• Journal of Computing Science and Engineering
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.177-194
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• 2007

Index selection is one of the most important decisions to take in the physical design of relational data warehouses. Indices reduce significantly the cost of processing complex OLAP queries, but require storage cost and induce maintenance overhead. Two main types of indices are available: mono-attribute indices (e.g., B-tree, bitmap, hash, etc.) and multi-attribute indices (join indices, bitmap join indices). To optimize star join queries characterized by joins between a large fact table and multiple dimension tables and selections on dimension tables, bitmap join indices are well adapted. They require less storage cost due to their binary representation. However, selecting these indices is a difficult task due to the exponential number of candidate attributes to be indexed. Most of approaches for index selection follow two main steps: (1) pruning the search space (i.e., reducing the number of candidate attributes) and (2) selecting indices using the pruned search space. In this paper, we first propose a data mining driven approach to prune the search space of bitmap join index selection problem. As opposed to an existing our technique that only uses frequency of attributes in queries as a pruning metric, our technique uses not only frequencies, but also other parameters such as the size of dimension tables involved in the indexing process, size of each dimension tuple, and page size on disk. We then define a greedy algorithm to select bitmap join indices that minimize processing cost and verify storage constraint. Finally, in order to evaluate the efficiency of our approach, we compare it with some existing techniques.

• International Journal of Quality Innovation
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.101-122
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• 2003

With the development of the American Customer satisfaction index (ACSI), research on customer satisfaction measurement or evaluation methods have become significant in the last decade. Most of international customer satisfaction barometers or indices are evolved based on the cause and effect relationship model of ACSI. Of critical importance to validity of customer satisfaction indices is how to construct a measurement attribute or indicator model and provide an effective implementation method effectively. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a very useful tool for translating the customer voice into product design through quality engineering. In fact, this is a methodology for measuring and analyzing evaluation indicators by their relationship matrix. In this paper, we will make an effort to integrate the framework of QFD into the measurement problem of customer satisfaction, and also develop a new multi-phase QFD model for evaluation of Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). From the houses of quality in this model, the evaluation indicators impacting on customer's global satisfaction are identified by means of their relationship matrix. Then the evaluation indicator hierarchy and its measurement method for the customer satisfaction index are presented graphically. Furthermore, survey data from the Chinese automobile maintenance sector and a relevant case study are utilized to show the implementation method of the QFD model used to measure and analyze of customer satisfaction.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.83-91
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• 2015

Purpose - Despite the structural irrationality of multi-level transportation and the oil price rise, the domestic freight transportation market continues to grow, mirroring the rise in e-commerce and resultant increase in courier services and freight volumes. Several studies on courier services have been conducted. However, few studies or statistics have been published regarding regular freight services although they have played a role in the freight service market. The present study identifies the characteristics of regular freight service users to seek competitiveness enhancement measures specific to regular freight services. Research design, data, and methodology - IPA is a comparative analysis of the relative importance of and satisfaction with each attribute simultaneously. This study used IPA because it facilitates the process of analyzing importance and performance, deriving implications and a visual understanding of results. To enhance the competitiveness of regular freight services, this study surveyed its current users regarding the importance of the regular freight service factors. A total of 200 copies of a questionnaire were circulated and 190 copies were returned. In addition to demographics, respondents answered questions about the importance of and satisfaction with services on a 5-point Likert scale. Excluding 3 inappropriate copies, 187 out of 190 copies were analyzed. PASW Statistics 18 was used for statistical analysis. A total of 20 question items were selected for the service factors presented in the questionnaire based on the 1st pilot survey and previous studies. Results - According to the IPA performed to compare the importance of and satisfaction with service factors, both importance and satisfaction are high in the 1st quadrant, which involves the economic advantage of using regular freight services, quick arrival at destinations, weight freight handling, and less time constraints on freight receipt/dispatch. This area requires continuous management. Satisfaction is higher than importance in the 2nd quadrant, which involves the adequacy of freight, cost savings over ordinary courier services, notification on freight arrival, and freight tracking information. This area requires intensive investment and management. Satisfaction is lower than importance in the 3rd quadrant, involving the credit card payment system, courier delivery service, distance to freight handling sites, easy access to freight handling sites, and prompt problem solving. This area requires further intensive management. Both importance and satisfaction are low in the 4th quadrant, involving the availability of collection service, storage space at freight handling sites, kindness of collection/delivery staff, kindness of outlet staff, and easy delivery checks. This area is a set of variables should be excluded from priority control targets. Conclusions - Based on the IPA, service factors that need priority controls because of high importance and low satisfaction include the credit card payment system, delivery service, distance to freight handling sites, easy access to freight handling sites, and prompt problem solving. The findings need to be applied to future marketing strategies for regular freight services and for developing competitiveness enhancement programs.