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Book part
Publication date: 7 December 2023

Anu Suominen, Vilho Jonsson, Eric Eriksson, Jessica Fogelberg and Johan Bäckman

One of the two main tasks of innovation leadership, a practice to inspire and enable creativity and innovation in organisations, is to construct a creativity-enabling…

Abstract

One of the two main tasks of innovation leadership, a practice to inspire and enable creativity and innovation in organisations, is to construct a creativity-enabling organisational environment. One form of this main task is using developmental interactions, like mentoring, as innovation leadership practices. A hackathon is one type of innovation contest with three designed phases: pre-hackathon, hackathon event and post-hackathon, involving multiple stakeholders with distinct roles, such as hackers and mentors. In a hackathon, the central activity of mentors is to support the hackers’ innovation process, especially in idea creation and concept development. The mentor role has not been focal in hackathon studies; thus, this chapter addresses the role, impact, and ways to acknowledge the mentors as an integral, contributing innovation leadership practice in hackathons. As an empirical study, this chapter presents the results of a public sector case in a Swedish multi-disciplinary municipality conducting intra-organisational hackathons in three different collocations. The chapter contributes to the literature on innovation leadership at the team level with mentorship in innovation contests in the public sector context by revealing the dual-role tension of innovation leadership in mentor activities in the hackathon event phase from both the hackers’ and mentors’ viewpoints, and the necessity of mentor-benefitting training in pre-hackathon phase.

Details

Innovation Leadership in Practice: How Leaders Turn Ideas into Value in a Changing World
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-397-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 May 2008

V. Giuliani, B. de Witt, M. Salluzzi, R.J. Hugo and P. Gu

Particle velocity is a critical factor that can affect the deposition quality in manufacturing processes involving the use of a laser source and a powder‐particle delivery nozzle…

Abstract

Purpose

Particle velocity is a critical factor that can affect the deposition quality in manufacturing processes involving the use of a laser source and a powder‐particle delivery nozzle. The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to detect the speed and trajectory of particles during a laser deposition process.

Design/methodology/approach

A low‐power laser light sheet technique is used to illuminate particles emerging from a custom designed powder delivery nozzle. Light scattered by the particles is detected by a high‐speed camera. Image processing on the acquired images was performed using both edge detection and Hough transform algorithms.

Findings

The experimental data were analyzed and used to estimate particle velocity, trajectory and the velocity profile at the nozzle exit. The results have demonstrated that the particle trajectory remains linear between the nozzle exit and the deposition plate and that the particle velocity can be considered a constant.

Originality/value

The use of lowpower laser light sheet illumination facilitates the detection of isolated particle streaks even in high‐powder flow rate condition. Identification of particle streaks in three subsequent images ensures that particle velocity vectors are in the plane of illumination, and also offers the potential to evaluate in a single measurement both velocity and particle size based on the observed scattered characteristics. The method provides a useful simple tool to investigate particle dynamics in a rapid prototyping application as well as other research fields involving the use of powder delivery nozzles.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2012

Brad M. Maguth

Understanding social studies programs at science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) schools is becoming increasingly important as the number of STEM schools grows…

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Abstract

Understanding social studies programs at science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) schools is becoming increasingly important as the number of STEM schools grows. This study undertook a qualitative investigation into social studies programs at two STEM high schools. Interviews from social studies teachers, principals, and students were transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Additional data was collected through observation and document analysis. Findings highlighted social studies teachers’ perceptions that a strong social studies curriculum is essential to STEM education; the opportunities of interdisciplinary and technology integration afforded to social studies STEM teachers; and some of the challenges of teaching social studies in a STEM school. The researcher discusses the implications of these findings for stakeholders in the social studies to ensure citizens are equipped with the needed skill, knowledge, and dispositions to compete in a global and multicultural age.

Details

Social Studies Research and Practice, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1933-5415

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2024

D. Kavitha and D. Anitha

Engineering graduates are expected to have certain attributes in addition to technical expertise that includes development in personal and interpersonal skills with societal…

Abstract

Purpose

Engineering graduates are expected to have certain attributes in addition to technical expertise that includes development in personal and interpersonal skills with societal concern. Pedagogical strategies have been continuously evolving to improve the graduate attributes. An efficient framework for blended learning that improves the graduate attributes is the need of the hour now.

Design/methodology/approach

A blended course model based on TPACK is proposed and the same is evaluated with Kirkpatrick evaluation method to assess the attainment of the attributes. A mapping strategy is developed for the relation between course outcomes and graduate attributes. The proposed model is tested with “Microcontroller” course in undergraduate program with students of three consecutive years in three different learning environments: offline, online and blended. The performance of the students in assessments, students’ feedback and their interest towards additional learning, project skills and job recruitment are the different elements taken for analysis.

Findings

The results obtained show that the impact of the proposed blended learning framework in improving the graduate attributes is greater than the offline environments. The analysis is done based on Kirkpatrick evaluation, which demonstrates the improvement in graduate attributes in blended learning by 18% compared to offline mode.

Research limitations/implications

It is seen that blended learning shall be implemented using TPACK model effectively and the proposed model results in improvement of graduate attributes. Though the findings are good enough, the case study is limited to a particular organization and so, the various underlying parameters may vary for different institutions.

Practical implications

The methodology proposed is viable in any institution and may be tested for any program. The effectiveness of the blended learning is known and in this case study, the analysis from the course to the level of program is done.

Social implications

The research work highlights the integration of technology, pedagogy and content knowledge to enhance engineering students' skills. Hence, it explores a new required norms of education, potentially shaping future teaching learning methodologies. By employing the Kirkpatrick evaluation, it offers insights into the model's effectiveness and influences educational practices in the need of the hour.

Originality/value

The proposed method and results signifies an innovative endeavor that combines technological expertise, pedagogical methods and subject matter knowledge to enhance the attributes of engineering graduates. Kirkpatrick evaluation adds a distinct dimension by objectively assessing the model's impact. The results are analyzed from the original data obtained from a particular institution.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2015

Greyce Luci Bernardo, Rossana Pacheco da Costa Proença, Maria Cristina Marino Calvo, Giovanna M.R. Fiates and Heather Hartwell

– The purpose of this paper is to present a first proposal of a healthy dietary diversity index to evaluate meals in self-service restaurants.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a first proposal of a healthy dietary diversity index to evaluate meals in self-service restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive pilot study in a Brazilian buffet-style restaurant. The study group was selected by systematic sampling and consisted of 678 individuals aged 16-81 years, who were regular diners at a selected restaurant during lunchtime. Photographs were used to assess food choices and a sociodemographic questionnaire was administered to the subjects. A healthy dietary diversity model was created following WHO recommendations and the Brazilian Food Guide. A consensus workshop was conducted with experts to discuss and classify certain dishes as more or less healthy (high/low energy density). The model attributed negative (−3.0-0.0) and positive (0.0-12.0) scores to different food groups. Higher scores meant greater diversity on the plate, and therefore a greater chance of a healthy meal (=9.0), while a lower score reflected a higher variety of energy-dense foods, such as fried dishes (=6.0).

Findings

Most diner’s plates (65.3 per cent) obtained low diversity score indexes (=6) and were considered inadequate, represented the dishes where intake should be controlled from a nutritional viewpoint (over caloric meal). There was a significant association between healthy diversity scores (=9.0) and low variety of high energy density dishes on the plates.

Originality/value

This method of assessing the healthy dietary diversity of a main meal could be tested as an innovative model for investigating the food choices of individuals who eat away from home.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 117 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2013

Mehmet Ermurat, Mehmet Ali Arslan, Fehmi Erzincanli and Ibrahim Uzman

This paper aims to investigate the effect of four important process parameters (i.e. laser focal distance, travel speed, feeding gas flow rate and standoff distance) on the size…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of four important process parameters (i.e. laser focal distance, travel speed, feeding gas flow rate and standoff distance) on the size of single clad geometry created by coaxial nozzle-based powder deposition by high power laser.

Design/methodology/approach

Design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods were both used to find optimum parameter combinations to get minimum sized clad, i.e. clad width and clad height. Factorial experiment arrays were used to design parameter combinations for creating experimental runs. Taguchi optimization methodology was used to find out optimum parameter levels to get minimum sized clad geometry. Response surface method was used to investigate the nonlinearity among parameters and variance analysis was used to assess the effectiveness level of each problem parameters.

Findings

The overall results show that wisely selected four problem parameters have the most prominent effects on the final clad geometry. Generally, minimum clad size was achieved at higher levels of gas flow rate, travel speed and standoff distance and at minimum spot size level of the laser focal distance.

Originality/value

This study presents considerable contributions in assessing the importance level of problems parameters on the optimum single clad geometry created laser-assisted direct metal part fabrication method. This procedure is somewhat complicated in understanding the effects of the selected problem parameters on the outcome. Therefore, DOE methodologies are utilized so that this operation can be better modeled/understood and automated for real life applications. The study also gives future direction for research based on the presented results.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Fostering Productivity: Patterns, Determinants and Policy Implications
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-840-7

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2012

M.F. Boseman, Y.W. Kwon, D.C. Loup and E.A. Rasmussen

In order to connect a fiberglass composite structure to a steel structure, a hybrid composite made of glass and steel fibers has been studied. The hybrid composite has one end…

Abstract

Purpose

In order to connect a fiberglass composite structure to a steel structure, a hybrid composite made of glass and steel fibers has been studied. The hybrid composite has one end section with all glass fibers and the opposite end section with all steel fibers. As a result, it contains a transition section in the middle of the hybrid composite changing from glass fibers to steel fibers. The purpose of this paper is to examine interface strength at the glass to steel fiber transition section, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid composite as a joining technique between a polymer composite structure and a metallic structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The present micromechanical study considers two types of glass to steel fiber joints: butt and overlap joints. For the butt joint, the end shape of the steel fiber is also modified to determine its effect on interface strength. The interface strength is predicted numerically based on the virtual crack closure technique to determine which joint is the strongest under various loading conditions such as tension, shear and bending. Numerical models include resin layers discretely. A virtual crack is considered inside the resin, at the resin/glass‐layer interface, and at the resin/steel‐layer interface. The crack is located at the critical regions of the joints.

Findings

Overall, the butt joint is stronger than the overlap joint regardless of loading types and directions. Furthermore, modification of an end shape of the middle fiber layers in the butt joint shifts the critical failure location.

Originality/value

The paper describes one of a few studies which investigated the interface strength of the hybrid joint made of fiberglass and steel‐fiber composites. This joint is important to connect a polymeric composite structure to a metallic structure without using conventional mechanical joints.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1985

Tomas Riha

Nobody concerned with political economy can neglect the history of economic doctrines. Structural changes in the economy and society influence economic thinking and, conversely…

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Abstract

Nobody concerned with political economy can neglect the history of economic doctrines. Structural changes in the economy and society influence economic thinking and, conversely, innovative thought structures and attitudes have almost always forced economic institutions and modes of behaviour to adjust. We learn from the history of economic doctrines how a particular theory emerged and whether, and in which environment, it could take root. We can see how a school evolves out of a common methodological perception and similar techniques of analysis, and how it has to establish itself. The interaction between unresolved problems on the one hand, and the search for better solutions or explanations on the other, leads to a change in paradigma and to the formation of new lines of reasoning. As long as the real world is subject to progress and change scientific search for explanation must out of necessity continue.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 12 no. 3/4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2015

Jacqueline Doumit

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between nutritional status and associated risk factors such as:, socio-economic, physical, pathological and psychological…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between nutritional status and associated risk factors such as:, socio-economic, physical, pathological and psychological factors, among elderly residing in Lebanese nursing homes.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was carried out in 36 elderly care nursing homes with 2,094 residents. Of these, only 221 (11 per cent) elderly met the inclusion criteria and successfully completed the interview question. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and health conditions: oral, nutritional, depression, chronic diseases and activities of daily living, were collected. The analysis used a chi-square test and a binary logistic regression.

Findings

High levels of malnourishment were found among elderly who had no jobs (p = 0.012) and had oral health problems (p = 0.038), functional impairment (p < 0.001) and depression (p = 0.021). Comorbid illnesses, however, had no significant association with nutritional status. In addition, the first and strongest predictor entered in the regression on malnutrition was functional impairment (p = 0.002) followed by oral health problems (p = 0.030) and depression (p = 0.036).

Originality/value

The study is original in the sense that it emphasized the importance of three factors, autonomy, better oral and psychological health, in mediating nutritional outcomes for elderly residing in nursing homes.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 45 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

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