Kybernetes

Yiyi Zhang; Ruijin Liao; Lijun Yang; Xiaopin Deng; Huanchao Cheng; Cheng Lv

2014 Kybernetes

doi: 10.1108/K-07-2013-0160

Purpose – Statistics show that selecting the best investment program based on both cost and effectiveness can avoid financial losses. However, investment evaluation of a power transformer is full of uncertainty as it is hard to obtain accurate and useful cost‐effectiveness results. Therefore, the purpose of the paper is to establish an investment evaluation model. Design/methodology/approach – The cost‐effectiveness evaluation model in this study used grey correlation analysis for the power transformer selection based on life cycle cost (LCC). Indices of cost and effectiveness factors were chosen to form a three‐level index system including quantitative and qualitative factors. Evidential reasoning was applied to quantify the qualitative indexes. Grey correlation analysis was applied to select the best investment program. Findings – The results from this study show that the proposed approach is effective and offers a new approach to evaluating transformer investment. Practical implications – The model was applied to an investing decision‐making problem of the transformer in a new substation in Wuhan, China. Originality/value – It is very important to select the best transformer program in the candidate investment programs because the investment program decides almost 70 percent of the LCC of the power transformer.

Salman Ahmad; Razman bin Mat Tahar

2014 Kybernetes

doi: 10.1108/K-10-2012-0092

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of Malaysia's renewable capacity target. Malaysia relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation. To diversify the fuel‐mix, a technology‐specific target has been set by the government in 2010. Considering the complexity in generation expansion, there is a dire need for an assessment model that can evaluate policy in a feedback fashion. The study also aims to expand policy evaluation literature in electricity domain by taking a dynamic systems approach. Design/methodology/approach – System dynamics modelling and simulation approach is used in this study. The model variables, selected from literature, are constituted into casual loop diagram. Later, a stock and flow diagram is developed by integrating planning, construction, operation, and decision making sub‐models. The dynamic interactions between the sub‐sectors are analysed based on the short‐, medium‐ and long‐term policy targets. Findings – Annual capacity constructions fail to achieve short‐, medium‐ and long‐term targets. However, the difference in operational capacity and medium‐ and long‐term target are small. In terms of technology, solar photovoltaic (PV) attains the highest level of capacity followed by biomass. Research limitations/implications – While financial calculations are crucial for capacity expansion decisions, currently they are not being modelled; this study primarily focuses on system delays and exogenous components only. Practical implications – A useful model that offers regulators and investors insights on system characteristics and policy targets simultaneously. Originality/value – This paper provides a model for evaluating policy for renewable capacity expansion development in a dynamic context, for Malaysia.

Meng, Xuelei; Cui, Bingmou; Jia, Limin

2014 Kybernetes

doi: 10.1108/K-03-2013-0048

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to generate line plan in emergencies for railway networks to complete the passenger transportation. Design/methodology/approach– The authors first build a mathematical model, focusing on the frequency setting and stops setting. Then, considering the OD passenger flow data, the authors first propose the method to solve the train frequency setting problem of different types. Genetic algorithm is designed to solve the stops setting problem. The approach is tested with the data from Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway and its neighbour existing railway. Findings– The authors find that the model is suitable to generate line plan in emergencies for railway networks and the algorithm has good calculating performance. Originality/value– The new algorithms to generate line plan proposed in this paper can be embedded in the decision support system for railway operators.

Swarnalatha Purushotham; Balakrishna Tripathy

2014 Kybernetes

doi: 10.1108/K-12-2012-0126

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a way to analyze satellite images using various clustering algorithms and refined bitplane methods with other supporting techniques to prove the superiority of RIFCM. Design/methodology/approach – A comparative study has been carried out using RIFCM with other related algorithms from their suitability in analysis of satellite images with other supporting techniques which segments the images for further process for the benefit of societal problems. Four images were selected dealing with hills, freshwater, freshwatervally and drought satellite images. Findings – The superiority of the proposed algorithm, RIFCM with refined bitplane towards other clustering techniques with other supporting methods clustering, has been found and as such the comparison, has been made by applying four metrics (Otsu (Max‐Min), PSNR and RMSE (40%‐60%‐Min‐Max), histogram analysis (Max‐Max), DB index and D index (Max‐Min)) and proved that the RIFCM algorithm with refined bitplane yielded robust results with efficient performance, reduction in the metrics and time complexity of depth computation of satellite images for further process of an image. Practical implications – For better clustering of satellite images like lands, hills, freshwater, freshwatervalley, drought, etc. of satellite images is an achievement. Originality/value – The existing system extends the novel framework to provide a more explicit way to analyze an image by removing distortions with refined bitplane slicing using the proposed algorithm of rough intuitionistic fuzzy c‐means to show the superiority of RIFCM.

Daniel Peter Berrar; Alfons Schuster

2014 Kybernetes

doi: 10.1108/K-08-2013-0175

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relevance and the appropriateness of Turing‐style tests for computational creativity. Design/methodology/approach – The Turing test is both a milestone and a stumbling block in artificial intelligence (AI). For more than half a century, the “grand goal of passing the test” has taught the authors many lessons. Here, the authors analyze the relevance of these lessons for computational creativity. Findings – Like the burgeoning AI, computational creativity concerns itself with fundamental questions such as “Can machines be creative?” It is indeed possible to frame such questions as empirical, Turing‐style tests. However, such tests entail a number of intricate and possibly unsolvable problems, which might easily lead the authors into old and new blind alleys. The authors propose an outline of an alternative testing procedure that is fundamentally different from Turing‐style tests. This new procedure focuses on the unfolding of creativity over time, and – unlike Turing‐style tests – it is amenable to a more meaningful statistical testing. Research limitations/implications – This paper argues against Turing‐style tests for computational creativity. Practical implications – This paper opens a new avenue for viable and more meaningful testing procedures. Originality/value – The novel contributions are: an analysis of seven lessons from the Turing test for computational creativity; an argumentation against Turing‐style tests; and a proposal of a new testing procedure.

Maurice Yolles; Gerhard Fink

2014 Kybernetes

doi: 10.1108/K-01-2013-0011

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a new socio‐cognitive theory of the normative personality of a plural agency like, for instance, an organisation or a political system. This cybernetic agency theory is connected to Bandura's theory of psychosocial function. The agency is adaptive and has a normative personality that operates through three formative personality traits, the function of which is control. The cybernetic agency theory is presented as a meta‐model, which comes from cybernetic “living systems” theory. Design/methodology/approach – First, in this paper, the authors discuss the virtues of a normative cybernetic agency model in the light of issues related to normal states and pathologies of systems. Formative traits could be derived from Maruyama's mindscape theory or Harvey's typology. However, Boje has noted that with four mindscape types Maruyama's typology is constrained. Consequently, he projected the Maruyama mindscapes into a space with the three Foucault‐dimensions: knowledge, ethics and power. Findings – The suggested cybernetic agency model with the three formative personality traits can provide a framing for a structural model that has the potential to distinguish between normal and abnormal personalities in the same framework. Research limitations/implications – The constraints of the Maruyama mindscape space, as identified by Boje, are suggesting that further research is needed to identify a formative three‐trait‐system which is theory based, was empirically applied, and is permitting to create a typology with eight extreme types, yet to be identified. Originality/value – The paper draws on earlier work undertaken in the last few years by the same authors, who in a new way are pursuing new directions and extensions of that earlier research.

Maurice Yolles; Gerhard Fink

2014 Kybernetes

doi: 10.1108/K-12-2013-0259

Purpose – Based on the cybernetic agency theory of part 1, the paper creates a parallel theory to Maruyama's Mindscape theory called mindset theory, relying on the three‐trait organisational value system of Sagiv and Schwartz that arises from extensive theoretical and empirical work on cultural values originally undertaken by Shalom Schwartz. The derived normative personality types are embedded into a cultural system and interacting with a social system. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – First, the paper deals with Sorokin's theory of the immanent cultural dynamics arising from swings between more sensate or more ideational culture. For characterisation of interaction with the social environment, the paper relies on the dramatist/patterner trait from empirical work by Shotwell et al. , which acts as an attractor of agency behaviour. Thus, the paper designs a five trait agency model, with one trait that serves as an attractor of agency behaviour, three formative normative personality traits, and one social trait that directs the how of behaviour. Findings – The Sagiv‐Schwartz mindset types reveal the missing four types of the Maruyama‐universe, as sought by Boje. Sagiv‐Schwartz mindset types create generic transparency and a theoretical and empirical base for the selection of mindset meta‐types. Through its perfect match with Mindset Agency Theory as developed in part 1, this research creates a structural model that has the potential to distinguish between normal and pathological personalities within the same framework. Research limitations/implications – The modelling approach can be applied to social, economic and political situations, with the likelihood of anticipating the likely behaviour of social collectives like durable organisation and/or nation states. Analytical and empirical application in different contexts is yet to be provided. Practical implications – The paper sets up a means by which patterns of behaviour can be analysed in different organisational or national contexts. Empirical analysis based on this theory has the potential to identify normal states and shifts away from normal states of social systems, which may shift into stages of tension and crises, and/or mobilise forces directed towards paradigm changes in social systems. Originality/value – The paper draws on earlier work undertaken in the last few years by the same authors, who in a new way are pursuing new directions and extensions of that earlier research.

Maurice Yolles; Gerhard Fink

2014 Kybernetes

doi: 10.1108/K-12-2013-0260

Purpose – Context and cultural condition given, cybernetic agency theory enables the anticipation of patterns of behaviour. However, this only occurs under “normal” conditions. Abnormal conditions occur when pathologies develop in the agency, especially within its Piagetian intelligences. An understanding of these pathologies, therefore, constitutes an appreciation of how abnormal behaviour develops. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Different classifications of pathology are considered: autopathic and sociopathic, transitive and lateral pathologies, epistemological and ontological pathologies, within a system and outside system effects of pathologies. The effects of pathologies are inefficacy, loss of cohesion within a system, emerging neurosis, and not least corruption. Findings – Within Agency Mindset Theory, four types of pathologies are identified: being detached from the cultural system, behaviour does not conform to extant values; an inhibited figurative intelligence is disturbing self‐reference and resulting in incapability to learn cognitively; the operative system does not respond to strategic intentions: operative decision making is not anchored in ethical, ideological or strategic specifications of the social system; action and behaviour of the organisation are driven by outside interests. Research limitations/implications – This part of the research could only provide a framework for theoretically identifying the systemic roots of pathologies within social systems, but not provide an in‐depth analysis of the shifts in values and practices, which accompany the emergence of pathologies. Practical implications – The research is indicating that emergent pathologies and moves towards corruption could be either identified through underlying shifts in values and practices, but also through reduced functions (inefficacies) of the indispensable internal processes of an organisation (a social system), be it action‐oriented or learning‐oriented processes. Originality/value – The paper draws on earlier work undertaken in the last few years by the same authors, who in a new way are pursuing new directions and extensions of that earlier research.

Ramsey Affifi

2014 Kybernetes

doi: 10.1108/K-10-2012-0080

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to interconnect pedagogy and biology via second‐order cybernetics. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken is that of a synthesis. Findings – Biology can better deal with intersubjectivity within and between species by incorporating approaches and theory from education inquiry. Conversely, educators can de‐anthropocentrize their discipline by entering into learning relationships with other species. By rallying around the concept of “eduction”, second‐order cybernetics plays a role in both syntheses. Practical implications – De‐anthropocentrizing education could have practical value in creating ecologically relevant education for children and in developing more integrated environmental impact assessments. Originality/value – Finding convergence between the study of life and forms of practitioner inquiry in education research, and connecting these to the environmental movement.