scholarly journals Hail Study on a 15 Year Old Sprayed Polyurethane Foam Roofing System

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean Kashiwagi ◽  
Dhaval Gajjar ◽  
Jacob Kashiwagi ◽  
Kenneth Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Independent School District ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Dallas Independent School District ◽  
Hail Damage ◽  
Service Period ◽  
Procurement System ◽  
The Cost

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has utilized Alpha sprayed polyurethane (SPF) roof systems since the 1980s. Alpha SPF roof systems are high performing roof systems if installed properly and are very resistant to hail damage (hail damage is significant in the Dallas area). However, DISD, due to their low bid award procurement system, have had some poor performing roof systems installed by contractors who did not utilize performing materials and processes. The Alpha SPF roof system is now being questioned by designers who are not aware of their high performance and wanted to tear-off one of the oldest SPF roofing systems after a hail storm. This case study is on one of DISD roofs which were studied to determine the actual and potential service period based on actual performance. It was concluded that the roof is capable of lasting another 15 more years with a simple recoat (resulting in 38 years of performance at a fraction of the cost of a traditional modified roof).

High Performance Teams

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Dominguez ◽  
Isabel C. Moura ◽  
João Varajão
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Reward Systems ◽  
Team Management ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Team Members ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Exploratory Case Study ◽  
Performance Teams

Effective team management is one of the key factors that allow companies to tackle the challenges of today's demanding business environment. Although high-performing teams have been studied for some time, very little has been written on them from the construction industry's perspective. Based on the conclusions of previous work and on a project involving 44 professionals of seven teams, this exploratory case study intends to evaluate if there is a gap between what team members and leaders perceive as being (a) the most important features for managing teams into high performance and (b) the features that are present in their teams. The present study shows that, although teams under investigation had some high-performing features at the leadership dimension, there is room for improvement, in particular when it comes to empowering team members, involving them in planning the work, and creating proper reward systems.

Estimation of procurement costs incurred by public customers: a case study of a Russian region

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-87
Author(s):  
Andrei Yakovlev ◽  
Olga Balaeva ◽  
Andrey Tkachenko
Keyword(s):  
Public Procurement ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Cost Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Russian Region ◽  
Procurement Cost ◽  
Procurement System ◽  
The Cost

Purpose This paper aims to measure the cost of procurement because public procurement procedures prescribed by legislation not only enhance transparency and competition but also entail certain transaction costs for both customers and suppliers. Design/methodology/approach These costs are important to the efficiency of the procurement system. However, very few previous studies have focused on estimating procurement costs. This paper proposes a methodology for public procurement cost evaluation. Findings This paper shows how procurement costs can be calculated using a formalized survey of public customers. This methodology was tested with a representative group of public customers operating in one region of the Russian Federation. Originality/value The authors formulate the policy implications of this paper, as they relate to the improvement of public procurement regulations and argue that this methodological approach can be applied in other developing and transitioning economies.

scholarly journals Safety Climate as an Indicator and Predictor of Safety Performance: A Case Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Brandon Baertschi ◽  
Sang D Choi ◽  
Kwangseog Ahn
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Safety Climate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Employee Safety ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Safety Priority

This study compared and objectively gauged the safety climate in the manufacturing facilities (high safety performing vs. low safety performing) to identify the most impactful areas to focus to reduce or prevent workplace injuries. In order to accomplish the study objective, we employed the Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ-50) consisted of 50 items across seven dimensions. A total of 116 operations employees in the paper laminate manufacturing completed the survey. The two sites were both within the United States and had structured the same operations. The results of the comparisons showed that there was a significant difference in the total scores for the sites. The high performance site had significantly higher NOSACQ-50 scores than the underperforming site in all dimensions. The high performing site had the greater safety climate scores in the area of “management safety priority & ability”. The underperforming site recorded comparatively lower scores in the areas of “management safety empowerment”, “group safety priority”, and “worker safety commitment”. We provided the recommendations of three focus areas: commitment, involvement, and accountability. The outcomes from this study could be useful to apply resources and focus to the appropriate areas in order to make safety improvements. In turn, improving safety climate can have positive impacts on increasing employee safety while improving the viability of the organization.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.: creating a competitive advantage through an empowered workforce

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Sanjay Mohapatra ◽  
Debapriyo Nag ◽  
Ravi Tej P.
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Hierarchical Systems ◽  
Continuous Process Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Complete Study ◽  
Oriented Approach

Subject area This case study concerns self-managed teams (SMTs) and high-performing work stations. Studylevel/applicability This study is applicable to training, employee satisfaction and developing economy in the society at large. Case overview High-performance work systems (HPWS) are processes in which organizations utilize a fundamentally different approach for managing work in place of the traditional hierarchal approach. HPWS uses an approach that is fundamentally different from the traditional hierarchical or bureaucratic approach otherwise known as the control-oriented approach. The fundamental difference between control-oriented and involvement-oriented approach is in organizing and managing at the lowest level in an organization. The basic purpose of HPWS is to create an organization based on employee involvement, commitment and empowerment. In these kinds of highly involved organizations, employees demonstrate more responsibility and commitments because of high empowerment and have access to information/knowledge and awareness to perform at the highest level. In this case study, the authors make a complete study about the ten pillars of SMTs in Dr Reddy's Laboratories Private Ltd. and the situation of FTO-4 at the Yanam plant and FTO-7 at the Visakhapatnam plant post-implementation of the SMT concept. This paper attempts to demonstrate how SMTs differ from conventional teams, as well as how effectively they contribute to the organization objectives. Expected learning outcomes To understand HPWS and concept of SMT; to understand how the concepts of HPWS and SMT were implemented in Dr Reddy'S Laboratories in *FTO-4 AND *FTO-7; to understand the key difference between traditional hierarchical systems and SMTs; to find out how continuous process improvement has made SMT initiative an evolving one (from 2002 to 2011); to understand how involvement of different stakeholders has made SMT initiative a sustainable one; and to understand the importance of SMT in this twenty-first century as they lead to a better and brighter future for everyone. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes.

scholarly journals FPGA Accelerator for Gradient Boosting Decision Trees

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 314
Author(s):  
Adrián Alcolea ◽  
Javier Resano
Keyword(s):  
Decision Trees ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Hyperspectral Images ◽  
Gradient Boosting ◽  
Pixel Classification ◽  
Embedded Processor ◽  
Learning Technique ◽  
The Cost

A decision tree is a well-known machine learning technique. Recently their popularity has increased due to the powerful Gradient Boosting ensemble method that allows to gradually increasing accuracy at the cost of executing a large number of decision trees. In this paper we present an accelerator designed to optimize the execution of these trees while reducing the energy consumption. We have implemented it in an FPGA for embedded systems, and we have tested it with a relevant case-study: pixel classification of hyperspectral images. In our experiments with different images our accelerator can process the hyperspectral images at the same speed at which they are generated by the hyperspectral sensors. Compared to a high-performance processor running optimized software, on average our design is twice as fast and consumes 72 times less energy. Compared to an embedded processor, it is 30 times faster and consumes 23 times less energy.

scholarly journals Using Satisfaction Ratings to Minimize Risk

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Dhaval Gajjar ◽  
Dean Kashiwagi ◽  
Kenneth Sullivan ◽  
Jacob Kashiwagi
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
High Performance ◽  
End Users ◽  
End User ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
High Performing ◽  
A Performance ◽  
Risky Projects

Warranties in the construction industry have become more prevalent in the last couple of decades. Moreover buyers in the construction industry rely heavily on the length of the warranties for the purchase of any product or service. The warranty is an agreement between the buyer and the manufacturer and has inclusions that if altered voids the warranty. Hence the length of the warranty has no correlation to the actual performance of the product or service being purchased. One of the manufacturers in the construction industry, in order to differentiate themselves from other manufacturers, approached the researchers to implement a system that can better assist and serve their end users beyond just providing a warranty. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the warranty tracking program that tracks the installed roofing projects for the manufacturers providing an overall snapshot of the performance of all the installed projects. The warranty tracking program provides the manufacturer the risky projects (leaks, blisters, end-user dissatisfied) with the use of end-user customer satisfaction every year. The researchers also implemented the high performance roofing program and a performance-based licensure process to attract high performing applicators. Since the inception of the warranty tracking program the manufacturer has been able to resolve 69 out of 70 (98%) risky projects. In conclusion, the warranty tracking program provided the manufacturer a better way to assist and serve their end users through proactive resolution of risky projects.

scholarly journals The Cost Effectiveness of Alpha SPF Roofs: Casa View Elementary School Roofing Case Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Dean Kashiwagi ◽  
Charles Zulanas IV ◽  
Dhaval Gajjar
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Steel Ball ◽  
Modified Bitumen ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Roof System ◽  
Independent School District ◽  
Dallas Independent School District ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Roofing System

The performance of the Alpha Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofing system is perceived as not an economical option when compared to a 20-year modified roofing system. The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is replacing the existing Alpha SPF roof systems with new roof systems rather than recoating the existing systems at a cost that is 100% more than the recoating costs. The DISD is in a heavy hail area, and the proven hail resistance of the Alpha SPF roof system is an additional benefit for DISD who is self-insured. The Casa View Elementary School roof system was installed with a Neogard Permathane roof system in 1987. This roof was hail tested with ten drops from 17 feet 9 inches of 1-3/4-inch steel ball (9 out of 10 passed) and three drops from 17 feet 9 inches with a 3-inch diameter steel ball (1 out of 3 passed). The analysis of the passing and failing core samples show that the thickness of the top and base Alpha SPF coating is one of the major differences in a roof passing or failing the FM-SH hail test. The current potential cost savings of purchasing a 61,000 square feet Alpha SPF roof versus modified bitumen roof is approximately $610,000 for DISD. The past hail tests on Alpha SPF roof systems show high customer satisfaction (9.8 out of 10) and an over 40-year service life after a $6.00/SF recoat.

The message and the messenger

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1240-1258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashlea Kellner ◽  
Keith Townsend ◽  
Adrian Wilkinson ◽  
David Greenfield ◽  
Sandra Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Practice Approach ◽  
Executive Level ◽  
Process Elements

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of the “HRM process” as defined by Bowen and Ostroff (2004). The authors clarify the construct of “HRM philosophy” and suggest it is communicated to employees through “HRM messages”. Interrelationships between these concepts and other elements of the HRM-performance relationship are explored. The study identifies commonalities in the HRM philosophy and messages underscoring high-performing HRM systems, and highlights the function of a “messenger” in delivering messages to staff. Design/methodology/approach Case study of eight Australian hospitals with top performing HRM systems. Combines primary interview data with independent healthcare accreditor reports. Findings All cases share an HRM philosophy of achieving high-performance outcomes through the HRM system and employees are provided with messages about continuous improvement, best practice and innovation. The philosophy was instilled primarily by executive-level managers, whereby distinctiveness, consensus and consistency of communications were important characteristics. Research limitations/implications The research is limited by: omission of low or average performers; a single industry and country design; and exclusion of employee perspectives. Practical implications The findings reinforce the importance of identifying the HRM philosophy and its key communicators within the organisation, and ensuring it is aligned with strategy, climate and the HRM system, particularly during periods of organisational change. Originality/value The authors expand Bowen and Ostroff’s seminal work and develop the concepts of HRM philosophy and messages, offering the model to clarify key relationships. The findings underscore problems associated with a best practice approach that disregards HRM process elements essential for optimising performance.

scholarly journals The Value of Alpha SPF Roofing: An Alpha Case Study at William Lipscomb Elementary School

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-48
Author(s):  
Dean Kashiwagi ◽  
Charles Zulanas ◽  
Dhaval Gajjar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Dimensional Stability ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Past Performance ◽  
Independent School District ◽  
Dallas Independent School District ◽  
General Contractors ◽  
High Level ◽  
Roofing System

An Alpha roof is a type of Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofing system that has been documented to be one of the highest performing roofs in the industry. Despite the high level of performance of the Alpha SPF roofs, owners still try to protect themselves by purchasing warranties. When the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) did not receive enough funding to purchase the Alpha roofs for their school buildings, general contractors started shopping the Alpha contractors. The demand for Alpha roofs during DISD bond programs exceeded the supply of Alpha vendors. DISD lowered the requirements and the contractors and manufacturers delivered lower quality roofs. DISD still required the performance of the Alpha roofing system, even though they bought lower performing systems without the quality control requirements of the higher performing Alpha roofs. DISD was not happy with the lower performance on some of the inexpensive roofs. This paper describes a case study that proposes that high roof performance is a result of expert contractors proving their past performance, detailed preplanning, manufacturers doing quality control, contractors tracking their time and cost deviations and independent third party inspections. The expert Alpha contractor completed the project with the best dimensional stability metrics (dimensional stability is a metric of long lasting roofs). The roof installation was completed in 20 days and saved DISD over 20% of the cost of the roof, despite an increase in the scope of work. It was the first DISD project that had no punch-list items after the final walkthrough. DISD was extremely satisfied with the roof and the Alpha program demonstrated its effectiveness in the installation of roofs.

scholarly journals Attributes of High-Performing Small Practices in a Guideline Implementation: A Multiple-Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215013272098441
Author(s):  
Ann M. Nguyen ◽  
Allison M. Cuthel ◽  
Erin S. Rogers ◽  
Nancy Van Devanter ◽  
Hang Pham-Singer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Readiness To Change ◽  
Intervention Implementation ◽  
Practice Facilitation ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Small Primary ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices

Objective HealthyHearts NYC was a stepped wedge randomized control trial that tested the effectiveness of practice facilitation on the adoption of cardiovascular disease guidelines in small primary care practices. The objective of this study was to identify was to identify attributes of small practices that signaled they would perform well in a practice facilitation intervention implementation. Methods A mixed methods multiple-case study design was used. Six small practices were selected representing 3 variations in meeting the practice-level benchmark of >70% of hypertensive patients having controlled blood pressure. Inductive and deductive approaches were used to identify themes and assign case ratings. Cross-case rating comparison was used to identify attributes of high performing practices. Results Our first key finding is that the high-performing and improved practices in our study looked and acted similarly during the intervention implementation. The second key finding is that 3 attributes emerged in our analysis of determinants of high performance in small practices: (1) advanced use of the EHR; (2) dedicated resources and commitment to quality improvement; and (3) actively engaged lead clinician and office manager. Conclusions These attributes may be important determinants of high performance, indicating not only a small practice’s capability to engage in an intervention but possibly also its readiness to change. We recommend developing tools to assess readiness to change, specifically for small primary care practices, which may help external agents, like practice facilitators, better translate intervention implementations to context.

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