Ryerson University

About: Ryerson University is a education organization based out in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 7671 authors who have published 20164 publications receiving 394976 citations. The organization is also known as: Ryerson Polytechnical Institute & Ryerson Institute of Technology.

Process embedded design of integrated management systems

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a process‐based design of integrated management systems (IMS) implementation.Design/methodology/approach – An extensive survey of peer‐reviewed literature was conducted. Based on the literature review, a comprehensive methodology for the design and implementation of an IMS was developed.Findings – A critical review of the strategies employed and of difficulties encountered in IMS implementation reveals the need for a context‐ and process‐based design of IMS. At the operational level core activities are first designed from the perspective of stakeholders' requirements and then treated with operational excellence tools to strip away waste. The transformed core processes are then integrated with mainstream individual management systems to form one composite and holistic management system. The institutionalisation of IMS needs to be addressed in its design (through process embedded design) as well as at the users' level (through education and training of emplo...

Incorporating service quality into consumer mall shopping decision making: a comparison between English and French Canadian consumers

Abstract: Purpose – Traditionally, researchers in environmental psychology have developed the classic C (cognition)‐ E (emotion)‐ B (behavior) paradigm. However, some researchers have failed to replicate this classic paradigm and suggested that cognition is an antecedent to emotions. The main goals of this research are to extend the C‐E‐B paradigm by incorporating consumers' perceptions of service quality and to determine whether the extended model of consumer shopping mall decision process is invariant across English and French Canadian consumers.Design/methodology/approach – By conducting a three‐step analysis, six hypotheses are empirically examined through a survey of 266 “real” English and French Canadian consumers in a shopping mall.Findings – Findings indicate that consumers' evaluations of service quality in a shopping environment mediate their pleasure and purchase intention. Consumer mall shopping decision‐making process is invariant across English and French Canadian consumers.Practical implications – Fo...

Assessing Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Engineered Cementitious Composites

Abstract: In recent years, a number of investigations of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) have been carried out, and the mechanical behavior and durability characteristics of this type of composite are now increasingly better understood. The fire-resistant behavior of this specialized concrete, however, has not yet been studied as extensively. This investigation develops important data on the mechanical properties and microstructure of ECC exposed to temperatures up to 800°C (1472°F). In this study, the mechanical properties (residual compressive strength, stress-strain curve, and stiffness) and mass loss were determined after air cooling, subsequent to temperature exposure. Changes in the microstructure, porosity, and pore size distribution of the fire-deteriorated ECC specimens were identified using scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry techniques. Test results revealed no significant changes in the mechanical properties for tested specimens exposed to temperatures up to 400°C (752°F) for 1 hour. Microstructural analysis showed the creation of supplementary pores and channels in the matrix due to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers melting in the 200-400°C (392-752°F) temperature range. After a 1-hour exposure to temperatures of 600 and 800°C (1112 and 1472°F), the mechanical performance of fire-deteriorated ECC mixture is similar to or better than that of conventional concrete incorporating polypropylene or steel fibers, despite a significant reduction in compressive strength and stiffness. Moreover, no explosive spalling occurred in any specimens during the fire test. The promising performance of ECC under fire exposure may be due to the presence of PVA fibers and high-volume fly ash. The beneficial influence of fly ash can be ascribed to the pozzolanic reaction consuming calcium hydroxide in the hydrates. PVA fiber is also beneficial in that it prevents explosive spalling. This introduces additional channels for vaporized moisture in ECC to escape without creating high internal pressure in the material.