Design Management Research Articles

Localized Phonon Transport Study of GaN/SiO2 Core/shell Nanowires under Thermal-Stress Coupling.

In order to comprehensively explore the intricate mechanisms of thermo-mechanical interactions, this study employs the molecular dynamics method to investigate the influence of heat flux density, shell thickness and length, as well as stress on the radial interface phonon transport in GaN/SiO2 core/shell nanowire. Additionally, the surface eigenmode decomposition method is employed to analyze the interface phonon dispersion curves. The investigation reveals that with increasing heat flux density, internal thermal stresses intensify, leading to a complex distribution of thermal stresses within the system. Under the influence of thermal stress, the nonlinear acoustic properties interact with phonon scattering, resulting in the pronounced localization of interface phonons. Compressive stress causes an upshift in low-frequency phonons, while tensile stress induces a downward shift in the high-frequency optical branches at the interface. The localized phonon vibrations at the SiO2/GaN interface under nonuniform stress are identified as the primary cause for the abundant presence of nondispersive phonon modes at the radial interface. By elucidating the subtle interplay between lattice vibrations and stress fields, this study offers a novel and profound understanding of thermo-mechanical coupling effects, thereby providing innovative theoretical foundations for the design and performance management of thermoelectric devices.

Explaining the Components of Resilience in Patients with Chronic Pain: A Qualitative Content Analysis.

Resilience is a psychological trait and a protective factor that plays a vital role in coping with Chronic Pain (CP). Despite its importance, research has yet to fully clarify the concept and components of resilience in patients with CP. Accordingly, the present study aims to explain the components of resilience in patients with CP. The current qualitative study used a conventional content analysis methodology. The research population included all patients with CP who were referred to clinics affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (south of Iran) from August 2021 to August 2022. Participants were selected using the purposive sampling method. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants to collect information. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA 2020 software in conjunction with data collection efforts. Generally, in the current study, 30 sub-sub-categories, 11 sub-categories, and five main categories were extracted as components of resilience in patients with CP. The main categories of resilience against CP included the following: 1. emotional self-regulation, 2. psychological flexibility, 3. self-care, 4. appeal to religion-spirituality, and 5. internal resources and individual competencies. The present study highlights the different physical, mental, and religious-spiritual strategies that may contribute to resilience against pain. The resilience components identified in this study provide a foundation for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to design and implement diverse pain management strategies that enhance adjustment to CP conditions.

A generalized risk assessment index for forecasting insect population under the effect of temperature

Life history traits have been studied under various environmental factors, but the ability to combine them into a simple function to assess pest response to climate is still lacking complete understanding. This study proposed a risk index derived by combining development, mortality, and fertility rates from a stage-structured dynamic mathematical model. The first part presents the theoretical framework behind the risk index. The second part of the study is concerned with the application of the index in two case studies of major economic pest: the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and the spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), pests of rice crops and soft fruits, respectively. The mathematical calculations provided a single function composed of the main thermal biodemographic rates. This function has a threshold value that determines the possibility of population increase as a function of temperature. The tests carried out on the two pest species showed the capability of the index to describe the range of favourable conditions. With this approach, we were able to identify areas where pests are tolerant to climatic conditions and to project them on a geospatial risk map. The theoretical background developed here provided a tool for understanding the biogeography of Nilaparvata lugens and Drosophila suzukii. It is flexible enough to deal with mathematically simple (N. lugens) and complex (D. Suzukii) case studies of crop insect pests. It produces biologically sound indices that behave like thermal performance curves. These theoretical results also provide a reasonable basis for addressing the challenge of pest management in the context of seasonal weather variations and climate change. This may help to improve monitoring and design management strategies to limit the spread of pests in invaded areas, as some non-invaded areas may be suitable for the species to develop.

DESIGN THINKING

Design and design thinking have been identified as making valuable contributions to business and management, and the number of higher education programs that teach design thinking to business students, managers, and executives are growing. However multiple definitions of design thinking and the range of perspectives have created some confusion about potential pathways. This paper examines notions of design and design thinking and uses these definitions to identify themes in higher educational programs. We present the findings from an initial exploratory investigation of design and design thinking in higher education business programs and define four distinct educational approaches around human centred innovation, integrative thinking, design management and design as strategy. Potential directions for management education programs are presented.

A multi-objective optimization of a single-phase immersion cooling system at cabinet level

With the rapid development and urgent requirement of high computing power, the energy consumption of data center (DC) is constantly increasing. The issue of high energy consumption constrains rapid development of DCs and becomes a major challenge that urgently needs to be solved in the transformation of DCs towards large-scale, intelligent, and energy-saving. In the present study, a cabinet level single-phase immersion cooling (SPIC) system was experimentally investigated with coolant of Noah 3000D. The cooling capacity and energy consumption level of the SPIC system were investigated. The impacts of the heat load, coolant flow rate, and cooling water flow rate on the thermal performance of the SPIC unit were quantitatively analyzed. Based on experimental data fitting, the heat transfer criterion correlation and pressure difference calculation formula were obtained. The error caused by the heat transfer criterion correlation and pressure difference calculation formula is basically within ± 5 %. Based on the multi-objective optimization, both the coolant flow rate and cooling water flow rate cause obvious influences on the heat transfer coefficient and energy consumption of SPIC systems. The temperature changes on both sides of the heat exchanger can be ignored, and the error caused by the assumption does not exceed ± 1 %. With some valuable findings obtained, this work can supply some technique references for engineering design and operation management of SPIC systems.

The intertwined effects of digital literacy, agile mindset on design thinking skill and management control competency: Insights from Thai young accountants

The research conducted in Thailand has illuminated the intricate interplay among digital literacy, an agile mindset, design thinking skills, and management control competency among young accountants. Employing a robust questionnaire constructed based on an extensive literature review and validated through a pilot test, the study engaged 450 participants, with a predominant representation of females (79.8 %) and males (18.7 %). Leveraging PLS-SEM analysis to examine the relationships between these variables, the research elucidates that both digital literacy and an agile mindset exert substantial influence over the cultivation of design thinking skills and management control competencies. Accountants who possess a high level of digital knowledge and embrace agile thinking demonstrate a remarkable capacity to effectively apply these proficiencies. Consequently, the study emphasizes the critical imperative of fostering and nurturing digital knowledge and agility among the emerging generation of accountants, equipping them to adeptly confront the multifaceted challenges posed by the digital era. It is worth noting that while the study reveals close relationships among Digital Literacy, Agile Mindset, Design Thinking Skill, and Management Control Competency, the strength of each relationship exhibits variations. Additionally, design thinking skills also play a partial mediating role when establishing the indirect effect on the digital literacy-management control competency and agile mindset-management control competency nexus—a facet that merits further exploration and investigation in future research endeavours.

Integrated Power and Thermal Management Systems for Civil Aircraft: Review, Challenges, and Future Opportunities

Projects related to green aviation designed to achieve fuel savings and emission reductions are increasingly being established in response to growing concerns over climate change. Within the aviation industry, there is a growing trend towards the electrification of aircraft, with more-electric aircraft (MEA) and all-electric aircraft (AEA) being proposed. However, increasing electrification causes challenges with conventional thermal management system (TMS) and power management system (PMS) designs in aircraft. As a result, the integrated power and thermal management system (IPTMS) has been developed for energy-optimised aircraft projects. This review paper aims to review recent IPTMS progress and explore potential design solutions for civil aircraft. Firstly, the paper reviews the IPTMS in electrified propulsion aircraft (EPA), presenting the architectures and challenges of the propulsion systems, the TMS cooling strategies, and the power management optimisation. Then, several research topics in IPTMS are reviewed in detail: architecture design, power management optimisation, modelling, and analysis method development. Through the review of state-of-the-art IPTMS research, the challenges and future opportunities and requirements of IPTMS design are discussed. Based on the discussions, two potential solutions for IPTMS to address the challenges of civil EPA are proposed, including the combination of architecture design and power management optimisation and the combination of modelling and analysis methods.

Exploring systemic design practices in public sector innovation

Many societal challenges need to be resolved through innovative solutions at system level. Previous scholars have argued that it may be wise to combine design practice and system theory to form a management method for public sector innovation. However, it appears that few scholars have developed innovation management methods based on that combination. The aim of this article is therefore to contribute with new knowledge about how design practice and system theory can be combined in order to drive public sector innovation. The article proposes the development of a previously proposed systemic design management model and presents a toolbox with twelve innovation management tools. Although there is a logic in using the tools in a certain order, this article emphasizes the need for a flexible use of the tools and to be open to moving back and forth between different tools. The results also indicate that an initial key tool is to ensure that the right people become involved in the different phases of the innovation process. It is more important to involve the right people in different phases than to follow a specific pre-designed process model. In order to successfully create and implement innovative solutions at system level, the innovation processes need to engage different human resources for different tools. Different resources that understand the needs can contribute with new perspectives and also possess the mandate to make systemic changes.

APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SOLUTION OF ENGINEERING PROBLEMS. ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of modern engineering, promising to transform the ways of design, production, and system management. Its application ranges from process automation to optimization of production cycles, enhancing efficiency and reliability. However, despite the advantages, there are challenges such as AI integration into the design phase, safety requirements, and data confidentiality. Especially in the EPC industry, where each project has unique requirements, and high safety standards complicate AI implementation. Additionally, the need for qualified professionals and effective data collection mechanisms create further obstacles. Successful AI implementation requires the integration of company experience, a strategic approach, and support from senior management.

Research on the Differentiation and Harmony of International Cruise Images Based on the Coding Analysis of Selena OGC and TGC

Based on the coding analysis of occupation - generated content (OGC) and tourist - generated content (TGC), this paper conducts a study on the differentiation and harmony of Selena cruise ship. The results show that: (1) In the emotional dimension, positive emotions are the main proportion of both evaluations, showing a trend of positive> neutral > negative; (2) In terms of the objects of concern, both can be divided into five dimensions: cruise services, cruise facilities, cruise products, cruise design and operation management. (3) Differentiation: In terms of advertorial vocabulary, OGC tends to standardize objective presentations, and the richness and emotional color of words are weak; (4) Differentiation 2: In terms of focusing on dimensions, OGC pays more attention to showing the cultural heritage of Selena with categories such as art and culture, and the communication content is more diversified and the communication structure is more stable; TGC is more inclined to play the main role of "people" in the process of conveying Selena's travel experience, focusing on cruise catering, cruise accommodation, cruise service and operation management. Finally, combined with the IPA model, relevant improvement and optimization measures were proposed for Selena cruise ship from four aspects: continuous maintenance area, oversupply area, opportunity development area and key improvement area.

Integrated Hybrid Engine Cycle Design and Power Management Optimization

Abstract A novel integrated gas turbine cycle design and power management optimization methodology for parallel hybrid electric propulsion architectures is presented in this paper. The gas turbine multipoint cycle design method is extended to turboprop and turbofan architectures, and several trade studies are performed initially at the cycle level. It is shown that the maximum degree of electrification is limited by the surge margin levels of the booster in the turbofan configuration. An aircraft mission-level assessment is then performed using the integrated optimization method initially for an A320 Neo style aircraft case. The results indicate that the optimal cycle redesigned hybrid electric propulsion system (HEPS) favors takeoff and climb power on-takes while optimal retrofit HEPS favor cruise power on-takes. It is shown that for current battery energy density (250 Wh/Kg), there is no fuel burn benefit. Furthermore, even for optimistic energy density values (750 Wh/kg) the maximum fuel burn benefit for a 500 nm mission is 5.5% and 4% for redesigned and retrofit HEPS, respectively. The power management strategies for HEPS configurations also differ based on gas turbine technology with improvement in gas turbine technology showing greater scope for electrification. The method is then extended to ATR 72 style aircraft case, showing greater fuel burn benefits across the flight mission envelope. The power management strategies also change depending on the objective function, and optimum strategies are reported for direct operating cost or fuel burn. The retrofit case studies show a benefit in direct operating cost compared to redesigned case studies for ATR 72. Finally, a novel multimission approach is shown to highlight the overall fuel burn and direct operating cost benefit across the aircraft mission cluster.

Investigation of the indoor CO2 removal efficiency and fresh air energy savings of living walls in office spaces

Elevated indoor CO2 levels might have adverse effects on human health. However, conventional physical and chemical methods for indoor CO2 removal face the challenges of high energy consumption, low efficiency at low CO2 concentrations, and high costs. Furthermore, the introduction of outdoor air to lower indoor CO2 concentrations results in significant HVAC energy consumption. Aligning with office hours and the natural light cycle, the utilization of photosynthesis in living walls (LWs) offers an energy-efficient and sustainable solution for the mitigation of high CO2 levels in office spaces. This study experimentally investigates the impacts of the carbon fixation pathways, light flux density, and substrate moisture content on the CO2 removal rate of LWs in two identical rooms. The findings provide practical suggestions for plant species selection, lighting design, and irrigation management in office spaces to enhance the CO2 removal efficiency of LWs. Additionally, the fresh air energy-saving effects of LWs under different scenarios are accurately simulated in EnergyPlus. The results demonstrate that choosing C3 plants over CAM plants in LWs yields higher CO2 removal efficiency. The activation of artificial lighting is recommended when the surface light flux density of LWs drops below the light compensation point (LCP), ensuring favorable conditions for growth. In a 30-m2 office room accommodating two and three occupants, LWs can respectively reduce the demand for fresh air by 13.9 %–38.5 % and decrease fresh air energy consumption by 11.2 %–28.2 %.

A blockchain-based deployment framework for protecting building design intellectual property rights in collaborative digital environments

Protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is a long-standing challenge. In the collaborative digital environments, where multiple professionals use digital platforms such as building information modelling to collaborate on a building design, this challenge has intensified. This research harnesses the functions of blockchain technology, such as consensus mechanisms, distributed broadcasting ledgers, cryptographic algorithms, and non-fungible tokens, to propose a blockchain-based framework to protect building design IPR in the AEC industry. Adopting a design science approach, a framework is proposed and then further developed into a system that is implemented, illustrated, and evaluated in a case study. The system uses non-fungible tokens to tokenize building design IPR and deploys blockchain’s decentralized consensus mechanisms, distributed ledgers, and cryptographic algorithms to safeguard the IPR and its transactions. This prototype system is found feasible with satisfactory performance in enhancing the efficiency of IPR registration and protection, reducing cost, improving information transparency, reinforcing immutability, and preventing non-valuable registrations. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to develop the framework for different applications such as real-life design IPR protection and design management.

Application of high performance computing based on big data in architectural interior design

In response to the problems of insufficient data management and low construction quality in architectural interior design, high-performance computing technology was proposed to be applied to optimize the overall effect of architectural interior design. This article proposed some solutions to the problems in interior design of buildings, and applied high-performance computing technology to building design materials, building operation data processing, etc. Furthermore, combined with multi-objective genetic algorithm, relevant experimental tests were conducted on the optimization of interior space environment design in buildings. The experimental results showed that under the algorithm proposed in this paper, the average health standard compliance of each scheme reached 92.17%, and the average emotional requirement satisfaction reached 88.42%. The average interface detail attention reaches 84.65%, and the average environmental comfort reaches 92.87%. Under the genetic algorithm, the average compliance of health standards for each scheme was 88.14%, and the average satisfaction of emotional needs was 84.17%. The average attention to interface details was 81.18%, and the average environmental comfort was 90.30%. From the above data, it can be seen that the algorithm proposed in this paper can achieve good optimization results in the design of indoor space environment in buildings.

Research needs for enhancing pre-occupancy evaluation of buildings

PurposeMany buildings fail to meet user expectations, causing a performance gap. Pre-occupancy evaluation (PrOE) is believed to have the potential to close the gap. It enables designers to obtain end-user feedback in the design phase and improve the design for better performance. However, PrOE implementation faces challenges due to still maturing knowledgebase. This study aims to understand the state-of-the-art knowledge of PrOE, thereby identifying future research needs to advance the domain.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework was conducted. A thorough search in five databases and Google Scholar retrieved 90 articles, with 30 selected for systematic review after eliminating duplicates and irrelevant articles. Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny on the article metadata, and thematic analyses were conducted on their contents.FindingsPrOE is a vehicle for engaging building end-users in the design phase to address the credibility gap caused by the discrepancies between the expected and actual performance of buildings. PrOE has gained limited applications in healthcare, residential, office and educational building design for two broad purposes: design management and marketing. Using virtual reality technologies for PrOE has demonstrated significant benefits. Yet, the PrOE domain needs to mature in multiple perspectives to serve its intended purpose effectively.Originality/valueThis study identifies four knowledge gaps for future research to advance the PrOE domain: (1) developing a holistic PrOE framework, integrating comprehensive performance evaluation criteria, useable at different stages of the design phase and multi-criteria decision algorithms, (2) developing a mixed reality tool, embodying the holistic PrOE framework, (3) formulating a PrOE framework for adaptive reuse of buildings and (4) managing uncertainties in user requirements during the lifecycle in PrOE decisions.

Satisfaction with human resource practices, job dedication and job performance: the role of incentive gamification

PurposeWhile the potential of human resource practices (HRPs) for promoting performance is widely recognized, even though crucial, employees’ assessment of HRPs remains under-researched, especially in emerging economies. Hence, the purpose of this research is to examine the influence of employee satisfaction with HRPs on job performance through the mediating role of job dedication (JD) and the moderating role of incentive gamification.Design/methodology/approachThe current research adopts a quantitative method. Specifically, using a questionnaire survey, 418 valid responses collected (through purposive sampling) via cross-sectional method from the employees of Nigerian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firms were used to test the research hypotheses empirically.FindingsThe results revealed that satisfaction with HRPs has a positive influence on job performance. Satisfaction with human resource practices has a positive influence on job dedication. Job dedication has a positive influence on job performance. The link between employees’ satisfaction with human resource practices and job performance is mediated by job dedication. The link between satisfaction with human resource practices and job dedication is moderated by incentive gamification, that is, the positive link is stronger when incentive gamification is high. The link between satisfaction with human resource practices and job performance is moderated by incentive gamification, that is, the positive link is stronger when incentive gamification is high.Originality/valueThe current study highlights the importance of employees’ assessments of human resource practices, which may be used to promote employee dedication, which in turn results in improved performance. The findings are helpful to open the black box of the impact of satisfaction with HRPs on job performance. The results also offer important new valuable guidance for practitioners and will aid the management of human resource practice design, audits, and communication.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COMPLEXITY: A REVIEW ON THE USE OF AI AND MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS

This review examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in addressing the complexities of systems engineering. It highlights how AI and ML are revolutionizing system design, integration, and lifecycle management by enabling automated design optimization, predictive maintenance, and efficient configuration management. These technologies allow for the analysis of large datasets to predict system failures and optimize performance, thereby enhancing the reliability and sustainability of engineering systems. Despite the promising applications, the integration of AI into systems engineering presents challenges, including technical hurdles, ethical considerations, and the need for comprehensive education and training. The paper emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and the continuous evolution of educational programs to equip engineers with the skills to leverage AI effectively. Concluding thoughts underscore AI's potential to redefine systems engineering, advocating for a balanced approach that addresses both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI advancements.
 Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Systems Engineering, Automated Design, Predictive Maintenance, Configuration Management, Education and Training, Technology Integration.

An integrated design concept evaluation model based on interval valued picture fuzzy set and improved GRP method.

The objective of this research is to enhance the precision and efficiency of design concept assessments during the initial stages of new product creation. Design concept evaluation, which occurs at the end of the conceptual design phase, is a critical step in product development. The outcome of this evaluation significantly impacts the product's eventual success, as flawed design concepts are difficult to remedy in later stages. However, the evaluation of new product concepts is a procedure that encompasses elements of subjectivity and ambiguity. In order to deal with the problem, a novel decision-making method for choosing more logical new product concepts is introduced. Basically, the evaluation process is outlined in three main phases: the construction of evaluation index system for design concept alternatives, the calculation of weights for evaluation criteria and decision-makers, the selection of the best design concept alternatives. These stages are composed of a hybrid method based on kano model, multiplicative analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, the entropy of IVPFS and improved grey relational projection (GRP) under interval-valued picture fuzzy set (IVPFS). The novel approach integrates the strength of interval-valued picture fuzzy number in handling vagueness, the advantage of multiplicative AHP and the merit of improved GRP method in modelling multi-criteria decision-making. In final, the effectiveness of the proposed model is validated through comparisons with other models. The potential applications of this study include but are not limited to product development, industrial design, and innovation management, providing decision-makers with a more accurate and comprehensive design concept evaluation tool.

Benchmarking Relevance for Hospital Design and Planning: An International Web-Based Survey.

The study aims to investigate what design practitioners and healthcare facility managers deem as important benchmarking metrics worldwide, investigating country differences in benchmarking usage and which metrics are prioritized. Benchmarking is a regular practice in the healthcare sector, both for clinical and managerial aspects to compare, measure, and improve standardized processes. However, limited knowledge is available about benchmarking procedures in hospital planning, design, and construction. A web-based survey was designed, revised, and pilot-tested in five countries; it was adjusted according to local experts' suggestions and submitted globally via SoSci multilingual platform to persons involved in hospital design, research, construction, and facility management. It was composed of closed questions on 5-point Likert-type scale ranking frequency or importance and open-ended questions divided into six sections. Two hundred and eighty full responses have been collected. Statistical analysis was performed via PowerBI and R-Studio, while qualitative analysis was performed via MAXQDA. The findings reported allow for both specific insights per each country or category as well as enabling general considerations of a practice that is becoming always more international with 30%-50% of respondents working in the international context. The evaluation of the survey highlights the most important benchmarks, among others. For example, for respondents from the top five countries (Sweden, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the United States), the most important metric for benchmark comparability is whether the project was new construction, new construction attached to an existing hospital, or interior renovation. Construction date, client type (public vs. private), and country of location were also generally rated as the most important metrics by respondents. Other metrics that were consistently rated as important globally included inpatient unit layout, walking distances, number of floors, and whether all patient rooms are private. Space-related metrics are considered very important elements in the design and planning of healthcare facilities worldwide. Regarding cost-related metrics, all countries consider the ratio construction cost per building gross area as the most important. Benchmarking emerges as a relevant tool for hospital design and planning as it can support efficiency, standardization, and confidence; currently, benchmarking is still underutilized due to the challenge of international comparison, access to data outside each specific company, and variation design metrics nationally. Benchmarking strategies should be further investigated to support knowledge exchange and to ensure reliable and comparable information globally.

An Efficient Metaheuristic Technique for Wireless Sensor Network Integrated Micro Grid Environment Using Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (Iwoa)

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) nodes require careful power management to maintain long term operation without regular battery changes. Battery replacement can be challenging and expensive in a microgrid scenario where sensors may be installed in remote or i naccessible areas. To extend the life of WSN nodes, energy efficient design and power management strategies should be used. A potential strategy for effectively monitoring, controlling, and managing the distributed energy resources (DERs) inside a microgri d is theincorporation of WSNs with microgrids. This research work uses Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) for optimizing the routing and performance. The humpback whale's hunting style served as the inspiration for the WOA, a metaheuristic optimization algorithm. WOA is an optimization technique that is used with MG and WSNs. During the optimization phase, WOA establishes a balance between exploitation and exploration. To increase the lifespan of a WSN in a microgrid, effective energy management i s frequently needed. When considering the dynamic energy availability from renewable sources and the energy requirements of the microgrid components, WOA is used to optimise energy allocation and routing in WSNs. This may lead to increased energy efficiency and longer network longevity. The IWOA attains 97.5% PDR that is higher than the existing state of art techniques.