Haluk Ay, Anthony Luscher and Carolyn Sommerich
The purpose of this study is to design and develop a testing device to simulate interaction between human hand–arm dynamics, right-angle (RA) computer-controlled power torque…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to design and develop a testing device to simulate interaction between human hand–arm dynamics, right-angle (RA) computer-controlled power torque tools and joint-tightening task-related variables.
Design/methodology/approach
The testing rig can simulate a variety of tools, tasks and operator conditions. The device includes custom data-acquisition electronics and graphical user interface-based software. The simulation of the human hand–arm dynamics is based on the rig’s four-bar mechanism-based design and mechanical components that provide adjustable stiffness (via pneumatic cylinder) and mass (via plates) and non-adjustable damping. The stiffness and mass values used are based on an experimentally validated hand–arm model that includes a database of model parameters. This database is with respect to gender and working posture, corresponding to experienced tool operators from a prior study.
Findings
The rig measures tool handle force and displacement responses simultaneously. Peak force and displacement coefficients of determination (R2) between rig estimations and human testing measurements were 0.98 and 0.85, respectively, for the same set of tools, tasks and operator conditions. The rig also provides predicted tool operator acceptability ratings, using a data set from a prior study of discomfort in experienced operators during torque tool use.
Research limitations/implications
Deviations from linearity may influence handle force and displacement measurements. Stiction (Coulomb friction) in the overall rig, as well as in the air cylinder piston, is neglected. The rig’s mechanical damping is not adjustable, despite the fact that human hand–arm damping varies with respect to gender and working posture. Deviations from these assumptions may affect the correlation of the handle force and displacement measurements with those of human testing for the same tool, task and operator conditions.
Practical implications
This test rig will allow the rapid assessment of the ergonomic performance of DC torque tools, saving considerable time in lineside applications and reducing the risk of worker injury. DC torque tools are an extremely effective way of increasing production rate and improving torque accuracy. Being a complex dynamic system, however, the performance of DC torque tools varies in each application. Changes in worker mass, damping and stiffness, as well as joint stiffness and tool program, make each application unique. This test rig models all of these factors and allows quick assessment.
Social implications
The use of this tool test rig will help to identify and understand risk factors that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with the use of torque tools. Tool operators are subjected to large impulsive handle reaction forces, as joint torque builds up while tightening a fastener. Repeated exposure to such forces is associated with muscle soreness, fatigue and physical stress which are also risk factors for upper extremity injuries (MSDs; e.g. tendinosis, myofascial pain). Eccentric exercise exertions are known to cause damage to muscle tissue in untrained individuals and affect subsequent performance.
Originality/value
The rig provides a novel means for quantitative, repeatable dynamic evaluation of RA powered torque tools and objective selection of tightening programs. Compared to current static tool assessment methods, dynamic testing provides a more realistic tool assessment relative to the tool operator’s experience. This may lead to improvements in tool or controller design and reduction in associated musculoskeletal discomfort in operators.
Details
Keywords
Leonard Rusli and Anthony Luscher
The study aims to evaluate the capability of a machine vision camera and software to recognize fasteners for the purpose of assembly verification. This will enable the current…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to evaluate the capability of a machine vision camera and software to recognize fasteners for the purpose of assembly verification. This will enable the current assembly verification system to associate torque verfication with a specific fastener.
Design/methodology/approach
A small camera is installed at the head of a tool near the socket. The camera is used to capture images surrounding the fastener, and feeding them into machine vision recognition software. By recognizing unique features around the fastener, the fastener can be uniquely identified and therefore verified to be assembled. Additional filtering and multiple frame recognition will improve the reliability of the recognition.
Findings
The machine vision technology is found to be adequately reliable in identifying fasteners after tuning key threshold parameters and requiring multiple positively recognized frames. The time to verify can be kept around a fraction of a second to prevent impacting assembly speed.
Research limitations/implications
This experiment was run under simulated assembly line lighting conditions. It also does not explore industrial remote head industrial camera hardware.
Practical implications
By using a remote-mounted camera in combination with electric tools, a reliable assembly verification system can be used to eliminate torque check processes of critical fasteners, thereby reducing the cost of assembly.
Originality/value
Currently, assembly verification is done only using the torque values. In automated assembly line, each process might involve fastening multiple fasteners. Using this system, a new level of assembly verification is achieved by recording the assembled fastener and its associated torque.
Details
Keywords
Leonard Rusli and Anthony Luscher
The purpose of this paper is to create an assembly verification system that is capable of verifying complete assembly and torque for each individual fastener.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to create an assembly verification system that is capable of verifying complete assembly and torque for each individual fastener.
Design/methodology/approach
The 3D position of the tool used to torque the fastener and the assembly pallet will be tracked using an infrared (IR) tracking system. A set of retro‐reflective markers are attached to the tool and assembly while being tracked by multiple IR cameras. Software is used to triangulate the relative position of the tool in order to identify the fastener being torqued. The torque value is obtained from the tool controller device. By combining the location of the tool and the torque value from the tool controller, assembly of each individual fastener can be verified and its achieved torque recorded.
Findings
The IR tracking is capable of tracking within 2‐3 mm for each tracking ball, with a resulting practical resolution of 24 mm distance between fasteners while maintaining 99.9999 per cent reliability without false positive fastener identification.
Research limitations/implications
This experiment was run under simulated assembly line lighting conditions.
Practical implications
By being able to verify assembly reliably, the need for manual torque check is eliminate and hence yield significant cost savings. This will also allow programming electric tools according in real time based on the fastener in proximity identification.
Originality/value
Currently, assembly verification is only done using the torque values. In automated assembly line, each process might involve fastening multiple fasteners. Using this system, a new level of assembly verification is achieved by recording the assembled fastener and its associated torque.
Details
Keywords
Eunivicia Matlhogonolo Mogapi, Margaret Mary Sutherland and Anthony Wilson-Prangley
Impact investment is an emergent field worldwide and it can play an especially important role in Africa. The aim of this study was to examine how impact investors in South Africa…
Abstract
Purpose
Impact investment is an emergent field worldwide and it can play an especially important role in Africa. The aim of this study was to examine how impact investors in South Africa manage the tensions between financial returns and social impact.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was based on 15 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the impact investment community in South Africa to understand the related challenges, trade-offs and tensions.
Findings
There are two opposing views expressed as to whether the tensions between financial return and social impact result in trade-offs. It is proposed that impact investors embrace this duality and seek to approach it through a contingency and a paradox view. The tensions can be approached by focussing on values alignment, contracting processes, engaged leadership and sector identification. The authors integrate the findings into a proposed framework for effective tension management in an impact investment portfolio.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to selected South African interviewees. It would be valuable to extend the study to other African countries.
Practical implications
The issue of values alignment between investors, fund managers and investee firms is an important finding for practice. As is the four-part iterative framework for sensing the operating environment, defining impact, organising internally and defining the investment approach.
Originality/value
This study contributes empirical evidence to scholarship around organisational tensions, especially work in hybrid organisations. It affirms the value of a nuanced application of paradox theory. It examines these tensions through the lived experience of impact investing professionals in an emerging market context.
Details
Keywords
Gareth Reginald Terence White, Anthony Samuel, Ken Peattie and Bob Doherty
The paper aims to critically review the increasingly taken-for-granted view of social enterprise (SE) as inherently paradoxical and tackles the research question as follows: are…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to critically review the increasingly taken-for-granted view of social enterprise (SE) as inherently paradoxical and tackles the research question as follows: are the tensions experienced by SE and social entrepreneurs (SEnt) actually paradoxical and if not, what are the implications for theory and practice?
Design/methodology/approach
A paradox theory (PT) approach has been utilized to explore the implications, validity and helpfulness of the paradox perspective in understanding and managing the tensions that are inherent in SE.
Findings
Conceptualizing the primary tension of doing social good through commercial activity as a paradox is argued to be a limiting misnomer that conspires to reify and perpetuate the tensions that SE and SEnt have to manage. Drawing upon PT, the findings of the paper reconceptualize these tensions as myths, dilemmas and dialectics, which are subsequently used to develop a more complete ontological framework of the challenges that arise in SE and for SEnt.
Practical implications
Reconceptualizing the “inherent paradoxes” of SE as either dilemmas or dialectics affords a means of pursuing their successful resolution. Consequently, this view alleviates much of the pressure that SE managers and SEnt may feel in needing to pursue commercial goals alongside social goals.
Originality/value
The work presents new theoretical insights to challenge the dominant view of SE as inherently paradoxical.
Details
Keywords
Warren Stanley Patrick, Jatinder Kumar Jha, Munish Thakur and Soumendu Biswas
This study aims to focuses on the paradox of the great resignation (GR), great layoff (GL) and moonlighting (ML) phenomena triggered by the unprecedented complexity, extreme…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focuses on the paradox of the great resignation (GR), great layoff (GL) and moonlighting (ML) phenomena triggered by the unprecedented complexity, extreme emotional distress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic to explore ways for mitigating their impact on the intention to stay (ITS).
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted to explore the impact of the paradoxical GR, layoffs and ML on the ITS by the text analysis of a pool of 111 published articles across 57 journals between 2012 and 2024 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach. The factors impacting the ITS, and the underlying interlinkages of the paradoxical GR, GL and ML phenomena were subsequently inductively deduced using Nvivo software.
Findings
The new theoretical framework explains the evolving dynamics of the ITS and prompts toward a concurrent approach of viewing the paradoxical GR, layoffs and ML through a “common lens” revealing novel insights.
Practical implications
Employees have reprioritized work-life balance, mental health, multiple jobs for varied income streams, flexible work schedules and job satisfaction. Human resource managers should prioritize these aspects and adapt to the evolving workforce dynamics to create a resilient, employee-centric organizational environment where employees choose to stay.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to concurrently examine the current paradox of the GR, layoffs and ML for enhancing the ITS, necessitating a re-evaluation of traditional perceptions of unemployment and job seeking.
Details
Keywords
Chun‐Yu Chen, Yen‐Chun Jim Wu and Wen‐Hsiung Wu
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the co‐production of knowledge and dialogic relationships via the collaboration between business practitioners and academic researchers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the co‐production of knowledge and dialogic relationships via the collaboration between business practitioners and academic researchers.
Design/methodology/approach
The motivations, expectations, communication processes, and final performance of those engaged in collaborative management research are explored by applying a two‐pronged methodology with a content analysis and an e‐mail survey. The authors conducted a content analysis on 136 articles identified out of a total of 2,029 articles from six leading journals during 2006‐2011 which fulfilled the criteria of being coauthored by both professors and practitioners. An e‐mail survey of six open questions was given to pre‐screened authors in the first stage to investigate the in‐depth dialogue processes and stories of these collaborations.
Findings
The results revealed that collaboration topics of interest focused mostly on organizational behavior, business policy, and strategy, and that theoretical inquiry and case study were the most used research methods. According to the 68 valid returned e‐mail surveys, the providing of consulting services by professors in firms plays a critical role in facilitating knowledge co‐creation between practice and knowing. The findings also highlight key factors of sustainable co‐production relationships.
Originality/value
This study provides an empirical, valuable step towards an investigation into the co‐creation dialogue experiences of practitioners and academics in three dimensions: purpose, procedure, and promise.