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Article
Publication date: 18 September 2018

Zixiang Li, Mukund Nilakantan Janardhanan, Peter Nielsen and Qiuhua Tang

Robots are used in assembly lines because of their higher flexibility and lower costs. The purpose of this paper is to develop mathematical models and simulated annealing…

Abstract

Purpose

Robots are used in assembly lines because of their higher flexibility and lower costs. The purpose of this paper is to develop mathematical models and simulated annealing algorithms to solve the robotic assembly line balancing (RALB-II) to minimize the cycle time.

Design/methodology/approach

Four mixed-integer linear programming models are developed and encoded in CPLEX solver to find optimal solutions for small-sized problem instances. Two simulated annealing algorithms, original simulated annealing algorithm and restarted simulated annealing (RSA) algorithm, are proposed to tackle large-sized problems. The restart mechanism in the RSA methodology replaces the incumbent temperature with a new temperature. In addition, the proposed methods use iterative mechanisms for updating cycle time and a new objective to select the solution with fewer critical workstations.

Findings

The comparative study among the tested algorithms and other methods adapted verifies the effectiveness of the proposed methods. The results obtained by these algorithms on the benchmark instances show that 23 new upper bounds out of 32 tested cases are achieved. The RSA algorithm ranks first among the algorithms in the number of updated upper bounds.

Originality/value

Four models are developed for RALBP-II and their performance is evaluated for the first time. An RSA algorithm is developed to solve RALBP-II, where the restart mechanism is developed to replace the incumbent temperature with a new temperature. The proposed methods also use iterative mechanisms and a new objective to select the solution with fewer critical workstations.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2004

David Ballantyne

The purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of the methodology of action research, especially its use in a marketing context. A retrospective account of a…

3111

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of the methodology of action research, especially its use in a marketing context. A retrospective account of a market‐oriented action research project in which the author was involved is provided in the form of a summative evaluation of the methodology used. The status of research claims for action research in scholarly publications is discussed and found to be problematic. A hermeneutic case research pathway is recommended as a solution. Links between action research as methodology and internal marketing as strategy are made. A conclusion is reached that the basis of market‐oriented action research is “knowledge renewal”. This is achieved through an iterative process of action and learning, facilitated by the relationships formed between those involved.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 38 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

Martin Sexton, Jack Goulding, Xiaonan Zhang, Mike Kagioglou, Ghassan Aouad, Rachel Cooper and Peter Barrett

The purpose of this paper is to identify interdependent barriers to the search and selection of new technologies by design engineers at industry, organisation and individual…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify interdependent barriers to the search and selection of new technologies by design engineers at industry, organisation and individual levels. A “proof of concept” HyCon tool is presented to demonstrate the role of information technology design support tools in supporting designers to overcome these inhibitors, in this case for hybrid concrete, by providing immersive and interactive, information‐rich environments to explore design solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The HyCon tool was developed through a prototyping methodology encompassing a testing, analysis, design and coding iterative cycle. This was supported by case studies and industry workshops.

Findings

The results of a collaborative research project are presented, which describes the HyCon design support tool to promote the understanding and use of hybrid concrete in structural frames. This tool is built around a knowledge creation, application, storage, and retrieval cycle to envision and support the use of this new technology.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to integrate technology management and design process considerations within the context of an information technology design support tool, and offers a “proof of concept” HyCon tool to demonstrate key issues and potential utilities and applications.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 12 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 August 2018

Rafael Carlos, Daniel C. Amaral and Mauro Caetano

Roadmapping has been used as an approach to support market, product and technology-integrated planning, resulting in a document commonly known as a roadmap. Despite the gains made…

4799

Abstract

Purpose

Roadmapping has been used as an approach to support market, product and technology-integrated planning, resulting in a document commonly known as a roadmap. Despite the gains made in relation to the technique, recent studies indicate that most users leave or have difficulties in sustaining the process (i.e. maintaining the updated roadmaps). This paper aims to present a framework for continuous roadmap updating that incorporates principles from agile management fields.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework was developed through action research in a manufacturing firm in the construction industry.

Findings

The results demonstrate a positive impact on the degree of continuous information monitoring, roadmap credibility and use of the roadmap during innovation strategy decisions.

Originality/value

The key contribution of this framework is the demonstration of a new strategy for carrying out the maps in which information is internalized by the organization itself, using agile teams, without commissioned specialists and as part of the work standards.

Details

Innovation & Management Review, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2515-8961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2017

Rick Edgeman

The purpose of this paper is to improve the ability of enterprises to routinely realize peak performance and produce positive social and environmental impact.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the ability of enterprises to routinely realize peak performance and produce positive social and environmental impact.

Design/methodology/approach

An acknowledged operational excellence model – the one behind the globally recognized Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence – is examined in relation to positive reciprocal behavior and the value of creating and reinforcing processes that “pile good upon good” in form of virtuous improvement cycles.

Findings

Embedding virtuous reciprocity cycles in enterprise culture and routines can help to routinize peak performance.

Research limitations/implications

Only the Shingo Operational Excellence Model is examined so that other well-known alternatives such as the Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence Model and EFQM Excellence Model are not examined. That said, the general structure and content of most excellence models is sufficiently similar that the approach taken herein would likely yield analogous conclusions.

Practical implications

Inherent in “practices” is that enterprises seek to routinize successful approaches to performance and impact, usually via contextualized implementation of excellence models or “programs” such as lean enterprise.

Social implications

Offered is one means of creating more positive enterprise cultures. Enterprises with more positive cultures have been shown to also be more productive and to contribute more positively to the fabric of society so that the “piling of good upon good” can extend beyond the borders of the enterprise.

Originality/value

The contribution herein is one of demonstrating why and how virtuous cycles can be implemented to more routinely yield improved or peak performance.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Research-practice Partnerships for School Improvement: The Learning Schools Model
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78973-571-0

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2022

Sandra Becker and Michele Jacobsen

Using Johansson-Sköldberg et al.’s (2013) descriptions of design discourses, this study aims to analyze teacher interviews, research notes and teacher and student artifacts to…

Abstract

Purpose

Using Johansson-Sköldberg et al.’s (2013) descriptions of design discourses, this study aims to analyze teacher interviews, research notes and teacher and student artifacts to determine if engagement in design practices led to changes in the teacher’s thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

This article presents results from a year-long study that explored how a teacher enacted design discourses to engage in curriculum learning within an elementary school makerspace. The design-based study involved a collaborative partnership where a teacher and researcher co-designed, co-enacted and co-reflected on three cycles of making featuring curriculum studies in science, mathematics and social studies.

Findings

The authors determined that engagement in all four design discourses led to transformative changes in the teacher’s thinking about herself as a teacher and her students as learners. The evidence suggests the school makerspace can serve as a liminal design space for professional learning, given that implicit in the makerspace is the embodiment of design practices such as problem finding, iteration and reflection.

Research limitations/implications

Engaging in design discourses in the makerspace can lead teachers to question the frames they hold about teaching and learning. However, teachers need ongoing support in developing discipline knowledge and prioritizing the time required for designing, iterating and reflecting on learning in the makerspace.

Practical implications

The makerspace provides a liminal space for teachers’ professional learning in that implicit in the makerspace is the embodiment of design practices such as problem finding, iteration and reflection.

Originality/value

This study is unique, in that it places the importance of teacher learning in the elementary school makerspace on equal footing with student learning, thereby creating a culture of inquiry for all.

Details

Information and Learning Sciences, vol. 123 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Theresa G. Mercer, Andrew P. Kythreotis, Zoe P. Robinson, Terje Stolte, Sharon M. George and Stephanie K. Haywood

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a novel life cycle approach to education for sustainable development (ESD) where the students become “design thinkers”.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a novel life cycle approach to education for sustainable development (ESD) where the students become “design thinkers”.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study on the creation, development and utilisation of educational games by university students is presented. The paper discusses the case study in the context of Kolb’s experiential learning and dynamic matching model, Perry’s stages of intellectual development and Beech and Macintosh’s processual learning model. The data used were from questionnaire feedback from the pupils who played the games and students who designed the games. Further qualitative feedback was collected from local schools involved in playing the games created by the students.

Findings

Overall, the students responded positively to the assessment and would like to see more of this type of assessment. They enjoyed the creativity involved and the process of developing the games. For the majority of the skill sets measured, most students found that their skills improved slightly. Many students felt that they had learnt a lot about effectively communicating science. The school children involved in playing the student-created games found them accessible with variable degrees of effectiveness as engaging learning tools dependent on the game.

Originality/value

This paper contributes a new approach to ESD which incorporates learner-centred arrangements within a full life cycle of game creation, delivery, playing and back to creation. The games can be used as a tool for enhancing knowledge and influencing behaviours in school children whilst enhancing ESD capacity in schools. The assessment also helps forge important links between the academic and local communities to enhance sustainable development.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2014

Bruce Gurd and Panayiotis Ifandoudas

– The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how agility as a central focus of an organization can be achieved through a modified balanced scorecard (BSC) system.

1132

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how agility as a central focus of an organization can be achieved through a modified balanced scorecard (BSC) system.

Design/methodology/approach

An action research approach in a single organization is used to investigate the practicality and usefulness of an agility-focused BSC.

Findings

While the theory of constraints (TOC)-based approach was improving agility, it is too short-term. Using a BSC, based on agility principles, staff in the organization had their direction focused on drivers of important strategic issues and enabled a more agile environment.

Practical implications

Managers using the TOC have a way forward to use the TOC system, but build a performance measurement system that leads to agility and more sustained competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The role of a BSC in enabling agility in an environment using TOC has not been previously investigated.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Mixed Race Life Stories
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-049-8

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