G.J. Booysen, L.J. Barnard, M. Truscott and D.J. de Beer
The paper reflects on the development of a medical product using rapid prototyping technologies and customer interaction through a quality function deployment (QFD) approach to…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper reflects on the development of a medical product using rapid prototyping technologies and customer interaction through a quality function deployment (QFD) approach to speed up the process, and to result in customer satisfaction. The purpose of the specific medical product was to develop a device for fixing an Endo‐tracheal (ET) tube in a patient during anaesthesia, as it is common for an ET tube to move and/or become dislodged due to various extraneous reasons. If the tube deviates from the correct position it can cause one or both lungs to collapse, which can be fatal. The paper reviews how the anaesthetist's idea, which was to develop a product that could hold an ET tube in place in a more secure manner than is possible with current technologies, was brought to fruition through customer interaction.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an action‐research approach, the design evolved through series of design concepts, which through customer interaction contributed to a total optimized design. Virtual and physical prototypes, together with silicone mouldings were used as part of the customer interaction.
Findings
As with any new product, some functional parts were needed to conduct tests, which in turn would help to prove the product, and hence, the design. Traditionally this meant the manufacturing of a hard tool and proving of the design through trial and error. Hard tooling allows for some small changes to be made, but if the changes are radical a new tool will have to be designed and manufactured.
Research limitations/implications
Following a developmental approach through the application of various types/stages of prototyping (such as virtual prototypes), revolutionised this process by simplifying and accelerating the development iteration process – it also developed a new version/paradigm of QFD.
Practical implications
Opposed to traditional forms of QFD where customer inputs are gathered through questionnaires, this case study proved that functional models provide an efficient client‐feedback, through constant involvement in the development process, as well as evaluation of the systematic progress.
Originality/value
The case study shows that experts in other disciplines can become involved in the product development process through the availability of functional prototypes, and builds on previous work to introduce a concept of customer interaction with functional prototypes.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of trust in a school community related to the leadership response to crisis.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of trust in a school community related to the leadership response to crisis.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was a multiple-source qualitative study of a single case of a PreK-12 international school called The Learning School.
Findings
The findings revealed the nature of how leadership influences and is influenced by context and community. These led to a discussion about two shifts, the focus on self to focus on others and the collective community, and a shift from a focus on self-preservation and protection to learning and growing together as a community. Communication, decision making, and collaboration in the community played a significant role in the community learning and growing from the crisis.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited by the nature of the topic, crisis in schools. The nature of crisis limits the ability to engage in inquiry before the crisis, and the inquiry was limited to the specific case that occurred in a unique context. The author proposes future cross-case research to develop an understanding of school and leader responses to crisis varies across individuals and contexts, and culture.
Originality/value
While there is a growing literature about trust, it is difficult to study schools in crisis due to the limitations of the topic and sensitivity of issues of crisis in schools. This study gives insight into the dynamics of leadership and trust in a school in crisis.
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Markus Seyfried and Florian Reith
Mixed methods approaches have become increasingly relevant in social sciences research over the last few decades. Nevertheless, we show that these approaches have rarely been…
Abstract
Mixed methods approaches have become increasingly relevant in social sciences research over the last few decades. Nevertheless, we show that these approaches have rarely been explicitly applied in higher education research. This is somewhat surprising because mixed methods and empirical research into higher education seem to be a perfect match for several reasons: (1) the role of the researcher, which is associated with strong intersections between the research subject and the research object; (2) the research process, which relies on concepts and theories that are borrowed from other research fields; and (3) the research object, which exhibits unclear techniques in teaching and learning, making it difficult to grasp causalities between input and results. Mixed methods approaches provide a suitable methodology to research such topics. Beyond this, potential future developments underlining the particular relevance of mixed methods approaches in higher education are discussed.
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Rachel Connell and Darren Johnson
Whilst a great deal of research exists on the effectiveness of treatment with violent offenders comparatively little is known about the experience of treatment providers. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Whilst a great deal of research exists on the effectiveness of treatment with violent offenders comparatively little is known about the experience of treatment providers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of four prison officers delivering a high-intensity intervention, with violent offenders.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was used to gain a rich, individualised account of treatment providers’ experiences, with interpretative phenomenological analysis applied by the lead researcher (first author). External auditing analysis was conducted by the second author.
Findings
The analysis generated two superordinate themes: “Impact on Self-Coping” and “With Great Challenge Comes Great Reward” with pertinent sub-themes. The findings support the existing evidence regarding the relevance of individual characteristics and coping style on well-being, regardless of the nature of the offences being discussed. Working with violent offenders could be challenging yet rewarding with adequate support in place.
Practical implications
It is imperative that treatment providers are offered support and encouragement in undertaking their role and that a rehabilitative culture is promoted and reinforced within custodial environments. Additional training for facilitators to develop effective self-coping strategies was recommended in addition to careful management of delivery periods.
Originality/value
These findings add to the evidence base in relation to the impact of high-intensity treatment provision on individual well-being; suggestions are made to support clinical and organisational good practice.
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S. Agrawal, J.P. Antunes, E. Theron, M. Truscott and D.J. de Beer
The purpose of the present work is to develop a methodology for making physical models of catchment areas and terrains by rapid prototyping (RP) using geographic information…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present work is to develop a methodology for making physical models of catchment areas and terrains by rapid prototyping (RP) using geographic information systems (GIS) data. It is also intended to reduce data loss by minimising intermediate data translations.
Design/methodology/approach
The GIS data of a catchment area or a terrain were directly translated to an stereo lithography (STL) file. The STL surface was then manipulated in Magics‐RP to obtain a solid STL part, which can then be downloaded to a RP machine to obtain a physical model or representation of a terrain or catchtment area.
Findings
Intricate geometries of landforms were created with ease and great accuracy in RP machines. Terrain models were created in less time and lower cost than with conventional methods.
Research limitations/implications
DEM ASCII XYZ (digital elevation model) data were used to input the required GIS data of specific terrains. Software can be developed for translation and manipulation of DEM, STL and other relevant file formats. This will eliminate any data loss associated with intermediate file transfer.
Practical implications
Terrain models were created with ease and great accuracy in RP machines. It takes less time and can be done more cost‐effectively. Terrain models have intricate geometries and for complex models, it may take months to make using conventional methods.
Originality/value
STL surfaces were obtained directly from GIS data for terrain modeling. This work fulfils the need of terrain modeling for catchment management, town‐planning, road‐transport planning, architecture, military applications, geological education, etc.
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Michèle Truscott, Deon de Beer, George Vicatos, Keith Hosking, Ludrick Barnard, Gerrie Booysen and R. Ian Campbell
The last decade has seen major advances in rapid prototyping (RP), with it becoming a multi‐disciplinary technology, crossing various research fields, and connecting continents…
Abstract
Purpose
The last decade has seen major advances in rapid prototyping (RP), with it becoming a multi‐disciplinary technology, crossing various research fields, and connecting continents. Process and material advancements open up new applications and manufacturing (through RP) is serving non‐traditional industries. RP technology is used to support rapid product development (RPD). The purpose of this paper is to describe how the Integrated Product Development research group of the Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa is applying various CAD/CAM/RP technologies to support a medical team from the Grootte Schuur and Vincent Palotti hospitals in Cape Town, to save limbs – as a last resort at a stage where conventional medical techniques or practices may not apply any longer.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses action research to justify the proposal of a new method to use CAD/CAM/RP related technologies to substitute lost/damaged bone regions through the use of CT to CAD to.STL manipulation.
Findings
A case study where RP related technologies were used to support medical product development for a patient with severe injuries from a road accident is discussed.
Originality/value
The paper considers current available technologies, and discusses new advancements in direct metal freeform fabrication, and its potential to revolutionise the medical industry.
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Kamilah B. Legette, Elan C. Hope, Johari Harris and Charity Brown Griffin
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is critical for students' social and academic success. Students' SEL is often contingent on their teachers' social and emotional competencies…
Abstract
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is critical for students' social and academic success. Students' SEL is often contingent on their teachers' social and emotional competencies and capacities (SECC; Jennings & Greenberg, 2009; Chapter 5) and teacher preparation to facilitate SEL in classrooms (Schonert-Reichl, Kitil, & Hanson-Peterson, 2017). Concerningly, teacher training to facilitate SEL is frequently predicated on a color-evasive perspective that ignores the ways structural racism impacts the schooling experiences of racially minoritized students and associated academic and SEL outcomes (Jagers, Rivas-Drake, & Borowski, 2018; Jagers, Rivas-Drake, & Williams, 2019). In order to support SEL for students from racially minoritized communities, we assert that teachers' social and emotional competencies and capacities must incorporate a culturally responsive pedagogical approach that explicitly acknowledges and addresses issues of race and justice (Jagers et al., 2019; Ladson-Billings, 2014; Ladson-Billings & Tate, 1995). In this chapter we (1) provide an overview of culturally relevant pedagogy in relation to teacher social and emotional competencies and capacities; (2) outline existing models that support a culturally relevant approach to teacher social and emotional competencies and capacities; and (3) discuss future directions for education research, practice, and policy.
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Shaunagh MacDonald, Jane Clarbour, Clare Whitton and Kelly Rayner
Previous literature has reported that working with sexual offenders can impact staff negatively (Hatcher and Noakes, 2010). In addition, working with individuals with intellectual…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous literature has reported that working with sexual offenders can impact staff negatively (Hatcher and Noakes, 2010). In addition, working with individuals with intellectual disability also appears to be challenging. There are benefits stated of working with sexual offenders and the purpose of this paper is to seek to highlight the challenges and positive experiences of staff members working with sexual offenders who have autism.
Design/methodology/approach
As working with this population has not been previously investigated, a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the challenges and benefits of working with this population. Eight participants were interviewed who work on the autism specialist ward at a forensic secure hospital in the UK.
Findings
Template analysis identified three master themes: mediating factors, challenges and consequences, which were incorporated into the Model of Person-Organisation Wellbeing (M-POW). The findings show the specific challenges of working with a population that has not been previously studied.
Research limitations/implications
The study utilised a small, heterogeneous self-selecting sample from one clinical site.
Practical implications
Findings suggest there are a number of specific challenges this staff group face, and steps that can be taken at the personal and organisational level to mediate these. Recommendations are made for how staff are supported in their work from recruitment and induction onwards.
Originality/value
The M-POW highlights mediating factors that can be adjusted to develop more effective coping strategies for working in what, for some, is a challenging environment. This model provides a framework that can be adopted by organisations to ensure that the likelihood of their staff experiencing negative feelings is reduced and also suggests future avenues of research.
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Mohanad Kamil Buniya, Ibrahim Yahaya Wuni, Omar Sedeeq Yousif and M.K.S. Al-Mhdawi
Safety program initiatives in the construction industry remain below the desired level, especially in developing countries, and the reasons for low adoption are not well…
Abstract
Purpose
Safety program initiatives in the construction industry remain below the desired level, especially in developing countries, and the reasons for low adoption are not well established. This study aims to investigate and quantify the impact levels of the key barriers to safety program initiatives in the construction industry in Iraq.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a multi-method research design to assess the barriers to safety program initiatives in the construction industry in Iraq. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify potential barriers. Following this, semi-structured interviews with construction professionals were conducted to gather in-depth insights. Thematic analysis was then applied to analyze the results of these interviews. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was developed based on the findings from the literature review and interviews to quantitatively measure the impact of the identified barriers among a broader group of construction professionals. Finally, a fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) was used to assess the overall impact of these barriers comprehensively.
Findings
The results showed that the top three key barriers to the implementation of construction safety programs in Iraq include tight project schedules, inadequate commitment to safety and the lack of safety rules and policies. A FSE indicated that each group of barriers, including unsupportive industry norms, poor safety awareness, an unconducive work climate and poor governance, significantly hinders safety program implementation in the Iraqi construction industry.
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted in the construction industry of Iraq, specifically focusing on Baghdad, Anbar, Basra and Erbil governorates, as these cities are prominent within the country. In addition, this research exclusively captured the perspectives of construction consultants, contractors and clients.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that improving supportive and safety-aware industry norms, increasing safety awareness, generating a safe work climate and culture and improving safety governance can significantly influence the widespread adoption of safety programs in the construction industry. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this constitutes the first study to quantify the impact levels of barriers to construction safety program initiatives in developing countries. It provides additional insight to promote a safer construction industry. Moreover, the findings can notably be used by construction practitioners and policymakers to develop and successfully implement safety programs in construction.
Originality/value
This study aims to develop an assessment model for identifying the primary barriers to safety program initiatives within the construction industry of developing countries, exploring deeper into the barriers that impede the adoption of safety programs in construction, and providing valuable insights that could serve as a foundation for crafting strategies to enhance safety program initiatives within the industry.
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The chapter aims to examine the challenges and the opportunities for the development of Islamic stockbroking in Malaysia.
Abstract
Purpose
The chapter aims to examine the challenges and the opportunities for the development of Islamic stockbroking in Malaysia.
Methodology
The chapter adopts library research to discuss the concept of Islamic stockbroking. It also employs a semi-structured interview with industry players to prognosticate the future development of Islamic stockbroking in Malaysia.
Research Findings
The study concludes that the future of Islamic stockbroking in Malaysia is very promising, triggered by drivers on both the supply side and the demand side. The large Muslim population, wealth and economic growth are among the key factors for the development of Islamic stockbroking from the demand side. On the other hand, the Shari’ah compliance of 89% of Malaysian stocks, Malaysia’s position as an Islamic finance hub and the natural progression of Islamic finance are all factors underpinning the future of Islamic stockbroking from the supply side. However, lack of qualified human resources, political inconsistency, information technology infrastructure, product innovation as well as public perception are obstacles to its development.
Value
This chapter will add new literature in contemporary Islamic finance, as not many studies have been done on the subject.