Recently, there has been an increasing awareness and implementation of practices associated with Partnering and Total Quality Management (TQM) in the construction industry. Partnering and TQM both seek to enhance cons...Recently, there has been an increasing awareness and implementation of practices associated with Partnering and Total Quality Management (TQM) in the construction industry. Partnering and TQM both seek to enhance construction outcomes, yet rigorous studies of Partnering and TQM have been conducted separately and have not carefully examined common or unique practices associated with these techniques. This paper presents the findings of a theoretical analysis of an integrated approach for the use of Partnering and TQM. A matrix approach has been used to explore the extent to which Partnering may improve TQM implementation in construction. The matrix is based around 3 indexes, namely; the Degree of Partnering, the Degree of TQM and the Project Success Index and enables the relationship between Partnering and TQM to be analysed quantitatively. It also assists in understanding the trends of Partnering and TQM and their relationship to project performance. The results of a case study using this matrix are also presented. It has been concluded that the integrated use of Partnering can facilitate improvements in the way TQM is implemented in construction.展开更多
The problem of risk-based partner selection of virtual enterprise is investigated. By choosing optimal partner for each project task, the project risk is minimized. The risk parameters are expressed in the form of int...The problem of risk-based partner selection of virtual enterprise is investigated. By choosing optimal partner for each project task, the project risk is minimized. The risk parameters are expressed in the form of interval numbers when the precise values are difficult to obtain, and the model is formulated into a 0-1 nonlinear programming with interval coefficients in its objective function. In order to solve the problem, the definition of order relation between interval numbers is given, and the original model is converted into an equivalent crisp bi-objective programming model. Because of the highly constrained nature and multiple objective of the model, a genetic algorithm is proposed to find the set of Pareto or near Pareto optimal solutions. The approach is demonstrated by some numerical examples, and the result shows that the suggested approach has high efficiency and the model has potential to practical applications.展开更多
The present paper reviews the UN important efforts to promote global sustainable development in the chronological order since UN Conference on Human Environment in 1972, and ana- lyzes the progress and gap. The result...The present paper reviews the UN important efforts to promote global sustainable development in the chronological order since UN Conference on Human Environment in 1972, and ana- lyzes the progress and gap. The results show that the UN system has made great efforts for global sustainable development since the UN Conference on Human Environment, especially since UN Conference on Environment and Development, promoted the for- mation of important consensus and multilateral internhtional con- ventions on many fields, boosted the development of partnership in the field of sustainable development, and accelerated actions for sustainable development of many countries and regions. However, at present, the progress made is still far below the level required, prominently reflected in the slow progress toward the millen-nium development goals, the difficulties in negotiations in the field of environment and development, insufficient fulfillment of international agreements and conventions, and undesirable effects of partnership in the field of sustainable development. Based on these, the paper puts forward four suggestions for UN Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012（Rio＋20）： （1） to revitalize the ＂spirit of Rio＂ and accelerate the implementation of existing politi- cal commitments; （2） to make new political commitments focusing on climate change and other major global challenges under the Rio principles; （3） to lay out a blueprint of green economy under the Rio principles; and （4） to promote South-South cooperation as the focus of international cooperation.展开更多
Adult male Tibetan(Macaca thibetana), Barbary(M. sylvanus), and stump-tailed macaques(M. arctoides) engage in bridging, a ritualized infant-handling behavior. Previous researchers found a bias toward the use of male i...Adult male Tibetan(Macaca thibetana), Barbary(M. sylvanus), and stump-tailed macaques(M. arctoides) engage in bridging, a ritualized infant-handling behavior. Previous researchers found a bias toward the use of male infants for this behavior, but its function is debated. Explanations include three hypotheses: paternal care, mating effort, and agonistic buffering. We studied a group of habituated, provisioned Tibetan macaques to test whether adult males' affiliative relationships with females predicted their use of an infant for bridging. We also examined biases for sex, age, and individual in males' choice of bridging infant. We collected data via all occurrences, focal animal, and scan methods, from August to September 2011 at the Valley of the Wild Monkeys, China. We found that male infants were significantly preferred over females for bridging, but of three male infants in the group, only one was used by all males, while one male infant was used less often than expected. Adult males had females they were significantly more likely to be proximate to and/or to groom, but these corresponded to the mother of the bridging infant for only one male. Our results are most consistent with the agonistic buffering hypothesis: lower-ranked males used the alpha male's preferred bridging infant in an attempt to regulate their interactions with the alpha.展开更多
Enterprises are looking to adapt to this scenario focusing on performance, seeking to improve the level of service and reduce costs in an attempt to differentiate and increase the perceived value of their customers. A...Enterprises are looking to adapt to this scenario focusing on performance, seeking to improve the level of service and reduce costs in an attempt to differentiate and increase the perceived value of their customers. A strong partner to achieve these goals is the information technology （IT）. IT has an important role in the performance of companies, providing a flow of information that makes the supply chain more robust and resilient, without compromising efficiency. To achieve the objective of this research, a survey of the literature on the four models was studied and then a field research with professionals was conducted in the areas of IT and supply chain management （SCM） of various companies of Sao Paulo. To collect the data needed for analysis, we used the exploratory research of a qualitative nature. Thus, we conclude that the use of IT impacts supply chain in five surveyed areas as planning, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and delivery but does not impact the return area.展开更多
When a child abuse situation arises, the responsible agencies and entities in charge of response should be capable of providing a fast and personalized solution for the good of the child. This need leads the authors t...When a child abuse situation arises, the responsible agencies and entities in charge of response should be capable of providing a fast and personalized solution for the good of the child. This need leads the authors to consider the formation of dynamic virtual organizations tailored to each particular abuse case. In the authors＇ approach the partner selection of these collaborative networks is done through a software tool that combines two technologies from the field of artificial intelligence, specifically multi-agent systems and expert systems. In addition, these partners come from the breeding environment constituted by all the agencies or individuals, either in a region or locality, which have the potential of response.展开更多
Despite of Egypt is facing a period of political uncertainty, some Italian firms have a great interest in operating business in Egypt. Egypt has bilateral agreements with Italy since 2007. As a result of this relation...Despite of Egypt is facing a period of political uncertainty, some Italian firms have a great interest in operating business in Egypt. Egypt has bilateral agreements with Italy since 2007. As a result of this relation, Italy has become a strategic partner for Egypt, gaining a growing importance in the Middle East. Egypt is, also, an important trading partner for the Italy. Political and economic relationship between Egypt and Italy has increased the interest in analyzing risks and opportunities for Italian firms that would like to operate in Egypt. However studies focused on this topic are still missing. With the aim to fill this gap, this article presents a study based on face to face interviews to some Egyptian senior-executives who manage in Egypt productive centres and representative offices of Italian finns. These interviews led to evidence opportunities and risks that Italian firms have to face operating business in Egypt.展开更多
文摘Recently, there has been an increasing awareness and implementation of practices associated with Partnering and Total Quality Management (TQM) in the construction industry. Partnering and TQM both seek to enhance construction outcomes, yet rigorous studies of Partnering and TQM have been conducted separately and have not carefully examined common or unique practices associated with these techniques. This paper presents the findings of a theoretical analysis of an integrated approach for the use of Partnering and TQM. A matrix approach has been used to explore the extent to which Partnering may improve TQM implementation in construction. The matrix is based around 3 indexes, namely; the Degree of Partnering, the Degree of TQM and the Project Success Index and enables the relationship between Partnering and TQM to be analysed quantitatively. It also assists in understanding the trends of Partnering and TQM and their relationship to project performance. The results of a case study using this matrix are also presented. It has been concluded that the integrated use of Partnering can facilitate improvements in the way TQM is implemented in construction.
文摘The problem of risk-based partner selection of virtual enterprise is investigated. By choosing optimal partner for each project task, the project risk is minimized. The risk parameters are expressed in the form of interval numbers when the precise values are difficult to obtain, and the model is formulated into a 0-1 nonlinear programming with interval coefficients in its objective function. In order to solve the problem, the definition of order relation between interval numbers is given, and the original model is converted into an equivalent crisp bi-objective programming model. Because of the highly constrained nature and multiple objective of the model, a genetic algorithm is proposed to find the set of Pareto or near Pareto optimal solutions. The approach is demonstrated by some numerical examples, and the result shows that the suggested approach has high efficiency and the model has potential to practical applications.
文摘The present paper reviews the UN important efforts to promote global sustainable development in the chronological order since UN Conference on Human Environment in 1972, and ana- lyzes the progress and gap. The results show that the UN system has made great efforts for global sustainable development since the UN Conference on Human Environment, especially since UN Conference on Environment and Development, promoted the for- mation of important consensus and multilateral internhtional con- ventions on many fields, boosted the development of partnership in the field of sustainable development, and accelerated actions for sustainable development of many countries and regions. However, at present, the progress made is still far below the level required, prominently reflected in the slow progress toward the millen-nium development goals, the difficulties in negotiations in the field of environment and development, insufficient fulfillment of international agreements and conventions, and undesirable effects of partnership in the field of sustainable development. Based on these, the paper puts forward four suggestions for UN Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012（Rio＋20）： （1） to revitalize the ＂spirit of Rio＂ and accelerate the implementation of existing politi- cal commitments; （2） to make new political commitments focusing on climate change and other major global challenges under the Rio principles; （3） to lay out a blueprint of green economy under the Rio principles; and （4） to promote South-South cooperation as the focus of international cooperation.
基金supported by grants from CWU’s Office of Graduate Studies and Researchthe National Natural Science Foundation of China(30970414&31172106)the National Science Foundation(OISE-1065589)
文摘Adult male Tibetan(Macaca thibetana), Barbary(M. sylvanus), and stump-tailed macaques(M. arctoides) engage in bridging, a ritualized infant-handling behavior. Previous researchers found a bias toward the use of male infants for this behavior, but its function is debated. Explanations include three hypotheses: paternal care, mating effort, and agonistic buffering. We studied a group of habituated, provisioned Tibetan macaques to test whether adult males' affiliative relationships with females predicted their use of an infant for bridging. We also examined biases for sex, age, and individual in males' choice of bridging infant. We collected data via all occurrences, focal animal, and scan methods, from August to September 2011 at the Valley of the Wild Monkeys, China. We found that male infants were significantly preferred over females for bridging, but of three male infants in the group, only one was used by all males, while one male infant was used less often than expected. Adult males had females they were significantly more likely to be proximate to and/or to groom, but these corresponded to the mother of the bridging infant for only one male. Our results are most consistent with the agonistic buffering hypothesis: lower-ranked males used the alpha male's preferred bridging infant in an attempt to regulate their interactions with the alpha.
文摘Enterprises are looking to adapt to this scenario focusing on performance, seeking to improve the level of service and reduce costs in an attempt to differentiate and increase the perceived value of their customers. A strong partner to achieve these goals is the information technology （IT）. IT has an important role in the performance of companies, providing a flow of information that makes the supply chain more robust and resilient, without compromising efficiency. To achieve the objective of this research, a survey of the literature on the four models was studied and then a field research with professionals was conducted in the areas of IT and supply chain management （SCM） of various companies of Sao Paulo. To collect the data needed for analysis, we used the exploratory research of a qualitative nature. Thus, we conclude that the use of IT impacts supply chain in five surveyed areas as planning, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and delivery but does not impact the return area.
文摘When a child abuse situation arises, the responsible agencies and entities in charge of response should be capable of providing a fast and personalized solution for the good of the child. This need leads the authors to consider the formation of dynamic virtual organizations tailored to each particular abuse case. In the authors＇ approach the partner selection of these collaborative networks is done through a software tool that combines two technologies from the field of artificial intelligence, specifically multi-agent systems and expert systems. In addition, these partners come from the breeding environment constituted by all the agencies or individuals, either in a region or locality, which have the potential of response.
文摘Despite of Egypt is facing a period of political uncertainty, some Italian firms have a great interest in operating business in Egypt. Egypt has bilateral agreements with Italy since 2007. As a result of this relation, Italy has become a strategic partner for Egypt, gaining a growing importance in the Middle East. Egypt is, also, an important trading partner for the Italy. Political and economic relationship between Egypt and Italy has increased the interest in analyzing risks and opportunities for Italian firms that would like to operate in Egypt. However studies focused on this topic are still missing. With the aim to fill this gap, this article presents a study based on face to face interviews to some Egyptian senior-executives who manage in Egypt productive centres and representative offices of Italian finns. These interviews led to evidence opportunities and risks that Italian firms have to face operating business in Egypt.
