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Article
Publication date: 27 April 2023

Xiao-Hua Jin, Sepani Senaratne, Ye Fu and Bashir Tijani

The problem of stress is increasingly gaining attention in the construction industry in recent years. This study is aimed at examining the causes, effects and possible alleviation…

556

Abstract

Purpose

The problem of stress is increasingly gaining attention in the construction industry in recent years. This study is aimed at examining the causes, effects and possible alleviation of stress of project management (PM) practitioners so that their stress could be appropriately managed and reduced, which would contribute to improved mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected in an online questionnaire survey via Qualtrics. Questions ranged from PM practitioners’ stressors, stress and performance under stress to stress alleviation tools and techniques. One hundred and five PM practitioners completed the questionnaire. Their responses were compiled and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression.

Findings

The results confirmed that the identified stressors tended to increase stress of PM practitioners. All stressors tested in this study were found to have negative impact on the performance of PM practitioners. In particular, the burnout stressors were seen as the key stressors that influence the performance of PM practitioners and have a strong correlation with all the other stressors. It was also found that a number of tools and techniques can reduce the impact of stressors on PM practitioners.

Originality/value

This study has taken a specific focus on stress-related issues of PM practitioners in the construction industry due to their critical role in this project-dominated industry. Using the Job Demand-Resource theory, a holistic examination was not only conducted on stress and stressors but also on alleviation tools and techniques. This study has thus made significant contribution to the ongoing research aimed at finding solutions to mental health-related problems in the project-dominated construction industry, thereby achieving the United Nations’ social sustainability development goals.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 27 October 2021

Mario Iván Tarride and Mario Italo Contreras

The paper aims to propose a model and a comprehensive diagnostic method of organizational health status based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

127

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a model and a comprehensive diagnostic method of organizational health status based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is qualitative/interpretive and uses of the concept of functional homomorphism of WR Ashby is used, establishing similarities between the way in which this ancient medicine considers the human being and their condition as healthy to transfer it to an organization that produces goods and/or services.

Findings

A healthy organization is conceived as one constituted by an association of people regulated by a set of norms based on certain purposes in a state of harmonious balance of their physical and energetic dimensions. In that the physical refers to storage functions, regulation and allocation of resources; transformation of raw materials and inputs into goods and services; waste disposal, distribution and coordination and with information systems for management control, while energy is associated with the ability to act with its management and policies.

Research limitations/implications

The current paper is a first theoretical proposal, which should be enriched with practical applications that feedback its conceptual formulation, thus contributing to its validation.

Practical implications

A comprehensive organizational diagnostic method is made available.

Social implications

The proposed method allows a comprehensive organizational diagnosis, considering the participation of all the actors that make up this type of social systems.

Originality/value

Although the methodological resource is old, the way it is used here is considered original, and it is also part of an original investigative process by the authors, oriented toward the search for comprehensive organizational diagnostic methods.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 3 September 2019

Hongyao Shen, Xiaoxiang Ye, Guanhua Xu, Linchu Zhang, Jun Qian and Jianzhong Fu

During the 3D printing process, the model needs to add a support structure to ensure structural stability. Excessive support structure reduces printing efficiency and results in…

634

Abstract

Purpose

During the 3D printing process, the model needs to add a support structure to ensure structural stability. Excessive support structure reduces printing efficiency and results in material cost. A flexible support platform for 3 D printing has been designed. It can form an external support structure to replace the original support structure. This paper aims to study the influence of a model’s build orientation on properties when the model is printed on the platform, aiming to provide users with suitable solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A fitness function for estimating the support structure with a support length is constructed. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is modified and applied to find the build orientation that minimizes the support structure. However, when the model is printed on the platform, the build orientation of the minimum support structure enhances the complexity of the working path, resulting in an increase of printing time, which needs to be avoided. This paper applies a multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm to minimize the support structure while minimizing printing time. The Pareto solution is obtained by the algorithm.

Findings

It is found that the model that has the cantilever structure can reduce more support structure after optimization on the platform, when there is surface quality requirement. When there is no limit, the modified algorithm can minimize the support structure of each model. Considering support structure and printing time, the MOPSO algorithm can easily get optimization results to guide the practical work.

Originality/value

This paper optimizes the model’s build orientation on the flexible support platform by PSO, thereby reducing material cost and improving work efficiency.

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2000

Ji Li, Kevin Lam and Ping Ping Fu

Past research has suggested the influence of family‐oriented collectivistic culture on the behavior and performance of traditional Chinese manufacturing firms. However…

950

Abstract

Past research has suggested the influence of family‐oriented collectivistic culture on the behavior and performance of traditional Chinese manufacturing firms. However, insufficient empirical research has been conducted to empirically test the influence. More importantly, insufficient research has been conducted to test how the collectivistic culture in Chinese societies would affect the performance of manufacturing firms. This paper addresses these issues by comparing the behaviors and performance of two groups of firms in China, i.e., investment from overseas Chinese firms and investment from non‐Chinese Western firms, in one of China's fast‐growing manufacturing industries. Interesting differences are found between the overseas Chinese firms and those from other foreign countries. The findings support the influence of societal culture on firms' behavior and performance, but do not support the predictions on performance based on the arguments of cultural distance. This paper concludes with a discussion on implications of the findings for both researchers and practitioners.

Details

The International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1055-3185

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Article
Publication date: 3 May 2021

Dimitrios Kouis, Konstantinos Kyprianos, Foteini Efthymiou, Alexandros Koulouris and Antonia Karabela

The purpose of this article is to investigate certain aspects, problems and benefits from the migration to a shared Library Management System (LMS).

792

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate certain aspects, problems and benefits from the migration to a shared Library Management System (LMS).

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature and a quantitative survey was conducted, based on a structured questionnaire, with a response rate of 44.7%.

Findings

Among the crucial issues that should be taken seriously into consideration when transiting into a new and shared LMS, are the audit of the data quality before migration, the employees' training design and the composition of the LMS central support team. The benefits of a shared LMS are mainly effectiveness in terms of libraries' budgets and time for the employees' day-to-day work.

Originality/value

The survey presented in this article evaluates the merits of a shared LMS and contributes innovative aspects to the existing bibliography by investigating issues and problems that arose during the transition. This way, the professionals involved in similar initiatives will benefit by avoiding possible mistakes and drawbacks when implementing such a project.

Details

Library Management, vol. 42 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

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Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Ying Ye and Kwok Hung Lau

The purpose of this paper is to put forward a demand chain management (DCM) framework underpinned by the alignment theory and applies it to investigate the fashion apparel (FA…

1949

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put forward a demand chain management (DCM) framework underpinned by the alignment theory and applies it to investigate the fashion apparel (FA) industry in China under the impacts of the latest economic transition.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory multiple case study methodology involving five Chinese FA firms, each with a different business model and ownership type, was employed. Semi-structured interviews, onsite observations and review of company documents were conducted to collect information for analysis.

Findings

Using a conceptual DCM framework as a guide for analysis, the study finds that companies with a higher level of alignment with the external market situation and among the three internal DCM dimensions, namely, market management, supply chain management (SCM), and organization management, appear to perform better under the rapidly changing economic conditions in China.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to knowledge by reviewing thoroughly the literature on SCM evolution and develops a DCM framework based on alignment theory that represents the state of the art in this area. By extending the administration-integration-production-development (A-I-P-D) logic set adopted in the alignment theory, this study has also equipped the proposed framework with an empirical tool to measure alignment.

Practical implications

By applying the framework to examine the Chinese apparel industry under the impacts of the latest economic transition, this study provides practitioners in the industry with a framework to help formulate strategies and a tool to measure alignment. The findings of the case study also offer insights to the industry to thrive in the rapidly changing businesses environment with dynamic uncertainties.

Originality/value

This study extends the application of the A-I-P-D logic set under the alignment theory to the SCM field. This endeavor successfully transforms the proposed DCM framework from a theoretical concept to a practical tool to help evaluate empirically the alignment and strategic fit of a firm and potential relationship with firm performance. As the Chinese FA market has increasingly evolved under the impact of the globalization, the findings of this study not only assist the local FA companies in coping with the dynamic uncertainties but also shed light on the future developments of the global FA industry. Besides, the alignment measurement tool embedded in the proposed DCM framework can help enhance the chances of business success during implementation.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

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Article
Publication date: 28 August 2023

Lázaro Florido-Benítez

The nuclear purpose of this research paper is to analyse representative bridges around the world as a tourist attraction and iconic element through destination marketing…

295

Abstract

Purpose

The nuclear purpose of this research paper is to analyse representative bridges around the world as a tourist attraction and iconic element through destination marketing organisations’ (DMOs’) tourism official websites where these are localised and three online travel agencies’ (OTAs’) websites.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a mixed method. The author carried out Google research (13 March 2023) that included the following search word string “iconic bridges around the world” and “the most famous bridges worldwide” to select the most relevant bridges around the globe. Moreover, this research used a content analysis to examine how Expedia, Booking and Orbitz OTAs promote the bridges through their websites in terms of a tourist attraction, iconic element, tourist package, images and information.

Findings

Findings suggest that the most representative bridges analysed in this study are promoted as iconic element and tourist attraction through DMOs’ websites. Nevertheless, Booking, Expedia and Orbitz OTAs promote and sell products and services related to bridges selected, except in the case of the Millau Viaduct in France, the Si-O-Se-Pol bridge in Iran, the Danyang Kunshan Grand bridge in China and the Royal Gorge in the USA. Furthermore, results support that OTAs need to enhance the quality and variety of products and services that are linked to iconic bridges sightseeing tours because at the moment, there is a great uniformity in the promotion of products and services provided.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to broader debates in the importance of bridges as a tourist attraction and iconic element to attract tourists through tourism promotion websites.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

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Article
Publication date: 13 July 2023

Miguel Ángel Moliner-Tena, Lucio Hernández-Lobato, Juan Carlos Fandos-Roig and María Magdalena Solís-Radilla

This paper aims to establish the causal relationship between destination image and tourist motivation and engagement.

876

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to establish the causal relationship between destination image and tourist motivation and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A causal model with seven hypotheses was tested into a sample of 438 domestic tourists in Acapulco (Mexico).

Findings

Cognitive destination image is the main antecedent of tourist engagement, exerting an important direct and indirect effect through push and pull motivations. Affective image also exerts a direct effect on tourist engagement and an indirect effect through push and pull motivations. Only pull motivations exert an influence on tourist engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on domestic tourists at a sun and beach destination.

Practical implications

Destination management organisations should invest in the care, improvement and promotion of tourism resources. Online and offline communication campaigns should be based on tourism resources and experiences.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils three research gaps: destination image is associated with tourist engagement; tourist motivations affect tourist engagement; and destination image is associated with tourist motivations.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

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Article
Publication date: 11 May 2023

Aisha Saif Al Shaer, Fauzia Jabeen, Saju Jose and Sherine Farouk

Drawing on cultural intelligence and social exchange theories, this study examines cultural intelligence and its effects on proactive service performance and the mediating role of…

604

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on cultural intelligence and social exchange theories, this study examines cultural intelligence and its effects on proactive service performance and the mediating role of leader's collaborative nature and the moderating role of cultural training and emotional labor, particularly deep acting and surface acting, in the relationship between cultural intelligence and proactive service performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample comprised 510 healthcare practitioners. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that cultural intelligence positively influences proactive service performance. Additionally, leadership's collaborative nature influences proactive service performance. The moderating effect of cultural training and deep acting positively influences the relationship between cultural intelligence and proactive service performance. In contrast, surface acting reveals a reverse effect, thus exhibiting a positive effect on this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

These findings suggest that public healthcare organizations should pay more attention in improving deep acting, cultural training and leadership's collaborative nature for optimal service performance.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in its presentation of an integrated framework based on cultural intelligence and social exchange theories that can solve the contemporary challenges facing healthcare firms operating in emerging markets in integrating cultural intelligence and service performance.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

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Article
Publication date: 15 December 2022

Rong Zhang

The purpose of this research was to explore the stickiness of players' motivation in a virtual community and to explore the important factors for gamers.

336

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to explore the stickiness of players' motivation in a virtual community and to explore the important factors for gamers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, motivation was the independent variable; the virtual community was the mediator; and stickiness was the dependent variable. An online questionnaire survey was conducted, with users of augmented reality (AR) as the research objects. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS and AMOS software to verify the research model and research hypotheses, to understand the relation between player motivation and stickiness and to determine whether there were any changes in the virtual community.

Findings

The authors found that the relation between players' motivation in AR-based games and the virtual community had a significant positive impact. Ingress had a significant positive impact on the virtual community and stickiness, and Pokémon had a significant positive impact too. The virtual community of the Ingress game played a completely mediating role in motivation and stickiness, but the virtual community in Pokémon did not have a mediating effect.

Originality/value

The novel approach adopted in this study enabled us to determine the causal relation between player motivation, the virtual community and stickiness, on the basis of the theoretical framework formulated, and the latter was used to construct a path analysis model diagram. The correlation between motivation and the virtual community, between the virtual community and stickiness, and the causal relation between all three was verified. The study results and conclusions may help companies understand how to use virtual communities in AR games to improve stickiness and motivate gamers to continue playing.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

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