Robots have come to architecture to model, construct, fabricate and offer new approaches to create innovative designs, elements and structures

Author(s):  
Richard Bloss

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the dramatic entry of robotics into the field of architecture and construction. Design/methodology/approach – Discussions with worldwide researchers in the field of applying robotics to architecture applications and attendance at the 2014 Rob-Arch Conference at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Findings – Robots are enabling many new and innovative methodologies for architecture design and implementation, as well as construction. Practical implications – Readers may be very surprised at the many tasks that robots are already tackling in enabling innovation to reach out to architectural design and implementation. Originality/value – A review of a wide range of the applications of robots worldwide to architectural innovation.

Author(s):  
Richard Bloss

Purpose – This paper aims to review the dramatic entry of robotics into the field of agriculture. Design/methodology/approach – Research of efforts around the world to apply robots to agricultural needs and participation in webcasts of the latest in agricultural robotic development projects. Findings – Robots are enabling many new and innovative methodologies for performing traditional agricultural tasks of all types. Providing saving in labor, improved performance and faster field coverage. Practical implications – Readers may be very surprised at the many tasks that robots are already addressing in the agricultural field around the world and the way just applications can have major benefits to farming. Originality/value – A review of the wide range of the innovative application of robots to agricultural tasks worldwide.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 362-365
Author(s):  
Simon Reese

Purpose The “Implication for practitioners” paper summarizes the articles within this issue of The Learning Organization in an easy-to-digest format for the practitioner audience. This paper aims to outline how in practice the structure and people and the interplay of both have an impact in creating a learning organization. Included in the paper is a summary of articles within this issue that outline different studies that can easily lead toward actions in practice. Design/methodology/approach The summary identifies specific elements from the articles within this issue that can applied in practice. Findings This issue of The Learning Organization is full of content to help practitioners think more deeply about assessing their organization and offers application of tools that can be easily applied in any organization. Practical implications The “Implication for practitioners” paper aims to outline areas where the articles can be further applied. The articles within this issue outline how structure and characteristics (or people) can provide a significant impact on developing a learning organization. Originality/value Readers can gain value in reading this summary, as it outline some of the many practical ideas outlined within the articles of this issue of The Learning Organization.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Mendoza-Silva

PurposeInnovation is considered an important stage in the process of competitiveness of companies. While there is an extensive literature in the management and innovation field that shows the characteristics that enhance a firm's ability to innovate, there is still no consensus on its determinants and nature. This study aims to advance the understanding of innovation capability (IC) by conducting a systematic review of relevant literature at the firm level.Design/methodology/approachThe study reviews the literature by applying the categorization and contextualization of qualitative strategies. The study gathered 137 peer-reviewed papers from Scopus and Web of Science databases.FindingsThe papers were analysed and synthesized into an integrated framework that links IC with its internal and external determinants, and its consequences. In doing this, this study proposes directions for future investigations that might enlighten a better understanding of IC.Practical implicationsThe study provides elements that can be useful during the design and implementation of innovative initiatives in a firm.Originality/valueThe paper jointly examines in the same model the nature, antecedents and consequences of IC. In the same vein, the framework provides the little-researched links between those themes in the IC literature.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael Frost ◽  
Kate Walters ◽  
Jane Wilcock ◽  
Louise Robinson ◽  
Karen Harrison Dening ◽  
...  

PurposePost-diagnostic dementia care is often fragmented in the United Kingdom, with great variation in provision. Recent policies suggest moving towards better community-based care for dementia; however, little is known on how this care is delivered. This study aimed to map the post-diagnostic dementia support provided in England a decade after the introduction of a National Dementia Strategy.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods e-survey (open Nov 2018–Mar 2019) of dementia commissioners in England recruited through mailing lists of relevant organisations was conducted. The authors descriptively summarised quantitative data and carried out thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses.Findings52 completed responses were received, which covered 82 commissioning bodies, with representation from each region in England. Respondents reported great variation in the types of services provided. Information, caregiver assessments and dementia navigation were commonly reported and usually delivered by the voluntary sector or local authorities. Integrated pathways of care were seen as important to avoid overlap or gaps in service coverage. Despite an increasingly diverse population, few areas reported providing dementia health services specifically for BME populations. Over half of providers planned to change services further within five years.Practical implicationsThere is a need for greater availability of and consistency in services in post-diagnostic dementia care across England.Originality/valuePost-diagnostic dementia care remains fragmented and provided by a wide range of providers in England.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1021-1039
Author(s):  
Kaz Stuart ◽  
Mark A. Faghy ◽  
Elaine Bidmead ◽  
Ruth Browning ◽  
Catriona Roberts ◽  
...  

PurposeThis paper proposes a biopsychosocial (BPS) analysis of COVID-19 experiences which enhances understanding of complex and interrelated factors and leads to the proposition of a BPS recovery framework.Design/methodology/approachOnline narrative research was used to explore people's experiences of COVID-19 and was conducted over a four-month period. The call was distributed via a short open-ended qualitative online survey advertised on social media platforms and 305 responses came from across England.FindingsThe findings illustrate people with a narrow range of BPS characteristics experienced over a wide range of BPS impacts which are nuanced, complex and dynamic. Left unaddressed these may create future adverse BPS characteristics. An integrated BPS framework for recovery is proposed to avoid such further negative outcomes from the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample contained a bias in age, gender and living arrangements.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a clear framework to enable integrated holistic recovery/regrowth planning.Social implicationsUsing the framework would reduce social and health inequities which have been recently deepened by COVID-19 in the long-term.Originality/valueThe paper is original in its use of a BPS analytical framework.


2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (10) ◽  
pp. 1581-1599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Escanciano ◽  
María Leticia Santos-Vijande

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the status of the implementation of ISO 22000 in the food industry in Spain. The study identifies the main difficulties faced by firms during the adoption process, the benefits obtained, and the most influential benefits on firms overall satisfaction with ISO 22000. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was developed to identify the difficulties and benefits for ISO 22000 implementation. Data were collected among 189 Spanish certified firms. Factor analysis and multiple linear regression were used. Findings – ISO 22000 is used by firms operating in all links of the food chain (FC). Size of the firm is not a factor that determines its implementation. Exporter firms are more attracted to ISO 22000 certification. All sample firms experienced difficulties throughout the implementation process, being those related with time and money the most relevant. The benefits which most contributed to the firms’ satisfaction were internal in nature, in particular, those related to improved efficiency and food safety. Practical implications – Despite the many difficulties, both material and organizational, that sample firms experienced in implementing ISO 22000, and the complexity of the standard, the overall satisfaction is high. Originality/value – The sample analyzed comprised certified firms, including representatives of all links in the FC from farm to table. Prior research specifically aimed at analyzing ISO 22000 implementation and its benefits is very scarce.


Sensor Review ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bloss

Purpose – Review of the advancements in non-contact laser sensors for much more accurate real time speed as well as length measurements. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth review of a number of applications of laser sensors. Findings – A wide range of manufacturers in the converting industries have solved measurement problems and realized major improvements in product quality, cost of production and productivity by applying laser measurement as well as reduction in scrap. Practical implications – Others with the need to make very accurate measurements of speed and length in real time may find that laser sensors may provide the answer. Originality/value – An expert insight into how to solve real time speed and length measurement problems.


2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-379
Author(s):  
Busiso Mtunzi ◽  
Edson L. Meyer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to design and implement a directly cooled photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) hybrid system. Design/methodology/approach – The research design subjects, instruments and methods that were used to collect data are as detailed in the paper. Two polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules were used in this study. Findings – The directly water-cooled PV module (PV/T) was found to operate better as compared to a naturally cooled module for the first three months. The PV/T initially operated at a higher electrical efficiency for 87 per cent of the day. The monthly energy-saving efficiency of the PV/T was found to be approximately 61 per cent, while the solar utilisation of the naturally cooled PV module M1 was found to be 8.79 per cent and that of M2 was 47.93 per cent. Research limitations/implications – The major limitation was the continued drop in efficiency after the first three months of the PV/T placed outdoors. The fall in the efficiency was attributed to water ingress. Practical implications – Direct water cooling of PV modules is possible, only that a better sealing is needed to prevent water ingress. Originality/value – PV air cooling has been researched on. Use of water as a cooling medium has been carried out using serpentine pipes or riser tube, and no direct water cooling on the back of the module has been researched on.


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 15-16

Purpose – Describes a blended-learning program at Barclays bank that won bronze in the 2015 Learning Awards. Design/methodology/approach – Examines the reasons for the program, the form it takes and the results it is achieving. Findings – Explains that the program, named Colleague Curriculum, is designed to create a learner-led blend of learning for more than 135,000 Barclays employees. Practical implications – Highlights the program’s flexibility, which helps to ensure that it is suitable for a wide range of employee skills and cultures. Social implications – Sites the learning program in the context of Barclays’ Transform program, a long-term journey of change which aims to make the bank the partner of choice for all its stakeholders. Originality/value – Reveals how technology can help to transform an organization’s learning.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 771-774
Author(s):  
Luís Araújo

Purpose This study aims to analyse the importance of public and private policies to inclusive, sustainable, cohesive and accessible tourism in Portugal and also to assert tourism activity as a central point for economic, social and environmental development across the country. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a viewpoint reflection on the design and implementation of the Tourism Strategy 2027. Findings The importance of joint work to affirm tourism as a hub for economic, social development and environmental impact throughout the territory, positioning Portugal as one of most competitive, inclusive and sustainable destinations worldwide. Practical implications Now more than ever, strategic tourism goals are key points in support of innovative, accessible and inclusive tourism, to stimulate data-based decision-making, improve the tourist experience and increase the focus on sustainability. Originality/value In this paper, the objectives of the Portuguese tourism strategy 2027 are outlined and a series of unprecedented initiatives are profiled, which aim to provide the destination with highly competitive conditions, to differentiate it from other tourist destinations while increasing its notoriety and competitiveness.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document