Kris M. Y. Law

Learning motivation in e-learning facilitated computer programming courses

Computer programming skills constitute one of the core competencies that graduates from many disciplines, such as engineering and computer science, are expected to possess. Developing good programming skills typically requires students to do a lot of practice, which cannot sustain unless they are adequately motivated. This paper reports a preliminary study that investigates the key motivating factors affecting learning among university undergraduate students taking computer programming courses. These courses are supported by an e-learning system - Programming Assignment aSsessment System (PASS), which aims at providing an infrastructure and facilitation to students learning computer programming. A research model is adopted linking various motivating factors, self-efficacy, as well as the effect due to the e-learning system. Some factors are found to be notably more motivating, namely, individual attitude and expectation, clear direction, and reward and recognition. The results also suggest that a well facilitated e-learning setting can enhance learning motivation and self-efficacy.

Project‐based action learning as learning approach in learning organisation: the theory and framework

Concept of “organisational learning” has been widely advocated as one of the solutions for organisational development, especially for those companies requiring high level of technology and knowledge. While being applied to the entire organisation, the concept of organisational learning can also be applied to specific function or project teams, which can be named as “project” based organisations. This paper presents a new approach of learning for the project‐based teams, which integrates learning and project in one, towards organisational learning ideals. Performance evaluation mechanism is also developed. With the developed evaluation, three dimensions of team performance, within the scope of project action‐learning framework would be measured. It would tell the team where it stands at a particular point of time. In order to track the critical variables required to reach the goals, the developed measurement system framework will be adopted in the implementation phase.

Error compensation in the end milling of pockets: a methodology

Abstract The milling process causes machining errors due to several factors such as tool deflection, machine tool geometric errors, thermal effects, tool wear, etc. Among these, tool deflection is the most dominant factor causing contour errors. While it is difficult to eliminate the deflection errors, considerable accuracy of the machined contours can be achieved by compensating the tool deflection errors. In the end milling of pockets, the tool deflection varies over the entire machining cycle, which includes straight segments as well as corners. As the tool deflection varies with the cutting forces over the entire machining cycle, it is necessary to estimate the cutting forces and the deflection errors accurately and quickly. In this paper, a compensation methodology has been developed to integrate both the force and deflection models, based on the cutting force model and discrete deflection model developed for the end milling of pockets consisting of straight and corner sections showing accurate and reliable estimations. This paper also presents a computerized methodology for calculating the voluminous deflection error data. Illustration of the user interface is also presented in this paper with the details of the compensation program algorithms and path determination program for end milling of pockets consisting both straight and corner sections.

The Role of Electronic Pocket Dictionaries as an English Learning Tool among Chinese Students

This study addressed the role of electronic pocket dictionaries as a language learning tool among university students in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The target groups included engineering and humanities students at both undergraduate and graduate level. Speed of reference was found to be the main motivator for using an electronic pocket dictionary. Next, the functionality used was found to be connected to the language proficiency of the learner. Finally, multimedia content was ranked least important. The results of this study have implications for the design of electronic dictionaries and for the teaching of second languages with electronic dictionaries. In particular, device developers should focus on improving the accessing speed and pay less attention to multimedia functionality. Educators should ensure that the device functionality matches the language proficiency level of the students.

A hybrid OLAP-association rule mining based quality management system for extracting defect patterns in the garment industry

In todays garment industry, garment defects have to be minimized so as to fulfill the expectations of demanding customers who seek products of high quality but low cost. However, without any data mining tools to manage massive data related to quality, it is difficult to investigate the hidden patterns among defects which are important information for improving the quality of garments. This paper presents a hybrid OLAP-association rule mining based quality management system (HQMS) to extract defect patterns in the garment industry. The mined results indicate the relationship between defects which serves as a reference for defect prediction, root cause identification and the formulation of proactive measures for quality improvement. Because real-time access to desirable information is crucial for survival under the severe competition, the system is equipped with Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) features so that manufacturers are able to explore the required data in a timely manner. The integration of OLAP and association rule mining allows data mining to be applied on a multidimensional basis. A pilot run of the HQMS is undertaken in a garment manufacturing company to demonstrate how OLAP and association rule mining are effective in discovering patterns among product defects. The results indicate that the HQMS contributes significantly to the formulation of quality improvement in the industry.

A RFID-based Resource Allocation System for garment manufacturing

The emergence of fast changes in fashion has given rise to the need to shorten production cycle times in the garment industry. As effective usage of resources has significant effects on the productivity and efficiency of production operations, garment manufacturers are urged to utilize their resources effectively so as to meet dynamic customer demand. In usual practice, decision makers determine the required level of resources by evaluating technical requirements of garments, subjectively. Since their decision making processes involve concepts which are uncertain and vague, such as long and short, an attempt is made in this paper to apply fuzzy logic for handling imprecise information for determining resource allocation plans. In addition, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is adopted to capture data which is useful for improving the intelligence associated with the fuzzy logic. This paper presents a RFID-based Resource Allocation System (RFID-RAS), integrating RFID technology and fuzzy logic concept for achieving better resource allocation with particular reference to garment manufacturing. To confirm the viability of the RFID-RAS, a case study is conducted in a Hong Kong-based garment manufacturing company to help manage its resource utilization. Results indicate that the RFID-RAS outperforms conventional approaches with improved effectiveness and efficiency in resource allocation.

A process-design approach to error compensation in the end milling of pockets

Abstract In the end milling of pockets, the tool deflection varies over the entire machining cycle, which includes straight segments as well as corners. The accuracy in corner cutting is strongly influenced by the deflection of the end mill caused by the variation of the cutting forces. The way to improve accuracy in corner cutting is by decreasing the radial depths of cut to reduce the cutting forces and thereby the end mill deflection errors. By process design it is possible to achieve gradual reduction in the radial widths of the cut during corner cutting. Thus, there is a need to identify the cutting conditions in order to control the process such that tool deflection errors are minimized and compensated for. The paper presents a process design methodology to achieve a significant reduction in the cutting forces and consequently in the tool deflection errors. The experimental results of cutting force measurement and the estimation of tool deflection errors are discussed in detail. The results indicate that significant improvement in the accuracy of end milled pockets can be obtained by error compensation.

Analyzing supply chain operation models with the PC-algorithm and the neural network

Research highlights? We study the relations and magnitudes of influences among key factors in a supply chain models. ? Our method is a two-stage approach using (i) the PC-algorithm and (ii) the neural network. ? Using (i), we obtain the skeleton graph describing relations among the factors. ? Internal operation and collective efficacy are deemed the most critical factors based on the graph. ? Using (ii), we quantify the relative importance of other factors in predicting the critical factors. Understanding how the various factors in a supply chain contribute to the overall performance of its operation has become an important topic in management science research nowadays. In this paper, we propose and apply a two-stage methodology to an industrial survey data set to investigate relations among the key factors in a supply chain model. Precisely, we use the PC-algorithm to discover the connectivity relation among the factors of interest in the supply chain model. Critical factors in the model are then identified, and we then utilize the neural network to quantify the relative importance of some of the factors in predicting the critical factors. An advantage of our proposed method is that it frees up the researcher from making subjective decisions in his or her analysis, for example, from the needs of specifying plausible initial path models required in a structural equation modeling analysis (which is usually used in business and management research) and of selecting factors for the subsequent predictive modeling. We envision that the analysis results can aid a decision maker in optimizing the system performance by suggesting to the decision maker which ones of the factors are the important ones that he or she should devote more resources and efforts on.

Prediction of contour accuracy in the end milling of pockets

Abstract Many die and mold parts surface contours are produced by end milling operations. The contour accuracy of the milled pockets is strongly influenced by the cutting tool deflection caused by the cutting forces. For milling a complex shape or a simple rectangular pocket, the accuracy of contours in corner cutting is mainly influenced by the deflection of the end mill caused by the variation of cutting forces. This is believed to be due to variable radial depth of cut in corner cutting between the straight part and the corners resulting in variable contour accuracy. The way to improve contour accuracy in corner cutting is by decreasing the radial depth of cut to reduce the cutting forces and, consequently, the end mill deflection errors. During the cutting process the end mill cutter is subjected to radial and tangential deflections at different segments of the tool path. In order to compensate the tool path for improving the contour accuracy, it is necessary to predict the instantaneous radial depth of cut. A simple tool deflection model for predicting the deflection errors in straight segments and corners for rough milling with slot cutting as well as for finish milling with immersion cutting is presented with illustration of case studies.

Critical factors for an effective business value chain

– The purpose of this paper is to identify critical factors for effective business value chains in the electrical and electronic industries. This knowledge can benefit private firms as well as their supplier management and customer fulfillment, and public agencies for relevant policy initiatives., – The research methodology includes the survey development and the statistical analyses, especially the use of the Pearson correlation. Altogether, a total of 129 firms participated in this study, 97 companies from Hong Kong and 32 firms from Thailand. Included in this methodology are a pre‐test of a survey and follow‐up discussions with participating executives., – An effective business value chain essentially depends on good operational systems and management, and information and communication technology (ICT) linkages with both suppliers and customers. There are a total of five critical factors for effective business value chains. For example, an effective business value chain is influenced by how well production and delivery systems are managed. In addition, how well a manufacturer can manage its operation is influenced by customers with effective information and communication infrastructures., – The five identified factors can be used as a checklist for planning and/or monitoring the effectiveness of a business value chain. The findings also helps develop a new initiative to be undertaken by Thailands Department of Industrial Work when attempting to strengthen business value chains within various industrial clusters., – The findings underline the need to focus on data harmonization and to adapt ICT standards, such as Control Objectives for Information and related Technology COBIT and Projects in Controlled Environments PRINCE for data sharing and software development, to promote supplier audits when sustaining a business value chain.