List of Top 25 Articles of Mathematics

Jul-Sep 2014

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Sr. No
1

Title
A definition of theory: research guidelines for different theory-building research methods in operations management
Abstract
This study examines the definition of theory and the implications it has for the theory-building research. By definition, theory must have four
basic criteria: conceptual definitions, domain limitations, relationship-building, and predictions. Theory-building is important because it
provides a framework for analysis, facilitates the efficient development of the field, and is needed for the applicability to practical real world
problems. To be good theory, a theory must follow the virtues (criteria) for `good' theory, including uniqueness, parsimony, conservation,
generalizability, fecundity, internal consistency, empirical riskiness, and abstraction, which apply to all research methods. Theory-building
research seeks to find similarities across many different domains to increase its abstraction level and its importance. The procedure for good
theory-building research follows the definition of theory: it defines the variables, specifies the domain, builds internally consistent
relationships, and makes specific predictions. If operations management theory is to become integrative, the procedure for good theorybuilding research should have similar research procedures, regardless of the research methodology used. The empirical results from a study of
operations management over the last 5 years (19911995) indicate imbalances in research methodologies for theory-building. The analytical
mathematical research methodology is by far the most popular methodology and appears to be over-researched. On the other hand, the
integrative research areas of analytical statistical and the establishment of causal relationships are under-researched. This leads to the
conclusion that theory-building in operations management is not developing evenly across all methodologies. Last, this study offers specific
guidelines for theory-builders to increase the theory's level of abstraction and the theory's significance for operations managers.

Particle swarm optimization for function optimization in noisy environment

Abstract
As a novel evolutionary searching technique, particle swarm optimization (PSO) has gained wide research and effective applications in the field
of function optimization. However, to the best of our knowledge, most studies based on PSO are aimed at deterministic optimization
problems. In this paper, the performance of PSO for function optimization in noisy environment is investigated, and an effective hybrid PSO
approach named PSOOHT is proposed. In the PSOOHT, the population-based search mechanism of PSO is applied for well exploration and
exploitation, and the optimal computing budget allocation (OCBA) technique is used to allocate limited sampling budgets to provide reliable
evaluation and identification for good particles. Meanwhile, hypothesis test (HT) is also applied in the hybrid approach to reserve good
particles and to maintain the diversity of the swarm as well. Numerical simulations based on several well-known function benchmarks with
noise are carried out, and the effect of noise magnitude is also investigated as well. The results and comparisons demonstrate the superiority

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of PSOOHT in terms of searching quality and robustness.

Security and privacy for storage and computation in cloud computing

Abstract
Cloud computing emerges as a new computing paradigm that aims to provide reliable, customized and quality of service guaranteed
computation environments for cloud users. Applications and databases are moved to the large centralized data centers, called cloud. Due to
resource virtualization, global replication and migration, the physical absence of data and machine in the cloud, the stored data in the cloud
and the computation results may not be well managed and fully trusted by the cloud users. Most of the previous work on the cloud security
focuses on the storage security rather than taking the computation security into consideration together. In this paper, we propose a privacy
cheating discouragement and secure computation auditing protocol, or SecCloud, which is a first protocol bridging secure storage and secure
computation auditing in cloud and achieving privacy cheating discouragement by designated verifier signature, batch verification and
probabilistic sampling techniques. The detailed analysis is given to obtain an optimal sampling size to minimize the cost. Another major
contribution of this paper is that we build a practical secure-aware cloud computing experimental environment, or SecHDFS, as a test bed to
implement SecCloud. Further experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed SecCloud.

Operations Research for green logistics - An overview of aspects, issues, contributions and challenges
Abstract
The worldwide economic growth of the last century has given rise to a vast consumption of goods while globalization has led to large streams
of goods all over the world. The production, transportation, storage and consumption of all these goods, however, have created large
environmental problems. Today, global warming, created by large scale emissions of greenhouse gasses, is a top environmental concern.
Governments, action groups and companies are asking for measures to counter this threat. Operations Research has a long tradition in
improving operations and especially in reducing costs. In this paper, we present a review that highlights the contribution of Operations
Research to green logistics, which involves the integration of environmental aspects in logistics. We give a sketch of the present and possible
developments, focussing on design, planning and control in a supply chain for transportation, inventory of products and facility decisions.
While doing this, we also indicate several areas where environmental aspects could be included in OR models for logistics.

Defining and developing measures of lean production

Abstract
Our research addresses the confusion and inconsistency associated with lean production. We attempt to clarify the semantic confusion
surrounding lean production by conducting an extensive literature review using a historical evolutionary perspective in tracing its main

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components. We identify a key set of measurement items by charting the linkages between measurement instruments that have been used to
measure its various components from the past literature, and using a rigorous, two-stage empirical method and data from a large set of
manufacturing firms, we narrow the list of items selected to represent lean production to 48 items, empirically identifying 10 underlying
components. In doing so, we map the operational space corresponding to conceptual space surrounding lean production. Configuration theory
provides the theoretical underpinnings and helps to explain the synergistic relationships among its underlying components.
Design and control of warehouse order picking: A literature review
Abstract
Order picking has long been identified as the most labour-intensive and costly activity for almost every warehouse; the cost of order picking is
estimated to be as much as 55% of the total warehouse operating expense. Any underperformance in order picking can lead to unsatisfactory
service and high operational cost for the warehouse, and consequently for the whole supply chain. In order to operate efficiently, the orderpicking process needs to be robustly designed and optimally controlled. This paper gives a literature overview on typical decision problems in
design and control of manual order-picking processes. We focus on optimal (internal) layout design, storage assignment methods, routing
methods, order batching and zoning. The research in this area has grown rapidly recently. Still, combinations of the above areas have hardly
been explored. Order-picking system developments in practice lead to promising new research directions.

Enterprise resource planning: Implementation procedures and critical success factors

Abstract
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are highly complex information systems. The implementation of these systems is a difficult and
high cost proposition that places tremendous demands on corporate time and resources. Many ERP implementations have been classified as
failures because they did not achieve predetermined corporate goals. This article identifies success factors, software selection steps, and
implementation procedures critical to a successful implementation. A case study of a largely successful ERP implementation is presented and
discussed in terms of these key factors.

Facility location and supply chain management - A review

Abstract
Facility location decisions play a critical role in the strategic design of supply chain networks. In this paper, a literature review of facility
location models in the context of supply chain management is given. We identify basic features that such models must capture to support
decision-making involved in strategic supply chain planning. In particular, the integration of location decisions with other decisions relevant to
the design of a supply chain network is discussed. Furthermore, aspects related to the structure of the supply chain network, including those

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specific to reverse logistics, are also addressed. Significant contributions to the current state-of-the-art are surveyed taking into account
numerous factors. Supply chain performance measures and optimization techniques are also reviewed. Applications of facility location models
to supply chain network design ranging across various industries are presented. Finally, a list of issues requiring further research are
highlighted.

10

Reverse logistics and closed-loop supply chain: A comprehensive review to explore the future
Abstract
Based on environmental, legal, social, and economic factors, reverse logistics and closed-loop supply chain issues have attracted attention
among both academia and practitioners. This attention is evident by the vast number of publications in scientific journals which have been
published in recent years. Hence, a comprehensive literature review of recent and state-of-the-art papers is vital to draw a framework of the
past, and to shed light on future directions. The aim of this paper is to review recently published papers in reverse logistic and closed-loop
supply chain in scientific journals. A total of 382 papers published between January 2007 and March 2013 are selected and reviewed. The
papers are then analyzed and categorized to construct a useful foundation of past research. Finally, gaps in the literature are identified to
clarify and to suggest future research opportunities.
Lean manufacturing: context, practice bundles, and performance
Abstract
Management literature has suggested that contextual factors may present strong inertial forces within organizations that inhibit
implementations that appear technically rational [R.R. Nelson, S.G. Winter, An Evolutionary Theory of Economic Change, Harvard University
Press, Cambridge, MA, 1982]. This paper examines the effects of three contextual factors, plant size, plant age and unionization status, on the
likelihood of implementing 22 manufacturing practices that are key facets of lean production systems. Further, we postulate four bundles
of inter-related and internally consistent practices; these are just-in-time (JIT), total quality management (TQM), total preventive maintenance
(TPM), and human resource management (HRM). We empirically validate our bundles and investigate their effects on operational
performance. The study sample uses data from IndustryWeeks Census of Manufacturers. The evidence provides strong support for the
influence of plant size on lean implementation, whereas the influence of unionization and plant age is less pervasive than conventional
wisdom suggests. The results also indicate that lean bundles contribute substantially to the operating performance of plants, and explain
about 23% of the variation in operational performance after accounting for the effects of industry and contextual factors.

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11

Multi-criteria decision making approaches for supplier evaluation and selection: A literature review
Abstract
Supplier evaluation and selection problem has been studied extensively. Various decision making approaches have been proposed to tackle
the problem. In contemporary supply chain management, the performance of potential suppliers is evaluated against multiple criteria rather
than considering a single factor-cost. This paper reviews the literature of the multi-criteria decision making approaches for supplier evaluation
and selection. Related articles appearing in the international journals from 2000 to 2008 are gathered and analyzed so that the following three
questions can be answered: (i) Which approaches were prevalently applied? (ii) Which evaluating criteria were paid more attention to? (iii) Is
there any inadequacy of the approaches? Based on the inadequacy, if any, some improvements and possible future work are recommended.
This research not only provides evidence that the multi-criteria decision making approaches are better than the traditional cost-based
approach, but also aids the researchers and decision makers in applying the approaches effectively.

12

Recommender systems survey

Abstract
Recommender systems have developed in parallel with the web. They were initially based on demographic, content-based and collaborative
filtering. Currently, these systems are incorporating social information. In the future, they will use implicit, local and personal information from
the Internet of things. This article provides an overview of recommender systems as well as collaborative filtering methods and algorithms; it
also explains their evolution, provides an original classification for these systems, identifies areas of future implementation and develops
certain areas selected for past, present or future importance.

13

Data-intensive applications, challenges, techniques and technologies: A survey on Big Data

Abstract
It is already true that Big Data has drawn huge attention from researchers in information sciences, policy and decision makers in governments
and enterprises. As the speed of information growth exceeds Moores Law at the beginning of this new century, excessive data is making
great troubles to human beings. However, there are so much potential and highly useful values hidden in the huge volume of data. A new
scientific paradigm is born as data-intensive scientific discovery (DISD), also known as Big Data problems. A large number of fields and sectors,
ranging from economic and business activities to public administration, from national security to scientific researches in many areas, involve
with Big Data problems. On the one hand, Big Data is extremely valuable to produce productivity in businesses and evolutionary
breakthroughs in scientific disciplines, which give us a lot of opportunities to make great progresses in many fields. There is no doubt that the
future competitions in business productivity and technologies will surely converge into the Big Data explorations. On the other hand, Big Data
also arises with many challenges, such as difficulties in data capture, data storage, data analysis and data visualization. This paper is aimed to

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demonstrate a close-up view about Big Data, including Big Data applications, Big Data opportunities and challenges, as well as the state-of-theart techniques and technologies we currently adopt to deal with the Big Data problems. We also discuss several underlying methodologies to
handle the data deluge, for example, granular computing, cloud computing, bio-inspired computing, and quantum computing.

14

Battery energy storage technology for power systems-An overview

Abstract
The penetration of renewable sources (particularly wind power) in to the power system network has been increasing in the recent years. As a
result of this, there have been serious concerns over reliable and satisfactory operation of the power systems. One of the solutions being
proposed to improve the reliability and performance of these systems is to integrate energy storage devices into the power system network.
Further, in the present deregulated markets these storage devices could also be used to increase the profit margins of wind farm owners and
even provide arbitrage. This paper discusses the present status of battery energy storage technology and methods of assessing their economic
viability and impact on power system operation. Further, a discussion on the role of battery storage systems of electric hybrid vehicles in
power system storage technologies had been made. Finally, the paper suggests a likely future outlook for the battery technologies and the
electric hybrid vehicles in the context of power system applications.

15

Quantitative models for sustainable supply chain management: Developments and directions
Abstract
Sustainability, the consideration of environmental factors and social aspects, in supply chain management (SCM) has become a highly relevant
topic for researchers and practitioners. The application of operations research methods and related models, i.e. formal modeling, for closedloop SCM and reverse logistics has been effectively reviewed in previously published research. This situation is in contrast to the
understanding and review of mathematical models that focus on environmental or social factors in forward supply chains (SC), which has seen
less investigation. To evaluate developments and directions of this research area, this paper provides a content analysis of 134 carefully
identified papers on quantitative, formal models that address sustainability aspects in the forward SC. It was found that a preponderance of
the publications and models appeared in a limited set of six journals, and most were analytically based with a focus on multiple criteria
decision making. The tools most often used comprise the analytical hierarchy process or its close relative, the analytical network process, as
well as life cycle analysis. Conclusions are drawn showing that numerous possibilities and insights can be gained from expanding the types of
tools and factors considered in formal modeling efforts.

16

Balancing priorities: Decision-making in sustainable supply chain management

Abstract
The need for environmental protection and increasing demands for natural resources are forcing companies to reconsider their business
models and restructure their supply chain operations. Scholars and proactive companies have begun to create more sustainable supply chains.
What has not been fully addressed is how organizations deal with short-term pressures to remain economically viable while implementing

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these newly modeled supply chains. In this study, we use theory-building through case studies to answer the question: how do organizations
balance short-term profitability and long-term environmental sustainability when making supply chain decisions under conditions of
uncertainty? We present five sets of propositions that explain how exemplars in green supply chain management make decisions and balance
short and long term objectives. We also identify four environmental postures that help explain the decisions organizations make when dealing
with strategic trade-offs among the economic, environmental and social elements of the triple-bottom-line.

17

Supply chain collaboration: Impact on collaborative advantage and firm performance

Abstract
Facing uncertain environments, firms have strived to achieve greater supply chain collaboration to leverage the resources and knowledge of
their suppliers and customers. The objective of the study is to uncover the nature of supply chain collaboration and explore its impact on firm
performance based on a paradigm of collaborative advantage. Reliable and valid instruments of these constructs were developed through
rigorous empirical analysis. Data were collected through a Web survey of U.S. manufacturing firms in various industries. The statistical
methods used include confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (i.e., LISREL). The results indicate that supply chain
collaboration improves collaborative advantage and indeed has a bottom-line influence on firm performance, and collaborative advantage is
an intermediate variable that enables supply chain partners to achieve synergies and create superior performance. A further analysis of the
moderation effect of firm size reveals that collaborative advantage completely mediates the relationship between supply chain collaboration
and firm performance for small firms while it partially mediates the relationship for medium and large firms.

18

Sustainable supply chains: An introduction

19

Abstract
Consideration is given to the convergence of supply chains and sustainability. In doing so, the focus on environmental management and
operations is moved from local optimization of environmental factors to consideration of the entire supply chain during the production,
consumption, customer service and post-disposal disposition of products. This is a critical and timely topic that captures increasing concerns
over sustainability, whether driven by current legislation, public interest, or competitive opportunity. As such, sustainable development is a
rich area for academic research that is still in its infancy and has the potential to affect future government policy, current production
operations, and identify new business models. This paper provides a background to better understand current trends in this multidisciplinary
field that intersect with operations management, and the research opportunities and challenges it presents.
The impact of supply chain integration on performance: A contingency and configuration approach
Abstract
This study extends the developing body of literature on supply chain integration (SCI), which is the degree to which a manufacturer
strategically collaborates with its supply chain partners and collaboratively manages intra- and inter-organizational processes, in order to
achieve effective and efficient flows of products and services, information, money and decisions, to provide maximum value to the customer.

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The previous research is inconsistent in its findings about the relationship between SCI and performance. We attribute this inconsistency to
incomplete definitions of SCI, in particular, the tendency to focus on customer and supplier integration only, excluding the important central
link of internal integration. We study the relationship between three dimensions of SCI, operational and business performance, from both a
contingency and a configuration perspective. In applying the contingency approach, hierarchical regression was used to determine the impact
of individual SCI dimensions (customer, supplier and internal integration) and their interactions on performance. In the configuration
approach, cluster analysis was used to develop patterns of SCI, which were analyzed in terms of SCI strength and balance. Analysis of variance
was used to examine the relationship between SCI pattern and performance. The findings of both the contingency and configuration approach
indicated that SCI was related to both operational and business performance. Furthermore, the results indicated that internal and customer
integration were more strongly related to improving performance than supplier integration.

20

The genealogy of lean production

Abstract
Lean production not only successfully challenged the accepted mass production practices in the automotive industry, significantly shifting the
trade-off between productivity and quality, but it also led to a rethinking of a wide range of manufacturing and service operations beyond the
high-volume repetitive manufacturing environment. The book The machine that changed the World that introduced the term lean
production in 1990 has become one of the most widely cited references in operations management over the last decade. Despite the fact
that the just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing concept had been known for almost a decade prior, the book played a key role in disseminating the
concept outside of Japan. While the technical aspects of lean production have been widely discussed, this paper sets out to investigate the
evolution of the research at the MIT International Motor Vehicle Program (IMVP) that led to the conception of the term lean production.
Furthermore, the paper investigates why despite the pre-existing knowledge of JIT the program was so influential in promoting the lean
production concept. Based on iterating series of interviews with the key authors, contributors and researchers of the time, this paper presents
an historical account of the research that led to the formulation and dissemination of one of the most influential manufacturing paradigms of
recent times.

21

Stochastic chaos synchronization using Unscented Kalman-Bucy Filter and sliding mode control
Abstract
This paper presents an algorithm for synchronizing two different chaotic systems by using a combination of Unscented KalmanBucy Filter
(UKBF) and sliding mode controller. It is assumed that the drive chaotic system is perturbed by white noise and shows stochastic chaotic
behavior. In addition the output of the system does not contain the whole state variables of the system, and it is also affected by some
independent white noise. By combining the UKBF and the sliding mode control, a synchronizing control law is proposed. Simulation results
show the ability of the proposed method in synchronizing chaotic systems in presence of noise.

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22

Design of intermodal logistics networks with hub delays

Abstract
In an intermodal hub network, cost benefits can be achieved through the use of intermodal shipments and the economies of scale due to
consolidation of flows at the hubs. However, due to limited resources at the logistics hubs, shipment delays may affect the service
performance. In this research hub operations are modeled as a GI/G/1 queuing network and the shipments as multiple job classes with
deterministic routings. By integrating the hub operation queuing model and the hub location-allocation model, the effect of limited hub
resources on the design of intermodal logistics networks under service time requirements is investigated. The managerial insights gained from
a study of 25-city road-rail intermodal logistics network show that the level of available hub resources significantly affects the logistics network
structure in terms of number and location of hubs, total network costs, choice of single-hub and inter-hub shipments and service
performance.

23

The effect of performance measurement systems on firm performance: A cross-sectional and a longitudinal study
Abstract
Performance measurement (PM) systems have been popularized over the last 20 years and the operations management literature is replete
with discussion of metrics and measurement systems. Yet, a comprehensive nomological network relating types of PM system uses to
organizational capabilities and performance is lacking. Furthermore, there is scant empirical evidence attesting to the explanatory efficacy of
PM systems as it relates to organizational performance. We view PM system uses through the lenses of the Resource Orchestration Theory
(ROT) and explore specific relationships of underlying variables by relying on the Organizational Information Processing Theory (OIPT). Resting
on the extant literature, we identify two types of uses which include Diagnostic Use (the review of critical performance variables in order to
maintain, alter, or justify patterns in an organizational activity) and interactive use (a forward-looking activity exemplified by active and
frequent involvement of top management envisioning new ways to orchestrate organizational resources for competitive advantage) and relate
them along with their interaction (i.e., dynamic tension) to organizational capabilities. We further link capabilities to target performance,
which subsequently impacts organizational performance (operationalized through both perceptual and objective financial performance
measures). The nomological network is tested via a cross sectional study (386 Italian firms) while the efficacy of PM systems to explain
organizational performance is examined by using longitudinal panel data approaches over a 10 year period. There is sufficient evidence to
suggest that the use of PM systems leads to improved capabilities, which then impact performance. Contrary to the extant literature,
however, we discovered that Diagnostic Use appears to be the most constructive explanatory variable for capabilities. On the other hand, in
light of a longitudinal study, we also uncovered that Diagnostic Use experienced depreciating returns as far as objective financial measures are
concerned. Also, when high levels of Diagnostic Use were coupled with low levels of Interactive Use, they produced the lowest levels of
organizational capabilities. Conversely, high levels of both types of PM system use generated extraordinary high levels of capabilities. There is
sufficient evidence to suggest that organizations cannot rely merely on Diagnostic Use of PM systems. We also learned that the effects of PM
systems (measured via adaptation) fade unless high learning rates are applied. We offer detailed recommendations for future research which
have theoretical as well as empirical implications.

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10

24

Isogeometric analysis: CAD, finite elements, NURBS, exact geometry and mesh refinement
Abstract
The concept of isogeometric analysis is proposed. Basis functions generated from NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) are employed to
construct an exact geometric model. For purposes of analysis, the basis is refined and/or its order elevated without changing the geometry or
its parameterization. Analogues of finite element h- and p-refinement schemes are presented and a new, more efficient, higher-order
concept, k-refinement, is introduced. Refinements are easily implemented and exact geometry is maintained at all levels without the necessity
of subsequent communication with a CAD (Computer Aided Design) description. In the context of structural mechanics, it is established that
the basis functions are complete with respect to affine transformations, meaning that all rigid body motions and constant strain states are
exactly represented. Standard patch tests are likewise satisfied. Numerical examples exhibit optimal rates of convergence for linear elasticity
problems and convergence to thin elastic shell solutions. Ak-refinement strategy is shown to converge toward monotone solutions for
advectiondiffusion processes with sharp internal and boundary layers, a very surprising result. It is argued that isogeometric analysis is a
viable alternative to standard, polynomial-based, finite element analysis and possesses several advantages.

25

Relationships between operational practices and performance among early adopters of green supply chain management practices in Chinese
manufacturing enterprises
Abstract
Globalization results in both pressure and drivers for Chinese enterprises to improve their environmental performance. As a developing
country, China has to balance economic and environmental performance. Green supply chain management (GSCM) is emerging to be an
important approach for Chinese enterprises to improve performance, possibly on both these dimensions. Using empirical results from 186
respondents on GSCM practice in Chinese manufacturing enterprises, we examine the relationships between GSCM practice and
environmental and economic performance. Using moderated hierarchical regression analysis, we evaluate the general relationships between
specific GSCM practices and performance. We then investigate how two primary types of management operations philosophies, quality
management and just-in-time (or lean) manufacturing principles, influence the relationship between GSCM practices and performance.
Significant findings were determined for a number of relationships. Managerial implications are also identified.