Shedding light on TQM: some research findings

Over the last decad , the paradigm of Total Quality Management (TQM) has been successfully forged in our business world. TQM may be defined as something that is both complex and ambiguous; nevertheless, some key elements or principles can be mentioned which are common to all of them: customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, commitment and leadership on the part of top management, involvement and support on the part of employees, teamwork, measurement via indicators and feedback. There are, in short, two main reasons for it having spread so widely: on the one hand, the successful diffusion of ISO 9000 standards for the implementation and certification of quality management systems, standards that have been associated to the TQM paradigm, and, on the other, the also successful diffusion of self evaluation models such as the EFQM promoted by the European Foundation for Quality Management and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the USA, promoted by the Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. However, the quality movement is not without its problems as far as its mid and long term development is concerned. In this book some research findings related to these issues are presented.

Determinações teórico-políticas dos sistemas de avaliação da educação superior: questões da Educação

O presente estudo propôs a identificação das determinações da avaliação da educação superior, com recorte na formação em Educação Física, utilizando-se das categorias do materialismo histórico e dialético. As ideologias do Capital Humano e do Capital Social e seus teóricos serviram como mediadoras dessa análise. Para tanto, utilizamo-nos do fenômeno da globalização e seus conseqüentes reflexos na sociedade brasileira em geral e na educação superior em particular. Os modelos de avaliação foram aqui examinados até a atualidade, bem como seus desdobramentos na formação em Educação Física e seu respectivo campo de trabalho, com algumas experiências ocorridas em nosso território. Tendo como caminho as propostas avaliativas, os aspectos históricos da constituição da Educação Física, os instrumentos de avaliação atuais, as avaliações internas produzidas na UFRJ e UFF e o aprofundamento das ideologias do CH e do CS, acreditamos ter evidenciado o fio condutor do estabelecimento de uma cultura conformadora e justificadora da exploração da população pelo capitalismo que acaba por ser abraçada por parcelas de professores de Educação Física quando se alinham de forma irrefletida aos modelos de avaliação. Apontamos a possibilidade de uma ação contra-hegemônica por um caminho politizador no interior das instituições escolares, em todos os seus níveis e com todos os seus atores, passando pelos movimentos sindicais e chegando principalmente à Universidade

水土保持林土壤改良效益评估模型的研究

Based on amount of field investigation and laboratory analysis, this paper emphasized on the establishment of soil improvement benefit evaluation models. It is pointed out that the benefit evaluation models can be simulated by taking litter biomass, mean diameter of breast high (D), mean height (H) and (D 2H) as independent variables and taking comprehensive benefit evaluation index as dependent variable. The models vary with different independent variables and can be chosen to use according to actual situation.

东濮凹陷低阻油层形成机理与评价方法研究

In order to effectively identify and accurately evaluate low resistivity reservoir in Dongpu depression, using various logging data synthetically, geological and logging characteristics are summarized in term of different blocks on the basis of core analysis, cutting logging, oil testing and commissioning data. The formation mechanism of low resistivity reservoir is studied, and the main factors that cause low resistivity reservoir are discovered. The first factor is fine lithology, high shale content and hydrophilic rock. The second factor is high salinity formation water. The third factor is light oil, high gas quantity dissolved and large difference density of oil-water. The last factor is low amplitude structure of reservoir and low differential degree of oil-water. According to the characteristics of low resistivity reservoir, the method of compound lithology, the method of movable fluid, the method of phase permeability and the method of nuclear magnetic resonance logging are put forward. The compound lithology criterion of distinguishing hydrocarbon is founded in term of different blocks on the basis of electrical efficiency. The evaluation models of reservoir parameters are founded; whose core is oil saturation and phase permeability. In order to calculate oil saturation, the compound lithology model on the basis of electrical efficiency theory is chosen on condition that there is only the combination logging data of acoustic and induction; the W-S model is chosen on condition that there is all-around logging data. The calculational precision of oil saturation in low resistivity reservoir of work area is enhanced when the selection method is utilized. There are 1212 layers of reservoir newly added by the old well reexamination in the ten oil areas. The coincidence rate of logging interpretation reaches 83.2 percent according to the 74 well-times of oil testing or commissioning, which indicates that the distinguishing method and evaluation models of low resistivity reservoir above are feasible.By the reexamination, a ten million tons of proved reserves related to the low resistivity reservoir are newly added, consequently, the groundwork is established to increase reserve and production of old oilfields in the east of China and new livingness is added for the petroleum exploration and development in Dongpu depression.

Liquidity risk and the performance of UK mutual funds

We examine the role of liquidity risk, both as a stock characteristic as well as systematic liquidity risk, in UK mutual fund performance for the first time. Using four alternative measures of stock liquidity we extract principal components across stocks in order to construct systematic or market liquidity factors. We find that on average UK mutual funds are tilted towards liquid stocks (except for small stock funds as might be expected) but that, counter-intuitively, liquidity as a stock characteristic is positively priced in the cross-section of fund performance. We find that systematic liquidity risk is positively priced in the cross-section of fund performance. Overall, our results reveal a strong role for stock liquidity level and systematic liquidity risk in fund performance evaluation models.

Papel da assessoria na auto-avaliação das escolas

Esta tese apresenta uma investigação que procura problematizar o papel da assessoria na auto-avaliação das escolas. Reflecte-se sobre o contributo de assessores externos nas unidades de gestão para encontrar fórmulas que permitam a construção e sustentabilidade da sua auto-avaliação através da concepção, monitorização e avaliação de planos de acção. A investigação consubstanciou-se na análise dos relatórios das 100 unidades orgânicas que participaram na avaliação externa em 2006/2007 promovida pela Inspecção-Geral de Educação (IGE) especificamente no domínio da Capacidade de Auto-Regulação e Melhoria da Escola (CARME), no Questionário a 90 participantes em equipas de auto-avaliação e ainda em todo o trabalho de campo realizado numa escola secundária através de observação participante. Durante a investigação percebeu-se a adaptação de alguns modelos de auto-avaliação de carácter gerencialista à realidade das unidades orgânicas, identificam-se alguns obstáculos que se apresentam à aplicação dos referidos modelos, as dificuldades que as referidas unidades de gestão sentem quando autonomamente se querem auto-avaliar e identificam-se mecanismos utilizados para a concretização da auto-avaliação e sua manutenção ao longo do tempo. Por fim, constata-se que a assessoria externa é um pilar que pode contribuir para a introdução efectiva dos referidos mecanismos de auto-avaliação e sua sustentabilidade.

Avaliação e a Qualidade das Práticas de Inclusão para Alunos com PEA: Escala LAQI (Louisiana Autism Quality Indicators)

Dissertação apresentada à Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa para obtenção de grau de mestre em Educação Especial, domínio Cognição e Multideficiência

Genetic Programming for Non-Photorealistic Rendering

This thesis focuses on developing an evolutionary art system using genetic programming. The main goal is to produce new forms of evolutionary art that filter existing images into new non-photorealistic (NPR) styles, by obtaining images that look like traditional media such as watercolor or pencil, as well as brand new effects. The approach permits GP to generate creative forms of NPR results. The GP language is extended with different techniques and methods inspired from NPR research such as colour mixing expressions, image processing filters and painting algorithm. Colour mixing is a major new contribution, as it enables many familiar and innovative NPR effects to arise. Another major innovation is that many GP functions process the canvas (rendered image), while is dynamically changing. Automatic fitness scoring uses aesthetic evaluation models and statistical analysis, and multi-objective fitness evaluation is used. Results showed a variety of NPR effects, as well as new, creative possibilities.

L'évaluation des tests génétiques : considérations normatives et contextuelles

L’objectif de ce mémoire vise à exposer les méthodes d’évaluation propres aux tests génétiques. Le mémoire se penche également sur le recours grandissant, par des instances locales, aux services de génétique dispensés par des laboratoires internationaux. Le premier article propose une recension des modèles d'évaluation propres aux tests génétiques et une analyse de leur situation sur le parcours translationnel. L'article expose les origines de ces modèles, leurs attributs et particularités distinctives et spécifie le public cible auquel ils sont destinés. L'analyse comparative des modèles d'évaluation permet de mettre en relief leurs apports et limites respectives. Les critères évaluatifs de chaque modèles sont situés le long du parcours translationnel permettant de mettre en évidence les types d'évaluations nécessaires à chacune des phases de progression des tests génétiques le long du continuum menant à leur utilisation. Le second article adopte une tangente pragmatique et se penche sur l'utilisation effective des tests génétiques dans un centre hospitalier universitaire pédiatrique. Plus spécifiquement, l'article dresse un portrait exhaustif de l'ensemble des tests génétiques moléculaires réalisés à l’extérieur du Québec par le CHU Sainte-Justine en 2009 étant donné l’augmentation des tests disponibles internationalement comparativement à ceux offerts à l’interne. Vu la globalisation des envois d'échantillons vers des laboratoires localisés à l'étranger, l'objectif est de décrire l’état de la situation actuelle et d’identifier des cibles potentielles pour l’amélioration des processus et le développement de tests localement. L'évaluation des tests génétiques est abordée sous une double perspective: les considérations normatives liées à l'évaluation des tests génétiques tel que préconisé par les différents modèles d'évaluation ainsi que d'un point de vue pratique dans le contexte particulier d'un centre hospitalier universitaire.

La stimulation du nerf vague pour le traitement de la dépression réfractaire : les résultats après un an de suivi

La stimulation du nerf vague (SNV) a reçu l’approbation de Santé Canada en 2001, comme en Europe, pour le traitement de la dépression réfractaire et en 2005 aux États-Unis. Les études européennes et américaines rapportent un taux de réponse de 50% et de rémission de 30% après un an de traitement. La sélection des patients, encadrée par la recherche de marqueurs biologiques et des critères de résistance, pourrait contribuer à améliorer les taux de réponse. Cette étude décrit le suivi des patients ambulatoires souffrant de dépression réfractaire, d’un spectre unipolaire ou bipolaire (n=13) sous SNV. Une révision exhaustive de l’histoire médicale et thérapeutique précède une évaluation clinique intensive. Si un consensus d’équipe est obtenu, une investigation clinique à la recherche des marqueurs biologiques est effectuée. Ceci inclut une tomographie par émission de photons simples (SPECT), une tomographie par émission de positrons (TEP), une formule sanguine complète, un test de suppression à la dexaméthasone (DST), une collecte d’urine 24h (catécholamines et cortisol), une polysomnographie et une évaluation neuropsychologique abrégée. Après 1 an de traitement, 61,5% (8/13) des patients ont atteint le seuil de réponse (diminution de 50% des symptômes), dont 87.5% (7/8) en rémission. Les patients diagnostiqués d’un trouble bipolaire, présentant un DST anormal et/ou avec déficits cognitifs ont répondu au traitement et poursuivent leur rémission après 2 ans. Une sélection minutieuse des patients pour le SNV serait une méthode efficace pour traiter les dépressions réfractaires, notamment pour prévenir les rechutes, amenant un état euthymique durable pour la plupart des patients.

Consumer responses to free service trial offers

Consumers find it difficult to evaluate services they have not previously used, especially where these services have high experience or credence properties (Mittal 2002, 2004). A frequent promotional strategy used by marketers is to offer a free trial, such as a free brake check on cars or a free session at a new gym. While there is extensive literature on product trials, very little research has been conducted on free service trial offers. This led the researchers to undertake preliminary content analysis and qualitative interviews and ultimately to develop a comprehensive model of consumer evaluations of these offers. The model takes account of the type of service on offer, the manner in which it is offered and the pricing mechanism used (free versus discounted). It also characterizes the cognitive and emotional evaluations consumers make in response to these offers and how these contribute to trial and purchase propensity. Individual characteristics of consumers, such as deal proneness, were also incorporated into the model. The current study reports an experiment where the model was systematically tested among groups of male and female consumers (in total 400) who varied by age group and service experience. The research indicated that a free trial offer operated rather differently from a discount, inducing a sense of obligation which motivated some people to adopt the trial and subsequent full service offer. Traditional trial-cognition-evaluation models (e.g. Smith and Swinyard, 1983) are not sufficient to explain the phenomena uncovered by this research.

Integrated construction supply chain design and delivery solutions

This study describes the development of a decision framework to support multi-disciplinary information and knowledge management model which focuses on integrated design and delivery solutions for all construction supply chain actors. The framework was developed within the context of two national information technology research projects in Australia. The first study used diffusion theory to explain the barriers and enablers to future adoption of advanced information technology solutions such as building information modelling (BIM). A grounded theory methodology was deployed and a pathways model for innovative information technology diffusion accommodating diverse patterns of adoption and different levels of expertize was developed. The second study built on the findings of the first study but specifically focussed on innovators, early and late adopters of BIM and the development of a decision framework towards advanced collaborative platform solutions. This study summarizes the empirical results of the previous studies. The core of the decision framework is the creation, use and ownership of building information sub-models and integrated models. The decision framework relies on holistic collaborative design management. Design expertise is diffused and can be found in various locations along the construction supply chain within project teams. A wide definition of design is considered from conceptual to developed to detailed design. The recent development to the decision model offers much potential as the early upstream decisions are often made in a creative, collaborative and uncertain environment. However, decision making needs to balance both a reductionist and exploratory creative empowerment approach. Shared team expertise and competency and team mental models are explored as a fundamental requirement to collaborative BIM. New skills in interdisciplinarity are discussed as an implication of future construction industry collaborative platforms.

Comparative study of mental model research methods : relationships among ACSMM, SMD, MITOCAR & deep methodologies

Measuring and assessing mental models of individuals and teams requires the capturing and analysis of key latent variables. This paper presents and compares four different research methods (ACSMM, SMD, MITOCAR and DEEP) that capture and create a conceptual representation of individual and team mental models. These methods use qualitative and quantitative techniques to investigate a single comparison of different groups or individuals' mental models with another group's mental model or to investigate the comparison of a group or individuals' mental model with themselves at a later time

Book-to-market ratio, default risk and return implications: from a negative perspective

A paradox is created by the common practice in stock evaluation models of excluding stocks with a negative book equity (BE). If we interpret the book-to-market ratio as a proxy for distress risk, it makes no sense to exclude these negative BE stocks since they are, prima facie, most prone to distress risk. This paper reassesses the relationship between default risk, return and the book-to-market ratio by incorporating negative BE stocks into the study. We find that negative BE stocks carry higher default risks than their positive BE counterparts and that these risks are not totally offset by higher returns. This suggests that a default risk filter can be used in the investment universe selection process through which the portfolio return can be enhanced.

Aplicação da abordagem WebQual na avaliação da qualidade de sites de busca no Brasil

Com o rápido crescimento da Internet, a quantidade de informações disponíveis tornou-se gigantesca, dificultando a busca pelo que realmente é essencial. Da mesma forma que vários esforços na divulgação de informações relevantes foram efetuados, sites de qualidade duvidosa também apareceram. Os "Sites de busca, apesar de ainda limitados, passaram a ter papel cada vez mais importante, e alguns deles são, hoje, líderes em número de acessos. A avaliação da qualidade de sites na Internet é, hoje, tópico de estudo de vários pesquisadores em todo o mundo. Vários modelos de avaliação existem, com focos que se alternam entre a avaliação dos aspectos tecnológicos e a medição da qualidade percebida pelo usuário ou consumidor. Nesta pesquisa, optou-se por analisar a aplicabilidade do instrumento "WebOual" - criado pelos professores Stuart Barnes (Victoria University of Wellington - Nova Zelândia) e Richard Vidgen (Universidade de Bath - Inglaterra) - o qual privilegia a avaliação da qualidade dos sites pesquisados pela ótica do usuário ou consumidor. Será aplicada a abordagem WebOual a três sites de busca internacionais que possuem versões localizadas em português. no Brasil: Altavista, Yahoo! e Google. Trata-se de utilização inédita da abordagem WebOual, anteriormente testada por seus criadores na avaliação de sites de Livrarias Virtuais, Universidades, Leilões ontine e sites WAP.