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Article
Publication date: 8 October 2024

Danny Murguia, Robby Soetanto, Michael Szczygiel, Chris Ian Goodier and Anil Kavuri

The emergence of Construction 4.0 technologies provides an impetus for radical change and rejuvenates the interest of stakeholders in addressing long-standing performance issues…

Abstract

Purpose

The emergence of Construction 4.0 technologies provides an impetus for radical change and rejuvenates the interest of stakeholders in addressing long-standing performance issues in the construction sector. However, construction firms struggle to implement Construction 4.0 technologies for performance measurement and improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to develop a conceptual model of innovation management for implementing Construction 4.0 that guides and facilitates the strategic transformation of construction firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model of innovation management is presented, and the findings are synthesised based on a literature review, 20 semi-structured interviews, two focus group discussions, three workshops, expert consultation and observations on three digitally-enabled projects. Data were inductively analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The analysis of empirical data revealed: (i) Four scenarios that could lead the industry to different futures, based on the extent of research and development, and the extent of integration/collaboration; (ii) Construction 4.0 capability stages for a sustained implementation route; (iii) Possible business model configurations derived from servitisation strategies; and (iv) Skills management challenges for organisations.

Research limitations/implications

First, the empirical data was only collected in the UK with its unique industry context, which may limit the applicability of the results. Second, most of the research data comes from the private sector, without the views of public sector organisations. Third, the model needs to be further validated with specific data-driven use cases to address productivity and sustainability issues.

Practical implications

Successful Construction 4.0 transformation requires a concerted effort of stakeholders, including those in the supply chain, technology companies, innovation networks and government. Although a stakeholder’s action would depend on others’ actions, each stakeholder should undertake action that can influence the factors within their control (such as the extent of collaboration and investment) and the outcomes.

Originality/value

The conceptual model brings together and establishes the relationships between the scenarios, Construction 4.0 capability stages, business models and skills management. It provides the first step that guides the fuzzy front-end of Construction 4.0 implementation, underpins the transformation to the desired future and builds long-term innovation capabilities.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Or Hareven, Tamar Kron, David Roe and Danny Koren

The purpose of this study is to gain deeper understanding of the experience of PSW and pathways to recover. Prolonged social withdrawal (PSW) among young people has been widely…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to gain deeper understanding of the experience of PSW and pathways to recover. Prolonged social withdrawal (PSW) among young people has been widely reported; however, the voice of those who withdraw is rarely heard. Illuminating these firsthand experiences is important as the phenomenon becomes widespread, calling for increased attention and creative solutions to promote recovery processes and re-inclusion in society.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted nine in-depth semi-structured interviews with young people who have been reclusive for 2–19 years and inquired about their perspectives and experiences around times of PSW and beyond. These data were analyzed and categorized according to three main areas: factors contributing to PSW, subjective experiences and general functioning during PSW and processes involved in coming out of PSW. This study presents the main findings and illustrates them using a case of a young man in PSW for 19 years.

Findings

The findings reveal that young people may turn to social withdrawal in response to varied personal and familial challenges, and often experience intense loneliness and psychic pain. Attempts to cope and recover from withdrawal involve inner motivation combined with support from significant others and a strong therapeutic alliance with professionals.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report findings from in-depth interviews with people who spent very long periods in PSW, and accordingly it contributes to the growing body of knowledge on this phenomenon. Based on this unique firsthand perspective, the authors propose potential guidelines for caregivers and mental health professionals trying to help people in PSW to reintegrate into society.

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Shurui Bai and Khe Foon Hew

Although numerous studies have explored gamification, its effects on student intrinsic motivation and behavioral engagement remain ambiguous. This study aims to address this gap…

Abstract

Purpose

Although numerous studies have explored gamification, its effects on student intrinsic motivation and behavioral engagement remain ambiguous. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the impacts of exogenous and endogenous fantasies on students’ intrinsic motivation, behaviors and perception of learning in gamified, fully online courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quasi-experimental design and mixed methods, this study involved two groups of postgraduate students: exogenous fantasy group (N = 23) and endogenous fantasy group (N = 23). Intrinsic motivation was assessed through surveys, while behavioral engagement was tracked over 10 weeks using online trace data. Semi-structured interviews gathered student insights on learning perceptions. The patterns of behavioral engagement in both fantasy groups were analyzed using epistemic network analysis.

Findings

Observed behavioral data indicated a significantly higher level of intrinsic motivation in the endogenous fantasy setting. The endogenous group was more engaged in pre-task analysis and post-task reflection, while the exogenous group focused more on quiz work and post-task reflection. Participants in the endogenous fantasy setting also reported increased cognitive engagement and a strong identification with their fictional characters.

Practical implications

Integrating endogenous fantasy into the curriculum can boost students’ intrinsic motivation, behavioral engagement and self-identification. Adopting a first-person perspective that allows students to embody the role of a virtual character is highly recommended. The use of interactive multimedia can greatly enrich the fantasy environment, resulting in a more immersive and engaging learning experience.

Originality/value

The study provides valuable insights into the impact of endogenous and exogenous fantasies on intrinsic motivation and behavioral engagement. It also stands out for its use of epistemic network analysis to assess and compare complex networks of learning task participation in two fantasy settings. Through analyzing these engagement patterns, researchers can obtain a more profound understanding of how each fantasy environment influences student engagement.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 May 2024

Maria Cleofe Giorgino and Federico Barnabè

Drawing motivation from the greater exposure to uncertainty and condition changes that affect large projects due to their long lifecycle, this paper aims to investigate how the…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing motivation from the greater exposure to uncertainty and condition changes that affect large projects due to their long lifecycle, this paper aims to investigate how the time factor affects the use of governance mechanisms to pursue the success of these projects.

Design/methodology/approach

To pursue its aim, the article applies the dichotomization between the hard and soft mechanisms of project governance to the analysis of a historical case study, whose findings are organized over the short, medium and long periods. The case selected is referred to the peculiar water system, made up of tunnels named “bottini,” that was in use in Siena (Italy) as the old aqueduct. Specifically, the study focuses on the project of expansion of this water system that was realized during the 14th century for the construction of the “Bottino maestro di Fontegaia.”

Findings

This article highlights the different relevance that, during the lifecycle of large projects, is assumed by hard and soft governance mechanisms, with the former having main relevance in a short and medium period, and the latter usually emerging in the medium period and, subsequently, playing a growing role for the project success in the long period.

Originality/value

The article contributes to the literature on large projects by providing novel insights about how the time factor impacts the governance of these projects. Furthermore, the case study, with its unique history, highlights the relevance of combining effectively the hard and the soft dimensions of project governance to pursue success.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2024

Qiqi Li and Kara Chan

With the emergence of social media, online influencers have played a major role in brand marketing. This study aims to examine how Malaysian young adults perceive advertising…

Abstract

Purpose

With the emergence of social media, online influencers have played a major role in brand marketing. This study aims to examine how Malaysian young adults perceive advertising endorsements of celebrities and online influencers within the framework of parasocial relations and multiculturalism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study engaged 42 Malaysian young adults aged 18–24 in semistructured interviews. They were asked to share a television commercial with celebrity endorsement and explain why it was impressive. They were then asked explicitly to compare traditional celebrities and online influencers in terms of attractiveness, credibility and endorsement effects.

Findings

Advertising execution strategies and emotional attachment to advertising endorsers are the two main reasons for making an advertisement impressive. Interviewees demonstrate strong emotional attachments to celebrities who are national icons. Online influencers are perceived as more relatable, authentic and credible than traditional celebrities. Interviewees perceive that endorsements by traditional celebrities were more effective for luxurious brands and brands targeting older consumers. On the other hand, endorsements by online influencers were perceived to be more effective for low-involvement product categories and brands that target younger consumers.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents a summary of the parallel perceptions of online influencers and celebrities to explain how young consumers evaluate advertising with celebrity and social media influencer endorsement.

Practical implications

Malaysian young adults perceive endorsers as people who guide their experiences with ads. Adopting an endorser who is young, has a trendy image, and has a similar cultural background enhances the relatability of ads for young adults. National sports heroes can serve as nation-building agents through celebrity endorsement in advertising.

Originality/value

Few studies directly compare the endorsement effects of celebrities and online influencers in a multicultural setting. This study provides marketing and theoretical insights to unravel the influencing mechanism of parasocial relations and multiculturalism.

Details

Young Consumers, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-3616

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2023

Abdulkader Zairbani and Senthil Kumar Jaya Prakash

The purpose of this paper is to provide an organizing lens for viewing the distinct contributions to knowledge production from those research communities addressing the impact of…

1305

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an organizing lens for viewing the distinct contributions to knowledge production from those research communities addressing the impact of competitive strategy on company performance in general, and the influence of cost leadership and differentiation strategy on organizational performance in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology was based on the PRISMA review, and thematic analysis based on an iterative process of open coding was analyzed and then the sample was analyzed by illustrating the research title, objectives, method, data analysis, sample size, variables and country.

Findings

The main factor that influenced the competitive strategy is strategic growth; strategic growth has a significant influence on competitive strategy. Furthermore, competitive strategy will boost firm network, performance measurement and organization behavior. In the same way, the internal goal factor will enhance organizational effectiveness. Also, a differentiation strategy will support management practice factors, strategic positions, product price, product characteristics and company performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying a framework of competitive strategy factors, company performance factors, cost leadership strategy factors, differentiation strategy factors and competitive strategy with global market factors. This study provides a complete picture and description of the resulting body knowledge in competitive strategy and organizational performance.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2024

Min Qin and Mengmeng Liu

Despite widespread use of virtual streamers, academic research on this subject remains limited. This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which consumer perceptions of virtual…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite widespread use of virtual streamers, academic research on this subject remains limited. This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which consumer perceptions of virtual streamers influence consumer purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

We used partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze validated online survey data from 414 consumers watching virtual streamers.

Findings

Consumer perceptions of virtual streamers (perceived competence, perceived interaction quality and perceived warmth) promote the establishment of transactional psychological contract and relational psychological contract between consumers and virtual streamers, which further affects consumers’ purchase intention.

Originality/value

This study enriches the research on virtual streamers, facilitates their adoption and introduces the psychological contract into a new research context by revealing the formation of the psychological contract from the perspective of virtual streamers. Moreover, this study provides a new understanding of the relationship between disembodied artificial intelligence and consumers.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Mesfin Abebe Gezahegn, Aschalew Degoma Durie and Abiot Tsegaye Kibret

This study aims to look into how customer satisfaction (CS) plays a mediating role in the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer loyalty (CL…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to look into how customer satisfaction (CS) plays a mediating role in the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer loyalty (CL) among Ethiopian commercial bank clients.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey research design to collect information from 790 Ethiopian commercial bank customers. Purposive sampling techniques were used in the study to choose respondents, and the AMOS structural equation model in conjunction with SPSS was used to evaluate the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that CSR has a significant effect on both CS and CL. Likewise, CS plays a positive role in fostering CL. Moreover, CS acts as a mediator in the connection between CSR and CL. This suggests that CSR and CS are key factors in determining CL among commercial bank customers in Ethiopia.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined the overall impact of CSR on loyalty. Future research can explore the impact of specific CSR initiatives, such as environmental sustainability, charitable giving, community involvement and ethics. Another implication could involve studying moderating factors like customer demographics and industry context. This study is a cross-sectional study; therefore, future studies should focus on longitudinal studies that could reveal the long-term effects of CSR on CL. Additionally, examining the effects of CSR on stakeholders beyond customers, like employees and suppliers, could provide a broader understanding of its impact on business performance and social outcomes.

Practical implications

By investing in CSR activities that resonate with customer values, banks can improve CS and ultimately CL. This highlights importance of aligning CSR strategies with customer preferences and expectations to create strong emotional connection with customers. Moreover, leveraging CSR efforts as unique selling point can differentiate banks from competitors and attract socially conscious consumers. By concentrating on delivering high-quality services and personalised experiences while communicating transparently about their CSR initiatives, banks build trust and loyalty among customers. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of CSR programmes are essential to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with customer needs, leading to CS and CL.

Social implications

By demonstrating that CSR activities positively impact CS and CL, commercial banks can contribute to the overall well-being of society. Engaging in socially responsible practices not only enhances the reputation of banks but also fosters a sense of trust and goodwill among customers. This leads to a more positive perception of banks as ethical and socially conscious institutions, ultimately benefiting the community at large. Furthermore, by emphasising the mediating role of CS in the relationship between CSR and CL, banks can better understand how to cultivate long-term relationships with their customers based on mutual trust and value.

Originality/value

Prior research has mainly focused on instantaneous customer responses like buying intentions and brand perception. By contrast, this study delves into the enduring impact of CSR on customer actions, specifically CL. Furthermore, it breaks new ground by exploring CSR as a higher-order construct to elucidate how CS serves as a mediator between CSR initiatives and CL.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2024

Junming Xiang and Shixuan Fu

The emergence of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) technology has markedly enhanced the capabilities of digital human content generation and natural language…

Abstract

Purpose

The emergence of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) technology has markedly enhanced the capabilities of digital human content generation and natural language processing, thus further advancing the development of digital humans. To enable enterprises and governments to effectively address the challenges and opportunities arising from the rapid development of digital humans, it is imperative to understand the public opinion and discussion dynamics of digital humans.

Design/methodology/approach

This study initially analyzed the trends and distribution patterns of public attention to digital humans. By utilizing word cloud technology, we explored the primary focal points of public interest and conducted a topic analysis using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) techniques. Subsequently, content analysis was conducted on the popular application domains of digital humans. Finally, this study examined the influence of user characteristics on emotional scores toward digital humans and the presence of differences in focus across user groups.

Findings

The results indicate a sustained increase in public attention toward digital humans, accompanied by notable geographic disparities in the distribution of discussions. Discussions on Weibo are primarily focused on four domains, whereas areas within the digital human application domain that provoke widespread discussion include live streaming, service, cultural entertainment and digital avatars. Significant impacts of user characteristics on sentiment scores were observed, revealing divergent focal points of interest among different user groups toward digital humans.

Originality/value

Through the deep analysis of Weibo data, this study offers new insights into the digital human industry, enabling governments and businesses to understand industry trends and develop targeted digital human customization strategies based on customer characteristics.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 October 2023

Julia E. Calabrese, Nancy Butler Songer, Holly Cordner and Daniel Kalani Aina

The authors designed a science and engineering curricular program that includes design features that promote student interest and motivation and examined teachers' and students'…

Abstract

Purpose

The authors designed a science and engineering curricular program that includes design features that promote student interest and motivation and examined teachers' and students' views on meaningfulness, motivation and interest.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach consisted of mixed methods, including content analyses and descriptive statistics.

Findings

The curricular program successfully included all four of the US National Academies of Sciences' design features for promoting interest and motivation through scientific investigation and engineering design. During interviews, teachers and students expressed evidence of design features associated with interest and motivation. After experiencing the program, more than 60% of all students scored high on all four science and engineering meaningfulness and interest survey items.

Originality/value

A curricular program that extends science learning through the engineered design of solutions is an innovative approach to foster both conceptual knowledge development and interest and motivation in science and engineering.

Details

Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-7604

Keywords

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