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Article
Publication date: 17 January 2023

Razieh Seirani, Mohsen Torabian, Mohammad Hassan Behzadi and Asghar Seif

The purpose of this paper is to present an economicstatistical design (ESD) for the Bayesian X…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an economicstatistical design (ESD) for the Bayesian X control chart based on predictive distribution with two types of informative and noninformative prior distributions.

Design/methodology/approach

The design used in this study is based on determining the control chart of the predictive distribution and then its ESD. The new proposed cost model is presented by considering the conjugate and Jeffrey's prior distribution in calculating the expected total cycle time and expected cost per cycle, and finally, the optimal design parameters and related costs are compared with the fixed ratio sampling (FRS) mode.

Findings

Numerical results show decreases in costs in this Bayesian approach with both Jeffrey's and conjugate prior distribution compared to the FRS mode. This result shows that the Bayesian approach which is based on predictive density works better than the classical approach. Also, for the Bayesian approach, however, there is no significant difference between the results of using Jeffrey's and conjugate prior distributions. Using sensitivity analysis, the effect of cost parameters and shock model parameters and deviation from the mean on the optimal values of design parameters and related costs have been investigated and discussed.

Practical implications

This research adds to the body of knowledge related to quality control of process monitoring systems. This paper may be of particular interest to quality system practitioners for whom the effect of the prior distribution of parameters on the quality characteristic distribution is important.

Originality/value

economic statistical design (ESD) of Bayesian control charts based on predictive distribution is presented for the first time.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 January 2023

Salimeh Sadat Aghili, Mohsen Torabian, Mohammad Hassan Behzadi and Asghar Seif

The purpose of this paper is to develop a double-objective economic statistical design (ESD) of (X…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a double-objective economic statistical design (ESD) of (X) control chart under Weibull failure properties with the Linex asymmetric loss function. The authors have expressed the probability of type II error (β) as the statistical objective and the expected cost as the economic objective.

Design/methodology/approach

The design used in this study is based on a double-objective economic statistical design of (X) control chart with Weibull shock model via applying Banerjee and Rahim's model for non-uniform and uniform schemes with Linex asymmetric loss function. The results in the least average cost and β in uniform and non-uniform schemes by Linex loss function, compared with the same schemes without loss function.

Findings

Numerical results indicate that it is not possible to reduce the second type of error and costs at the same time, which means that by reducing the second type of error, the cost increases, and by reducing the cost, the second type of error increases, both of which are very important. Obtained based on the needs of the industry and which one has more priority has the right to choose. These designs define a Pareto optimal front of solutions that increase the flexibility and adaptability of the X control chart in practice. When the authors use non-uniform schemes instead of uniform schemes, the average cost per unit time decreases by an average and when the authors apply loss function, the average cost per unit time increases by an average. Also, this quantity for double-objective schemes with loss function compared to without loss function schemes in cases uniform and non-uniform increases. The reason for this result is that the model underestimated the costs before using the loss function.

Practical implications

This research adds to the body of knowledge related to flexibility in process quality control. This article may be of interest to quality systems experts in factories where the choice between cost reduction and statistical factor reduction can affect the production process.

Originality/value

The cost functions for double-objective uniform and non-uniform sampling schemes with the Weibull shock model based on the Linex loss function are presented for the first time.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1995

Reay‐Chen Wang and Chung‐Ho Chen

Considers the problem of determining economic statistical np‐control chart designs under the fuzzy environment of closelysatisfying type I and II errors. Goes on to model the…

751

Abstract

Considers the problem of determining economic statistical np‐control chart designs under the fuzzy environment of closely satisfying type I and II errors. Goes on to model the problem as fuzzy mathematical programming, and uses a heuristic method to obtaining the solution.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Helen Kopnina and Frans Meijers

This article aims to explore the challenges posed by the conceptual framework and diversity of practice of education for sustainable development (ESD). The implications of…

6766

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to explore the challenges posed by the conceptual framework and diversity of practice of education for sustainable development (ESD). The implications of plurality of ESD perspectives and methodological approaches as well variations in ESD practice will be addressed. Critical framework for conceptualizing of ESD which takes environmental ethics into account will be proposed through the discussion of The Ecocentric and Anthropocentric Attitudes Toward the Sustainable Development (EAATSD) scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a general review approach, covering literature that provides an overview of the concepts and practices of ESD, as well as program evaluation studies. Additionally, qualitative evaluation of EAATSD scale with students of higher professional education was conducted, using in-depth interviews and dialogue with individual students as well as classroom discussions.

Findings

It was found that there are wide and inconclusive debates about the aims of ESD based on the critique of sustainable development discourse in general and instrumentalism embedded in ESD in particular. According to the qualitative evaluation, EAATSD scale can be used for testing anthropocentric and Ecocentric Attitudes Towards Sustainable Development in students of higher education. Based on these results, this scale was found to be revealing of the critical view of paradoxes and challenges inherent in multiple goals of sustainable development as well as useful for testing anthropocentric and ecocentric attitudes in students of higher education.

Research limitations/implications

Reliability of the scale needs further statistical testing, and as is the case in conventional EE/ESD evaluations, and consequent research is necessary to improve institutional, national, and international applicability to particular cases. Future research should draw from this critical review in order to devise alternative evaluation tools.

Practical implications

In practice, this implies that currently administered evaluations of generic ESD, while useful in concrete cultural or institutional settings, might be premature. The article concludes with the reflection upon which conceptual, methodological, cultural, and ethical challenges of ESD which should be useful for ESD researchers and practitioners in different national settings.

Originality/value

This article fulfills an identified need to address the paradoxes of sustainable development and to study how ESD can be more effective.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2021

Balamuralithara Balakrishnan, Fumihiko Tochinai, Hidekazu Kanemitsu and Ali Al-Talbe

This study aims to examine the impacts of education for sustainable development subject(s) offered at University A, Japan and University B, Malaysia on the attitude and perception…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impacts of education for sustainable development subject(s) offered at University A, Japan and University B, Malaysia on the attitude and perception toward environment, social and economic issues of sustainability among the engineering undergraduates of the institutions from different countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was administered to 108 engineering students at University A, Japan and 117 engineering students at University B, Malaysia to measure their attitudes and perceptions toward sustainability.

Findings

The findings suggested that the sustainable development courses offered at University A, Japan, have developed positive attitudes and perceptions on environmental and social sustainability issues. The subjects on sustainable development offered at University B, Malaysia have developed positive attitudes and perceptions on the environmental issues of sustainability. Respondents from both universities, Japan and Malaysia, have not properly developed positive attitudes and perceptions toward economic sustainability issues. The findings also revealed that geographical boundaries have no influence toward the development of the attitude and perception toward sustainability issues.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the attitude and perception toward the three pillars – environment, social and economic – of sustainability among engineering undergraduates from two different institutions of two different countries that apply different pedagogic strategies in education for sustainable development in educating undergraduates on sustainable development.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2024

Balamuralithara Balakrishnan, Natalia Fedorova and Catherina Ugap

The aim of this study is to gauge the consideration toward sustainability and sustainable development in the creative process or activities in design practices among the design

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to gauge the consideration toward sustainability and sustainable development in the creative process or activities in design practices among the design undergraduates of University A, Russia, and University B, Malaysia. The beliefs, attitudes and intentions toward all the dimensions of sustainability – environmental, social and economic – were assessed and compared between both institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administrated to 127 design undergraduates from University A, Russia, and 135 design undergraduates from University B, Malaysia, to assess their beliefs, attitudes and intentions toward sustainability and sustainability development in their creative practices.

Findings

The outputs of this investigation suggested that the courses related to education for sustainable development that preached in design programs at University A, Russia, have developed appropriate beliefs, attitudes and intentions toward sustainability and sustainable development in creative process or activities among the learners on environmental and social sustainability issues. The subject on sustainable development offered in design programs at University B, Malaysia, has mold positive beliefs, attitudes and intentions on the environmental sustainability issues in creative practices among the design undergraduates. The outcomes of this study shed some light on the effectiveness of the courses related to education for sustainable development of both institutions in building the appropriate mindset in the creative process during design activities.

Originality/value

This study on the consideration of sustainability and sustainable development in creative practices is novel and the outputs of this study can carve the path for an effective education for sustainable development courses in the design programs, specifically in the context of building the appropriate beliefs, attitudes and intentions toward sustainability and sustainable development in creative practices among the future designers.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2008

Su Li Ang and Sara J. Wilkinson

Sustainable property development has increased in market share over the past two to three years globally and locally. This research aims to analyze the drivers and barriers to…

3100

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainable property development has increased in market share over the past two to three years globally and locally. This research aims to analyze the drivers and barriers to sustainable property development in Melbourne using the triple bottom line (TBL) theoretical framework. The TBL posits that sustainability has social, economic and environmental aspects to fulfil.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was sent out to 190 developers in Melbourne who promoted sustainable property development to ascertain their views about the drivers and barriers.

Findings

This research indicates that in the 2007 Melbourne market the drivers were social rather than economic. The data reveal that social reasons are considered more than economic arguments for incorporating sustainability into developments. The business case, or the economic drivers for sustainability alone do not convince developers.

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaire survey informed us about developers' views but not why they have these views. The sample was limited to Melbourne.

Practical implications

More developments are required for developers to become convinced of the benefits. The relatively low price of energy undermines the business case for sustainability in property here and needs to be fully costed.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates that whilst the theoretical framework cites three key areas for sustainability, the reality is that developers are currently driven by social and environmental factors primarily and the business case is not accepted by the majority of developers.

Details

Property Management, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2019

Sloan Peter Trad

Sustainability within tertiary curriculum is hard to measure and often perceived to be illusive in nature. Existing higher education sustainability assessment tools rarely focus…

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainability within tertiary curriculum is hard to measure and often perceived to be illusive in nature. Existing higher education sustainability assessment tools rarely focus on the curriculum. This paper aims to establish and implement a tool that can measure sustainability integration within curriculum. The Faculty of Engineering and IT (FEIT) at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is used as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of seven sustainability competencies are identified by means of a systematic literature review as the current knowledge of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) competencies. ESD competency integration into the curriculum is assessed by implementing a two-tier scanning mechanism. In the first step, subject outlines (SOs) are used to identify sustainable subject learning outcomes (SLOs) and assessment learning outcomes (ALOs). Step 2 involves analysing ALOs and SLOs for constructive alignment with student experience. SPSS, a statistical software, is then used to statistically reflect the results.

Findings

An initial scan of SOs found that stated ESD outcomes made up 22.4 per cent of FEIT undergraduate courses. A more detailed investigation which involved assessing subject material and student experience for the seven ESD outcomes resulted in a 7.7 per cent sustainability integration into the FEIT undergraduate courses. SPSS produced tables showing individual competency distribution over course candidature year. Lifecycle assessment was invisible from the curriculum.

Research limitations/implications

Case study outcomes are limited to UTS, and therefore, specific-study outcomes cannot be generalised. This study attempted to trace sustainability learning outcomes through the curriculum. However, a more detailed study should also assess subject pedagogy and artefacts as these may enable or inhibit sustainability competency.

Originality/value

Study developed several methods to establish and evaluate subject level ESD claims. Academic staff and management are able to replicate methods of this study to map ESD within their courses, schools and/or faculties triggering conversation around ESD’s actual integration within curriculum. Based on ESD distribution, specific intervention recommendations are proposed.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 7 September 2023

Tien-Chi Huang, Shin-Jia Ho, Wen-Hui Zheng and Yu Shu

The importance of multidimensional and engaging instruction for sustainable development goals (SDGs) in higher education cannot be overstated. Such instructions should motivate…

Abstract

Purpose

The importance of multidimensional and engaging instruction for sustainable development goals (SDGs) in higher education cannot be overstated. Such instructions should motivate students not only to memorize and contemplate these goals but also to actively participate in addressing SDG-related challenges. Consequently, this study aims to develop practical and appropriate instructional approaches to education for sustainable development (ESD) in higher education to enhance students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors concerning sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a quasi-experimental design, this ESD study was conducted at a university in central Taiwan. A total of 121 students from diverse academic backgrounds participated in the 16-week experiment, which was divided into three groups. Lecturing, thematic teaching and design-thinking strategies were applied to these respective groups.

Findings

The thematic-teaching and design-thinking groups displaying improved cognitive performance. However, the quantity results revealed that the design-thinking group surpassed the other two groups in sustainability knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and mind map tasks. The qualitative findings further indicated that design thinking – through multiple practical problem-solving activities – guided college students to think independently and sustainably, as well as enabled them to internalize the value of sustainable development. By implementing these effective approaches, the core goals of ESD-related personal and societal transformations may be realized.

Practical implications

This study proposed a goal-oriented ESD instructional model for educators, demonstrating the efficacy of design thinking in cultivating higher-order thinking and affection for ESD in students. Additionally, this study introduced an innovative evaluation approach – mind mapping – to the ESD domain, which may compensate for the limitations of the survey method.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of design thinking and thematic-based pedagogies in sustainable development higher education. Additionally, it also offers a practical ESD instructional model with reference value for scholars and multi-domain instructors. Moreover, the study highlights that by examining organizational governance from the perspectives of design thinking and higher-order affection, sustainable and economic development need not be mutually exclusive concepts. Instead, pursuing SDGs can be viewed as investment opportunities for organizations rather than mere costs.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 September 2021

Scott Strachan, Louise Logan, Debra Willison, Rod Bain, Jennifer Roberts, Iain Mitchell and Roddy Yarr

As higher education institutions (HEIs) have increasingly turned to consider sustainability over the last decade, education for sustainable development (ESD) has emerged as a way…

Abstract

As higher education institutions (HEIs) have increasingly turned to consider sustainability over the last decade, education for sustainable development (ESD) has emerged as a way of imbuing students with the skills, values, knowledge, and attributes to live, work, and create change in societies facing complex and cross-cutting sustainability challenges. However, the question of how HEIs can actively embed ESD more broadly in and across curricula is one that continues to challenge institutions and the HE sector as a whole. While traditional teaching practices and methods associated with subject-based learning may be suitable for educating students about sustainable development, a re-orientation towards more transformational, experiential and action-oriented methods is required to educate for sustainable development. The need for educators to share their practices and learn lessons from each other is essential in this transformation.

This paper presents a selection of practical examples of how to embed a range of interactive, exploratory, action-oriented, problem-based, experiential and transformative ESD offerings into HE teaching practice and curricula. Presented by a group of academics and professional services staff at the University of Strathclyde who lead key modules and programmes in the institution’s ESD provision, this paper reflects on five approaches taken across the four faculties at Strathclyde (Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Engineering and the Strathclyde Business School) and examines the challenges, practicalities and opportunities involved in establishing a collaborative programme of ESD.

1 – 10 of 308