Multiple meta-assessment measures of a quality process: toward institutional effectiveness

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nhung Thi Tuyet Pham

Purpose The purpose of this study is to share quality process experience from a US comprehensive university to use both direct (participation rate and assessment quality) and indirect assessment measures (assessment survey) to evaluate the quality process. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method design was used to evaluate the quality process. The qualitative design used thematic analysis to find the common themes from the assessment survey. The quantitative design included reliability and internal consistency for the survey and inter-rater reliability for the peer review. Findings Findings indicated that participation rate and assessment quality improved over the years. Faculty provided positive feedback about assessment website, the peer review process and feedback but negative perspectives on the assessment management software and heavy workload on assessment activities. The researcher shared the actions made based on three-year assessment results, especially how leaders have used it to align with planning and budgeting to close the institutional effectiveness loop. Research limitations/implications This research had two limitations. The inter-rater reliability of the peer review was not high and the number of peer review reports in two years were so different, so the results could not be checked for statistical significance. Practical implications The meta-assessment results could have important implications for other universities to improve the quality process. Originality/value There have been limited studies on using both direct and indirect assessment measures to evaluate the quality process. This study uses multiple measures to provide accurate results for administrators’ decision-making in resource allocation.

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 1153-1158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yafei Deng ◽  
Xiaotao Pan ◽  
Guoxun Zeng ◽  
Jie Liu ◽  
Sinong Xiao ◽  
...  

Purpose This paper aims to improve the tribological properties of aluminum alloys and reduce their wear rate. Design/methodology/approach Carbon is placed in the model at room temperature, pour 680°C of molten aluminum into the pressure chamber, and then pressed it into the mold containing carbon felt through a die casting machine, and waited for it to cool, which used an injection pressure of 52.8 MPa and held the same pressure for 15 s. Findings The result indicated that the mechanical properties of matrix and composite are similar, and the compressive strength of the composite is only 95% of the matrix alloy. However, the composite showed a low friction coefficient, the friction coefficient of Gr/Al composite is only 0.15, which just is two-third than that of the matrix alloy. Similarly, the wear rate of the composite is less than 4% of the matrix. In addition, the composite can avoid severe wear before 200°C, but the matrix alloy only 100°C. Originality/value This material has excellent friction properties and is able to maintain this excellent performance at high temperatures. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2019-0454/


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 599-617
Author(s):  
Fernando Bermejo ◽  
Eladio Febrero ◽  
Andre Fernandes Tomon Avelino

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide broader understanding of the significant role that the pension system has in the Spanish economy by estimating the sectoral production, employment and income sustained by pensioners' consumption.Design/methodology/approachBased on input–output tables by the World Input–Output Database and consumption data from the Household Budget Survey by the Spanish Statistical Office, a demoeconomic model is applied to quantify the direct impacts, indirect impacts from interindustry links and induced impacts from income–consumption connections over a nine-year period (2006–2014). Then, the factors driving the evolution of total output, employment and value added during such period have been examined by using structural decomposition analysis.FindingsThe growing participation of consumption by pensioner households in final demand had proven crucial during the 2008 crisis to alleviate the negative trend in production and employment derived from the collapse in consumption suffered by the rest of households.Practical implicationsDetermining the underlying factors driving changes in both employment and income during the 2008 crisis can be of interest in political decision-making on the sustainability of the Spanish pension system.Social implicationsThe results of estimating both the employment and income supported by pensioners' consumption reveal the significant stabilizing effect of the public spending on pensions, particularly during the 2008 crisis.Originality/valueThe current Spanish approach of attaining the pension system sustainability by merely reducing social protection costs ignores the adverse consequences of a lower pensioners' demand. This paper addresses an alternative view in which pension spending is not considered a burden on economic growth but rather a means of improving the level of production and employment.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2019-0047


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 787-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lan Archer ◽  
Parmendra Sharma ◽  
Jen-Je Su

PurposeA review of literature has documented that accessing formal credit and other banking services has always been a crucial challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The alternative, therefore, tends to be informal channels. However, the credit constraint vis-à-vis informal channel link does not appear to be well documented in the literature. This study aims to investigate whether credit constraints significantly affect the probability of accessing informal credit, as well as the credit values of Vietnamese SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a trinary approach and correlated random-effects Probit and Tobit techniques to avoid the incidental coefficients problem.FindingsThe results suggest that relative to unconstrained and partially constrained firms, fully constrained firms tend to be more active in the informal credit markets, shown by their higher probability of informal credit access and larger credit values.Originality/valueTo the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on Vietnam that takes a different approach to credit constraints and examines their impact on informal credit access. Policy implications arise and are discussed.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2017-0543


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Habets ◽  
Inge Jeandarme ◽  
Harry G. Kennedy

Purpose Criteria to determine in which level of security forensic patients should receive treatment are currently non-existent in Belgium. Research regarding the assessment of security level is minimal and few instruments are available. The DUNDRUM toolkit is a structured clinical judgement instrument that can be used to provide support when determining security level. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability and validity of the DUNDRUM-1 in Flanders. Design/methodology/approach The DUNDRUM-1 was scored for 50 male patients admitted at the forensic units in the public psychiatric hospital Rekem. Some files were rated by three researchers who were blind to participants’ security status, resulting in 33 double measurements. Findings Almost all files (96 per cent) contained enough information to score the DUNDRUM-1. Average DUNDRUM-1 final judgement scores were concordant with a medium security profile. No difference was found between the current security levels and the DUNDRUM-1 final judgement scores. Inter-rater reliability was excellent for the DUNDRUM-1 final judgement scores. On item level, all items had excellent to good inter-rater reliability with the exception of one item institutional behaviour which had an average inter-rater reliability. Practical implications The DUNDRUM-1 can be a useful tool in Flemish forensic settings. It has good psychometric properties. More research is needed to investigate the relationship between DUNDRUM-1 scores and security level decisions by the courts. Originality/value This is the first study that investigated the applicability of the DUNDRUM-1 in a Belgian setting, also a relative large number of repeated measurements were available to investigate the inter-rater reliability of the DUNDRUM-1.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Sood ◽  
Rajendra Kumar Sharma ◽  
Amit Kumar Bhardwaj

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review on the academic journey of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture and to highlight the challenges and opportunities in adopting AI-based advancement in agricultural systems and processes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a bibliometric analysis of the extant literature on AI in agriculture to understand the status of development in this domain. Further, the authors proposed a framework based on two popular theories, namely, diffusion of innovation (DOI) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), to identify the factors influencing the adoption of AI in agriculture.FindingsFour factors were identified, i.e. institutional factors, market factors, technology factors and stakeholder perception, which influence adopting AI in agriculture. Further, the authors indicated challenges under environmental, operational, technological, economical and social categories with opportunities in this area of research and business.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed conceptual model needs empirical validation across countries or states to understand the effectiveness and relevance.Practical implicationsPractitioners and researchers can use these inputs to develop technology and business solutions with specific design elements to gain benefit of this technology at larger scale for increasing agriculture production.Social implicationsThis paper brings new developed methods and practices in agriculture for betterment of society.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive review of extant literature and presents a theoretical framework for researchers to further examine the interaction of independent variables responsible for adoption of AI in agriculture.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2020-0448


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliada Pampoulou ◽  
Donald R. Fuller

PurposeWhen the augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) model (Lloyd et al., 1990) was proposed, these components of symbols were not considered, nor were they contemplated when superordinate (Lloyd and Fuller, 1986) and subordinate levels (Fuller et al., 1992) of AAC symbol taxonomy were developed. The purpose of this paper is to revisit the ACC model and propose a new symbol classification system called multidimensional quaternary symbol continuum (MQSC)Design/methodology/approachThe field of AAC is evolving at a rapid rate in terms of its clinical, social, research and theoretical underpinnings. Advances in assessment and intervention methods, technology and social issues are all responsible to some degree for the significant changes that have occurred in the field of AAC over the last 30 years. For example, the number of aided symbol collections has increased almost exponentially over the past couple of decades. The proliferation of such a large variety of symbol collections represents a wide range of design attributes, physical attributes and linguistic characteristics for aided symbols and design attributes and linguistic characteristics for unaided symbols.FindingsTherefore, it may be time to revisit the AAC model and more specifically, one of its transmission processes referred to as the means to represent.Originality/valueThe focus of this theoretical paper then, is on the current classification of symbols, issues with respect to the current classification of symbols in terms of ambiguity of terminology and the evolution of symbols, and a proposal for a new means of classifying the means to represent.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon10.1108/JET-04-2021-0024


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Bagus Putu Purbadharmaja ◽  
Putu Yudi Setiawan ◽  
Toshikatsu Hayashi ◽  
Anak Agung Bagus Putu Widanta

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to analyze the different results between the effects of electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) on the perception of potential tourist in Japan and Indonesia regarding destination image, destination trust, satisfaction and their intention to visit.Design/methodology/approachThis research method is a structural model. Based on the existing literature review, several variables were obtained which were then analyzed by WarpPLS 6.0 software. The sampling method applied in this study is the purposive sampling technique. Samples of 200 potential tourists were collected in Indonesia and 100 potential tourists were collected in Japan. The population in this study was a potential tourist in Indonesia and Japan, with the following criteria: An Indonesian citizen, age between 19 and 60 years, who has never visited Japan and a Japanese citizen who has never visited Indonesia and have ever read or conduct online discussions regarding Japan and Indonesia as a tourist destination.FindingsThe results of the analysis of the two respondents in Japan and Indonesia prove that e-WOM has a positive effect on the image of the destination and intention to visit but not on the confidence of the destination. Destination image was also proven to significantly mediate the influence of e-WOM on intention to visit. These findings bring important implications for the theory and practice of tourism marketing.Originality/valueTheoretically, the result could be used as a reference for further research about the comparison between the effect e-WOM on destination image, destination trust and intention to visit of potential tourist in developed countries and developing countries. Practically, the result could be used as a consideration for the tourism industry and authority in both countries when formulating the destination marketing strategy.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2019-0111


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Ee Wong ◽  
YingMin Lee

PurposeThis study explored in-service educators' experience of using the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) for assistive technology (AT) decision-making within Singapore schools.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative design. Eight educators across both mainstream and special education schools were introduced to the WATI framework which they subsequently employed as a trial experience for a student under their care. Written feedback gathered from participants was analysed to identify common issues and themes regarding the use of the WATI framework for AT decision-making.FindingsThe comprehensive consideration of a broad scope of different factors, provision of a structured process for AT decision-making, as well as a common language for use by different stakeholders emerged as key benefits of implementing the WATI. Challenges encountered include administrative struggles in gathering different stakeholders together, time and resource constraints and difficulties in loaning AT devices for trial use.Practical implicationsBased on educators' feedback, recommendations to facilitate the adoption of the WATI for AT decision-making within Singapore schools are discussed and considered. This study also highlights the need for greater AT instruction within both preservice and in-service teacher preparation programmes in Singapore.Originality/valueSchools in Singapore currently rarely adopt any frameworks in place to guide educators through a systematic process of AT consideration. It is anticipated that this study will spearhead and drive the adoption of systematic frameworks such as the WATI for better AT decision-making within Singapore schools.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-03-2021-0015


2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (7) ◽  
pp. 821-827
Author(s):  
Zhaojie Meng ◽  
Yunxia Wang ◽  
Xiaocui Xin ◽  
Hao Liu ◽  
Yunfeng Yan ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the fretting wear property of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composites reinforced by different content of attapulgite. Design/methodology/approach A series of composites were prepared by a hot-pressing method. Fretting tests were carried out using an SRV-IV oscillating reciprocating friction wear tester with a load of 10 N and a frequency of 100 Hz. The morphology of the fracture structure and the worn surface was observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and a non-contact three dimensional surface profiler. Findings With the addition of attapulgite, the microstructure of the composites become more regular, and their heat resistance improved. Furthermore, the friction coefficient and the specific wear rate of the composites with lower filler content reduced compared with that of neat UHMWPE, and the optimum filler content is 1 per cent. Originality/value The study investigated the fretting resistance mechanism of the attapulgite in the UHMWPE matrix. The results could help to provide some experimental evidence for the broader application of silicates on the fretting wear resistance of polymers. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2019-0420/


2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (7) ◽  
pp. 969-976
Author(s):  
Yanbin Liu ◽  
Zhanli Zhang

Purpose This study aims to uncover the influencing mechanism of the tilt angles of the cage pocket walls of the high-speed cylindrical roller bearing on the bearing skidding. Design/methodology/approach A novel cylindrical roller bearing with the beveled cage pockets was proposed. Using the Hertz contact theory and the elastohydrodynamic and hydrodynamic lubrication formulas, the contact models of the bearing were built. Using the multibody kinematics and the Newton–Euler dynamics theory, a dynamics model of the bearing was established. Using the Runge–Kutta integration method, the dynamics simulations and analysis of the bearing were performed. Findings The simulation results show that the effects of the tilt angles of the front and rear walls of the pocket on the bearing skidding are remarkable. Under a 5° tilt angle of the front wall of the pocket and a 10° tilt angle of the rear wall, the bearing skidding can be effectively decreased in the rotational speed range of 10,000-70,000 r/min. Originality/value In this paper, a novel cylindrical roller bearing with the beveled cage pockets was proposed; a dynamics model of the bearing was established; the influence mechanism of the tilt angles of the front and rear walls of the pocket on the bearing skidding was investigated, which can provide fundamental theory basis for optimizing the pocket. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2020-0035/


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