Analysis of a low-cost anthropomorphic sensory platform for the world first minibus test

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 434-455
Author(s):  
Riaan Stopforth ◽  
Craig Proctor-Parker ◽  
Shaniel Davrajh

Purpose The purpose of this paper includes results of some of the tests involved for the design and implementation of low-cost crash anthropomorphics (ATPs) fitted with sensory systems to measure forces that would have been experienced by passengers in the vehicle, commonly used for public transport within South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the description of the implemented low cost ATPs and the analysis of the data obtained from the sensory system within the torso of the ATPs and in the head of a single ATP, to identify if a documented threshold is exceeded. The autopsy of the ATPs is performed to identify injuries. Findings The recorded results showed the type of injuries that could have occurred when an accident has occurred with occupant in the minibus taxi. The autopsy performed on the ATPs showed feasible injuries that could be obtained by a person in a similar scenario. Research limitations/implications The ATPs were to be designed and constructed with the sensory system, with a budget of ZAR13,000/US$1,000. Originality/value The contributions of this paper are as follows: present the test results of two ATPs, and discuss them, for a loss of control of a minibus on a wet surface, which has been indicated as a world first test; And identify the need for a data fusion of sensory information to evaluate the injuries with the autopsy performed.

Subject Outlook for the brewery industry in sub-Saharan Africa. Significance Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to one of the fastest-growing beer markets in the world, albeit from a low base. Following the lead of SABMiller, which earned 14% of its global beverage profits from SSA in 2013 (excluding South Africa), large international brewers are implementing strategies to supply low-cost products tailored to local tastes and contexts. Impacts Increased alcohol consumption could drive an upswing in lifestyle-related diseases, creating demand for specialist medical care. Efforts to reduce alcohol consumption in South Africa through strict licensing may result in lost income for slum-based home brewers. Rising demand for beer will vary geographically -- with increases concentrated in non-Muslim states and certain sub-national regions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-507
Author(s):  
Sann Carrière ◽  
Ricardo Weigend Rodríguez ◽  
Peixun Pey ◽  
Francesco Pomponi ◽  
Seeram Ramakrishna

PurposeCircular economy (CE), as a new economic paradigm, has gained traction in recent years. Cities' role in driving CE forward has been perceived as being increasingly important to achieve sustainable development (SD). For this reason, there is an urgency to understand what a circular city is and how it might be composed. This research explores the ways in which the city-state of Singapore is transitioning to a CE.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review on CE and cities was carried out using a bibliometric review and a snowballing technique. This review was performed on academic and on non-academic papers.FindingsThis research has confirmed the lack of robust circular cities case studies. As Singapore has already begun its journey towards circularity, this article examines its current efforts and offers recommendations in the design and implementation of CE policies that may be valuable not just for Singapore but also for high-density and rapidly expanding cities around the world that require a new development pathway to emulate.Originality/valueThis manuscript is the first detailed, independent and comprehensive review of Singapore's approach to CE.


2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melville Saayman ◽  
Andrea Saayman

PurposeThe Comrades Marathon is a world‐renowned ultra marathon that takes place yearly between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. It attracts athletes from around the world, and boasts a participation of more than 14,000. The purpose of this article is to determine the impact that this marathon has on the provincial economy – a manufacturing‐based economy.Design/methodology/approachSpending data of participants and their accompanying spectators were compiled by means of surveys and participants were split into categories based on their origin. The provincial Social Accounting Matrix is used to quantify the impact of this spending stimulus on production, income and job creation within the province.FindingsThe results show that Comrades Marathon contributes significantly to the provincial economy and that more than 600 jobs are dependent on the event.Research limitations/implicationsIt has a larger impact on the local economy than many similar sport events and this is attributed to the specialised nature of the event as well as its status as an ultra‐marathon.Originality/valueThis research is one of few on ultra‐marathons and the focus is on participants’ spending behaviour during the event.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 705-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitor Fraga

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present and analyse the recently launched strategic and marketing tourism plan for the Azores and how this is being used to foster tourism development in the region. Design/methodology/approach The article is based on information drawn from official national and regional sources. Findings In recent years, the Azores Archipelago has been enjoying a wave of popularity that witnessed a boost with the change in the new air accessibilities policy, culminating with the arrival of the low-cost airlines to the region. The positive isolation that the Azores faced for many years, because of few and expensive air connections, presently allows the offering of an unspoiled region of nine islands to the world tourism markets. To maintain and further expand the benefits of tourism, a tourism strategy, deeply rooted in sustainable principles, was developed and is being implemented. Originality/value This paper presents the perspective of the Azorean government and the responses given to the challenges and opportunities derived from a new wave of tourists to the region as a result of changes in the new air accessibilities policy, culminating with the arrival of the low-cost airlines to the Archipelago.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 29-31

Purpose Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The problem with developing a reputation of being something of an oracle in the business world is that all of a sudden, everyone expects you to pull off the trick of interpreting the future on a daily basis. Like a freak show circus act or one-hit wonder pop singer, people expect you to perform when they see you, and they expect you to perform the thing that made you famous, even if it is the one thing in the world you don’t want to do. And when you fail to deliver on these heightened expectations, you are dismissed as a one trick pony, however good that trick is in the first place. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 87-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Creaser

Purpose Library impact and how to evaluate it has been debated for a number of years. While the activity – the busy-ness – of the library is now routinely measured and described, the difference the library makes is less tangible and harder to measure. Libraries in all sectors and worldwide are grappling with this issue, and the purpose of this paper is to summarise international standards available to support them. Design/methodology/approach The first international standard concerning library impact, ISO 16439 Information and documentation – methods and procedures for assessing the impact of libraries, was published in 2014 after several years in development. Findings The standard describes a range of methods for assessing library impact which have been used across the world in a variety of libraries in all sectors. Originality/value This paper summarises the key methods described in the standard, and gives references for further reading.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 36-38

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings It is said that Latin America is one of the hardest places in which to do business, and within Latin America as well as considering the differing challenges that Argentina or Columbia may present, Brazil is perhaps the most difficult place to go to in order to develop trade and commercial agreements. In addition to the different language as compared to the rest of the region, there is a very specific culture and life view that will be wholly alien to many business people, whether they are from developed or developing countries around the world. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suman Choudhary ◽  
Kirti Mishra

Purpose This paper aims to explore the implications of virtual work arrangements on employee knowledge hiding (KH) behaviour and the different strategies of KH used by employees in these arrangements. Design/methodology/approach Following a grounded theory approach to understanding KH, 21 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with employees engaged in virtual working setups. The data collected from these informants were then analysed using qualitative methods. Findings The study revealed that virtual work arrangements increase employee KH behaviour because of three reasons: ease of hiding, digital burnout and loss of control. Further, the study found that rationalized hiding is the most commonly adopted strategy by employees engaged in virtual work arrangements, while inclinations towards evasive hiding strategy decrease in this arrangement. Originality/value This is the first study in knowledge management literature that seeks to explain KH in the virtual work context.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronny Alexander Zayas-Mateo ◽  
Ángel Rafael Martínez-Lorente

Purpose ISO 9001 is applied by hundreds of thousands of companies throughout the world. For this reason, its effect on company results has been extensively studied. However, the results of those studies are inconclusive and sometimes contradictory. More in-depth research, with a new approach, is therefore necessary. The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether ISO 9001-certified companies suffered the effects of the financial and economic crisis of 2007–2008 to a lesser degree than non-certified ones. Design/methodology/approach A set of 179 companies certified by ISO 9001:2008 and 154 non-certified ones were analysed, as well as the accounting figures for net sales and operating income (EBIT: earnings before interest and taxes) from 2004 to 2012. Findings Companies from the industry and services sectors showed different results. Certified industrial companies achieved better outcomes than their non-certified counterparts. However, the deviations in outcomes were not significant for services companies. Research limitations/implications One limitation of this study is that companies’ official results are not always their true results. Another limitation is that having to do with the criteria followed to suppress extreme cases, which is always subjective. Furthermore, the implications of the results could be of use for those managers who are responsible for implementing ISO 9001 and for deciding whether obtaining the ISO 9001 certification would be beneficial to their companies. Originality/value This study constitutes a new approach for the assessment of the benefits of the ISO 9001 certification.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Buell Hirsch

Purpose The purpose of this viewpoint is to examine the reasons why so many employees around the world are choosing not to go back to work as the COVID-19 pandemic eases. Design/methodology/approach The viewpoint is an overview of the various viewpoints expressed on this topic and the author’s perspective on the most likely reasons and what companies can do to prevent this “discontent” from spreading. Findings Companies need to carry through on their newfound commitment to citizenship and purpose beyond shareholder value to find a new capital/labor equilibrium. Originality/value While individual views on this topic have been covered, this is a comprehensive perspective and recommendation on dealing with the issue.


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