4653 research outputs found
Sort by
Business models as scientific models: The question of perspective?
No full textBACKGROUND: In the last 15 years, theoretical discussions, and empirical research on the domain of business models have grown significantly. Different authors understand and focus on either constituencies of business models or narratives. The question remains what the predictive value of business model is. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this interdisciplinary conceptual paper is to investigate and discuss business models as scientific models. METHODS: This article is conceptual, although previous studies on business models enrich this discussion. RESULTS: A narrative perspective on business models shows that they also have a predictive value that is expressed through language not in numbers, maps, and diagrams. The process of reflexivity that is contextualised and bounded in the form of a narrative lies at the centre of designing and changing the business model. The article provides substantial discussion on business models as scientific models, and their predictive power. These concepts have not been deeply discussed yet. CONCLUSIONS: An argument is provided to support the proposition that business models can be considered as scientific models that is, however, embedded in specific organizational, cultural, and technological contexts. Future research needs to be directed towards the empirical analysis of narratives in companies.Managemen
Indoor Environmental Quality Optimisation Model for Institutional Care Rooms of Elderly People
No full textIt is known that the elderly usually spend the last years of their lives indoors, with little contact with others and the outside environment. Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) conditions related to lighting, air quality, thermal comfort, and acoustics directly affect their quality of life. In this study, the main focus is on the design of institutional care rooms for elderly people to create an indoor comfort. However, considering all four factors of IEQ in one model is a challenging task. A multi-objective problem is formulated based on a weighted sum of IEQ components in a parametric modelling environment using computational design methods. Several simulation tools are utilised, and a Self-Adaptive Ensemble Differential Evolution Algorithm is proposed to tackle this complex problem. The results show that optimal ranges for each IEQ component are achieved, with average values reaching 72% of the ideal benchmarks after the algorithm is converged. Results reveal strong correlations between IEQ components. This significant improvement in indoor environmental quality (IEQ) demonstrates the efficacy of the optimisation algorithm used. This study emphasises the flexibility and relevance of these findings for wider implementation in similar settings.Construction & Building Technology || Engineering, Civi
Generalized Polynomials and Their Unification and Extension to Discrete Calculus
No full textIn this paper, we introduce a comprehensive and expanded framework for generalized calculus and generalized polynomials in discrete calculus. Our focus is on (q;h)-time scales. Our proposed approach encompasses both difference and quantum problems, making it highly adoptable. Our framework employs forward and backward jump operators to create a unique approach. We use a weighted jump operator alpha that combines both jump operators in a convex manner. This allows us to generate a time scale alpha, which provides a new approach to discrete calculus. This beneficial approach enables us to define a general symmetric derivative on time scale alpha, which produces various types of discrete derivatives and forms a basis for new discrete calculus. Moreover, we create some polynomials on alpha-time scales using the alpha-operator. These polynomials have similar properties to regular polynomials and expand upon the existing research on discrete polynomials. Additionally, we establish the alpha-version of the Taylor formula. Finally, we discuss related binomial coefficients and their properties in discrete cases. We demonstrate how the symmetrical nature of the derivative definition allows for the incorporation of various concepts and the introduction of fresh ideas to discrete calculus.Multidisciplinary Science
Bi-Objective green vehicle routing problem minimizing carbon emissions and maximizing service level
No full textIn this study, a bi-objective Green Vehicle Routing Problem is presented as an extension of the well-known Vehicle Routing Problem. Green Vehicle Routing Problem aims to improve routing decisions of companies using Alternative Fuel Vehicles to reduce carbon emissions. The presented problem herein has two objectives that are the minimization of total carbon emissions and the maximization of service level. While total carbon emission is assumed to be proportional to total distance, cargo delivery time window violations of customers are considered as an indicator of service level. The problem was modeled as Mixed-Integer Linear Programming and epsilon-constraint method, which is a multi-objective optimization method, is developed to solve it. To effectively solve large problem instances, a clustering-based heuristic method is proposed. The heuristic method achieved a good performance by finding near Pareto-optimal solutions that are found by the MILP model. Our proposed mathematical model and heuristic method are tested on seven realistically designed hypothetical case studies. According to the results, the minimization of carbon emission and maximization of service level are two conflicting objectives. As the service level increases, the number of vehicles and carbon emissions also increase. As carbon emission increases and time windows violation decreases, more vehicles and alternative fuel stations are used.Engineering, Multidisciplinar
THE EAST IN THE WEST: STILL EXISTING VICTORIAN TURKISH BATHS IN THE BRITISH ISLES (1)
No full textArchitectur
Advanced Bioengineering Applications with Eco-Technology Approach for Sustainable Development
No full textProblems such as excessive consumption habits, depletion of natural resources and global climate change keep the concepts of both eco-entrepreneurship and bioeconomy on the agenda. Within the scope of the study, agro-food-oriented bioengineering practices, inwhich biotechnology is at the center, were examined in the circular economy line. In the review, eco-technological applications under field-specific titles have progressed in the form of examining academic and sectoral studies in the world. Hence, it has been determined that the need for interdisciplinary improvement in biosystems has become an important issue on international scale, especially in recent years. In this way, it has been seen that significant contributions will be made in finding solutions to the productivity and efficiency problems that arise in eco-technological bioengineering applications, especially with the contribution of entrepreneurship ecosystem studies. For this reason, it is essential to carry out studies in which all actors involved in agriculture-food-biotechnology systems can come together. Therefore, existing problem areas in bioengineering applications for sustainable development should be identified and joint solution proposals should be developed for the identified problem areas.Green & Sustainable Science & Technology || Engineering, Environmental || Operations Research & Management Scienc
Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and microwave properties of expanded graphite-ionic liquid co-doped PVDF
No full textPolymer-based dielectric materials exhibiting high permittivity and high dielectric loss can be preferred in electromagnetic interference shielding due to providing lightweight and better corrosion characteristics as compared to heavy metals. In this work, modified carbon black (CB), graphite (GR) and expanded graphite (e-GR) are incorporated with an ionic liquid || 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]BF4) in a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix in form of their binary alloys. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) and complex permittivity/permeability characteristics of synthesized materials are investigated and measured both in X and Ku band waveguides. The addition of the [BMIM]BF4 into material is observed to enhance ionic conductivity as well as polarizability of the designed composites. The ionic liquid (IL) comprising and IL-free e-GR based composites are measured to give minimum 32.7 dB and 28.1 dB shielding effectiveness along X-band, and minimum 39.5 dB and 35.5 dB shielding effectiveness along Ku-band frequency ranges for materials having 3.00 mm sample thicknesses, respectively. In comparison with the modified CB and GR, the e-GR exhibits better dispersion and superior SE values in the PVDF matrix. In addition to homogeneity observations obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM), an electromagnetic approach to check homogeneity of the synthesized composites is proposed to the literature, which compares shielding effectiveness values per unit thickness (dB/mm) calculated from S-parameter measurements with vector network analyzer (VNA) and calculated from permittivity/permeability values being extracted with Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) algorithm. The homogeneity of composites is found sufficient, and more than 9.5 dB/mm and 11.5 dB/mm shielding effectiveness for IL e-GR composite are obtained at X and Ku-bands, respectively.Engineering, Electrical & Electronic || Materials Science, Multidisciplinary || Physics, Applied || Physics, Condensed Matte
The Nature and Layers of Dynamic Capabilities of Firms Engaging in Business Model Innovations: A Qualitative Study on Information Technology firms in Istanbul's Science-Parks
No full textThis study aims to explore the dynamic capabilities (DCs) framework (with sensing, seizing, and reconfiguration dimensions) by exploring the fulfilment layer and underlying processes and structures employed in business model innovation (BMI) process within both new and established entrepreneurial firms. We employed exploratory and descriptive qualitative research method and gathered data through semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs of nine firms operating in the science-park settings in Istanbul, Turkiye. This study uncovered rich insights about the DCs, as categorized in this study under 10 sub-dimensions. In addition, three different fulfilment layers of DCs emerged at the entrepreneurial firms: (i) the entrepreneurial capabilities at the individual layer, (ii) the entrepreneurial team's complementary capabilities at the top managerial layer, and (iii) the mechanisms and routines at the organizational layer. DC sub-dimensions suggested in our study are clues for entrepreneurs to develop BMIs. Practitioners are recommended to consider their primary responsibility for BMIs processes independent of the size of the firms, to build entrepreneurial teams with partners having the complementary skill set and concentrate on the employees' selection, as well as their adaptation to the firm routines. Additionally, the study complements Teece's theoretical DC framework on BMI extending it into fulfilment layer and opens a fruitful research area for scholars.Managemen
Enablers of Sustainable Knowledge Management in Higher Education Institutions: A Case from Turkey
No full textThe amount of information that emerges with the rapidly developing technology is increasing daily, revealing the need for knowledge management. Knowledge management updates the ever-increasing information capacity in organizations, makes the information available, defines the processes necessary to reach the required information, and enables the knowledge needed to be shared. Especially in higher education institutions, sustainable knowledge management is essential for developing a long-term sustainable culture. Therefore, this study aims to determine the enablers of sustainable knowledge management in higher education institutions. As a result, fostering sustainable learning is determined as the best criterion for the case of higher education institutors.Green & Sustainable Science & Technology || Engineering, Environmental || Operations Research & Management Scienc
Enterprise architecture as a responsible data driven urban digitization framework: enabling circular cities in India
No full textMajor global urbanization has burdened cities, necessitating circular use of scarce resources, demanding superior service delivery for citizens while expecting increased operational efficiency in governance. Responsible use of smart systems like AI, cloud etc. can address contemporary socio-economic-governance problems. Digital technology can integrate various urban functions into a common service delivery platform. Platform-based public services enable resource sharing and circular economy, building smart communities that treat nations as digital enterprises and their citizens as customers while achieving operational efficiency in governance. Integration of several urban functions into a single platform facilitates ubiquitous urban public service delivery and efficient government operations. Digital platforms can be built by horizontal integration of several technologies like analytics, cloud, IOT, blockchain etc. by breaking silos. Multi-functional urban digitization is complex, especially for a diverse country like India || this also requires responsible use of technologies like AI, cloud etc. which use public data. This necessitates a robust and secure transformation architectural framework. Academia, industry, and policy-makers are currently evaluating an Indian city specific adaptation of Enterprise Architecture as a potential urban digital transformation framework. This study produces a design artifact that defines elements of enterprise architecture adaptation for Indian cities. The study recommends cross industry horizontal integration in business architecture by converging urban functions such as mobility, safety, communities etc. The study also suggests horizontally integrated and responsible use of analytics, IOT and cloud in technology architecture to build a uniform urban public service delivery platform. This research uses design science research methodology, which is popular in practice due to its problem-solving approach and emergence in contemporary IS research.Operations Research & Management Scienc