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Article
Publication date: 25 November 2022

Zhongwen Cao, Liang Zhang, Adil M. Ahmad, Fawaz E. Alsaadi and Madini O. Alassafi

This paper aims to investigate an adaptive prescribed performance control problem for switched pure-feedback non-linear systems with input quantization.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate an adaptive prescribed performance control problem for switched pure-feedback non-linear systems with input quantization.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the semi-bounded continuous condition of non-affine functions, the controllability of the system can be guaranteed. Then, a constraint variable method is introduced to ensure that the tracking error satisfies the prescribed performance requirements. Meanwhile, to avoid the design difficulties caused by the input quantization, a non-linear decomposition method is adopted. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed control scheme is verified by a numerical simulation example.

Findings

Based on neural networks and prescribed performance control method, an adaptive neural control strategy for switched pure-feedback non-linear systems is proposed.

Originality/value

The complex deduction and non-differentiable problems of traditional prescribed performance control methods can be solved by using the proposed error transformation approach. Besides, to obtain more general results, the restrictive differentiability assumption on non-affine functions is removed.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 42 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 January 2022

Rayed A. AlGhamdi

This paper examined the evaluation of the virtual internship program for KAU IT students during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 summer.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examined the evaluation of the virtual internship program for KAU IT students during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 summer.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method survey was utilized for the data collection. Out of 164 enrolled students in the 2020 summer training program, 147 students opted to participate. This gives a response rate of 89.6% of the total students' number who could participate. In addition to collecting quantitative data, qualitative data were collected. The sources for qualitative data were survey open questions, weekly reflective writing and video recordings.

Findings

The quantitative result showed that the students were satisfied with their virtual internship. These results were further qualitatively explored and discussed under five themes: information and knowledge, work experience, live interaction, the comfort of achieving tasks and soft skills. The outcomes showed that the plan which offered students opportunities to be trained online with real companies accomplishing real work tasks was the best in fulfilling the requirements of the internship. Thus, it emphasized the importance of a strong alliance with the industry to provide useful virtual internship opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

Though this study made a novel contribution to the timely literature on the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not without its limitations. The difference in the three sample sizes makes it difficult to get in-depth comparative analysis. For future research, it is highly recommended to study the impact of online training with real existing companies on a relatively larger sample number.

Practical implications

In order for a higher educational institute to successfully adopt the proposed plans for the virtual internship, here are the reflections and lessons learned from our three plans. (1) Emphasize your efforts on extending your partnership with the private sector and computing industry. (2) The MCIT training focuses on developing technical skills; therefore, it is great to be offered to students in the computing field as extracurricular activities but not as the fulfillment of the internship program. (3) Blackboard training sessions, which cover nontechnical skills, are good to be offered prior to the internship.

Social implications

For governmental human resource agencies, it is highly recommended to further develop and invest in manpower to develop online platforms. In normal situations, these platforms act as an extra training resource. In abnormal situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, they act as useful source for online training. For students, this sudden unexpected transition from normal to online training should enrich them with the ability to be flexible and adaptive, tune them with opportunities for independent and innovative creative work, encourage them to take risks and provide them with opportunities to do things differently. As an outcome, students will enhance their self-efficacy and capabilities.

Originality/value

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not only classes and internship programs have been done remotely but increasingly jobs have also gone in that direction. A virtual internship today might be good preparation for the virtual/remote work of tomorrow. For this reason, this study was conducted to add a novel contribution to the virtual internship literature.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 64 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

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