Abstract: The advancement of RFID technology has been viewed by many as one of the most beneficial developments in the business world. Furthermore, the progress in this technology has motivated software and hardware manufacturers to leverage RFID capability and drive the adoption of RFID in the data center market. RFID technology holds promise in transforming supply chain management by providing real time intelligence for tracking enterprise assets. As it stands, the objective of RFID is to manage the entire life cycle of an asset by determining the time of initial asset acquisition, the asset's physical location, the asset's movement within a data center and the time of the asset’s ultimate decommission. In addition, RFID is also capable of managing the motion of devices in and between data centers thus enhancing the ability to forecast data center capacity. Although data centers has been readily adopted and implemented in commercial sectors such as the retail environment, its introduction and implementation in the financial market sector has not occurred with similar speed and enthusiasm, suggesting presence of some reluctance. However, financial institutions are being under pressure from clients in order to provide real-time financial data and are looking at data centers integrated with RFID based supply chain systems for this purpose. The motivation for the present study arises from the growing body of literature which has examined the contribution of RFID supply chain systems in data centers and the motivation of financial institutions to use these data centers in order to become more competitive in the market. The paper asks the questions whether the RFID based supply chain systems in data centers can help to improve the performance of financial institutions.

Abstract: This paper explores the managerial challenges and viewpoints relating to the management of a metro design in KSA, raised by a group of design engineering staff. The paper examines the scope, reflections, and attitudes to the project management and which appear to contribute to the efficacy of the design outcomes between a single group of engineering personnel of thirteen (13) design engineers for a metro development in KSA. The paper advances a conceptualisation from the findings of a diverse range of qualitative personnel opinion into an integrated framework. Outcomes from this inquiry suggests that the project management show clear issues with the management style adopted to manage this group and explores the derived themes of namely four (4) main themes, namely Management; Project, People; and Technology. The outcomes shows opinion that the project management are not effectively managing the project corresponding with raised issues of cost/schedule overruns, delays to the project through poor coordination, ineffective leadership of the projects activities, and inadequate project preparation and its managerial execution. The paper further suggests how some of the effects of these identified issues may be reduced or mitigated.

Abstract: This paper aims to present the logistics collaboration management model and performance improvement of orchid flower firms in logistics activities for growers and exporters. The collaboration results improving cost, time and reliability to all parties in the chain. The collaboration management model becomes firms’ management tools for competitive advantage among rivals in the industry. The logistics performance indicator model uses to measure the activities between pre and post collaboration. The research contributes the uniqueness logistics collaborative management model which value to orchid industry in Thailand. The orchid flower grower and exporter may use this model as their management tool which aims in competitive advantage.

Abstract: Identifying key competencies and how they relate to crucial outcomes such as client satisfaction has become a dominant area receiving intensive attention through research in recent times in organisational management, services consulting and construction. The evaluation of the link between client satisfaction and competencies is considered crucial to the success of consulting assignments in today’s sophisticated, large-scale, risky and adversarial construction project environment. Yet the relationship between the competencies of the project team and the satisfaction level of clients has rarely been examined on professional architects in the construction industry. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between the professional competencies of architects and client satisfaction level in the Ghanaian construction industry. Using a combined multiple regression and Pearson correlation analysis on survey data, the findings reveal a strong positive relationship between design and management competencies of architects and client satisfaction level with design competencies being a greater predictor of client satisfaction level. The results offer foundation for architects’ continuous professional development and training towards performance improvement.

Abstract: This study was undertaken to explore the factors that could affect to the emotional exhaustion and turnover intention of Information Technology (IT) employees in Vietnam. This study was done through two steps including qualitative and quantitative research methods. In qualitative research method, nine information technology employees were interviewed to assess the clarity of words, the content of the questions and the ability to answer the questions of the readers. Formal quantitative research was executed by interviewing a sample collected by convenient method, using a questionaire, including 194 information technology employees in the areas of HoChiMinh city. The data was used to assess the scales and test the hypotheses. Cronbach Alpha coefficient analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), regression analysis were used in this section. The results showed some differences compared to the initial theoretical model. Only some elements in the theoretical model affect the emotional exhaustion, in which IT job demands is the factor that have the most powerful affect. Study results contribute additions to the theoretical basis of human resource management, by understanding more about the factors that have impact on the emotional exhaustion and turnover intention of information technology employees. Thereby, the results also provide additional facilities for the management of information technology enterprises so that the managers can make appropriate decisions in order to preserve the IT human resources.

Abstract: Healthcare is a vital service sector that provides quality treatment services to patients aiming at achieving individual satisfaction. In order to improve the quality of the healthcare sector, patients should be involved in the improvement process. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic approach for determining and prioritizing healthcare quality attributes that affect patients’ satisfaction. This is accomplished using an integrated Kano-FAHP model that would provide the basis for better improvement strategies and resource allocation. Based on Kano model principles the collected attributes are analyzed and classified into four main classes: must-be, performance, attractive, and indifferent needs. Statistical tests are performed to ensure the reliability of Kano classification. The classified healthcare quality attributes are structured in hierarchal form, and then prioritized by using FAHP method. Conventional AHP is integrated with fuzzy set theory to capture the uncertainty and ambiguity of patients while concluding judgments. Results indicate that must-be attributes gain the largest weights where “correct information given” and “employee friendless and respectfulness” are the first and second attributes with weights of 0.098 and 0.092, respectively.

Abstract: Organizational problems that demand decision-making require planning about their own decision-making process: the meta-decisions. We propose that the decisions about the process itself can be organized around three key activities: (1) diagnosis of meta-decision context and evaluation of meta-decision problem, (2) selection / planning of the meta-decision strategies and (3) meta-decision strategies implementation. This paper aims to focus on the content of the first two key activities. We develop guidelines for these two activities intended for generic decision making process and we illustrate these guidelines with examples and graphs. It is hoped that by following them a decision maker can optimize the process of decision making and thus achieve higher-quality decisions with less time and less resources invested. Future studies will need to be developed in order to empirically analyze the meta-decisions taken during a decision-making process and improve the theoretical framework here proposed.

Abstract: Nowadays most organizations are looking to find the potentials for creating competitive advantages. The ability to develop new products is among the capability benefits and it’s also the central point in contesting for many industries and in fact new products develop more and therefore there is more profits and create a competitive advantage for companies. This assay is to study the relationship between new product and the competitive advantage in chosen food industries of East Azarbayjan Province. The conceptual prototype of this research (relationship between any development in products and competitive advantage dimensions) is prepared based on theoretical and experimental studies and it is followed by a suitable questionnaire to evaluate and measure the variables of study. After the validity and stability was confirmed, the questionnaire was distributed in the statistical sample (Selected food industries managers of Azarbayjan Province) and the selected data was put into the SPSS and LISREL software and those data were analyzed. The statistical data shows that the development of products both (gradual and integral), have a noticeable influence on competitive advantages. Innovation in products with improvement in quality, increase in proficiency, answering the customers and flexibility increase the competitive power of the company and provides a better position in the market for it.

Abstract: In 500 MWe Prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR), instrumentation for Post Accident Monitoring (PAM) is provided for monitoring the status of core and Reactor Containment Building (RCB) in case of Core Disruptive Accident (CDA). The instrumentation for PAM provides the operator with the necessary information by monitoring and displaying critical parameters. This paper details the parameters and how they are monitored.

Abstract: Maintenance plays an important role in the life span of equipment. The cost incurred during maintenance of machineries affects the service cost of the equipment. In other to reduce the cost and time wastage, effective troubleshooting tool is required. Power failure in earth moving equipment arises when the front-mounted “dozer” blade cannot push soil forward and create a level surface for construction site. This problem needs to be solved, so as to increase the equipment life span and productivity. This research has established that power failure in earthmoving equipment (bulldozer) results from a number of causes and the causes have been identified as faulty: torque converter, transmission system, steering system, air cleaner, turbo charger, fuel filter, injector, high water temperature and dust indicator. The maintenance service card (job card) for recording the maintenance carried out on the machine used as case study was visited. Through this, the historic data of frequency of occurrence of each problem throughout the year was collected as it affected the machine under study. Probability tree model was developed as predicting tool based on the historic information collected from the job card of the machine. Based on this probability tree, a logic was developed which lead to software algorithm development. Through this algorithm, a software was developed to enhance the speed of computation and making decision available speedingly using C # (pronounced as C sharp) computer language because of its versatility and friendly nature. The user interface of the Knowledge based system is basically divided into analyses and troubleshooting, the analyses ask the operator questions related to lack of power in the machine, and the troubleshooting tests were carried out as it affects: transmission, torque converter, steering, clutch and brake system problems. The system gave a thorough maintenance breakdown analysis of power failure of the engine under study. The decision support system has an advantage of providing the maintenance engineer a knowledge of the probable causes of problems and the required solution; however this depends on the response of the user to the questions asked in the user interface. The solutions proffered by this decision support system were evaluated by compared with the proffered solutions in the manual of the machine under study and it was found to be the same. In essence, it is recommended that this system should be used in situations where the service technicians are knowledgeable to answer the questions in the user interface of the system. The use of decision support system to solve power failure problem can result to reduction in manpower, increase assurance of project completion in time and is therefore applicable and recommended for use in manufacturing and construction industries where optimum profitable services are mostly expected.

Abstract: This article contributes to the research on Eco-innovations in its exploration of the barriers to such innovations and of the different strategies managers use as they try to make their production and their products greener The research consists of four case studies of manufacturers of ecological beer: two Swedish breweries and two Belgian breweries The article examines how breweries, as first movers or fast followers, operate proactively or reactively when a new trend appears and takes hold in the alcohol industry Based on the study’s findings, a conceptual framework is presented that depicts the barriers and strategies relevant to Eco-innovations The article concludes with managerial recommendations for how firms involved with Eco-innovations may develop strategies that overcome their barriers

Abstract: In today’s world, as a popular and highly efficient means of transportation, automotive has become an important symbol of modern society. Automotive industry is regarded as the “core industry” and is an important manufacturing industry. It has high degree of industrial correlation and significant benefits of scale economy. The industry is capital and technology-intensive. The development of automotive industry itself cannot only bring direct economic benefits but also is an essential prerequisite for the development of a modern economy. Since the reform and opening up, the production scale of China’s automotive industry has been expanding continuously. China has formed a relatively complete industrial production base and a sound product system, which occupy an important position in national economy. FAW Group, SAIC MOTOR, Dongfeng Motor Corporation and other domestic backbone automotive enterprise groups have a very strong accumulation in capital, technology, personnel, network, brand reputation, etc. The overall technological innovation capability of the automotive industry cluster is improving and the innovation network has already come into being.

Abstract: Asset management framework and its incentive economic equations are represented in this paper. To this end, asset management process conducted to realize distribution targets, are considered and a comprehensive framework of these activities is represented. This framework can be utilized in planning and evaluation of distribution system. On the basis of asset management comprehensive framework, economic equations are formulated and regulation indices are determined. Afterwards, method that regulates key indices is described. This method is conformed to distribution targets. At the final step, numerical studies on Tehran Province Regional Electrical Distribution Company (TPREDC) are presented. In TPREDC activities were done with few incentives, therefore productivity and benefit had reduced. After implementation of proposed internal regulation, it can be seen that key indices have been improved.