Operational Performance Indicators Research Articles

JUSTIFICATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF COOPERATION BETWEEN FREIGHT FORWARDING ENTERPRISES AND CUSTOMS-LOGISTICS INFRASTRUCTURE OBJECTS

The purpose of the paper is to plan the activities of freight forwarding enterprises when organizing cooperation with customs-logistics infrastructure objects to meet customer needs. The efficiency indicators of cargo customs complexes, customs warehouses, and temporary storage warehouses were analyzed. The process of selecting customs-logistics infrastructure objects with varying levels of organizational, technical, and technological support was investigated. The proposed development will enable specialists of freight forwarding enterprises to form recommendations for cooperation with customs-logistics infrastructure objects in accordance with individual customer needs. Methodology. The determination of technical and operational performance indicators of customs-logistics infrastructure objects was implemented based on a simulation model developed in the GPSS software environment. This approach allows for the identification of deviations of generalized performance indicators of infrastructure objects from benchmark levels, which are formed taking into account customer requirements. Findings. To ensure a high level of competitiveness of the freight forwarding enterprise, it is necessary to use modern software systems capable of implementing management decisions regarding the formation of partnerships with customs-logistics infrastructure objects. Based on the assessment of technical and operational performance indicators of cargo customs complexes, customs warehouses, and temporary storage warehouses, and considering the main requirements of service customers, it becomes possible to select the most efficient business entity for cooperation. A significant advantage of the proposed development is the ability to perform a comparative analysis of the efficiency indicators of all studied enterprises in relation to the benchmark infrastructure object. Originality. The proposed simulation model for selecting customs-logistics infrastructure objects will allow specialists of freight forwarding enterprises to make a choice of intermediary organizations based on a comparative analysis of the technical and operational performance of the studied objects. Practical value. The practical significance of this work lies in the fact that the proposed model enables the selection of the customs-logistics infrastructure object that most effectively meets the individual needs of the customer. This will make it possible to plan the work of the freight forwarding enterprise based on the implementation of organizational and management measures that will positively impact the internal processes of the organization and contribute to forming its competitive advantages in the market of freight forwarding services. This implementation will reduce the duration of freight forwarding and customs-logistics services and minimize commercial risks at all stages of foreign trade operations by establishing cooperation with the most efficient intermediary organizations.

Numerical prediction of passive speed and performance for multistage pump without power drive in natural flow process

With the development of engineering applications and the increase in system complexity, some particular fields, such as liquid rocket engine turbopumps, aircraft engine fuel systems, and marine natural flow cooling systems, are increasingly focusing on the performance characteristics of pumps under natural flow conditions. The pump is in the form of resistance components under natural flow conditions without a power drive. The impeller undergoes passive rotation by the impact of inlet flow. Due to the specificity of its operating conditions and performance indicators, the pump's natural flow performance cannot be evaluated by regular methods. Therefore, this paper proposed a numerical prediction method for pump natural flow performance based on a coupled computational fluid dynamics coupled with six-degrees-of freedom model. The performance of a multistage pump with guide vanes was evaluated under different natural flow conditions, and the accuracy was verified by experimental measurements. The transient variation mode of pump performance parameters with time at the initial stage of natural flow impact was analyzed. The flow field's transient evolution characteristics and the wall shear stress variation during natural flow were investigated. It was found that the impeller's passive rotational speed increases linearly with the natural flow rate, while the hydraulic loss shows an exponentially increasing trend. Meanwhile, the natural flow loss coefficient shows an exponentially decreasing trend and gradually tends to a stable value. The high turbulent kinetic energy inside the impeller is mainly distributed in the flow separation region and large velocity gradients. The distribution of shear stresses is closely related to the flow behavior inside the pump and the geometrical features of the hydraulic components.

Measuring the service reliability and the passenger experience in frequence-based transport systems

This article explores the application and limitations of operational Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in frequency-based metro systems, specifically focusing on the Copenhagen Metro and Greater Copenhagen Light Rail. Recognizing that currently used KPIs, which primarily measure the frequency of station departures, fails to capture crucial aspects such as travel time reliability and system responsiveness during disruptions, the study proposes a reevaluation of the assessment focus. It delves into alternative measures that consider both the reliability of departures and the quality of the passenger experience. The research methodology evaluates metro performance through a variety of new KPIs, emphasizing time metrics like deviation and stability, thereby providing a more nuanced understanding of service reliability. This preliminary exploration seeks not only to enhance operational assessments but also to aid strategic planning and the execution of improvements within high-frequency public transportation systems. The article underscores the need for more adaptive, comprehensive KPIs that reflect the true operational realities of metro systems, suggesting that such advancements could significantly improve passenger satisfaction and system efficiency.

Quay Crane Performance Improvement and Lifecycle Extension: Retrofit Determination – A Case Study

Quay cranes (QCs) are critical equipment in Container Terminals and their performance determines the port operation efficiency in meeting operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Considering 30-year lifespan of QCs and deteriorating reliability of the electrical control system, planning for timely retrofit of the QCs is critical. The paper aims to present a case study on how the performance of a batch of QCs, having more than 50% remaining lifespan, were analyzed and concluded to be retrofitted to address their deteriorating performance, high maintenance cost and obsolescence. The study methodology is based on quantitative data and employed a prospective longitudinal panel research design over sixteen years. eleven years of pre-retrofit and five years of post-retrofit operations, maintenance and financial data were collected. Convenient sampling technique was selected in this study as the QCs identified as samples were having reliability issues. The Correlation Analysis indicates strong positive correlation of more than 90% between Mean Time Between Failure, Mean Move Between Failure and Reliability KPIs. These KPIs have moderate positive correlations of about 50% with Availability KPI. These 4 KPIs have strong negative correlation of between -50% and -85% with Mean Time to Repair, Maintenance and Breakdown Repair Cost indicating performance degradation but increased maintenance and repair costs as shown by Trend Analysis. The 11-year preretrofit data has identified parameters to determine the QC retrofit prediction. The KPIs, obsolescence status, maintenance and breakdown repair cost can be used as the inputs to the future QC Retrofit Prediction Model development.

Determination of operation performance indicators of unit for mowing crops with the simultaneous incorporation of their stubble into the soil

When harvesting grain crops and forage grasses using a two-phase method, trailed and/or mounted windrowers are usually used. After their passage, stubble remains on the field, which intensively loses soil moisture under sunlight and wind. To reduce these losses, the stubble, along with the soil, is crushed using disc harrows. Due to the use of two sequentially operating units (harvesting and soil-cultivating), their total operating time increases. This does little to preserve soil moisture in the cultivated field. This article provides an example of a more effective solution to this problem. It consists of using one machine-tractor unit instead of two. The proposed combined unit mows an agricultural crop in one working pass and ensures stubble crushing and incorporation into the top layer of soil. The unit consists of a wheeled tractor with a front hitch linkage, a front windrower and a disc harrow mounted behind the tractor. It has been established that the laboriousness of compiling such a unit, considering the tractor's transformation to reverse, is insignificant and amounts to 1442 person-hours. The use of the new unit assists in reducing soil moisture losses. Over a month, it can reach 4.1–5.2% in absolute terms and 15–45% in relative ones. The combined unit movement velocity should be close to 2.5 m s−1 to ensure such a reduction in soil moisture losses. Combining two technological operations performed by one machine-tractor unit does not impair its reliability. At the same time, there is a reduction in processing time for one field by almost half and a decrease in fuel consumption per unit of performed area by 2.25 times.

Green I.T and Datacenter: a Study of Environmental Management Indicators

Objective: Identify the environmental indicators from the ABNT ISO NBR 14031 standard applicable to data centers to improve energy efficiency and environmental management. Theoretical Framework: The study addresses concepts of Green IT, practices for data center efficiency, and the indicators from the ABNT NBR ISO 14031 standard, including environmental, managerial, operational, and condition performance indicators. Method: Bibliometric research to support the theme, through searches on the Scopus and IEEE platforms, with content analysis of the main references, including the NBR ISO 14031 standards. Results and Discussion: Operational indicators from the NBR ISO 14031 standard were identified and adapted for data centers, such as the quantity of reused materials, energy used and saved, and specific emissions. The practical application of these indicators was detailed. Research Implications: The research contributes to the application of Green IT practices and energy efficiency in data centers, providing a basis for the adoption of environmental management indicators. Originality/Value: Although there are various individual studies related to Green IT or data centers, there are few studies relating these themes together. Thus, this study fills this gap by promoting an integrated approach to Green IT and environmental management, and providing support for data center managers towards Green IT.

Internal and External Processes Improvement, a New Dimension of Balance Scorecard and Its Impact on Organizational Performance

Abstract When talking about performance, financial aspects come first. Besides that, when organizational performance is the main subject, redesign of the processes, inputs and outputs analysis are various aspects taken into consideration. Financial indicators such as return of investment and earnings per share are no longer enough. Nowadays, process measurement, change management initiatives, risk analysis, stakeholder engagement, innovative financial measures, people learning and development, organizational culture orientation toward global trends, as well as KPI’s commitment are dimensions and future perspectives of the new approach of organizational success. This research will present the way an instrument as Balance Scorecard can secure competitive advantage and improve organizational performance by linking strategic goals, operational performance indicators and stakeholder’s enlarged participation. The research methodology questioned the perception related to balance scorecard main directions within companies belonging on the automotive and manufacturing industry. The four dimensions of Original Balance Scorecard model – financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business perspective and innovation and learning perspective – applied at all levels within the organization generate better measurable results, with a positive impact on people engagement and responsibility. The new proposed dimension, stakeholders’ participation gives substance on organization’s way of defining its purpose on the societal market that it belongs to.

Managing Materials Vendor Risks for Improved Project Operational Performance

Highlight: Sound risk management implementation is well noted for helping organisations to overcome operational inefficiencies. However, the management of risk associated with construction materials vendors, and how they impact project operational performance appear to have not been extensively researched. Goal: In this study, the effect of materials vendor risk management (vendor risk identification and vendor risk prevention) on project operational performance (project quality and scheduled completion time) was investigated. We also interrogate the mediating role of risk-oriented culture in the relationship between vendor risk management and operational performance. Design/Methodology/Approach: The target population was all 1,044 registered public construction firms under the Urban Regeneration Programme in Nigeria. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and random sampling was used to select 173 project managers, engineers, surveyors, vendors/contractors, and store representatives. Primary data was collected through the structured questionnaire, they were analysed via the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique. Results: Three main conclusions are made about managing vendor risks: First, properly identified materials vendor risks (in terms of material handling issues, price escalation, non-compliance to specification, delivery delay, and sharp procurement practices) is positively related to operational performance. Second, implementing context-specific risk prevention measures (prior assessment score, vendor financial capacity, warranty policy, continuous monitoring, technical capacity) positively enhances operational outcomes. Third, paying attention to risk culture orientation of project stakeholders positively impact their risk prevention capability and operational performance of construction projects. Limitations: Study was limited to few operational performance indicators in project management. Future study could include other performance indicators. Practical Implications: The results can help project operations managers in industry address numerous risks associated with materials vendor. Originality/Values: The numerous abandoned and failed construction projects in developing countries as a result of less attention to vendor risks management prompted this study.

MODEL OF FUNCTIONING LOGISTICS FOR SUPPLY OF SPECIALISED VEHICLES IN CONTAINERS FROM NORTH AMERICAN COMPANIES TO UKRAINE

The article analyses the current state and prospects for developing logistics for supplying various types of cargo in international traffic to be transported in containers. It allowed us to formulate the purpose of the study in this development. This topic is relevant since the efficient organisation of containerised supply logistics can improve the functioning of transport systems. An effective way to reduce the cost of supplying a cargo unit is efficient resource use (railway stations, ports, warehouses, wagons, vehicles, containers). The study paid considerable attention to developing the relevant infrastructure, solving specific problems of efficient use of all types of resources, using digital technologies, and building reliable models of logistics supply systems. The article builds a structural model based on the principles of logistics interaction of possible participants in the supply process, representing the interaction of subsystems that significantly affect the quality of the relevant operations. We formed five schemes of interaction between logistics participants for supplying specialised vehicles in containers with the participation of automobile, railway, and sea transport and the relevant infrastructure. These schemes identify the main ports of departure in the United States (New York and Houston) and ports of destination in Europe (Klaipeda (Lithuania), Constanta (Romania)), and take into account the possibility of using road and rail transport resources in European countries and Ukraine. We developed a mathematical model of logistics functioning for the supply of specialised vehicles in containers from North American enterprises to Ukraine, which accounts for the specifics of sequential operations and the peculiarities of determining the performance indicators of each supply chain operation. The prospect of using these models is to build a simulation model of logistics for the supply of specialised vehicles in containers from North American companies to Ukraine, conduct simulations using a software environment, and determine the rational option under the established conditions. Keywords: model, logistics, supply, vehicles, international transportation.

Importance of Hospitality Industry on Indian Economy

The Hotel industry in India has evolved remarkably over the decade and in effect parading quite a wide spectrum of benefits and opportunities for players of the service industry. The industry is statistically proven to have performed creditably countrywide and among its major cities. It is considered to a larger extent that the hotel industry flourishes on the wings of the tourism Industry. The Hotel and Tourism sector is considered among the top ten sectors in India. As a results of its contribution, the Hotel and Tourism sector attracted around US$ 9.2 billion of FDI between April 2000 and March 2016 as released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). The demand for travel and tourism in India is expected to grow annually by 8.2% which is expected to put India third in the world. Travel and tourism in India also accounted for 49,086,000 jobs in 2010 (about 10% of total employment) and is expected to rise to 58,141,000 jobs (10.4% of total employment) by 2020. According to the Economic Survey of India the Indian Hotel industry accounts for USD 17 billion, 70% (USD 11.85 billion) which take their origin from the unorganized sector and the remaining 30% (USD 5.08 billion) from the organized sector. In 2000, India hosted only 2.6 million international visitors. By 2009, the figure had already increased to 5.13 million arrivals. Over the years, a sustained increase in the tourism industry with increase in number of foreign and domestic tourists has serve as a booster to the Hotel industry. This study makes an exploratory attempt to study the Hotel industry as it relates to India and analyses its contributory effects on the economy on the heels of the various reforms that have hit the country. The objectives of the study are to analyze and assess the performance of the Hotel Industry in India and to identify the challenges and setbacks of the industry. Data was collected primarily from secondary sources. The findings of the study revealed that there have been a substantial growth in operating performance indicators such as revenue and a decreased countrywide departmental expenses. It was therefore concluded that India's hotel sector has unequivocally entered the next up-cycle with impressive performance suggesting that players of the industry have the onerous responsibility and duty to capitalize on this and make the best out of the industry

Determination of the appropriate option for the use of group trains

One of the target areas for the development of railway transport in modern conditions is to ensure the fulfillment of operational performance indicators that depend on the organization of the promotion of car flows. When determining the procedure for organizing car flows on the railway network, it is advisable to consider the existing features of the technical and operational characteristics of railway stations and sections, as well as the technology of their operation. The paper describes the procedure for determining the appropriate option for using group trains based on minimizing the costs that arise when organizing car flows into trains and their movement along the section.

ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ ДОЛГОВОЙ НАГРУЗКИ НА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯ

These days, domestic industrial enterprises tend to use borrowed funds for business development needs due to insufficient own funds for achieving the desired rates of sustainable growth. The forms and scopes of borrowing may vary depending on corporate goals and objectives at each stage of business development, including the possibility for the company to increase its debt burden without detriment to the operational performance. If the company's debt obligations grow at a higher rate than its profits, the company may be facing a loss of financial stability, potentially leading to bankruptcy. This article presents the findings of a study on the capital structure and change dynamics of a major furniture manufacturer in Russia, including the impact of the growing debt burden on the operational performance indicators. The study demonstrates that the capital growth rate slows down with an increase in the share of borrowed funds within the capital structure. Such borrowed funds, being essentially long-term financial liabilities, are found to dominate the overall capital structure, resulting in lower financial stability and a sharp rise in the company's debt service costs, which in turn contribute to reduced level of profits and lower return on assets. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that keeping on with the current trend of growing debt burden, the company will not be able to discharge its debt obligations through the operating activities at the given pace of business development.

Suppliers Development Program and Optimization Of Operational Performance of Telecommunication Companies in Kenya

This study explored the relationship between Supplier Development Programs (SDPs) and the optimization of operational performance in Kenya's telecommunication sector. Supplier development had gained prominence as a strategy to improve supplier capabilities, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency in firms. However, despite its importance, there had been limited research on its direct impact on operational performance in the telecommunications industry, particularly in Kenya. This research sought to fill this gap by examining how supplier development initiatives influenced key operational metrics in major Kenyan telecom companies, such as Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya.The study employed a cross-sectional research design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data from suppliers and procurement employees. A sample of 50 participants was selected using stratified random sampling. The study focused on key dimensions of supplier development, including training, collaboration, feedback, and capacity building, and their impact on operational performance indicators such as efficiency, cost reduction, quality of service, and lead time.The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between supplier development programs and operational performance. Regression analysis showed that 62.41% of the variance in operational performance could be explained by the implementation of supplier development programs. The statistical significance of this relationship was further supported by ANOVA analysis, which indicated a strong contribution of SDPs to performance improvement. Notably, supplier development programs enhanced operational flexibility, reduced costs, improved delivery systems, and increased product quality, all of which contributed to heightened competitiveness in the telecommunication industry. These results emphasized the strategic value of investing in supplier development to optimize performance. The study also highlighted the need for telecommunication firms to foster strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and to continually invest in their development to maintain and enhance operational efficiencies. The study contributed to existing literature on supplier development by providing insights into its specific impact on operational performance in the Kenyan telecommunications context, offering valuable lessons for both practitioners and researchers in related sectors

Operational Performance Model of Container Cranes in Stevedooring Process at The New Container Terminal Makassar 2

Purpose: This research scrutinizes the effects of increasing container flow on the operational performance of port services at TPK New Makassar Terminal 2, focusing on the influence of loading and unloading equipment on the utilization and productivity of Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) Cranes. Methodology: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS software and statistical analysis with SPSS are employed to determine the relationships between container handling equipment and operational performance indicators. The study integrates multiple linear regression, F test, and T test to examine the causality between equipment usage and effective time in the loading and unloading processes. Results: The study reveals a significant correlation between the number of loading and unloading actions and the usage of RTG cranes. It was found that the number of head trucks and reach stackers also impacts RTG productivity, but to a lesser extent. The regression model developed indicates a clear influence of loading and unloading frequency on the effective time of operations. Conclusion: Conclusions drawn from the analysis highlight the critical role of loading and unloading equipment in optimizing port operational performance. The results suggest that an increase in the number of such equipment correlates positively with the efficiency of RTG Cranes and effective time management at the terminal. Originality/Value: By integrating various methodological approaches, this study offers comprehensive insights into port operational dynamics, contributing to the strategic planning for equipment allocation and operational scheduling to enhance productivity at TPK New Makassar Terminal 2.

MONITORING THE ORGANIZATION'S RECEIVABLES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF CONTROLLING

Increasing the competitiveness of manufacturers of industrial products based on controlling is an important strategic task for many companies. Controlling is a management system that allows you to collect, analyze and use information about financial, operational and other performance indicators of an enterprise. One of the main reasons for introducing controlling is the need to make smart decisions based on reliable and up-to-date information. Controlling allows you to get a complete picture of the current state of the enterprise, identify potential problems and opportunities, and also predict future development. The use of controlling leads to optimization of production processes and increased efficiency in the use of resources. By analyzing production data, companies can identify bottlenecks in the production chain and take action to eliminate them.
 This allows you to increase productivity and product quality, as well as reduce costs. The article shows that the introduction of controlling is an important step to increase the competitiveness of manufacturers of industrial products. An algorithm for decision-making within the framework of controlling accounts receivable is presented, with signal points being formed. This allows companies to make informed decisions based on reliable information and optimize production and management processes.

Модель информационно-измерительной системы контроля центробежного грузового насоса на танкере-химовозе типа «Иван Поддубный»

On chemical tankers, the main cargo devices are pumps, so it is necessary to constantly monitor their operating conditions and performance indicators during operation. The article discusses modeling using MATLAB/Simulink software of a single-stage horizontal centrifugal pump, which can be used to create an information-measuring system for monitoring the performance of cargo pumps using the example of a chemical tanker of the Ivan Poddubny type. An analysis of the modeling results is carried out, including an assessment of pump efficiency, pressure loss and other indicators in various operating modes. The results allow us to draw conclusions about the operation of the pump under various loads and variable conditions. The simulated pump worked with seven different liquids pumped in chemical tankers: ethyl alcohol, N-propyl alcohol, phenol, chloroform, castor oil, 55% nitric acid and water. After this, a neural network was created using the MATLAB/Neural Network Fitting Tool application. The input data of the network were volumetric flow, pressure, shaft power, torque and suction pressure. The output value was the pump efficiency, the value of which was estimated for each fluid. The root mean square error of approximation was very close to zero. According to these results, the artificial neural network showed satisfactory results for predicting the efficiency of the centrifugal cargo pump of the Ivan Poddubny type chemical tanker; therefore, it can be used in ship information and measurement systems. Overall, this paper represents a valuable research contribution to the field of modeling horizontal centrifugal pumps using Simulink that can be useful to engineers and researchers involved in the design and optimization of these pumps.

Determining criteria weights with genetic algorithms for multi-criteria decision making methods: The case of logistics performance index rankings of European Union countries

One of the most critical metrics for evaluating countries’ logistics performance is the Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Although the LPI is an effective tool, it is also an index with some concerns regarding performance evaluation. The two main concerns with LPI are assuming equal criterion weights and ignoring operational logistics performance and macroeconomic indicators. To overcome these problems, this study presents a logistics performance evaluation model in which the criteria weights are determined by GA. This study used 11 techniques to determine the logistics performances of the EU countries across 33 indicators. Employing more than one MCDM techniques enabled robustness and consistency. Median, Mean, Linear and K nearest neighbor techniques are implemented to impute the missing values in the dataset. The Linear Regression method is found as the best-performing imputation technique among other techniques for the data of this research. The performance of the GA is compared with other well-known criteria weight determination procedures namely CRITIC, Entropy and equal weight. The ranking results of the MCDM tools were integrated with the Copeland method. The genetic algorithm assigned the highest three weights to the Goods, Value of Exports, Quality of roads, and GDP per capita, indicating that these criteria play an essential role in the countries' logistics performance. The importance of these criteria is not captured by other weight sets. The correlation with the actual LPI scores is higher with Genetic algorithm compared with other weight determination techniques (CRITIC, Entropy, equal weight). Moreover, random weights are created and the results are examined. Weight simulation indicates that, some of the countries ranking are higher than the other countries, regardless of the weights of the criteria. The paper's novelty is to use the Genetic Algorithm (GA) as a criteria weight determination tool for MCDM methods. The proposed system can be used as a decision support system for evaluating the logistics performances of countries. The LPI index is published every two years, but if an automatic or semi-automatic system can be developed using the proposed approach, the logistics performance ranking of countries can be examined more frequently. This can help countries that want to rank high on the LPI ranking determine which criteria to focus on to improve their logistics performance.

Evaluasi Kinerja Operasional Bus Trans Banyumas pada Koridor 1 Pasar Pon – Terminal Ajibarang

The Trans Banyumas Bus is a mode of mass transportation owned by the Banyumas Regency Transportation Agency which is managed by PT. Banyumas Raya Transportation with the Buy The Service (BTS) system.. It is hoped that this mode of transportation can reduce the use of private vehicles so as to reduce the level of traffic density. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of operational performance of Trans Banyumas corridor 1 buses in terms of load factor, headway, circulation time, travel speed, downtime and availability of transport and then compared with the minimum service standards contained in the Decree of the Director General of Land Transportation Number 687 year 2002, Regulation of the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 10. Year 2012, and Regulation of the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 98. Year 2013. This research was conducted using dynamic survey methods and static surveys which were carried out on Sunday, 17 July 2022 and Wednesday, 20 July 2022 starting at 05.00 am until 09.00 pm. From the research results on the two survey days, the operational performance results for each indicator reviewed and which met the minimum service standards were circulation time, travel speed, downtime and transportation availability. Meanwhile, the operational performance indicators that have not met the minimum service standards are load factor and headway. So of the six indicators reviewed, two of them have not met the minimum service standards based on the Decree of the Director General of Land Transportation No. 687 of 2002, Regulation of the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 10. Year 2012, and Regulation of the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 98. Year 2013.

A newly developed blasting cut in tunnels; application of “combined method” in small to medium-sized tunnels

Drilling and blasting method have been widely used for driving tunnels in hard rock. When designing a blast operation especially in case of long tunnels, the primary objective of contractors is to ensure optimized blast parameters for achieving the most economical and time-saving technique of excavation. Choosing a proper blasting cut has a crucial role in the successfulness of the whole blast round in terms of quality, time and cost. The first aim of cut is to break and throw rocks and create a cavity for the upcoming production detonators. An attempt has been made here to test and develop an innovative cutting system for small to medium-scale tunnels where classical wedge cut is physically difficult to execute; what is called in this paper “combined or quasi-wedge method”. Proposed drilling and blasting patterns have been first put in computerized drilling machines and then tested in the tunnels located in Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Project, Package 2, driven in sedimentary rock mass. After thorough investigation of trial-and-error blasts economically and technically, necessary changes have been made to guarantee optimization and find proper design configurations. In comparison to conventional parallel cut, the newly developed cut leads not only to the betterment of cycle time for excavation but also improvement of specific drilling and specific charge, the two main performance indicators of blast operations. Vibration, fragmentation, pull length, fly rock and profile quality, as pro-blast parameters, were also found highly satisfactory.

Does executive compensation matter to bank performance? Experimental evidence from Jordan

The high pays received by executives has gained global attention. This study examines the impact of executive compensation on the performance of Jordanian banks, an area that has not been explored much. The study uses empirical methods for data collection and analysis. Dependent variables include Return on Equity (ROE) and Tobin’s Q performance, while total compensation incentives is the main independent variable. Control variables include bank size, bank age, leverage, and female executives. Through balanced panel data analysis comprising 196 bank-year observations, this quantitative research paper applies Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), fixed-effect, and Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) methods. These methods accurately establish the compensation-performance relationship in the banking sector from 2009 to 2022. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the ROE model: 51.63%, Tobin-Q model: 39.33%. These robust models support the main finding that executive compensation is significantly and positively correlated with operating and market-based performance indicators. Results validate the agency hypothesis, indicating that executives are rewarded for bank performance indicators. Consequently, a one-unit increase in executive compensation leads to a rise of 22.8 cents in ROE and 29.51 cents in Tobin-Q. Additionally, bank size, age, leverage, and female executives positively impact bank performance indicators. A modification of BSIZE, BAGE, LEV, and FEMALE by one-unit results in a proportional adjustment of 26.1 cents, 16.6 cents, 2.07 cents, and 48.6 cents, respectively, in ROE. Additionally, a one-unit alteration in BSIZE, BAGE, LEV, and FEMALE corresponds to variations of 77.6 cents, 56.42 cents, 34.39 cents, and 48.8 cents, in Tobin-Q, all in the same direction.