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1 – 10 of 233A.M. Leman, A.R. Omar, Won Jung and M.Z.M. Yusof
This paper aims to develop of an industrial air pollution monitoring system (IAPMOS) as one of the target solutions for monitoring mechanisms in the workplace.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop of an industrial air pollution monitoring system (IAPMOS) as one of the target solutions for monitoring mechanisms in the workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
Quality function deployment approaches were used in this study. The process of getting data from workers was by using questionnaires. The questionnaire regarding the welding process work environment was given to two selected automotive industries located in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Findings
From the data, the system development was analysed in order to formalize the specific needs of workers and management. The preliminary data were discussed regarding the development process and reliability factors that influenced the IAPMOS. The voice of the customer was then input during the design stage of IAPMOS.
Research limitations/implications
The monitoring of industrial air pollution which was done in the welding process used a direct reading method and the date was assigned as “base line” during system development. The standards International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001: 2008, ISO 14001: 2008, and the Malaysia Standard, MS 1722: 2003 were the major sources helping to improve the working environments. The working environment is important to productivity and has a direct impact on human intervention.
Social implications
Poor working environments will give a negative impact and an uncondusive work environment will create a potential health hazard and less productivity.
Originality/value
The paper provides information to aid in improving workplace environment.
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A.M. Leman, M.Z.M. Yusof, A.R. Omar and W. Jung
The purpose of this paper is to define an environmental quality index (EQI) for a clean manufacturing process. The categorized clean and sustainable manufacturing process in a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to define an environmental quality index (EQI) for a clean manufacturing process. The categorized clean and sustainable manufacturing process in a small and medium enterprise, and the indoor air quality (IAQ) parameter and air pollution in manufacturing were monitored and evaluated using the EQI index.
Design/methodology/approach
Two main methods of measurements used are subjective measurements and physical measurements. Questionnaires were used to gauge subjects' level of understanding in issues related to IAQ and to determine types of activities, process and material involved in each working section. Physical measurements and testing methods employed were based on widely used and accepted scientific practice, as described in standards. The Malaysian code of practice on IAQ was also used as a reference.
Findings
The EQI in various workstations were calculated and ranged between four and 16 (i.e. four to 16, from good to unhealthy) depending on the nature of activities taking place in those work stations.
Research limitations/implications
In this paper, the monitoring of pollutants used a scale of one to five to denote the level of pollution by individual pollutants and assumed those pollutants are additive in the mixture of the EQI. The working environment is important to productivity and has a direct impact on human health.
Originality/value
The paper shows how the EQI will have a significant impact on occupational safety and health in the workplace and how an uncondusive work environment will be a potential health hazard and result in less productivity.
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Matthew Abunyewah, Thayaparan Gajendran, Kim Maund and Seth Asare Okyere
Disaster information is an important resource for flood preparedness, however, the transition of information provision to preparedness and consequently to damage reduction is…
Abstract
Purpose
Disaster information is an important resource for flood preparedness, however, the transition of information provision to preparedness and consequently to damage reduction is complex. The nature of complexity has made it imperative to provide context-specific evidence on how disaster information provision influences intentions to prepare for flood hazard. This paper seeks to investigate how message clarity and source credibility mediate and moderate the relationship between information sufficiency and intentions to prepare. This paper aims to provide valuable insights into the relationship between the major components of disaster communication and their influence on intentions to prepare.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a cross-sectional survey design to test the relationship between information sufficiency, message clarity and source credibility. A total of 1,064 questionnaire surveys were conducted on a face-to-face basis. The data collection was done in one month with ten research assistants. Participants of the study were randomly selected from adults over 18-years old who have lived in the study areas for at least three years. Responses from participants were analysed using a structural equation modelling (SEM) technique and SPSS AMOS version 24 software.
Findings
Findings suggest that the information sufficiency-intentions to prepare relationship is enhanced when adequate disaster information communicated is clear and from a credible source. This implies that policymakers and risk communicators need to critically assess the clarity of disaster information content and the credibility of the source in the dissemination of information during the communication process. It also provides a better understanding of the factors that influence people’s intentions to prepare for flood hazards.
Research limitations/implications
This current study did not account for the specific nature or content of information necessary to increase message clarity and source credibility for disaster preparedness. In addition, the study did not cover the channels of communication ideal to stimulate people’s intentions to flood preparedness. Although these do not undermine the significance of the present study, they present entry points for further studies. In view of the on-going urbanisation dynamics and the complex socio-spatial patterns emerging in the Greater Accra Area, it is recommended that further studies explore the channels of communication that will suit the diverse socio-spatial profile of residents (e.g. age, location, ethnicity, etc.).
Originality/value
While a plethora of studies emphasize the role of source credibility, information sufficiency and message clarity towards disaster preparedness, there is at present little evidence on the mediating and moderating role of the communication variables. In this study, we propose and test the mediating and moderating role of message clarity and source credibility on the relationship between information sufficiency and intentions to prepare. The findings of this paper provide other incentives that encourage message audiences to take up precautionary measures towards flood hazards. In addition, with a view that people fail to prepare because of lack of sufficient information, the study findings suggest that the provision of sufficient information may enhance preparedness.
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Vikrant Sharma and Dheeraj Nimawat
The purpose of this article is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the cellular manufacturing system (CMS) literature published from 1982–2021 to identify key issues and trends…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the cellular manufacturing system (CMS) literature published from 1982–2021 to identify key issues and trends for the future.
Design/methodology/approach
A six-stage methodology is used to conduct a literature review, which includes: (1) article collection; (2) inclusion/exclusion criteria; (3) reviewing the articles; (4) analyzing the articles; (5) framework development; and (6) future research directions. A total of 936 CMS-specific articles are reviewed. This paper made use of three software tools: the R package, VOSviewer and SciMAT.
Findings
According to the findings, the majority of CM researchers focused on cell formation and design. The USA, Iran and India are the top three leading publishers. Additionally, the gap and future direction of CM are discussed.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first attempt to investigate CMS evaluation through bibliometric and thematic analysis and provides a decisional framework as well as steps for CMS adoption. For individuals who are interested in understanding more about CMS and its evolution, this paper offers a starting point.
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Muhammad Wasif Hanif, Shakir Hafeez and Muhammad Asim Afridi
To deal with the issue of irresponsible consumer behavior, this study aims to find out the significant determinants that direct sustainability in consumers' responsible behavior.
Abstract
Purpose
To deal with the issue of irresponsible consumer behavior, this study aims to find out the significant determinants that direct sustainability in consumers' responsible behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is quantitatively designed (survey approach) and targeted 520 respondents by deploying multistage sampling technique. The collected data is statistically analyzed in SEM-path analysis technique through Smart PLS 3.
Findings
The outcomes of study indicated that awareness of wasteful consumption (ß = 0.27, p = 0.00) and wastophobia (ß = 0.73, p = 0.00) strongly influence consumers’ mind to bring sustainability in responsible behavior.
Practical implications
This study suggests that the empirically tested wastophobia model can pave foundations in the theoretical literature to manage waste other than electricity waste, including time, food, water, agriculture, garbage, hazardous environmental pollution and natural reservoirs waste.
Originality/value
The study originates that promoting various conscious and unconscious aspects of wasteful consumption by focusing on fearful consequences of electricity waste supports to bring sustainability in consumers’ responsible behavior.
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Khadidja El-Bahdja Djebbar and Abderahemane Mokhtari
This study aims to examine the awareness of the inhabitants regarding energy consumption in relation to comfort in Tlemcen and analyze the paths of influence and the effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the awareness of the inhabitants regarding energy consumption in relation to comfort in Tlemcen and analyze the paths of influence and the effects of individual objective and subjective characteristic factors. This determines the factors' level of perception of the importance of energy retrofitting.
Design/methodology/approach
As part of an exploratory empirical study, this paper further discusses accompanied survey data from a sample of 208 properties, through a triangulation of in-depth qualitative studies and quantitative studies developed and analyzed by SPSS software (the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences).
Findings
Analysis of the results of the survey shows that the respondents have a level of awareness on comfort linked to energy savings but they lack guidance and recourse to specialists. The conclusion is that resident awareness is crucial and beneficial and that the key socio-demographic characteristics to determine the perception factors are related to age, occupation, household size and time lived in the house.
Originality/value
By exploring some of the key insights from the survey, this research improves residents' perception of the importance of energy retrofitting in the residential sector, highlighting the importance of priorities. This influences public attitudes and contributes to raising awareness in order to provide useful results for developing, in future studies, motivational strategies for these inhabitants. The present research is expected to add value to existing studies academically and methodologically and provide policy guidance to policy makers and other energy efficiency (EE) practitioners in the Maghreb region and beyond.
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Nur Syazwani Suhaimi, Muhammad Abi Sofian Abdul Halim and Hafiza Aishah Hashim
This study examines the perception and attitudes of academicians regarding factors that influence the commercialization of university research.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the perception and attitudes of academicians regarding factors that influence the commercialization of university research.
Design/methodology/approach
The data sample was drawn using a proportionate stratified sampling approach. A self-administered survey was used to obtain data regarding the perception of academicians on the factors that contribute to research commercialization. A total of 131 academicians completed the survey. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results showed that two factors are significant and positively related with commercialization: the academician's behaviour and University-Industry collaboration. Surprisingly, the factors of innovativeness and Intellectual Property management did not have a significant relationship with commercialization.
Research limitations/implications
For future work, researchers should conduct in-depth interviews with the executive management at research universities and at the Ministry of Education Malaysia to complement our quantitative survey. These decision-makers act as funding sources for commercialization and can provide richer evidence regarding important factors affecting commercialization. They can also provide insight on the issues that prevent the commercialization of research from becoming a reality.
Originality/value
Commercialization of Malaysia's university research findings is a critical agenda item in the National Higher Education Strategic Plan. However, in Malaysia, the rate of commercialization of academic research is still unsatisfactory. This study provides important insights regarding intentions behind commercialization by depicting how factors of academic research (i.e. academician's behaviour, innovativeness, Intellectual Properties management, University-Industry collaboration) influence commercialization.
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La région du haut‐lac Léman doit sa réputation mondiale non seulement à la beauté de ses sites, à la douceur de son climat et à l'excellente organisation de ses hôtels bien…
Abstract
La région du haut‐lac Léman doit sa réputation mondiale non seulement à la beauté de ses sites, à la douceur de son climat et à l'excellente organisation de ses hôtels bien aménagés. Montreux est encore le pays classique des chemins de fer de montagne. En effet, les Montreusiens ont, dans ce domaine, accompli un vrai travail de pionnier.
J. Jacob, J.A. Colin, H. Montemayor, D. Sepac, H.D. Trinh, S.F. Voorderhake, P. Zidkova, J.J.H. Paulides, A. Borisaljevic and E.A. Lomonova
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that using advanced powertrain technologies can help outperform the state of the art in F1 and LeMans motor racing. By a careful choice…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that using advanced powertrain technologies can help outperform the state of the art in F1 and LeMans motor racing. By a careful choice and sizing of powertrain components coupled with an optimal energy management strategy, the conflicting requirements of high-performance and high-energy savings can be achieved.
Design/methodology/approach
Five main steps were performed. First, definition of requirements: basic performance requirements were defined based on research on the capabilities of Formula 1 race cars. Second, drive cycle generation: a drive cycle was created using these performance requirements as well as other necessary inputs such as the track layout of Circuit de la Sarthe, the drag coefficient, the tire specifications, and the mass of the vehicle. Third, selection of technology: the drive cycle was used to model the power requirements from the powertrain components of the series-hybrid topology. Fourth, lap time sensitivity analysis: the impact of certain design decisions on lap time was determined by the lap time sensitivity analysis. Fifth, modeling and optimization: the design involved building the optimal energy management strategy and comparing the performance of different powertrain component sizings.
Findings
Five different powertrain configurations were presented, and several tradeoffs between lap time and different parameters were discussed. The results showed that the fastest achievable lap time using the proposed configurations was 3 min 9 s. It was concluded that several car and component parameters have to be improved to decrease this lap time to the required 2 min 45 s, which is required to outperform F1 on LeMans.
Originality/value
This research shows the capabilities of advanced hybrid powertrain components and energy management strategies in motorsports, both in terms of performance and energy savings. The important factors affecting the performance of such a hybrid race car have been highlighted.
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