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This paper aims to engage with the growing debate on the factors that affect e‐government adoption in the developing country of Jordan. The change from traditional interactions between government and citizens in Jordan to interaction via the web needs further exploration in order to understand the factors that might affect e‐government adoption by citizens. This paper therefore aims to report on a study to identify the main factors that influence citizens' intention to adopt e‐government websites in Jordan, using a theoretical framework consisting of diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) and the technology acceptance model (TAM).

A survey study of 400 Jordanian citizens who were internet users investigated the influence of the aforementioned factors on the adoption and use of e‐government websites. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Contrary to previous research, trust in the internet, relative advantage, compatibility and perceived ease of use were not found to be significant predictors of intention to use e‐government websites. Trust in government, website design, beliefs, complexity and perceived usefulness were significant factors in Jordanian citizens' intention to use e‐government websites.

This study is one of the few to examine what influences adoption and use of e‐government websites by citizens in the Middle East. The study clearly identifies the relationship between the constructs of “beliefs” (religious views) and website design and e‐government adoption, and explores the influence of attitudes towards e‐government adoption in Jordan. Although previous studies show similarities between the constructs related to DOI (relative advantage and complexity) and those related to TAM (perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEoU)), this research shows the importance of including these constructs when considering the topic of e‐government adoption in a Middle Eastern country.

This paper aims to thoroughly review the research literature concerning e‐service in the public sector (2000‐2009) for the purpose of summarising and synthesising the arguments and ideas of the main contributors to the development of e‐service research and explore the different perspectives. In addition, the paper attempts to identify the key characteristics of e‐service; and to gather conceptual perspectives on the nature, scope, and transformation to e‐service.

A classification of the relevant publications that are concerned with the theory and application of e‐service is presented together with potential future research areas.

Most of the literature has focused on the underlying perspectives of approaches to e‐service. It clearly acknowledges that contextual issues and factors influence e‐service. However, there is still no standard definition of the concept and vagueness about what exactly e‐service is, creating confusion and comparability issues, and making it difficult for researchers to build on each others' work. In addition, the key underlying theme throughout the literature is that e‐service in the public sector necessitates closer working relationships between government stakeholders.

By reviewing the relevant publications, the paper develops a clear articulation of the concept, nature, boundaries, components, and elements of e‐service which is significant in order to understand the e‐service research better and manage e‐service in the public sector. With a rapid growth in the volume of research output on the topic of e‐service, the paper considers different viewpoints, theories, and methods in e‐service research to date to draw conclusions about current status and possible future directions for e‐service in the public sector.

The purpose of this paper is to identify control systems that give rise to better construction project performance; and develop and test project performance predictive models based on control systems adopted in the project.

Research design was questionnaire survey. Data were collected via Electronic mails. The sampling frame was Singapore-based construction firms.

In all, 16 control mechanisms are significantly correlated with project outcomes. The more important control mechanisms are: adequacy of project information to develop the project schedule; adequacy of float in the schedule; and quality of techniques used to support risk identification. Two relatively robust predictive models were constructed and validated to predict schedule and quality outcomes of construction projects. Schedule performance may be predicted by adequacy of float and stringency of criteria to select suppliers. Quality outcome is most significantly affected by competency of quality manager, rather than the hard systems adopted in the project.

The limitations include low response rate, and subjective nature of the five-point Likert scale used to rate project outcomes and extent to which control mechanisms were adopted in the project.

The implication of the findings is that merely having good project management practices and adequate resources are not sufficient to achieve good project outcomes. Instead, construction projects need to have control systems in place, as they play an important role in project outcomes.

The paper has shown empirically that control systems affect project outcomes. They are needed not just to control the project, but also help the project to achieve good outcomes. The research designed and tested two relatively robust models to predict schedule and quality outcomes of a project. These models may be used to make an initial assessment of the project's likely outcome, based on the control systems that contractors are going to adopt.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework which connects theory with straightforward application of statistical process control (SPC) in discovering and analyzing causes of variation to eliminate quality problems, which not only helps small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to improve their processes but also helps to attain competitive positioning.

Based on theory and methodological framework, an experimental study has been presented. Use of histograms, X (bar) and R control charts and process capability plots and cause-and-effect diagrams have been made to analyse the assignable causes. A case from an SME engaged in machining of automotive parts is investigated.

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of SPC in evaluating and eliminating quality problems. The machine capability (C_P) and the process capability (C_Pk) values are also obtained to know inherent variation in the process. If these quality tools are applied with management support and apt knowledge, attained through proper training and motivation, then in this cut-throat competitive world, SMEs can establish their market position by enhancing the quality and productivity of their products/processes.

From the study, the authors conclude that application of SPC requires thorough preparation, management commitment and human resource management through proper training, teamwork and motivation embedded with a sound measurement and control system.

The present study bridges the gap between theory and practice by developing a conceptual framework and providing a practical support by illustrating a case from an SME engaged in machining of automotive parts.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a relatively straightforward approach of implementing standard statistical process control (SPC) concepts while instituting problem‐solving intonations in aero‐engine maintenance processes.

The inspection workflow approach is presented in order to aid in collecting and monitoring critical aero‐engine data. Observed defects are categorized according to a Pareto analysis assisted by a cause‐and‐effect diagram. A binomial process capability analysis is performed on nonconforming aero‐engines based on operating curves produced specifically for this case study. The time frame for experimental analysis is reflected in a span of six months.

It is found that a significant number of aero‐engines may be benefited by entering a more progressive maintenance program relying on predictive maintenance on the way to establishing a more effective Total Productive Maintenance scheme.

The case study showcases an approach to aero‐engine rejection statistical rates by accepting the fact that maintenance process may not be viewed as a process that may be limited to constant sampling.

For a long time, total quality management (TQM) tools have been deeply rooted in design, manufacturing and assembling of airliners and jet fighters alike. However, a comprehensive study focusing on the maintenance function of such complex machines may prove worthwhile now that an unstable global economy may prohibit extensive replacement of aging flying fleets.

With the lack of a prior practical unfolding in the field of genuine aero‐engine maintenance, this presentation aims to fill in the gap for engine rejection treatment. The variant operating curve notion introduced in the text is also a unique idea espoused for variable sampling situations when a binomial distribution is adopted.

Devoted to a description and evaluation of a selected maintenance process (assembly) at the aero‐engines maintenance unit of a large aerospace company by implementation of TQM tools, this paper attempts to identify the causes behind the defect observed and form the scientific platform for initiatives in a TQM‐governed enterprise and to broaden the principles of TQM for the selected process, prior to moving to a more structured plan that will include the entire unit.

Process monitoring and evaluation are organised by an application of control charts in order to provide vital information regarding the level of control in the selected process. Quality control data are contrasted with component specifications by employing control charts to provide a metric for the level of the process capability index. As a result a Fishbone diagram is constructed to identify existing interrelations between the causes responsible for the defect observed.

The maintenance process selected was the assembly process of an aero‐engine module (exhaust nozzle unit) at the aero‐engines maintenance unit of a large aerospace company. Process evaluation by means of multivariate control charts and tolerance analysis exhibited poor results. It was observed that certain measurement stations were out of control, whilst low actual capability index values were exhibited in others..

Process monitoring and evaluation carried out for the purposes of the present study had the form of an off‐line tool. The paper shows that the aero‐engines maintenance unit had no infrastructure for an online process control and monitoring system. Consequently, performed analysis indicated that the implied assembly process was inadequately implemented. As a result, the maintained assembly units were out of stated specifications limits.

The study contributes to the literature on TQM in the aerospace maintenance business.

The various quality improvement (QI) frameworks and maturity models described in the health services literature consider some aspects of QI while excluding others. This paper aims to present a concerted attempt to create a quality improvement maturity model (QIMM) derived from holistic principles underlying the successful implementation of system-wide QI programmes.

A hybrid methodology involving a systematic review (Phase 1) of over 270 empirical research articles and books developed the basis for the proposed QIMM. It was followed by expert interviews to refine the core constructs and ground the proposed QIMM in contemporary QI practice (Phase 2). The experts included academics in two academic conferences and 59 QI managers from the New Zealand health-care system. In-depth interviews were conducted with QI managers to ascertain their views on the QIMM and its applicability in their respective health organisations (HOs).

The QIMM consists of four dimensions of organisational maturity, namely, strategic, process, supply chain and philosophical maturity. These dimensions progress through six stages, namely, identification, ad-hoc, formal, process-driven, optimised enterprise and finally a way of life. The application of the QIMM by the QI managers revealed that the scope of QI and the breadth of the principles adopted by the QI managers and their HOs in New Zealand is limited.

The importance of QI in health systems cannot be overstated. The proposed QIMM can help HOs diagnose their current state and provide a guide to action achieving a desirable state of quality improvement maturity. This QIMM avoids reliance on any single QI methodology. HOs – using the QIMM – should retain full control over the process of selecting any QI methodology or may even cherry-pick principles to suit their needs as long as they understand and appreciate the true nature and scope of quality overstated. The proposed QIMM can help HOs diagnose their current state and provide a guide to action achieving a desirable state of quality improvement maturity. This QIMM avoids reliance on any single QI methodology. HOs – using the QIMM – should retain full control over the process of selecting any QI methodology or may even cherry-pick principles to suit their needs as long as they understand and appreciate the true nature and scope of quality.

This paper contributes new knowledge by presenting a maturity model with an integrated set of quality principles for HOs and their extended supply networks.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology that may assist quality professionals in assessing process variation with a combination of tools based on simple robust statistics. The technique targets alternative way of screening and detection of common and special causes in individuals' control charts (ICC).

The technique is using the classical box plot to detect and filter out outliers attributed to special causes. Then, the runs test is used to partition the data streak at points where the p‐value exceeds an assigned critical value. The transition between partitions is where the onset of a common cause is suspected.

The approach presented is supplemented with a case study from foundry operations in large‐scale can‐making operations. It is demonstrated how the magnesium content of an aluminium alloy is trimmed against special causes and then the location of the common causes is identified in a step‐by‐step fashion.

The proposed method is useful when the collected data do not seem to comply with a known reference distribution. Since it is rare that an initial monitoring of a process will abide to normality, this technique saves time in recycling control charting which point often to misleading assignable causes. This is because the outliers are identified through the box plot one and out.

The technique identifies and eliminates quickly the off‐shoot values that tend to cause major instability in a process. Moreover, the onset for non‐assignable data points is detected in an expedient fashion without the need to remodel each time the inspected data series or to test against a score of multifarious test rules. The ingredients of the method have been well researched in the past, therefore, they may be implemented immediately without a further need to prove their worth.

The method mixes up two distinctive robust tools in a unique manner to aid quality monitoring to become fortified against data model inconsistencies. The technique is suitable for controlling processes that generate numerical readings. As such, the approach is projected to be useful for industrial as well as service operations.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a set of process capability indices (PCIs) which are based on robust and agile statistics such that they may be applicable irrespective of the process status.

The four popular PCIs – Cp, Cpk, Cpm and Cpmk – are reconstructed to improve location and dispersion predictions by introducing robust estimators such as the median and the interquartile range. The proposed PCIs are sequentially evaluated in partitioned regions where fluctuations are inspected to be not significant. The runs test playing the role of a detector permits marking those regions between two consecutive appearances of causes that disrupt data randomness. Wilcoxon's one-sample test is utilized to approximate PCI's central tendency and its confidence interval across all formed partitions.

The Cpmk depicted the most conservative view of the process status when tracking the magnesium content in a showcased aluminum manufacturing paradigm. Cp and Cpk were benchmarked with controlled random data. It was found that the proposed set of robust PCIs are substantially less prone to false alarm in predicting non-conforming units in comparison to the regular PCIs.

The recommended method for estimating PCIs is purely distribution-free and thus deployable at any process maturity level. The advantageous approach defends vigorously against the influence of intruding sources of unknown and unknowable variability. Therefore, the predicament here is to protect the monitoring indicators from unforeseen data instability and breakdown, which are conspicuous in wreaking havoc in managerial decisions.

There is an urgency to build a critical view of information and communication technologies in society and education in order to harness their pedagogical potential. Generally, the Covid-19 pandemic demanded transformation, which is one of the possibilities in times of crisis. Despite the pandemic exposing digital exclusion in many parts of the planet, digital technologies concurrently have overcome, at least in part, social isolation through the provision of remote activities. The functionality of technologies motivated the question that guides the present investigation: how does the use of technologies before, during, and after the pandemic period appear in the products of the ISATT academic community? The objective is to come to know the contribution of ISATT and the degree to which its input is current and relevant. To meet our goal, we conducted an exploratory study gathering data by means of Google Form questionnaire. ISATT members invited to answer the questionnaire were also participants in the survey. Our intent is to map and describe the relationship between technology and creative teaching and categorize the different approaches used. Our analysis will allow ISATT community members to evaluate their interests, foci, trends, and contributions.