Custom Tables Research Articles

Evaluating the ergonomics of a student learning environment

Ergonomics is a key consideration of a student-learning environment. This paper examines aspects of ergonomics and application to the design of tables in three classrooms at a Midwestern university. Custom tables with power outlets and Internet access via Ethernet data ports were planned for classrooms in 2000 to facilitate a laptop program. However, table height, specifically thigh clearance from the seat to the bottom of the work surface, was not fully considered. The ergonomic analysis of the classrooms by an occupational therapy student led to the implementation of positive changes to the tables. The enhancement of the learning environment influences student comfort and productivity and can offset the cost of renovating the tables.

Linking Company with Customers and Competitors: A Comprehensive QFD Model and Its Post-Matrix Analysis

The paper is founded upon the existing and prevalent quality function deployment (QFD) methodology. QFD provides a way to ensure customer needs; and expectations are addressed from concept to delivery. In conventional implementation of QFD, after the preparation of horizontal (i.e., customer table) and vertical (i.e., technical table), further analysis is usually done empirically and ignores the correlation triangle values of customer requirements and engineering characteristics. Limited resources, increased market competition and product complexity however demand more optimal solutions. A new approach is proposed to address the lacunas due to uncertainty and lack of quantitative methods and tools. The paper attempts to provide a ready reckoner and reference to all the followers and enthusiasts of QFD. This paper presents a mathematical solution in the form of a structured framework using correlation triangle values in conjunction with computed raw weights for customer requirements and priority scores for engineering characteristics. The development and mechanics of QFD model is discussed and quantification of findings is presented as a basis for model and this is followed by comprehensive matrix analysis. The outcome of the study is a comprehensive solution which discusses the underlying concepts, requisite steps, information needed, computations involved and post-matrix analysis.

A Simulation Comparison of Buffet Restaurants

Two ostensibly similar buffets operating in two districts of the same state offer the customer substantially different dining experiences. While the customer usually has to wait in a queue for a table at both, one buffet allows the customer to complete that meal in an average of 40 minutes, while customers at the other buffet may have to wait as long as 90 minutes to complete the process. A PC-based Monte Carlo-type simulation of the two buffets shows the interaction of restaurant design with operational procedures. The buffet with the lengthy meal time called on servers to handle numerous tasks, including check settlement and keeping track of all beverages due to a policy of charging for some refills. The resulting server congestion stretched the length of time customers had to wait for a server's attention beyond reasonable limits, with likely damage to customer satisfaction. The other buffet had customers pay in advance, and servers did not have to tally beverages, although servers still delivered them. The computer model allowed the authors to test the result of one operational change on customer waiting and table time. Waiting times diminished significantly when customers were allowed unlimited access to soft-drink dispensers-thus freeing servers of the need to deal with beverages. This demonstration shows the efficacy of computer models to allow managers to play out what-if scenarios before committing funds to operational changes.