Design System Assessment Tool

Part 3: Tools and MethodologiesInternational audienceIn 2010, an exploratory survey focused on design methods, tools and techniques, was conducted in order to understand what type of design practices are used in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMES) located in Eastern Quebec. This study reveals that most SMEs declared using a structured design process while very few are regular users of structured Methods, sophisticated Tools, or specialized design Techniques (MTT). Because the results suggest that the design process in SMEs is not as structured as could be expected a new research was launched. Specifically, the research objective consist to identify the most important determinants of design performance and to develop indicators for assessing the design process as well as the other dimensions of design projects. In this model, six dimensions describe what is called the design system: the environmental dimension, the human and techno-scientific axis, management, the design process and the product aspects. The Dimensions are evaluated using an assortment of variables (descriptors) to assess the “design system” of an organization. Each descriptor is related to the following issues: (i) the type of methods, tools and activities used by the organization, (ii) the importance of the descriptor according to the project success, (iii) the performance level of the organization in that matter and (iv) the involvement of the partners. The questionnaire has been tested and refined on a pilot basis by eight partners. In addition to the model and the questionnaire, the paper presents an overview of the survey results and it illustrates how the assessment tool can be used to identify the challenges that a company must face in order to improve its design practices. Finally, it exposes the strengths and weaknesses of the questionnaire and it identifies the improvements to be made before to use it as base of an observatory intended to measure and monitor the evolution of design practices of organizations

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Not AvailableGlobal climate change is anticipated to have a tremendous influence on crop productivity and nutrient cycling in legume-based cropping systems. The effect of long-term application of manure and fertilizers on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) pools and soil physical properties was studied in a soybean (Glycine max Merr. L)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system. The temperature sensitivity of C pools and the alterations in microbial composition were determined at 25, 35, and 45 ◦C. Higher levels of microbial biomass C (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN), water soluble carbon (WSC), acid hydrolysable carbohydrates (AHC), particulate organic matter carbon (POMC) and nitrogen (POMN) were observed in the NPK + FYM at a depth of 0–15 cm. Irrespective of the treatment, micro aggregates (53–250 m) were a major aggregate size class, comprising 45–57% of the total soil aggregates, followed by macro aggregates (250–2000 m at 37.8–45%). Microbial respiration rate increased by 13.9% in most recalcitrant pools (<53 m) at 45 ◦C than at 25 ◦C. Furthermore, data on labile C (A0) revealed a 4.9–55.4% increase in the substrate pools and a 10.5–32.5% increase in mineralization rate (k) with these treatments at 25–45 ◦C in 250–2000 m aggregates. AHC and POMC content decreased by 23–37% and 12–23% of SOC, respectively, when the temperature was raised from 25 to 45 ◦C. It is concluded the gradual depletion of nutrients, structural degradation and changes in microbial composition might have collectively contributed to the decline in crop yields. It was suggested that temperature has a strong effect on C mineralization, depending on the types and extents of substrate utilization. Seasonal rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature and SOC had jointly explained 12–41% of variation in soybean production in NP, NPK and NPK + FYM treatments. However, balanced use of NPK plus FYM is an important management option to arrest the decline of crop yield.Not Availabl

Estimation of population variance in successive sampling

Successive sampling, Class of estimators, Bias and Mean Square Error,

Recognising the interactive space: Marketing for social transformation

How can the positive power of a marketing ethos and techniques solve social problems? We propose a deepened understanding of social marketing in response to the sustainability imperative, applying systems theory to elaborate the impact of social marketing campaigns and to advance our understanding of viable practices. A meta-framework reveals the complexities of human behaviour that influences the aims and outcomes of social marketing. We clarify the ontological status of the social marketing field and recognise the world view within which marketing has expanded into the public realm of social problems. We identify the problem of ontological misconception stemming from the denial of nonrational forms of human behaviour. While complicated mechanism is assumed in the problem of long-term health and prosperity for citizens and society, organic complexity is the condition faced. Conventional social marketing has provided a ‘partial’ gesture towards a solution. We outline an alternative understanding grounded in a human-centred world view of socio-economic advancement