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The Application of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) as Improvement Tool in Manufacturing
No full textThe paper examines the growing pressure on manufacturing firms towards reduction of costs, continuously innovating services and products, and faster response time to address global competition in the marketplace that has resulted in firms adopting towards more lean and agile approaches. The study aims to analyse the proposition of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) to ABC Ltd to reduce excessive inventory from suppliers located in China. Research extends the details of current issues, proposed process changes when executing VMI program, and the potential benefits and problems that can be attained to both ABC Ltd and the offshore suppliers. A series of propositions are being engaged to show how VMI can be a successful improvement tool and not just an accounting issues if the involvement of the management practice is enough into the process changes. The findings are examined through existing research, to deliver ABC Ltd the solutions that will achieve optimal inventory policies
An investigation of teacher and administrator perceptions of blended learning in two selected unity schools in Kogi State, Nigeria
No full textBackgroundUnity Secondary Schools in Nigeria are taking significant steps to provide effective learning experiences for their students and one approach that they have adopted is blended learning.Motivation behind the research Despite this move, there appears to be no clear understanding of what blended learning is and what this approach to learning really entails. This qualitative study, therefore, seeks to investigate the perception of teachers and administrators on what they consider to be the definition and practice of blended learning, its implementation, and challenges as well as the implication of blended learning for teachers’ professional development in two selected Unity Secondary Schools in Nigeria.Theoretical Framework The researcher used the theoretical framework of Davis (1986) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical lens to penetrate issues, challenges and current concerns posed in blended learning implementation in selected Unity Secondary Schools in Nigeria. The researcher proposes that applying Davis (1986) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) will facilitate an understanding of issues relating to the implementation of blended learning in Unity Secondary Schools and provide useful insights for educational institutions who have adopted or wish to adopt and combine various information, communication, and related technologies with traditional classroom instruction.Methodology This research is framed in an interpretivist perspective in the context of a qualitative research to examine the perceptions of teachers and administrators with a view to ascertaining how the concept of blended learning is defined, how it is implemented, its challenges as well as its implications for teachers’ professional development. The qualitative research approach is considered a valuable method for educational research to develop theory, evaluate programs, and develop interventions. To achieve the aim and objectives of this research work, extensive fieldwork research was conducted using multiple sources of data collection to ensure triangulation of data. The triangulation design used data collected from three different qualitative research methods (semi-structured interviews with teachers and administrators, focus group discussion with teachers, and documentary evidences such as the National Policy on Education (NPE), National Teacher Education Policy (NTEP) and the National Information and Communication and Technology (ICT) Policy. The qualitative evidence was analysed using thematic analysis and content analysis of policy documents.The content analysis of policy documents responded to the need to systematically examine the implementation of the provisions of the National Policy on Education, National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy as well as the Nigerian National Policy for Information and Communication Technology (NPICT) in Education regarding the provision of ICT infrastructure and capacity development and how it affects the use of the blended learning approach to teaching and learning in Unity Secondary Schools in Nigeria.Results Although the research findings identified various perceptions of the definition of blended learning as well as perceived benefits of blended learning intervention. Practical challenges of the effective implementation of blended learning were also identified as follows: lack of clearly defined and streamlined strategies for teachers’ professional development supportive of blended learning implementation, poor ICT skills of teachers, lack of ICT infrastructure, under-funding, inadequate electricity, lack of access to software that will facilitate teaching and learning, lack of internet access, absence of a well-articulated strategy to guide ICT implementation, lack of political will to implement blended learning in Unity Secondary Schools, all of which account for blended learning implementation challenges.Recommendations While highlighting these perceived challenges of the effective implementation of blended learning, the study recommends that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy strengthens the administrative capacity of Unity Secondary Schools to drive and implement blended learning interventions, while also putting into place strategies that favour the professional development-oriented growth for teachers in Unity Secondary Schools.Furthermore, the research suggests that an ICT Policy Implementation Commission be established that will address the challenges highlighted in the literature and in this study, and help sustain the shift from traditional pedagogy to the pedagogy of technology integration where teaching can incorporate technology to make learning active and teaching student centred Contribution to Knowledge The contributions of this research work on academic and practical levels are apparent with the research demonstrating a significant effort at carrying out an in-depth study that seeks to examine the issues, challenges, and dilemmas in the implementation of the blended learning instructional approach in the context of a developing-country, and more specifically in Unity Secondary Schools. This is due to previous studies focusing on blended learning in Higher Education Institutions and were generally undertaken in different cultural contexts from Nigeria. The study therefore, seeks to bridge this gap in knowledge. Practically, the study has significant implications for both educators, and decision makers, such as: the need to be more committed to the effective implementation of blended learning interventions.Similarly, the study underscores the need for the development of a strategic framework for teachers’ professional development. Fundamentally, the study emphasises the need to develop a carefully outlined action plan that will guide educators as well as other stakeholders in Nigeria’s secondary education sub-sector on ways to address the challenges that have inhibited the effective implementation of blended learning. These plans, the study noted, must be such that will address the issues of teachers’ professional development, underfunding and lack of ICT infrastructure in Unity Secondary Schools. Finally, several directions for further research have been recommended for study
A theory of change for web-based therapy and support services for children and young people: collaborative qualitative exploration
No full textBackground: Web-based counselling and support has become increasingly commonplace for children and young people (CYP).Currently, there is limited research that focuses on the mechanisms of change within complex telepsychology platforms, a factor that makes designing and implementing outcome measures challenging.Objective: This project aims to articulate a theory of change (ToC) for Kooth, a web-based therapy and support platform for CYP.Methods: A collaborative qualitative research design involving professional staff, academic partners, and young people was used to develop the ToC. The following three major reflective phases were engaged: a scoping workshop involving professional staff and academic partners, a series of explorative projects were completed to inform the development of the ToC, and the draft ToC was reviewed for coherence by key stakeholders (young people, online professionals, and service managers).Results: A collaboratively developed ToC was presented. This was divided into the conditions that lead to individuals wanting to access web-based therapy and support (eg, individuals wanting support there and then or quickly), the mode of service delivery (eg, skilled and experienced professionals able to build empathetic relationships with CYP), and the observed and reported changes that occur as a consequence of using the service (eg, individuals being better able to manage current and future situations).Conclusions: Developing the ToC helps to shed light on how web-based therapy and support services aid the mental health and well-being of CYP. Furthermore, it helps to understand the development of positive virtual ecosystems and can be used to devise evaluative tools for CYP telepsychology provider
“A Blank Slate”: preparing for Tokyo 2021 during COVID-19
No full textThis article presents a case study of an applied consultancy experience with WL, an Olympic athlete preparing for Tokyo 2021. WL sought psychological support after decreases in performance and well-being forced them to consider their future as an athlete. COVID-19 and the lockdown of the United Kingdom were highly influential to the consultancy process, providing WL with the opportunity to explore their identity in the absence of sport. WL framed their emergence from the lockdown as a “Blank Slate,” which was a critical moment allowing them to “find themselves on and off the mat.” The sport psychologist’s existential philosophy is presented and discussed in detail. Furthermore, reflections are provided by WL’s strength and conditioning coach about the referral process and by WL themself about the efficacy of the interventions. The importance of supporting both the person and the performer when working with aspiring Olympic athletes is also discussed
Application of Value Stream Mapping in Global Manufacturing Environment
No full textWith the global value chain establishment, the globalisation sourcing is the current normal practice in most of multinational companies. Some organisations focus on their core competencies and out-source previously in-house value-added process to external and third-party sub-contractors. Many companies reported that the limited knowledge about their upstream suppliers has resulted knowledge exchange about their critical sub-tier suppliers. The purpose of the research paper is to evaluate the applicability of Kraljic Portfolio Model, Lean and Agile techniques with Value Steam Mapping (VSM) tools and established frameworks at a Malaysian manufacture of IT storage product, to address their supply disruption challenges through direct supplier and sub-tier suppliers. This study aims to determine theories and techniques able to optimise value chain with critical sub-tier supplier through the changes of strategic and operational plans within the organisation and its supply chains
Obesity and weight management in women
No full textObesity is a chronic condition associated with risk factors for many comorbidities and medical complications and such as some types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, type-2 diabetes, and different psychopathological disorders and psychosocial issues. (WHO, 2014). Evidence-based strategies to improve weight loss, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce related comorbidities typically integrate different interventions: dietetic, nutritional, physical, behavioral, psychological, and if necessary, pharmacological and surgical ones. Such treatments are implemented in a multidisciplinary context with a clinical team composed of endocrinologists, nutritionists, dietitians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and sometimes surgeons. This review article is an overview of the effectiveness of behavioral change techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that lead to weight loss and aid the treatment of obesity in women.The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive survey of studies examining the efficacy of some behavioral change techniques. I identified 2251 studies and reviewed of those a representative sample of 28 studies examining behavior change techniques for weight loss in obese women. From the twenty eight studies included in this review, the twenty six of them, provide weight loss, fat loss or health improvement. Only two of the included studies provide neutral results on weight loss, after the intervention. From these data compiled, I concluded that behavioral change techniques are useful in reducing fat and treating general health. Behavioral change techniques should be a potential tool emerging in the treatment of obesity. Especially cognitive behavioral theory and social cognitive theory, are providing evidence that could be a successful tool for weight loss. However larger randomized control trials on its use in clinical practice and in reaching rural populations are bound to shed more light on the effectiveness of this tool along with spreading awareness among physician and patient communities.The purpose of this study is to provide a narrative review of the prospective epidemiological evidence in which scientists have provided data on weight loss methods in obese women other than dieting. The main purpose of this study is to identify nutrition behavior therapy and nutrition counseling methods that can increase adherence to recommended dietary behavior or could help in dietary change and lead to weight loss in obese women. Τhe data so far, in relation with weight management and obesity, seems to be incomplete so it is believed that this study will aid in practical application in order to promote weight loss in obese women
Egg white protein-hypophosphorous acid-based fire retardant single bilayer coating assembly for cotton fabrics
No full textThe combination of egg white proteins (W) and hypophosphorous acid (HA) was used for developing a flame retardant coating for cotton fabrics by adopting the layer-by-layer assembly technique. This has resulted in a novel phosphorous-nitrogen-based assembly due to strong electrostatic interactions between W and HA. Coated cotton fabrics were characterized by using a variety of microscopic, analytical and thermal/combustion tests. Flammability properties of the fabrics were evaluated as per widely recognized standards like BS EN ISO 15025:2016 for protective clothing and ASTM D6413 for flame resistance of textiles. Coated cotton fabric showed self-extinguishing property with significant but fragile residual char structure, whereas uncoated fabric completely burnt with a little ash as residue. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that decomposition temperature of coated fabric was lowered compared to control fabric, but char residue increased at 800 °C. Forced combustion cone calorimeter tests on the coated and uncoated fabrics showed that peak heat release rate, total heat released, and average rate of heat emission values reduced by 80%, 38%, and 40%, respectively, for coated fabrics as compared to control fabric. Even the mass loss rate value of the coated fabric has reduced significantly (from 514 g/m2.s for the uncoated fabric to 2 g/m2.s for coated fabric). Wash durability of the coated fabrics, though showed a slight reduction in flame-retardant properties as a consequence of ~ 9.7 wt% coating loss during soaking, yet there was no after-glow
Palaces of Pleasure: From Music Halls to the Seaside to Football, How the Victorians Invented Mass Entertainment
No full textThe impact of COVID-19 on SMEs economic and entrepreneurial outcomes and expectations. Case of Romania and United Kingdom.
No full textIn the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, all countries are facing an inevitable economic recession where SMEs have been severely affected. This paper focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs economic outcomes and expectations based on the context of Romania and United Kingdom. Firstly, the paper will present economic strategies and model in recession times from the perspective of the literature. The second objective, based on descriptive analysis methodology, is to analyze the status of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Romania and United Kingdom