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PURPOSE: Firms that want to obtain an advantageous market position and a sustainable long-term competitive advantage in a competitive market place are engaged in competitive behavior in order to realize these goals. Competitive behavior is realized by competitive moves that they have made under real market conditions or by reactions (retaliation) against these moves. Those who initiate the action (Actors), those who respond to the actions (Responders) and competitive actions constitute the competitive dynamics of an industry. The results of the competitive actions carried out within the scope of competitive dynamics are monitored within the scope of market performance. The aim of this study is to reveal the factors that affect the operational and financial market performance of airline companies competing in the Turkish international airline market. METHODOLOGY: In this context, 26 airlines competing in the Turkish international airline market were evaluated in the context of rival pairs between 2009 and 2018. The analysis of the models designed in the study was carried out by panel regression analysis. FINDINGS: The findings obtained in the study show the relative market share gain of airlines is positively influenced by their firm maturity, relative size, financial resources, total number of flights, and fleet homogeneity, it is negatively impacted by their capability to deploy resources. According to research, the relative Revenue Passenger Kilometers is positively impacted by the relative size of the airlines, the same business model, and Load Factor, but negatively impacted by resource deployment capability and competing in the same alliance. While the resource allocation capability and efficiency of the airlines have a positive effect on the net result, firm maturity and total number of flights have a negative effect. It has been revealed that the resource deployment capability of airlines and efficiency of airline firm have a positive effect on financial performance, while firm maturity, the total number of flights, and slack resources have a negative effect. IMPLICATIONS: By introducing additional variables—such as fleet homogeneity, business model, strategic alliances, and codesharing – to the variables utilized in prior studies, this research is expected to add to the body of knowledge on competitive dynamics. Airlines will be guided in and before their actions in a competitive marketplace by understanding the circumstances in which they will demonstrate greater operational and financial performance than their rivals. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: Knowing in which situations airlines will show better operational and financial performance against their competitors will guide them in and before their actions in a competitive marketplace.

In the rapidly changing business world, insurance companies should observe long-term operational performance and focus on its resilience. Existing studies rarely investigate the resilience issue of performance under the context of the insurance sector. Hence, this study develops a dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to measure the operational performance of insurance companies by considering multiple periods. Different from the existing works adopting traditional static DEA, our work develops a dynamic DEA model to estimate performance by incorporating multiple periods via a common objective function. Besides, the measurement for estimating the resilience of performance is further developed. The proposed approach in this study is applied to 25 Chinese insurance companies for three years from 2017 to 2019. The results reveal that most insurance companies’ performances still have improvement potential. And there exists a distinct difference in performance between property and casualty insurance companies and life insurance companies during the observed period. Additionally, the resilience of the performance of most inefficient insurance companies is at a weak level. Finally, some management implications are provided for improving operational performance.

This study focuses on the interaction between strategic commitment (SC), supply chain collaboration (SCC), operational performance (OP), and innovation performance (IP). Structural equation modelling was applied to test data collected through a self-controlled questionnaire survey. Results show that SC has a substantial direct influence on SCC, and direct and indirect influence on OP and IP, respectively. SCC has a direct impact on IP and an indirect effect on OP. IP has a substantial direct influence on OP. These results would be useful to managers in building relations with their partners to enhance OP and IP, and in ensuring supply chain effectiveness.

This research was carried out to have a deeper comprehension of the role that learning organizations play in mediating the relationship that exists between Total Quality Management and operational performance. This research was carried out at leather SMEs in the Garut Regency. In this study, quantitative research methods are used, and a questionnaire is used to collect the data. The individuals responsible for Leather SMEs in Garut Regency make up the population that was used for this study, and there were a total of 106 responses. The data from this study are analyzed using descriptive analysis and SEM analysis. The analysis is done with the help of the SmartPLS program. The findings of this study show that Total Quality Management has a significant and positive effect on learning organizations. The learning organization then has a significant and positive impact on the operational performance of the business. And learning organization has a significant and positive influence on the mediation of the relationship between Total Quality Management and operational performance.

Trend forecasting shows that Indian container terminals will handle 25 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2025. However, improving operational performance is the best strategy to achieve this target. Many factors have adversely affected the Indian container terminal's operational performance despite the fact that the Indian government has undertaken several initiatives. This study identifies factors and interactive effects of the factors influencing the operational performance of Indian container terminals. A conceptual model is developed using fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) encompassing the successful factors. The conceptual model developed through QCA includes the physical characteristics, driving factors, and challenges. This study reveals the combined and individual effects of the identified factors. The results show that the most common factors are the quay infrastructure, yard infrastructure, infrastructure up-gradation, system initiatives, reefer systems, and logistics advantage. This study adds to the existing literature regarding the Indian container terminals' performance and supports the decision-makers in improving the operational performance of container terminals.

This paper explores how the design process of the production system could be utilized to improve the operational performance during the production ramp-up and operation phases. A qualitative case study was carried out in a large process-type manufacturing company, focusing on three new production line launching projects. Different actions taken in the design process of the production lines were linked to their impact during the running operation phase and operational performance, which is measured by the metric of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) within lean manufacturing. The empirical findings provides a concrete example that activities in the design process impact on the OEE. A set of enablers in the production system design process at different systems-level, especially concerning the acquisition of new production equipment have been demonstrated that has potential to achieve the target operational performance. Finally, the concept of operational performance driven production system design process is proposed.

Purpose – For the supply chain to be responsive in the age of globalization, the firm needs to adopt strategies to enable them to meet the changing market needs. Thus, it is essential to adopt automatic replenishment programmes such as vendor-managed inventory (VMI). This study sought to examine the relationship between VMI and operational performance (OP) and the moderation roles of leadership and digitization in the mining sector. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach was used, including primary data collected from industry players in the mining sector in Ghana. A total of 97 industry players were included in the study. Data gathered was analysed using SPSS and LISREL (8.5). Findings – The results indicate that VMI significantly affects OP. However, both digitization and leadership failed to moderate the relationship between VMI and OP. Practical implications – The study offers mining companies an understanding of VMI applications in their industry. The knowledge will stimulate and improve inventory management practices in the mining industry. Originality/value – This study is among the first few attempts to understand VMI in the mining industry, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa context. It presents a detailed understanding of VMI and opportunities for future research.

Purpose – Collaboration and operational capabilities are two strengths for managing supply chains to achieve operational performance. In this context, this study aims to analyze the mediating effect of operational capabilities on the relationship between collaborative supply chain management and operational performance. Design/methodology/approach – The study design consisted of a theoretical framework to estimate the mediation paths by latent variable structural modeling methods. A survey of 138 respondents from Brazilian capital goods companies was conducted. Findings – The study revealed that operational capabilities partially mediate the relationship between collaborative supply chain management and operational performance. The findings provide important guidance for managers to strengthen the relationship with suppliers to continuously improve operational capability. Research limitations/implications – As the sample size was made up of 138 respondents, it was impossible to revalidate the theoretical–empirical model. New data need to be collected to re-evaluate the structural model and expand them to other economic segments. Practical implications – By examining the theoretical insights and empirical findings, the study expanded knowledge about collaborative management and the understanding of the importance of operational capabilities in the relationship between collaborative management and operational performance for management practices. Originality/value – The study developed a theoretical–empirical measurement model, reliable and statistically validated, to test the mediating effect of operational capabilities in the relationship between collaborative management and operational performance.

Kesyahbandaran of a fishing port is kesyahbandaran that is specifically placed in a fishing port for administrative management and carrying out the function of maintaining shipping safety. Kesyahbandaran services are one of the important factors for fishing port users and support the operation of capture fisheries. The public service that takes manage of ship documents at the Tasikagung Fishing Port (PPP) is syahbandar in PPP Tasikagung. This study aims to analyze the suitability of the duties and functions of the kesyahbandaran in PPP Tasikagung with minister of marine and fisheries regulations No. 03 of 2013, analyze and formulate strategies to improve the operational performance of the kesyahbandaran in PPP Tasikagung. This research uses SWOT analysis and AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process). The results with SWOT analysis the coordinate position (-0.16; 0.14) was in quadrant III, meaning that this position experienced many obstacles but there was still sufficient time to find solutions and opportunities so that the performance value can increase. AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) obtained the priority of actors who support the improvement of the operational performance kesyahbandaran in PPP Tasikagung is syahbandar in PPP Tasikagung (0.614), while the priority criteria for improving the operational performance of the kesyahbandaran in PPP Tasikagung, the preferred three priorities, namely budgetary support from the government for the management of the PPP Tasikagung area (0.542), optimizing existing SOP (0.455), and improving the quality of human resources, especially fishermen or captains employing training, and coaching to reporting fishing activity on fish resources to be landed at the port (0.402).

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules with color-cover glasses have been developed to overcome design limitations in building applications. Although several current studies have presented informative outcomes through experimental analysis, understanding the long-term operating performance of color BIPV modules is still insufficient, especially when considering the transmittance features of the color-cover glass. Therefore, this study evaluates the operational performance of color BIPV modules based on comparative analysis under outdoor experimental conditions. A typical BIPV module (i.e., a non-color BIPV module) and color BIPV modules are used for this comparative analysis. The transmittance characteristics of general low-iron tempered glass (LTG) and LTG with the color coating are considered to evaluate the effect of performance degradation according to the transmittance reduction by the color coating. The thickness differences of the coating layer make different color patterns of gray, blue, and orange. In addition, the color modules are installed on the inclined (30°) and the vertical (90°) plane to assess power performance on different angle positions. Compared to the ratio of transmittance reduction (RTR) by the color coating and the percentage of efficiency reduction (RER) by the color-cover glass, the RER is less than the RTR. The RER of operational efficiency for blue and orange modules is similar to the RER in STC. Still, the RER of the gray module’s operational efficiency is about 5% greater than RER in STC. , the voltage and current characteristics for the gray module using operational data are analyzed to investigate the effect of color differences on the power efficiency. Based on the result, it was confirmed that the active efficiency reduction of the gray module is expected from the decrease in the current.

Background: A well-coordinated supply chain ensures the sustainable availability of life-saving medicines that improve public health outcomes. Information Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the strategies for optimizing supply chain coordination. However, there is a paucity of data on how it affects supply chain practice and performance at the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA). Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationships between information and communication technology, supply chain practice, and pharmaceutical supply chain operational performance using a structural equation modeling approach. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study between April and June 2021. Three hundred twenty EPSA employees participated in the survey. We used a pretested, self-administered five-point Likert scale questionnaire to collect the intended data. A structural equation modeling confirmed the relationship between the constructs (information communication technology, supply chain practices, and performance). Thus, the measurement models were first validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in SPSS/AMOS software. A p-value of less than 5% indicated statistical significance. Results: Of the 320 questionnaires distributed, 300 participants (202 males and 98 females) duly responded. In this survey, supply chain practices (mainly customer relationship management and information sharing) and ICT had significant positive direct effects on operational performance with standardized regression weights (β) of 0.65 (p <.001) and 0.29 (p <.001), respectively. On the other hand, 73% of the variations in operational performance were explained by ICT and supply chain practices, wherein ICT played moderate mediation effects between supply chain practice and performance (VAF = 0.24, p <.001). Despite the significant positive influence of ICT, the agency still faced data visibility problems with customers and other supply chain partners. Conclusion: The findings revealed that supply chain practices and ICT implementation impacted the agency's supply chain performance positively and significantly. The ICT implementation practice in the agency posited a significant positive partial mediating role between supply chain practice and operational performance. Thus, if the agency focuses on the automation and integration of customer relationship management and the practice of information exchange, the essential supply chain practices, it can further improve operational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to measure the mediating role of teamwork and participation (T&P) on the relationship between two human resource (HR) practices -- "training and development" (T&D) and "performance appraisal" (PA) -- and operational performance (OP). Employing the contingency approach, this study develops a research model that validates the assumption that appropriate internal orchestration of HR practices improves firm performance. Using AMOS, data from 157 manufacturing firms are analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show that T&P fully mediates the relationship between T&D and OP, and partially mediates the relationship between PA and OP. This study, which provides empirical support for the importance of OP to firm effectiveness, finds that OP is positively related to financial performance (FP). The study develops a theoretical logic and empirically demonstrates that T&P is an appropriate practice for mediating the impact of T&D and PA on OP. The inclusion of T&P contributes to the theory and shows that appropriate internal orchestration of HR practices can realize effective OP and consequently greater FP of the firm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Techniques is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) is a vital tool for visualizing design ideas. While conventional parametric CAD modeling is commonly used, emerging virtual reality (VR) applications in 3D CAD modeling require further exploration. This study contrasts the emotional response, flow experience, and operational performance of design novices using VR free-form modeling (Gravity Sketch 3D) and conventional parametric CAD modeling (SolidWorks). We arranged two representative tasks for 30 participants: modeling an exact geometric shape (a cube) and a creative shape (a mug). We measured emotional response and flow experience through scales, and gathered operational performance, and further insights through semistructured interviews. The findings reveal more positive and intense emotional responses to VR free-form modeling, but its overall flow experience did not exceed expectations. No significant differences were found in concentration, time distortion sense, or control between the two techniques. Comparing modeling tasks, VR free-form modeling showed promising operational performance for early ideation, whereas conventional parametric CAD modeling proved to be more effective in 3D digitization of known shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the antecedents of supply chain agility and its impact on firm's operational performance. Drawing upon dynamic capabilities perspective and contingency theory, the study argues that supply chain agility is a result of the combination of lean manufacturing and supply chain integration practices, and that supply chain agility is positively linked to firm's operational performance. Employing structural equation modelling, this research presents evidence that companies with agile supply chains perform better than companies focused only on implementing lean or supply chain integration practices; in this sense, the results show that supply chain agility fully mediates the relationships between lean/supply chain integration and firm's operational performance. This study contributes to the growing body of conceptual and empirical literature on agility by understanding the synergies between lean manufacturing, supply chain integration, supply chain agility and firm's operational performance. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed and future research perspectives are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alcohol precipitation wastewater discharged from the production of Chinese patent medicine (CPM) has an extremely high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and poor biodegradability. In this study, the biological treatment method of anaerobic digestion coupled with simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) was adopted to investigate its efficiency and to explore the mechanism of pollutant degradation in this process. The results showed that after 220 days of debugging, the coupled process operated stably. The influent COD, total nitrogen (TN), ammonium (NH4+-N), and lignin concentrations were 21,000 mg/L, 400 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 1800 mg/L, respectively. The removal efficiencies of COD, TN, NH4+-N, and lignin were 97%, 85%, 96%, and 75%, respectively. Spectral detection technology analysis revealed that the wastewater contained alkanes, olefins, phenols, alcohols, unsaturated organics, aromatic compounds, and humic acids. After the treatment by each unit of the process, the three-dimensional fluorescence intensity decreased by 86%; the standard volume of fluorescence area integration declined by 78%; the stretching vibration band of aromatic compounds showed peak splitting; and the molecular weight parameter value in the ultraviolet region increased. These findings demonstrated that the humic acid substances in the wastewater were degraded, and the effect of removal of the macromolecular organic matter was remarkable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the IUFRO lecture series, Forest Roads: regional perspectives from around the world. In reviewing the presentations in this series, we found that regional factors such as geology, historic climate (glaciation), current climate, topography, and ownership strongly affect forest road networks. In addition to these regional factors, it appears that historic land use affects road design and construction. We define three road classifications: pioneer, mature, and plantation. In a pioneer road network, there is an existing forest resource and no established road network. A pioneer road network strongly reflects the current regulatory environment, current harvesting systems, and regional factors. A plantation road network occurs where there is a land use change, often from agriculture to forestry, and often growing non-native species. Plantation road networks evolve from existing rudimentary roads to road networks planned specifically for a well-defined forest resource. The plantation road network does reflect the existing regulations and harvesting systems; however, it does exist in a more constrained system that is defined by the existing roads and the boundaries of the planted forest. Mature forest road networks have evolved over centuries and incorporate historic and current land use, evolving regulations and technology, and are often interconnected with public roads. Responses specific to these road classes include a pioneer road network using brush mats to help support the subgrade, a plantation road network applying an optimized design, and a mature road network using pavement as the road surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To boost the operational performance of a non-aqueous DES electrolyte-based vanadium-iron redox flow battery (RFB), our previous work proposed a double-layer porous electrode spliced by carbon paper and graphite felt. However, this electrode's architecture still needs to be further optimized under different operational conditions. Hence, this paper proposes a multi-layer artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the relationship between vanadium-iron RFB's performance and double-layer electrode structural characteristics. A training dataset of ANN is generated by three-dimensional finite-element numerical simulations of the galvanostatic discharging process. In addition, a genetic algorithm (GA) is coupled to an ANN regression training process for optimizing the model parameters to elevate the accuracy of ANN prediction. The novelty of this work lies in this modified optimal method of a double-layer electrode for non-aqueous RFB driven by a machine learning (ML) model coupled with GA. The comparative result shows that the ML model reaches a satisfactory predictive accuracy, and the mean square error of this model is lower than other popular ML regression models. Based on the known region of operating conditions, the obtained results prove that this well-trained ML algorithm can be used to estimate whether a double-layer electrode should be applied to a non-aqueous vanadium-iron RFB and determine an appropriate thickness ratio for this double-layer electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of human resources as a change agent in the organizational change process holds great importance. Hence, it is crucial to identify ways human resources can support change. This paper investigates the direct and indirect relationships between human resource management (HRM) practices and organizational performance, as well as the mediating role of the organizational change process in these relationships. The proposed model integrates primary HRM practices, organizational change components, organizational performance, employee retention, and organizational abandonment. We collected data to evaluate the relationships between the model variables through a survey questionnaire applied to 441 Romanian employees in the healthcare industry. The paper used structural equation modeling to test the model's validity and hypotheses. The results show that HRM practices directly impact organizational performance and have a mediated impact through the organizational change process. Additionally, the direct and mediating effects are consistent, and healthcare employers consider appropriate HRM practices and effective management of the organizational change process as essential drivers to achieve superior performance. The empirical findings provide valuable insights for government policymakers, stakeholders, and health managers on how suitable HRM practices can influence organizational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of lean production, sustainability, circular capabilities, and waste management on enhancing operational performance. Additionally, the research aims to examine the moderating influence of organisational dynamics. The present study was conducted within the framework of the manufacturing sector in Saudi Arabia. The research study has employed a quantitative research methodology. The data was gathered through the utilisation of a survey questionnaire. The study's target population consists of individuals who possess expertise in manufacturing organisations located in Saudi Arabia. The study has employed a statistical data analysis approach through the utilisation of Smart-PLS. The results of the study indicate that circular capabilities and lean production practises have a significant effect on operational performance. However, the influence of sustainability in manufacturing and waste minimization on operational performance is found to be insignificant. The results from the moderation analysis suggest that the relationship between circular capabilities and operational performance is significantly influenced by organisational dynamism. These findings can be employed by organisations to attain sustainable operational performance. Additionally, it is suggested that manufacturing firms should explore strategies for incorporating lean production practices, sustainability initiatives, circular capabilities, and waste minimization techniques to enhance the efficiency of their operations and optimise resource utilisation. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the study employed a limited sample size, and as a result, the findings may only be applicable to a specific industry. Therefore, it is advisable for future researchers to utilise a larger sample size in order to enhance the generalizability of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of CULCyT: Cultura Científica y Tecnológica is the property of Cultura Cientifica y Tecnologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

PT XYZ Indonesia is a company that has shown outstanding business performance in the last three years, and it has grown yearly. A study was conducted by distributing 40 questionnaires that became samples of company employees with work relationships and knowledge of supply chain integration, operational performance, and product quality to test these hypotheses. Furthermore, the data were analyzed with an SEM tool to test the causality relationship of the research variables. The theoretical evidence showed that product quality is positively influenced by supply chain integration for this type of company's business field. The managerial implications are to pay more attention to supply chain integration which greatly affects the company's operational performance. Meanwhile, some limitations in this study can be found at the end of the discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the estimation of experts, the number of breakdowns and accidents, as well as wear of parts of standard equipment, is 3–5 times (in some cases 8–10 times) greater during operation at low temperatures than under temperate climate conditions. Therefore, enhancing the quality of surfaces of various machines and mechanisms operating in the Arctic is relevant. This article suggests a method of combined processing that allows one to increase hardness, reduce roughness, obtain optimal residual stresses, and create regular surface microrelief to keep the lubricant on the surface. However, these properties must be maintained at temperatures down to –50°C. The effect of low temperatures on the surface layer of details after combined processing is studied. This work is useful for experts engaged in the design of machines for operation in the Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of lean production, sustainability, circular capabilities, and waste management on enhancing operational performance. Additionally, the research aims to examine the moderating influence of organisational dynamics. The present study was conducted within the framework of the manufacturing sector in Saudi Arabia. The research study has employed a quantitative research methodology. The data was gathered through the utilisation of a survey questionnaire. The study's target population consists of individuals who possess expertise in manufacturing organisations located in Saudi Arabia. The study has employed a statistical data analysis approach through the utilisation of Smart-PLS. The results of the study indicate that circular capabilities and lean production practises have a significant effect on operational performance. However, the influence of sustainability in manufacturing and waste minimization on operational performance is found to be insignificant. The results from the moderation analysis suggest that the relationship between circular capabilities and operational performance is significantly influenced by organisational dynamism. These findings can be employed by organisations to attain sustainable operational performance. Additionally, it is suggested that manufacturing firms should explore strategies for incorporating lean production practices, sustainability initiatives, circular capabilities, and waste minimization techniques to enhance the efficiency of their operations and optimise resource utilisation. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the study employed a limited sample size, and as a result, the findings may only be applicable to a specific industry. Therefore, it is advisable for future researchers to utilise a larger sample size in order to enhance the generalizability of the findings.

Lean manufacturing practices (LMPs) and corporate environmental sustainability are becoming inextricably linked. Throughout the lean and green debate, many organisations have recognised that LMPs have implications for their sustainable development and competitive positioning. Not only LMPs are complex on their own, but when perceived from an environmental sustainability perspective, the decision to implement an LMP can become even more intricate. Although general tools exist, the lack of effective decision-making tools to help in the implementation of LMPs with an environmental sustainability dimension is palpable. Thus, this study tackles the aforementioned decision problem by incorporating environmental and operational performance outcome expectations as these expectations are viewed in light of the ease of implementation of various LMPs. A novel multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for evaluation of LMPs is developed in this respect. The model integrates a three-parameter interval grey number with rough set theory and the TODIM method. The model is run using empirical data from six manufacturing organisations. The findings facilitate the identification of a 'locus of investments' for a better selection of LMPs. The robustness of the decision support model developed is assessed through sensitivity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refrigerant pump-driven free cooling technology can effectively reduce data center cooling energy consumption. But for a pure refrigerant system, it is difficult to meet the need of dynamic high efficient operation facing both the large temperature difference range and multiple operating modes yearly. In order to improve the energy efficiency of the system and the utilization of free cooling source, an experimental system of refrigerant pump-driven free cooling for the data center was built up. The thermal performance of the system charged with R410A mixed refrigerant was tested and analyzed under different working conditions. The results show that the cooling capacity and EER of the system increases with the increasing of the temperature difference between cold and heat sources. The cooling capacity increases firstly and then decreases slightly, then changes little within the pump frequency range of 5～30 Hz. The pump frequency for maximum cooling capacity occurs in the range of 10～15 Hz for R410A system, which is 25 Hz for R22 system.

This study was conducted to evaluate the practice of implementing Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Supply chain Integration (SCI) on operational performance in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malang City. This study aims to determine the effect of SCM practices on supply chain integration, the effect of SCM on operational performance, and the effect of supply chain integration on operational performance. Data collection in this study was carried out by distributing 100 questionnaires to owners or managers of SMEs in Malang City which the criteria are food and beverage agro-industry SMEs located in Malang City and have carried out supply chain management (SCM) activities for at least 1 year. The analytical method used in testing the research hypothesis is using multiple regression. The results of the study found that 1) there is a positive influence of supply chain management practices on operational performance, 2) there is a negative influence of supply chain integration on operational performance, 3) supply chain management practices and supply chain integration simultaneously have a positive effect on operational performance in SMEs in the Malang City.