Recent durability studies on concrete structure

Much of the prior research on interorganizational learning has focused on the role of absorptive capacity, a firm's ability to value, assimilate, and utilize new external knowledge. However, this definition of the construct suggests that a firm has an equal capacity to learn from all other organizations. We reconceptualize the firm-level construct absorptive capacity as a learning dyad-level construct, relative absorptive capacity. One firm's ability to learn from another firm is argued to depend on the similarity of both firms' (1) knowledge bases, (2) organizational structures and compensation policies, and (3) dominant logics. We then test the model using a sample of pharmaceutical–biotechnology R&D alliances. As predicted, the similarity of the partners' basic knowledge, lower management formalization, research centralization, compensation practices, and research communities were positively related to interorganizational learning. The relative absorptive capacity measures are also shown to have greater explanatory power than the established measure of absorptive capacity, R&D spending. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Relative absorptive capacity and interorganizational learning

An overview on plant extracts as environmental sustainable and green corrosion inhibitors for metals and alloys in aggressive corrosive media

Making R&D portfolio decision is difficult, because long lead times of R&D and market and technology dynamics lead to unavailable and unreliable collected data for portfolio management. The objective of this research is to develop a fuzzy R&D portfolio selection model to hedge against the R&D uncertainty. Fuzzy set theory is applied to model uncertain and flexible project information. Since traditional project valuation methods often underestimate the risky project, a fuzzy compound-options model is used to evaluate the value of each R&D project. The R&D portfolio selection problem is formulated as a fuzzy zero-one integer programming model that can handle both uncertain and flexible parameters to determine the optimal project portfolio. A new transformation method based on qualitative possibility theory is developed to convert the fuzzy portfolio selection model into a crisp mathematical model from the risk-averse perspective. The transformed model can be solved by an optimization technique. An example is used to illustrate the proposed approach. We conclude that the proposed approach can assist decision makers in selecting suitable R&D portfolios, while there is a lack of reliable project information.

(OMEGA- International Journal of Management Science, 35(3):247-257)A fuzzy set approach for R&D portfolio selection using a real options valuation model

The past and future of sustainable concrete: A critical review and new strategies on cement-based materials

Green Bambusa Arundinacea leaves extract as a sustainable corrosion inhibitor in steel reinforced concrete

The world’s most common alloy, steel, is the material of choice when it comes to making products as diverse as oil rigs to cars and planes to skyscrapers, simply because of its functionality, adaptability, machine-ability and strength. Newly developed grades of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) significantly outperform competing materials for current and future automotive applications. This is a direct result of steel’s performance flexibility, as well as of its many benefits including low cost, weight reduction capability, safety attributes, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and superior recyclability. To improve crash worthiness and fuel economy, the automotive industry is, increasingly, using AHSS. Today, and in the future, automotive manufacturers must reduce the overall weight of their cars. The most cost-efficient way to do this is with AHSS. However, there are several parameters that decide which of the AHSS types to be used; the most important parameters are derived from the geometrical form of the component and the selection of forming and blanking methods. This paper describes the different types of AHSS, highlights their advantages for use in auto metal stampings, and discusses about the new challenges faced by stampers, particularly those serving the automotive industry.

/pdf/advanced-high-strength-steel-in-auto-industry-an-overview-4mgq2bqt50.pdf

Advanced High Strength Steel in Auto Industry: an Overview

In today’s global economy an increasing search is on for methods and processes that drive improvements in quality, costs and productivity. TPM has been identified as a best in class manufacturing improvement process, along with the “LEAN” phenomenon that has allowed manufacturing industries to greatly increase their levels of profitability and productivity. Lean maintenance, combined with other initiatives, such as Total Productive Maintenance, has allowed these companies to focus on the efficiency of their production processes. However, Lean maintenance is neither a subset nor a spin-off of lean manufacturing; it is instead a prerequisite for success as a lean manufacturer that provides a holistic approach to the function of maintenance. Lean maintenance approach cannot just be a mirror image of a lean production approach because the business dynamics of asset maintenance and those of production are fundamentally different. This paper highlights this fact and discusses that to deliver “productivity without waste,” or efficiency, in asset maintenance, there is a need of a different version of LEAN; one that takes into account the unique business dynamics of the area that the businesses work in.

/pdf/tpm-and-lean-maintenance-a-critical-review-b56fyd5te1.pdf

TPM and lean maintenance - A critical review

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the preliminary analysis on the knowledge sharing behaviour of the public sectors in terms of individual attitudes, organisational environment, reward system and information and communication technology (ICT) within the system. The paper looks into the perspective of business process management which embedded in a knowledge sharing behaviour. This research-inprogress intends to use both quantitative and
qualitative methods (triangulation) because we believe
that it will be appropriate to answer the research
questions better. In the Phase One, consists of the
questionnaire that uses to measure perceptions, beliefs,
reactions, and attitudes related to knowledge sharing.
The unit of analysis using middle to senior management in the public sector as knowledge is said to be captured more systematically at this level. Phase Two will be carried out after analysis of data from the questionnaire survey is completed. The researcher intends to undertake an in-depth exploration of issues arising from Phase One. Hence a semi-structured interview will be carried out with small group of
people. Top management officials will be selected from within the same sample for this exercise. The research design in this study hopefully will answer all the research questions significantly. The preliminary findings will provide a basis for proposing a structured framework for further data collection and analysis.

/pdf/knowledge-sharing-behaviour-in-the-public-sector-the-16fugrgnto.pdf

Knowledge sharing behaviour in the public sector: The business process management perspectives

Deficient maintenance management can severely affect competitiveness of an organization by reducing throughput, increasing inventory, and leading to poor performance. Performance cannot be managed without measurement: it provides the required information to the management for effective decision making; and is used by industries to assess progress against set goals and objectives in a quantifiable way for effectiveness and efficiency. For the palm oil mills to stay competitive, it is imperative that they elevate the maintenance management role; from a cost center to the strategic partner in business. This paper highlights how measuring maintenance performance helps us identify the factors causing poor performance, and provides an opportunity to improve company’s profits.

https://www.sbm.itb.ac.id/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Maintenance-Management-Performance-An-Overview-towards-Evaluating-Malaysian-Palm-Oil-Mill.pdf

Che Sobry Abdullah

Papers

Green Bambusa Arundinacea leaves extract as a sustainable corrosion inhibitor in steel reinforced concrete

Advanced High Strength Steel in Auto Industry: an Overview

TPM and lean maintenance - A critical review

Knowledge sharing behaviour in the public sector: The business process management perspectives

Maintenance Management Performance - An Overview towards Evaluating Malaysian Palm Oil Mill