Showing papers in "Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology in 2011"

Factors influencing the adaptive re‐use of buildings

Abstract: Purpose – Adaptive re‐use enables a building to suit new conditions. It is a process that reaps the benefit of the embodied energy and quality of the original building in a sustainable manner. Initiatives to improve the sustainability of buildings have tended to focus on new construction projects rather than existing ones. One reason is the tendency to regard old buildings as products with a limited useful life that have to be eventually discarded and demolished. Much of the existing building stock will still be in use for another 100 years. Thus, there is a need to develop policy and strategies that encourage adaptive re‐use and the ongoing sustainability of building stock. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the factors influencing the decision to adopt an adaptive re‐use strategy.Design/methodology/approach – Adaptive re‐use is beginning to receive attention, yet there is a lack of consensus as to whether it is an appropriate strategy for meeting the changing needs and dem...

Partnership for integrating the corporate social responsibility of project stakeholders towards affordable housing development

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of partnership in integrating the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of project stakeholders towards better housing affordability.Design/methodology/approach – A research methodology, consisted of literature review and field studies, is designed to accomplish four objectives. First, to provide a comprehensive literature review of the concepts of affordable housing, project stakeholders, CSR and partnership; second, to present and synthesis the results of relevant field studies examined the experiences of CSR and partnership among selected construction firms and the Government of South Africa (SA) in affordable housing projects; third, to develop a CSR‐partnership model (and its action plan) that integrates the CSR of project stakeholders to achieve greater housing affordability; finally, to draw some conclusions and recommendations to improve the practice of CSR and partnership among government authorities and construction professionals.Fin...

VLSI interconnects and their testing: prospects and challenges ahead

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the functioning of very‐large‐scale integration (VLSI) interconnects and modeling of interconnects and evaluate different approaches of testing interconnects.Design/methodology/approach – In the past, on‐chip interconnect wires were not considered in circuit analysis except in high precision analysis. Wiring‐up of on‐chip devices takes place through various conductors produced during fabrication process. The shrinking size of metal‐oxide semiconductor field effect transistor devices is largely responsible for growth of VLSI circuits. With deep sub‐micron (DSM) technology, the interconnect geometry is scaled down for high wiring density. The complex geometry of interconnects and high operational frequency introduce wire parasitics and inter‐wire parasitics. These parasitics causes delay, power dissipation, and crosstalk that may affect the signal integrity in VLSI system. Accurate analysis, sophisticated design, and effective test methods are the requiremen...

Application of RCM for a chipping and sawing mill

Abstract: Purpose – This research is focused on the application of reliability‐centred maintenance (RCM) in a chipping and sawmill company. The aim of the study was to illustrate the application of RCM in a chipping and sawing mill.Design/methodology/approach – RCM is a structured process, which develops or optimises maintenance requirements of a physical resource in its operating context in order to realise its inherent reliability by logically incorporating an optimal combination of reactive, preventive, condition‐based and proactive maintenance practices. A detailed analysis of the RCM approach is presented as a step towards improving preventive maintenance (PM) within a sawmill.Findings – The study shows that the way that PM tasks are specified is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the PM program and could be a major source of maintenance‐related downtime. It is also revealed that most maintenance programs, which purport to be proactive, are in fact reactive. The paper also shows that RCM can be successfu...

Operationalising CMMI: integrating CMMI and CoBIT perspective

Abstract: – The use of capability maturity model integration (CMMI) on its own can be problematic for the organisation because it does not provide a roadmap to implementation or identification of key process improvement areas, but instead only provides the goals for each level of implementation. Addition of another framework such as control objectives for information and related technology (CoBIT) can add the required operational data, but poses some unique challenges for implementation. However, the integration of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), CoBIT, and ISO/IEC 22007 provides a roadmap to the integration of CMMI and CoBIT. The purpose of this paper is to discuss this co‐implementation and integration of the two frameworks, as well as the underlying framework of a new proposed integration model., – A literature review approach is used to address issues that have evolved from the empirical literature regarding the integration of CMMI and ITIL with other standards and determining whether this approach can be applied to the integration of CMMI and CoBIT as well. This literature review also provides insight into roadblocks to the implementation and structural improvements for CMMI., – The literature review demonstrated that the integration of CMMI and CoBIT could potentially be performed using the same techniques used in integrating ITIL and CoBIT, which provides a valuable guideline for further research into this area. However, further work will be required in order to determine the specifics of integration., – The paper adds to the existing literature by discussing the integration of CMMI and CoBIT and examining how these two frameworks can work together in order to create the basis for a new integration model.

Development of digital product catalogue for enabling agility in a manufacturing organisation

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the application feasibility of information technology (IT) for achieving agility in a typical manufacturing organisation.Design/methodology/approach – A literature study was conducted. It was found out that IT is not fully utilised for achieving agility in certain traditional manufacturing sectors. An implementation study was conducted in an Indian electronics switches manufacturing organisation to identify the causes of this insufficient utilisation. Finally, a feedback session was conducted to explore the practitioners' views of this research.Findings – The outcome of this research indicated the feasibility of adopting IT for infusing agility in contemporary manufacturing organisations.Research limitations/implications – This research was conducted in only one electronics switches manufacturing organisation situated in India. This may lead to the impression that the findings from this research may not represent all manufacturing organisations. However, t...

A framework for function‐based conceptual design support system

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the framework of conceptual design support tool (CDST) developed to assist designers during conceptual design process. The premise of the study is that, by combining human creativity with computer capabilities, it is possible to perform conceptual design process more efficiently than solely manual design. The study aims to show how conceptual design knowledge can be captured from experienced designers and kept in the computer system for later use and how the developed tool assists designers by handling some of the repetitive and time‐consuming tasks.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual design process model, which integrates systematic design approach with knowledge‐based system, is proposed. Based on this model, a CDST, which consists of function library, alternative concepts database, different modules for conceptual design activities, and a knowledge‐based system is developed. The alternative concepts database is built based on design reuse philos...

A kaleidoscopic view of psychology in design for maintainability of mechanical systems

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on design for maintainability with emphasis on psychology and cognitive sciences and suggest possible gaps from the point of view of researchers and practitioners.Design/methodology/approach – The paper systematically reviews the published literature and then analyzes it methodically.Findings – The paper discusses a new shift in engineering design, in general, and design for maintainability (DFM) of mechanical systems, in particular.Practical implications – Literature on DFM of mechanical systems with psychological factors has so far been very limited. This paper reviews a number of papers from the field of mechanical engineering and other related branches of engineering, along with important papers from the field of psychology and cognitive sciences. Subsequently, various merging trends in the field of DFM are identified to help researchers specifying gaps in the literature and direct the research efforts suitably.Originality/value – The pap...

Data flow analysis of plant and equipment health and safety management

Abstract: Purpose – Construction plant and equipment accident statistics suggest constant re‐evaluation of health and safety (H&S) systems is beneficial. This paper aims to process analyse plant and equipment H&S management systems on UK construction sites, with a view to applying information and communication technology (ICT) to them as an improvement mechanism.Design/methodology/approach – Five construction project case studies drawn from members of the former Major Contractors Group yield rich H&S process data. These are analysed using data flow diagram (DFD) techniques, to evaluate processes and proffer system improvements incorporating ICT.Findings – Causes of unsafe practice regarding management of construction plant and equipment are found to include: aspects of the plant itself, management processes and operator competence. A new ICT “process paradigm” is suggested, the architecture of which incorporates mobile computing, automatic identification and data collection and a management information system.Resea...

Design and construction of a low‐cost economical thermal vacuum chamber for spacecraft environmental testing

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and construction of a custom‐built low‐cost thermal vacuum chamber (TVC) for spacecraft environmental testing and verification. The paper provides detailed analysis and an insight into the design and development of the chamber. The chamber was specifically constructed for carrying out the thermal and vacuum environmental tests in a 16″ dia × 16″ long horizontal thermal vacuum chamber. The chamber is constructed using a combination of mechanical (roughing) pump and turbo‐molecular pump, used to pump the chamber down to 10−5 Torr and a combination of radiation heaters and nitrogen gas is used to vary the temperature within the chamber from +80 to −50°C.Design/methodology/approach – The TVC equipment is built as part of the picosatellite and nanosatellite program at Space Systems Research Laboratory of Saint Louis University. The equipment is built at a low cost and is suited for testing an entire picosatellite and several components and subsystem...

Safety awareness of practitioners in the Cypriot manufacturing sector

Abstract: Purpose – In the last few years a number of industrial catastrophes in the Cypriot manufacturing sector have taken place, resulting in losses of millions of Euro and disrupting the industrial production for days and, in a few cases, weeks and months. In the absence of official (or unofficial) statistics regarding the fire preparedness of small and medium enterprises in terms of policy, training and equipment, the purpose of this paper is to gather information and opinions about the current safety situation in the Cypriot manufacturing sector.Design/methodology/approach – Results from a nationwide survey in Nicosia are presented in this paper. A closed questionnaire concentrating on industrial (manufacturing) premises affected and non‐affected by a previous fire incident was devised and used in a weighted sample of companies. An open questionnaire was employed for interviewing the managers of fire‐stricken companies. Four industrial areas in Nicosia are under investigation in this study and results are pre...

Investigation into the effects of solid lubricant on the surface characteristics of some metals during orthogonal machining

Abstract: Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to explore the use of solid lubricant during orthogonal machining of carbon steels. This is a pioneer work in Nigeria. Most works have been on oblique cutting using conventional oil as lubricants.Design/methodology/approach – Different steels (low, medium and high carbon) were machined at different cutting conditions and tool geometries to determine the effects on surface characteristics while applying solid lubricant.Findings – The results showed considerable improvement in the surface finish with the use of solid lubricant. There was also a decrease in surface roughness values as compared to wet machining.Research limitations/implications – Further works on solid lubricant's effects on cutting force and residual stress could be done.Practical implications – From the findings of this work, solid lubricant use can be advocated as a better alternative to conventional cutting fluid. It is easily recoverable from the chips after machining.Originality/value – So far...

Overview of remote sensing techniques in earthquake prediction

Abstract: Purpose – The matter of predicting disasters has always been one of the hottest and most challenging tasks in geology. Earthquakes are among the most destructive ones among all the natural hazards. Occurring often without any warning, they are the most feared and unpredictable natural phenomena. In recent years with the emergence of new remote sensing instruments and techniques, geologists interested themselves to define accurate and reliable procedures to foresee disasters using this new technology. This paper aims to examine some of the data that have been used so far in earthquake prediction as well as cheap, relevant remotely sensing and geographic information systems methods to acquire and manipulate data.Design/methodology/approach – Earthquakes are not the same in terms of origins, places (depth) and effects. So after having a brief look at the earthquakes, this paper examines the data that can be used for predicting earthquakes and reviews some of the remote sensing methods used to predict tectoni...

The role of intrusion detection systems in electronic information security: From the activity theory perspective

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of intrusion detection systems as an access control supplement in protecting electronic information resources and networks in information‐centric organisations. The study focuses on the strengths and vulnerabilities of intrusion detection systems (IDSs).Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study is conducted with a retail organisation, and an educational institution in Cape Town, South Africa. Using purposive sampling, interviews are held with network administrators of sample institutions to unpack security priorities and the functionalities of IDSs, the significance of the system in concept, whether it is understood within network departments, the cost factor, and its value in securing networks against all possible security challenges. The activity theory is applied as a lens to understanding the security process, and to inform a future security frameworks and research initiatives.Findings – The findings are clear. Althou...

Today's pupils, tomorrow's engineers! Pedagogy and policy: a UK perspective

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to provide a critical analysis of UK Government policy in respect of recent moves to attract young people into engineering. Drawing together UK and EU policy literature, the paper considers why young people fail to look at engineering positively. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing together UK policy, practitioner and academic-related literature the paper critically considers the various factors influencing young people's decision-making processes in respect of entering the engineering profession. A conceptual framework providing a diagrammatic representation of the “push” and “pull” factors impacting young people at pre-university level is given. Findings – The discussion argues that higher education in general has a responsibility to assist young people overcome negative stereotypical views in respect of engineering education. Universities are in the business of building human capability ethically and sustainably. As such they hold a duty of care towards the next generation. From an engineering education perspective, the major challenge is to present a relevant and sustainable learning experience that will equip students with the necessary skills and competencies for a lifelong career in engineering. This may be achieved by promoting transferable skills and competencies or by the introduction of a capabilities-driven curriculum which brings together generic and engineering skills and abilities. Social implications – In identifying the push/pull factors impacting young people's decisions to study engineering, this paper considers why, at a time of global recession, young people should select to study the required subjects of mathematics, science and technology necessary to study for a degree in engineering. The paper identifies the long-term social benefits of increasing the number of young people studying engineering. Originality/value – In bringing together pedagogy and policy within an engineering framework, the paper adds to current debates in engineering education providing a distinctive look at what seems to be a recurring problem – the failure to attract young people into engineering.

Dominant feedback practices: shaping engineer literacy perceptions

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how dominant social practices embedded in situated report‐writing activities in an automotive discourse community in South Africa causally shape component engineers' perceptions of literacy. The study explores how the dominant practices of supervisor feedback and report acceptance causally impact on effective report‐writing perceptions during report text production.Design/methodology/approach – Critical ethnography is the preferred methodology as it explores cultural orientations of local practice contexts and incorporates multiple understandings to provide a holistic understanding of the complexity of writing practices. This study focuses on data collected during two interviews and a focus group discussion with four L2 component engineers as well as the questionnaires their two L1 supervisors completed.Findings – The engineers tended to measure or associate literacy and effective writing standards with supervisor feedback practices. These feedback practi...

Analytical analysis of long‐haul DWDM optical transmission systems in the presence of fiber nonlinearities

Abstract: Purpose – Fiber nonlinearities are anticipated to impose transmission limitations due to the enhanced total interaction length in long‐haul dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) optical transmission systems. The purpose of this paper is to analytically study the combined effect of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and four‐wave mixing (FWM) in the presence of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise generated by erbium‐doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs).Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents analytical analysis of DWDM optical transmission systems in the presence of two significant fiber nonlinearities (SRS and FWM).Findings – Simple expressions are derived to study the dependence of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) on the amplifier spacing between two consecutive amplifiers.Originality/value – The authors have analytically studied the combined effect of SRS and FWM in the presence of ASE noise generated by EDFAs. The novelty of the work is that it has considered all the three factors simultane...

Risk management overview of tunnels using numerical modeling

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the numerical methods in tunnel engineering and their capabilities to indicate the fracture and failure in all kinds of tunneling methods such as New Austrian Tunneling Method, tunnel boring machine and cut‐cover. An essential definition of numerical modeling of tunnels to determine the interaction between geo‐material (soil and rock) surrounding the tunnel structure is discussed.Design/methodology/approach – Tunnel geo‐material (soil and rock) interaction requires advanced constitutive models for the numerical simulation of linear, nonlinear, time‐dependent, anisotropic, isotropic, homogenous and nonhomogeneous behaviors. The numerical models discussed in this paper are developed in finite element method (FEM), finite deference method (FDM), boundary element method and discrete element method and these tools are used to illustrate the behavior of tunnel structure deformation under different loads and in complicated conditions. The disadvantage of this m...

Development of a cyclone with internal electric field

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a cyclone with an internal electric field to capture dust and fine carbon particles with less than 5 μm diameter.Design/methodology/approach – The cyclone collection efficiency model described by Cooper and Alley was used to design a conventional cyclone, which was later modified by introduction of the solenoid around it to introduce an electric field. The cyclone design performance was later established using ferrosilicon powder with less than 5 μm diameter.Findings – The cyclone was found to have a particle collection efficiency of around 25 per cent for ferrosilicon powder before the introduction of the solenoid; the introduction of the solenoid increased the particle collection efficiency to around 50 per cent and the charging of the solenoid further increased the collection efficiency to 85 per cent at 2 kV DC and 97 per cent at 3 kV DC. When the cyclone was placed back on the gasifier system and supplied with 2 kV DC, it collected up to 270 g of fine...

Possibility of using water mist fire suppression system in Hong Kong

Abstract: Purpose – The water mist fire suppression system (WMFSS) is an environmentally friendly fire protection system, replacing the total flooding halon system. It is starting to be popular in Hong Kong with five systems approved. However, such systems were tested under some scenarios very different from real fires. Performance under practical scenarios should be evaluated thoroughly. Full‐scale burning tests should be carried out to support that the systems would work in real fire scenarios as expected. This paper aims to briefly discuss whether the water mist system is suitable for use in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approach – Five water mist systems were approved in Hong Kong based on the fire test certificate provided by the manufacturers. Four systems were selected in this paper for discussion. Conditions of the fire scenarios in which the approved systems would work are described. The test scenario encountered should match with real fires. Such systems would work satisfactorily in the application area pr...

Embedded controlled low‐frequency AC to high‐frequency AC converter fed induction heater

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present, a novel boost‐active clamp bridge single stage high‐frequency zero voltage soft‐switching‐pulse width modulation (ZVS‐PWM) inverter, which converts the utility frequency AC power into high‐frequency AC power with an embedded controller. This single stage high‐frequency inverter is composed of a single‐phase diode bridge rectifier, a non‐smoothing filter, a boost‐active clamp bridge type ZVS‐PWM high‐frequency inverter, and an induction‐heated load with planar type litz wire working coil assembly. Also, the paper discusses how to extend the soft‐switching operation ranges and improve power conversion efficiency.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed converter is simulated and it is implemented using embedded controller.Findings – It was found that the single stage high‐frequency induction heating (IH) inverter using boosted voltage function can eliminate the DC and low‐frequency components of the working coil current and reduce the power dissipation of...