as an energy recovery device is analysed, evaluating the savings that can be achieved with its two possible working modes: as an energy recovery device and as a system for utilizing aerodynamic force. The wind turbine has a horizontal axis and a diameter of 50 cm and is installed on the front of a vehicle. This vehicle will undergo three particular driving schemes, which will operate under different experimental conditions and operational parameters characterized by speeds, accelerations, stops, and driving time. The results clearly show the advantages of using the proposed technology.Rubio Montoya, FJ.; Llopis-Albert, C. (2021). Analysis of the Use of a Wind Turbine as an Energy Recovery Device in Transport Systems. Mathematics. 9(18):1-15. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9182265S11591

Designing Efficient Material Handling Systems Via Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

[EN] The designing of an efficient warehouse management system is a key factor to improve productivity and reduce costs. The use of Automated Guided Vehicles (AVGs) in Material Handling Systems (MHS) and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) can help to that purpose. This paper is intended to provide insight regarding the technical and financial suitability of the implementation of a fleet of AGVs. This is carried out by means of a fuzzy set/qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) by measuring the level of satisfaction of managerial decision makers.Llopis-Albert, C.; Rubio, F.; Valero, F. (2018). Designing Efficient Material Handling Systems Via Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 5(2):97-105. doi:10.4995/muse.2018.10722SWORD9710552Berbegal-Mirabent, J.; Llopis-Albert, C. (2015). Applications of Fuzzy Logic for Determining the Driving Forces in Collaborative Research Contracts. J. Bus. Res., 69 (4), 1446-1451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.10.123Biçer, I., Seifert, R.W., (2017). Optimal Dynamic Order Scheduling under Capacity Constraints Given Demand-Forecast Evolution. Production and Operations Management 26(12), 2266-2286. https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.12759Fazlollahtabar, H., Saidi-Mehrabad, M. (2015). Autonomous Guided Vehicles: Methods and Models for Optimal Path Planning. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14747-5 ISBN 978-3-319-14747-5.Gourgand, M., Sun, X.C., Tchernev, N., 1995. Choice of the guide path layout for an AGV based material handling system. Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation, 1995. ETFA '95, Proceedings., 1995 INRIA/IEEE Symposium on. https://doi.org/10.1109/ETFA.1995.496688Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., Valero, F. (2015). Improving productivity using a multi-objective optimization of robotic trajectory planning. Journal of Business Research 68, 1429-1431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.01.027Llopis-Albert, C., Palacios-Marqués, D. (2016). Applied Mathematical Problems in Engineering. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education 3(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2016.6679Llopis-Albert, C., Merigó, J.M., Xu, Y., Liao, H. (2017). Application of Fuzzy Set/Qualitative Comparative Analysis to Public Participation Projects in Support of the EU Water Framework Directive. Water Environment Research, 89.Mendel, J. M.; Korjani, M. M. (2012). Charles Ragin's Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) Used for Linguistic Summarizations. Inf. Sci., 202, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2012.02.039Mendel, J. M., Korjani, M. M. (2013). Theoretical Aspects of Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). Inf. Sci., 237, 137-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2013.02.048Meyer, A. D., Tsui, A.S. and Hinings, C.R. (1993). Configurational approaches to organizational analysis. Academy of Management Journal, 36(6), 1175-1195.Quine, W. V. (1952). The problem of simplifying truth functions. The American Mathematical Monthly, 59(8), 521-531. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029890.1952.11988183Pillac, V., Gendreau, M., Guéret, C., Medaglia, A.L. (2013). A review of dynamic vehicle routing problems. European Journal of Operational Research 225, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2012.08.015Ragin, C. C. (2008). Redesigning social inquiry: Fuzzy sets and beyond. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226702797.001.0001Sarker, B.R., Gurav, S.S. (2005). Route planning for automated guided vehicles in a manufacturing facility. International Journal of Production Research 43(21), 4659-4683. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020754050014080

Best practices in syllabus design and course planning applied to mechanical engineering subjects

[EN] The syllabus of a subject, that is part of the curriculum of a bachelor s or master's degree, must provide the student with information about all the fundamental aspects of the subject. It is a piece of written document or multimedia file encompassing all topics and concepts that will be covered in a certain subject. The objective of the syllabus is to put the subject and the information related to it in context by means of clear, organized, concise and summarized style. It should not be limited only to the subject matter. Instead, it is advisable to provide basic course information such as the number of credits; course content; transversal competences, skills and attitudes that are relevant for access to work and further learning; faculty staff; assessment and evaluation elements; calendar; venues, and facilities location; lesson plans and bibliography. Moreover, information about the activities to be carried out and whether they are done individually or in groups. Another important point is the evaluation of students and how to assess their achievements in terms of the level of acquisition of knowledge and skills planned in the subject. It helps students to meet the desired subject objectives and to motivate them. In short, it will lay the foundations so that at least contents, methods and techniques of the discipline that supports the subject can be taught and so that students can acquire the knowledge and competences committed.Rubio, F.; Llopis-Albert, C.; Zeng, S. (2022). Best practices in syllabus design and course planning applied to mechanical engineering subjects. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 9(2):123-137. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2022.182301231379