Development of a framework for total quality management principles in the construction companies with special reference to the construction companies in the state of Qatar

PhDAn increased demand of quality in the construction industry has been a major cause of finding new systems and developing frameworks that are fit for purpose. Construction companies around the world are trying to increase their productivity and index of quality and they are developing new methodologies through research and development. Though innovation is, never completely good or bad and it is not easy to analyse the net effect. Theories and empirical research on materials, technology and innovation have been produced more than 100 years. In this, the framework for management and innovations of processes in construction industry has attracted the most interest, while other areas, such as the combination of technologies, construction companies‟ life cycles in Qatar and regulatory process have also been researched in detail. This research work has identified and addresses the important issues related to the implantation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in the construction sector in the State of Qatar. The main aim of the study is to develop and present to the construction companies in Qatar a new model that could not only improve the understanding of Total Quality Management (TQM) within their sector, but also help in developing the processes, procedures and operations by employing TQM framework in all sections of a company. Therefore, this thesis suggests a model based on existing and new quality management framework in Construction industry in Qatar. Furthermore, this thesis is a combination of the collected knowledge in different research traditions, and of observed studies of the Qatar Construction industry. The aim is to give a complete picture of the materials, technology, regulatory process and innovation and to provide a theoretical model, which can be used for existing and new management framework that may be implemented in the industry that has been referred as “client” in this study. This study examined one of the largest construction companies in Qatar as a case study to identify the current status and to highlight current barriers faced by construction companies in the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy. European Foundation Quality Management (EFQM) elements, identified through the iii TQM concept in the literature review, are used as a data collection framework while both the qualitative and quantitative methodologies are used to measure the level of perceptions among employees of the “client” construction company towards those elements. Moreover, the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) are reviewed based on previous studies in the literature review. The findings of this thesis suggest that TQM can be successfully implemented among Qatar‟s construction companies. The conclusions and recommendations are drawn from the best practice of TQM implementation as a guideline for the client construction company to consider in adopting the TQM philosophy. Furthermore, a framework has been suggested for the Client recommending the actions the Client should take to establish and implement a TQM framework, which will increase productivity, stream line the processes and improves the quality of the services and the products offered by the client

The Effectiveness of a Counseling Program Based on the Model of Virginia Satir in Improving Quality of Life and Reducing Negative Communication Patterns among a Sample of Wives in Irbid Governorate

This study aimed at identifying the effectiveness of a counseling program based on the Virginia Satir Model in improving the quality of life and reducing negative communication patterns among a sample of wives in the governorate of Irbid. The study sample consisted of (24) wivesfrom Irbid governorate who were chosen purposefully. The quality of life scale and the negative communication patternsScale were applied to achieve the objectives of the study. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α= 0.05) in improving the quality of life between the control group and the experimental group due to the application of the program and for the benefit of the members of the experimental group.The results also indicated that there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α= 0.05) in improving negative communication patterns between the control group and the experimental group due to the application of the program.The study results also showed that the members of the experimental group retained the effect of the program on the quality of life and reduce negative communication patterns a month after its application.The study recommended using the counseling program to improve quality of life and minimize negative communication patterns among wives and using strategies of Virginia Satir in working with them. Keywords: consulting program, Virginia Satir model, quality of life, negative communication patterns. DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-12-10 Publication date:June 30th 202

Impact of Strategic Flexibility on the Performance of Yemeni Universities

هدفت الدراسةُ إلى قياس أثر المرونة الاستراتيجية: (المرونة التنافسية، مرونة الموارد)، في أداء الجامعات اليمنية بأبعاده: (الربحية، الحصة السوقية، المسئولية المجتمعية، رضا العملاء، البحث العلمي)، إضافةً إلى معرفة مستوى وجود فروق في إجابات عينة الدراسة حول مستوى أداء الجامعات اليمنية تعزى لمتغيري: نوع (حكومية، أهلية)، ومسمى الجامعة، واستخدمت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وكان مجتمعُ الدراسة القيادات الأكاديمية والإدارية بالجامعات اليمنية، وقد تم اختيار عينة الدراسة بأسلوب الحصر الشامل والبالغ عددهم (301) فردٍ يمثلون مجتمع الدراسة، وقد تم معالجة البيانات بواسطة برنامج الحزمة الإحصائية في العلوم الاجتماعية (SPSS)، وتم استخدام أساليب الإحصاء الوصفي، والاستدلالي لقياس أهداف الدراسة واختبار فرضياتها، وتوصلت الدراسة إلى وجود اهتمام في ممارسة المرونة الاستراتيجية في الجامعات اليمنية، وتفاوت مستوى تحقق أبعاد أداء هذه الجامعات، حيث كان أكثرها تحققاً بعد الحصة السوقية، وأقلها بعد الربحية، وكذلك وجود تفاوت في أثر أبعاد المرونة الاستراتيجية في أداء الجامعات، فقد كان أكثرها أثراً بعد المرونة التنافسية، وأقلها أثراً بعد مرونة الموارد، ووجود تقارب في مستوى تحقق أداء الجامعات بحسب متغير نوع الجامعة، بينما يوجد تفاوت في مستوى أداء الجامعات بحسب متغير مسمى الجامعة، وخلصت الدراسة إلى ضرورة زيادة ممارسة الجامعات اليمنية للمرونة الاستراتيجية؛ لما لذلك من أثر إيجابي في تحقق أداء تلك الجامعات. الكلمات المفتاحية: المرونة الاستراتيجية، الأداء، الجامعات اليمنية.This study aimed to measure the impact of strategic flexibility (competitive flexibility, resilience of resources) on the performance of Yemeni universities in these dimensions: profitability, market share, social responsibility, customer satisfaction and scientific research. It also aimed to identify any differences among the participants' responses regarding the performance of Yemeni universities attributed to two variables: type and name of university. To achieve the study objectives, the descriptive analytical method was used. The study population was the academic and administrative leaders in Yemeni universities from which a sample of 301 members were selected by the complete census method. To analyze the data, the SPSS was used to apply descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Study results revealed an interest in practicing strategic flexibility by the Yemeni universities under investigation. There was a disparity between the level of achieving the dimensions; the most achieved one was 'market share', whereas the least one was 'profitability'. There was also a disparity in the impact of strategic flexibility dimensions on the performance of universities, where the most influential one was 'competitive flexibility; and the least influential one was 'resilience of resources'. Further, there was convergence in the level of university performance in terms of their type, while there was a difference in the level of university performance according to their name. It was concluded that Yemeni universities should increase their practice of strategic flexibility because of its positive impact on achieving their performance. Keywords: strategic flexibility, performance, Yemeni universities

Design of Nanofluid-Based Spring Water/Tap Water and Nanoparticles of Fe2O3/ZnO as a Coolant for the Engines

In this work, an experimental system was established to measure the heat transfer characteristics, including the heat transfer coefficient, overall heat transfer, Nusselt number, and thermal conductivity. The investigation focused on spring water and tap water-based nanofluids containing Fe2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles with particle sizes of 50 nm and 70 nm, respectively. The experiments were conducted inside an automobile engine, studying the effects of varying nanoparticle volume fractions at a constant temperature. Fe2O3 and ZnO concentration in the respective based fluids was verified between 0.02 % and 0.08 % v/v and 0.01 and 0.07 %, respectively.  The spring water is not so far used in the previous studies and is much more available in Kurdistan region. Reynolds numbers of nanofluids inside the engine were considered between 1000 to 8000 in a different range as that of the literature review. Reynolds analogy for heat and momentum has been employed in this study. It was observed that the thermo-physio-mechanical properties of nanofluids increased with increase in the concentration of nanoparticles and Reynolds number. However, the friction factor decreased with increasing Reynolds number but increased with an increasing volume concentration of nanoparticles. Generally, the results showed that the enhancement of the effective heat transfer of the nanofluids reached 46%, the overall heat transfer coefficient reached 39%, thermal conductivity reached 21.35% and Nusselt number reached to 38%. at 0.08% volume fraction of Fe2O3/spring water nanofluid. Based on all previous parameters estimated, the designed nanofluids in this study could be classified as a workable nanofluid in many industry application

Reduce Effect of Dependent Malicious Sensor Nodes in WSNs using Pairs Counting and Fake Packets

In this paper, we propose a new technique for the enhancement of target detection in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in which sensor nodes are responsible for taking binary decisions about the presence or absence of a given target and reporting the output to the fusion center. We introduce the algorithm; Fail Silent Pair (FSP) to calculate global decision in the fusion center. The FSP algorithm randomly distributes all sensor nodes into pairs then considers pairs of the same local decision. Also, we present new detection and prevention methods to reduce the effect of dependent malicious sensor nodes. The detection method is based on the deception of suspicious sensor nodes with fake packets to detect a subset of the malicious sensor nodes, as these nodes eavesdrop on other sensor nodes packets to use their local decisions as a reference to build an intelligent decision. While the prevention method allows the fusion center to correct local decisions of some malicious sensor nodes with identified strategies, assisting in the increase of the accuracy of global decisions. We introduce a mathematical analysis to verify our methods, in addition to simulation experiments to validate our technique

Extensor indicis proprius to extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer with first dorsal interossei muscle flap cover for reconstruction of post traumatic thumb defect in an acute setting: a very rare case report

The thumb plays a vital role in the function of the hand and is indispensable part of gripping, pinching and other activities and therefore its reconstruction is a priority for every hand surgeon. Different flaps have been used in the soft tissue reconstruction of the thumb. Here we presented a 38 year male patient case of road traffic accident with trauma to the right upper limb having composite tissue defect involving the thumb with loss over the dorsum of the thumb with periosteal stripping and partial loss of the dorsal cortex of the metacarpal in which we have successfully performed thumb reconstruction in acute setting by doing extensor indicis proprius (EIP) to extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon transfer for the extensor tendon loss and soft tissue cover by using the ulnar head of first dorsal interossei muscle with overlying split thickness skin graft. EIP to EPL transfer is an efficient tendon transfer to restore the thumb extension in post-traumatic extensor loss of thumb without any functional donor site morbidity. First dorsal interossei muscle is a good and reliable reconstructive option for the small full thickness soft tissue defects over the first metacarpal first because of its axial blood supply. We recommend to divide the extensor indicis proprius tendon around half centimetre proximal to the extensor hood and suture this tendon remnant to the side by extensor digiti communis tendon  while maintaining the finger extension and for the first dorsal interossei muscle flap preferably use the ulnar head of muscle for thumb reconstruction to avoid functional donor site morbidities

Improving information security in e-banking by using biometric fingerprint : a case of major bank in Malaysia

In this paper biometric fingerprint technology will define and discuss as new best approach identification and authentication customers for online internet banking, and how biometric fingerprint will improve the internet banking protect its assets. Background will be produced to present how authentication and identification have developed and improved through the applications successful that have implemented biometric technology to protect its asset; then a case of major bank in Malaysia will be taken as a case study. By answering the question, why does biometric fingerprint need to come forefront as a great method of authentication in online banking environment? The findings have found that there are reasons and factors for higher security as a near perfect and biometric fingerprint authentication will be indicated to be the solution to answer this call

The Impact of Organizational Culture on the Organizational Development: A Field Study at the Yemeni Banks

هدفت الدراسة إلى قياسِ أثر الثقافة المنظمية في التطوير المنظمي في المصارف اليمنية وقد استخدمت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وتمثل مجتمع الدراسة في المصارف اليمنية والبالغ عددها (13) مصرفاً، بواقع (1912) مفردة، وتم إختيار عينة طبقية عشوائية نسبية بـواقع (314) مفردة، وتم جمع البيانات باستخدام الاستبانة، وقد توصلت الدراسة إلى أن المصارف اليمنية تولي اهتماماً كبيراً بتحقق التطوير المنظمي بكافة أبعاده، والثقافة المنظمية بكافة أبعادها، وأن أكثر أبعاد التطوير المنظمي تحققاً بُعد التكنولوجيا وأقلها بعد الموارد البشرية، وأكثر أبعاد الثقافة المنظمية توفراً بُعد ثقافة الاستجابة، وأقلها بُعد ثقافة العلاقات، كما يوجد تفاوت في أثر أبعاد الثقافة المنظمية في التطوير المنظمي، حيث كان أكثرها تأثيراً ثقافة الاستجابة، وأقلها ثقافة الرقابة، وقدمت الدراسة العديد من التوصيات أهمها: ضرورة تعزيز نشر الثقافة المنظمية في المصارف اليمنية، لاسيما ثقافة العلاقات بطريقة تشجع الأفراد وتحفزهم على الإبداع والابتكار، وذلك لما له من أثر في تحقق التطوير المنظمي. الكلمات المفتاحية: التطوير المنظمي، الثقافة المنظمية، المصارف اليمنية.This study aimed to identify the impact of organizational culture on the organizational development in the Yemeni banks. To achieve the purpose of this study, a descriptive study was conducted in 13 Yemeni banks. The study population consisted of 1912 employees in the targeted banks and 314 employees were selected as a sample using a proportional stratified random sampling method. The data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive data were processed and analyzed using SPSS. The results of the study revealed that there was a significant impact of organizational culture on the organizational development in the Yemeni Banks. The impact was found high in the responsiveness and technology variables and low in the control, human resources and relations variables. In light of the findings, the study recommended that the Yemeni banks should give further attention on promoting the organizational culture, especially culture of relations as this has a positive impact on achieving the organizational development. Keywords: organizational development, organizational culture, Yemeni banks

The Impact Of Oral Health Education And Preventive Measures On Dental Caries And Periodontal Diseases

Oral problems, including dental caries, periodontal diseases, and tooth loss, are significant global public health concerns. This is due to the fact that inadequate oral health has extensive impacts on general health and quality of life. In improving oral health, especially in developing countries, there are obstacles that need to be addressed. It is crucial to enhance public health programs worldwide by implementing efficient preventative measures against diseases and simultaneously boosting oral health. Frequently, collective actions are employed for the purpose of oral health education. These actions often involve delivering lectures utilizing various materials such as flipcharts, videos, PowerPoint presentations, as well as implementing other activities like supervised teeth brushing and topical fluoride application. This paper aimed to review the impact of oral health education and preventive measures on dental caries and periodontal diseases