Design criteria for insulation materials applied in timber frame assemblies

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattia Tiso ◽  
Alar Just
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Fire Resistance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Design Model ◽  
Insulation Material ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insulation Materials ◽  
Timber Frame ◽  
Improved Design

Purpose Insulation materials’ contribution to the fire resistance of timber frame assemblies may vary considerably. At present, Eurocode 5 provides a model for fire design of the load-bearing function of timber frame assemblies with cavities completely filled with stone wool. Very little is known about the fire protection provided by other insulation materials. An improved design model which has the potential to consider the contribution of any insulation material has been introduced by the authors. This paper aims to analyze the parameters that describe in a universal way the protection against the charring given by different insulations not included in Eurocode 5. Design/methodology/approach A series of model-scale furnace tests of floor specimens for three different insulation materials were carried out. An analysis on the charring depth of the residual cross-sections was conducted by means of a resistograph device. Findings The study explains the criteria and procedure followed to derive the coefficients for the improved design model for three insulations involved in the study. Originality/value This research study involves a large experimental work which forms the basis of the proposed design model. This study presents an important step for fire resistance calculations of timber frame assemblies.

Embedding employability within higher education for the profession of policing

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-328
Author(s):  
Ian Pepper ◽  
Ruth McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Provision ◽  
Professional Body ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of an employability module, the College of Policing Certificate in Knowledge of Policing (CKP), on students’ career aspirations, their confidence and wish to join the police along with the appropriateness of the module. This will inform the implementation of employability as part of the College of Policing-managed Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). Design/methodology/approach A three-year longitudinal research study used mixed methods across four points in time to evaluate the impact on students studying the employability module. Findings The research suggests that the employability-focussed CKP was useful as an introduction to policing, it developed interest in the police and enhanced the confidence of learners applying to join. Lessons learnt from the CKP should be considered during the implementation of the PEQF. Research limitations/implications The ability to generalise findings across different groups is limited as other influences may impact on a learner’s confidence and employability. However, the implications for the PEQF curriculum are worthy of consideration. Practical implications As the police service moves towards standardised higher educational provision and evolution of policing as a profession, lessons can be learnt from the CKP with regards to the future employability of graduates. Originality/value Enhancing the employability evidence base, focussing on policing, the research identified aspects which may impact on graduates completing a degree mapped to the PEQF. The research is therefore of value to higher education and the professional body for policing.

Pandemic meaning making: messing toward motet

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Beth Schaefer ◽  
Sandra Schamroth Abrams ◽  
Molly Kurpis ◽  
Charlotte Abrams ◽  
Madeline Abrams
Keyword(s):  
Participatory Research ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Literacy Practices ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Musical Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
At Home

Purpose In this child–parent research study, three adolescents theorize their meaning-making experiences while engaged in exclusive online learning during a three-month stay-at-home mandate. The purpose of this study is to highlight youth-created understandings about their literacy practices during COVID-19 in order to expand possibilities for youth-generated theory. Design/methodology/approach This child–parent research builds upon a critical dialectical pluralist (CDP) methodology, which is a participatory research method that looks to privilege the child as a co-researcher at every stage of the inquiry. In this research study, the adolescents work together to explore what it means to create and learn alone and then with others via virtual platforms. Research team discussions initially were scaffolded by the parent–researchers, and the adolescents developed their analyses individually and together, and their words and insights situate the findings and conclusions. Findings The musical form of a motet provides a metaphor that three adolescents used to theorize their meaning-making experiences during the stay-at-home order. The adolescents determined that time, frustration, and space were overarching themes that captured the essence of working alone, and then together, in messy, orchestrated online ensembles. Originality/value In this youth-centric research paper, three adolescents create understandings of their meaning-making experiences during the stay-at-home order and work together to determine personal and pedagogical implications.

“Data stickiness” in interagency government data sharing: a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihong Zhou ◽  
Longqi Chen ◽  
Yingying Han
Keyword(s):  
Data Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Central China ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
International Borders ◽  
Government Data ◽  
The Government

PurposeThe provision of high-quality e-Government services requires efficient and collaborative sharing of data across varied types of government agencies. However, interagency government data sharing (IDS) is not always spontaneous, active and unconditional. Adopting a stickiness theory, this paper reports on a research study, which explores the causes of data stickiness in IDS.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed an inductive case study approach. Twenty-three officials from the government of City M in Hubei Province, Central China, were approached and interviewed using a semi-structured question script.FindingsThe analysis of the interview data pointed to 27 causes of data stickiness in five main themes: data sharing willingness; data sharing ability; data articulatability; data residence; and data absorptive capacity. The analysis revealed that interagency tensions and lack of preparedness of individual agencies are the main causes of data stickiness in IDS.Originality/valueThe case setting is based on China's Government, but the findings offer useful insights and indications that can be shared across international borders.

A positive spiral of self-efficacy among public employees

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 1607-1617
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Mañas Rodríguez ◽  
Yolanda Estreder ◽  
Vicente Martinez-Tur ◽  
Pedro Antonio Díaz-Fúnez ◽  
Vicente Pecino-Medina
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Public Employees ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Resource ◽  
Role Behaviors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test a positive spiral of self-efficacy among public employees. The spiral proposes that self-efficacy is positively related to extra-role behaviors. These behaviors in turn are positively related to subsequent self-efficacy. Design/methodology/approach A total of 260 public employees participated in three waves of data collection: self-efficacy (T1); extra-role behaviors (T2); self-efficacy (T3). Findings The results confirmed the existence of a positive spiral of self-efficacy. There was a positive and significant link from self-efficacy of employees (T1) to extra-role behaviors (T2). In addition, it was found a positive and significant relationship between extra-role behaviors (T2) and subsequent self-efficacy (T3) once the link from self-efficacy in T1 and T3 was controlled for. The mediation role of extra-role behaviors was also confirmed. Originality/value The examination of positive spirals is one of the critical challenges of the investigation of personal resources. In the current research study, the authors test the positive spiral of a critical personal resource such as self-efficacy. Additionally, the lagged design permits a solid test of the aforementioned spiral.

One size doesn’t fit all: a uses and gratifications analysis of social media platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark J. Pelletier ◽  
Alexandra Krallman ◽  
Frank G. Adams ◽  
Tyler Hancock
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Main Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Propositions ◽  
Social Media Platforms

Purpose This research study aims to investigate consumer usage motivations for three of the top social media platforms today: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Additionally, through understanding various platform distinctions, firms can understand which social media platforms consumers prefer to use to co-create with brands online. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory qualitative study is first conducted to understand consumer motivations for using different social media platforms. The main study tests five hypotheses related to consumer usage intentions and social media co-creation behavior across three social media platforms. A survey is conducted with 1,050 social media users with a comparison of mean responses using multivariate analysis of covariance. Findings Results support significant differences between platforms in terms of use and co-creation behaviors. For informational purposes, consumers gravitate toward Twitter. For social purposes, Twitter and Instagram are preferred. Instagram is the primary platform for entertainment motivation as well as co-creating with brands via social media. Surprisingly, Facebook shows the lowest usage intentions and co-creation despite being the largest platform and network most widely used by marketers. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to take a multi-platform approach to understanding consumer social media use and co-creation with brands. The results highlight that marketing academics and practitioners must segment the various social media platforms as each offers unique value propositions to consumers.

Stability check of tapered steel beams in fire

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Couto ◽  
Élio Maia ◽  
Paulo Vila Real ◽  
Nuno Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Design Methods ◽  
Steel Beams ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Methodologies ◽  
Accurate Design ◽  
Improved Design

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess whether the adaptation to fire of current proposals/design methodologies at normal temperature is capable of producing accurate predictions of resistance for the out-of-plane stability of tapered beams. Design/methodology/approach The adaptation of these methodologies to fire has been done by accounting for the reduction in steel material properties with the temperature. Results were then compared to FEM calculations by performing GMNIA analyses to determine the ultimate strength of the numerical models and to ascertain the validity and accuracy of the adapted methodologies. Findings Although all methodologies produce safe results at normal temperatures, only the general method is recommended for the safety verification at elevated temperatures, although the data points were overly conservative. This investigation demonstrates the need of proper and accurate design methods for tapered beams at elevated temperatures, which should be the subject of future developments. Research limitations/implications The research in this paper is limited to the adaptation of existing room temperature design methods to fire. Therefore, possible assumptions made during the conception of the initial formulae, which may be valid exclusively for 20ºC, may have been disregarded. Originality/value For the time being, design methodologies for the safety check of tapered beams for the case of fire are inexistent. This paper investigates the adaptation of existing room temperature design to the fire situation by providing insights on their accuracy level, as well as on how to proceed. Finally, a safe design methodology for tapered beams in case of fire is provided until improved design methods are developed.

Using human resource activities to implement sustainability in SMEs

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 652-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Langwell ◽  
Dennis Heaton
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how small- and medium-sized organisations that were already participating in recognised sustainability programmes in Iowa, USA, in how they were utilising activities normally associated with human resources (HRs) to implement sustainability – activities included communication, engagement, incentives and recruitment and retention. Design/methodology/approach – The authors were interested in how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were utilising HR functions to implement sustainability. This was an exploratory, qualitative research study utilised semi-structured interviews to obtain data. Findings – Based on the findings, some of the functions are being utilised more than others, with some activities not being implemented at all. Research limitations/implications – This research offers empirical research on how sustainability is achieved in SMEs. Practical implications – This paper outlines some practical methods that any SME could utilise to help implement sustainability within an organisation. Originality/value – This paper adds empirical research on how SMEs are implementing sustainable practices into their operations by using activities normally associated with the HR department.

Core tensions in luxury wine marketing: the case of Burgundian wineries

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz Thach ◽  
Steve Charters ◽  
Laurence Cogan-Marie
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Differentiation ◽  
Differentiation Factors ◽  
Luxury Marketing ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Theory Base

Purpose The purpose of this research study is to identify differentiation factors Burgundian wineries use to distinguish their brand, and to determine whether these methods align or conflict with luxury marketing differentiation attributes. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology of 23 in-depth interviews with various sized wineries, as well as Burgundy market experts, was used. In addition, document analysis of websites and marketing materials was carried out along with a comprehensive review of the luxury marketing literature. Findings Results show that Burgundian wineries have adopted some, but not all, of the luxury marketing differentiation attributes. Furthermore, there are a series of core tensions in the industry, including disagreement on using luxury marketing strategies. These findings contribute to the theory base in luxury wine marketing by illustrating how general luxury marketing attributes are used for wine brand differentiation. Originality/value This research is the first of its kind to investigate luxury marketing differentiation practices of Burgundy wineries. The results are relevant for new wineries in Burgundy, as well as those in different regions of the world who desire to emulate, and perhaps come close to achieving, some of the luxury price points that certain Burgundy wine producers achieve. The information is also useful to assist related industries, such as food and spirits, which struggle in implementing luxury marketing strategies.

The changing landscape of retirement rules of thumb

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi E. Boyd ◽  
Davide P. Cervone ◽  
Presha E. Neidermeyer ◽  
Adolph Neidermeyer
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Retirement Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Planners ◽  
Rules Of Thumb ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the continued adherence to “standing” rules of thumb for the percentage of pre-retirement income which should be available to retirees. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of census data to determine both the cause and magnitude of the debt load which retirees are carrying into their post-working years. Findings – The “standing” rules of thumb appear to provide less than adequate levels of income for retirees to service their continuing debt load which they have chosen to carry into their retirement years. Research limitations/implications – Census data are subject to the accuracy of “captured information” provided by the surveyed individuals. In this case, the information captured is consistent with generally reported data on the sufficiency of retirement income. Practical implications – Financial planners need to “get the word out early” that individuals need to consider earlier/greater funding of their anticipated retirement income. Social implications – Rising retirees may be “precluded” from retiring as anticipated because of the insufficiency of the replacement income they will have during their retirement years. Originality/value – Detailed census data have not been reviewed in detail with a focus on “individual debt load” as we have performed in this research study.

Design and application of PneuNets bending actuator

2020 ◽  
Vol 92 (10) ◽  
pp. 1539-1546
Author(s):  
Shiwei Zhao ◽  
Daochun Li ◽  
Jinwu Xiang
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Method ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Maximum Deflection ◽  
Beam Length ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bending Actuator ◽  
Gauss Process ◽  
Improved Design ◽  
Pressure Magnitude

Purpose The purpose of this study is to propose an improved design of PneuNets bending actuator which aims at obtaining larger deflection with the same magnitude of pressure. The PneuNets bending actuator shows potential application in the morphing trailing edge concept. Design/methodology/approach Finite element method is used to investigate the characteristics of the improved design bending actuator. Multiobjective optimal design of the PneuNets bending actuator is proposed based on the Gauss process regression models. Findings The maximum deflection is obtained when the height of the beams is smaller than half the height of the chambers. The spacing between chambers (beam length) has little effect on the deflection. Larger spacing could be used to reduce the actuator weight. Originality/value With the same pressure magnitude, the deflection of the improved design bending actuator is much larger than that of the baseline configuration. PneuNets bending actuator could increase the continuity of the aerodynamic surface compared to other actuators.

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