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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2003

Zhijiang Ni and Stanislav Karapetrovic

This paper illustrates a perennial self‐audit model for quality management system (QMS) improvement. The model is based on the concepts of self‐ and nano‐audits, which directly…

1267

Abstract

This paper illustrates a perennial self‐audit model for quality management system (QMS) improvement. The model is based on the concepts of self‐ and nano‐audits, which directly contradict the two central tenets of classical auditing, namely auditor independence and the discrete nature of the auditing process. The general model is presented first, including a description of the underlying concepts (self‐audit, milli‐audit, micro‐audit and nano‐audit), and an illustration of the model elements and their interrelationships. This is followed by an explanation of the benefits and possible uses of the model. Three specific applications are discussed: QSM upgrade based on standards, facilitation of the transition from minimalistic to excellence‐based business systems, and the provision of support in the integration of function‐specific management systems. Subsequently, the emphasis is shifted towards a real‐life application of the proposed model in a high‐tech company. A demonstration of how this model was used to help the case study company in the transition from the ISO 9001: 1994 to the ISO 9001: 2000 QMS is provided.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

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Article
Publication date: 11 January 2021

Mingyang Li, Zhijiang Du, Xiaoxing Ma, Wei Dong, Yongzhi Wang, Yongzhuo Gao and Wei Chen

This paper aims to propose a robotic automation system for processing special-shaped thin-walled workpieces, which includes a measurement part and a processing part.

216

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a robotic automation system for processing special-shaped thin-walled workpieces, which includes a measurement part and a processing part.

Design/methodology/approach

In the measurement part, to efficiently and accurately realize the three-dimensional camera hand-eye calibration based on a large amount of measurement data, this paper improves the traditional probabilistic method. To solve the problem of time-consuming in the extraction of point cloud features, this paper proposes a point cloud feature extraction method based on seed points. In the processing part, the authors design a new type of chamfering tool. During the process, the robot adopts admittance control to perform compensation according to the feedback of four sensors mounted on the tool.

Findings

Experiments show that the proposed system can make the tool smoothly fit the chamfered edge during processing and the machined chamfer meets the processing requirements of 0.5 × 0.5 to 0.9 × 0.9 mm2.

Practical implications

The proposed design and approach can be applied on many types of special-shaped thin-walled parts. This will give a new solution for the automation integration problem in aerospace manufacturing.

Originality/value

A novel robotic automation system for processing special-shaped thin-walled workpieces is proposed and a new type of chamfering tool is designed. Furthermore, a more accurate probabilistic hand-eye calibration method and a more efficient point cloud extraction method are proposed, which are suitable for this system when comparing with the traditional methods.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 2 June 2023

Zhijiang Wu, Yongxiang Wang and Mengyao Liu

The negative effects of job stress and burnout on construction professionals (CPs) at the construction site have been widely concern in the construction industry. The purpose of…

697

Abstract

Purpose

The negative effects of job stress and burnout on construction professionals (CPs) at the construction site have been widely concern in the construction industry. The purpose of this study is committed to explore the impact of job stress on CPs on the construction site, especially in the context of the widespread use of social media to express their emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a job-related stress-burnout-health conditions-turnover intention (S-B-HT) framework to explore the direct and lagged effects of job stress, we also examined the moderating effects of online emotions, operationalized in terms of emotional intensity and expression pattern, on the relationship between job stress with job burnout under two evolution paths (i.e. health conditions or turnover intention). This study collected 271 samples through a survey questionnaire for empirical testing, and introduced structural equation models to validate the proposed conceptual model.

Findings

The results show that job stress has a significant positive effect on job burnout, and job burnout maintains a positive relationship with health conditions (or turnover intention) under the interference mechanism. Simultaneously, the online emotions expressed in social media have a positive moderating effect in two stages of the evolution path.

Practical implications

The findings of this study remind the project manager need to timely find and solve the job burnout characteristics of CPs due to excessive job stress, especially to prevent the accidental consequences caused by job burnout.

Originality/value

On this basis, this study provides an important value of using social media to express emotions for the project team to alleviate the adverse of professionals under job stress.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2019

Songying Mo, Manni Mo and Kai-Chiu Ho

Under extremely cold weather, traditional winter clothing may not be adequate to keep warm in the harsh environment. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

203

Abstract

Purpose

Under extremely cold weather, traditional winter clothing may not be adequate to keep warm in the harsh environment. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Wearable heat-generating (electric heating) clothing which covers the thermal sensitive zone of the human body can protect the human body from hypothermia. Existing heatable jacket in the market using carbon fiber is relatively expensive, complicated and require a lengthy manufacturing time.

Findings

Through experimental evaluation, the textile treated by plasma-assisted metal coating (PAC) has demonstrated excellent stability in temperature during the heating process.

Originality/value

This paper introduces an innovative, low-cost PAC technology using optimized plasma-assisted metallic deposition that is able to preserve the physical properties of the textile.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

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Article
Publication date: 27 May 2020

Bifeng Zhu, Chufan Zhu and Bart Dewancker

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the way to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Through the introduction and learning of a specific case, this paper…

2023

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the way to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Through the introduction and learning of a specific case, this paper summarizes the specific process of green campus’s development and construction and directly discusses how to achieve the goal of sustainable development. By analyzing the achievements and measures of its construction, on the one hand, the experience and shortcomings of its green campus construction are summarized; on the other hand, the impact of Stanford’s own green campus construction on the local community is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes Stanford, one of the best green campuses assessed by sustainability tracking, assessment and rating system (STARS), as a case study in three steps. First, it introduces the academics, energy supply and demand, water and land, waste, management, food and living, buildings and transportation of its campus construction in detail; second, it uses the STARS to make a comprehensive sustainable evaluation of Stanford; finally, it discusses the development relationship between Stanford and local community.

Findings

The four characteristics of its green campus development model are summarized, namely, based on its own scientific research; from the aspect of environmental friendliness; to achieve joint participation; and forming complementary development with the community. The construction of green campus has changed from a single triangle framework composed of SDGs, STARS and universities to a compound triangle framework composed of SDGs, universities and communities on the existing basis, greatly expanding the way to realize SDGs.

Practical implications

This development mode will have direct guiding significance for the sustainable construction of other campuses.

Social implications

This paper also discusses the development concept from green campus to sustainable community to provide positive reference to achieve the global SDGs from the perspective of colleges and universities.

Originality/value

According to the historical track of its development, this paper combines the two (SDGs and green campus) to discuss by using campus construction as an effective way to achieve the SDGs. On the basis of literature research and case study, STARS sustainable assessment is introduced. This will lead to quantitative analysis of sustainable construction in the discussion of the specific case, judging the specific sustainable degree of all aspects of campus construction, to provide a scientific basis for summarizing its characteristics of development mode.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

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Article
Publication date: 28 June 2019

Weidong Wang, Chengjin Du and Zhijiang Du

This paper aims to present a prototype of medical transportation robot whose positioning accuracy can reach millimeter-level in terms of patient transportation. By using this kind…

368

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a prototype of medical transportation robot whose positioning accuracy can reach millimeter-level in terms of patient transportation. By using this kind of mobile robot, a fully automatic image diagnosis process among independent CT/PET devices and the image fusion can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, a large-load 4WD-4WS (four-wheel driving and four-wheel steering) mobile robot for carrying patient among multiple medical imaging equipments is developed. At the same time, a specially designed bedplate with self-locking function is also introduced. For further improving the positioning accuracy, the authors proposed a calibration method based on Gaussian process regression (GPR) to process the measuring data of the sensors. The performance of this robot is verified by the calibration experiment and Image fusion experiment. Finally, concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

By calibrating the robot’s positioning system through the proposed GPR method, one can obtain the accuracy of the robot’s offset distance and deflection angle, which are 0.50 mm and +0.21°, respectively. Independent repeated trials were then set up to verify this result. Subsequent phantom experiment shows the accuracy of image fusion can be accurate within 0.57 mm in the front-rear direction and 0.83 in the left-right direction, respectively, while the clinical experiment shows that the proposed robot can practically realize the transportation of patient and image fusion between multiple imaging diagnosis devices.

Practical implications

The proposed robot offers an economical image fusion solution for medical institutions whose imaging diagnosis system basically comprises independent MRI, CT and PET devices. Also, a fully automatic diagnosis process can be achieved so that the patient’s suffering of getting in and out of the bed and the doctor’s radiation dose can be obviated.

Social implications

The general bedplate presented in Section 2 that can be mounted on the CT and PET devices and the self-locking mechanism has realized the catching and releasing motion of the patient on different medical devices. They also provide a detailed method regarding patient handling and orientation maintenance, which was hardly mentioned in previous research. By establishing the positioning system between the robot and different medical equipment, a fully automatic diagnosis process can be achieved so that the patient’s suffering of getting in and out of the bed and the doctor’s radiation dose can be obviated.

Originality/value

The GPR-based method proposed in this paper offers a novel method for enhancing the positioning accuracy of the industrial AGV while the transportation robot proposed in this paper also offers a solution for modern imaging fusion diagnosis, which are basically predicated on the conjoint analysis between different kinds of medical devices.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 46 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Bifeng Zhu, Yuan Zheng, Manqi Ding, Jie Dai, Gebing Liu and Liting Miao

The application of massive open online courses (MOOCs) helps integrate sustainable development goals (SDGs) into architectural curricula. The essence of MOOC development is…

175

Abstract

Purpose

The application of massive open online courses (MOOCs) helps integrate sustainable development goals (SDGs) into architectural curricula. The essence of MOOC development is building an education platform that promotes the sharing and continuing of global education resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This study establishes a four-dimensional evaluation model based on the four characteristics of MOOCs. The quadrilateral area evaluation method is used to create an evaluation radar chart to comprehensively evaluate satisfaction and demand in the traditional teaching model of architectural technology. This study discusses whether the curriculum is suitable for the development of MOOCs and how to optimize the sustainable pedagogical mode according to its characteristics to meet future teaching needs and realize the sustainable development of education.

Findings

Satisfaction evaluation found that current education is not open enough from the students' perspective; therefore, MOOCs enhance students' participation and significantly reduce future learning costs. Through demand evaluation, it was found that both teachers and students believed that the lack of direct and effective communication between them and the difficulty in ensuring the learning effect were problems that must be addressed in MOOCs.

Originality/value

This study focused on the sustainability of MOOCs in curriculum development. It emphasizes the combination of MOOCs' teaching modes and the course itself and provides specific guidance and suggestions for improving the course. It uses an evaluation method for objective analysis and visualization.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

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Article
Publication date: 16 March 2021

Guofeng Ma, Shan Jiang and Ding Wang

Although social media has been increasingly applied and valued in the construction industry, there has been little evidence revealing the influence mechanism of social media use…

1071

Abstract

Purpose

Although social media has been increasingly applied and valued in the construction industry, there has been little evidence revealing the influence mechanism of social media use in the construction context. In this way, this paper aims to explore how different purposes of social media use affect project performance from a project manager's perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the mechanism–outcome–performance framework, this paper developed a research model to figure out the mechanism through which work-oriented and socialization-oriented social media use influences construction project performance. The empirical data were collected from a survey of 249 construction project managers, and the structural equation modeling technique was applied to test the proposed model.

Findings

Results indicate that both work-oriented and socialization-oriented social media use promote knowledge acquisition and project social capital, which both further positively impact the project performance. Additionally, the negative moderating role of information overload is identified on the relationship between social media use and knowledge acquisition.

Originality/value

This study fulfills the need for an in-depth investigation of social media use on construction project performance, contributing to the project management and social media literature. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations for project managers to advance social media applications in the construction domain.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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