Co‐operative education receives worldwide interest and attentionhas been given to the better implementation of the policy ofsynthesizing education and production. There has also…
Abstract
Co‐operative education receives worldwide interest and attention has been given to the better implementation of the policy of synthesizing education and production. There has also been a focus on the integration of students into the world of work. The principle was adopted in the BEng course in Building Services Engineering offered by the Hong Kong Polytechnic and it is recognized that industrial training forms an essential part in the development of a building services engineer. The HKIE has identified a training scheme for the training of graduates and the scheme in the building services discipline has been undertaken by undergraduates in the BEng (Hons) course for the past four years. Evaluates the effectiveness of the scheme through a survey carried out in which students were asked questions about the training they received. Suggests recommendations, as a consequence of the survey, to improve the training system, including its technical content, management and administration.
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This paper aims to explore the new role of the purchasing function in the management of the extended enterprise.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the new role of the purchasing function in the management of the extended enterprise.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses field experience and focus group with CPOs.
Findings
The purchasing function can play a key role in its own company business models disruption. Innovation detection and fostering could be managed by the purchasing function, acting as external resources development.
Originality/value
This paper is an original viewpoint article from an author experienced in the field.
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This paper describes, with examples, the writing of aims and intended learning outcomes for a broad range of engineering degree programmes at various levels including…
Abstract
This paper describes, with examples, the writing of aims and intended learning outcomes for a broad range of engineering degree programmes at various levels including undergraduate masters. The relevance and helpfulness, to this process, of the engineering benchmark statement are discussed in the context of the range of other attempts at setting out standards for engineering degrees over several decades, mainly by professional bodies. The discussion also includes the implications, for delivery and assessment, of setting threshold standards, and the importance of clear presentation of intended learning for the successful introduction of PDP.
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Nebojsa B. Raicevic, Slavoljub R. Aleksic, Željko Hederic, Marinko Barukcic and Ilona Iatcheva
The purpose of this paper is to present a new calculation method for increasing the shielded volume in which the external electromagnetic field is maximally reduced. In a space…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a new calculation method for increasing the shielded volume in which the external electromagnetic field is maximally reduced. In a space shielded in the way mentioned in this paper, it is possible to introduce measurement instruments and increase the accuracy of results obtained with them, as well as reduce the risk of unwanted electrostatic field influence on living organisms.
Design/methodology/approach
A new numerical procedure for the optimization of the coaxial ring conductor system for electrostatic shielding is developed in the paper. The optimization of the functional that consists of electrostatic energy density and a system of equations derived from the equipotential character of the conductor system is used. The system of nonlinear equations is obtained and then numerically solved by minimizing this functional. The first presented optimization procedure is based on the analytical optimization method using the Lagrange coefficients and gradient of the objective function.
Findings
It is possible to design a large number of protective ring formations. Applying the differential evolution optimization method, an optimal arrangement can be obtained for any specific number of rings. The differential evolution optimization method, which belongs to the class of evolutionary algorithms, is used for solving this very complex optimization problem. In combination with the above-mentioned method, excellent results in the elimination of the external electric field have been obtained. Although a larger number of rings provides more efficient protection, this number is limited from the economic point of view. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve a compromise between the number of rings, the size of volume shielded and the quality of protection.
Research limitations/implications
There are few papers that address this problem, although the elimination of the influence of the external electromagnetic field has gained more importance lately. The presented method can be applied to increase the reliability of measured data, protection of the environment, in space research, etc. The main limiting factor for using a larger number of rings that provide better protection is the economical one.
Originality/value
The proposed method is suitable for the generalization of procedures, for the protection of the space where the external electric field needs to be reduced or eliminated.
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Michal Jan Smolnicki, Michal Ptak and Grzegorz Lesiuk
The combined numerical-experimental approach has been presented. The purpose of this paper is to determine the critical rupture load of the notched components based on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The combined numerical-experimental approach has been presented. The purpose of this paper is to determine the critical rupture load of the notched components based on the cohesive zone modeling (CZM).
Design/methodology/approach
The 42CrMo4 steel (in normalized state) state has been tested and modeled using an eXtended finite element method (xFEM) philosophy with the CZM approach. In order to validate the numerically obtained critical load forces the experimental verification was performed.
Findings
The critical loads were determined for various notch configurations. The numerical and experimental values were compared. Based on this, a good agreement between experimental and numerical data is achieved. The relative error does not exceed 7 percent.
Practical implications
The presented procedure and approach is effective and simple for engineering applications. It is worth to underline that the obtained critical load values for notched components require only the static tensile test results and implementation of the presented route in numerical FEM, xFEM environment.
Originality/value
The presented methodology is actual and still developed. The scientific and engineering value of the presented numerical procedure is high.
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Yusmarnita Yusop, Mohd. Shakir Md. Saat, Siti Huzaimah Husin, Sing Kiong Nguang and Imran Hindustan
This paper aims to present a new wireless power transfer technique using capacitive coupling. The capacitive power transfer (CPT) system has been introduced as an attractive…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a new wireless power transfer technique using capacitive coupling. The capacitive power transfer (CPT) system has been introduced as an attractive alternative to the traditional inductive coupling method. The CPT offers benefits such as simple topology, fewer components, better electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance and robustness to surrounding metallic elements.
Design/methodology/approach
A class-E inverter together with and without inductor capacitor (LC) matching circuit has been utilised in this work because of its ability to perform the DC-to-AC inversion efficiently with significant reduction in switching losses. The validity of the proposed concept has been verified by conducting a laboratory experiment of the CPT system.
Findings
The performances for both systems are analysed and evaluated. A 9.7 W output power is generated through a combined interface [printed circuit board (PCB) plate] capacitance of 2.82 nF at an operating frequency of 1 MHz, with 97 per cent efficiency for 0.25 mm coupling gap distance.
Originality value
An efficient CPT system with class-E LC matching topology is proposed in this paper. With this topology, the zero-voltage switching can be achieved even if the load is different by properly designing the LC matching transformation circuit.
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Soon-Yau Foong and Beng-Seng Ho
Strategic management (competitive strategy and supply chain management) and management accounting (product pricing and costing techniques).
Abstract
Subject area
Strategic management (competitive strategy and supply chain management) and management accounting (product pricing and costing techniques).
Study level/applicability
Final year of business undergraduate programme and MBA programme.
Case overview
This case illustrates how emergence of generic products had threatened the survival of DCPM and forced its management to urgently review the company's existing approach to pricing of its main herbicide product. The case presents opportunities for readers to discuss the deficiencies of DCPM's existing product costing approach and recommend modifications to meet the price and gross profit margin targets specified. It also highlights issues relating to supply chain management and human resource practices that might have to be improved to enhance DCPM's long-term competitiveness.
Expected learning outcomes
To understand the effects of globalisation and emergence of generic products on intensity of market competition for branded products. To identify deficiencies of the current product costing system of DCPM for pricing decision. To apply alternative contemporary approach to product costing and pricing of Metrix and the other value-added services. To identify measures to enhance supply chain management and inventory management in DCPM. To assess DCPM's human resources practices. To evaluate the effectiveness of DCPM's existing competitive strategy and formulate new competitive strategy to sustain DCPM's long-term competitiveness.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes.
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Beng Huat See and Stephen Gorard
The purpose of this paper is to provide a response to Goldstein et al.’s (2017) attempted rebuttal of the authors’ prior paper in this journal (See and Gorard 2015).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a response to Goldstein et al.’s (2017) attempted rebuttal of the authors’ prior paper in this journal (See and Gorard 2015).
Design/methodology/approach
The prior paper reported a systematic review of interventions to involve engaging parents more in their children’s education in order to raise school attainment. Goldstein et al. make a large number of unwarranted claims about its quality. They reproach the authors for using reports of unpublished evidence, for mis-labelling or mis-describing studies, and for denigrating studies by labelling them as “bad”. The authors were very surprised when first alerted to this response and went back to look at all of the research reports that Goldstein et al. claimed the authors mis-represented in the authors’ assessment.
Findings
The authors found that the Goldstein et al. claims are false and based on such a poor understanding of how evidence is reviewed that it was strange to see their paper in this journal.
Originality/value
In the authors’ reply, they look first at why unpublished material must be included in a review, and why the outlet for publication is not relevant, then at appropriate designs for causal questions, and at the confusion in Goldstein et al. between evaluation quality and intervention impact. The authors look at many examples where the confusion leads to Goldstein et al. making incorrect assertions about the authors’ paper, in order to make the point that their whole idea of how to conduct a systematic review is wrong.
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Ritanjali Panigrahi, Praveen Ranjan Srivastava and Prabin Kumar Panigrahi
This study extends the literature on the effectiveness of e-learning by investigating the role of student engagement on perceived learning effectiveness (PLE) in the context of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study extends the literature on the effectiveness of e-learning by investigating the role of student engagement on perceived learning effectiveness (PLE) in the context of Indian higher education. Further, the impact of personal factors (Internet self-efficacy (ISE)) and environmental factors (information, system and service quality parameters) on various dimensions of student engagement (behavioral, emotional and cognitive) is studied through the lens of social cognitive theory (SCT).
Design/methodology/approach
An online management information systems (MIS) course is delivered to a batch of 412 postgraduate students. An online survey was conducted to measure the factors affecting their PLE. In addition to the survey, a summative assessment is conducted to evaluate the students in terms of their marks to assess their achievements (actual learning). Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) is used to validate the developed research model.
Findings
It is discovered that the IS (information system) quality parameters (environmental factors) positively impact PLE. The ISE affects the PLE through the mediating effect of all the dimensions of student engagement. Furthermore, there exists a positive relationship between PLE and student marks.
Originality/value
This study develops a research model using personal and environmental factors to understand PLE through the lens of SCT and then empirically validates it. The psychological process from the students' ISE to the PLE is explained through the mediating effects of various dimensions of engagement. Further, it is found that the PLE is positively related to student marks.
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Raja Izamshah Raja Abdullah, Bahrin Ikram Redzuwan, Mohd Sanusi Abdul Aziz and Mohd Shahir Kasim
The purpose of this study was to compare machining performance between chemical vapor deposition (CVD)- and physical vapor deposition (PVD)-coated cutting tools to obtain the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare machining performance between chemical vapor deposition (CVD)- and physical vapor deposition (PVD)-coated cutting tools to obtain the optimal cutting parameters based on different types of tools for machining titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V).
Design/methodology/approach
The design of the experiment was constructed using the response surface methodology (RSM) with the Box–Behnken method. Two types of round-shaped tungsten carbide inserts were used in this experiment, namely, PVD TiAlN/AlCrN insert tool and CVD TiCN/Al2O3 insert tool. The titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) material was used throughout this experiment. The tool wear and microstructure analysis were measured using a tool maker microscope, an optical microscope and a scanning electron machine.
Findings
The PVD TiAlN/AlCrN insert tool produces the lowest tool wear that significantly prolongs the cutting tool life compared to the CVD TiCN/Al2O3 insert tool. In addition, depth of cut was the main factor affecting the tool life, followed by cutting speed and feed rate.
Originality/value
This study was conducted to compare machining performance between CVD- and PVD-coated cutting tools to obtain the optimal cutting parameters based on different types of tools for machining titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). In addition, the information presented in this paper helps reduce the manufacturing cost and setup time for machining titanium alloy. Finally, tool wear comparison between PVD- and CVD-coated titanium alloys was also presented for future improvement for tool manufacturing application.