Search results

1 – 10 of over 141000
Article
Publication date: 1 August 2011

Farooq Assad and C. Cherif

The optimization of a process requires exact knowledge of the process, which is knowledge of correlations and inter-dependence between the process-determining variables and the…

Abstract

The optimization of a process requires exact knowledge of the process, which is knowledge of correlations and inter-dependence between the process-determining variables and the knowledge over the actual condition of the process. In a data rich knowledge poor process like spinning, where the exact relationships between machine, material, climate and quality are yet to be concluded objectively, this research focuses on the use of artificial neural networks as a tool to find out the correlations between decisive variables and to determine the optimum settings. Drawing frame is considered to be the last fault correction point in spinning preparation chain, therefore, its settings has a vital role to play towards yarn quality. Leveling action point is one of the important auto-leveling settings involving an automatic search function at Rieter drawing frame RSB-D40 and requiring a large amount of sliver. In this study, attempts were made to optimize the leveling action point. Optimization of draft settings is also within the scope of this article. The ANNs were used to achieve such objectives and they were found to be very helpful in identifying the optimum settings and hence decreasing material loss and improving sliver quality.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2020

Tuula Nygård, Noora Hirvonen, Sari Räisänen and Riitta-Liisa Korkeamäki

This article describes how Finnish health education teachers verbalise and construct their teacher identity based on their lifestyle, subject area and relationships with their…

Abstract

Purpose

This article describes how Finnish health education teachers verbalise and construct their teacher identity based on their lifestyle, subject area and relationships with their students.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative interviews were conducted amongst eight secondary and upper secondary school teachers. The nexus analysis was used to analyse teachers' methods of teaching students information-seeking, evaluation and critical thinking skills.

Findings

The teachers' historical bodies – their skills, interests, information-seeking habits and familiar sources – impacted the chosen teaching methods. The results indicate that teacher identity is constructed along different paths and is constantly performed and transformed in the classroom through interactions with students.

Originality/value

The study illustrates the reconstruction of teacher identity through interaction in interviews. Teachers act as role models, information gatekeepers and trustees who guide students to choose credible health information sources.

Details

Health Education, vol. 121 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2019

Falk Johannes Behmer and Roland Jochem

Quality managers today require a holistic, overreaching view on the organization and its goals in order to plan the quality management organization (QMO) effectively. The purpose…

1634

Abstract

Purpose

Quality managers today require a holistic, overreaching view on the organization and its goals in order to plan the quality management organization (QMO) effectively. The purpose of this paper is to present the concept of a web application that aims to support quality managers in organizational planning tasks. The basis for the implementation is a previously developed planning method that builds on Product and Technology Roadmapping as well as Quality Function Deployment. It supports the QMO’s strategic development in line with the organization’s overall strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on previous research that systematically identified the requirements toward a suitable planning method and a consecutively designed framework, a web application was developed. This process followed agile software development approaches, including test-driven iteration cycles and validation through a case-based user trial.

Findings

Standardized quality criteria for software development together with identified requirements for a suitable planning method provided a specified guideline to develop a web application. This application enables quality managers to effectively deploy the previously developed planning method. It proved successful in an initial field trial and creates a basis for integrated, computer-aided QMO planning.

Originality/value

With an integrated planning method that was implemented through a web application, quality managers could be effectively supported in developing the QMO in line with the overall strategy. As organizational planning tasks are reoccurring but not day-to-day business, moderated workshops that use the web application as a guiding tool and enable quality managers to focus on delivering information inputs appear to be a highly promising approach.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1998

W. David Rees and Christine Porter

Employee participation is in the news because of the stakeholder concept and European legal developments. Argues that for most employees what matters is the working relationship

4622

Abstract

Employee participation is in the news because of the stakeholder concept and European legal developments. Argues that for most employees what matters is the working relationship with their boss, rather than indirect forms of representation, such as works councils. If employers are genuine about participation, the prime area of attention needs to be the day‐to‐day behaviour of line managers. This necessitates reviewing the performance, selection and training of line managers. This is also necessary if indirect forms of participation are to work as they too depend on effective and co‐operative line management. Participation also needs to be examined in the context of organisational and national culture and the pressures on an organisation at particular points in time. Too often the topic is addressed as though the objectives can be achieved simply through mechanistic/legal imposition.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2019

Temitope Seun Omotayo, Prince Boateng, Oluyomi Osobajo, Adekunle Oke and Loveline Ifeoma Obi

The purpose of this paper is to present a capability maturity model (CMM) developed to implement continuous improvement in small and medium scale construction companies (SMSCC) in…

1345

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a capability maturity model (CMM) developed to implement continuous improvement in small and medium scale construction companies (SMSCC) in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-strategy approach involving qualitative studies of SMSCC in Nigeria was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected construction experts in Nigeria to identify variables essential for continuous improvement in SMSCC. Data collected were thematically analysed using NVIVO. Subsequently, a system thinking approach is employed to design and develop the CMM for implementing continuous improvement SMSCC, by exploring possible relationships between the variables established.

Findings

CMM provided a five-level approach for the inclusion of investigated variables such as team performance; culture; structure; post-project reviews, financial risk management, waste management policy and cost control. These variables are factors leading to continuous improvement in SMSCC, implementable within a six to seven and a half years’ timeline.

Practical implications

The system thinking model revealed cogent archetypes in the form of reinforcing loops that can be applied in developing the performance of SMSCC. Continuous improvement is feasible. However, it takes time to implement. Further longitudinal studies on the cost of implementing continuous improvement through CMM a knowledge transfer project can be initiated.

Originality/value

A methodical strategy for enhancing the effectiveness and operations of SMSCC in developing countries can be extracted from the causal loop diagram and the CMM.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 69 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2000

Pradosh Nath and N. Mrinalini

Presents an illustrative example of a benchmarking exercise for non‐corporate R&D organizations. Drawing from a global study of 60 R&D organizations from around the world, the…

1242

Abstract

Presents an illustrative example of a benchmarking exercise for non‐corporate R&D organizations. Drawing from a global study of 60 R&D organizations from around the world, the benchmarking practice for identification of processes, practices and best practices is examined. Focuses primarily on R&D‐industry linkage – a nagging problem, particularly relevant for non‐corporate R&D organizations. Processes like project selection, human resource development and knowledge delivery systems are functionally related to R&D‐industry linkage and therefore constitute the main body of the benchmarking exercise. It has been argued that the basic organizational principle behind successful R&D is partnership between R&D organizations and users of the research results. Practices under each of the selected processes, therefore, have to be examined in the light of this basic organizational principle. Argues that, to achieve this, actionable accuracy is more important than quantitative indicators for identification of best practices.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 6 November 2009

183

Abstract

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2018

Roberto Celkevicius and Rosaria F.S.M. Russo

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated model for allocation and leveling of human resources in IT projects.

3600

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated model for allocation and leveling of human resources in IT projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study was conducted in a large company of IT outsourcing services, which were assessed the management of 14 projects. The survey was conducted through interviews with project managers, and digital files and internal documents of the organization related to these projects.

Findings

In the analysis, it was identified that the critical path is not identified in all projects, and even when this happens, resources are not allocated in the first tasks in that path. A committee controls the allocation of resources with the assessment of skills, but there is no control of all resource constraints.

Research limitations/implications

The main limiting factors for this study are: use of data of one company in the IT industry, making it difficult to generalize the model for other sectors companies; it was noted during interviews that the project managers interviewed do not always know in detail all the company’s processes for allocation and resource leveling, due to the large number of processes and different management activities of these professionals.

Practical implications

A model and actions for this implementation was proposed, such as training for the use of the technique of critical path; allocation and leveling done simultaneously; decisions of the management committee based on information of availability, key skills, holidays, days off of human resources; development of a software tool that integrates this information, generating graphical interfaces that are not provided by project management software with the use of an allocation factor.

Social implications

The characteristics of the proposed model, as well as the use of the allocation factor, can help managers to validate their allocation models and leveling of human resources in an integrated manner.

Originality/value

The study explains that the granularity of analysis of resource allocation increases by decomposition of the duration of each activity in fixed time segments. It is suggested to use the mathematical concept of the allocation factor (Fa).

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2021

Dongmin Li, Guofang Ma and Jia Li

It is essential to level the drilling platform across which a drilling robot travels in a slant underground coal mine tunnel to ensure smooth operation of the drill rod. However…

Abstract

Purpose

It is essential to level the drilling platform across which a drilling robot travels in a slant underground coal mine tunnel to ensure smooth operation of the drill rod. However, existing leveling methods do not provide dynamic performance under the drilling conditions of the underground coal mine. A four-point dynamic leveling algorithm is presented in this paper based on the platform attitude and support rod displacement (DLAAD). An experimental drilling robot demonstrates its dynamic leveling capability and ability to ensure smooth drill rod operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The attitude coordinate of the drilling robot is established according to its structure. A six-axis combined sensor is adopted to detect the platform attitude, thus revealing the three-axis Euler angles. The support rod displacement values are continuously detected by laser displacement sensors to obtain the displacement increment of each support rod as needed. The drilling robot is leveled according to the current support rod displacement and three-dimensional (3 D) attitude detected by the six-axis combined sensor dynamically.

Findings

Experimental results indicate that the DLAAD algorithm is correct and effectively levels the drilling platform dynamically. It can thus provide essential support in resolving drill rod sticking problems during actual underground coal mine drilling operations.

Practical implications

The DLAAD algorithm supports smooth drill rod operations in underground coal mines, which greatly enhances safety, reduces power consumption, and minimizes cost. The approach proposed here thus represents considerable benefits in terms of coal mine production and shows notable potential for application in similar fields.

Originality/value

The novel DLAAD algorithm and leveling control method are the key contributions of this work, they provide dynamical 3 D leveling and help to resolve drill rod sticking problems.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2003

Georgios I. Zekos

Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some…

86938

Abstract

Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.

Details

Managerial Law, vol. 45 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0558

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 141000