Measuring fatigue-related impairment in the workplace

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 507-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald I. Powell ◽  
Alex G. Copping
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Real Time Measurement ◽  
Fatigue Monitoring ◽  
Alcohol Impairment ◽  
Global Construction ◽  
Industry Worker ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This research was founded on the premise that more can be done to help improve safety in the global construction industry. Worker fatigue-impairment may be an underlying cause or major contributor to accidents. Fatigue-impairment is believed to be pervasive in construction, and research has shown it can be as concerning as alcohol-impairment. When fatigue-impairment is acknowledged as existing, there is poor understanding of its severity or how it contributes to performance and accidents. The purpose of this research was to attempt to measure fatigue-impairment in real time. Design/methodology/approach This research expanded on actual measurements of fatigue-related impairment from workers on a large construction project displaying significant fatigue-related impairment. The research identified and tested possible techniques for real-time measurement solutions to assist with this safety-related issue. 100 participants had their sleep/wake cycles monitored for a month with an actigraph to derive their on-going mental effectiveness levels by the minute. The same participants took cognitive tests over the month to compare mental performance results to the modelled mental effectiveness levels. Findings Performance results from cognitive tests were compared with modelled mental effectiveness from actigraph-monitored sleep of 100 participants for a month each and showed significant correlation for all cognitive tests used. Practical implications This research showed that real-time surrogate measurements for fatigue-impairment in the workplace exist to assist organizations manage an important workplace hazard. Originality/value Derived from operational settings, this research developed predictive models based on simple, quick and inexpensive cognitive tests as screening techniques for workplace impairment and confirmed the need for and found a solution for fatigue monitoring in the workplace.

Lasers sensors very accurately measure both speed and length in real time

Sensor Review ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bloss
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Laser Measurement ◽  
Quality Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Laser Sensors ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Length Measurements ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

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.

Integrating Big Data in “e-Oman”: opportunities and challenges

Info ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 79-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuti Saxena ◽  
Sujeet Kumar Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Government ◽  
Time Basis ◽  
Privacy And Confidentiality ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to integrate Big Data in e-government in Oman, also known as “e-Oman”, wherein Big Data might be better harnessed to tackle real-time challenges. Design/methodology/approach Besides a description of the concepts of e-government and Big Data in general, the paper underscores the dimensions of “e-Oman”. Following a qualitative approach, the paper asserts how integration of Big Data in “e-Oman” may be useful by invoking examples from four short case studies across different sectors. Findings The paper supports the integration of “e-Oman” and Big Data wherein besides providing smooth public services, the government is encouraged to forge inter- and intra-ministerial collaboration and public-private partnership. The paper probes through the challenges and opportunities in effecting this integration. Practical implications The paper provides a platform for the policymakers to conceive of a synchronized programme for integrating “e-Oman” and the Big Data generated by it. This integration would go a long way in building upon the economy of Oman, besides providing better public services to the individuals and businesses on a real-time basis. Social implications The paper does throw light on the issues of privacy and confidentiality of data available with the government. There are challenges of cybercrime as well. Therefore, the paper posits that a robust fool-proof infrastructure should be instituted by the government for effecting integration of e-government and Big Data. Originality/value This paper seeks to fill the gap in extant literature which remains scant on the integration of e-government with Big Data. This is especially true in the case of Oman where not a single study has been presented to probe this issue. Given that “e-Oman” is expanding its scope over the years, this paper foresees the concomitant opportunities and challenges in the integration of Big Data in “e-Oman”.

Longitudinal patterns of unmet needs during Texas floods, May-June 2015

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-628
Author(s):  
Teresa Wai Chi Tai ◽  
Jee Young Lee ◽  
Sherry I. Bame
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Access Barriers ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Longitudinal Patterns ◽  
Vulnerable Communities ◽  
Unmet Demand ◽  
Recovery Housing ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In Spring 2015, Texas experienced record-breaking floods, causing deaths, injuries, and widespread property and infrastructure damage. However, little is known about those who encountered access barriers to disaster support in Texas. The purpose of this paper is to examine the unmet disaster-related needs from 2-1-1 calls during evacuation, flooding, and early recovery phases. Design/methodology/approach The 2-1-1 Texas Information and Referral Network’s caller database was used to identify real time, non-emergency, unmet disaster-related caller needs longitudinally. The two-month study period included a baseline week before flashflood (05/01/2015) into early recovery (06/30/2015). Caller unmet needs were categorized and graphed by type daily throughout the study period. Findings Of the 4,880 disaster-related 2-1-1 calls from Texas’ 254 counties, 1,183 callers needed housing help, compared to 442 utilities, 409 food and 109 medically related assistance. Total calls quickly peaked at 405 calls/day during Memorial Day weekend when Greater Houston flooded. Despite total calls decreasing gradually during recovery, they remained four times higher than baseline. Unmet needs varied by type, especially during early recovery. Housing, food, and medical unmet needs surged when Houston flooded. Although medical calls were lowest volume than other basic needs, demand for medical assistance had a higher threshold throughout early recovery. Practical implications Examination of unmet needs over disaster phases identified longitudinal patterns of demand and effectiveness of disaster management efforts. Originality/value Using real-time 2-1-1 data to monitor types of unmet demand is valuable to tailor timely and effective disaster support, reduce access barriers, and allocate disaster support services and supplies to the vulnerable communities.

Measuring capacity to perform across local government services – managers' perceptions

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Björk ◽  
Stefan Szücs ◽  
Annika Härenstam
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Public Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Capacity ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Service Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Capacity Measure ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This study aims at developing a measure that can be used to evaluate organizational capacity to perform across local government jurisdictions, using operational managers' own assessments. Design/methodology/approach – The “management matters” literature that links organizational capacity to service performance is far from reaching any consensus on how to operationalize organizational capacity. In this study, over 400 operational managers were asked, at two different time points and in thirty different local government departments, about what opportunities they have to fulfill their responsibilities and about their perceptions of service performance. The data are factor analyzed, and the proportion of higher level variance of the resulting capacity measure is explored. Findings – Organizational capacity to perform represents a consistent measure that covers essential aspects of the managerial assignment and is empirically distinct, yet positively related to the managers' perceptions of service performance. Results further show that up to 12 percent of the variance in organizational capacity to perform can be attributed to the organization in which managers work. Practical implications – A service-neutral measure of organizational capacity to perform should be useful to strategic managers in organizations as guidance for resource allocation, and for the design of solid organizational structures and support systems for operational managers. Originality/value – Recent public management research indicates that rationalistic management models are often inadequately grounded in the day-to-day practices of operative managerial work. The construct of organizational capacity to perform presented in this study could be a valuable instrument that can bridge this strategic-operational disconnect and provide an insider perspective of the organizational prerequisites that underpin any public service achievement.

An IoT device for striking of vertical concrete formwork

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shemin T. John ◽  
Athul Mohan ◽  
Merin Susan Philip ◽  
Pradip Sarkar ◽  
Robin Davis
Keyword(s):  
Compressive Strength ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Concrete Columns ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maturity Method ◽  
Early Age Concrete ◽  
Construction Condition ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeTimely removal of formwork is one of the crucial aspects of construction management that directly influences the safety and quality of the structure as well as the economy of the project. Code recommendations in this regard are not widely practiced because of the difficulties in their implementations. Also, such code recommendations are not robust for all the possible construction conditions. The present paper proposes an IoT-enabled system that notifies the minimum striking time of vertical formwork based on a specified target compressive strength.Design/methodology/approachAn IoT device is proposed for the timely removal of vertical formwork by monitoring of early age concrete compressive strength in real-time. The maturity method is utilized for this purpose. The implementation of the proposed system is demonstrated on three concrete columns. The proposed system is found to be suitable for any construction condition.FindingsThe proposed system is a novel, cost-effective, IoT-enabled real-time monitoring system which includes features like cloud connectivity and remote monitoring. This system can be easily implemented at the site without any human intervention.Practical implicationsThe study explores the development of an IoT device for the timely removal of vertical formwork which will ensure quality, safety and productivity in concrete construction.Originality/valueThis paper is the first attempt to determine the minimum striking time of vertical formwork using IoT-based technology.

Lean Six Sigma in consumer banking – an empirical inquiry

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 1345-1369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijaya Sunder M. ◽  
L.S. Ganesh ◽  
Rahul R. Marathe
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Selection Criterion ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The evolution of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) within the operations management theory has enjoyed significant success in both manufacturing and services. Though the applicability of LSS is evident in the services sector through various publications, academic research on the use of LSS in the Banking and Financial Services (BFS) is limited, and hence deserves greater attention. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the application of LSS in consumer banking in real-time setting. Design/methodology/approach A case study method is used to study the application of LSS in two consumer banks with stage 1 featuring identification of appropriate consumer banks where LSS projects could be undertaken, and suitable LSS readiness assessment was performed. In stage 2, LSS project opportunities were identified in the select banks through stakeholder engagement. Finally, in stage 3, LSS projects were executed for process improvements in a real-time setting. Findings The case studies provide evidence of the successful application of LSS in consumer banking and the associated multiple benefits. The extent of applicability and appropriate managerial implications in project management context are elaborated. An LSS project selection criterion is recommended as a part of the study. Further, the study explains five important managerial implications in BFS context, with an outlook for future research. Research limitations/implications Practitioner research shows that BFS organizations have changed their ways of working by adapting LSS over the last decade. However, the academic research concerning the applicability of LSS in BFS is apparently limited, and none of these are specific to “consumer banking.” This study serves as a strong foundation for future research in this area, which is at its nascence and upcoming in the researchers’ community. However, strong generalizations should not be made as this study is limited to two cases. Practical implications Since the cases are executed in the real-time setup of consumer banks, the paper has several practical implications. First, the paper confirms the applicability of LSS in consumer banking and concludes that LSS project management is merely a sub-set of LSS deployment. Second, LSS needs to be understood using a “systems thinking” perspective in order to move away from a narrow project-only approach. An LSS project selection criterion is recommended as a part of the study, which could serve as a managerial resource. Other managerial implications include effective management of stakeholders and change leadership as essential elements of LSS project management in banks. Originality/value LSS has been successful in the past few decades in the manufacturing and service sectors. However, its application in BFS is limited. This study illustrates the applicability of LSS in consumer banks, which deals with high volumes of data, customer bases and associated financial transactions.

UAV Testbed Training Platform development using Panda3d

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 450-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fawaz Annaz
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Measurement Unit ◽  
Optical Encoder ◽  
Rotating Platform ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Game Engines ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The paper aims to report the development of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Testbed Training Platform (TTP). The development is to enable users to safely fly and control the UAV in real time within a limited (yet unconstrained) virtually created environment. Thus, the paper introduces a hardware–virtual environment coupling concept, the Panda3D gaming engine utilization to develop the graphical user interface (GUI) and the 3D-flying environment, as well as the interfacing electronics that enables tracking, monitoring and mapping of real-time movement onto the virtual domain and vice verse. Design/methodology/approach – The platform comprises a spring-shuttle assembly fixed to a heavy aluminium base. The spring supports a rotating platform (RP), which is intended to support UAVs. The RP yaw, pitch and roll are measured by an inertial measurement unit, its climb/descend is measured by a low cost infrared proximity sensor and its rotation is measured by a rotary optical encoder. The hardware is coupled to a virtual environment (VE), which was developed using the Panda3D gaming engine. The VE includes a GUI to generate, edit, load and save real-life environments. Hardware manoeuvres are reflected into the VE. Findings – The prototype was proven effective in dynamically mapping and tracking the rotating platform movements in the virtual environment. This should not be confused with the hardware in loop approach, which requires the inclusion of a mathematical model of the hardware in a loop. The finding will provide future means of testing navigation and tracking algorithms. Research limitations/implications – The work is still new, and there is great room for improvement in many aspects. Here, this paper reports the concept and its technical implementation only. Practical implications – In the literature, various testbeds were reported, and it is felt that there is still room to come up with a better design that enables UAV flying in safer and unlimited environments. This has many practical implications, particularly in testing control and navigation algorithms in hazardous fields. Social implications – The main social impact is to utilise the concept to develop systems that are capable of autonomous rescue mission navigation in disaster zones. Originality/value – The authors are aware that various researchers have developed various testbeds, at different degrees of freedom. Similarly, the authors are also aware that researchers have used game engines to simulate mobile robots or sophisticated equipment (like the VICON Motion Capture System) to measure to perform complex manoeuvres. However, the cost of this kind of equipment is very high, autonomous movements are planned in restricted environments and tested systems are only autonomous in certain setups. However, the idea of mapping the dynamics of an avatar flying object onto a 3D-VE is novel. To improve productivity and rapid prototyping, this paper proposes the use of commercially available game engines, such as the Panda3D, to create virtual environments.

scholarly journals The role of corporate culture, market orientation and organisational commitment in organisational performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 374-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Carlos Pinho ◽  
Ana Paula Rodrigues ◽  
Sally Dibb
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Organisational Commitment ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Culture Market ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework that explores the relationships among the following constructs: corporate/organisational culture, market orientation, organisational commitment and organisational performance in non-profit organisations. Design/methodology/approach – In line with previous studies in the field, a quantitative research design was adopted. The data collection was performed through a mail survey of a sample of Portuguese non-profit organisations operating in the area of health. Structural equation modelling was used as a means to analyse the hypothesised relationships. Findings – Results have shown that organisational culture impacts on organisational performance. Concerning the market orientation consequences, the study results suggest that higher levels of market orientation result in both high levels of organisational commitment and organisational performance. Results also suggest that organisational commitment does not affect performance in a very significant way. Research limitations/implications – The study was restricted to non-profit organisations, particularly those operating in the area of health and used cross-sectional data to test the research model and hypotheses. Whilst these findings remain valid, they cannot be used for universal generalisations. This study has significant theoretical and practical implications. Practical implications – Practitioners and researchers agree that organisational culture may lead to different performance results, although little attention has been given to this issue. The study is useful for understanding organisational culture, market orientation, organisational commitment and organisational performance in non-profit organisations. Originality/value – This paper offers original findings through simultaneously examining the relationships between organisational culture, market orientation, organisational commitment and organisational performance in the context of non-profit organisations. The findings add weight to the recent emphasis on business-oriented approaches as a lever for improving performance in non-profit organisations.

Making good suggestions in analytics-based early alert systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-123
Author(s):  
Dennis Foung
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Alert System ◽  
Student Anxiety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assessment Performance ◽  
Early Alert Systems ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Early Alert

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to answer the following questions: On which early alert system suggestions are students more likely to act? What factors drive students’ decisions to act on early alert system recommendations? Design/methodology/approach This study examined whether students’ behaviour changed after receiving the results of an early alert system (CDR). In the middle of a semester, 423 students with varying levels of English proficiency were invited to try the CDR and complete a questionnaire that asked about their perception of the tool and whether they planned to act on the recommendations they received. Findings Results suggested that students mainly planned to take the assessment-related recommendations provided through the CDR to improve their assessment performance. Results also suggested that student anxiety and student ability affected the likelihood that students would act on the recommendations. Practical implications These findings provide useful insights for early alert system designers to establish a system that generates useful recommendations for students. Originality/value The findings of this study contribute to the development of early alert systems. Designers can now realise what suggestions can be effectively offered to students.

scholarly journals Tracking customer behaviour in fashion retail using RFID

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 844-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas D. Landmark ◽  
Børge Sjøbakk
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Behaviour ◽  
Demographic Indicators ◽  
Frequency Identification ◽  
Fashion Retail ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how tracking of products by the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology may describe customer behaviour in real-time. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted as a field experiment, where a commercially available RFID platform was deployed in the fitting rooms of a fashion retail store. Findings The study demonstrates an application of in-store RFID tracking to describe customer behaviour, and some practical challenges of utilising such technology. An example typology of four fitting room traits was constructed based on the data collected. Practical implications Different customer types most likely require and respond differently to attention from the personnel operating the fitting room area. By identifying customer behaviour in real-time, it is possible to deliver “best practice” shop stewardship and create a more personalised retail experience. Originality/value The study is based on real-life retail settings, rather than anecdotal management observations or economic and demographic indicators. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, few contributions combine RFID and consumer behaviour outside conceptual work or laboratory experiments.

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