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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2001

Raili Moilanen

Aims first, to develop an instrument for a holistic analysis of learning organizations; and second, to test the validity and reliability of this instrument. The framework…

5249

Abstract

Aims first, to develop an instrument for a holistic analysis of learning organizations; and second, to test the validity and reliability of this instrument. The framework developed was mainly influenced by the work of Mike Pedler, Tom Boydell and John Burgoyne, Peter M. Senge as well as Chris Argyris and Donald A. Schön. Analyses eight existing diagnosis tools. The Learning Organization Diamond Tool was based on a concept of a learning organization regarded as a structure of related elements. Data consisting of 691 answers were gathered from 25 Finnish organizations in 1998. After analysis the reliability of the instrument was measured with Cronbach’s alpha. Cronbach’s alphas for the elements of the tool varied between 0.5141 and 0.8617. Validity of the tool was established by presenting the process as a chain of phases from theory to statements. Comparison between the tool developed and other tools presented in this article yields somewhat contradictory findings, because the purposes of the instruments differ. The tool developed here aims to create a holistic picture for further analysis and discussions and to serve as an internal tool for development. More tailored instruments should be developed for more specific purposes. The article is aimed at an audience involved in learning organizations and their development.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 April 2015

Konstantinos Salonitis

This paper aims to set the framework for measuring the energy performance of a manufacturing process. The availability and affordability of energy is becoming a critical parameter…

2209

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to set the framework for measuring the energy performance of a manufacturing process. The availability and affordability of energy is becoming a critical parameter nowadays, affecting the whole lifecycle of the product, and hence the production phase as well. The energy efficiency of the grinding process, as a widely used manufacturing process in the industry, is assessed with regard to the selected process strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the grinding machine tool energy performance, a measuring framework is designed, implemented and validated. The process strategy effect on the energy consumption is experimentally assessed through energy audits of the grinding machine tool. Such energy audits provide better insights into the way subsystems composing a machine tool affect the energy consumption.

Findings

It is revealed that the proper selection of process strategy can significantly reduce the energy consumption. The amount of energy consumed for the actual process is less than the energy required for maintaining the processing environment (e.g. for the coolant pump delivering coolant fluid in the processing area). The key finding is that the measuring framework can be used for the understanding and analysis of the energy consumption of the various machine tool components. Additionally, for the grinding process itself, the energy audits indicate that reducing the processing duration can significantly reduce the overall energy.

Originality/value

The main novel contribution of the present paper is the development of a measurement framework for assessing the energy consumption of subsystems running simultaneously when processing a workpiece. Grinding process energy demand is analysed in detail, allowing for the first time to consider energy consumption as a manufacturing decision criterion.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 December 2020

Stephen MacGregor

The purpose of this paper is to examine the quantitative measurement tools used in fields of study related to coproduction, as an approach to mobilizing knowledge, in order to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the quantitative measurement tools used in fields of study related to coproduction, as an approach to mobilizing knowledge, in order to inform the measurement of impact.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview methodology was used to synthesize the findings from prior instrument reviews, focusing on the contexts in which measurement tools have been used, the main constructs and content themes of the tools, and the extent to which the tools display promising psychometric and pragmatic qualities.

Findings

Eight identified reviews described 441 instruments and measures designed to capture various aspects of knowledge being mobilized among diverse research stakeholders, with 291 (66%) exhibiting relevance for impact measurement.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies that measure aspects of coproduction need to engage more openly and critically with psychometric and pragmatic considerations when designing, implementing and reporting on measurement tools.

Practical implications

Twenty-seven tools with strong measurement properties for evidencing impact in coproduction were identified, offering a starting point for scholars and practitioners engaging in partnered approaches to research, such as in professional learning networks.

Originality/value

Current quantitative approaches to measuring the impacts of coproduction are failing to do so in ways that are meaningful, consistent, rigorous, reproducible and equitable. This paper provides a first step to addressing this issue by exploring promising measurement tools from fields of study with theoretical similarities to coproduction.

Details

Journal of Professional Capital and Community, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-9548

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 December 2020

Adli B. Haddad and Bassem O.F. Al-Bedoor

In this paper, a vibration measuring technique that relies on the use of piezoelectric material and is originally developed to measure the vibration of turbine blade is adopted to…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, a vibration measuring technique that relies on the use of piezoelectric material and is originally developed to measure the vibration of turbine blade is adopted to measure the vibration of cutting tool in turning. The piezoelectric material is embedded at the root of the cutting tool. The scope of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using this technique by first conducting ANSYS simulation to solve the coupled field equations that govern the piezoelectric phenomenon followed by experimental work to compare the measured data with those obtained by conventional method to have an insight into the effectiveness of the adopted technique. Both simulation and experimental results show that the use of an embedded PZT sensor at the root of cutting tool is very useful for measuring vibration and can be used for further cutting operation control. In addition, it has captured more information than conventional vibration measurement techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Vibration measurement of root-embedded PZT material to convert the dynamic cutting forces into vibration signals that can be used in cutting process optimization and improvement of cutting quality.

Findings

PZT material is found to be very responsive to high-frequency vibrations such that it can catch Chatter phenomena and can be used in developing control strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Mainly used for turning cutting process in this research. Other manufacturing process like milling special tool holder designs.

Practical implications

Can be used as online monitoring systems for cutting tool holders.

Social implications

Engineer and technician aid in quality assurance and control.

Originality/value

The new approach of embedding PZT material at the cutting tool root and the signals presentation and processing.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 3 June 2019

George K. Vaggelas

Going beyond the usual approach of measuring port performance – focusing on the efficiency of port operations – this paper aims to look into shipping lines and other port users’…

2820

Abstract

Purpose

Going beyond the usual approach of measuring port performance – focusing on the efficiency of port operations – this paper aims to look into shipping lines and other port users’ perceptions on port performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a framework measuring the perceptions of port users (i.e. shipping companies, shippers, etc.) on port performance. A typology of elements that shape port users’ perceptions has been developed with an eye on capturing the peculiarities of different port markets. Based on this typology, a tool to assess users’ perspectives, and subsequently evaluate, any given port has been developed. The tool provides port authorities the flexibility they need for customized approaches. The developed evaluation mechanism has been tested on a group of European seaports, and the results are presented by this study.

Findings

The framework and its pilot application unveil the key parameters that port users take into consideration when evaluating the effectiveness component of port performance. Moreover, the importance and evaluation ratings of specific performance parameters allow for a GAP analysis of the collected data.

Research limitations/implications

The paper advances scholarly and practical discussion on how of port users’ perceptions can be a valuable tool for port performance measurement.

Practical implications

The proposed tool can be a valuable add-on for port authorities to evaluate their performance from the port users’ point of view and take the necessary actions to improve it. Also, the tool can be used for the evaluation of a new process, infrastructure. The evaluation of port users’ perception of port performance can and must be part of a European ports observatory, as it is a set of indicators that clearly reflects the satisfaction of port users by engaging their view on port performance issues, instead of relying almost exclusively on port-generated data.

Originality/value

The paper develops a framework for measuring port user’s perception on port performance, which is flexible and can be applied in any port.

Details

Maritime Business Review, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-3757

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2023

Hatzav Yoffe, Noam Raanan, Shaked Fried, Pnina Plaut and Yasha Jacob Grobman

This study uses computer-aided design to improve the ecological and environmental sustainability of early-stage landscape designs. Urban expansion on open land and natural…

Abstract

Purpose

This study uses computer-aided design to improve the ecological and environmental sustainability of early-stage landscape designs. Urban expansion on open land and natural habitats has led to a decline in biodiversity and increased climate change impacts, affecting urban inhabitants' quality of life and well-being. While sustainability indicators have been employed to assess the performance of buildings and neighbourhoods, landscape designs' ecological and environmental sustainability has received comparatively less attention, particularly in early-design stages where applying sustainability approaches is impactful.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a computation framework for evaluating key landscape sustainability indicators and providing real-time feedback to designers. The method integrates spatial indicators with widely recognized sustainability rating system credits. A specialized tool was developed for measuring biomass optimization, precipitation management and urban heat mitigation, and a proof-of-concept experiment tested the tool's effectiveness on three Mediterranean neighbourhood-level designs.

Findings

The results show a clear connection between the applied design strategy to the indicator behaviour. This connection enhances the ability to establish sustainability benchmarks for different types of landscape developments using parametric design.

Practical implications

The study allows non-expert designers to measure and embed landscape sustainability early in the design stages, thus lowering the entry level for incorporating biodiversity enhancement and climate mitigation approaches.

Originality/value

This study expands the parametric vocabulary for measuring landscape sustainability by introducing spatial ecosystem services and architectural sustainability indicators on a unified platform, enabling the integration of critical climate and biodiversity-loss solutions earlier in the development process.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1998

Liu Zhan‐Qiang, Patri K. Venuvinod and V.A. Ostafiev

A new system for on‐machine measurement of workpieces is described. The system is based on a fine touch sensor that enables the cutting tool itself to act as a contact probe to…

1473

Abstract

A new system for on‐machine measurement of workpieces is described. The system is based on a fine touch sensor that enables the cutting tool itself to act as a contact probe to inspect the workpiece. The proposed measurement technology combines the Q‐setter with the fine touch sensor. This low cost measurement system is applied to automatic workpiece setup and improving workpiece dimensional accuracy on a CNC turning center. It is shown that using the proposed measurement system results in workpiece setting time decrease and workpiece machining accuracy improvement. The development of the on‐machine measurement system makes the fine touch sensor extremely attractive for CNC machine retrofitting.

Details

Integrated Manufacturing Systems, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-6061

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2019

Seyedamin Jarolmasjed, Behnam Davoodi and Babak Pourebrahim Alamdari

The purpose of this paper is to machine the pressure surface of the turbine blade made of A286 iron-based superalloy by using four directions of raster strategy, including…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to machine the pressure surface of the turbine blade made of A286 iron-based superalloy by using four directions of raster strategy, including horizontal upward, horizontal downward, vertical upward and vertical downward, to achieve appropriate surface roughness and to investigate the tool wear in each strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, all cutting tests were performed by DAHLIH-MCV 1020 BA vertical 3-axis machining center with ball nose end mill. After milling by each strategy, according to the surface slope, the surface was divided into 27 meshes, and roughness of surface was studied and compared. Roughness measuring after machining was implemented by using portable Mahr ps1 roughness tester, and surface texture was photographed by CCD 100× optical zoom camera. Also, to measure tool flank wear in each strategy as an indication of tool life, the surface of workpiece was divided into four equal areas. The wear of the inserts was measured by ARCS vertical non-contact measuring system at the end of each area.

Findings

The results indicate that cutting directions and toolpath strategies have significant influence on tool wear and surface roughness in machining processes and that they can be taken into consideration individually as determinative parameters. In this case, the most uniform surface texture and the lowest surface roughness are obtained by using horizontal downward direction; in addition, abrasion is a dominant tool wear mechanism in all experiments, and tool wear in the horizontal downward is lower than other strategies.

Practical implications

Machining of turbine blades or other airfoil-shaped workpieces is quite common in manufacturing aerospace and aircraft products. The results of this research contribute to increasing quality of machined surface and tool life in machining of turbine blade.

Originality/value

This work proves the significance of milling strategies in machining of the turbine blade made of A286 superalloy and, consequently, exhibits the proper strategy in terms of surface roughness and tool life. Also, this work explains and elaborates the behavior of A286 superalloy in machining processes, which has not been studied much in recent research works.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 91 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2016

Kristen Snyder, Pernilla Ingelsson and Ingela Bäckström

The purpose of this paper is to identify and synthesize approaches to studying Lean transformation to further develop a comprehensive approach that integrates organizational…

1519

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and synthesize approaches to studying Lean transformation to further develop a comprehensive approach that integrates organizational culture analysis and performance measurement systems from a systems perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual in nature and based on a review of the literature in the areas of measuring Lean transformation and studying organizational culture. Three questions guide this conceptual analysis: “What approaches have been used to examine Lean transformation in business and public sector organizations?”; “Is there evidence of a focus on organizational culture in the measurement practices in Lean transformation and, if so, how?”; and “What can we learn from organizational cultural theorists about developing a more comprehensive framework to study Lean transformation?”. The analysis was conducted in two phases: In Phase 1, a database search was conducted using the key words Lean transformation, studying Lean, studying Lean transformation, studying organizational culture in Lean and measuring Lean, from which eight papers were selected. In Phase 2, the authors reviewed two models for studying organizational culture.

Findings

Findings indicated that the dominant approach to study and measure Lean transformation is based on the performance measurement model. Based on this approach, there was little evidence of a focus on organizational culture, and few integrated the human dimensions with the tools and practices. The authors also found evidence of a greater awareness of the need to develop a balanced performance measurement system that reflects both the subjective soft measures and the objective hard measures. Among the approaches studied, two models did reflect integration between hard and soft measures: Dahlgaard et al.’s (2011) 4Ps and Najem et al. ’s (2012) assessment model for studying organizational culture in Lean. Both of these methods provide a strong framework from which to further enhance the study of Lean transformation by incorporating elements from Bantz’s (1993) organizational communication culture method and Martin’s (1992) Matrix concept.

Originality/value

This paper furthers the academic dialogue on measuring Lean transformation through its unique analysis of studying organizational culture.

Details

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-669X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2007

Wai Peng Wong and Kuan Yew Wong

This paper aims to illustrate the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA) in measuring internal supply chain performance.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA) in measuring internal supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Two DEA models were developed – the technical efficiency model and the cost efficiency model. The models are further enhanced with scenario analysis to derive more meaningful business insights for managers in making resources planning decisions.

Findings

The information obtained from the DEA models helps managers to identify the inefficient operations and take the right remedial actions for continuous improvement. More importantly, the opportunity cost (forgone profit) calculated serves as a good reference to managers to make efficient decisions on resource allocations.

Research limitations/implications

Results are based on the deterministic data set. Future enhancement of the study would be to look into the possibility of modeling DEA in a stochastic supply chain environment (non‐deterministic) due to the fact that supply chain operates in a dynamic environment.

Practical implications

The proposed DEA‐based approach provides useful managerial implications in the measurement of supply chain efficiency. The study proves the usefulness of DEA as a decision‐making tool in supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful insights into the use of DEA as a modeling tool to aid managerial decision making in measuring supply chain efficiency.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 107 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 151000