Range Of Performance Indicators Research Articles

Preliminary study of a dual channel solar photocatalytic ventilation wall system for year-round air purification and building energy savings

With the aim of meeting the weak adaptability to different seasons and low solar energy utilization efficiency for solar ventilation wall system. In the present work, a novel dual-channel solar photocatalytic ventilation wall (DSPVW) integrated with a photovoltaic (PV) panel and phase change materials (PCM) has been numerically proposed and simulated in winter and summer in subtropical climate zone. A range of performance indicators, such as outlet temperature, air heating gain, and clean air delivery rate (CADR), is evaluated. Furthermore, a comparative analysis is performed to assess the energy and exergy characteristics, distribution, comfortable temperature range percentage (CTRP), energy consumption and savings rate of three different systems: typical solar photocatalytic ventilation wall (SPVW), dual-channel solar photocatalytic ventilation wall (DSPVW), and DSPVW-PV/PCM. Results show that melting temperature of 313.15 K and 323.15 K respectively shows a good performance in winter and summer. The rate of temperature change and peak temperature to the outlet air slow down and decrease with the increase of PCM thickness, resulting in a cooling effect of 1.27 % and 2.83 % in winter and summer. In addition, the simulations with small channels exhibit poor thermal performance but better air purification effect, reaching total CADR as high as 69.46 m3 and 67.33 m3 respectively in winter and summer. Meanwhile, the energy consumption and energy saving rate of the DSPVW-PV/PCM is −3.09 kW and 75.7 %, respectively, compared to the SPVW system. This study could contribute to the widespread adoption and application of solar ventilation walls in regions with hot summers and warm winters.

Optimal weld bead profiles in the conduction mode LBW of thin Ti–6Al–4V alloy sheets

<abstract> <p>Day by day laser welding (LW) is gaining industrial importance. Good quality of weld joints can be realized through this process. Because this process yields low distortion and small weld bead. Aerospace, nuclear, automotive, and biomedical industries are opting for the lightweight and corrosion resistance titanium alloys. This paper deals with the generation of optimal weld bead profiles in the conduction mode laser beam welding (LBW) of thin Ti–6Al–4V alloy sheets. Laser beam diameter, power and welding speed are the 3 LBW parameters, whereas, bead width, depth of penetration, heat affected zone and maximum temperature are the performance indicators (PIs). 3 levels are set for each LBW parameter. Taguchi's L<sub>9</sub> OA (orthogonal array) is selected to minimize the numerical simulations. ANSYS Fluent V16.0 with Vc++ code is used to develop a generic model. %Contribution of each process variable on the PIs is assessed performing ANOVA analysis. The range of PIs is assessed adopting the modified Taguchi approach. A set of optimal LBW parameters are identified considering a multi-objective optimization technique. For these optimal LBW parameters weld bead width is minimum, and the depth of penetration is maximum. Empirical relations for PIs are developed and validated with simulations. Utilizing the Taguchi's design of experiments, empirical relations are developed for the performance indicators in laser beam welding (LBW) simulations performing few trial runs and identified the optimal LBW process parameters.</p> </abstract>

A Mitigation Hierarchy Approach for Managing Sea Turtle Captures in Small-Scale Fisheries

The mitigation hierarchy has been proposed as an overarching framework for managing fisheries and reducing marine megafauna bycatch, but requires empirical application to show its practical utility. Focusing on a small-scale fishing community in Peru as a case study system, we test how the mitigation hierarchy can support efforts to reduce captures of sea turtles in gillnets and link these actions to broader goals for biodiversity. We evaluate three management scenarios by drawing on ecological risk assessment (ERA) and qualitative management strategy evaluation to assess trade-offs between biological, economic, and social considerations. The turtle species of management focus include leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea, green turtle Chelonia mydas, and olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea. Adopting a mixed-methods iterative approach to data collection, we undertook a literature review to collate secondary data on the fishery and the species of turtles captured. We then collected primary data to fill the knowledge gaps identified, including establishing the spatial extent of the fishery and calculating turtle capture rates for the fishery. We identified and evaluated the potential risk that the fishery poses to each turtle species within Pacific East regional management units using a qualitative ERA. Finally, we evaluated potential management strategies to reduce turtle captures, incorporating stakeholder preference from questionnaire-based surveys and considering preliminary estimates of trends across a range of performance indicators. We illustrate how the proposed framework can integrate existing knowledge on an issue of marine megafauna captures, and incorporate established decision-making processes to help identify data gaps. This supports a holistic assessment of management strategies towards biodiversity goals standardized across fisheries and scales.

Analysis of the effectiveness of the implementation of the outsourcing models in the enterprise

The article presents the results of analysis of the five most likely scenarios for the unstable market situation development, which may need to be outsourced. Automotive production is considered as an operating environment, including individual parts or assemblies which can be outsourced or manufactured on their own. Scenario analysis was carried out by means of simulation modeling which allowed us to calculate a range of performance indicators which served as the basis for making a decision on the expediency of switching to outsourcing.

Sharīʿah-compliance ratings of the Islamic financial services industry: a quantitative approach

Purpose This study aims to develop a Sharīʿah-compliance rating mechanism for the Islamic financial services industry (IFSI), with a special focus on banking. The banking sector is taken as the area of focus due to its leadership role in the volume of global Sharīʿah-compliant assets. Design/methodology/approach The objectives of the Islamic financial system (IFS) are selected as the basis for ratings. A range of performance indicators (leading to achievement of the objectives) is grouped into four broader categories and used in the study to allocate scores with a sum total of 100. Special considerations – including the amount of resources required in performing an activity, suitability of prevailing business conditions, the degree of compulsion/discretion in performing a task and linkage with the essence of the IFS – were taken into account in the allocation of scores. Findings This study groups multiple performance measures into four categories, including portfolio construction (deposits mechanism, participatory and asset-based modes of financing), access to finance (service to the less-privileged and sector screening), reputation (disclosures and stakeholders’ survey) and Sharīʿah governance (Sharīʿah supervision and controls, charitable operations, human resources, product development and organization). The Portfolio, Audit, Reputation and System (PARS) rating system is then developed. Practical implications A Sharīʿah-compliance rating system is helpful in measuring the progress towards goal achievement of the IFS and in gaining stakeholders’ trust. It is also important for Sharīʿah boards and regulators in policy formulation, for management in addressing weaknesses and taking corrective measures and potentially for standard-setting bodies. Originality/value This study presents a comprehensive quantitative Sharīʿah-compliance rating mechanism, taking into consideration the objectives of the IFS – equitable distribution of wealth and financial stability, in addition to Sharīʿah-compliance in operations. Development of Sharīʿah-compliance quality ratings for Islamic banking is essential to gain customers’ trust; the suggested methodology is thus a contribution to the literature on Islamic finance.

The relationship between match performance indicators and outcome in Australian Football

ObjectivesTo identify novel insights about performance in Australian Football (AF), by modelling the relationships between player actions and match outcomes. This study extends and improves on previous studies by utilising a wider range of performance indicators (PIs) and a longer time frame for the development of predictive models. DesignObservational. MethodsNinety-one team PIs from the 2001 to 2016 Australian Football League seasons were used as independent variables. The categorical Win–Loss and continuous Score Margin match outcome measures were used as dependent variables. Decision tree and Generalised Linear Models were created to describe the relationships between the values of the PIs and match outcome. ResultsDecision tree models predicted Win–Loss and Score Margin with up to 88.9% and 70.3% accuracy, respectively. The Generalised Linear Models predicted Score Margin to within 6.8 points (RMSE) and Win–Loss with up to 95.1% accuracy. The PIs that are most predictive of match outcome include; Turnovers Forced score, Inside 50s per shot, Metres Gained and Time in Possession, all in their relative (to opposition) form. The decision trees illustrate how combinations of the values of these PIs are associated with match outcome, and they indicate target values for these PIs. ConclusionsThis work used a wider range of PIs and more historical data than previous reports and consequently demonstrated higher prediction accuracies and additional insights about important indicators of performance. The methods used in this work can be implemented by other sport analysts to generate further insights that support the strategic decision-making processes of coaches.

Scoring and general match profile of Super Rugby between 2008 and 2013

Rugby research has focused on a range of performance indicators related to game structures and tactical aspects. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of law changes on the match profile of Super Rugby between the 2008 and 2013 seasons. For the purpose of this study the researchers made use of mixed-method methodology. A total of 646 Super Rugby matches were recorded and analyzed by means of the Fairplay video analysis software package. Further semi-structured interviews were conducted with expert coaches, specialist coaches, players and referees and referee coaches. Results revealed a significant increase in the number of points scored (p<0.01) and a decrease in the number of tries scored (p<0.01). Results of the study show that the profile of Super Rugby has changed to a more continuous game dynamic with the increase in the number of ball carries (d=1.34), passes (d=0.43), tackle breaks (d=1.59) and line breaks (d=2.40), and has led to an increase in the number of tackles (d=0.63). A decrease in the number of rucks (d=1.73), mauls (d=0.63), scrums (d=0.27) and scrum resets (d=1.36) was found. An increase in penalty kicks (d=2.04) and a decrease in free kicks (d=0.4.53) between 2008 and 2013 were observed. The general match profile of Super Rugby has moved to a game with fewer scrums and kicks and more ball carries and tackles. According to the interviewed experts, good playing surfaces in the Southern Hemisphere allow for an open-game approach by the teams.

The relative effectiveness of testers during field surveillance for bovine tuberculosis in unrestricted low-risk herds in Ireland

In Ireland, new bovine tuberculosis (bTB) cases are detected using both field and abattoir surveillance. Field surveillance is conducted on all cattle annually using the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT). Testing is reliant on the skills and experience of the tester and a broad range of factors may adversely affect test accuracy. There is considerable emphasis on quality control (QC) within the national programme and field inspection of testers has been conducted in Ireland for many years. Since 2008, inspection has been supplemented with quantitative performance reports, enabling testers to be evaluated and ranked using a range of performance indicators. The objectives of this study were first, to quantify the relative effectiveness of testers during field surveillance and, second, to assess whether there has been any change in the performance of testers between 2008 and 2011. Mixed logistic regression was used to assess the relative effectiveness of testers. The study population included all testers who carried out at least ten eligible tests in Ireland during 2008 or 2011. The outcome measure was a herd restriction at the eligible test. Results from the mixed model indicated that the variation by tester had significantly (p=0.039) decreased from 0.589 in 2008 to 0.426 in 2011, indicating an increase in consistency of testing, after accounting for other known risk factors. This study provides objective data on the variation in tester performance over time and the relative performance of testers during field surveillance in Ireland.

Transportation responsiveness and efficiency within the building supply chain

Following the example of the manufacturing industry, the construction industry has utilized supply chain management to improve its performance and competitiveness. However, although performance measurement has attracted particular attention in the sector since the 1990s, supply chain performance measurement has been largely overlooked. Therefore, given that buildings are outputs of supply chain systems, there is a need to develop a better understanding of performance measurement pertaining to the interactions and interdependencies between the constituent parts of these systems. Based on primary data collected through a field study, the performance of two material distribution companies is examined in terms of their capacity to provide a time-responsive and cost-effective service to the building industry. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used to assess performance according to a range of performance indicators and to explore the relationship between transportation responsiveness and cost efficiency. The results show that vehicle-loading efficiency levels are particularly lower than those estimated in other sectors and reveal the prevalence of empty vehicle runs during backhauling. Significant variations in performance between the two companies are observed to be mainly attributable to the nature of business itself, as well as to adopted distribution strategies. Suivant l'exemple du secteur manufacturier, l'industrie du bâtiment a eu recours à la gestion de la chaîne logistique pour améliorer ses performances et sa compétitivité. Bien que la mesure de la performance ait fait l'objet d'une attention particulière dans ce secteur depuis les années 1990, la mesure de la performance de la chaîne logistique a été largement négligée. Etant donné que les bâtiments sont le résultat des systèmes de chaîne logistique, il est donc nécessaire de parvenir à une meilleure compréhension de la mesure de la performance concernant les interactions et les interdépendances entre les éléments constitutifs de ces systèmes. En se basant sur les données primaires recueillies grâce à une étude de terrain, les performances de deux entreprises de distribution de matériaux sont examinées sous l'angle de leur capacité à fournir à l'industrie du bâtiment des prestation réactives et rentables. Des statistiques descriptives et inférentielles sont utilisées pour évaluer leurs performances selon une gamme d'indicateurs de performance et pour étudier la relation entre la réactivité du transport et la rentabilité. Les résultats montrent que les niveaux d'efficacité de chargement des véhicules sont sensiblement inférieurs à ceux estimés dans d'autres secteurs et révèlent la prévalence des trajets à vide des véhicules lors du transport de retour. Il est observé des variations importantes de la performance entre les deux entreprises, qui sont principalement imputables à la nature même de leurs activités, ainsi qu'aux stratégies de distribution adoptées. Mots clés: industrie du bâtiment, logistique, réactivité, chaîne logistique, coût total d'acquisition, transport, efficacité du transport

Measuring and reporting on system performance across the Canadian cancer control continuum.

254 Background: The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer’s System Performance initiative is a national, collaborative effort, aimed at reporting pan-Canadian system performance indicators across the cancer control continuum to inform system-wide quality improvements. Methods: This work involved prioritizing indicator development to address quality and cancer continuum dimensions, defining and adopting standardized methodologies, and collecting validated, comparable data from provincial and national sources. Results have been disseminated though a number of general and special topic reports and have been used by policy makers and planners to identify and interpret gaps, variations, and trends to inform quality improvement strategies. An independent evaluation of the impact of this work was conducted in 2012. Results: The Reports, published annually since 2009, include a broad range of performance indicators on prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, research, patient experience, survivorship, supportive care, and long-term outcomes. Results show notable differences in performance by province, age and gender, geography (urban/rural), and socio-economic status, including significant variations in clinical practice patterns and concordance with evidence-based surgical, radiation, and systemic therapy guidelines. These are examined along with population risk factors, screening rates, and wait times, to assess relationships with outcome measures, including patient reported outcomes. Special studies, including chart reviews, have been conducted to explain variations, set performance targets, and to help focus quality improvement efforts. The impact evaluation identified substantial uptake of system performance information across the country and a range of specific initiatives informed by the work. Conclusions: This work represents one of the most comprehensive efforts of its kind involving all provincial and national jurisdictions in the sharing and dissemination of standardized performance results, the development of evidence-based national performance targets, and coordinated efforts to use this information to inform system-wide quality improvements in cancer control.

Understanding and predicting construction waste

For the last 12 years, Building Research Establishment (BRE) has been working on developing better data in terms of the amount and type of waste being produced as a result of construction activity. The means of collecting and aggregating these data have been refined over the years to arrive at the current large-scale and long-term benchmarking exercise being undertaken by way of BRE’s site waste management planning tool – Smartwaste Plan. Concurrently, a 3 year project ‘Understanding and predicting construction waste’ has been funded by Defra to develop robust reporting procedures and detailed waste benchmarks. A further objective is to demonstrate the use of such benchmarks as a means of predicting the amount and type of waste likely to be produced as a result of construction activity on a local and regional basis. This is potentially useful in working out gaps in suitable resource management facilities or under/over capacity relating to reprocessing specific waste materials. Interim results from these activities, conclusions and future/ongoing work are summarised in this paper. A range of performance indicators for waste arisings from new build construction were produced for a variety of different project types and for different waste types. These performance indicators have been use to produce benchmarks for standard, good and best practice.

‘Reading Tea Leaves’: An Assessment of the Reliability of Police Recorded Crime Statistics

Performance Management (PM) was introduced to the UK incrementally from the late 1980s onwards, with both Conservative and New Labour governments using the system to control the professionals charged with the delivery of public services. Performance frameworks were developed enabling comparisons to be made between similar public organisations delivering similar services. The Police Service was no exception and by the late 1990s a range of performance indicators had been introduced allowing comparisons between similar forces and command units. In addition to such a control mechanism, police forces were required to adopt the National Intelligence Model (NIM), an analytical and intelligence-led approach to controlling crime based on the principles of strategic management in tune with New Labour's philosophy on knowledge-based practice. Both these technologies rely on accurate crime data for comparative purposes. The adoption of the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) in April 2002, with its emphasis on a ‘victim-focused’ approach to crime recording, was heralded as a means of ensuring a ‘level playing field’ across all police forces. This article highlights a fundamental flaw in the NCRS and demonstrates how police forces have been able to exploit this and, in so doing, create the illusion that they are effectively reducing crime.

Linking the Effects of ERP to Organizational Performance: Development and Initial Validation of an Evaluation Method

The present study proposes and tests an adaptable method to evaluate the contribution of an ERP system to organizational performance. Using a process-based approach, the method was developed from a review of the IS evaluation literature, and then validated and refined through an in-depth case study of a manufacturing firm. Its originality lies in the fact that the whole range of performance indicators actually used by managers are integrated in the evaluation of the system.

Gasification characteristics of extra-heavy oil in a research-scale gasifier

From the perspective of energy security and environmental sustainability, the use of currently underutilized residual heavy oil can increase the value and applicability of Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power generation systems. In order to utilize such fuel in IGCC applications reliably and effectively, it is essential to understand the phenomena within the gasifier. Therefore, the gasification characteristics of Orimulsion™ (registered trademark of BITOR Ltd) were studied using a 2.4 t/d research. The gasifier has many unique measurement devices, such as heat flux probes, sampling devices for hot gas and partially reacted solids, an optical gas analyzer (laser Raman), etc. The gasifier provides a range of performance indicators, such as calorific value of the product gas, cold gas efficiency, carbon conversion efficiency, and the vertical distribution of those results. Gasification reaction mechanisms and the vertical distribution of heat flux, which are required for effective modeling of gasification phenomena, were also studied under various operating conditions. These results are of the form that can be used in the design and operation of actual gasifiers for use with feedstocks like Orimulsion™.

Review of TRESIS as a Policy Advisory Tool for Evaluating Land Use and Transport Interaction

The purpose of this paper is to review TRESIS (Transportation and Environment Strategy Impact Simulator) model system developed by Hensher and Ton (2002) as a policy advisory tool to evaluate the impact of policy instruments on a wide range of performance indicators. In this paper, we identify the key issues and associated criteria related to the use of urban land use and transport models for supporting policy analysis task. We then propose a policy review framework named SEEBEST as a means to identify and classify a wide range of key policy instruments and performance indicators supported by an urban model. The main focus is on the review of TRESIS, based on SEEBEST. A summary of main findings and further research questions are included in the conclusion.

Social processes and group decision making: anonymity in group decision support systems

Various social processes in decision-making groups are considered detrimental to the quality of decisions. It is often assumed that removing the ability for groups to exert strong social influence on its members improves group decisions. Group Decision Support Systems (GDSSs) are increasingly used to remedy the social faults of the decision-making process in groups. In these systems, anonymity is seen as a tool to reduce the impact of the group over its members, and therefore as the key to improved group performance. This meta-analytic review examines the assumption that anonymity in GDSSs is beneficial for group decision-making on a range of performance indicators. In 6 meta-analyses of 12 independent investigations there is no support for this hypothesis. The only reliable effect of anonymity was to lead to more contributions, especially more critical ones. An alternative model is presented to account for the findings. This model argues that performance in decision-making groups depends on the social context and relevant social norms as well as on system characteristics such as anonymity. It is concluded that the integration of anonymity into phases of group decision support does not guarantee improved performance.

An economist's perspective on irrigation performance assessment: With examples from large scale irrigation in Morocco

This paper accepts that assessing the performance of irrigated agriculture is difficult because being multi-dimensional it requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Public irrigation schemes may have a number of often competing objectives and are assessed by interest groups with differing values and perspectives. A wide range of performance indicators are thus required. Some of these and the complex inter-relationships that may exist in the system are illustrated.

Social Service Studies and the Explanation of Policy Outcomes

At least two theoretical implications of studies of social services are not given their full weight in much political science writing. The first is that the influence on policy outcomes of factors external to the organiztion have their influence at a variety of levels and on a multeity of groups of actors. For instance, the operating environment is argued to affect provision through its effects on the characteristics of potential consumers and therefore on the demand they make of the organization, the professionals and others at the client interface, local teams, departments, and authorities. In particular, the literature has stressed the impact of demands made by consumers on the structures of outputs. In doing so, it has begun to integrate theories about the causes of variations in demand into the theory about causes of variations in provisions. This is reflected in the modelling literature which draws on the social service studies. The models focus at a level of explanation at which it is possible to look at a wide range of performance indicators and to draw on a great deal of detailed evidence, and face more squarely issues of causal priority in the determination of outcomes.