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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2002

David J. Edwards, Gary D. Holt and Barry Robinson

Construction plant maintenance practice and its plant operators are inextricably linked. This is because, unlike plant operating within the manufacturing sector, construction…

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Abstract

Construction plant maintenance practice and its plant operators are inextricably linked. This is because, unlike plant operating within the manufacturing sector, construction plant is largely dependent upon operator skill and competence to maintain the item in a safe, fully operational condition. Research has previously successfully modelled machine breakdown, but revealed that the operator’s impact upon machine breakdown rates can be considerable. A conceptual model methodology with which to assess the maintenance proficiency of individual plant operators is presented. Specifically, an artificial intelligent classification model is proposed as a means of classifying plant operator maintenance proficiency into one of three bandings. These are good, average and poor. The results of such work will form the basis of new prescriptive guidelines, for incorporation into the new certificate of training achievement (CTA) scheme, available to inexperienced construction plant operators. The paper concludes with an indication of the palpable benefits of such research, to plant owners and the construction industry at large.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 August 2023

Yangsheng Ye, Degou Cai, Qianli Zhang, Shaowei Wei, Hongye Yan and Lin Geng

This method will become a new development trend in subgrade structure design for high speed railways.

Abstract

Purpose

This method will become a new development trend in subgrade structure design for high speed railways.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the structural types and design methods of subgrade bed for high speed railways in China, Japan, France, Germany, the United States and other countries based on the study and analysis of existing literature and combined with the research results and practices of high speed railway subgrade engineering at home and abroad.

Findings

It is found that in foreign countries, the layered reinforced structure is generally adopted for the subgrade bed of high speed railways, and the unified double-layer or multi-layer structure is adopted for the surface layer of subgrade bed, while the simple structure is adopted in China; in foreign countries, different inspection parameters are adopted to evaluate the compaction state of fillers according to their respective understanding and practice, while in China, compaction coefficient, subsoil coefficient and dynamic deformation modulus are adopted for such evaluation; in foreign countries, the subgrade top deformation control method, the subgrade bottom deformation control method, the subsurface fill strength control method are mainly adopted in subgrade bed structure design of high speed railways, while in China, dynamic deformation control of subgrade surface and dynamic strain control of subgrade bed bottom layer is adopted in the design. However, the cumulative deformation of subgrade caused by train cyclic vibration load is not considered in the existing design methods.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a new subgrade structure design method based on whole-process dynamics analysis that meets subgrade functional requirements and is established on the basis of the existing research at home and abroad on prediction methods for cumulative deformation of subgrade soil.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2006

Keith Harman and Alex Koohang

The purpose of the study is to explore the extent to which the diffusion of concepts related to information systems and management approximates the rate and the cumulative

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore the extent to which the diffusion of concepts related to information systems and management approximates the rate and the cumulative frequency distribution patterns assumed to reflect the diffusion of innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The diffusion of those concepts was measured via citation analysis of 4,014 publications (journal articles, books, and dissertations) for the period 1973‐2004.

Findings

Two key findings emerged from the study. First, the cumulative frequency distribution approximates the S‐curve of adoption. Second, the rate of adoption is exponential and corroborates an epidemiological model of the rate of adoption recently reported in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to identify and examine topics or concepts that have run their course and subsequently offer an excellent opportunity to perform ex‐post‐facto studies on the life cycle of innovative concepts or topics. From these studies will be baseline data and easily identifiable “actors” in the diffusion process (authors, editors, reviewers, and dissertation committees) that will provide the impetus for continued, progressively complex research models.

Practical implications

The practical implications of a deeper understanding of the diffusion of innovations are immense. It will enhance understanding of how to better promote research and development and technology transfer. It will enhance understanding of how better to market the fruits of those endeavors.

Originality/value

This paper's findings bring to the scholarly community in the digital era the importance of understanding how new concepts and theories are brought to light and evaluated.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 106 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2021

Hélène Flore Nguemgaing and Ana Claudia Sant’Anna

How has COVID-19 impacted meat processors' stock returns? The authors evaluate the effects of supply chain disruptions (e.g. lockdowns and COVID-19 incidences among workers) on…

Abstract

Purpose

How has COVID-19 impacted meat processors' stock returns? The authors evaluate the effects of supply chain disruptions (e.g. lockdowns and COVID-19 incidences among workers) on stock market prices of meat processors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an event study approach to examine the disruptions from COVID-19 through events such as plant shutdowns, the pandemic announcement, lockdown dates and the first case of COVID-19 outbreaks in meat processing plants. The dataset includes S&P 500, Google Trends, financial beta and data collected for 14 US publicly traded meat processing companies.

Findings

Results show that nationwide events (e.g. announcement of the pandemic) had no statistically significant impact on average abnormal returns of meat processing companies. Individually, however, firms experienced negative abnormal returns. COVID-19-related events in individual meat processing companies had a temporary negative abnormal return in the days prior to the event.

Originality/value

This study has two main contributions. First, the authors estimate the effect of COVID-19 on the returns of meat processors. Second, the authors use Google Trends to estimate the expected stock markets returns of meat processing companies. This study provides insight to investors on the behavior of industry returns from events such as outbreaks that affect human health.

Details

Agricultural Finance Review, vol. 82 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-1466

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 6 April 2021

Amit Chatterjee and Ramesh Chandra Das

This study analyzes the trends and patterns of strategic and innovative macroeconomic variables during recession or slowdown periods of 10 countries – Brazil, the United States…

Abstract

This study analyzes the trends and patterns of strategic and innovative macroeconomic variables during recession or slowdown periods of 10 countries – Brazil, the United States, UK, Germany, France, China, Japan, India, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea for the period 1980–2018, which includes major recessions like the 1982 debt crisis, 1991 economic crisis, 1997 Asian Financial crisis, and 2008 Sub-prime crisis. This study devised two models – Logistic Regression and a Range-based Custom-Made Recession-cum-Economy State indicator, based on Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) model parameters. Results for the logistic regression model show that most of the marginal effect values are positive for variables linked with globalization indicating that increase in adverse impact on such variables increases the probability of recession. The custom-made statistical index provides an individual country-wise range, along with a global range for the weighted total of the variables, the weights for which are derived from the DOLS model, which has a 59.66% accuracy in estimating the condition of an economy. The recent worldwide experience indicates that probability of recessions has decreased, and slowdowns have increased over a period. This is evident from the Cumulative Trend of Economic State analysis that indicates that the recession probabilities of countries have decreased 1990 and that of slowdown have become highly volatile.

Details

Strategic Outlook in Business and Finance Innovation: Multidimensional Policies for Emerging Economies
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-445-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2013

Hilmi Hussin, Fakhruldin Mohd Hashim, Omar Halim Ramli and Syed Muhammad Afdhal Ghazali

This paper aims to propose a practical method of performing maintainability analysis of an offshore system at operation phase having some improvement trend.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a practical method of performing maintainability analysis of an offshore system at operation phase having some improvement trend.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis follows a systematically developed method of analyzing maintenance data, identifying critical factors affecting system performance, and developing suitable downtime distribution model with some applications of statistical analysis techniques and expert opinion.

Findings

Improvement in spare part logistics is found significant in reducing downtime thus should be well feedback to design and plant engineers so that it can be incorporated in new offshore system. The downtime models developed based on the steady state analysis and expert input are found to be practical for prediction of the system maintainability performance.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis focuses on the downtime which includes the repair, logistics and administrative delay time. At the operation phase, plant personnel are mostly interested in the availability and downtime performance of the system thus this study provides an excellent example of how the analysis can be done practically and effectively.

Practical implications

Maintainability analysis at operation phase is crucial to assess and predict the maintenance system performance and provide valuable feedback to the design phase and existing plant for further improvement. The methodology developed here is practical hence can assist plant personnel to perform maintainability analysis effectively.

Originality/value

This paper present a generic method of analyzing maintainability at the operation phase. The proposed distribution method via steady state and expert input approaches provides a practical method for formulating downtime distribution model when improvement trend exists.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Qurra-tul-ain Ali Sheikh, Mahpara Sadaqat and Muhammad Meraj

The purpose of this paper is to obtain empirical evidence on the impacts of socio-economic and demographic factors on the fertility decisions taken by a common family in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain empirical evidence on the impacts of socio-economic and demographic factors on the fertility decisions taken by a common family in developing countries like Pakistan. Also, this study contravenes the conventional orthodoxy of childbirth decisions of a family by enlarging the canvas and conjectures the fundamental nexus amongst female’s education, fertility and contraceptive use.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on micro-level data, obtained from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2012-2013) which is the third survey carried out in Pakistan. Demographic and socio-economic profiles of 13,558 ever-married women, aged 15-49 years, were randomly selected from Gilgit Baltistan and the four provinces of Pakistan. Three dependent variables are used in empirical analysis i.e. current use of contraceptives, total fertility and cumulative fertility. In order to estimate the probability of contraceptive use maximum likelihood, Probit technique is employed with ordinary least squares on reduced form specifications of total fertility and cumulative fertility models.

Findings

The empirical results proved the hypotheses that educated females practice more family planning through modern contraceptives which leads to a decrease in total fertility rates. Some significant links among females’ education, contraceptive use and fertility define the quantity – quality trade-off and opportunity cost of time. Evidently, female education provides maturity and awareness of family size which is necessary to take crucial economic decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical evidence suggests that maximum efforts should be made toward women’s education. The current standard of education in Pakistan is not enough to overcome the long-standing problem of excessive child birth. This could be done with the help of public – private partnership as the measures taken by the government alone are insufficient. The government should initiate some adequate measures such as education and awareness about contraceptive usage at the secondary school level that could be a vivacious step to support fertility reduction.

Practical implications

The framework used in this study provides a broader intra-household income–expenditure approach. With a smaller family size, the household’s income would be shared among fewer individuals. It is highly probable that parents would be more attentive if they need to look after a few children. That is the best way to progress their children with limited resources.

Social implications

From the socioeconomic perspectives, educated parents plan the ideal family size which allows them to spend more on their children’s upbringing.

Originality/value

This study captures the magnitude of fertility decisions with the relevance of the wife’s education because the present practice in Pakistan does not allow higher education for married women. This is why this study could be used as a benchmark for further study in the same area.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 December 2004

Ross R. Vickers

Constructing and evaluating behavioral science models is a complex process. Decisions must be made about which variables to include, which variables are related to each other, the…

Abstract

Constructing and evaluating behavioral science models is a complex process. Decisions must be made about which variables to include, which variables are related to each other, the functional forms of the relationships, and so on. The last 10 years have seen a substantial extension of the range of statistical tools available for use in the construction process. The progress in tool development has been accompanied by the publication of handbooks that introduce the methods in general terms (Arminger et al., 1995; Tinsley & Brown, 2000a). Each chapter in these handbooks cites a wide range of books and articles on specific analysis topics.

Details

The Science and Simulation of Human Performance
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-296-2

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2014

Baojing Sun, Changhao Guo and G. Cornelis van Kooten

The paper analyzes the hedging efficiency of weather-indexed insurance for corn production in Northeast of China. The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential weather…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper analyzes the hedging efficiency of weather-indexed insurance for corn production in Northeast of China. The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential weather variables that impact corn yields and to analyze the efficiency of weather-indexed insurance under varying thresholds for payouts (strike values).

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical relationships between climate variables and crop yields are used to construct weather-indexed insurance that enable a farmer to hedge against adverse precipitation outcomes. Mean root square loss is used to compare the efficiency of various weather products.

Findings

Based on efficiency comparisons, it turns out that in some, but not all circumstances, cumulative rainfall (CR) insurance can be used to hedge weather risk. When CR explains one-third or more of the variation in corn yields, a hedge can offset the revenue loss caused by the corresponding weather risk; but when it explains much less of the yield variation, it is inefficient for hedgers to buy weather insurance. If CR explains variation in crop yields, it is increasingly efficient to employ CR-indexed insurance as strike values decline for put options or increase for call options.

Practical implications

The paper provides a method for calculating the premium for an insurance product that provides a payout if CR in a growing season is too low.

Originality/value

This research is important because it illustrates the potential benefits of using weather insurance as an agricultural risk management strategy in China.

Details

Agricultural Finance Review, vol. 74 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-1466

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2009

Toru Takahashi, Tomoko Saiki, Jae‐Ho Shin, Noritomo Ouchi, Chihiro Watanabe and Yuji Tou

A virtuous cycle between effective utilization of external resources and functionality development can be constructed. Given that the timely emergence of new functionality in an…

Abstract

Purpose

A virtuous cycle between effective utilization of external resources and functionality development can be constructed. Given that the timely emergence of new functionality in an efficient way is crucial to a firm's competitive strategy in an era of mega‐competition, construction of such a virtuous cycle is a key element with regard to a firm's technopreneurial strategy. The purpose of this paper is to identify a trigger for such a virtuous cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical comparative analysis taking copying machines development trajectories in Canon and Ricoh and the patent data analysis were conducted.

Findings

Cumulative learning from preceding relevant technology development is found to stimulate intra‐technology spillover. Timely intra‐technology spillover from preceding innovation plays a triggering role.

Practical implications

Attempting a broad and comprehensive learning exercise should be strongly encouraged for the effective utilization of external resources for innovation. Fruitful effects of learning should be pursued to the hybrid management of technology fusing indigenous strength and the effects of the comprehensive learning.

Originality/value

Aiming at identifying the trigger emerging a virtuous cycle between effective utilization of external resources and functionality development, core technologies instilled in the copying machines just short of the emergence of functionality development were investigated. In order to anticipate thorough capturing of all dimensions of color technologies utilized for the emergence of new functionality development through indigenous development as well as utilization of externally developed technologies, F‐term retrieval of patent registration data was attempted.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-7981

Keywords

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