Journal of Academic Opinion

Grey Wolf Optimızation Algorithm In Project Scheduling Problems: An Application In The Museum Design Sector

Semih Vergi, Emre Aslan — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In this study, the aim is to address the scheduling problem encountered in the project management of a company operating in the museum design sector by utilizing the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm, a meta-heuristic approach. The completion times of 19 different activities related to the project scheduling problem addressed in the research, which teams will undertake the activities, the precedencies related to the activities and the constraints encountered in the problem are known. The scheduling problem, which focuses on the processes related to interior design and the creation of exhibition spaces, aims to minimize the completion time. The solution to the problem, along with its data and constraints, was obtained using the Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm implemented in Python. The company set a target completion time of 260 days, while the Critical Path Method (CPM) calculated a duration of 242 days. However, the applied GWO method reordered tasks within the framework of constraints and variables, achieving a completion time of 213 days. This outcome represents a successful result compared to the initially defined timeframes. Consequently, solving a real operational process problem in the museum design sector with a successful outcome highlights the originality of this research.

Housing Prices In Turkey: Macroeconomic Factors and Structural Changes

Hidayet Duzcu, Rüstem Yanar — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines the effects of macroeconomic variables on housing prices in Turkey within the framework of structural breaks. Given Turkey’s geopolitical position and its frequent economic fluctuations driven by both domestic and external dynamics, the originality of this study lies in conducting all analyses by incorporating structural breaks. The empirical analysis utilizes monthly data from 2015 to 2023, employing time series methods to investigate the determinants of housing prices. By considering structural breaks in all analyses, the study emphasizes long-term and permanent effects rather than short-term economic shocks. The analyses are conducted within the framework of supply-side and demand-side variables. The results indicate a significant causal relationship between cement production, construction cost index, and the housing price index among supply-side variables. However, no direct relationship is found between building permits and the housing price index. On the demand side, a significant causal relationship is identified between the housing price index and all demand-side variables. The findings highlight that structural breaks are a crucial determinant of the housing market and provide valuable insights for policymakers regarding the long-term effects of macroeconomic variables.

Energy Poverty, Income Distribution, and Macroeconomic Stability: An Evaluation from the Perspective of Sustainable Development

Yunus Budak — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study approaches energy poverty not merely as an issue of physical access to energy but as a multidimensional development problem, considering its implications for income distribution inequalities, social exclusion, regional development disparities, and macroeconomic stability. Through analyses conducted on the case of Turkey, it is observed that energy poverty is particularly concentrated in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups due to infrastructural deficiencies, low income levels, and insufficient social protection mechanisms. It is observed that some households in these regions are unable to adequately heat their homes and struggle to afford energy costs. This situation positions energy poverty not only as a matter of individual welfare loss but also as a structural problem that deepens social inequalities and economic vulnerabilities. In this study, policy recommendations are developed to reduce inequalities in energy access, including enhancing social assistance through more precise targeting mechanisms, promoting energy efficiency projects, and encouraging local renewable energy solutions. Moreover, it is emphasized that energy poverty should be addressed not only within the framework of social policy but also from the perspective of macroeconomic stability. In this context, the study underscores the need to restructure energy policies with a holistic approach that prioritizes social justice, economic balance, and environmental sustainability in line with sustainable development goals.

Keywords: Energy Poverty, Income Distribution, Macroeconomic Stability, Sustainable Development

Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows in Agricultural Food Sector: Mathematical Modeling Example on Taşköprü Garlic

Fuat Karamahmutoğlu, Adem Tüzemen — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Logistics plays a critically important role in establishing a sustainable supply chain in the agricultural food sector. This study examines the logistical optimization problem faced by a garlic-producing company in Taşköprü district of Kastamonu for the monthly distribution of 24 tons of products to 18 different cities. In the research, a detailed mathematical model was developed for the time-windowed vehicle routing problem (TWVRP) and this model was solved using GAMS Studio (49.6.1) software. The developed model simultaneously optimizes different acceptance hours at each delivery point, 4-ton vehicle capacity constraints, and multi-point distribution requirements. The model solution reached the optimal result after a computation time of 14 hours and 38 minutes, determining a total of 7 different routes. According to the obtained findings, the total distribution cost was determined as 161.612,88 TL. This means that the average distribution cost per kilogram is 6,73 TL. In terms of effective vehicle capacity utilization, 100% capacity was achieved on 57% of the routes, while 87.5% capacity utilization was achieved on 3 routes, and 25% capacity utilization was achieved on the remaining 1 route.These routes, covering a total distance of 10.802 km, meet all time window constraints, and with the longest route being 2,154 km, they remain within legal working time limits with two drivers. When examining the cost structure, driver costs constitute 40.1% of the total cost (64.818 TL), fuel expenses account for 38.5% (62.225,28 TL), and vehicle depreciation costs represent 21.4% (34.569,60 TL). It has been determined that the proposed model provides an applicable solution for systematic planning of time-critical deliveries in the agricultural food sector and offers a scalable optimization tool for similar enterprises.

Digital Transformation and Economic Sustainability: A comparative analysis of Romania, Poland and Hungary

Marta Stoian, Maxim Cetulean, Razvan Bujor — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This paper investigates the impact of fixed broadband penetration on labor productivity in three Central and Eastern European countries: Romania, Poland, and Hungary. The accelerated digitization of European economies has become an essential element in national and European development strategies, especially in the context of the transformations imposed by recent crises. This paper analyzes to what extent investments in digital infrastructure – particularly the expansion of high-speed internet networks – contribute to increasing economic efficiency, with a focus on labor productivity. The analysis is based on annual data collected from 2014 to 2023, using simple linear regression models for each country in order to capture national specificities. However, the intensity and consistency of this relationship vary among the three analyzed states, suggesting an important role of the institutional context, the level of digital literacy, and public policies in maximizing the economic benefits of digitalization. The work does not limit itself to highlighting a simple correlation, but also emphasizes the necessary conditions for digitization to generate sustainable long-term effects. In this regard, elements such as the quality of governance, support strategies for SMEs in the process of digital transformation, reducing regional disparities in digital infrastructure, and stimulating innovation through coherent policies are discussed. In conclusion, the study proposes a set of public policy recommendations, focusing on expanding infrastructure in rural areas, developing the digital skills of the workforce, supporting the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as strengthening the institutional framework. These measures are essential to fully harness the potential of digitalization and to ensure sustainable economic development in the emerging economies of Europe.

Income Inequality and Human Development: An Empirical Analysis for Turkey

Ayşenur Kaya, Bünyamin Demirgil — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Income inequality is a significant issue that affects social welfare and sustainable development, while the level of human development is one of the fundamental indicators that enhances individuals’ quality of life. The connection between income inequality and human development holds an important place in the design of social and economic policies. Therefore, reducing disparities in income distribution is critical for sustainably improving human development indicators. This study aims to empirically reveal the dynamic relationship between these two variables in the case of Türkiye. For this purpose, annual data covering the period 1990–2023 were considered, and the long-run relationship between the variables was analyzed using the ARDL bounds testing approach. The results indicate the existence of a long-run relationship between the variables. According to the findings of the ARDL bounds test, the Human Development Index has a statistically significant and negative effect on income inequality. In this context, an increase in human development reduces the Gini coefficient, which implies a decline in income inequality. The main contribution of this study to the literature lies in empirically testing the long-run dynamics between human development and income inequality for Türkiye and providing evidence-based implications for policymakers seeking to improve income distribution.

Embracing the Unruly: Rethinking Informal Settlements Through Shifting Perceptions

Ola K. Esmail — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This research paper challenges conventional urban planning approaches by advocating for the integration of informal settlements. Drawing a novel parallel between the evolving societal acceptance of curly hair and the shifting perceptions of informal settlements, the paper argues that both have been historically marginalized due to perceptions of disorder and incompatibility with established norms. However, a paradigm shift is occurring, with curly hair now celebrated for its individuality and natural beauty, mirroring a growing recognition of the resilience, creativity, and valuable contributions of informal settlements to urban life. The paper explores this evolving narrative, advocating for inclusive urban planning strategies that actively engage residents of informal settlements, recognizing their strengths, and promoting equitable and sustainable urban development. Through a conceptual framework utilizing the curly hair metaphor, the paper outlines advocacy strategies—including storytelling, education, and community-led action—to achieve this transformative shift in perception and practice.