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Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Ravichandran Joghee and Reesa Varghese

The purpose of this article is to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the analysis of variance (ANOVA…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the analysis of variance (ANOVA) application after the preliminary test on the model specification.

Design/methodology/approach

A new approach is proposed to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the ANOVA application. First, we determine this relationship from the general perspective of Six Sigma methodology under the normality assumption. Then, the approach is extended to a balanced two-stage nested design with a random effects model in which a preliminary test is used to fix the main test statistic.

Findings

The features of mean-shifted and inflated (but centred) processes with the same specification limits from the perspective of Six Sigma are studied. The shift and inflation coefficients are derived for the two-stage balanced ANOVA model. We obtained good predictions for the process shift, given the inflation coefficient, which has been demonstrated using numerical results and applied to case studies. It is understood that the proposed method may be used as a tool to obtain an efficient variance estimator under mean shift.

Research limitations/implications

In this work, as a new research approach, we studied the link between mean shift and inflation coefficients when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the ANOVA. Derivations for these coefficients are presented. The results when the null hypothesis is accepted are also studied. This needs the help of preliminary tests to decide on the model assumptions, and hence the researchers are expected to be familiar with the application of preliminary tests.

Practical implications

After studying the proposed approach with extensive numerical results, we have provided two practical examples that demonstrate the significance of the approach for real-time practitioners. The practitioners are expected to take additional care before deciding on the model assumptions by applying preliminary tests.

Originality/value

The proposed approach is original in the sense that there have been no similar approaches existing in the literature that combine Six Sigma and preliminary tests in ANOVA applications.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2024

Insong Kim, Hakson Jin, Kwangsong Ri, Sunbong Hyon and Cholhui Huang

A combustor design is a particularly important and difficult task in the development of gas turbine engines. During studies for accurate and easy combustor design, reasonable…

Abstract

Purpose

A combustor design is a particularly important and difficult task in the development of gas turbine engines. During studies for accurate and easy combustor design, reasonable design methodologies have been established and used in engine development. The purpose of this paper is to review the design methodology for combustor in development of advanced gas turbine engines. The advanced combustor development task can be successfully achieved in less time and at lower cost by adopting new and superior design methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The review considers the main technical problems (combustion, cooling, fuel injection and ignition technology) in the development of modern combustor design and deals with combustor design methods by dividing it into preliminary design, performance evaluation, optimization and experiment. The advanced combustion and cooling technologies mainly used in combustor design are mentioned in detail. In accordance with the modern combustor design method, the design mechanisms are considered and the methods used in every stage of the design are reviewed technically.

Findings

The improved performances and strict emission limits of gas turbine engines require the application of advanced technologies when designing combustors. The optimized design mechanism and reasonable performance evaluation methods are very important in reducing experiments and increasing the effectiveness of the design.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the design methodology for the advanced gas turbine engine combustor.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2024

John M. Violanti and Michael E. Andrew

Policing requires atypical work hours. The present study examined associations between shiftwork and pregnancy loss among female police officers.

Abstract

Purpose

Policing requires atypical work hours. The present study examined associations between shiftwork and pregnancy loss among female police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 91 female officers with a prior history of at least one pregnancy. Shiftwork information was assessed using daily electronic payroll work records. Any prior pregnancy loss (due to miscarriage) was self-reported. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for main associations.

Findings

On average, the officers were 42 years old, had 14 years of service, and 56% reported a prior pregnancy loss. Officers who worked dominantly on the afternoon or night shift during their career had 96% greater odds of pregnancy loss compared to those on day shift (OR = 1.96, 95% CI:0.71–5.42), but the result was not statistically significant. A 25% increase in percent of hours worked on night shift was associated with 87% increased odds of pregnancy loss (OR = 1.87, 95% CI:1.01–3.47). Associations were adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors. Objective assessment of shiftwork via electronic records strengthened the study. Limitations include small sample size, cross-sectional design and lack of details on pregnancy loss or the timing of pregnancy loss with regard to shiftwork.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is preliminary and cross-sectional.

Practical implications

With considerable further inquiry and findings into this topic, results may have an impact on police policy affecting shift work and pregnant police officers.

Social implications

Implication on the health and welfare of police officers.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, there are no empirical studies which associate shiftwork and pregnancy loss among police officers. This preliminary study suggested an association between shiftwork and increased odds of pregnancy loss and points out the need for further study.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. 47 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 September 2023

Jessica Leigh Thornton

As the subject of female criminology in South Africa has only recently been dealt with in a qualitative manner, this paper aims to explore if there is a potential link between…

Abstract

Purpose

As the subject of female criminology in South Africa has only recently been dealt with in a qualitative manner, this paper aims to explore if there is a potential link between rehabilitation, reintegration support and recidivism as females are often placed back into the environment which prompted their criminal behaviour, further excluding them from rehabilitative reform, which might lead them to recidivate.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a qualitative approach using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with six participants that were chosen purposively.

Findings

The paper notes a potential link between rehabilitation, reintegration support and recidivism as the female prisoners are imprinted with criminal dispositions since rehabilitation within the correctional facility has no implementation process to ensure that restoration can continue after they have been released.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the limited number of the incarcerated female population and the scope of the preliminary study, the sample comprised of only six female offenders. As such, it contributes to the larger discourse of female criminality, but does not offer any recommendations.

Practical implications

Provides an understanding of the conditions in which the females are released. Allows for the inclusion of the female’s voice on, and reflection of, rehabilitation and recidivism. Notes a link between rehabilitation, reintegration and recidivism. Creates a pathway for further research in the exploration of a gendered reform approach.

Originality/value

While the subject of female criminology in South Africa has only recently been dealt with in a qualitative manner, this study offers an insight into how females who offend are often placed back into the environment which prompted their criminal behaviour.

Details

Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3841

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2023

Nirodha Fernando, Kasun Dilshan T.A. and Hexin (Johnson) Zhang

The Government’s investment in infrastructure projects is considerably high, especially in bridge construction projects. Government authorities must establish an initial…

Abstract

Purpose

The Government’s investment in infrastructure projects is considerably high, especially in bridge construction projects. Government authorities must establish an initial forecasted budget to have transparency in transactions. Early cost estimating is challenging for Quantity Surveyors due to incomplete project details at the initial stage and the unavailability of standard cost estimating techniques for bridge projects. To mitigate the difficulties in the traditional preliminary cost estimating methods, there is a requirement to develop a new initial cost estimating model which is accurate, user friendly and straightforward. The research was carried out in Sri Lanka, and this paper aims to develop the artificial neural network (ANN) model for an early cost estimate of concrete bridge systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The construction cost data of 30 concrete bridge projects which are in Sri Lanka constructed within the past ten years were trained and tested to develop an ANN cost model. Backpropagation technique was used to identify the number of hidden layers, iteration and momentum for optimum neural network architectures.

Findings

An ANN cost model was developed, furnishing the best result since it succeeded with around 90% validation accuracy. It created a cost estimation model for the public sector as an accurate, heuristic, flexible and efficient technique.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the current body of knowledge by providing the most accurate early-stage cost estimate for the concrete bridge systems in Sri Lanka. In addition, the research findings would be helpful for stakeholders and policymakers to propose policy recommendations that positively influence the prediction of the most accurate cost estimate for concrete bridge construction projects in Sri Lanka and other developing countries.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2023

Supuck Prugsiganont and Tanut Waroonkun

This study aims to investigate the physical environmental problems of two Thai community hospitals’ outpatient departments (OPDs) during the COVID-19 outbreak and to provide…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the physical environmental problems of two Thai community hospitals’ outpatient departments (OPDs) during the COVID-19 outbreak and to provide design guidelines for respiratory disease prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step method was used. The first step involved walk-through observations at Mae Wang Hospital and Doi Saket Hospital to assess the physical environment. The second step consisted of interviews with 22 medical staff working in the two hospitals. Third, the observation and interview data were used to develop a preliminary design guideline, which was evaluated by two focus groups comprising the same interview participants.

Findings

The observational findings showed that the two hospitals had difficulties following the COVID-19 prevention protocol due to physical environmental problems. Four different themes emerged from the analysis of the medical staff interviews. The preliminary design guidelines that were evaluated through two focus group discussions resulted in design recommendations for four areas (the overall building, clinical, support and staff areas) in the Mae Wang and Doi Saket OPD buildings. Three topics of design recommendations were provided to reduce the spread of COVID-19: improving hospital management, space design and air quality.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide design guidelines for COVID-19 and respiratory disease prevention in Thai community hospital OPD buildings.

Details

Facilities , vol. 42 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Lina Zhong, Xiaonan Li, Sunny Sun, Rob Law and Mengyao Zhu

Existing tourism review articles have limited review topics and cover a relatively short period. This review paper aims to extend the coverage of the previous literature and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Existing tourism review articles have limited review topics and cover a relatively short period. This review paper aims to extend the coverage of the previous literature and enhances the completeness of tourism-related studies to provide comprehensive tourism-related literature from 1945 (World War II onward) to 2022. Specifically, this paper reveals the major research themes present in published tourism research during this time period and highlights the evolution of tourism research from the preliminary phase, the transversal phase, to the growth phase.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study visualizes tourism research through networks of coauthors and their countries and regions, cocitation analysis of keywords and explores the thematic evolution of tourism research after the World War II (i.e., 1945–2022) from Web of Science and Google Scholar through bibliometric analysis.

Findings

Findings reveal that the themes of tourism research in the past years can be divided into seven major research themes. The tourism research evolution from World War II to 2022 can be categorized into three stages: preliminary (1945–1970), transversal (1971–2004) and growth (2005–2022). In addition, the research themes of tourism are not static but evolve according to the dynamics of the society and the industry, and that seven main research themes have been formed, namely, “heritage tourism,” “medical tourism,” “adventure tourism,” “dark tourism,” “sustainable tourism,” “rural tourism” and “smart tourism.”

Originality/value

The present study expands and refines the comprehensive literature in tourism research, as well as reveals the trends and dynamics in tourism research through network analysis and thematic evolution research methods.

目的

现有的旅游评论文章在审查主题方面有限, 并且涵盖的时间相对较短。本综述文章扩展了先前文献的涵盖范围, 增强了与旅游相关研究的完整性, 提供了从1945年(第二次世界大战之后)到2022年的全面旅游相关文献。具体而言, 本文揭示了此期间发表的旅游研究中的主要研究主题, 并突出了旅游研究从初步阶段、横向阶段到增长阶段的演变。

设计/方法/途径

本研究通过共同作者及其国家的网络、关键词的共同引用分析, 将旅游研究可视化, 并探索二战后旅游研究的主题演变。本研究通过文献计量学分析, 将 Web of Science (WoS) 和 Google Scholar 中的旅游研究(即 1945–2022 年)可视化。

研究结果

研究结果显示, 过去几年的旅游研究主题可分为七大研究主题。从第二次世界大战到 2022 年的旅游研究演变可分为三个阶段:初步阶段(1945–1970 年)、横向阶段(1971–2004 年)和成长阶段2005–2022 年)。此外, 旅游的研究主题并不是静态的, 而是根据社会和行业的动态而演变, 形成了七个主要研究主题, 即“遗产旅游”、“医疗旅游”、“冒险旅游”、“黑暗旅游”、“可持续旅游”、“乡村旅游”和“智慧旅游”。

原创性

本研究通过网络分析和主题演变研究方法扩展和完善了旅游研究方面的综合文献, 并揭示了旅游研究的趋势和动态。

Objetivo

Los artículos de revisión existentes sobre turismo tienen temas de revisión limitados y cubren un periodo relativamente corto. Este artículo de revisión amplía la cobertura de la bibliografía anterior y mejora la exhaustividad de los estudios relacionados con el turismo para ofrecer una bibliografía exhaustiva sobre el turismo desde 1945 (Segunda Guerra Mundial en adelante) hasta 2022. En concreto, este documento revela los principales temas de investigación presentes en la investigación turística publicada durante este periodo de tiempo y destaca la evolución de la investigación turística desde la fase preliminar, la fase transversal, hasta la fase de crecimiento.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

El presente estudio visualiza la investigación turística a través de redes de coautores y sus países y regiones, análisis de co-citación de palabras clave, y explora la evolución temática de la investigación turística después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial (es decir, 1945–2022) a partir de Web of Science y Google Scholar mediante análisis bibliométricos.

Resultados

Los resultados revelan que los temas de la investigación turística de los últimos años pueden dividirse en siete grandes temas de investigación. La evolución de la investigación turística desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial hasta 2022 puede clasificarse en tres etapas: preliminar (1945–1970), transversal (1971–2004) y de crecimiento (2005–2022). Además, los temas de investigación del turismo no son estáticos, sino que evolucionan según la dinámica de la sociedad y de la industria, y que se han formado siete temas principales de investigación, a saber: “turismo patrimonial”, “turismo médico”, “turismo de aventura”, “turismo oscuro”, “turismo sostenible”, “turismo rural” y “turismo inteligente”.

Originalidad/valor

El presente estudio amplía y perfecciona la amplia bibliografía existente en el campo de la investigación turística, además de revelar las tendencias y la dinámica de la investigación turística mediante el análisis de redes y los métodos de investigación de evolución temática.

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2024

Daniel James Acton, Rosalyn Arnold, Gavin Williams, Nicky NG, Kirstyn Mackay and Sujeet Jaydeokar

This preliminary study aims to examine the use of a co-designed immersive virtual reality intervention programme in improving access to health care for people with intellectual…

Abstract

Purpose

This preliminary study aims to examine the use of a co-designed immersive virtual reality intervention programme in improving access to health care for people with intellectual disability.

Design/methodology/approach

A co-production approach was used to design a virtual reality intervention in collaboration with people with intellectual disability, their families and carers. A mixed-method single sample pre-test-post-test design examined using a virtual reality intervention simulating health-care environments to improve access of attending health-care appointments. Qualitative feedback was used to understand participants’ experience and opinions of using the digital technology.

Findings

The study found that the intervention did help people access health-care appointment and reduced their fear. Improvements were also found in quality-of-life post intervention. Positive feedback was provided from participants on using digital technologies indicating the novelty of the approach and potential further applications.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which has used virtual reality to support people with intellectual disability access health care.

Details

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Ramgy Pararajasingam, Anuradha Samarajeewa Waidyasekara and Hasith Chathuranga Victar

Construction material management plays a significant role in achieving successful project delivery of a construction project. However, ineffective material management is a…

Abstract

Purpose

Construction material management plays a significant role in achieving successful project delivery of a construction project. However, ineffective material management is a critical issue in the construction industry, especially in developing economies, of which Sri Lanka is not an exception. Therefore, this study aims to focus on exploring the causes of ineffective material management practices in civil engineering construction projects in Sri Lanka and their impact on successful project delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

Furthermore, the literature findings were validated through the preliminary survey. Subsequently, a quantitative research approach was adopted to pursue the research aim. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 215 construction professionals in civil engineering projects who were selected using the judgemental and snowball sampling techniques. Collected data were analysed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) V26 and Microsoft Excel 2016.

Findings

Moreover, the study revealed that material price fluctuation, shortage of material in the market, delay in material procurement, inadequate planning and delays in material delivery are the most frequent causes of ineffective material management in civil engineering projects. In addition, it was evidenced that most ineffective material management practices cause both time and cost overruns in civil engineering construction projects. Most respondents emphasized inadequate planning, inadequate qualified and experienced staff, lack of supervision and lack of leadership as the causes for both time and cost overruns.

Originality/value

The study was concluded by proposing strategies for effective material management. Education/training/enlightenment of staff in charge of materials management, use of software like Microsoft Project, Primavera and similar software to eliminate manual errors in material management, and providing clear specifications to suppliers were the most agreed strategies for effective material management in civil engineering construction projects.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2024

Bindiya Gupta and Bhumika Achhnani

Till now no study has been undertaken which test the knowledge management processes for creating dynamic capabilities on the basis of organization structures with interpersonal…

Abstract

Purpose

Till now no study has been undertaken which test the knowledge management processes for creating dynamic capabilities on the basis of organization structures with interpersonal trust as an important variable. This paper serves as a preliminary study proposing an integrated conceptual model that unmistakably unifies the notions of knowledge management and dynamic capability.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an exhaustive literature review, the study explores the role of knowledge management in building dynamic capabilities within the organizations. Through the available literature, authors have attempted to study the relevance of knowledge management against the backdrop of Structuration theory.

Findings

Through their proposed framework, authors posit that the structural elements of an organization set the tone for knowledge management within the organization. Organizations face dynamic challenges from the external environment, and in absence of interpersonal trust the creation of dynamic capabilities becomes difficult.

Originality/value

First, the current study enriches the growing research interest in Knowledge management. Second, the study connects Knowledge management and interpersonal trust within the organizations, which in turn is influenced by the structure of the organization. Structures created in the organization decide the direction, quality and quantity of knowledge sharing within the organizations both through social systems and through formal reporting systems. Thus, this paper serves as a preliminary study proposing an integrated conceptual model that unmistakably unifies the notions of knowledge management and dynamic capability.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000