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Article
Publication date: 9 March 2010

Florencia Edith Wiria, Novella Sudarmadji, Kah Fai Leong, Chee Kai Chua, E. Wei Chng and Chian Chai Chan

In recent years, selective laser sintering (SLS) has been used in the biomedical field, including building small‐scaled biomedical devices such as tissue engineering scaffolds and…

1240

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, selective laser sintering (SLS) has been used in the biomedical field, including building small‐scaled biomedical devices such as tissue engineering scaffolds and drug delivery devices. A compact adaptation system for the SLS is needed to obtain a more effective and efficient way of sintering small‐scale prototypes so as to reduce powder wastage. Limitations of available smaller‐scale adaptation devices include the need of additional electrical supplies for the device. The purpose of this paper is to report the development of such a system to be mounted at the SLS part bed without any additional energy supply.

Design/methodology/approach

The compact adaptation device works on the concept of transferring the motion of the SLS part bed onto the part bed of the compact adaptation device. The device is an integrated attachment that is fixed onto the building platform of the SLS. The gear system of the device lifts the powder supply bed at both sides of the device simultaneously when the part bed at the center of the device is lowered. To further increase powder saving, an improved powder delivery system named alternative supply mechanism (ASM) is mounted on top of the roller to be coupled together with the compact adaptation device.

Findings

Powder saving up to 6.5 times compared to using full build version of the Sinterstation 2500 has been achieved by using the compact adaptation device. Furthermore, powder wastage has been reduced by 84 percent when using the ASM compared to the compact adaptation device alone.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the development and viability of adaptation devices for SLS to significantly reduce powder consumption by using solely mechanical means to build small parts without using external power supply.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1999

Richard J. Bauer and Julie R. Dahlquist

Discusses research ideas on the distinctions between data, information and knowledge, the categories of knowledge and knowledge‐processing activities in Holsapple and Whinston’s…

Abstract

Discusses research ideas on the distinctions between data, information and knowledge, the categories of knowledge and knowledge‐processing activities in Holsapple and Whinston’s (HW’s) taxonomy (1987, 1988a, 1988b), and their application to markets and the activities of the firm. Describes a manufacturing firm’s inputs, production processes and outputs in terms of HW’s taxonomy, pointing out that management must filter the information surrounding the firm to turn it into knowledge of various types, e.g. descriptive, derived, assimilative etc. Considers the role of information for customers of and investors in the firm; and the relationship between knowledge and efficiency. Identifies three types of knowledge workers (builders, stewards and appliers) and calls for further research on the taxonomy of knowledge and standards of knowledge within the finance discipline.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2017

Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap and Seh Vian Goh

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of transit-oriented development (TOD), the perceptions of buyers and the establishment of the comfortable walking distance…

1912

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of transit-oriented development (TOD), the perceptions of buyers and the establishment of the comfortable walking distance. The literature indicates the requirement of TOD with increasing population in major cities.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, exploratory sequential mixed methods research approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted followed by questionnaire survey. The respondents were categorised based on their generation cohorts to further understand their acuities on TOD.

Findings

The key consideration factors when buying houses in the TOD area are as follows: amenities related to jobs and family for Baby Boomers; time saving for Generation Y; and location for Generation X, i.e. house should be conveniently located in relation to working place, school, etc. Communities in Malaysia are willing to walk for five to ten minutes (approximately 400 to 800 m).

Research limitations/implications

Future studies can be enlarged to include other major cities in Malaysia and draw comparisons with neighbouring ASEAN countries.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights to property developers, consultants and government agencies for product development. Ultimately, TOD is the innovative sustainable solution for high-density urban planning and development.

Social implications

TOD is a sustainable development concept that encourages the use of public transportation system in order to reduce private motor vehicles usage.

Originality/value

This paper emphasises the potential of TOD, explores the perceptions of different generation cohorts in relation to TOD and establishes the comfortable walking distance for Malaysian communities. It also highlights the key factors of conveniences for TOD.

Details

Property Management, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2017

Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap and Anna Lock

Knowledge management (KM) is the central know how for the construction industry. However, the delivery of construction projects is often plagued by schedule delays and cost…

1769

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) is the central know how for the construction industry. However, the delivery of construction projects is often plagued by schedule delays and cost overruns due to lack of working knowledge of project personnel. Hence, the need to appraise the practices of knowledge management in the construction industry has become all the more germane. This paper aims to determine the awareness of KM practices in Malaysia-based construction small and medium enterprises, and to investigate the benefits, tools and techniques, and challenges associated with knowledge management implementation so that effective measures can be devised to address them.

Design/methodology/approach

The research data were gathered using a structured questionnaire survey disseminated in the Klang Valley region in Malaysia. Responses were collected from 107 industry practitioners. The quantitative data are subjected to descriptive statistics, and the ranking with category of significance of the hypothesised variables is determined using the relative importance index (RII) technique.

Findings

The key benefits of KM practices are predominantly raising efficiency, quality, productivity and decision-making. The most preferred KM techniques are “face-to-face interaction”, “mentoring” and “documents and reports”. The highly significant tools are “groupware” and “telephone”. The major organisational issue hampering the implementation of knowledge management practices is “lack of motivation” while the critical cultural issue is relating to “bureaucracy and hierarchical”, and the vital people issue concerns “lack of trust”.

Research limitations/implications

The respondents were limited to only small and medium construction enterprises located in the Klang Valley region in Malaysia, which makes generalisation challenging.

Practical implications

KM provides not only a pragmatic but also a proactive approach to raising the competitive edge and capabilities of a construction company. Identification of the critical attributes of KM provides the basis for project managers in formulating KM strategies to enhance the chances of successful delivery of future projects.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the debate on the knowledge agenda in the construction industry, particularly from a fast developing economy’s perspective, where an effective KM can further contribute to realising a reasonable level of competitiveness operation.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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