scholarly journals Construction worker productivity in hot and humid weather conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-108
Author(s):  
Ammar Saeed Mohammed Moohialdin ◽  
Fiona Lamari ◽  
Marc Miska ◽  
Bambang Trigunarsyah
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Worker Productivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper shows the effect of hot and humid weather conditions (HHWCs) on workers that has resulted in considerable loss in the construction industry, especially during the hottest periods due to decline in worker productivity (WP). Until the last few decades, there is very limited research on construction WP in HHWCs. Nevertheless, these studies have sparked interests on seeking for the most appropriate methods to assess the impact of HHWCs on construction workers. Design/methodology/approach This paper begins by reviewing the current measuring methods on WP in HHWCs, follows by presenting the potential impact of HHWCs on WP. The paper highlights the methodological deficiencies, which consequently provides a platform for scholars and practitioners to direct future research to resolve the significant productivity loss due to global warming. This paper highlights the need to identify the limitations and advantages of the current methods to formulate a framework of new approaches to measure the WP in HHWCs. Findings Results show that the methods used in providing real-time response on the effects of HHWCs on WP in construction at project, task and crew levels are limited. An integration of nonintrusive real-time monitoring system and local weather measurement with real-time data synchronisation and analysis is required to produce suitable information to determine worker health- and safety-related decisions in HHWCs. Originality/value The comprehensive literature review makes an original contribution to WP measurements filed in HHWCs in the construction industry. Results of this review provide researchers and practitioners with an insight into challenges associated with the measurements methods and solving practical site measurements issues. The findings will also enable the researchers and practitioners to bridge the identified research gaps in this research field and enhance the ability to provide accurate measures in HHWCs. The proposed research framework may promote potential improvements in the productivity measurements methods, which support researchers and practitioners in developing new innovative methods in HHWCs with the integration of the most recent monitoring technologies.

scholarly journals Brexit: measuring the impact upon skilled labour in the UK construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwan Mohamed ◽  
Erika Anneli Pärn ◽  
David John Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Skilled Labour ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Original Insight ◽  
New Policies ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an understanding of the potential impact of Brexit upon the UK construction industry. Specifically, the work analyses the construction industry’s reliance upon European Union (EU) skilled labour and seeks to determine the potential impact that Brexit poses upon EU skilled labour entering the sector. Design/methodology/approach A perceptual questionnaire survey was used to elicit responses from construction professionals using the two techniques of opportunity and snowballing non-probability sampling. Summary statistical analysis of Boolean and Likert item scale data accrued was employed to elucidate upon respondents’ perceptions. Findings The majority of survey participants either “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that the UK construction industry relies upon EU skilled labour and that a career in the sector would not be attractive for foreign skilled labour post-Brexit. Future research proposed includes: predicting future trends in labour supply and demand and deriving new policies to address skills shortage imbalances that may be created by Brexit. Originality/value Original insight into an historic and unprecedented moment for the UK construction industry is presented. The work also provides pragmatic recommendations to policy makers and Higher Education Institutes to prevent the risk of Brexit further exacerbating skilled labour shortages within the industry.

scholarly journals Silence is golden: the role of team coordination in health operations

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 1421-1447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Stefanini ◽  
Davide Aloini ◽  
Peter Gloor
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Coordination Mechanisms ◽  
Healthcare Operations ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Surgical Performance ◽  
Team Coordination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study investigates the relationships between team dynamics and performance in healthcare operations. Specifically, it explores, through wearable sensors, how team coordination mechanisms can influence the likelihood of surgical glitches during routine surgery.Design/methodology/approachBreast surgeries of a large Italian university hospital were monitored using Sociometric Badges – wearable sensors developed at MIT Media Lab – for collecting objective and systematic measures of individual and group behaviors in real time. Data retrieved were used to analyze team coordination mechanisms, as it evolved in the real settings, and finally to test the research hypotheses.FindingsFindings highlight that a relevant portion of glitches in routine surgery is caused by improper team coordination practices. In particular, results show that the likelihood of glitches decreases when practitioners adopt implicit coordination mechanisms rather than explicit ones. In addition, team cohesion appears to be positively related with the surgical performance.Originality/valueFor the first time, direct, objective and real time measurements of team behaviors have enabled an in-depth evaluation of the team coordination mechanisms in surgery and the impact on surgical glitches. From a methodological perspective, this research also represents an early attempt to investigate coordination behaviors in dynamic and complex operating environments using wearable sensor tools.

Digitally driven new product development: an involved contemporary innovation case

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samir Yerpude ◽  
Sonica Rautela
Keyword(s):  
Product Development ◽  
Sentiment Analysis ◽  
Real Time ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
New Product ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Data ◽  
Real Time Data ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the impact of real-time data emerging from implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) and netnography on the efficiency of the new product development (NPD).Design/methodology/approachCustomer-oriented organizations are the ones that survive in the market with a flow of new products to the market. Expectations like reduced timelines with quality focus provoke innovations. Customer inputs become the soul for a successful product wherein it becomes important to keep a constant stream of information flow back from the market. Literature review states that real-time data gathering with the implementation of IoT ensures the same. Along with real-time data, researchers have envisaged the need to identify the customer persona before incorporating customer opinion and sentiments vide netnography.FindingsThe organization can leverage the collaboration of IoT origin real-time data and sentiment analysis to effectively manage the NPD. Real-time customer data coupled with customer opinions and sentiments prove to be a game changer in the NPD process.Originality/valueThe originalities of this study are impact of IoT origin real-time data coupled with sentiment analysis on the NPD process. While impact of IoT origin data is reported in isolation similar to sentiment analysis, influence of collaboration of real-time data with sentiment analysis on NPD process is reported in this study.

Exploring the structure and emerging trends of construction health management: a bibliometric review and content analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huakang Liang ◽  
Xiaoxiao Shi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Levels Of Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Future Research Directions

PurposeThe demanding nature of construction industry poses serious health risks to construction workers. In recent years, construction health management (CHM) has gained much attention to ensure a healthier and safer workplace. However, there is still lack of a systematic review to bring together the disaggregated studies and determine the development status of this research field. As essential for addressing health issues in construction industry, a bibliometric and content-based review on of previous CHM studies would be presented in this paper.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 753 journal articles published in Web of Science core collection from 1990 to 2020 were examined using a systematic review. Bibliometric analysis concentrated on the analysis of publication and citation pattern of CHM research while content analysis was employed to identify main health hazards, levels of analysis and topical focuses.FindingsThe results indicated that the USA was the leading country in this research domain. Five health hazards together with 17 research topics at different levels of analysis were classified to allow researchers to track the structure and temporal evolution of the research field. Finally, three emerging trends and a set of research agenda were proposed to guide future research directions.Originality/valueIt is the first to highlight the issues of occupational health management from the perspective of construction workers. It contributes to the field of construction health management by clarifying the knowledge structure, emerging trends and future research directions. It offers valuable guidance and in-depth understanding to researchers, practitioners and policymakers to further promote construction workers' health performance.

Real-time data integration of an internet-of-things-based smart warehouse: a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ammar Mohamed Aamer ◽  
Chelinka Rafiesta Sahara
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Data Integration ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Real Time Data

Purpose Creating a real-time data integration when developing an internet-of-things (IoT)-based warehouse is still faced with challenges. It involves a diverse knowledge of novel technology and skills. This study aims to identify the critical components of the real-time data integration processes in IoT-based warehousing. Then, design and apply a data integration framework, adopting the IoT concept to enable real-time data transfer and sharing. Design/methodology/approach The study used a pilot experiment to verify the data integration system configuration. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology was selected to support the integration process in this study, as it is one of the most recognized products of IoT. Findings The experimentations’ results proved that data integration plays a significant role in structuring a combination of assorted data on the IoT-based warehouse from various locations in a real-time manner. This study concluded that real-time data integration processes in IoT-based warehousing could be generated into three significant components: configuration, databasing and transmission. Research limitations/implications While the framework in this research was carried out in one of the developing counties, this study’s findings could be used as a foundation for future research in a smart warehouse, IoT and related topics. The study provides guidelines for practitioners to design a low-cost IoT-based smart warehouse system to obtain more accurate and timely data to support the quick decision-making process. Originality/value The research at hand provides the groundwork for researchers to explore the proposed theoretical framework and develop it further to increase inventory management efficiency of warehouse operations. Besides, this study offers an economical alternate for an organization to implement the integration software reasonably.

“Custolytics”

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samir Yerpude ◽  
Tarun Kumar Singhal
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Loyalty Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Real Time Data ◽  
Customer Analytics ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to build a customer engagement strategy for an emerging market using the Internet of Things (IoT) origin real-time data analytics for a classical retail business to customer domain. Design/methodology/approach The study presented is twofold. First, it empirically tests a theoretical model where the impact of different parameters influencing customer engagement are validated, and its influence on the resultant parameters, i.e. brand loyalty and brand ambassador, is analyzed. Second, it emphasizes on the use of real-time IoT origin data in customer analytics to determine a customer engagement strategy. Findings Results indicate that the four parameters, i.e., value propositions basis the buying patterns, loyalty programs, personalized communication and involving the customer in the new development process are influencing customer engagement positively, whereas the parameter loyalty program scores the maximum regression weight. IoT plays a crucial role in generating the real-time data used for generating customer analytics that proves to be vital for the longevity of the organization. Practical implications The organizations need judicious blend of four parameters such as value proposition based on buying patterns, participation in new product development, personalized communication and loyalty program while designing the customer engagement strategy. Results drawn from the focused group interview highlight the power of IoT origin real-time data in the customer analytics further strengthening the need of customer centricity in an organization. Originality/value Identified need of building a customer engagement strategy for an emerging market with the help of IoT data is addressed in this paper that is identified as an unexplored area and a research gap.

Why Ecological Momentary Assessment Surveys Go Incomplete?: When It Happens and How It Impacts Data

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Hsiang Wu ◽  
Jingjing Xu ◽  
Elizabeth Stangl ◽  
Shareka Pentony ◽  
Dhruv Vyas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Data Logging ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Real Time Data ◽  
Report Data ◽  
Self Report Data ◽  
Ecological Momentary ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Momentary Assessment

Abstract Background Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) often requires respondents to complete surveys in the moment to report real-time experiences. Because EMA may seem disruptive or intrusive, respondents may not complete surveys as directed in certain circumstances. Purpose This article aims to determine the effect of environmental characteristics on the likelihood of instances where respondents do not complete EMA surveys (referred to as survey incompletion), and to estimate the impact of survey incompletion on EMA self-report data. Research Design An observational study. Study Sample Ten adults hearing aid (HA) users. Data Collection and Analysis Experienced, bilateral HA users were recruited and fit with study HAs. The study HAs were equipped with real-time data loggers, an algorithm that logged the data generated by HAs (e.g., overall sound level, environment classification, and feature status including microphone mode and amount of gain reduction). The study HAs were also connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, which collected the real-time data logging data as well as presented the participants with EMA surveys about their listening environments and experiences. The participants were sent out to wear the HAs and complete surveys for 1 week. Real-time data logging was triggered when participants completed surveys and when participants ignored or snoozed surveys. Data logging data were used to estimate the effect of environmental characteristics on the likelihood of survey incompletion, and to predict participants' responses to survey questions in the instances of survey incompletion. Results Across the 10 participants, 715 surveys were completed and survey incompletion occurred 228 times. Mixed effects logistic regression models indicated that survey incompletion was more likely to happen in the environments that were less quiet and contained more speech, noise, and machine sounds, and in the environments wherein directional microphones and noise reduction algorithms were enabled. The results of survey response prediction further indicated that the participants could have reported more challenging environments and more listening difficulty in the instances of survey incompletion. However, the difference in the distribution of survey responses between the observed responses and the combined observed and predicted responses was small. Conclusion The present study indicates that EMA survey incompletion occurs systematically. Although survey incompletion could bias EMA self-report data, the impact is likely to be small.

scholarly journals The Importance of Implementing Cyber Physical Systems to Acquire Real-Time Data and Indicators

J ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-153
Author(s):  
Paula Morella ◽  
María Pilar Lambán ◽  
Jesús Antonio Royo ◽  
Juan Carlos Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Failure Detection ◽  
Cyber Physical Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
The Real ◽  
Real Time Data

Among the new trends in technology that have emerged through the Industry 4.0, Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT) are crucial for the real-time data acquisition. This data acquisition, together with its transformation in valuable information, are indispensable for the development of real-time indicators. Moreover, real-time indicators provide companies with a competitive advantage over the competition since they enhance the calculus and speed up the decision-making and failure detection. Our research highlights the advantages of real-time data acquisition for supply chains, developing indicators that would be impossible to achieve with traditional systems, improving the accuracy of the existing ones and enhancing the real-time decision-making. Moreover, it brings out the importance of integrating technologies 4.0 in industry, in this case, CPS and IoT, and establishes the main points for a future research agenda of this topic.

scholarly journals Chinese students’ participation: the effect of cultural factors

2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 430-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris S. Hodkinson ◽  
Arthur E. Poropat
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Effectiveness ◽  
Educational Achievement ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Chinese Student ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Electronic Interaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide for Western educators of international Chinese and Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC) students the first integrated review of kiasu, the “fear of missing out”, and its consequences for learning, teaching, and future research. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the economic importance of international Chinese students is provided, followed by consideration of the pedagogical consequences of restricted participation in educational activities by the so-called “silent Chinese student”. Examination of research on international Chinese students and their source cultures established significant gaps and misunderstandings in the generally accepted understandings of CHCs, especially with respect to the actual practices used in Western and Chinese teaching. More importantly, the participation-related implications of kiasu within the context of broader cultural characteristics are described and implications drawn for teaching practices and research. Findings – While many Western university teachers are aware of the “silent Chinese student” phenomenon, few understand its underlying reasons, especially the kiasu mindset and its relationship to other cultural elements. Kiasu actively impedes the interaction of international Chinese students with their teachers and restricts collaboration with peers, thereby limiting educational achievement. Specific tactics for amelioration are reviewed and recommendations are provided, while an agenda for future research is outlined. Practical implications – Western teachers need to normalise and encourage Chinese student participation in class activities using tactics that have been demonstrated to improve outcomes for Chinese students, but that also assist students generally. These include both within-class and electronic interaction tools. Social implications – More culturally sensitive understanding of the impact of cultural differences on teaching effectiveness. While some effective responses to these already exist, further research is needed to expand the skill-set of Western teachers who work with international Chinese students. Originality/value – This paper provides the first systematic integration of the kiasu phenomenon with educational practice and research.

OMERACT Filter Evidence Supporting the Measurement of At-work Productivity Loss as an Outcome Measure in Rheumatology Research

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 214-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorcas E. Beaton ◽  
Sarah Dyer ◽  
Annelies Boonen ◽  
Suzanne M.M. Verstappen ◽  
Reuben Escorpizo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Contextual Factor ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Specific Work ◽  
Worker Productivity ◽  
Activity Impairment

Objective.Indicators of work role functioning (being at work, and being productive while at work) are important outcomes for persons with arthritis. As the worker productivity working group at OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology), we sought to provide an evidence base for consensus on standardized instruments to measure worker productivity [both absenteeism and at-work productivity (presenteeism) as well as critical contextual factors].Methods.Literature reviews and primary studies were done and reported to the OMERACT 12 (2014) meeting to build the OMERACT Filter 2.0 evidence for worker productivity outcome measurement instruments. Contextual factor domains that could have an effect on scores on worker productivity instruments were identified by nominal group techniques, and strength of influence was further assessed by literature review.Results.At OMERACT 9 (2008), we identified 6 candidate measures of absenteeism, which received 94% endorsement at the plenary vote. At OMERACT 11 (2012) we received over the required minimum vote of 70% for endorsement of 2 at-work productivity loss measures. During OMERACT 12 (2014), out of 4 measures of at-work productivity loss, 3 (1 global; 2 multiitem) received support as having passed the OMERACT Filter with over 70% of the plenary vote. In addition, 3 contextual factor domains received a 95% vote to explore their validity as core contextual factors: nature of work, work accommodation, and workplace support.Conclusion.Our current recommendations for at-work productivity loss measures are: WALS (Workplace Activity Limitations Scale), WLQ PDmod (Work Limitations Questionnaire with modified physical demands scale), WAI (Work Ability Index), WPS (Arthritis-specific Work Productivity Survey), and WPAI (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire). Our future research focus will shift to confirming core contextual factors to consider in the measurement of worker productivity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document