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Designing and implementing effective strategies for managing heritage resources throughout the world has become critically important as the impacts of climate change and human-caused destruction are increasingly felt. Of particular importance is the ability to identify and track fast- and slow-moving processes associated with weathering, erosion and the movement or removal of heritage objects by natural and human agents. In this paper, the authors demonstrate how 3D laser scanning can be used to detect and monitor changes to the Okotoks Erratic “Big Rock” Provincial Historic Resource in Alberta, Canada, over a period of 7 years.

Terrestrial laser scanning surveys of the Okotoks Erratic “Big Rock” Provincial Historic Resource were undertaken in 2013, 2016 and 2020. Registration was used to place the three epochs of point clouds into a unique datum for comparison using the cloud-to-cloud distance function in Cloud Compare.

The movement/repositioning of rocks around the base of the erratic, the emergence of “unofficial” paths and changes to interpretive trails and fencing were all identified at the site over the time period of the study.

Current conservation at the Okotoks Big Rock focus primarily on the rock art panels that are scattered over the erratic. The results of this study indicate they should be broadened so that the geological integrity of the site, which is intrinsically linked to its cultural value, can also be maintained.

This is the first study the authors are aware of that utilizes terrestrial laser scanning + change detection analysis to identify and track changes to a heritage site over a period as long as 7 years.

In recent decades, the student population in dormitories has increased notably, primarily attributed to the growing number of international students. Dormitories serve as pivotal environments for student development. The coordination and compatibility among students can significantly influence their overall success. This study aims to introduce an innovative method for roommate selection and room allocation within dormitory settings.

In this study, initially, using multi-attribute decision-making methods including the Bayesian best-worst method and weighted aggregated sum product assessment, the incompatibility rate among pairs of students is calculated. Subsequently, using a linear mathematical model, roommates are selected and allocated to dormitory rooms pursuing the twin objectives of minimizing the total incompatibility rate and costs. Finally, the grasshopper optimization algorithm is applied to solve large-sized instances.

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to two common alternatives, i.e. random allocation and preference-based allocation. Moreover, the proposed method’s applicability extends beyond its current context, making it suitable for addressing various matching problems, including crew pairing and classmate pairing.

This novel method for roommate selection and room allocation enhances decision-making for optimal dormitory arrangements. Inspired by a real-world problem faced by the authors, this study strives to offer a robust solution to this problem.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between total quality management practices and the organizational performance in the Jordanian construction chemicals companies.

In this research, ten constructs were used to measure TQM practices, whereas six constructs were used to measure the organizational performance. A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed to 28 companies. Of these 131 questionnaires were completed and used for the analysis, representing a response rate of 81.9 percent.

Analysis has shown that TQM practices positively affect the organizational performance, with a significant value for top management commitment, customer focus, supplier management, process control and continuous improvement.

Results were based on perceptual data provided by participants working in different sectors of the organization, which may not provide a clear picture. It would be appropriate to consider collecting information from several stakeholders such as customers and suppliers. Willingness of respondents and delivering data within time were a big challenge though efforts were made to guarantee the confidentiality of the respondents.

Results from this research points out that TQM is considered as a key-contributing factor to firm’s survival. It also provides empirical support that TQM implementation in manufacturing organizations contributes to the performance and survival of such organizations. This research also provides an understanding of the dynamic role of TQM practices that would help managers pay attention to the fundamental practices that have a direct impact on the firms’ performance. This will help the organizations to dedicate efforts and allocate resources to get the best long-term outcomes and to figure out their strengths and weaknesses to develop and implement a new strategy to enhance their competitive position.

Construction sector in Jordan is a competitive sector. Therefore, quality in such industry is vital. Many companies in Jordan have much interest in implementing TQM practices. However, research efforts related to this field are rare. No research papers investigating the relationship between TQM practices and performance in Jordanian construction chemicals companies have been found. This research, therefore, seeks to examine the relationship between TQM practices and the construction chemicals firms’ performance in Jordan.