Search results

1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 1 January 1997

PETER S. BRANDON and FRANCISCO LOFORTE RIBEIRO

This paper describes a multistrategy knowledge‐based framework for supporting human experts in assessing applications for the house renovation grant system (HRGS). This framework…

Abstract

This paper describes a multistrategy knowledge‐based framework for supporting human experts in assessing applications for the house renovation grant system (HRGS). This framework integrates different problem solving strategies as set up by the task analysis. The task analysis carried out in the context of the HRGS domain decomposed the overall task into a number of subtasks and problem solving methods for performing each subtask. The framework modularises the knowledge required to solve each subtask into historical cases, objects, procedures and domain models. The framework was implemented as a computer system using Kappa‐PC which is a shell designed for implementing knowledge‐based systems. The implementation followed the client centred approach (CCA) method. This computer application has been successful in demonstrating that a multistrategy knowledge base can be used to support human experts in assessing applications for the HRGS. Therefore, the application has proved to perform as accurately as human experts do for all of the subtasks set up by the task analysis.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2001

Alan Blythe

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has been campaigning for a more appropriate and sympathetic government approach to radon since 1987. Its professional…

304

Abstract

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has been campaigning for a more appropriate and sympathetic government approach to radon since 1987. Its professional members, Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), are at the “sharp end” of most initiatives aimed at securing higher levels of mitigation in both occupied dwellings and the majority of workplaces. Whilst Government policies on radon detection and remediation have so far emphasised mainly measurement and advice to affected householders, the CIEH will have to develop more appropriate campaign strategies to press Government to modify their initiatives so that a much more meaningful impact can be made in public protection terms to tackle the serious health risk still posed by radon in the UK.

Details

Environmental Management and Health, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-6163

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1990

Verena Thompson, Edwin Fleming and Allan Bunch

The African Caribbean Library Association's (ACLA) current Chair is Gloria Lock of Wandsworth Libraries. I interviewed her recently about the Association — the results of which…

Abstract

The African Caribbean Library Association's (ACLA) current Chair is Gloria Lock of Wandsworth Libraries. I interviewed her recently about the Association — the results of which are reproduced here with her consent.

Details

New Library World, vol. 91 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1985

Community profiling several recent research studies (eg see NLW, June) have emphasised the need for more effective marketing of library and information services. A new CRUS…

68

Abstract

Community profiling several recent research studies (eg see NLW, June) have emphasised the need for more effective marketing of library and information services. A new CRUS publication is intended to help librarians set about the task of gathering the necessary information to do this properly. Community profiling in the library context aims to define a community in a way which is relevant to the planning and evaluation of library services, but different types of community require different approaches. Christina Beal has now written a comprehensive report covering the different methods possible. Community profiling for librarians (CRUS Occasional Paper 12) costs £17.50 from Consultancy and Research Unit, Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN (Tel: 0742‐738608).

Details

New Library World, vol. 86 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1998

J.H.M. TAH, V. CARR and R. HOWES

Previous approaches to decision support for project planning using rule‐based expert systems techniques have failed to make an impact in practice. This is primarily because of the…

Abstract

Previous approaches to decision support for project planning using rule‐based expert systems techniques have failed to make an impact in practice. This is primarily because of the complexity and large‐scale nature of construction information, and problems with expert systems including: knowledge acquisition; rule‐based knowledge representation; information storage (or memory); learning; and robustness. Case‐based reasoning is one area of current research which may hold the key to overcoming a number of these problems. In the present paper, previous related case‐based reasoning work is examined. The key factors which influence the formulation of construction project plans are identified. This knowledge is used to develop a conceptual framework within which previous planning experiences can be captured and reused in new situations as a means of providing system decision support in construction planning and control. A prototype system, CBRidge, developed to test and demonstrate the concepts within the framework is presented. The results are very encouraging and provide a sound basis for the further development of case‐based reasoning for construction planning in practice.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1978

Clive Bingley, Helen Moss, Allan Bunch and CAVAN MCCARTHY

I DRAW, respectfully of course, the attention of the Chairman of the British Library Board to the fact that, notwithstanding his belief that the new BL building in the Euston Road…

Abstract

I DRAW, respectfully of course, the attention of the Chairman of the British Library Board to the fact that, notwithstanding his belief that the new BL building in the Euston Road will, in the fullness of time, upstage such other mighty institutions as the Library of Congress, the latter has in the meantime upstaged the BL.

Details

New Library World, vol. 79 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2002

P. STEPHENSON, I. MORREY, P. VACHER and Z. AHMED

The extent of defects within the construction sector is considerable. This not only has implications for final built products, but also impacts on remedial and repair work, time…

Abstract

The extent of defects within the construction sector is considerable. This not only has implications for final built products, but also impacts on remedial and repair work, time delays and additional cost. This research work aims to evaluate the success of applying knowledge engineering (KE) techniques to the domain of defect prediction focusing specifically on brickwork mortar. A structured approach is developed which relates to the prediction of defects on housing developments. Knowledge engineering techniques are assessed to facilitate the provision of domain knowledge readily accessible by design engineers and architects. The KE techniques are used as an alternative to the current methods, techniques and technologies used within the construction industry. This is achieved by assessment of the predictive approach to facilitate decreases in ‘quality losses’, i.e. decreases in pre‐mature failure and hence improved quality performance. Attention is also given to the consideration of complex defects to promote increased efficiency in communication and co‐ordination of information for design and building processes, thereby helping to reduce the cost of maintenance and repair work.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 9 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2004

Igal M. Shohet and Sarel Lavy

The increasing competitiveness in the business sector forces facilities managers in reducing expenditure on “non‐core” activities. Consequently, the integration of different…

3071

Abstract

The increasing competitiveness in the business sector forces facilities managers in reducing expenditure on “non‐core” activities. Consequently, the integration of different domains related to facilities management (FM) motivates the development of a quantitative model, which may contribute both to the planning of FM activities and to the improved effectiveness of FM units. Three methodologies were used in the research presented in this paper: a structured FM survey conducted among acute care facilities in Israel; a statistical analysis of the data; and the conceptual development of an FM model. The proposed model is divided into three main phases that deal with the following five main FM domains. The outcomes of the model produce a set of variables, which can be analysed according to a given facility. In addition, the model provides guidelines for the methodological design and management of healthcare facilities from a life‐cycle perspective.

Details

Facilities, vol. 22 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1996

Stephen Todd

Reports the results of a study carried out using interviews, household surveys, physical surveys, economic appraisal and observations of agencies’ contacts with residents, to…

235

Abstract

Reports the results of a study carried out using interviews, household surveys, physical surveys, economic appraisal and observations of agencies’ contacts with residents, to investigate whether rebuilding grants are viable as a complementary approach to urban renewal. Gives a detailed example of how to calculate a rebuilding grant. Concludes that rebuilding grants are a very valuable complement to urban renewal, with very few amendments required.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2004

Igal M. Shohet and Sarel Lavy

Following increases in national demands on healthcare facilities and services, healthcare facilities management (FM) has gradually matured to become an established research and…

7332

Abstract

Following increases in national demands on healthcare facilities and services, healthcare facilities management (FM) has gradually matured to become an established research and development topic. This paper reviews the state of the art in the main domains related to healthcare FM and defines the central themes in the development of a healthcare FM model. FM, maintenance management and performance management are reviewed in a wider context, and the main domains of healthcare FM are discussed. The five salient topics included in healthcare FM are maintenance management, performance management, risk management, supply services management, and development. These five core domains are interrelated, and can be integrated using information and communications technology, which provides the desired environment required for the challenging decision making and development prevalent in healthcare FM.

Details

Facilities, vol. 22 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000