Preliminary Theoretical Model Research Articles

On Quality 4.0 in project-based industries

PurposeProject-based industries seem ignored in the quality management literature. These industries have some peculiarities that warrant attention, and the purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the critical aspects of project-based industries concerning quality management and particularly Quality 4.0.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on reviewing the literature and then developing the paper using basic definitions, literature, logic and experience. It should be noted that the type of literature review is so-called “integrative” due to the fact that the topic of this paper is new. Furthermore, for this paper, as for integrative literature reviews in general, the purpose is to create initial and preliminary conceptualizations and theoretical models, rather than review old models. Creative collection of data is therefore key to combine perspectives and insights from different sources. This paper is therefore more a discussion piece rather than a paper presenting results per se. The relevant literature is only a starting point from which the argument is developed.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that quality management in project-based industries is outdated, driven by adversarial and legalistic interpretations of contracts, which results in manual work and reactive quality management. Initially, this can be a stumbling block for Quality 4.0. However, the greater credibility and transparency of Quality 4.0 technologies can enable relational contracting such as partnering. This will subsequently result in major improvements in total quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was initially triggered by industry experience over years. The empirical aspect of the paper is therefore related to the construction, shipbuilding and the oil and gas industry. Because contracting regimes are similar across these industries, the findings are arguably applicable to other project-based industries. However, this is not demonstrated. Furthermore, as the topic is new to both literature and practice it is likely that the paper has not covered all relevant aspects that will emerge as the ideas are implemented.Practical implicationsThe paper supports the argument for developing the contracting into a relational approach away from the adversarial and legalistic approach of today. It is illustrated how Quality 4.0 technologies can help in this transition. Therefore, the practical implications can become substantial in how industry works and the research about it.Social implicationsIf the ideas were implemented, they could change contract management in project-based industries from the adversarial approach of today to genuine cooperation. It would therefore be relevant for teaching future contract managers. The project outcomes would also result in improved quality and reduce the loss to society.Originality/valueThe combination of Quality 4.0, new contracting regimes and project-based industries is according to the knowledge of this author, an original contribution that can help people improve the management of quality in project-based industries. With these industries constituting a large and growing share of an economy, the value can also become significant once practical issues concerning implementation are sorted out.

Homeopatia no serviço público de saúde: pré-avaliação das ações no município do Recife (PE)

This study is a pre-assessment of homeopathy activities in the municipality of Recife, Pernambuco. Review of official and technical documentation produced a preliminary logical theoretical model for this intervention, based on a matrix of criteria and indicators for evaluation. The model and matrix were submitted to key informants with expertise in the area, and the data were collected from six interviews in 2016. Three major components were seen to be needed for both tools: joint management and coordination; homeopathic care; and education, communication, and social mobilization. We expect the theoretical model and matrix of criteria and indicators which were developed and validated to serve as a reference to establish procedures for monitoring and assessing similar interventions.

Modification of everyday activities and its association with self-awareness in cognitively diverse older adults.

Cognitive impairment (CI) in older adults is frequently accompanied by difficulty performing complex everyday activities (e.g., managing finances). However, it is unclear if and how older adults with CI modify their activities (i.e., Do individuals continue, monitor, seek help with, change their approach to, or stop different activities?). In the current study, we examined if older adults with CI are concerned about their ability to carry out complex activities, if and how they modify activities based on their concern, and the factors associated with activity modification. We hypothesized that older adults with CI will more frequently be concerned about, and modify, everyday activities than cognitively healthy (HE) older adults, and that higher awareness of memory loss in the CI group would relate to more frequent modification. The sample included 81 older adults (51 HEs; mean age 70.02 (7.34) and 30 CI; mean age 75.97 (8.12)). Compared to HEs, the CI group reported having more concern about, F(3,77) = 5.50, p = 0.02, and modifying a greater number of activities, F(3,77) = 5.02, p = 0.03. Medication management (30%) and completing taxes (33.3%) were among the most frequently modified activities for the CI and HE groups, respectively. In the CI group, higher memory awareness was associated with more concern (r = .53, p = .005) and activity modification (r = 0.55, p = .003). Findings provide novel information about how cognitively diverse older adults navigate complex activities in daily life. We propose a preliminary theoretical model by which self-awareness may influence navigation of everyday activities in the context of CI.

The structure of Chinese adolescents’ conscience: A scale and its application

Based on traditional Chinese conscience theory, we defined the concept of conscience after reviewing the relevant literature. We constructed a preliminary theoretical model of the conscience structure through in‐depth interviews conducted with a sample of 127 Chinese adolescents and an open‐ended questionnaire conducted with 374 volunteers based on the consensual qualitative research (CQR) method. Then, we developed a preliminary conscience scale questionnaire and surveyed 702 people to obtain data for the development of the final questionnaire. The analysis indicated that the self‐developed questionnaire had good reliability and validity. The revised structure model of conscience in Chinese adolescents includes five dimensions: (a) compassion, (b) honesty and credibility, (c) a sense of right and wrong, (d) filial piety and fraternal duty, and (e) gratitude. Using this scale, we surveyed 1,009 adolescents in China. We have discussed the characteristic differences in scale scores among different age cohorts, genders, subject disciplines, and places of residence.

Analysis of property management ecological behavior in China based on the grounded theory: The influencing factors and the behavior model

The prevailing property management philosophy in China is outdated and is therefore not useful for improving the sustainability of buildings and their facilities. However, the introduction and integration of basic ecological concepts in the existing studies of ecological property management theory has been limited. The analysis related to the methods for and the influencing factors on ecological behavior implementation has hardly been covered. Based on the use of grounded theory, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of property management ecological behavior by setting the influencing factors as the research target. First, a literature review is conducted to identify the definition of property management ecological behavior. Based on the theory of planned behavior, a preliminary theoretical model of the factors influencing ecological behavior in property management is constructed. Then, the research framework and a data analysis scheme are designed based on grounded theory. An in-depth review is used to gather information on property management in community and public housing. The interview data are coded and analyzed with the help of NVivo11 software to identify the influencing factors of the property management ecological behavior in China. Studies have shown that factors influencing property management ecological behavior include stimulus, status, scenario, and result. The stimulus factors include government regulations, market pressure, and social supervision. The status factors include scale, nature, capabilities, value, environmental awareness of managers, and financial situation. The scenario factors include service cost, resource availability, object factor, and owner willingness. The result factors include the profits of the company and the satisfaction of the owners. This study comprehensively identifies the influencing factors of the property management ecological behavior in China and enriches the definition of property management ecological behavior. A theoretical model of influencing factors of property management ecological behavior is built and employed to systematically analyze the characteristics of the ecological behavior of property service companies. This study provides a foundation for further analysis of the mechanisms guiding ecological behavior among property management companies in China.

Thermal Errors Classification Compensation without Sensor for CNC Machine Tools

Both multicollinearity and utilization deficiency of temperature sensors affect the robustness and the prediction precision of traditional thermal error prediction models. To address the problem, a thermal error prediction model without temperature sensors is proposed. Firstly, the paper analyzes the temperature field and thermal deformation mechanisms of the spindle of a CNC gear grinding machine in accordance with the parameters, efficiencies, and structures of the machine spindle and bearing. A preliminary theoretical model is established on the basis of the mechanism analysis. Secondly, the theoretical model is corrected according to the actual operation parameters of the machine. Thirdly, verification experiments are carried out on machine tools of the same type. It is found that the corrected model has higher precision in predicting thermal errors at the same rotational velocity. The standard deviation and the maximum residual error are reduced by at least 39% and 48% separately. The prediction precision decreases with the increase in prediction range when predicting thermal errors at different rotational velocities. The model has high prediction precision and strong robustness in the case of reasonable prediction range and classified prediction. In a word, prediction precision and robustness of the model without temperature sensors can be effectively ensured by reasonably determining the prediction range and practicing classified prediction and compensation for thermal errors at different rotational velocities. The model established can be applied to machine tools that have difficulties in arranging sensors or those whose sensors are significantly disturbed.

Flexural behaviour of steel storage rack beam-to-upright bolted connections

Steel storage pallet racks are usually unbraced in the down-aisle direction in order to make palletised goods always accessible. The down-aisle stability of unbraced rack structures mainly depends on the performance of beam-to-upright connections and column bases. Beam-to-upright boltless connections are commonly employed for their convenience in assembly and adjustment. Since storage racks are being designed to considerable heights for the purpose of improving warehouse efficiency, steel storage rack beam-to-upright bolted connections are gradually being introduced to improve the structural stability. The paper presents an experimental investigation into the flexural behaviour of beam-to-upright bolted connections of steel storage pallet racks. A total of twenty-one specimens were tested under monotonic loading in a single cantilever test setup, including three different size pallet beams, three different upright thicknesses, and beam-end-connectors with two or three tabs. This study examines deformation patterns and failure modes of the connections, their rotational stiffness, moment resistance and corresponding connection rotations. The results show that steel storage rack beam-to-upright bolted connections, classified as “semi-rigid” and “partial-strength” connections, generally experience ductile failure modes. The effects of critical geometric parameters, i.e. upright thickness, beam height and the number of tabs, on the flexural behaviour of bolted connections are also investigated. In addition, comparisons of performance and failure modes between bolted and boltless connections are made. Moreover, in order to promote the design by advanced analysis of rack structures, a preliminary theoretical model based on the Component Method is proposed to predict the initial rotational stiffness of beam-to-upright bolted connections in steel storage pallet racks. A good agreement is obtained between the initial rotational stiffness derived from the theoretical model and the experimental tests.

TOURQUAL: Proposal of a Protocol For Quality Evaluation on Services at Tourist Attractions

Tourism has been an important economic activity worldwide in recent years, and the increasing number of tourists and the competition among destinations pressure for the highest quality possible for tourists. The objective of this research is to propose a model to analyze the quality of services at tourist attractions. The first stage consisted of two bibliometric researches being performed, in order to identify the ‘state of art’ and verify the existing models of quality evaluation. Identified 36 models and 211 indicators of quality. From this initial exploratory research, a preliminary theoretical model was designed which worked with 35 indicators. The second stage collected and analyzed comments left by tourists on TripAdvisor.com. Analyzed 68.301 comments about tourist attractions in eight Brazilian cities, using the software T-LAB and compared with the indicators in the preliminary theoretic model. After of 35 indicators, 23 were maintained, 12 were excluded, and three new theoretic indicators were created, which made it possible to build a model able to be empirically tested. The test was carried out with 476 tourists who evaluated tourist attractions in Florianopolis-Brazil. In the confidence and questionnaire validation test the Alpha Conbranch presented an excellent result of 0.904 confirming the proposed model.

A Model of Communicative and Hierarchical Foundations of High Reliability Organizing in Wildland Firefighting Teams

Organizational hierarchy is an inescapable aspect of many exemplary high reliability organizations (HROs). As organizations begin to adopt HRO theorizing to improve practice, it is increasingly important to explain how HRO principles—which assume the hallmarks of a flat hierarchy—can be understood and enacted in rigidly stratified organizations. We propose a preliminary theoretical model suggesting how various supervisor–subordinate and work group communication patterns and practices enable members to navigate hierarchy to achieve high reliability. We test the model using structural equation modeling on a sample of N = 574 U.S. wildland firefighters from three federal agencies. Results suggest how organizational members might overcome common hierarchy-based constraints to HRO through considering how leaders throughout a chain of command communicate to cultivate the necessary cross-level awareness of an operation, and ways in which supervisors, members, and groups might cultivate interactional cultures with respectful affect.

Vibration Induced Phenomena in Granular Media in Microgravity

In order to study the dynamical behavior and the handling properties of granular materials under microgravity conditions, ESA is developing the VIP-Gran instrument whose multiple functionalities allow for the study of Vibration Induced Phenomena in Granular media in low gravity. Here, we present an overview of VIP-Gran’s evolution, from the original idea to the latest encouraging and fascinating results. At first, we give a description of the instrument and the different investigated topics. Then, we present numerical simulations that we performed in order to prepare our experiments and tackle fundamental questions concerning granular gases. Finally, we give an insight on the first experimental results from parabolic flight campaigns and confront them with preliminary works and theoretical models.

Therapeutic interventions in intimate partner violence: an overview

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and its prevention is a global public health priority. There is strong scientific evidence that suggests IPV and symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, chronic pain, etc. are linked. Despite recommendations and various interventions for the treatment of IPV that have been tried in these last 20 years, the rates of recurrence are still too high. Furthermore, there is a lack of research evidence for the effectiveness of the most common treatments provided for victims and perpetrators of IPVs. The purpose of this paper is to present most used, at a global level, therapeutic interventions for women experiencing IPV (as well as treatments for perpetrators). The possibility of building a preliminary theoretical and clinical model is discussed.

Secondary electron emission of graphene-coated copper

The secondary electron emission of graphene-coated copper has very interesting properties. In this work, we prepared graphene-coated copper foil and measured both the secondary electron emission yield (SEY) and the secondary electron energy spectra. Compared with the copper base, there is a significantly reduction for the SEY. For the copper base without coating, the max value of SEY is beyond 2.1 for the primary electron energy of 300eV. However, the corresponding value for the graphene-coated copper is about 1.5, reduced about 25%. For the secondary electron energy distribution, the elastically backscattered peak becomes higher and peak of the true secondary electrons is shifted from about 1.5eV to 4eV after coating the copper with graphene. The full width at half maximum of the true secondary electrons peak is also increased. Since the position of the peak is related to the surface potential barrier of the material, we believe that the graphene coating could increase the surface potential barrier of the material. This could also be the reason of SEY reduction because a higher potential barrier can reduce the electron emission from the material. A preliminary theoretical model of the surface potential distribution for copper surface with graphene coating was built and used to analyze the secondary electron emission of metal surface with graphene coating. The graphene coating is found to be an effective method to suppress the secondary electron emission.

The effect of laser machined pockets on the lubrication of piston ring prototypes

Surface texturing has emerged as a promising method to reduce friction loss at the piston ring/cylinder liner contact. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential for a new design of lasered oil pockets to improve the lubrication of piston rings. These pockets are fabricated at the inlet and outlet of a piston ring and can work as tiny step bearings to generate hydrodynamic lift. A series of bench tests are conducted to investigate the frictional performance of flat piston ring prototype (PRP) with various pockets. The results show that the pocket area ratio (AR) and depth have a major influence on the tribological behavior and significant friction reduction can be achieved by using pockets with appropriate geometric parameters (AR=25%, depth=5μm). In addition, a preliminary theoretical model that implements the mass-conservative cavitation algorithm was used to analyze the influence of pocket geometric parameters on the PRP lubrication. The simulation results showed good agreement with the trends observed in the experiments.

Implementing yoga within the school curriculum: a scientific rationale for improving social-emotional learning and positive student outcomes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesise research evidence and propose a theoretical model suggesting that school-based yoga programs may be an effective way to promote social-emotional learning (SEL) and positive student outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a literature review focusing on: the current state of research on school-based yoga interventions; a preliminary theoretical model outlining the potential mechanisms and effects of school-based yoga; similarities, differences and possibilities for integrating school-based SEL, yoga and meditation; practical implications for researching and implementing yoga in schools. Findings – Research suggests that providing yoga within the school curriculum may be an effective way to help students develop self-regulation, mind-body awareness and physical fitness, which may, in turn, foster additional SEL competencies and positive student outcomes such as improved behaviours, mental state, health and performance. Research limitations/implications – Given that research on school-based yoga is in its infancy, most existing studies are preliminary and are of low to moderate methodological quality. It will be important for future research to employ more rigorous study designs. Practical implications – It is possible, pending additional high-quality research, that yoga could become a well-accepted component of school curricula. It will be particularly important for future research to examine possibilities around integrating school-based yoga and meditation with SEL programs at the individual, group and school-wide levels. Originality/value – This paper is the first to describe a theoretical model specifically focused on school-based yoga interventions, as well as a discussion of the similarities and differences between school-based yoga, SEL and meditation.

Exploring biculturality and beauty standards through breast discourse and breasted experience of sexual minority women.

Body satisfaction and embodied experience are fundamental components of women’s mental health. This is especially true for sexual minority women (SMW) who experience the complex demands of biculturality, as they must attend to the appearance ideals of both mainstream and SMW subculture. The current study aimed to investigate SMW’s bicultural experiences of body satisfaction and beauty pressures through a focused exploration of SMW’s breast discourse and breasted experience. Specifically, we hoped to discern more conclusive findings on whether the SMW subculture acts to protect SMW from the negative effects of mainstream, heteronormative beauty standards as proposed by previous research findings. We conducted a qualitative study of 11 SMW with questions focused on a variety of experiential areas including breast development, gender identity, romantic relationships, mainstream culture and media, and SMW subculture. Data analysis resulted in 13 primary themes and 26 subthemes. From the thematic aggregate, a preliminary theoretical model emerged detailing the relationships and interactions among various social and personal-based factors and influences. Results determined that breasts as a gender marker, gender identity, the breast/chest-gender identity relationship, and internalized sexism and beauty codes are the principal factors involved in SMW’s bicultural breasted experience and beauty standard negotiation. These factors, emergent themes, and the preliminary theoretical model are discussed, along with clinical implications, study limitations, and future research directions.

Multi-Event Excitation Force Model for Inner Race Defect in a Rolling Element Bearing

This paper presents a theoretical model for the forcing function generated on the structure as a rolling element negotiates a spall-like defect on the inner race, considered to be a moving race. The negotiation of defect has been seen as a sequence of events for the purpose of understanding the physics behind this negotiation. Such an analysis has not been attempted in the literature and thus forms the basic contribution in this work. Defects are assumed to generate two events; one at the leading edge and other at the trailing edge. The entry event at the leading edge is modeled using contact mechanics and is a function of load, speed, and curvature of defect edge whereas impact event, modeled using the principles of mechanics, is a function of load, speed, size of defect, and curvature of defect edge. The vibratory response of the nonlinear rotor bearing system subject to such excitation is simulated numerically using fourth-order Runge Kutta method and analyzed in both time and frequency domains. The modeling results provide insight into the physical mechanism which is not measured in practice and highlight the weakness of entry pulse in comparison to the impact pulse, also observed by several other researchers in their experimental tests. Defects of varying severity were simulated and tested to validate the proposed model and the acceptable correlation of amplitudes at the characteristic defect frequency provides a preliminary multi-event theoretical model. The developed model has therefore laid a theoretical platform to monitor the size of the defect on inner race which may be considered not only to identify but also to quantify the defect.

Longing - A Dynamic Power in the Becoming of Health

The study describes a preliminary theoretical model for understanding the substance of longing, based on interpretation of texts from Augustine and Kierkegaard. The model demonstrates how the dynamic power inherent in longing can be utilized to create health processes. Processes of change unfold through suffering and love, which start an inner dialogue that leads to a form of transparency. Vulnerability makes the process of longing challenging, but the longing has a connectedness to the source of love that renders human beings more transparent. The process of longing can create change and metamorphosis, similar to an ontological homecoming, expressed as gratitude and more definite longing.

Business models and opportunity creation: How IT entrepreneurs create and develop business models under uncertainty

AbstractHow can entrepreneurs develop business models for markets in which the technology is constantly changing—or create business models for markets that do not exist? These are fundamental questions for information technology (IT) entrepreneurs, and for information systems (IS) scholars who seek to develop a theoretical understanding of business models. The case study presented in this paper addressed these questions, demonstrating how a small software firm developed its business model over a 15‐year period in cloud gaming markets. Based on the empirical findings, a preliminary theoretical model is presented. The aim of the model is to increase scholarly understanding of how business models are created and developed in markets in which the future directions of a technology are uncertain. It demonstrates the ways in which a business model may evolve through reassessment and development phases, which can be seen as transition elements linking old and new business models.

Longing – A Dynamic Power in the Becoming of Health

The study describes a preliminary theoretical model for understanding the substance of longing, based on interpretation of texts from Augustine and Kierkegaard. The model demonstrates how the dynamic power inherent in longing can be utilized to create health processes. Processes of change unfold through suffering and love, which start an inner dialogue that leads to a form of transparency. Vulnerability makes the process of longing challenging, but the longing has a connectedness to the source of love that renders human beings more transparent. The process of longing can create change and metamorphosis, similar to an ontological homecoming, expressed as gratitude and more definite longing.

Modeling for spindle thermal error in machine tools based on mechanism analysis and thermal basic characteristics tests

This paper proposes a method to accurately predict thermal errors in spindles by applying experimental modifications to preliminary theoretical models. First, preliminary theoretical models of the temperature field and the thermal deformation are built via mechanism analysis, which is based on the size of the spindle and the parameters of the bearing. Then, thermal basic characteristics tests are conducted at two different initial temperatures. Finally, the results of the thermal basic characteristic tests are evaluated, and the preliminary theoretical model is modified to obtain the final model. A simulation of axial thermal deformation under different speeds is conducted by finite element analysis. It shows that the relationship between the axial thermal deformation and the speed is approximately linear. The model is validated via some experiments on the spindle of a numerical control lathe. The results indicate that the proposed model precisely predicts the spindle’s temperature field and multi-degree of freedom thermal errors.