The impact of poor assembly ergonomics on product quality: A cost–benefit analysis in car manufacturing

The study aimed at analyzing the relationship between assembly ergonomics, assemblability (“ease of assembly”), and product quality and at quantifying these relationships in economic terms. This was in order to better to support the development of more ergonomic product and assembly solutions, particularly at early stages of the car development process. The assembly of 24,443 cars was studied for 8 weeks in an assembly plant and for another 16 weeks as factory‐complete vehicles. The results show increased risks for quality errors of 3.0 and 3.7 times and total action costs that were 8.7 times and 8.2 times higher for high and medium physical load assemblies compared to low physical load assemblies for 55 tasks assessed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Optimising assembly learning in older adults through the manipulation of instruction

The present investigation assessed the putative benefits of reducing instructions for older adults' learning of an assembly task. Young and older adults had to build a product by assembling six components. Two groups practiced following instruction methods that differed in the degree of explicit information they conveyed about the correct assembly order. After practice, retention, consolidation of performance (tested immediately after practice and on a separate day, respectively) and stability of performance (tested by introducing a concurrent second task) were assessed. Younger adults showed similar performance levels for both instruction methods. Older adults, however, showed similar retention but clearly weaker consolidation and stability of performance following less encompassing instructions. Contrary to expectations, enhancing the involvement of explicit processes allowed older adults to gain a more permanent and stable performance improvements. The findings are discussed relative to the characteristics of the assembly task.     

Computer-aided activity planning (CAAP) in large-scale projects with an application in the yachting industry

The present paper provides the schema for an innovative and modular computer-based approach to the planning of activities in large-scale projects. Such projects are characterized by tens of thousands of tasks, which are consequently burdensome and difficult to plan manually. This is true to the point that in many shipyards only a low level of detail is used and poor planning is generally performed. The proposed approach is called computer-aided activity planning (CAAP), and an application in the yachting industry is shown to demonstrate its effectiveness. In particular, the so-called outfitting planning problem is faced. The CAAP system, taking into account the available shipyard resources and the knowledge on the building rules is able to automatically define, sequence, and schedule the activities of the whole outfitting process acting as a “planning configurator”. Moreover, it allows the industry-specific knowledge to be stored, maintained and shared within the (extended) organization. Owing to these “building blocks”, plans can be defined accurately and in a shorter time starting from pre-defined templates, with particular impact on lead times whenever variations to complex projects are needed. Finally, to verify the actual capabilities of the approach, the CAAP was implemented within a prototypical software called NautiCAAP.     

视频会议系统在政府行业中的应用

本文通过对视频会议技术、发展和应用的阐述,并结合当前武汉市国土规划管理工作和信息化工作的需求,说明了建设视频会议系统的必要性,重点论述了系统的设计概况、系统所采用的相关技术、系统的先进性等,最后说明了建设视频会议系统的意义。     

一种选择制造业信息系统应用的决策模型

给出一种选择制造业信息系统（IS）应用的决策模型，该模型基于系统的关联性原理，即各种IS应用之间相互关联有机结合而产生协同效应，使得总体功能大于各应用功能之和，利用层次分析法（AHP）对IS应用进行初始排序，建立处理协同效应与资金分配的数学模型，通过模型求解确定应加以引进的IS应用集合，并确定它们的实施顺序，给出一个分析实例来说明决策模型的使用方法。     

Design and implementation of a fuzzy expert system for performance assessment of an integrated health, safety, environment (HSE) and ergonomics system: The case of a gas refinery

The objective of this study is to design a fuzzy expert system for performance assessment of health, safety, environment (HSE) and ergonomics system factors in a gas refinery. This will lead to a robust control system for continuous assessment and improvement of HSE and ergonomics performance. The importance of this study stems from the current lack of formal integrated methodologies for interpreting and evaluating performance data for HSE and ergonomics. Three important reasons to use fuzzy expert systems are (1) reduction of human error, (2) creation of expert knowledge and (3) interpretation of large amount of vague data. To achieve the objective of this study, standard indicators and technical tolerances for assessment of HSE and ergonomics factors are identified. Then, data is collected for all indicators and consequently, for each indicator four conditions are defined as “acceptance”, “low deviation”, “mid deviation” and “high deviation”. A membership function is defined for each fuzzy condition (set) because an indicator cannot be allocated to just one of the above conditions. The expert system uses fuzzy rules, which are structured with Data Engine. Previous studies have introduced HSE expert system whereas this study introduces an integrated HSE and ergonomics expert system through fuzzy logic.     

DASH questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms in industry workers: a validity and reliability study

Purpose

The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire is a self-administered region-specific outcome instrument developed as a measure of self-rated upper-extremity disability and symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and the construct validity of the DASH questionnaire by establishing its correlation to the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) in industry workers. Also we aimed to investigate whether the DASH can be used as a standardized questionnaire to evaluate the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in upper extremity in industrial settings and epidemiological studies.

Material and methods

The Turkish version's reliability and construct validity were evaluated in 240 industry workers with upper-extremity musculoskeletal complaints. Workers were asked to complete a packet that included the DASH and the SF-36. Test-retest reliability was assessed in all workers who filled in the DASH questionnaire 15 days later. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing the overall and work component DASH scores with SF-36 summary and subscales.

Results

The mean DASH score for the textile workers whose duties were confection, dyeing, sewing, quality control and packaging was calculated as 65, 55, 68, 54 and 67, respectively. As a result of this study, pain intensity in shoulder, wrist and hand was significantly associated with the DASH score (p<0.05). Internal consistency of the DASH was high (Cronbach alpha 0.91). Test-retest reliability was excellent for the overall DASH (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.92). Moderate correlations (p<0.05) were found between the overall and work component DASH and the SF-36 summary scales. Pearson correlation coefficients of the overall and work component DASH to the SF-36 subscales ranged from −0.33 to −0.82.

Conclusion

These results support that DASH is a reliable and valid instrument to measure functional disability and investigate the ergonomic risk factors in textile workers with upper-extremity musculoskeletal complaints.     

Effective human utilization in an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) industry by the implementation of agile manufacturing: A POLCA approach

Agile manufacturing (AM) has been recognized as an international strategy for improving industrial competitiveness. Agility refers to the ability of an organization to adapt to changes within its environment and to utilize them for earning profit and constituting a major item of expense for any organization, having a palpable effect on its profitability. Manpower utilization is considered as one of the important attributes affecting the organization's ability to be agile. In other words, an effective manpower utilization in any agile environment can reduce the workload and enhance the profitability of any organization. The efficiency of any agile organization lies in improved production, through the utilization of a smaller workforce without impacting on its work‐life balance. Thus, this research is focused on ensuring minimum manpower utilization on the machine shop floor of an Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) industry by implementing the Paired‐cell Overlapping Loops of Card with Authorization (POLCA) approach. Effective manpower utilization is an important aspect requiring focus in all areas relating to manufacture. However, POLCA, despite being a powerful and multiapplicative tool for AM, has still not been used by researchers for effective manpower utilization. This article takes initiative in this area.     

Supporting science learning in linguistically diverse classrooms: Factors related to the use of bilingual content in a computer-based learning environment

Computer-based learning environments (CBLEs) are a promising means to support language minority (LMi) students in acquiring knowledge and skills through the integration of authentic support in their home language. This study aimed to determine the use of scientific bilingual content offered to fourth-grade students (n = 250) in the CBLE E-Validiv and to identify both student and classroom characteristics related to this use. All the content in E-Validiv is accessible in the language of instruction and one of six other languages. For LMi students, the other language is set to their home language. Multilevel hierarchical regression analyses show that especially LMi students who assess themselves as highly proficient in their home language use the content more in the other language than language majority students. However, even LMi students focus mainly on content in the language of instruction, which indicates that they particularly apply their home language to support their learning process in the language of instruction. Additionally, students who perform higher on science subjects access content more in the language of instruction. The presence of linguistic diversity in the classroom and the positive use of linguistic diversity by the teacher do not seem to matter. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.     

The impact of Technology-Enabled Active Learning (TEAL) implementation on student learning and teachers’ teaching in a high school context

Technology-Enabled Active Learning (TEAL) is a pedagogical innovation established in a technology-enhanced multimedia studio, emphasizing constructivist-oriented teaching and learning. In Taiwan, an increasing number of schools are adopting the TEAL notion to deliver courses. This study examines the impact of TEAL on both student performance and teachers’ teaching of physics in the context of one of the high schools. A quasi-experimental research approach was used to conduct the study. Data sources include pre-/post-tests, interviews, class observations, and the researcher’s journals. The findings reveal that the benefits that the participants gained from exposure to the innovative instruction appear in various aspects in addition to the students’ test results. Having higher interest in attending physics classes and being more active in participating in extracurricular science activities on the part of the students, and being more enthusiastic about and confident in helping students strengthen their physics concepts on the part of the teacher, are among the non-test score gains. The students’ achievements and positive responses to the teacher’s instruction seem to have motivated his dedication and confidence. It is also found that teachers’ teaching beliefs and desire to change greatly affected their classroom practices and technology integration. To more effectively implement instructional innovations in a school, suggestions are provided.     

Factors affecting the intention to use a web-based learning system among blue-collar workers in the automotive industry

This study aims to identify, using an extended Technology-Acceptance Model (TAM), the factors affecting the decision of using a web-based learning system among blue-collar workers in the automotive industry. A structural equation-modeling approach was applied to identify the variables that significantly affect the decision of using the system. Using LISREL 8.54, data collected from 546 blue-collar workers were used to test the proposed research model. Empirical testing of the extended TAM found all paths to be significant in the hypothesized directions, that is, the results of the study strongly support the application of extended TAM in predicting the blue-collar workers’ intention to use a web-based learning system. Among the factors, social influence is a much stronger predictor of user intention compared to others. The study concludes with the implications of this study for managers and recommendations for possible future research.     

Using a concept map knowledge management system to enhance the learning of biology

This study was undertaken with the goal of developing a Concept Map Knowledge Management System (CMKMS) for use as a tool in observing change in a student's understanding of biology concepts over time. The CMKMS should be useful in assessing the extent of a student's knowledge and in revealing their unique thought processes. The study was concerned not only with a student's self-evaluation of learning but also with their level of satisfaction after using the CMKMS. The CMKMS combines the diagnosis of concept mapping with the style of thought processing, and promotes teaching activities step-by-step, in order to promote effective student learning. In analyzing the factors that influence the effect of teaching, the teacher can determine a student's knowledge structure and highlight misconceptions by inspecting the concept maps and logs. The results of this study show that knowledge management involved in computer-aided instruction in the teaching of biology had a positive influence on learning effectiveness. The CMKMS also was useful in promoting the student's thought processing, creativity, and ability to judge.     

Convergence adoption model (CAM) in the context of a smart car service

This study proposes the convergence adoption model (CAM) in the context of a smart car service. The unique characteristics of convergence technology demand the incorporation of compatibility judgment, task-technology-fit (TTF) and the effect of visual design to fully understand users' adoption intention. The results of our study indicate that the compatibility with past experiences with existing and comparable technologies is indeed a critical factor affecting perceived ease-of-use, usefulness, and enjoyment of convergence technology. TTF is found to directly influence the adoption intention and mediate the effect of perceived usefulness and enjoyment on the adoption intention. Finally, the results show that visual attractiveness of the interface design enhances the evaluation of the key constructs of our model, such as compatibility judgment, perceived enjoyment, and adoption intention of convergence technology.     

Types of manual materials handling (MMH) and occupational incidents and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in motor vehicle parts manufacturing (MVPM) industry

The motor vehicle parts manufacturing (MVPM) works include various types of manual materials handling (MMH). This study analyzes occupational incidents and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by MMH in the MVPM industry. Also, this study conducted a risk assessment for predicting the possibility and severity of the injuries and MSDs. This study examined 236 injured persons registered for occupational incidents and MSDs caused by MMH tasks. Of the 236 injuries, 124 (52.5%) were caused by lifting/lowering, followed by 92 (39.0%) pushing/pulling and 20 (8.5%) carrying. MSDs were the highest at 36.9%, followed by struck by (22.9%), caught in (19.5%), and slip/fall (9.7%) incidents. In the case of incidents, the percentage caused by pushing/pulling was the highest at 55.7%, followed by lifting/lowering (35.6%) and carrying (8.7%). However, in the case of MSDs, the percentage caused by lifting/lowering was the highest at 81.6%, followed by pushing/pulling (10.3%) and carrying (8.0%). However, the rate of severe injured with over 180 work-loss days was higher in carrying works, women, or older workers over 50 years. The highest prevalence of MSDs was low back (63.2%), followed by shoulders (17.2%), and arm/hand regions (16.1%). In risk assessment according to the work process, ‘struck by incidents during pushing/pulling carts in the logistics process’ is the most possible and the highest average of work-loss days.Relevance to industryThis study presents the overview of actual nationwide compensation records occurred during MMH tasks in the MVPM industry. Also, this study shows the outlines of occupational incidents and MSDs, and the most possible and severe incident according to the types of MMH and work process.     

Significance of the dimensional view for visualizing relevant aspects of a production system in a co-operative planning process

Pictorial visualization is expected to facilitate communication between industrial professionals when planning working environments and production systems. This hypothesis was investigated by studying how 24 participants including managers, supervisors, machine operators, and occupational health and safety officials, judged three types of computer animated visualization varying in dimensional view (scale and scope of a production line):shop floor view/survey of shop floor; production unit view/semi-survey of production unit; and workplace view/close-up of workplace, in relation to a set of planning issues. The participants participated in a controlled 2-day planning workshop, redesigning a fictitious manufacturing process by means of computer graphics, and then responded to a questionnaire. It can be concluded that shop floor view as well as production unit view are significant for survey planning issues, while all 3-dimensional views are significant for close-up planning issues. Analogously, all dimensional views are significant for technocentric planning issues, whereas only the workplace view is valuable for anthropocentric planning issues.     

Examination of the effects of computer-based mathematics instruction methods in children with mathematical learning difficulties: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Technology is the candle which brightens the way of learning. Teaching by using computers is not a new practice and is in vogue for over 80 years. Computers have become powerful technological tools for educational purposes. Students who can develop good mathematical skills will also be able to learn other skills more easily, become more successful than others and further their learning process. The effectiveness of Computer-Based Instruction for teaching mathematics to children with specific learning difficulties has not been tested yet. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of Computer-Based Instruction on children with mathematical learning difficulties by evaluating the results of studies conducted in different countries with the help of the meta-analysis method, which is defined as a subset of systematic reviews of experimental researches. Inclusion criteria have been used to determine which one of the examined studies would be included in the meta-analysis. The sample size of the study is 1364 for the experimental group and 926 for the control group. Consequently, it has been observed that Computer-Based Instruction had positive effects on children with mathematical learning difficulties.     

A flexible data schema and system architecture for the virtualization of manufacturing machines (VMM)

Future factories will feature strong integration of physical machines and cyber-enabled software, working seamlessly to improve manufacturing production efficiency. In these digitally enabled and network connected factories, each physical machine on the shop floor can have its ‘virtual twin’ available in cyberspace. This ‘virtual twin’ is populated with data streaming in from the physical machines to represent a near real-time as-is state of the machine in cyberspace. This results in the virtualization of a machine resource to external factory manufacturing systems. This paper describes how streaming data can be stored in a scalable and flexible document schema based database such as MongoDB, a data store that makes up the virtual twin system. We present an architecture, which allows third-party integration of software apps to interface with the virtual manufacturing machines. We evaluate our database schema against query statements and provide examples of how third-party apps can interface with manufacturing machines using the VMM middleware. Finally, we discuss an operating system architecture for VMMs across the manufacturing cyberspace, which necessitates command and control of various virtualized manufacturing machines, opening new possibilities in cyber-physical systems in manufacturing.     

Using a voting system in conjunction with interactive whiteboard technology to enhance learning in the English language classroom

This study discusses the pedagogical potential of an interactive voting system used in conjunction with interactive whiteboard technology. The data discussed here are drawn from a qualitative study, carried out in the context of a British university pre-sessional programme in English for Academic Purposes and Study Skills for international students in the summers of 2003 and 2004. Research data were collected via a variety of ethnographic research instruments, namely classroom observations and feedback from critical colleagues, teacher’s field notes, video recording of classes, semi-structured interviews with students, and pre- and post-course student questionnaires. The findings indicate that the electronic voting system was seen to increase considerably the scope of interactivity during the lessons by helping students to enhance their development into active participants. However, the data have also indicated that the levels of interactivity in the approaches adopted in the context investigated could still be considered relatively “shallow”, and some suggestions have been provided to improve this aspect of technology use.     

Computer-enriched instruction (CEI) is better for preview material instead of review material: An example of a biostatistics chapter,the central limit theorem

This study examines the timing using computer-enriched instruction (CEI), before or after a traditional lecture to determine cross-over effect, period effect, and learning effect arising from sequencing of instruction. A 2 × 2 cross-over design was used with CEI to teach central limit theorem (CLT). Two sequences of graduate students in nursing participated in this study. Sequence A was given the CEI and handout first, followed by a traditional lecture and handout. Sequence B was given a lecture and handout first, followed by the CEI and handout. A pre-test and posttests (posttest1 after the first presentation and posttest2 after the second presentation) were given to measure instructional outcomes. All tests were 10 multiple choice questions with four options and only one option was the correct answer.