Shaw C. Feng, Paul Witherell, Gaurav Ameta and Duck Bong Kim
Additive manufacturing (AM) processes are the integration of many different science and engineering-related disciplines, such as material metrology, design, process planning…
Abstract
Purpose
Additive manufacturing (AM) processes are the integration of many different science and engineering-related disciplines, such as material metrology, design, process planning, in-situ and off-line measurements and controls. Major integration challenges arise because of the increasing complexity of AM systems and a lack of support among vendors for interoperability. The result is that data cannot be readily shared among the components of that system. In an attempt to better homogenization this data, this paper aims to provide a reference model for data sharing of the activities to be under-taken in the AM process, laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF).
Design/methodology/approach
The activity model identifies requirements for developing a process data model. The authors’ approach begins by formally decomposing the PBF processes using an activity-modeling methodology. The resulting activity model is a means to structure process-related PBF data and align that data with specific PBF sub-processes.
Findings
This model in this paper provides the means to understand the organization of process activities and sub-activities and the flows among them in AM PBF processes.
Research limitations/implications
The model is for modeling AM activities and data associated with these activity. Data modeling is not included in this work.
Social implications
After modeling the selected PBF process and its sub-processes as activities, the authors discuss requirements for developing the development of more advanced process data models. Such models will provide a common terminology and new process knowledge that improve data management from various stages in AM.
Originality/value
Fundamental challenges in sharing/reusing data among heterogeneous systems include the lack of common data structures, vocabulary management systems and data interoperability methods. In this paper, the authors investigate these challenges specifically as they relate to process information for PBF – how it is captured, represented, stored and accessed. To do this, they focus on using methodical, information-modeling techniques in the context of design, process planning, fabrication, inspection and quality control.
Details
Keywords
Shaw‐Jyh Shin, I‐Shou Tsai and Po‐Dong Lee
Reports how the theorem of the texture “tuned” mask was modified to solve some problems encountered in the automatic faults (including filling bars, oil stains, weft‐lacking and…
Abstract
Reports how the theorem of the texture “tuned” mask was modified to solve some problems encountered in the automatic faults (including filling bars, oil stains, weft‐lacking and holes) detection and recognition of the plain woven fabrics. These problems are the faults of variable shapes and sizes, those of variable structure and the grey‐level differences in the faults of oil stains. The index of the “tuned” mask in the texture “tuned” mask theorem was modified to converge the variability of the faults, and to elongate the distances between each fault’s average texture energy so that the texture energy in normal texture and in faults can be confined to different fixed ranges. The results show that the optimum texture “tuned” mask found from the modified theorem of the texture “tuned” mask can be used satisfactorily to identify different faults due to structure, shapes and size variation. However, in the case of undertoned oil stains and lower density filling bars, this method may sometimes cause misidentification.
Details
Keywords
Shraddha Mishra, Surya Prakash Singh, John Johansen, Yang Cheng and Sami Farooq
The purpose of this paper is to find the driving factors for effective and efficient management of international manufacturing network (IMN) which has become increasingly…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find the driving factors for effective and efficient management of international manufacturing network (IMN) which has become increasingly important due to the intensive competition existing in the manufacturing industry. This paper presents a magnified view of different constructs of IMN and identifies the qualitative factors which are broadly classified under different constructs like political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental.
Design/methodology/approach
Principal component analysis is applied to club identified factors into political, economic, social, technological and legal categories. PESTLE–SWOT approach is used to shortlist the identified factors using the elimination algorithm. Using analytical hierarchy process, weightages and rank of the identified factors are evaluated. Interpretive structural modeling is applied to understand inter-relationship among factors, and to analyze the driving power and dependence of the factors.
Findings
The results obtained from the above approaches are compared to identify most significant factors and the list of IMN enablers is presented using Venn Diagram. Government stability, Economic freedom, economic stability, environmental sustainability and raw material availability are coming out to be the driving factors across all techniques. Finally, the paper provides weights of the driving indicators common across all multi-criteria decision-making techniques considered.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed work provides significant information about the qualitative factors needed to be considered while designing and developing IMN. As identified by literature review and through expert opinions, not all 29 factors responsible for IMN development are crucial. Many factors are either interdependent or driven by others. The paper provides a useful analysis about the driving factors that need to be taken into account.
Originality/value
The study presents a comprehensive analysis of the IMN enablers. Furthermore, it provides managerial and theoretical implications to deal with the complexities encountered while establishing IMN.
Details
Keywords
This study aims to identify the antecedent factors influencing consumer attitudes and patronage intentions toward an intelligent unmanned convenience store (IUCVS) in Taiwan. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the antecedent factors influencing consumer attitudes and patronage intentions toward an intelligent unmanned convenience store (IUCVS) in Taiwan. The IUCVS is a new smart service that offers customers a novel shopping experience, given that it avoids queues and physical contacts with cashiers. However, studies discussing IUCVS remain scant owing to its brief history.
Design/methodology/approach
This research develops a synergistic model combining original unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) constructs with perceived risk and value to test differences between unexperienced and experienced customers’ attitudes and patronage intentions toward IUCVSs. Data collected from 268 experienced and 156 unexperienced consumers were tested against the proposed research model using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis (PLS-MGA).
Findings
In line with expectations, three UTAUT variables (i.e. performance, effort expectancy and social influence) and perceived value significantly and positively influence consumer attitudes toward IUCVSs. This research confirms the significant and negative direct effect of perceived risk on consumers’ patronage intentions toward IUCVSs. Furthermore, the PLS-MGA results unveil that a significant difference exist in the effects of perceived convenience value on attitudes toward IUCVS between consumers who had experience of using self-service machines and those who have not.
Originality/value
This research successfully fills the research gap by offering a synergistic model for evaluating consumers’ attitudes and patronage intentions toward a new smart service. Several important theoretical and practical implications are provided to help retail managers develop service strategies.
Details
Keywords
Jenny Lawrence, Hollie Shaw, Leanne Hunt and Donovan Synmoie
This chapter attempts to capture what teaching excellence looks and feels like for students. Our research reports on research conducted by two student authors at separate…
Abstract
This chapter attempts to capture what teaching excellence looks and feels like for students. Our research reports on research conducted by two student authors at separate institutions. It suggests that the most crucial aspect of the student experience of ‘teaching excellence’ is a teacher's ability to build rapport and create meaningful interpersonal relationships with their students. Leanne Hunt's research was conducted with her fellow students at the University of Bradford. She outlines how, for her participants, the student–teacher rapport informed a positive learning experience which translated into a mutual understanding of excellent teaching. Widening participation, college-based HE student Hollie Shaw, now at Sheffield Hallam University, defines teaching excellence as flexible enough to respond to student learning needs, but strong enough to inspire interest in the discipline. In this chapter, we consider their separate testimonies carefully: we argue that exploring unconscious bias furthers understanding of how differences between student and teacher may compromise interpersonal relations and so student recognition of a tutor's positive and crucial role in the student experience and the implications of how one might measure this given the emphasis on proxies for teaching excellence in the TEF. We suggest breaking down unconscious bias calls for embracing differences, reflection and recognising the complexities of contemporary staff and student university lives. This chapter's exploration of staff–student partnership opens up potential for the creation of more equitable and honest learning dynamics in higher education – where a nuanced understanding of ‘teaching excellence’ can be defined, understood and evidenced within a HEI, with external bodies such as the Office for Students, and included in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Details
Keywords
Giuseppe Arbia, Vincenzo Nardelli and Chiara Ghiringhelli
Traditional epidemic models, like the classical SIR, are fitted to real data using deterministic optimization techniques. As a consequence, their performances cannot be properly…
Abstract
Traditional epidemic models, like the classical SIR, are fitted to real data using deterministic optimization techniques. As a consequence, their performances cannot be properly assessed and, more importantly, the estimates of the critical epidemic parameters (which are of dramatic importance in monitoring the epidemic evolution) cannot be complemented with the calculation of confidence intervals. The aim of the present work is to remove such limitations and to compare the results obtained using two stochastic versions of deterministic SIR models. We describe the two alternatives and the associated estimation procedures, and we apply the two methodologies to a set of COVID-19 data observed in Italy in the 2020 pandemic wave. Our estimates of the basic reproduction number are comparable with the official sources, but using our methods uncertainty can also be properly assessed.
Details
Keywords
Hangjun Yang, Qiong Zhang and Qiang Wang
In this chapter, we will review the history, deregulation, policy reforms, and airline consolidations and mergers of the Chinese airline industry. The measurement of airline…
Abstract
In this chapter, we will review the history, deregulation, policy reforms, and airline consolidations and mergers of the Chinese airline industry. The measurement of airline competition in China’s domestic market will also be discussed. Although air deregulation is still ongoing, the Chinese airline industry has become a market-driven business subject to some mild regulations. Then, we will review the impressive development of the high-speed rail (HSR) network in China and its effects on the domestic civil aviation market. In general, previous studies have found that the introduction of HSR services has a significant negative impact on airfare and air travel demand in China. The rapidly expanding network of HSR has important policy implications for Chinese airlines.