1,721,007 research outputs found
A fuzzy reverse logistics inventory system integrating economic order/production quantity models
Full text linkThis paper develops a reverse inventory model where the recoverable manufacturing process is affected by the learning theory. We propose the inclusion of the fuzzy demand rate of the serviceable products and the fuzzy collection rate of the recoverable products from customers in the total cost function of the model. Two popular defuzzification methods, namely the signed distance technique, a ranking method for fuzzy numbers, and the graded mean integration representation method are employed to find the estimate of the total cost function per unit time in the fuzzy sense. We provide a comprehensive numerical example to illustrate and compare the results obtained by the two mentioned defuzzification methods. This is one of the only few attempts in the related literature comparing the performance of these methods with the effect of the fuzziness of both of the demand and the collection rate in the presence of the learning simultaneously. The results indicate that deciding on which method could be used depends on the target strategy that could focus on the total cost, ordering lot size, or recovery lot size
The effectiveness of virtual R&D Teams in SMEs: experiences of Malaysian SMEs
Full text linkThe number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those involved with research and development (R&D) programs and employed virtual teams to create the greatest competitive advantage from limited labor are increasing. Global and localized virtual R&D teams are believed to have high potential for the growth of SMEs. Due to the fast-growing complexity of new products coupled with new emerging opportunities of virtual teams, a collaborative approach is believed to be the future trend. This research explores the effectiveness of virtuality in SMEs’ virtual R&D teams. Online questionnaires were emailed to Malaysian manufacturing SMEs and 74 usable questionnaires were received, representing a 20.8 percent return rate. In order to avoid biases which may result from pre-suggested answers, a series of open-ended questions were retrieved from the experts. This study was focused on analyzing an open-ended question, whereby four main themes were extracted from the experts’ recommendations regarding the effectiveness of virtual teams for the growth and performance of SMEs. The findings of this study would be useful to product design managers of SMEs in order to realize the key advantages and significance of virtual R&D teams during the new product development (NPD) process. This in turn, leads to increased effectiveness in new product development's procedure.Virtual Teams, New Product Development, Survey Finding, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Design Methods for the Elderly in Web of Science, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases: A Scientometric Analysis in CiteSpace
No full textWith the increasing aging population globally, issues that come with aging are becoming more severe. This prompted the governments and society to focus on the social security of the elderly. To guarantee the safety of the elderly, satisfy their emotional requirements, and assist them in adapting to a fast-changing socio-technical environment, researchers have proposed many design methods. Various researchers have studied the relevant literature and design techniques for the elderly. However, it was discovered that China is second, followed by the United States, in terms of research impact in this area. We used the literature from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for China. We selected 1221 papers on geriatric design techniques from the Web of Science and Scopus (W&S) and CNKI. Bibliometrics analysis was used to evaluate the current state, development process, and future trend of research on the design methods for the elderly. The findings indicated that (1) the number of studies on geriatric design approaches in W&S and CNKI is rising every year, and (2) the accentuation and complementarity of W&S and CNKI are distinct. It will be a crucial area of study in the future to develop more pleasant and convenient goods and services for the elderly, as well as to address their emotional needs and experiences
A Systematic Review of the Usability of Telemedicine Interface Design for Older Adults
No full textTelemedicine has the potential to support healthy aging in older adults; however, many applications fail to consider their specific needs and preferences, resulting in a limited number of effective options. This study systematically reviews the existing literature on interface design elements, attempts to link the elements with a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), evaluates their usability for the elderly population, and highlights the social sustainability of telemedicine systems. A comprehensive search was conducted across the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL databases to identify existing research pertaining to the factors influencing usability, evaluation methodologies, and recommendations for telemedicine interfaces specifically designed for older adults. A total of 41 studies were analyzed, yielding a comprehensive summary of research methodologies and interface design elements from four key dimensions: the functional framework, interaction logic, visual design, and user experience. Our analysis identified prevalent usability challenges and provided actionable recommendations. Although the majority of studies focused on existing applications and usability testing, there was a notable gap in research addressing the cognitive and emotional needs of older users. Furthermore, many studies fell short in offering a comprehensive and detailed examination of design elements relevant to this user group. Based on the existing literature, this paper summarizes interface design elements suitable for elderly users, offering insights into user experience and usability. This study provides guidance for the interface design and development of telemedicine for old adults, offers suggestions on interface usability for practitioners in the medical industry, and also provides a reference value for the government in formulating relevant medical policies and for entrepreneurs in making investments
Research Trends and Hot Spots in Telemedicine for the Elderly: A Scientometric Analysis
No full textBackground: As the elderly population rapidly grows, age-related health issues are increasing. Telemedicine helps older adults adapt by providing efficient and accessible health management and medical services. Objectives: This study employs bibliometric analysis to examine research focus areas, emerging trends, and collaboration networks in telemedicine for older adults over the past three decades. Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection served as the primary data source for the publications on telemedicine and the elderly since the database’s inception through June 2024. Using CiteSpace.6.2.R4 software, keyword and collaboration network visualizations were generated, including clusters, co-authors, and co-citations. Results: This study analyzed 586 papers from 252 countries or regions, which were published across 246 journals and written by 2750 authors. Conclusions: The analysis revealed three primary research directions encompassing 42 clusters: (1) health literacy and technology adaptation; (2) telemedicine technology and health management; and (3) social interaction and economic impact. Research hotspots include elderly fitness, mobile health, technology acceptance, telemedicine, elderly care, and health literacy. Despite the potential benefit of telemedicine, challenges persist in areas such as technology acceptance, usability, effectiveness, service quality, and privacy concerns. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current research on telemedicine for the elderly and highlights emerging trends in the field
Investigation on Quality Conformance: A Case Study on Electrical and Electronic SME Industries in Malaysia
No full textAn Integrated Fuzzy VIKOR Method for Performance Management in Healthcare
No full textPoor quality control has become a major threat to medical laboratory services, especially in the developing countries. It has become necessary to assess and rank the quality of diagnostic services in medical laboratories using systematic approaches. The main aim of this research is to develop and apply a quantitative method in ranking medical laboratory services. This method is based on a combination of Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) with fuzzy set theory. VIKOR is a multiple criteria decision making technique which focuses on ranking and selection from a set of alternatives, and determines the compromise solution for a problem with different criteria. This approach aids decision makers to achieve the most acceptable decision amidst numerous alternatives. In the present evaluation method, international standard ISO 15189 (Medical Laboratories Particular Requirements for Quality and Competence) proposed by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is used as a fundamental source of selected attributes of a medical laboratory. The study compares three medical laboratories to each other and ranks them. This study will be a valuable and effective contribution in enhancing both qualitative and quantitative criteria in the field of medical laboratory services. Finally, some directions for further studies are proposed. </jats:p
Integration of Grey-Based Taguchi Method and Principal Component Analysis for Multi-Response Decision-Making in Kansei Engineering
Full text linkThis paper presents a hybrid method to determine the optimum combination of product form features in Kansei engineering. This method integrates the Taguchi method and grey relational analysis (GRA) coupled with principal component analysis (PCA). Experiments are performed on a variety of passenger car form designs. The Taguchi's L27 OA is chosen to design the experiments and to generate the car silhouettes as design samples. GRA is used to solve the multi-response optimisation problem, while PCA is used to assign the weighting values of relevant Kansei responses. The results show that the hybrid method was able to solve the complexity trade-off encountered in the decision-making process of multi-response optimisation using an economical and effective experimental design method. The method also has the capability in determining the optimum combination of product form features and generating an optimised car form design which accommodates the multi-Kansei need of consumers in a systematic manne
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