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1 – 8 of 8Melis Baloğlu and Yüksel Demir
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how network theory and methods can provide insights into the forces shaping architectural learning agendas and knowledge construction…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how network theory and methods can provide insights into the forces shaping architectural learning agendas and knowledge construction in architectural schools.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology involves conceptualising learning as a constructivist process and the agenda as an interconnected network of actors, concepts and relations. Network analysis techniques, including centrality and brokerage metrics, are used to identify roles and knowledge flows using the data locally collected from Turkish universities as well as from the OpenSyllabus open-source database.
Findings
The analysis reveals the enduring influence of early modernists, signalling imbalanced canon formation in the architectural learning system. However, marginal voices highlight struggles in integrating unconventional perspectives. Limited integration of local figures indicates a consolidation of Eurocentric epistemes. Identifying these hidden forces is vital for reimagining learning agendas and socio-culturally engaged forms of learning. Pioneering figures demonstrate potential for synthesis when situated as brokers, not bifurcated schools.
Research limitations/implications
The outcomes are limited by the geographical and temporal boundaries of the data and the analysis method employed. Despite limitations, the diagnostic network framework reveals architectural learning as an open, contested ecosystem demanding pluralistic pedagogies concerning not only the global but the local, both canonical and marginal. Further research covering more data could enrich the understanding of qualitative complexities.
Practical implications
The network perspective prompts critical reflexivity about power, ideology and exclusion in knowledge construction. Strategic inclusion and diversification of voices provide pathways to bridge divides and ground learning locally.
Originality/value
This research offers a methodology model to examine forces and influences shaping architectural education by elucidating hidden and remote roles and knowledge gaps in learning agendas. Extending the techniques more widely can enable strategic interventions toward inclusive, impactful learning across disciplines, time and geographies.
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This study aims to examine the impact of specific printing factors, such as layer height, line width and build orientation, on the overall quality of fused filament fabrication…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of specific printing factors, such as layer height, line width and build orientation, on the overall quality of fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printed structures. The project also intends to use response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize ultimate tensile strength (UTS) while lowering surface roughness and printing time.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used an FFF printer to fabricate samples of polylactic acid (PLA), which were then subjected to assessments of tensile strength and surface roughness. A tensile test was conducted under standardized conditions according to the ASTM D638 standard test method using the AG-50 kN Shimadzu Autograph. The Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-210, which utilizes a needle-tipped inductive method, was used to determine surface roughness. RSM was used for optimization.
Findings
This work provides useful insights into how the printing parameters affect FFF 3D printed structures, which may be used to optimize the printing process and improve PLA-based 3D printed products' qualities. The determined optimal values for building orientation, layer height and line width were 0°, 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm, respectively. The total desirability value of 0.80 implies desirable outcomes, and good agreement between experimental and projected response values supports the suggested models.
Originality/value
Previous RSM studies for 3D printing parameter optimization focused on mechanical properties or surface aspects, however, few examined multiple responses and their interactions. This study emphasizes the relevance of FFF parameters like line width, which are often overlooked but can dramatically impact printing quality. Mechanical properties, surface quality and printing time are integrated to comprehend optimization holistically.
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Sibel Ejder Tekgündüz, Ayşe Gürol and Serap Ejder Apay
This study aims to understand how midwifery students view ethical rights concerning the usage of reproductive technologies.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to understand how midwifery students view ethical rights concerning the usage of reproductive technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
A series of focus groups were conducted with midwifery students who were asked to discuss four novel scenarios highlighting some of the most controversial issues on the ethics of assisted reproductive technologies. The sample consisted of third-year students studying at the Department of Midwifery of a university in the fall semester of the 2020–2021 academic year. In total, 60 students aged between 20 and 23 participated in the study (mean age 21.5 years).
Findings
Four scenarios that may be encountered in the use of assisted reproductive techniques were presented to the students. These scenarios were about IVF treatment, using the preimplantation gender identification technique, surrogate mother and using frozen zygotes. Four themes were identified from the analysis of the focus group data related to all four scenarios. These themes were: female reproduction, sex selection, surrogacy and reproductive cloning.
Originality/value
This study reveals what midwifery students consider essential components of assisted reproduction techniques, focusing on the professional attributes of shared decision-making. The results suggest that student midwives are sensitive to the range of ethical dilemmas associated with the increased use of technology in human reproduction, and construct distinct bound arise in relation to what is considered of benefit or good to the mother, parents, the child and to society. They also expressed their opposition to the excessive use of technological intervention, preferring instead to maintain a more naturalistic approach to reproduction.
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The purpose of this study is to analyze the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of companies using a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of companies using a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach. Specifically, the study examines Türkiye’s Top 500 Industrial Enterprises to analyze their performance before and during the pandemic, and to capture their performance in determining investment and production strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the study’s objectives, the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (F-BWM) was used to obtain importance levels of performance indicators, decreasing the vagueness in experts’ decision-making preferences. The Measurement Alternatives and Ranking According to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method was used to rank enterprises based on their performance.
Findings
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly had a substantial impact on the performance of Türkiye’s top 500 industrial enterprises. While some companies suffered decreased sales, others reported that their revenues increased or remained constant during the outbreak. The results reveal that the pandemic caused a shift in the initial ranking outcomes for the first two enterprises.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s limitations include the sample size and the time period under consideration, which may have an impact on the generalizability of the findings.
Practical implications
Decision-makers’ investment, employment and operational decisions were influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide insights for decision-makers on how to achieve higher growth and performance under the pressure of the pandemic.
Social implications
The study’s practical consequences help decision-makers understand how to attain higher growth and performance in the face of the epidemic.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in using a hybrid MCDM approach to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on company performance. A hybrid MCDM approach is proposed to help decision-makers make the best possible investment and implementation decisions.
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Nooshin Karimi Alavijeh and Samane Zangoei
Expansion of the consumption of renewable energy is a significant issue for reducing global warming, to cope with climate change and achieve sustainable development. This study…
Abstract
Purpose
Expansion of the consumption of renewable energy is a significant issue for reducing global warming, to cope with climate change and achieve sustainable development. This study aims to examine how research and development expenditure (R&D) affects renewable energy development in developed G-7 countries over the period from 2000 to 2019. Variables of trade liberalization and CO2 emissions are considered control variables.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has adopted a panel quantile regression. The impact of the variables on renewable development has been examined in quantiles of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 0.9. Also, a robust examination is accomplished by applying generalized quantile regression (GQR).
Findings
The empirical findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between R&D and the consumption of renewable energy in 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 quantiles. Also, the findings describe that the expansion of trade liberalization and CO2 emissions can significantly increase the development of renewable energy in G-7 countries. Furthermore, GQR verifies the main outcomes.
Practical implications
These results have very momentous policy consequences for the governments of G-7 countries. Therefore, investment and support for the R&D section to promote the development of renewable energy are recommended.
Originality/value
This paper, in comparison to other research, used panel quantile regression to investigate the impact of factors affecting renewable energy consumption. Also, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has perused the effect of R&D along with trade liberalization and carbon emissions on renewable energy consumption in G-7 countries. Also, in this paper, as a robustness check for panel quantile regression, the GQR has been used.
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Ather Azim Khan, Muhammad Ramzan, Shafaqat Mehmood and Wing-Keung Wong
This paper assesses the environment of legitimacy by determining the role of institutional quality and policy uncertainty on the performance of five major South Asian stock…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper assesses the environment of legitimacy by determining the role of institutional quality and policy uncertainty on the performance of five major South Asian stock markets (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) using 21 years data from 2000 to 2020. The focus of this study is to approach the issue of the environment of legitimacy that leads to sustained market returns.
Design/methodology/approach
Panel cointegration tests of Kao and Pedroni are applied, and the Dynamic Panel Vector Autoregressive (PVAR) model is used to determine the estimates.
Findings
ADF P-Values of both Kao and Pedroni tests show that the panels are cointegrated; the statistical significance of the results of the Kao and Pedroni panel cointegration test confirms cointegration among the variables. After determining the most appropriate lag, the analysis is done using PVAR. The results indicate that institutional quality, policy uncertainty, and GDP positively affect stock market return. Meanwhile, government actions and inflation negatively affect stock market returns. On the other hand, stock market return positively affects institutional quality, government action, policy uncertainty, and GDP. While stock market return negatively affects inflation.
Research limitations/implications
The sample is taken only from a limited number of South Asian countries, and the period is also limited to 21 years.
Practical implications
Based on our research findings, we have identified several policy implications recommended to enhance and sustain the performance of stock markets.
Originality/value
This paper uses a unique analytical tool, which gives a better insight into the problem. The value of this work lies in its findings, which also have practical implications and theoretical significance.
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Naila Fares, Jaime Lloret, Vikas Kumar, Guilherme F. Frederico and Oulaid Kamach
The purpose of the study is to propose a framework for fleet management and make suitable distribution solution choices in the food industry.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to propose a framework for fleet management and make suitable distribution solution choices in the food industry.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews the literature to examine food distribution criteria. These criteria are used in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) assessment and combined with discrete events simulation in a structured framework, which is validated through an empirical study.
Findings
The empirical case results demonstrate that both the AHP and discrete events simulation converge toward the same solution in most cases.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on distribution management and develops a framework that can both guide future research and aid logistics practitioners in analysing distribution decision-making systems in dynamic environments.
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Anwesa Kar and Rajiv Nandan Rai
The concept of sustainable product design (SPD) is gaining significant attention in recent research. However, due to inherent uncertainties associated with new product development…
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of sustainable product design (SPD) is gaining significant attention in recent research. However, due to inherent uncertainties associated with new product development and incorporation of multiple qualitative and quantitative criteria; SPD is a complex and challenging task. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel approach by integrating quality function deployment (QFD), multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique and Six Sigma evaluation for facilitating SPD in the context of Industry 4.0.
Design/methodology/approach
The customer requirements are evaluated through the neutrosophic-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory-analytic network process (DEMATEL-ANP)-based approach followed by utilizing QFD matrix to estimate the weights of the engineering characteristics (EC). The Six Sigma method is then employed to evaluate the alternatives’ design based on the ECs’ values.
Findings
The effectiveness of the suggested approach is illustrated through an example. The result indicates that utilization of the neutrosophic MCDM technique with integration of Six Sigma methodology provides a simple, effective and computationally inexpensive method for SPD.
Practical implications
The proposed approach is helpful in upstream evaluation of the product design with limited experimental/numerical data, maintaining a strong competitive position in the market and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Originality/value
This work provides a novel approach to objectively quantify performance of SPD under the paradigm of Industry 4.0 using the integration of QFD-based hybrid MCDM with Six Sigma method.
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