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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2014

Elisabeth Borg and Jonas Söderlund

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the practices mobile project workers rely upon to deal with their liminal work situation, i.e. a work situation in which they are…

1239

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the practices mobile project workers rely upon to deal with their liminal work situation, i.e. a work situation in which they are “in-between” and do not have a clear long-term belonging to any specific organisation or project.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a qualitative approach and draws upon in-depth interviews with 24 engineers working for one of Scandinavia's leading technical consultancies. The aim of the qualitative data analysis was to identify a set of commonalities and differences in their experiences and ways of dealing with liminality.

Findings

The data indicate that mobile project workers experience their liminality in two separate dimensions; one which is primarily technical and task related, and one that is predominantly group related and social. These types of liminality are dealt with either actively, to lower or handle the ambiguity in the situation, or passively when the individual waits for the situation to be dealt with by others. Based on these two dimensions and types, the paper identifies and discusses four kinds of liminality practices.

Research limitations/implications

The paper demonstrates the importance of focusing on individuals in project-based work, and specifically how they deal with work in-between. The paper shows when and how individuals make use of different liminality practices in their work, and calls for further research on the different skill sets and competencies that are needed to deal with liminality.

Originality/value

By identifying four liminality practices applied in situations signified by the experience of being in-between, this study offers an important contribution to the literature on flexible and mobile work conditions. Thus, the paper contributes to the knowledge of threshold-like employment positions that denotes the everyday work situation for an increasing number of individuals engaged in knowledge-intensive and project-based work.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2024

Pengkun Liu, Zhewen Yang, Jing Huang and Ting-Kwei Wang

The purpose of this study is to scrutinize the influence of individual learning styles on the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR)-based learning in structural engineering

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to scrutinize the influence of individual learning styles on the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR)-based learning in structural engineering. There has been a lack of research examining the correlation between learning efficiency and learning style, particularly in the context of quantitatively assessing the efficacy of AR in structural engineering education.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT), a model that emphasizes learning through experience, students from the construction management department are assigned four learning styles (converging, assimilating, diverging and accommodating). Performance data were gathered, appraised, and compared through the three dimensions from the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey model across four categories of Kolb’s learning styles in both text-graph (TG)-based and AR-based learning settings.

Findings

The findings indicate that AR-based materials positively impact structural engineering education by enhancing overall learning performance more than TG-based materials. It is also found that the learning style has a profound influence on learning effectiveness, with AR technology markedly improving the information retrieval processes, particularly for converging and assimilating learners, then diverging learners, with a less significant impact on accommodating learners.

Originality/value

These results corroborate prior research analyzing learners' outcomes with hypermedia and informational learning systems. It was found that learners with an “abstract” approach (convergers and assimilators) outperform those with a “concrete” approach (divergers and accommodators). This research emphasizes the importance of considering learning styles before integrating technologies into civil engineering education, thereby assisting software developers and educational institutions in creating more effective teaching materials tailored to specific learning styles.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2023

Kaiyang Wang, Fangyu Guo, Ruijia Zhou and Liang Qian

In recent years, augmented reality (AR) has shown its potential to assist various construction activities. Its use commonly requires additional refinement to be integrated into…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, augmented reality (AR) has shown its potential to assist various construction activities. Its use commonly requires additional refinement to be integrated into the building information modeling (BIM) process. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated AR implementation in BIM-enabled projects because of numerous challenges related to its implementation. This study aims to investigate the implementation of AR in construction and identify the critical mechanisms for implementing BIM-AR successfully.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodology was adopted for this study. First, this work presents a bibliometric analysis covering articles obtained from Scopus database published between 2000 and 2022. A sample size of 65 research papers pertinent to AR in construction was analyzed using VOSviewer software. Second, a participatory case study was conducted for a BIM-enabled project in China to gain insight into how BIM-AR implementation in construction is achieved.

Findings

The findings from the bibliometric analysis show an increasing interest in AR research within construction. The results indicate that AR research focuses on four clusters: real-time communication, project management, construction activities and education. Findings from the case study provide an empirical experience of AR application scenarios in a BIM-enabled project. Concomitantly, 15 critical success factors that influence BIM-AR implementation were finally identified and demonstrated.

Originality/value

This study provides a rich insight into the understanding and awareness of implementing AR. First, the findings are beneficial to construction practitioners and researchers because they provide a concentrated perspective of AR for emerging activities in the construction industry. Second, the results obtained from the case study could provide a useful guide for effectively implementing AR in a BIM-enabled construction project. Overall, this study may stimulate further research on AR-related studies in construction, such as BIM integration, factor analysis and construction education.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Abstract

Details

An ANTi-History about Transgender Inclusion in the Brazilian Labor Market
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-152-3

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2018

Svjetlana Pantic-Dragisic and Elisabeth Borg

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a technical consulting firm approaches the development of engineering consultants, to prepare them to deal with their liminal, i.e…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a technical consulting firm approaches the development of engineering consultants, to prepare them to deal with their liminal, i.e. mobile and transient work situation. More specifically, this paper addresses how a training program, designed for newly graduated engineers, can increase the consultants’ liminality competence.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on a qualitative case study of an introductory development program in a Scandinavian technical consulting firm. The study is based on observations of training sessions and meetings, and interviews with developers, leaders and participants of the program.

Findings

This study identifies three processes, which develop the engineering consultants’ ability to master their mobile and transient work situation: identifying the core of an assignment, embracing “in-betweenness” and broadening the scope of action.

Originality/value

This paper enhances the understanding of formal training in the context of technical consulting and adds to the knowledge of how engineering consultants can master their liminal work positions; in particular, the study identifies how liminality competence can be elevated through formal training.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. 42 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2009

Christos Emmanouilidis, Jayantha P. Liyanage and Erkki Jantunen

This paper seeks to present an overview of current trends in employing wireless solutions to engineering asset and maintenance management.

3882

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an overview of current trends in employing wireless solutions to engineering asset and maintenance management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature and technological advances in wireless technologies and their applications in engineering asset and maintenance management from the viewpoint of assessing their potential impact, use and penetration in industrial practice. Rather than attempting a literature survey, the paper highlights emerging opportunities, benefits and potential hurdles in the adoption of mobile application solutions for industrial assets.

Findings

Despite the fact that the use of advanced application solutions in manufacturing, production or process facilities takes place at a different scale, the emerging trend has already shown that mobile technologies have a great potential to redefine and re‐engineer the conventional setting for industrial asset and maintenance management. They have already begun to form the basis for offering advanced and smart solutions to remotely manage complex, high‐risk, and capital‐intensive assets, regardless of the geographical location, building agile information and knowledge networks. The key characteristics of the emerging environment include: 24/7 connectivity for active data management, enhanced web‐based interactivity, ready access to knowledge and information, and growth of use of advanced communication networks.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on analysing current trends and concludes by highlighting promising research directions in employing wireless and mobile solutions for engineering and maintenance asset management.

Practical implications

Managerial and engineering personnel, as well as practitioners, can examine on a case‐by‐case basis the specific benefits that can be offered by the introduction of mobile technologies for engineering asset and maintenance management.

Originality/value

The recent penetration of mobile technologies in industrial practice highlights the need to assess the benefits of the technology in maintenance engineering. Much of the literature focuses on the contribution of ICT in maintenance, without analysing the impact of mobile technologies. The paper goes some way towards examining and analysing the current practice and prospects of implementing mobile application solutions in maintenance.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 May 2014

Grzegorz Stefan Bankosz and John Kerins

The purpose of this paper is to develop a prototype system to demonstrate the potential benefits of deploying mobile technology to enhance asset maintenance processes in a small…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a prototype system to demonstrate the potential benefits of deploying mobile technology to enhance asset maintenance processes in a small food manufacturing plant.

Design/methodology/approach

Design, development and deployment of a solution using open-source resources aimed at demonstrating improved asset maintenance functionality to principal stakeholders in a food manufacturing plant.

Findings

The development of a prototype system supporting user interaction via a mobile phone demonstrates the potential benefits of more flexible data capture and improved information management which offer clear advantages over the limitations imposed by a stand-alone terminal.

Research limitations/implications

The solution was developed as a prototype. In this respect it serves to illustrate system benefits but more work is needed to extend system functionality.

Practical implications

Issues concerning data security and questions surrounding a suitable deployment platform would need to be addressed in deploying this technology.

Originality/value

The research demonstrates that mobile technology can successfully be utilised to enhance asset maintenance in a small manufacturing plant by improving data capture and information management. These initiatives are likely to be of interest to other SMEs seeking to enhance asset maintenance processes.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2004

Zhang Yingjie and Ge Liling

Reverse engineering methodology paves an efficient way for simulating and manufacturing existing objects with complex shapes, and a range of applications also has shown this…

Abstract

Reverse engineering methodology paves an efficient way for simulating and manufacturing existing objects with complex shapes, and a range of applications also has shown this approach to be feasible and efficient. However, in many applications, a lot of sub‐tasks in reverse engineering are usually not done in the same place, they need to be done cooperatively over the Internet or Intranet. So, this paper is concerned with developing a novel e‐service platform for remote service in reverse engineering applications based on mobile agent technology, and some correlative enabling technologies such as data compression, security considerations, agent models and so on. The framework was programmed using the Java Sevlets and Java Beans component models, and data transferring and processing were implemented based on the dispatch/retract mechanisms of mobile agents. The mobile agent is developed with IBM's Aglets Workbench, and the feasibility of the proposed method has been verified by a case.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2013

Mutaz M. Al‐Debei, Enas Al‐Lozi and Guy Fitzgerald

The aim of this study is to analytically develop a reference model for engineering (i.e. analysis, design, development, evaluation, delivery, maintenance, modification, and…

1276

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analytically develop a reference model for engineering (i.e. analysis, design, development, evaluation, delivery, maintenance, modification, and management) powerful value networks capable of creating innovative mobile data services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paradigm followed is that of design‐science research (DSR) which incorporates two main iterative processes: build and evaluate. For building the model (i.e. the design science artifact in this research), the authors followed three iterations: literature review analysis; semi‐structured interviews analyzed through content analysis; and examination of real‐life case studies. But for evaluating the model, the authors utilized the NTT DoCoMo's i‐mode case.

Findings

This paper puts forward a novel model for engineering value networks of mobile innovations. This model is composed of seven design constructs and their relationships. The developed model is argued to provide significant utility for telecoms in helping them to identify and design powerful value networks following a systematic and practical approach.

Research limitations/implications

The data sources is somewhat limited and the sample is somewhat small which may result in lack of sufficient statistical power. Moreover, the analysis may have overlooked some important concepts and theories related to innovations and value networks.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current body of knowledge about how telecoms can best analyze and design their value networks in an approach that maximizes the potential of developing innovative mobile data services.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 June 2023

Malathi Sivasankara Pillai and Kannan Balakrishnan

This paper aims to prove the following hypothesis Problem Statement: HYPOTHESIS (1) User Experience collection of mobile applications can be done using the Crowdsourcing…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to prove the following hypothesis Problem Statement: HYPOTHESIS (1) User Experience collection of mobile applications can be done using the Crowdsourcing mechanism; (2) User Experience collection of mobile applications are influenced by the mindset of Crowdmembers, culture/ethnicity/social background, ease of interface use and rewards, among other factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors of this paper, did a literature review first to find if Crowdsourcing was applicable and a used method to solve problems in Software Engineering. This helped us to narrow down the application of Crowdsourcing to the Requirements Engineering-Usability (User Experience) collection. User experience collection of two Malayalam language-based mobile applications, AarogyaSetu and BevQ was done as the next step. Incorporating findings from Study I, another study using AarogyaSetu and Manglish was launched as Study II. The results from both cases were consolidated and analyzed. Significant concerns relating to expectations of Crowd members with User Experience collection were unraveled and the purpose of Study was accomplished.

Findings

(1) Crowdsourcing is and can be used in Software Engineering activities. (2) Crowd members have expectations (motivating factors) of User Interface and other elements that enable them to be an effective contributor. (3) An individual’s environment and mindset (character) are influential in him becoming a contributor in Crowdsourcing. (4) Culture and social practices of a region strongly affects the crowd-participating decision of an individual.

Originality/value

This is purely self-done work. The value of this research work is two-fold. Crowdsourcing is endorsed significant in Software Engineering tasks, especially in User Experience collection of mobile applications. Two, the Crowd service requesters can be careful about designing the questionnaire for Crowdsourcing. They have to be aware and prepared to meet the expectations of the Crowd. This can ensure the active participation of potential contributors. Future researchers can use the results of this work to base their research on similar purposes.

Details

Rajagiri Management Journal, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-9968

Keywords

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