Aluminum formwork system: loss and productivity

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 616-627
Author(s):  
Marina Macedo de Abreu ◽  
Alberto Casado Lordsleem Jr
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Learning Effect ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Conventional System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Concrete Mixer ◽  
Productivity Indicators ◽  
The City

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish and evaluate the concrete loss and labor productivity (LP) indicators in the concreting step of aluminum formwork system (AFS) in construction in Brazil. The loss and productivity indicators are directed to a regional database (Pernambuco, Brazil). Design/methodology/approach Case study was selected as the most appropriate approach. The methodology included data collection in the construction project with 10 residential towers of 320 apartments, in the city of Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Brazil, throughout 82 concrete pouring days using 415 concrete mixer trucks, with a total of 2,582.50 m3 of concrete. Findings The findings identified an average concrete loss of 2.6 percent and the LP indicator varying between 0.15 and 0.97 WH/m3. It could be verified that the loss indicators were influenced mainly by the learning effect associated to the qualification of the labor. In addition, the productivity indicators were strongly influenced by delays at the beginning of the concrete pouring and by problems coming from the sequence of concrete supply. Originality/value LP indicators are still literature restricted, especially considering only the concreting step. The direct observations of this study allow the identification of factors that inhibit productivity. The comparison of indicators for the concreting service between the ASF and the conventional system attests to the speed, low cost and efficiency of the system studied in this paper.

Major event and city branding

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-De Liu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Major Event ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Visitor Perceptions ◽  
European Capital Of Culture ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
The City

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of a key branding campaign, based on a case study of Liverpool as the 2008 European Capital of Culture. Branding is a popular practice adopted by many cities in the context of intensified tourism competition. Design/methodology/approach – This study looks at quantitative data collected from an on-street face-to-face survey in 2008. In total, 611 questionnaires were distributed to and collected from local residents, visitors from the immediate hinterland, domestic tourists and overseas visitors. Findings – The analysis is done, first by investigating respondents’ impression on the Liverpool 08 brand and the branding campaign, and then by exploring the effects of the campaign. The positioning of Liverpool compared with other similar cities is addressed in the end. Originality/value – Event marketers need to be aware that visitor perceptions of the event’s branding are unlikely to be homogeneous. This could have significant implications on the design of brand and branding campaign and, then, affect whether the city could be effectively marketed.

Diagnosis of degradation state of the historic building facade through qualitative and quantitative indicators: case study of the Former School of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitória Silveira da Costa ◽  
Ariela da Silva Torres
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
The State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Photographic Survey ◽  
Quantitative Indicators ◽  
The City ◽  
Damage Map ◽  
Degradation Measurement

PurposeIn Brazil, the city of Pelotas experienced an economic apex between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, reflecting in the construction of several buildings. The aim of this article is to evaluate the state of degradation of the facades of the Old School of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel, using qualitative and quantitative indicators.Design/methodology/approachThe study was divided into visual and photographic survey, damage map and subsequent application of the Degradation Measurement Method (MMD) and the Element Performance Index (Ip). Taking into consideration the evaluation of the building: through historical research and survey of damages. Finally, the building was framed at a level of degradation.FindingsBy calculating the average damage between the methods – damage map, MMD and Ip – a more faithful representation of the damage was obtained, since the values become balanced. The results show the potential of the use of the methods in the analysis of pathological manifestations in facades.Originality/valueThe originality of this article refers to the use of methods for evaluation of historical buildings. The authors believe that the methods described applied jointly provide the results about the state of degradation through nondestructive and low-cost analyses. The methods of surveying damage to Brazilian heritage are a little researched area. This work will hopefully be engaged by academics and professionals to help establish and promote broad government interest and investments.

Tools of accountability: protecting microfinance clients in South Africa?

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1344-1369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Marini ◽  
Jane Andrew ◽  
Sandra van der Laan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Practices ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unique Data ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Microfinance Institution

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which accountability is operationalised within the context of a South African microfinance institution (MFI). In particular, the authors consider the introduction of a tool to enhance consumer protection, the Client Protection Card (CPC), to deliver accountability within the case organisation. In contrast to prior research, the authors focus on accountability from the perspective of clients and fieldworkers. Design/methodology/approach A single in-depth case study of the introduction and implementation of a CPC in an MFI operating within South Africa was conducted. The case study and timing afforded an opportunity to gather unique data, given the MFI’s client-centred philosophy and the recent introduction of the CPC. The qualitative approach adopted for this research allowed collection of data through direct observations, interviews, a fieldwork diary and documentation. The theoretical framing for this paper views accountability as involving social practices, allowing us to foreground the existence of interdependencies among people interacting within the same organisation or system (Roberts, 1996). Findings The case study demonstrates that three aspects are critical to the success of the card: the design, which requires sensitivity to the local culture; the distribution, which demands for significant “sensemaking” work to be undertaken by fieldworkers; and the drivers for introducing the card, which need to be responsive to the clients’ perspective. The paper illustrates how well-intended tools of accountability can fail to deliver effectively, both for the organisation and the users, if they are not tailored appropriately to the needs of clients. Originality/value This paper differs from prior research as it explores the ways in which fieldworkers and MFI clients make sense of a tool of accountability, the CPC. Given that the CPC was designed to meet guidelines produced by international policymakers and domestic legislators, the paper provides a grassroots analysis of the effectiveness of the implementation of such tools from the perspective of clients and fieldworkers. This local focus allows the authors to examine the ways in which mounting global expectations for increased accountability of MFIs are being operationalised in practice.

City councillors and the mission of public libraries

2011 ◽  
Vol 112 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 52-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Gazo
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
City Council ◽  
Social Construction Of Reality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
The City

PurposeIn Quebec, where a large majority of public libraries are municipal departments, the mission of the libraries must be defined in collaboration with city councillors and acknowledged by them. The purpose of this paper is to understand the views of city councillors in Quebec on the mission of public libraries, and to compare them to actual library practices.Design/methodology/approachThe research strategy adopted is a multiple case study. Interviews were conducted with 12 city councillors who represent their library on the city council. These interviews and the municipal cultural policies were subjected to a discourse analysis. The interviews with the directors of the public libraries and some documents were subjected to content analysis.FindingsA conceptual framework based on the theory of social construction of reality is proposed to study the discourses of city councillors in their textual dimension, to contextualise them and to analyse them in comparison with library practices.Originality/valueThere is no homogeneous view among city councillors in Quebec on the mission of public libraries. However, a model of the discourse of city councillors does emerge. It is less developed than current literature. It presents a passive image of the library in which the tradition continues, ignoring the Information Society. The analysis also revealed that the views of city councillors are based on their own convictions as individuals, on their role in the management of the municipality as elected officials, and on the image they have of the users of public libraries.

Spatial analysis on the recreation of wool retail spaces in Iranian markets (case study: Tabriz Grand Bazaar)

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nahideh Rezaei ◽  
Rana Najjari ◽  
Arsalan Nezhadfard ◽  
Rahmat Mohammadzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Urban Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
New Jobs

PurposeThe purpose of this paper aims at the spatial analysis of the Rastas dealing with the wool market to revise the production resulting in a recreation of spaces and the pathways based on its high economic–commercial role.Design/methodology/approachSecondary resources and direct observations through field research were the two critical methodological steps for this paper based on phenomenology and qualitative approaches.FindingsThe results represent that the usage of past experiences is the most effective solutions for activities relying on manufacturing inside the workshops leading to improvement in functional objectives of Bazaar. Integration between diverse institutions, precise planning regarding the creation and restoration of past and new jobs and organizing the exhibition of recreational spaces contributing to development regarding public attraction and strengthening the spatial relationships between production, representation and service. Indeed these mentioned steps will provide multifunctional space with a priority of production and reproduction useful on a recreation of urban life.Originality/valueThis study fulfils to examine the important of the bazaar (Iranian market) and recreate its manufacturing, service and economic processes.

Omeka.net as a librarian-led digital humanities meeting place

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 158-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Rath
Keyword(s):  
Open Source Software ◽  
Digital Humanities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Film Festival ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Communities ◽  
Media Formats ◽  
Web Publishing

Purpose – This case study aims to evaluate Omeka.net, the hosted Web publishing exhibit tool, as a low-cost and technology-friendly platform encouraging dynamic academic and non-academic communities to collaborate, explore and contribute to a genre film festival resource. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review established six variables to assess Omeka.net as a viable platform for libraries seeking to administer a resource-focused website adhering to information standards with limited budgets, training and technical or institutional support. The variables identified were cost; website management; content building and management; communities, engagement and collaboration; exploration and knowledge building; and website support. Findings – Omeka.net supports many activities with notable functions for website administration; collection building; media formats; collaboration; metadata; social media; user contributions; technical support; and the creation of simple, custom pages. While templates for page layouts offer a surprising amount of choices, some options are limited. Currently, interactive and exploratory items cannot be embedded into website pages. Originality/value – This paper discusses Omeka.net, the hosted version of the exhibit tool offered by Omeka, as a platform to encourage cross-sector collaboration for digital humanities projects, addressing a gap in the literature which focuses on Omeka.org, the open-source software version installed by libraries with access to servers and technical staff.

Recasting urban imaginaries: politicized temporalities and the touristification of a notorious Mexico City barrio

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eveline Dürr ◽  
Raúl Acosta ◽  
Barbara Vodopivec
Keyword(s):  
Mexico City ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tour Guides ◽  
Urban Neighbourhoods ◽  
Slum Tourism ◽  
The City ◽  
Tour Guiding

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to point to the significance of temporally charged imaginaries of neglected places and their residents in the context of slum tourism research. It examines the way in which tour guides draw on specific temporalities to recast the poverty and stigma of the Mexico City barrio of Tepito and thus design narratives to alter long-held imaginaries of this neighbourhood. Design/methodology/approach Two tours are analysed through an anthropological lens using ethnographic methods. Authors took part in the tours, registering the guides’ discourse and interventions, as well as the places and situations observed. The insights of this paper stem from the empirical evidence and reveal how diverse imaginaries are enacted through tour guiding. Findings Without necessarily following a single, coherent narrative, tour guides link different moments in time to simultaneously generate and contest slum tour imaginaries. The guides in this case study not only challenge existing stereotypes, but also critically engage political neglect while showcasing Tepito’s potentiality. Even so, the analysed tours seek to recast the barrio as integral to Mexico City’s history and future. Originality/value Until now, the importance of temporalities in the generation of imaginaries in slum tourism research has gained only little attention. The case study presented here show how alternative forms of tourism are offering unconventional readings of urban neighbourhoods. These processes, the authors argue, help not only re-imagine disadvantaged districts, such as Tepito, but also to re-think the city as a whole in terms of its past, present and future.

Let’s go cycling: an analysis of tourists’ experience on online user-generated content

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weisheng Chiu ◽  
Ho Keat Leng
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
User Generated Content ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tour Guides ◽  
Exploratory Case Study ◽  
Favorable Impression ◽  
The City

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore cycling tourists’ experience in Singapore using an exploratory case study. Design/methodology/approach Tourist’s spontaneous reviews (n=409) posted on TripAdvisor were collected and analyzed through Leximancer. Findings The software identified 31 concepts grouped into five dominant themes of tourists’ experiences. In order of relative importance, the themes were tour, bike, guide, experience, and cycling. It revealed that most tourists have a favorable impression of their cycling experience in Singapore. Originality/value The findings suggest cycling tours can provide tourists with pleasurable experiences. Tourists embark on cycling tours in Singapore to learn more about the city and enjoy new experiences. However, to meet tourists’ expectations, bicycles must be well-maintained and accessible. In addition, tour guides should be attentive and knowledgeable. These have a direct effect on tourists’ satisfaction level with cycling tours.

Accountability practices in microfinance: cultural translation and the role of intermediaries

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 1904-1931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Marini ◽  
Jane Andrew ◽  
Sandra van der Laan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Translation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Traditions ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Accountability Practices

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how accountability practices are affected and potentially transformed when mediated by translation. Adopting a postcolonial lens, the authors consider the ways in which translation functions and how intermediaries act as cultural translators in the context of microfinance. Design/methodology/approach The authors take a qualitative approach to a case study of a microfinance organization based in South Africa. Fieldwork allowed for the collection of data by means of direct observations, interviews, documents and a fieldwork diary. Findings The study demonstrates the presence of spaces of hybridity that co-exist within the same organizational context (Bhabha, 1994). Two spaces of hybridity are highlighted, in which translation processes were possible because of the proximity between borrowers and fieldworkers. The first space of hybridity was found locally and here translation shaped an accountability that aimed at leveraging local cultures and favoring cultural framing. The second space of hybridity was characterized by the interaction between oral and written cultures and the translation of responsibilities and expectations was predominantly unidirectional, prioritizing accountability practices consistent with organizational requirements. Originality/value This research offers in-depth insights into the links between intermediation, translation and accountability practices. It differs from prior research in considering intermediaries as active translators of accountability practices who act in-between cultures. The authors contend that the translation process reinscribes culture allowing dominant accountability practices to prevail and local cultural traditions to merely contextualize accountability practices.

WestJet Airlines: hybrid but profitable

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 23-25
Author(s):  
Mark Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Airline Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
Hybrid Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Low Cost Carrier ◽  
One Year

Purpose – The article looks at a Canadian airline, WestJet, that began as a low-cost carrier and is now adopting a more hybrid strategy. It analyses the difficulty of such a strategy and makes the comparison with Singapore Airlines (SIA) which has attempted to do the same. Design/methodology/approach – The article is a case study primarily of WestJet, but also of SIA. Findings – The airline industry is notorious for its low profits in the good years and appalling losses in the bad ones. The Canadian airline, WestJet, is one of the few companies that has defied this trend over the past decade. Indeed, it has reported positive net incomes for all but one year since it was created in 1996. In doing so, the Alberta-based firm is bucking not just the trend on profitability but also on strategic positioning.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document