Modelling process robustness: a case study of centrifugal casting

A robust process minimises the effect of the noise factors on the performance of a product or process. The variation of the performance of a robust process can be measured through modelling and analysis of process robustness. In this paper, a comprehensive methodology for modelling and analysis of process robustness is developed considering a number of relevant tools and techniques such as multivariate regression, control charting and simulation within the broad framework of Taguchi method. The methodology as developed considers, in specific terms, process modelling using historical data pertaining to responses, inputs variables and parameters as well as simulated noise variables data, identification of the model responses at each experimental setting of the controllable variables, estimation of multivariate process capability indices and control of their variability using control charting for determining optimal settings of the process variables using design of experiment-based Taguchi Method. The methodology is applied to a centrifugal casting process that produces worm-wheels for steam power plants in view of its critical importance of maintaining consistent performance in various under controllable situations (input conditions). The results show that the process settings as determined ensure minimum in-control variability with maximum performance of the centrifugal casting process, indicating improved level of robustness.     

Evaluation of Embedded Intelligent Real‐time Systems*

Over the past two decades, questions have surfaced about the effectiveness and contribution of intelligent systems to decision makers in a variety of settings. This paper focuses on the evaluation challenges associated with intelligent real‐time software systems that are embedded in larger host systems. With the proliferation of such systems in operational settings such as aerospace, medical, manufacturing, and transportation systems, increased attention to evaluations of such systems, and to resulting software safety, is warranted. This paper describes one such evaluation and proposes a set of evaluation criteria for embedded intelligent real‐time systems (EIRTS). Implications of the evaluation and the evaluation criteria are discussed.     

中国的知情权保障与信息公开制度的发展进程

中国对公众知情权的保障主要通过建立政府信息公开制度来实现,并已经将这一在信息时代迅速生长的基本人权写入了中共第十七次全国代表大会的报告和中国首部《国家人权行动计划》之中。中国的政府信息公开制度建设具有中央和地方立法平行、建章立制与维权实践共举的特点。实证资料表明2009年《政府信息公开条例》的实施情况好于2008年,但还存在着法律落后于制度发展、规则体系和执行机制还有待继续完善以及救济机制的实效性不强等问题。在十二五规划期间应考虑尽快制定信息公开法等法律来确认知情权,抓紧完善信息公开的实施机制和以行政复议与诉讼制度为核心的救济机制,扩展公众参与的范围,提升其水平。     

血亲情理还是理性主义--中西方德性与知识研究视角透视

知性在西方的哲学中是一个认识论的概念,是理性在意识中的思辨反思,是感觉知觉的综合而形成的概念能力向度。但一旦当知性所欲求的知识与力的冲动相联系而具有伦理精神,其德性的形成即具有理性主义的特征,或者说,知识与德性之间也形或了概念话语的某种关系的张力,在西方,倾向于德性的理性主义,在东方则是知识的德性主义,或说知性德性、而在中国古代,没有知性的概念,和古希腊一样是以知和智实现向德性的转换。但是由于传统心性儒家赋予知或智以道德情感,心性相融本身已经祛魅知识在德性形成中的作用,甚至其知行合一预示了对道德行为的漠视。而萄予与心性儒宋不同,心无德蕴涵了对知识的渴求和转知成德的期望,其复反其初的知性思维把知识与德性的关系嵌入行为的践援之中,而其现实主义品格、实践理性的精神又隐分了对德性的尊重并且把知识与伪相结合赋予知性分的特埂及其追求义利和谐、德得相通的和一特征。     

Anchoring Economic Predictions in Common Knowledge

The paper examines within a unified methodology expectational coordination in a series of economic models. The methodology views the predictions associated with the Rational Expectations Hypothesis as reasonable whenever they can be derived from the more basic Common Knowledge Hypothesis. The paper successively considers a simple non‐noisy N‐dimensional model, standard models with “intrinsic” uncertainty, and reference intertemporal models with infinite horizon. It reviews existing results and suggests new ones. It translates the formal results into looser but economically intuitive statements, whose robustness, in the present state of knowledge, is tentatively ascertained.     

大学生个性培养与素质教育

知识经济要求素质教育应注重大学生个性的培养和发展 ,创新精神是素质教育的核心 ,注重个性的正确引导和培养是培养大学生创新精神的前提和有效方式。现行的教育方式缺乏个性培养 ,扼制了创新精神的树立和创新能力的发展 ,需要下大力气予以改进和提高。     

Learning How and Learning What: Effects of Tacit and Codified Knowledge on Performance Improvement Following Technology Adoption

This paper examines effects of tacit and codified knowledge on performance improvement as organizations gain experience with a new technology. We draw from knowledge management and learning curve research to predict improvement rate heterogeneity across organizations. We first note that the same technology can present opportunities for improvement along more than one dimension, such as efficiency and breadth of use. We compare improvement for two dimensions: one in which the acquisition of codified knowledge leads to improvement and another in which improvement requires tacit knowledge. We hypothesize that improvement rates across organizations will be more heterogeneous for dimensions of performance that rely on tacit knowledge than for those that rely on codified knowledge (H1), and that group membership stability predicts improvement rates for dimensions relying on tacit knowledge (H2). We further hypothesize that when performance relies on codified knowledge, later adopters should improve more quickly than earlier adopters (H3). All three hypotheses are supported in a study of 15 hospitals learning to use a new surgical technology. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.     

Teaching in Multicultural Background in the States

The diversity present in every aspect of American life is an inevitable consequence of its muhicuharal society. Schools across the country are a reflection of what is, and always has been, an ever changing demographic constitution. Classroom teachers, especially teachers who have no teaching experience in the country, face a stiff challenge of teaching all students, regardless of their backgrounds. As a Chinese guest teacher in the States, I learn- ed that the ＂growing - up＂ of a teacher requires positive changes in three areas ： knowledge, attitudes and skills. Support from administrators is also vital in the ＂growing- up＂ process.     

The Role of Organizational and Information Technology Antecedents in Reengineering Initiation Behavior*

Business Process Reengineering (BPR) has been a major catalyst of the pervasive organizational change we have witnessed over the past decade. Although one can speculate on the reasons for the popularity of this phenomenon, it is important that we carefully examine its underlying antecedents for initiation, implementation, and ultimately success, if we are to add value to practitioners of this concept. This study empirically examines the importance of facets of the organizational structure, IT knowledge resources and infrastructure, and the IS function in the initiation of BPR. Data from 313 corporations were gathered using a carefully validated survey, and initiators were compared with noninitiators. The results strongly suggest that client-server architectures, the strategic integration of IS, and cross departmental interaction are among the more important factors facilitating initiation and can be important inputs in a BPR decision-making process. The study attempts to build a contingent theory for BPR, and the more sustainable notion of fundamental process change.