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Article
Publication date: 22 June 2010

S. Joan Wharf Higgins, Lara L. Lauzon, Ann C. Yew, Christopher D. Bratseth and Nicole McLeod

This paper aims to describe two phases of a mixed‐method study: in phase I, the wellness practices of students at a Canadian university are reported. These data informed the…

3668

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe two phases of a mixed‐method study: in phase I, the wellness practices of students at a Canadian university are reported. These data informed the re‐development of a first‐year health education course. Subsequent to its revision, phase II of the study assessed the impact of the course on students' wellness practices and learnings.

Design/methodology/approach

In phase I, 855 students completed a survey rating ten wellness practices relating to themselves. Survey results were explored further in focus groups with 60 students. In phase II, a pre‐ and post‐design assessed the impact of the health education curriculum. Wellness practices were surveyed, at the beginning and end of term, and content analysis was conducted on students' assignments.

Findings

In phase I, the mean overall wellness score was 779.7 out of 1,000 or “good”. Students scored highest in sexuality and safety, and lowest in physical activity and nutrition. Qualitative analyses revealed four primary themes important to students' wellness: being or holistic health; belonging or feeling connected to others and the campus; becoming or studying to achieve a professional or scholarly degree; and balance – or the search for stability. In phase II, significant changes were found for seven wellness scores when comparing the beginning and end of semester. Analysis of course assignments found that students left the course with enhanced affect and knowledge levels.

Originality/value

The results support the argument that a health education curriculum, responsive to students' identified needs, and in conjunction with a healthy campus environment, promises to enhance student wellness.

Details

Health Education, vol. 110 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

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Article
Publication date: 29 September 2021

John Lee Kean Yew and Jesrina Ann Xavier

This paper aims to explore and explain following a generational change, the latter generation in Chinese family firm is seen to apply different innovation strategies to thrive in…

398

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore and explain following a generational change, the latter generation in Chinese family firm is seen to apply different innovation strategies to thrive in a competitive environment. The Chandlerian perspective on management, marketing and manufacturing techniques (3Ms), derived from American business historian, Alfred Chandler has shown conclusively that one of a small yet established enterprises in Malaysia, London Biscuits Berhad (LBB) was able to capture a larger market by focusing on strategy and structure. This case study analytically and empirically describes the insights surrounding enterprise development among family small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the longitudinal way to compare the development of family business through time, the historical profiles that were obtained from Malaysia’s companies commission house (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia) shows how organizational characteristic is often formulated by capitalizing tacit knowledge as a controlled input in the production process while promoting organization capabilities, as generations change. Secondly, findings from the interviews will show how the latter generation of this family firm innovates and adds value in product manufacturing by upgrading its quality, using resources and revitalizing the stages of business cycle.

Findings

Findings show that enterprise development is influenced by objective setting during generational change. As time goes by, the next generations have a tendency of minimizing risk and maintaining harmony in the family enterprise. The next generation starts to recruit and retain professional staff while contributing innovative ideas toward the enterprise development, in comparison to the founding generation. The findings also show that diversification activities (manufacturing), improvement in domestic and international networking (marketing) and professional management adoption (management) can clearly be seen in the development of LBB.

Practical implications

This case study traces how organizational and administrative characteristics of a firm are crucial if the enterprise is to capitalize on tacit knowledge and commercialize it through product development. It also clearly indicates that family enterprises may last several generations if the Chandlerian perspective on 3Ms is successfully transferred and practiced among family members.

Originality/value

The selected case study focuses on the Chandlerian concept, which is the contribution of organization capabilities that foster strategic competition. This is done by investigating a successful enterprise run by a prominent Chinese family in Malaysia, which has gone through generational change. This paper proves that strategizing a family enterprise through the Chandlerian concept of 3Ms can transform a small business into a large and successful multinational enterprise.

Details

Journal of Asia Business Studies, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1558-7894

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 22 February 2013

Jaeho Lee, Michael Blumenstein, Hong Guan and Yew‐Chaye Loo

Successful bridge management system (BMS) development requires a reliable bridge deterioration model, which is the most crucial component in a BMS. Historical condition ratings…

383

Abstract

Purpose

Successful bridge management system (BMS) development requires a reliable bridge deterioration model, which is the most crucial component in a BMS. Historical condition ratings obtained from biennial bridge inspections are a major source for predicting future bridge deterioration in BMSs. However, historical condition ratings are very limited in most bridge agencies, thus posing a major barrier for predicting reliable future bridge performance. The purpose of this paper is to present a preliminary study as part of a long‐term research on the development of a reliable bridge deterioration model using advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

This proposed study aims to develop a reliable deterioration model. The development work consists of two major Stages: stage 1 – generating unavailable bridge element condition rating records using the Backward Prediction Model (BPM). This helps to provide sufficient historical deterioration patterns for each element; and stage 2 – predicting long‐term condition ratings based on the outcome of Stage 1 using time delay neural networks (TDNNs).

Findings

Long‐term prediction using proposed method can also be expressed in the same form of inspection records – element quantities of each bridge element can be predicted. The proposed AI‐based deterioration model does not ignore critical failure risks in small number of bridge elements in low condition states (CSs). This implies that the risk in long‐term predictions can be reduced.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology aims to utilise limited bridge inspection records over a short period to predict large datasets spanning over a much longer time period for a reliable, accurate and efficient long‐term bridge deterioration model. Typical uncertainty, due to the limitation of overall condition rating (OCR) method, can be minimised in long‐term predictions using limited inspection records.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1949

It has often been said that a great part of the strength of Aslib lies in the fact that it brings together those whose experience has been gained in many widely differing fields…

259

Abstract

It has often been said that a great part of the strength of Aslib lies in the fact that it brings together those whose experience has been gained in many widely differing fields but who have a common interest in the means by which information may be collected and disseminated to the greatest advantage. Lists of its members have, therefore, a more than ordinary value since they present, in miniature, a cross‐section of institutions and individuals who share this special interest.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 1 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

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Article
Publication date: 9 December 2024

Xinping Hu, Yang Miang Goh and Juliana Tay

This study aims to examine the acceptance of adaptive learning (AL) amongst construction professionals in Singapore. It seeks to compare their perceptions and attitudes with those…

29

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the acceptance of adaptive learning (AL) amongst construction professionals in Singapore. It seeks to compare their perceptions and attitudes with those of professionals from other industries to assess the rate of AL adoption in the construction sector. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the factors influencing construction professionals’ intention to adopt AL technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted with 188 construction professionals and 153 non-construction professionals. By employing the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) and the general extended technology acceptance model for e-learning (GETAMEL), this study also explored factors influencing construction professionals’ behavioural intention (BI) towards AL adoption. An SEM-machine learning approach facilitated the evaluation of the factors’ influence on BI.

Findings

A comparative analysis of the data found that construction professionals’ intention to use AL surpassed 75%, which had no significant difference with professionals from other industries. The findings revealed that learning value (LV) and self-efficacy (SE) were statistically significant predictors of construction professionals’ intentions to use AL. Furthermore, a supervised machine learning analysis identified performance expectancy (PE) as a crucial factor in predicting these intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s focus on self-reported intentions and a specific demographic limits its generalisability; further research should examine actual usage across diverse cultures.

Practical implications

The results offered insights into construction professionals’ perceptions and attitudes towards AL adoption, guiding the integration of AL into construction professional development.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a recognised gap by examining construction professionals’ perceptions and attitudes towards adopting AL.

Details

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

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Article
Publication date: 1 November 1945

Among the wine producing countries of Europe, Italy takes the second place after France. And it is not at all a bad second, as the figures of the average wine production of the…

50

Abstract

Among the wine producing countries of Europe, Italy takes the second place after France. And it is not at all a bad second, as the figures of the average wine production of the vine‐growing countries of Europe and the Mediterranean Basin for the ten years prior to the outbreak of war, i.e., from 1929 to 1939, will clearly demonstrate. They were: France, 58,624,000 hecto‐litres; Italy, 39,189,000 hectolitres; Spain, 19,290,000 hectolitres; Algeria, 17,309,000 hectolitres ; Roumania 8,281,000 hectolitres; and Portugal, 7,289,000 hecto‐litres. The six countries then produce an average of roughly 150,000,000 hectolitres of wine annually, or approximately 80 per cent. of the total world production, which is in the neighbourhood of 187,000,000 hectolitres. Thus Italy's output stands for just over one‐quarter of the European production and one‐fifth of the world crop. From her grape harvest, Italy produces each year round about 6,000,000 hectolitres of wine of quality and 1,200,000 hectolitres of Vermouths, Marsala and other special wines. Then roughly half a million hectolitres are devoted to the making of vinegar and another 4,000,000 go to the production of second‐class alcohol. The remainder of the crop is converted into the ordinary wines which until recently were mainly consumed by the Army and the civil population. But while quantitatively Italy takes second place among the European wine producers, actually, from the point of view of the yield per square kilometre of vines planted, she ranks first. That will be obvious when it is pointed out that France obtains a crop of approximately 114 hectolitres for every square French mile or kilometre, while the Italian figure for the same area is 132 hectolitres. No other country equals this.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 47 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 13 August 2019

Sung Yi and Robert Jones

This paper aims to present a machine learning framework for using big data analytics to predict the reliability of solder joints. The purpose of this study is to accurately…

699

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a machine learning framework for using big data analytics to predict the reliability of solder joints. The purpose of this study is to accurately predict the reliability of solder joints by using big data analytics.

Design/methodology/approach

A machine learning framework for using big data analytics is proposed to predict the reliability of solder joints accurately.

Findings

A machine learning framework for predicting the life of solder joints accurately has been developed in this study. To validate its accuracy and efficiency, it is applied to predict the long-term reliability of lead-free Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 (SAC305) for three commonly used surface finishes such OSP, ENIG and IAg. The obtained results show that the predicted failure based on the machine learning method is much more accurate than the Weibull method. In addition, solder ball/bump joint failure modes are identified based on various solder joint failures reported in the literature.

Originality/value

The ability to predict thermal fatigue life accurately is extremely valuable to the industry because it saves time and cost for product development and optimization.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

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Article
Publication date: 5 September 2016

Min Wu and Xiangyu Su

Because of the complexity of relationship between surface tension and its decisive factors, such as temperature, concentration, electronic density, molar atomic volume and…

146

Abstract

Purpose

Because of the complexity of relationship between surface tension and its decisive factors, such as temperature, concentration, electronic density, molar atomic volume and electro-negativity, a reasonable predicting model of surface tension of Sn-based solder alloys has not been developed yet. The paper aims to address the surface tension issue that has to be considered if the new lead free solder will be applied for electronics.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an artificial neural network (ANN) model with back-propagation (BP) algorithm, the surface tension for Sn-based binary solder alloys was simulated, and the comparison between the simulating results and data from experiments and literatures was analyzed as well. In addition, the relationship between surface tension and its decisive factors would be discussed based on the ANN and orthogonal design methods.

Findings

It is shown that the predicting model of surface tension of Sn-based solder alloys is constructed according to the BP–ANN theory, and the predicted value from the BP–ANN is in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The surface tension of Sn-based solders is determined by five factors, i.e. temperature, concentration, electronic density, molar atomic volume and electro-negativity. Among of the factors, molar atomic volume is major factor, and the order of degree of influence on surface tension is molar atomic volume > electro-negativity > electronic > density > concentration > temperature. Moreover, a simply reasonable equation is proposed to estimate the surface tension for Sn-based solders.

Originality/value

The five decisive factors of surface tension for Sn-based binary solder alloys have been analyzed theoretically, and a reasonable model of surface tension for Sn-based binary solder alloys is proposed as well. It is shown that ANN theory will be applied well to simulate the surface tension of Sn-based lead free solder.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Kristen Snyder, Pernilla Ingelsson and Ingela Bäckström

This paper aims to explore how leaders can develop value-based leadership for sustainable quality development in Lean manufacturing.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how leaders can develop value-based leadership for sustainable quality development in Lean manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative meta-analysis was conducted using data from a three-year study of Lean manufacturing in Sweden using the Shingo business excellence model as an analytical framework.

Findings

This study demonstrates that leaders can develop value-based leadership to support Lean manufacturing by defining and articulating the organization’s values and accompanying behaviors that are needed to support the strategic direction; creating forums and time for leaders to identify the why behind decisions and reflect on their experiences to be able to lead a transformative process; and using storytelling to create a coaching culture to connect values and behaviors, to the processes and systems of work.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes insights for developing value-based leadership to support a systemic approach to sustainable quality development in lean manufacturing. Findings are based on a limited case sample size of three manufacturing companies in Sweden.

Originality/value

The findings were derived using a unique methodological approach combining storytelling, appreciative inquiry and coaching with traditional data collection methods including surveys and interviews to identify, define and shape value-based leadership in Lean manufacturing.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1986

Cedric Pugh

It was not until the late 1960s that housing attracted much attention from academic social scientists. Since that time the literature has expanded widely and diversified…

5004

Abstract

It was not until the late 1960s that housing attracted much attention from academic social scientists. Since that time the literature has expanded widely and diversified, establishing housing with a specialised status in economics, sociology, politics, and in related subjects. As we would expect, the new literature covers a technical, statistical, theoretical, ideological, and historical range. Housing studies have not been conceived and interpreted in a monolithic way, with generally accepted concepts and principles, or with uniformly fixed and precise methodological approaches. Instead, some studies have been derived selectively from diverse bases in conventional theories in economics or sociology, or politics. Others have their origins in less conventional social theory, including neo‐Marxist theory which has had a wider intellectual following in the modern democracies since the mid‐1970s. With all this diversity, and in a context where ideological positions compete, housing studies have consequently left in their wake some significant controversies and some gaps in evaluative perspective. In short, the new housing intellectuals have written from personal commitments to particular cognitive, theoretical, ideological, and national positions and experiences. This present piece of writing takes up the two main themes which have emerged in the recent literature. These themes are first, questions relating to building and developing housing theory, and, second, the issue of how we are to conceptualise housing and relate it to policy studies. We shall be arguing that the two themes are closely related: in order to create a useful housing theory we must have awareness and understanding of housing practice and the nature of housing.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 13 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

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