Sharif Digital Repository

This paper aims to determine the factors influencing technology transfer (TT) in an empirical study using structural equation modelling (SEM). A sample of 100 experts working in the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) as empirical study is randomly selected. The data are collected through the questionnaire and then analysed using LISREL software. Results show that law and policy, companies’ capabilities, skilled human resource, localisation of technology, and characteristics of technology significantly influence on the technology transfer. In addition, it is shown that the highest correlation is between companies’ capabilities and technology transfer. Fit indices show that the model has an... 

Creativity is a promoting factor in organizations. Having employees in structured and organized configurations in a creative manner, helps in improving the productivity. We investigate different structural aspects of teams' network organization and the creativity within a knowledge development program (KDP). The proposed methodology being equipped with a heuristic clustering technique, classifies the employees with respect to creativity parameters and configures a creativity matrix. Applying the creativity matrix, clustering is performed via mathematical programming. For large problems, a genetic algorithm (GA) is developed to solve the mathematical model. We also employ the Taguchi method... 

Here, a case study of natural gas network is conducted. We design an optimal distribution network of natural gas. Our proposed network is composed of stations reducing gas pressure to desirable pressure using consumer's viewpoint. By using minimum spanning tree (MST) technique, an optimal distribution network among stations and consumers is constructed. Our aim is to determine both locations and types of stations minimizing location-allocation costs in the network. A case study in Mazandaran Gas Company in Iran is made to assess the validity and effectiveness of the proposed model  

We consider the design of an optimal natural-gas network. Our proposed network contains two echelons, Town Broad Stations (TBSs), and consumers (demand zones). Here, our aim is a two-stage cost minimization. We first determine locations of the TBS so that the location-allocation cost is minimized. Then, we show how to distribute the flow of gas among the TBS minimizing the flow cost by using Minimum Spanning Tree (MST). A case study in Mazandaran Gas Company in Iran is made to assess the validity and effectiveness of our proposed model  

We design an optimal pipe diameter sizing in a tree-structured natural gas network. Design of pipeline, facility and equipment systems are necessary tasks to configure an optimal natural gas network. A mixed-integer programming model is formulated to minimise the total cost in the network. The aim is to optimise pipe diameter sizes so that the location-allocation cost is minimised. Pipeline systems in natural gas network must be designed based on gas flow rate, length of pipe, gas maximum drop pressure allowance and gas maximum velocity allowance. We use information based on relationship among gas flow rates and pipe diameter sizes considering gas pressure and velocity restrictions. We apply... 

An Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm is proposed for optimal tree-structured natural gas distribution network. Design of pipelines, facilities, and equipment systems are necessary tasks to configure an optimal natural gas network. A mixed integer programming model is formulated to minimize the total cost in the network. The aim is to optimize pipe diameter sizes so that the location-allocation cost is minimized. Pipeline systems in natural gas network must be designed based on gas flow rate, length of pipe, gas maximum pressure drop allowance, and gas maximum velocity allowance. We use the information regarding gas flow rates and pipe diameter sizes considering the gas pressure and...