Abstract: This paper provides a key driver-based conceptual framework that can be used to improve a firm-s success in commercializing technology and in new product innovation resulting from collaboration with other organizations through strategic alliances. Based on a qualitative study using an interview approach, strategic alliances of entrepreneurs in the food processing industry in Thailand are explored. This paper describes factors affecting decisions to collaborate through alliances. It identifies four issues: maintaining the efficiency of the value chain for production capability, adapting to present and future competition, careful assessment of value of outcomes, and management of innovation. We consider five driving factors: resource orientation, assessment of risk, business opportunity, sharing of benefits and confidence in alliance partners. These factors will be of interest to entrepreneurs and policy makers with regard to further understanding of the direction of business strategies.
Abstract: The objectives of this research paper were to study the
influencing factors that contributed to the success of electronic
commerce (e-commerce) and to study the approach to enhance the
standard of e-commerce for small and medium enterprises (SME).
The research paper focused the study on only sole proprietorship
SMEs in Bangkok, Thailand. The factors contributed to the success
of SME included business management, learning in the organization,
business collaboration, and the quality of website. A quantitative and
qualitative mixed research methodology was used. In terms of
quantitative method, a questionnaire was used to collect data from
251 sole proprietorships. The System Equation Model (SEM) was
utilized as the tool for data analysis. In terms of qualitative method,
an in-depth interview, a dialogue with experts in the field of ecommerce
for SMEs, and content analysis were used.
By using the adjusted causal relationship structure model, it was
revealed that the factors affecting the success of e-commerce for
SMEs were found to be congruent with the empirical data. The
hypothesis testing indicated that business management influenced the
learning in the organization, the learning in the organization
influenced business collaboration and the quality of the website, and
these factors, in turn, influenced the success of SMEs. Moreover, the
approach to enhance the standard of SMEs revealed that the majority
of respondents wanted to enhance the standard of SMEs to a high
level in the category of safety of e-commerce system, basic structure
of e-commerce, development of staff potentials, assistance of budget
and tax reduction, and law improvement regarding the e-commerce
respectively.
Abstract: The improvement of a filer case utilized to purify the
let-out smoke and smell in the production of Benjarong Ceramic is
studied through Participatory Action Research (PAR). This research
is aimed to protect smell, dirty smoke, and air pollution which are
effects of incomplete combustion in the production of Benjarong
ceramic. This research was conducted at Jongjint Benjarong Ceramic
Factory in Plai Bang, Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi Province,Thailand,
also 12 employees were interviewed for data collection. All collected
data were analyzed to develop and create solution to protect smoke
and smell pollution from Benjarong ceramic production.
The results revealed that the employees who have used the
developed filer cases are moderately satisfied. In addition to the
efficiency of developed smoke-and-smell filer cases, it was found
that Overall, the respondents were satisfied moderately with
efficiency of modified smoke and smell filter cases.
Abstract: Fuel cell's system requires regulating circuit for
voltage and current in order to control power in case of connecting to
other generative devices or load. In this paper Fuel cell system and
convertor, which is a multi-variable system, are controlled using
sliding mode method. Use of weighting matrix in design procedure
made it possible to regulate speed of control. Simulation results show
the robustness and accuracy of proposed controller for controlling
desired of outputs.
Abstract: This paper presents an investigation into the design of a flight control system, using a robust sliding mode control structure, designed using the exact feedback linearization procedure of the dynamic of a small-size autonomous helicopter in hover. The robustness of the controller in the context of stabilization and trajectory tracking with respect to small body forces and air resistance on the main and tail rotor, is analytically proved using Lyapunov approach. Some simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance and robustness of such controller in the presence of small body forces and air resistance.
Abstract: Static Var Compensator (SVC) is a shunt type FACTS
device which is used in power system primarily for the purpose of
voltage and reactive power control. In this paper, a fuzzy logic based
supplementary controller for Static Var Compensator (SVC) is
developed which is used for damping the rotor angle oscillations and
to improve the transient stability of the power system. Generator
speed and the electrical power are chosen as input signals for the
Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC). The effectiveness and feasibility of
the proposed control is demonstrated with Single Machine Infinite
Bus (SMIB) system and multimachine system (WSCC System)
which show improvement over the use of a fixed parameter
controller.
Abstract: The security of power systems against malicious cyberphysical
data attacks becomes an important issue. The adversary
always attempts to manipulate the information structure of the power
system and inject malicious data to deviate state variables while
evading the existing detection techniques based on residual test. The
solutions proposed in the literature are capable of immunizing the
power system against false data injection but they might be too costly
and physically not practical in the expansive distribution network.
To this end, we define an algebraic condition for trustworthy power
system to evade malicious data injection. The proposed protection
scheme secures the power system by deterministically reconfiguring
the information structure and corresponding residual test. More
importantly, it does not require any physical effort in either microgrid
or network level. The identification scheme of finding meters being
attacked is proposed as well. Eventually, a well-known IEEE 30-bus
system is adopted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed
schemes.
Abstract: The fuel cost of the motor vehicle operating on its
common route is an important part of the operating cost. Therefore,
the importance of the fuel saving is increasing day by day. One of the
parameters which improve fuel saving is the regulation of driving
characteristics. The number and duration of stop is increased by the
heavy traffic load. It is possible to improve the fuel saving with
regulation of traffic flow and driving characteristics. The researches
show that the regulation of the traffic flow decreases fuel
consumption, but it is not enough to improve fuel saving without the
regulation of driving characteristics. This study analyses the fuel
consumption of two trips of city bus operating on its common route
and determines the effect of traffic density and driving characteristics
on fuel consumption. Finally it offers some suggestions about
regulation of driving characteristics to improve the fuel saving. Fuel
saving is determined according to the results obtained from
simulation program. When experimental and simulation results are
compared, it has been found that the fuel saving was reached up the
to 40 percent ratios.
Abstract: There is no doubt that Internet technology is widely used by hotels and its demand is constantly booming. Hotels have largely adopted website information services through using different interactive tools, dimensions and attributes to achieve excellence in functionality and usability but these do not necessary equate with website effectiveness. One way to investigate the effectiveness of hotel website is from the perspective ofe-consumers. This exploratory research is to investigate the perceived importance of websites effectiveness of some selected independent small and medium-sized hotels (SMHs) located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from the perspective of Omanie-consumers by using non-random sampling method. From 400 questionnaire addressed to respondents in 27 organizations in Muscat the capital city of Oman, 173 are valid. Findings of this study assist SMHs management in Dubai with the reallocation of their resources and efforts in order to supportebusiness development and to sustain a competitive advantage.
Abstract: In this paper, an automated algorithm to estimate and remove the continuous baseline from measured spectra containing both continuous and discontinuous bands is proposed. The algorithm uses previous information contained in a Continuous Database Spectra (CDBS) to obtain a linear basis, with minimum number of sampled vectors, capable of representing a continuous baseline. The proposed algorithm was tested by using a CDBS of flame spectra where Principal Components Analysis and Non-negative Matrix Factorization were used to obtain linear bases. Thus, the radical emissions of natural gas, oil and bio-oil flames spectra at different combustion conditions were obtained. In order to validate the performance in the baseline estimation process, the Goodness-of-fit Coefficient and the Root Mean-squared Error quality metrics were evaluated between the estimated and the real spectra in absence of discontinuous emission. The achieved results make the proposed method a key element in the development of automatic monitoring processes strategies involving discontinuous spectral bands.
Abstract: A long-term campaign for monitoring the
concentration of atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) was conducted
at multiple sites located in the center and suburbs of the Tokyo
Metropolitan Area in Japan. The concentration of fine PM has shown a
declining trend over the last two decades. A positive matrix
factorization model elucidated that the contribution of combustion
sources was drastically reduced. In Japan, the regulations on vehicle
exhaust emissions were phased in and gradually tightened over the last
two decades, which has triggered a notable reduction in PM emissions
from automobiles and has contributed to the mitigation of the problem
of fine PM pollution.
Abstract: Knowledge is renowned as a significant component
for sustaining competitive advantage and gives leading edge in
business. This study emphasizes towards proper and effectuate
utilization of internal and external (both either explicit or tacit)
knowledge comes from stakeholders, highly supportive to combat
with the challenges and enhance organizational productivity.
Furthermore, it proposed a model under context of IRSA framework
which facilitates the organization including flow of knowledge and
experience sharing among employees. In discussion section an
innovative model which indulges all functionality as mentioned in
analysis section.
Abstract: A robust wheel slip controller for electric vehicles is
introduced. The proposed wheel slip controller exploits the dynamics
of electric traction drives and conventional hydraulic brakes for
achieving maximum energy efficiency and driving safety. Due to
the control of single wheel traction motors in combination with a
hydraulic braking system, it can be shown, that energy recuperation
and vehicle stability control can be realized simultaneously. The
derivation of a sliding mode wheel slip controller accessing two
drivetrain actuators is outlined and a comparison to a conventionally
braked vehicle is shown by means of simulation.
Abstract: Petrol Fuel Station (PFS) has potential hazards to the
people, asset, environment and reputation of an operating company.
Fire hazards, static electricity air pollution evoked by aliphatic and
aromatic organic compounds are major causes of accident/incident
occurrence at fuel station. Activities such as carelessness,
maintenance, housekeeping, slips trips and falls, transportation
hazard, major and minor injuries, robbery and snake bites has a
potential to create unsafe conditions. The level of risk of these
hazards varies according to location and country. The emphasis on
safety considerations by the government is variable all around the
world. Developed countries safety records are much better as
compared to developing countries safety statistics. There is no
significant approach available to highlight the unsafe acts and unsafe
conditions during operation and maintenance of fuel station. Fuel
station is the most commonly available facilities that contain
flammable and hazardous materials. Due to continuous operation of
fuel station they pose various hazards to people, environment and
assets of an organization. To control these hazards, there is a need for
specific approach. PFS operation is unique as compared to other
businesses. For smooth operations it demands an involvement of
operating company, contractor and operator group. This study will
focus to address hazard contributing factors that have a potential to
make PFS operation risky. One year data collected, 902 activities
analyzed, comparisons were made to highlight significant
contributing factors. The study will provide help and assistance to
PFS outlet marketing companies to make their fuel station operation
safer. It will help health safety and environment (HSE) professionals
to arrest the gap available related to safety matters at PFS.
Abstract: The validity of Herzberg-s Two-Factor Theory of
Motivation was tested empirically by surveying 2372 chemical fiber
employees in 2012. In the valid sample of 1875 respondents, the
degree of overall job satisfaction was more than moderate. The most
highly valued components of job satisfaction were: “corporate image,"
“collaborative working atmosphere," and “supervisor-s expertise";
whereas the lowest mean score was 34.65 for “job rotation and
promotion." The top three job retention options rated by the
participants were “good image of the enterprise," “good
compensation," and “workplace is close to my residence." The overall
evaluation of the level of thriving facilitation workplace reached
almost to “mostly agree." For those participants who chose at least
one motivator as their job retention options had significantly greater
job satisfaction than those who chose only hygiene factors as their
retention options. Therefore, Herzberg-s Two-Factor Theory of
Motivation was proven valid in this study.
Abstract: Logistics is part of the supply chain processes that
plans, implements, and controls the efficient and effective forward
and reverse flow and storage of goods, services, and related
information between the point of origin and the point of consumption
in order to meet customer requirements. This research aims to
investigate the current status and future direction of the use of
Information Technology (IT) for logistics, focusing on Supply Chain
Management (SCM) and E-Commerce adoption in Malaysia.
Therefore, this research stresses on the type of technology being
adopted, factors, benefits and barriers affecting the innovation in
SCM and E-Commerce technology adoption among Logistics
Service Providers (LSP). A mailed questionnaire survey was
conducted to collect data from 265 logistics companies in Johor. The
research revealed a high level of SCM technology adoption among
LSP as they had adopted SCM technology in various business
processes while they perceived a high level of benefits from SCM
adoption.
Abstract: This paper provides an introduction into the evolution
of information and communication technology and illustrates its
usage in the work domain. The paper is sub-divided into two parts.
The first part gives an overview over the different phases of
information processing in the work domain. It starts by charting the
past and present usage of computers in work environments and shows
current technological trends, which are likely to influence future
business applications. The second part starts by briefly describing,
how the usage of computers changed business processes in the past,
and presents first Ambient Intelligence applications based on
identification and localization information, which are already used in
the production and retail sector. Based on current systems and
prototype applications, the paper gives an outlook of how Ambient
Intelligence technologies could change business processes in the
future.
Abstract: This paper presents an approach based on the
adoption of a distributed cognition framework and a non parametric
multicriteria evaluation methodology (DEA) designed specifically to
compare e-commerce websites from the consumer/user viewpoint. In
particular, the framework considers a website relative efficiency as a
measure of its quality and usability. A website is modelled as a black
box capable to provide the consumer/user with a set of
functionalities. When the consumer/user interacts with the website to
perform a task, he/she is involved in a cognitive activity, sustaining a
cognitive cost to search, interpret and process information, and
experiencing a sense of satisfaction. The degree of ambiguity and
uncertainty he/she perceives and the needed search time determine
the effort size – and, henceforth, the cognitive cost amount – he/she
has to sustain to perform his/her task. On the contrary, task
performing and result achievement induce a sense of gratification,
satisfaction and usefulness. In total, 9 variables are measured,
classified in a set of 3 website macro-dimensions (user experience,
site navigability and structure). The framework is implemented to
compare 40 websites of businesses performing electronic commerce
in the information technology market. A questionnaire to collect
subjective judgements for the websites in the sample was purposely
designed and administered to 85 university students enrolled in
computer science and information systems engineering
undergraduate courses.
Abstract: In this paper we present a combined
hashing/watermarking method for image authentication. A robust
image hash, invariant to legitimate modifications, but fragile to
illegitimate modifications is generated from the local image
characteristics. To increase security of the system the watermark is
generated using the image hash as a key. Quantized Index
Modulation of DCT coefficients is used for watermark embedding.
Watermark detection is performed without use of the original image.
Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented
method in terms of robustness and fragility.
Abstract: The identification and elimination of bad
measurements is one of the basic functions of a robust state estimator
as bad data have the effect of corrupting the results of state
estimation according to the popular weighted least squares method.
However this is a difficult problem to handle especially when dealing
with multiple errors from the interactive conforming type. In this
paper, a self adaptive genetic based algorithm is proposed. The
algorithm utilizes the results of the classical linearized normal
residuals approach to tune the genetic operators thus instead of
making a randomized search throughout the whole search space it is
more likely to be a directed search thus the optimum solution is
obtained at very early stages(maximum of 5 generations). The
algorithm utilizes the accumulating databases of already computed
cases to reduce the computational burden to minimum. Tests are
conducted with reference to the standard IEEE test systems. Test
results are very promising.