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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 January 2024

Yifan Shi, Yuan Wang, Xiaozhou Liu and Ping Wang

Straightness measurement of rail weld joint is of essential importance to railway maintenance. Due to the lack of efficient measurement equipment, there has been limited in-depth…

Abstract

Purpose

Straightness measurement of rail weld joint is of essential importance to railway maintenance. Due to the lack of efficient measurement equipment, there has been limited in-depth research on rail weld joint with a 5-m wavelength range, leaving a significant knowledge gap in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors used the well-established inertial reference method (IR-method), and the state-of-the-art multi-point chord reference method (MCR-method). Two methods have been applied in different types of rail straightness measurement trollies, respectively. These instruments were tested in a high-speed rail section within a certain region of China. The test results were ultimately validated through using traditional straightedge and feeler gauge methods as reference data to evaluate the rail weld joint straightness within the 5-m wavelength range.

Findings

The research reveals that IR-method and MCR-method produce reasonably similar measurement results for wavelengths below 1 m. However, MCR-method outperforms IR-method in terms of accuracy for wavelengths exceeding 3 m. Furthermore, it was observed that IR-method, while operating at a slower speed, carries the risk of derailing and is incapable of detecting rail weld joints and low joints within the track.

Originality/value

The research compare two methods’ measurement effects in a longer wavelength range and demonstrate the superiority of MCR-method.

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2004

Jeh‐Nan Pan

Recently, gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R) study has been highly regarded by the quality practitioners when QS9000 and D19000 become fashionable requirements for…

923

Abstract

Recently, gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R) study has been highly regarded by the quality practitioners when QS9000 and D19000 become fashionable requirements for manufacturing industries. Measurement plays a significant role in helping organizations improve their product quality. Good quality of products is the key factor towards business success. Therefore, how to ensure the quality of measurement becomes an important task for quality practitioners. In performing the GR&R study, several parameters, such as the appropriate sample size of parts (n), number of inspectors (p) and replicate measurements (k) are frequently asked by quality personnel in industries. The adequacy of current way of (n, p, k) selection is very questionable. A statistical method using the shortest confidence interval and its associated computer programming algorithm are presented in this paper for evaluating the optimal allocation among sample size of parts (n), number of inspectors (p) and replicate measurements (k). Hopefully, it can provide a useful reference for quality practitioners in industries.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2008

Cory Searcy, Stanislav Karapetrovic and Daryl McCartney

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a systems approach can be used to facilitate the development of an organizational performance measurement system.

3388

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a systems approach can be used to facilitate the development of an organizational performance measurement system.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the literature, the paper introduces the implications for applying a systems approach to organizational performance measurement. To demonstrate the transition from theory to practice, a case study is provided to show how a sustainable development performance measurement system was developed at a Canadian electric utility. The case study involved extensive consultation with over 25 experts.

Findings

The paper finds that a systems approach is useful in developing the process and that a set of formal systems criteria is useful in developing the structure and content of a performance measurement system. These concepts are highlighted throughout the case study example.

Research limitations/implications

The case study section was based on findings from a single organization. Further work is required to validate the findings within other organizations.

Practical implications

The paper shows how a robust sustainable development performance measurement system may be developed at an electric utility. The overarching emphasis on integration of the system with the case utility's mainstream initiatives demonstrates that a performance measurement system must build on what the organization already has in place. The systems‐based approach and formal systems criteria used in the paper may be transferable to other organizations.

Originality/value

The paper shows that a systems approach provides both the structure and flexibility needed to guide the design, implementation, and evolution of a sustainable development performance measurement system within existing organizational infrastructure.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 57 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1996

R.L. Wood

Draws a comparison between the use of a genetic algorithm and the sequential function specification method for the solution of a one‐dimensional linear inverse thermal field…

139

Abstract

Draws a comparison between the use of a genetic algorithm and the sequential function specification method for the solution of a one‐dimensional linear inverse thermal field problem, based on the use of noisy measurements. In solving this problem aims to estimate the value of a single constant convective heat transfer coefficient. Documents the findings that both approaches can provide estimates within 1 per cent of the target solution and that the sensitivity and robustness of each approach to measurement location, time step size and measurement errors are markedly different.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 13 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2013

Sanna Pekkola

The purpose of this paper is to examine how different network members utilize and use network‐level performance measurement information. This is an important approach when

1238

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how different network members utilize and use network‐level performance measurement information. This is an important approach when discussing the management and development of a network by utilizing a performance measurement system.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a single‐case study, where a collaborative network forms the case. The data of the study have been gathered from an action research process of network performance measurement system design and its implementation phase in 2009, interviews in 2010, and discussions with the interviewees in 2012 to re‐evaluate the results.

Findings

The results of the study reveal that the use of the network‐level performance measurement system increased communication, trust, and commitment in the whole network, as well as in a single reselling unit. The performance measurement information also helped the companies create better alignment with their network partners.

Practical implications

The paper presents the main uses, utilizations and benefits of network‐level performance measurement and management from the perspectives of the different network members.

Originality/value

The case study contributes to the literature of performance measurement and management in a network environment. It presents the main uses and utilization of network‐level performance management and measurement.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2002

Lashawnda Mckinnon and Cynthia L. Istook

Describes research designed to examine the effects of subject positioning on the accuracy of body scan data. A body measurement system developed by the Textile Clothing Technology…

1482

Abstract

Describes research designed to examine the effects of subject positioning on the accuracy of body scan data. A body measurement system developed by the Textile Clothing Technology Corporation was used to acquire two scans from each of 72 subjects. The subjects were instructed to continue to breathe normally and stand with their feet shoulder‐width apart. The two scans were compared and statistical analysis was performed to determine the precision of the results and whether this lack of standardization affected the data. Physical measurements were also obtained from each subject and served as a basis for comparison to the scanned measurements. Since physical measurements are the current accepted “true value”, these measurements determined the level of accuracy of scanned data. Three separate scans of 72 different subjects were taken at various levels of breathing and at various foot positions to determine the effect of the variables. This study certainly indicates that respiration and foot placement has a significant effect on body scan data. It was established that the scan data rendered by the software does have precision, but lacks accuracy when compared against physical measurements. This may be owing to the inaccuracies of the physical measurement process or to differences in measurement location between the anthropometrist and the 3D measurement extraction software. Information detailing the level of accuracy and precision that can be obtained with scanning software and how respiration and subject positioning can affect the data are included.

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1995

David Sinclair and Mohamed Zairi

In the third of three articles introduces a model of totalquality‐based performance measurement. The model includes five sections:strategy development and goal deployment; process…

13131

Abstract

In the third of three articles introduces a model of total quality‐based performance measurement. The model includes five sections: strategy development and goal deployment; process management and measurement; performance appraisal and management; break‐point performance assessment and reward and recognition systems. Each section of the model is introduced, and validated by the results of a survey of the performance measurement systems in a postal survey of 115 companies.

Details

Business Process Re-engineering & Management Journal, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2017

Ali Sohaib, Laurence Broadbent, Abdul Rehman Farooq, Lyndon Neal Smith and Melvyn Lionel Smith

Significant research has been carried out in terms of development of new bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) instruments; however, there is still little…

Abstract

Purpose

Significant research has been carried out in terms of development of new bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) instruments; however, there is still little research available regarding spectral BRDF measurements of human skin. This study aims to investigate the variation in human skin reflectance using a new fibre optic-based spectral-BRDF measurement device.

Design/methodology/approach

Design of this system mainly involves use of multiple fibre optics to illuminate and detect light reflected from a sample, whereas a hemispherical dome was 3D printed to mount the fibres at various slant/tilt angles. To investigate the spectral differences in BRDF of human skin, 3 narrowband filters in the visible spectrum were used, whereas measurements were taken from the back of the hand for Caucasian and Asian skin types.

Findings

The experiments demonstrate that the BRDF of human skin varies with wavelengths in the visible spectrum and it is also different for Caucasian and Asian skin types. Both skin types exhibit off-specular reflection with increase in angle of incidence and show less variation with respect to viewing angles when the angle of incidence is normal to the surface.

Research implications

A database of spectral BRDF measurements of human skin will help not only in creating realistic skin renderings but also in development of novel skin reflectance models for biomedical and machine vision applications. The measurements would also provide means to validate the predictions from existing light transport/spectral simulation models for human skin and will ultimately help in the accurate diagnosis and simulation of various skin disorders.

Originality/value

The proposed system provides fast scatter measurements by utilising multiple fibres to detect light simultaneously at different angles while also allowing easy switching between incident light directions. Due to its flexible design and contact-based measurements, the device is independent of errors due to sample movements and does not require any image registration. Also, measurements taken from the device show that the BRDF of skin varies significantly in the visible spectrum and it is different for Caucasian and Asian skin types.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1992

Shigeru Inui and Atsuo Shibuya

Seam pucker is one of the most important aspects of garment quality in the sewing process. Recently, automatic sewing systems have been developed and seam pucker or other defects…

Abstract

Seam pucker is one of the most important aspects of garment quality in the sewing process. Recently, automatic sewing systems have been developed and seam pucker or other defects would have to be automatically inspected in these systems. Two systems of automatic, contactless measurement of seam pucker have been developed. One of the measurement systems, with which surface shape of seam pucker was measured, is based on laser technology. Intensity of reflected ultrasonic wave is measured using another measurement system. The laser measurement system has been applied to moderate or severe seam pucker and the ultrasonic wave system has been applied to the accurate evaluation of very small seam pucker. The result of the evaluation by machine has to match the result of subjective evaluation by humans. To verify this, samples of seam pucker were evaluated using five judges. With the measurement data of surface shape of these samples, the power spectra of the wave form of seam pucker are calculated. Analyses and correlates the relationship between objective measurement and subjective evaluation by discriminant analysis, with the result of subjective evaluation and the power spectra of the samples. Having obtained these relationships, the degree of seam pucker can be measured objectively by both systems.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 4 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1995

Sunil Babbar

Inadequate measurement capability can place a heavy burden ofimplicit costs on manufacturers – even drive them out of business.It can have serious consequences for stakeholders in…

622

Abstract

Inadequate measurement capability can place a heavy burden of implicit costs on manufacturers – even drive them out of business. It can have serious consequences for stakeholders in industry, commerce or science. High‐technology manufacturing must ensure a high level of precision in measurements, often to as much as a millionth of an inch. In seeking such high levels of precision, measurement laboratories often use traceability as a key precision criterion. Two comprehensive sets of measurements made over time by high‐precision laboratories on gauge blocks are used to explore the scope of traceability in ensuring high‐precision measurements. Significant differences were found between the high‐precision primary laboratories traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the USA. Explores general implications of such between‐laboratory differences and makes recommendations for secondary laboratories and stakeholders in dimensional metrology seeking to ensure a high level of precision in their measurements.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

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