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Data warehouses as tools in supporting decision-making processes in management
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to analyse the role of data warehouses as a tool
supporting decision-making processes in management, identify the key benefits resulting
from their implementation, and indicate challenges and best practices in the effective use of
data analysis systems.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study is based on a literature review and analysis of
the technological and organizational aspects of data warehouse implementation. It also
incorporates case studies of enterprises that have successfully leveraged data warehouses to
improve management efficiency and strategic decision-making. The research question is
formulated as: How do data warehouses influence decision-making processes within
organizations, and which operational mechanisms are most effective in improving the quality
of decisions made? On this basis the following research hypothesis has been stated: the
implementation of data warehouses, including the integration of data from multiple sources,
the use of advanced analytical tools, and the automation of reporting processes, significantly
enhances the quality of managerial decisions, thereby increasing organizational efficiency.FINDINGS: The findings of the analysis indicate that the effective implementation of a data
warehouse significantly supports decision-making processes within an organization by
consolidating and analysing data from various sources. This enables managers to make swift
decisions based on comprehensive reports and forecasts derived from historical data. The
main challenges associated with implementing a data warehouse include high
implementation costs, the need to ensure data consistency and quality, and a lack of
appropriate skills among employees. Best practices, such as integrating the data warehouse
with Business Intelligence systems, using advanced analytical algorithms, and implementing
mechanisms for automatic data updates, contribute to improving management efficiency and
minimizing the risk of incorrect decisions.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study provides practical recommendations for organizations
planning to implement or modernize data warehouses to improve the quality of decisionmaking processes. Utilizing modern analytical technologies such as big data and artificial
intelligence enables more precise and dynamic decision-making. Regular employee training
in data analysis and optimizing ETL processes can further enhance the efficiency of data
warehouses.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article also emphasizes the need for further research on the role of
modern technologies in data integration and their impact on innovative organizational
management models.peer-reviewe
Complete-coverage path planning for surface inspection of cable-stayed bridge tower based on building information models and climbing robots
Get PDFClimbing robots present transformative potential for automated structural inspections, yet their deployment remains limited by the reliance on manual control due to the absence of effective environment perception and path-planning solutions. The critical bottleneck lies in the difficulty of generating accurate planning maps solely through onboard sensors due to the challenge of capturing open, large-scale, and irregular environments (e.g., cable-stayed bridge towers). This study proposes a building information modeling (BIM)-based complete-coverage path planning (BCCPP) framework, leveraging BIM to enable autonomous robotic inspection. The framework constructs accurate grid maps through BIM data, addressing the map-perception problem for robots in open, large-scale, and irregular environment while refining the boustrophedon-A* algorithm with multi-heuristic optimization, which reduces path repetition and improves energy efficiency. Field and simulated experiments on a cable-stayed bridge tower show the BCCPP achieves 93.5% coverage with 9.1% repetition, and planned paths were executable within a 0.2 m tolerance and collisions avoided. This work bridges BIM, climbing robot, and path planning, offering a scalable solution for intelligent infrastructure inspection.peer-reviewe
Penumbra shadow representation in photovoltaics : comparing dynamic and constant intensity
Get PDFThis study is the first to directly compare natural dynamic penumbra shadows with experimentally replicated constant-intensity shadows on photovoltaic modules, providing new insights into the limitations of conventional shadow approximations found in the existing body of knowledge. Neutral density filters were deemed the most appropriate method for replicating a constant-intensity shadow, as they reduce visible light relatively uniformly across the primary silicon wavelength range. Preliminary experiments established the intensity values for each neutral density filter chosen to be able to match with the 29 dynamic penumbra shadows being replicated by both the size of shadow and the averaged intensity. The results revealed that while constant-intensity shadows and dynamic penumbra shadows produced similar overall power loss magnitudes, the constant-intensity shadows consistently led to higher losses, averaging 9.65% more, despite having the same average intensity and shadow size. Regression modelling showed similar curvature trends for both shading types (Adjusted R2 = 0.895 for constant-intensity shadows and Adjusted R2 = 0.743 for dynamic-intensity shadows), but statistical analyses, including the Mann–Whitney U-test (p = 0.00229), confirmed a significant difference between the power loss output for the two penumbra shadow conditions. Consequently, the null hypothesis was rejected, confirming that the simplified constant-intensity shadows represented in the literature cannot accurately replicate the behaviour of dynamic-intensity penumbra on photovoltaic modules.peer-reviewe
OP31 : Food safety, quality, and environmental responsibility : addressing modern challenges for a healthier future
No full textFood safety has always been central to public health, but in the 21st century it must also be considered alongside quality and environmental responsibility. Today's food systems are highly complex, exposing consumers to risks that go beyond traditional concerns of spoilage and hygiene. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
The Pairing-Hamiltonian property in graph prisms
Get PDFLet G be a graph of even order, and consider KG as the complete graph on the same
vertex set as G. A perfect matching of KG is called a pairing of G. If for every pairing M
of G it is possible to find a perfect matching N of G such that M ∪ N is a Hamiltonian
cycle of KG, then G is said to have the Pairing-Hamiltonian property, or PH-property,
for short. In 2007, Fink [J. Combin. Theory Ser. B, 97] proved that for every d ≥ 2,
the d-dimensional hypercube Qd has the PH-property, thus proving a conjecture posed by
Kreweras in 1996. In this paper we extend Fink’s result by proving that given a graph G
having the PH-property, the prism graph P(G) = G□K2 of G has the PH-property as well.
Moreover, if G is a connected graph, we show that there exists a positive integer k0 such
that the k
th-prism of a graph P
k
(G) has the PH-property for all k ≥ k0.peer-reviewe
Towards an adaptive strategic model for website management in the era of digital transformation
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive strategic management
model for website governance in the context of digital transformation. The research aims to
identify best practices, category-specific management patterns, and key user-oriented factors
influencing website effectiveness across industries.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A mixed-method design was adopted, combining multiple
case studies of ten diverse websites with a quantitative survey of IT professionals. The
collected data were analysed using multi-criteria analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis
to evaluate inter-category differences and determine the relative importance of technological
and usability factors.FINDINGS: Results demonstrate that security and functionality are the most influential factors
shaping user experience, while the absence of structured web governance leads to
operational inefficiencies and weaker competitiveness. The research culminates in a
strategic website management model capable of adapting dynamically to user needs through
a technological decision engine.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Implementing the proposed model enables organisations to align
their digital presence with user expectations and industry-specific requirements, enhancing
service quality, competitiveness, and user satisfaction.ORIGINALITY: The study provides an empirically validated framework integrating governance,
technology, and user experience, offering a novel, adaptive approach to website strategy
development supported by real-time analytics.Co-financed by the Minister of Science under the ‘Regional Excellence Initiative.peer-reviewe
Enhancing student engagement : introducing social exchange theory in outreach practices for academic libraries
Get PDFThis paper delves into the potential of social exchange theory (SET) within the context of academic libraries, using the University of Malta Library (UML) as a case study. The study explores the application of SET to enhance library outreach practices. By harnessing the power of SET, which offers profound insights into human interactions and the reciprocal nature of social relationships, this research aims to develop a comprehensive approach to navigating library outreach assessment to spark a new wave of academic library research. SET, which focuses on the reciprocal exchange of benefits and obligations between various members of a community, provides a framework for evaluating and improving library services. Key initiatives, including training workshops, librarian chat services, stress-relief campaigns, and artistic and cultural engagement projects, were analyzed based on SET’s core elements: rewards and resources, mechanisms of exchange, social structures and social capital, and reciprocity and obligations. The findings highlight the concept that activities like personalized one-on-one sessions and workshops provide significant benefits, such as skill development, while fostering trust and user commitment between library users. Programs like stress-relief campaigns and charity events strengthen community ties and enhance the library’s role as a cultural hub. Initiatives such as chat-with-a-librarian demonstrate that reciprocal engagement builds long-term relationships and increases patron satisfaction. By assessing outreach through the lens of SET principles, this study emphasizes the importance of aligning activities with academic community needs. Applying SET strategies ensures outreach efforts foster meaningful connections, mutual benefit, and social capital, ultimately improving community engagement and the overall impact of library services.peer-reviewe
The dark figure of crime - crime victimisation survey 2025 (TheDark2025)
Get PDFMalta is highly efficient in the reporting of crime with consistent reporting since 1998 and earlier through systems known as PIRS and subsequently NPS. However, formal reporting has a dark side where victims might be either afraid to report as constrained by familial, situational and safety-security parameters. The dark figure of crime can be cause for concern considering that these types of crime are the ones victims would be expected to report, especially where repeat victimisation is concerned. Thus the need for such surveys, whose aims are twofold. Primarily it is to have comparable international crime data, however another objective is to be able to compare official police data with the data that the crime victimization survey finds. This is a way of discovering the dark figure of crime.peer-reviewe
Robert Morrison’s (1782–1834) dual role as English and Chinese educator reflected in language teaching practices at the Malacca Anglo-Chinese College
Get PDFRobert Morrison, a prominent figure in the history of Chinese language teaching in Britain and English language teaching in China, adopted a reciprocal approach that emphasised the interconnection between the teaching of English and Chinese. This interrelation was evident in various aspects of his pedagogy, including his objectives and methodologies, both shaped by his early learning experiences. This article examines the teaching activities at the Anglo-Chinese College in Malacca, founded by Morrison in 1818, to illuminate his bilingual approach and dual role in the field of language education.peer-reviewe
The philosophy of technology and the nature of technological knowledge for educators
Get PDFThis article explores the philosophy of technology and the nature of
technological knowledge, emphasising its relevance for educators. It examines perspectives on knowledge and human nature, highlighting the epistemological underpinnings that shape our understanding of technology. The nature of technological knowledge is analysed in relation to its conceptual and procedural dimensions among others. Given its inherently multidisciplinary nature, technological knowledge draws from science, engineering, and social sciences, necessitating an integrative approach in educational contexts.
The discussion extends to epistemological frameworks for structuring technology programmes within education, addressing key theoretical considerations. Challenges associated with technological knowledge, such as its evolving nature and contextual dependency, are identified. This work suggests that defining a technological base structure and content to standardise curricular approaches is important for educators. The role of students and teachers in shaping technological understanding is acknowledged.
The article also explores how technological contexts, codification of knowledge and curriculum implementation can pose several challenges to educators. The science-technology debate continues to pose challenges when considering differences in scope, representation, and rank. This work advocates a pedagogy for technological knowledge that includes experiential learning, problem-solving approaches, and interdisciplinary integration to enhance technological literacy among students and educators.peer-reviewe