Resilient Operation Research Articles

Risk assessment methods for process safety, process security and resilience in the chemical process industry: A thorough literature review

This paper presents a systematic literature review of risk assessment methods in the chemical process industry (CPI), focusing on process safety, process security, and resilience. We analyzed peer-reviewed articles from 2000 to 2022 using the PRISMA methodology and identified twelve predominant methods. Our findings reveal a shift towards dynamic, systemic-based assessments like the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) and System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP). These methods are particularly effective at capturing the complexities of sociotechnical systems in the CPI. However, a significant observation from our review is the limited emphasis on the resilience paradigm within many existing methods when addressing both process safety and process security risks, which is crucial for preventing and recovering from disruptions. Given the evolving challenges in system safety and security threats, there is an urgent need for holistic methods that integrate process safety, process security, and resilience. Our review highlights the opportunity for further research to better prepare the industry for future challenges, ensuring safer, more secure, reliable, and resilient operations.

CLIMATE RISK ASSESSMENT IN PETROLEUM OPERATIONS: A REVIEW OF CSR PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE RESILIENCE IN THE UNITED STATES AND AFRICA

Climate risk assessment has emerged as a critical component in the sustainability efforts of petroleum operations, given the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events. This paper provides a comprehensive review of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices employed in the United States and Africa to enhance sustainable resilience in the face of climate risks within the petroleum industry. In the United States, where stringent environmental regulations and public scrutiny prevail, petroleum companies have adopted a range of CSR practices to assess and mitigate climate risks. These practices encompass comprehensive environmental impact assessments, carbon footprint reduction initiatives, and the integration of renewable energy sources into their operations. The paper explores how these CSR practices contribute to the overall resilience of petroleum operations in the United States. In contrast, Africa presents a diverse landscape with varying levels of regulatory frameworks and industrial practices. The paper delves into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by petroleum operations on the African continent in managing climate risks. It highlights the role of CSR practices in promoting sustainable development, community engagement, and ecosystem conservation as integral components of climate risk resilience. The review emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to climate risk assessment, considering both the environmental and social dimensions of petroleum operations. It sheds light on the need for collaboration between industry stakeholders, governments, and local communities to develop effective CSR strategies that enhance resilience while fostering sustainable practices. By synthesizing insights from both the United States and Africa, this paper contributes to the global discourse on climate risk management in the petroleum industry. It underscores the significance of CSR practices as instrumental tools for achieving sustainable resilience and fostering a harmonious coexistence between petroleum operations and the environment in diverse geopolitical contexts.
 Keywords: Climate Risk, Risk Assessment, Petroleum, CSR, USA, Africa, Review.

Do blockchain capabilities help overcome supply and operational risks: Insights from firm market returns during COVID-19

Uncertainty and risk have become increasingly prominent issues in firm operating environments. Addressing uncertainties and risks brought by the historically disruptive COVID-19 pandemic crisis requires organizations to establish reliable, visible, and traceable information processing and sharing capabilities. Blockchain is a disruptive technology that can build capabilities to support operational resilience where uncertainty may manifest as risk or opportunity. Using an event study, we examine the COVID-19 pandemic relationship to stock returns for 217 blockchain-related firms—those that develop or apply blockchain technology—over five major pandemic life cycle periods. Our results indicate firms with blockchain capabilities have less mean negative stock price reaction—on average, a reduced 8.24 % shareholder value loss across crisis stages. Different blockchain application fields exhibit varied shareholder value effects—in general, production blockchain applications can help firms reduce more negative impact while financial blockchain applications show no significant mitigation effects. We further demonstrate how blockchain operational characteristics affect stock returns. Overall, blockchain technology provides effective risk buffer capabilities and can help manage shifting institutional fields—which the market views as building resilient capabilities resulting in competitive advantage to overcome known and unknown uncertainties and risks.

Optimizing solar power plant efficiency through advanced analytical framework and comparative analysis

As the world embraces the transition towards renewable energy, the optimization of solar power plants becomes paramount. In this research, we present a comprehensive framework that leverages advanced analytical methodologies to address critical operational challenges and elevate the efficiency of solar power generation. Our framework encompasses data preprocessing, time series analysis, anomaly detection, and equipment performance assessment, synergistically combining their strengths to offer a holistic solution. The heart of our proposed approach lies in the precision and efficacy of anomaly detection. We introduce two powerful techniques—LSTM Autoencoder and Isolation Forest—to identify anomalies and equipment underperformance. Through meticulous evaluation, we showcase their comparative performance, revealing the nuanced strengths of each. Visualizations depict the model’s proficiency in pinpointing anomalies, with LSTM Autoencoder emerging as a standout performer, adept at capturing even subtle deviations from expected patterns. Our research extends beyond detection to equip stakeholders with real-time insights. The visualization of daily yield trends uncovers potential data anomalies, enabling timely intervention and rectification. Additionally, we address equipment failures by harnessing random forest modeling to establish a robust relationship between irradiance, temperature, and DC power. This approach provides a powerful tool for real-time condition monitoring and fault detection, enabling proactive maintenance and enhancing operational resilience.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENHANCING INTERNAL CONTROL MECHANISM OF COMMERCIAL BANKS WITH A CASE IN THAI NGUYEN

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to present solutions and suggestions for enhancing the control mechanism of commercial banks, with a specific case study conducted in Thai Nguyen. In light of the increasing demand for bank risk management, this study aims to propose strategies to improve and develop more effective control solutions.
 
 Methods: Efforts will be made to organize and integrate risk management datasets into an effective Management Information System (MIS) or bank core system. Additionally, this study will emphasize the integration of risk management and monitoring activities as crucial components of a robust internal control system. By doing so, managers will be equipped to maintain effective internal control functions over time.
 
 Results: The results of this study are yet to be determined. However, it is anticipated that the proposed solutions and suggestions will contribute to enhancing the control mechanisms of commercial banks, particularly in the context of risk management. By integrating risk management datasets and activities into the internal control system, banks may experience improved efficiency and effectiveness in managing risks.
 
 Conclusion: In conclusion, the integration of effective risk management practices within the internal control framework of commercial banks is essential for ensuring stability and resilience in the face of financial uncertainties. This paper underscores the importance of proactive measures in enhancing control mechanisms, particularly in the context of evolving banking landscapes. Through the implementation of the proposed solutions, banks in Thai Nguyen and beyond may fortify their risk management practices and bolster overall operational resilience.

Resilient Multi-Sensor UAV Navigation with a Hybrid Federated Fusion Architecture

Future UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operations in urban environments demand a PNT (position, navigation, and timing) solution that is both robust and resilient. While a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) can provide an accurate position under open-sky assumptions, the complexity of urban operations leads to NLOS (non-line-of-sight) and multipath effects, which in turn impact the accuracy of the PNT data. A key research question within the research community pertains to determining the appropriate hybrid fusion architecture that can ensure the resilience and continuity of UAV operations in urban environments, minimizing significant degradations of PNT data. In this context, we present a novel federated fusion architecture that integrates data from the GNSS, the IMU (inertial measurement unit), a monocular camera, and a barometer to cope with the GNSS multipath and positioning performance degradation. Within the federated fusion architecture, local filters are implemented using EKFs (extended Kalman filters), while a master filter is used in the form of a GRU (gated recurrent unit) block. Data collection is performed by setting up a virtual environment in AirSim for the visual odometry aid and barometer data, while Spirent GSS7000 hardware is used to collect the GNSS and IMU data. The hybrid fusion architecture is compared to a classic federated architecture (formed only by EKFs) and tested under different light and weather conditions to assess its resilience, including multipath and GNSS outages. The proposed solution demonstrates improved resilience and robustness in a range of degraded conditions while maintaining a good level of positioning performance with a 95th percentile error of 0.54 m for the square scenario and 1.72 m for the survey scenario.

Leveraging strategic leadership for boosting operational resilience in hotels: the role of crisis response strategies and e-readiness

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the impact of strategic leadership (SL) on business operational resilience (OR) in the hotel industry in Egypt, namely, during and after the pandemic. This investigation also aimed to explore the mediating function of crisis response strategies (CRSs) and organisational e-readiness (Oe-R) in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers conducted a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire as the primary data collection method. Using partial least squares structural equation simulation (PLS-SEM), the study used a comprehensive sample that targets the general managers of all five-star hotels in Egypt.FindingsResults indicated that SL has a positive impact on CRSs and Oe-R. Furthermore, the results reveal a positive influence of Oe-R on both CRSs and hotel OR. On the other hand, CRSs do not influence hotel OR. The findings showed that CRSs fully mediate the link between SL and OR. However, CRSs do not serve as a mediator between Oe-R and OR. Furthermore, the findings showed that Oe-R partially mediates the link between SL and both OR and CRSs.Practical implicationsThe study yields unique and valuable theoretical and practical insights to guide hotel leaders and managers towards adaptive recovery and resilience in turbulent and crisis-ridden environments by demonstrating that the combined mediating function of CRS and Oe-R is more effective in strengthening the relationship between SL and OR.Originality/valueThis study represents a pioneering investigation that establishes a correlation between SL and OR, either through direct or indirect means. The research examines the involvement of CRSs and Oe-R as collaborative mediators in this relationship. Previous studies undertaken in the hotel industry and service sector have not investigated this specific element.

Microgrid-based operational framework for grid resiliency enhancement: A case study at KUET campus in Bangladesh

This study investigates the role of microgrids in enhancing the resilience of power systems in response to the power outages caused by severe conditions. A three-step analysis is carried out to achieve this objective. Firstly, the general backgrounds of resilience in power systems are presented, comprising resilience modeling, resilience analysis methods, and resilience enhancement efforts by different sections. Secondly, a time-dependent simulation model is designed for KUET, which incorporates standard indices for measuring, evaluating, and monitoring grid resilience. In this simulation, the total demand for KUET was assumed to be close to 1 MW, and case studies are conducted to determine the performance of the microgrid system under different operating conditions. Load prioritization management strategies have been performed. Finally, a unified resilience evaluation and operational enhancement approach is proposed, which includes a procedure for assessing the impact of severe conditions on power systems and a risk-based defensive islanding procedure. The proposed adaptive islanding method aims to mitigate the grid functionality drop. The results of the case studies illustrate the influence of microgrid structural and operational characteristics on grid resilience. The microgrid implementation improves the Grid Resilience Index (RC) from 0.9 to 1.35, with faster recovery and increased grid hardiness. However, there may be a potential trade-off with a decline in Operational Resilience (Roperational) from 0.133 to 0.069, which needs further investigation. This study contributes to the development of a framework for the measurement of resilience in power systems and provides insights into the use of microgrids as a potential solution for dealing with major power outages.

Digital-Era Resilience: Navigating Logistics and Supply Chain Operations after COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in supply chain and logistics operations to respond to myriad disruptions. However, this paradigm shift has changed the supply chain to be more resilient, agile, flexible, and adaptable to upcoming disruptions. Hence, a comprehensive guide to understanding, implementing, and harnessing the power of digitization in the face of disruption, leading to a more resilient and adaptive global community, is greatly appreciated. Thus, this study aims to identify the strategies used in the complex and dynamic nature of the contemporary supply chain landscape for these disruptions. Among several strategies adopted and proposed, this systematic review examines overall efficiency and operational resilience, particularly supplier diversification, investment in digital supply chain technology, and adopting flexible manufacturing models. Following a rigorous four-step identification, screening, qualification, and inclusion process, this review focuses on real-time visibility, robust risk management, and data-driven decision making to determine whether future disruptions under digitization are conducive. Therefore, this systematic review, along with these enhanced resilience strategies, will provide a comprehensive resource for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to navigate and improve logistics and supply chain operations in the face of future disruptions.

Role of Artificial Intelligence Capability in the Interrelation Between Manufacturing Strategies and Operational Resilience

Role of Artificial Intelligence Capability in the Interrelation Between Manufacturing Strategies and Operational Resilience

Resilience and Responsiveness in Logistics Industry during Disruptive Events: A Case Study on the Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Understanding operational resilience during disruptive events is critical in the dynamic global logistics field. This qualitative study explores the challenges faced by a logistics company during the COVID-19 pandemic based on surveys and interviews with twelve logistics management experts. A thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes regarding logistics disruptions and response strategies. The data revealed internal disruptions such as delays in pickup or delivery, inaccurate delivery information, and communication challenges with drivers. External disruptions include supply-demand imbalances, freight rate volatility, port congestion, and unexpected supplier shutdowns. Strategies to enhance logistics resilience are discussed, emphasizing strategic decision-making, robust leadership, digitalization for improved communication and supply chain visibility, and agility in adapting to change. These findings provide a thorough understanding of logistics disruptions and offer practical recommendations for professionals to navigate challenges and strengthen their logistics operations.

Increasing Operational Resiliency of UAV Swarms: An Agent-Focused Search and Rescue Framework

Resilient UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) swarm operations are a complex research topic where the dynamic environments in which they work significantly increase the chance of systemic failure due to disruptions. Most existing SAR (Search and Rescue) frameworks for UAV swarms are application-specific, focusing on rescuing external non-swarm agents, but if an agent in the swarm is lost, there is inadequate research to account for the resiliency of the UAV swarm itself. This study describes the design and deployment of a Swarm Specific SAR (SS-SAR) framework focused on UAV swarm agents. This framework functions as a resilient mechanism by locating and attempting to reconnect communications with lost UAV swarm agents. The developed framework was assessed over a series of performance tests and environments, both real-world hardware and simulation experiments. Experimental results showed successful recovery rates in the range of 40%–60% of all total flights conducted, indicating that UAV swarms can be made more resilient by including methods to recover distressed agents. Decision-based modular frameworks such as the one proposed here lay the groundwork for future development in attempts to consider the swarm agents in the search and rescue process.

Banks' Operational Resilience During Pandemics

Banks' Operational Resilience During Pandemics

Integrating Observability with DevOps Practices in Financial Services Technologies: A Study on Enhancing Software Development and Operational Resilience

Integrating Observability with DevOps Practices in Financial Services Technologies: A Study on Enhancing Software Development and Operational Resilience

Survey of radiologists on work from home: Using the results to plan a hybrid work model

Background The COVID-19 pandemic saw many radiology departments worldwide adopting work from home (WFH) practices for social distancing and operational resilience. This paper explores the attitudes and perceptions of radiologists on WFH in Singapore. Methods A survey was conducted amongst radiologists at a large tertiary hospital in Singapore from 1 August 2022 to 1 September 2022. Topics included whether they met pre-requisites for WFH, the preferred frequency of WFH, equitability, and perceived impact on joy at work, resident training, and talent recruitment and retention. Results were analysed for significant associations with respondent demographics. Results There was an 88% response rate (49/56). 78% met pre-requisites for WFH. Most radiologists preferred a hybrid arrangement of WFH up to 2 days a week (70%) with 15-20% of their team WFH at any one time. Majority of radiologists wished to WFH when providing out-of-hours coverage (76%). There was perceived positive impact of WFH on individual joy at work (mean rating: 4.1), team joy at work (mean rating: 3.5) and talent recruitment and retention (mean rating: 4.0). Perceived impact on radiology resident training was negative to neutral (mean rating: 2.8). Free-text responses revealed concerns about equitability, WFH setup, training, and collegial relationships. Statistically significant differences in responses were found between genders and radiologists who met pre-requisites versus those who didn’t. Conclusion Our radiologists prefer a hybrid WFH model and anticipate it will increase joy at work and talent recruitment and retention. A hybrid WFH model may help address and mitigate some of the potential negative effects of WFH.

Securing the Skies: A Study of Cybersecurity Measures in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This study examines the importance of cybersecurity in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) due to the increasing technological advancements and subsequent vulnerabilities in these aerial systems. The rapid integration of UAVs across various sectors has led to a pervasive threat of cyber attacks, which necessitates comprehensive defenses to mitigate potential risks. This research outlines the complex landscape of UAV cybersecurity challenges through an in-depth analysis of attack scenarios and data features within the ECU-IoFT dataset. Using the XGBoost algorithm’s robustness, this study presents a proactive approach to classifying and mitigating cyber threats targeting UAV systems. Our findings demonstrate that XGBoost is effective at identifying different attack vectors, making it a possible key defense mechanism. The insights from this study not only highlight the changing nature of UAV cybersecurity but also provide practical steps for strengthening these aerial systems against imminent cyber threats to ensure their safe and resilient operation across multiple domains.

ВПЛИВ АДИТИВНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ НА СТРУКТУРУ ЛОГІСТИКИ ВИРОБНИЧИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

In the article the integration of additive manufacturing within the logistics chains utilized by modern manufacturing companies is examined. The study explores how additive technologies, particularly 3D printing, influence logistics processes and supply chains, offering opportunities for optimization and acceleration of production workflows. Specific advantages of 3D printing, such as reduced transportation and storage costs, enhanced production flexibility, and a decrease in required inventory levels, are highlighted, demonstrating the greater efficiency of these technologies compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The article also presents a practical case study of a Ukrainian manufacturing enterprise that has implemented additive technologies, showcasing how these innovations have helped the company streamline its logistics processes, reduce costs, and enhance its market competitiveness. The analysis underlines the significance of further developing and adopting innovations in the field of additive technologies, which can substantially transform the logistics structure of manufacturing enterprises, fostering their successful growth in today’s economic environment. By exploring the practical benefits and potential of 3D printing in logistics, the article provides valuable insights into how companies can leverage these technologies to gain a competitive edge. The study suggests that continued innovation in additive manufacturing will play a crucial role in reshaping the logistics landscape, enabling companies to meet evolving market demands with greater agility and efficiency. The atticle discusses how 3D printing technology enables on-demand production, reducing lead times and minimizing the need for extensive warehousing. The study emphasizes the strategic importance of adopting additive technologies in logistics, predicting that companies that invest in these innovations will be better positioned to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing economic landscape. By integrating 3D printing into their logistics and production strategies, enterprises can achieve more sustainable and resilient operations, ultimately leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and increased profitability.

Determinants of Business Resilience in the Restaurant Industry During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Textual Analytics Study on an O2O Platform Case

Understanding the resilience capabilities of restaurant operations and the determinants affecting these capabilities is critical to helping restaurants overcome the hardships owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This article adopts a textual analytics approach to scientifically measure consumption trends and identify the shock to restaurant sales using online customer review data from Dianping.com (an O2O platform in China). Moreover, the article proposes a theoretical model of business resilience for the restaurant industry in the context of the pandemic. Then, an empirical investigation on how the determinants in our theoretical framework affect the resilience of restaurant business operations using the panel logit model is conducted. Our findings indicate that the pandemic has severely disrupted the full-service restaurants as compared to the quick-service restaurants. We identify four determinants of resilience, namely social capital (i.e., restaurant rating), physical capital (i.e., contactless service), economic capital (i.e., chain operation), and natural capital (e.g., location), which are significantly associated with the resilience of restaurant business during the pandemic. These four determinants play different roles in the resilience of full-service and quick-service restaurants. The findings of this study have theoretical contribution and generate some important managerial implications for helping the restaurant industry recover from disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessing the Level of Employees’ Safety Performance in Northern Malaysian Small & Medium Manufacturings

In the pursuit of fostering workplace safety as an integral aspect of organisational vitality, present research delves into the landscape of safety performance within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Despite facing resource constraints, the sector exhibit commendable dedication to safety, as evidenced by notably high levels of safety participation and compliance discovered among production workers through a cross-sectional study involving 107 professional respondents representing small and medium manufacturing firms in northern Malaysia. This study, addressing a crucial gap in research, sheds light on the need for continuous improvement strategies to sustain and amplify this positive safety culture within SMEs. The findings underline the significance of prioritizing safety initiatives, not only ensuring employee well-being but also fortifying the resilience and success of SME operations in Malaysia. Moving forward, it is imperative for these SMEs to invest in ongoing training programs and maintain open communication channels for safety concerns to further fortify their safety culture. Additionally, a longitudinal study could provide insights into the sustainability of these high safety performance levels over time, while exploring the impact of external factors on safety practices within these SMEs could offer valuable avenues for enhancing safety performance in the evolving business landscape.

Stainless steel-derived nano-porous oxide: a cost-efficient, stable, and corrosion-resistant hydrogen evolution catalyst

The nanoporous metal oxide structure derived from stainless steel (SS) exhibits exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction activity and remarkable operational resilience, enduring 50 hours of continuous electrolysis.