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Article
Publication date: 18 October 2024

S.M. Jamil Uddin, Alex Albert and Mahzabin Tamanna

Construction Hazard Prevention through Design (CHPtD) is recognized as a pivotal strategy for enhancing workplace safety. Despite its theoretical potential, practical…

Abstract

Purpose

Construction Hazard Prevention through Design (CHPtD) is recognized as a pivotal strategy for enhancing workplace safety. Despite its theoretical potential, practical implementation faces challenges, particularly regarding designers' familiarity with field-level operations and hazard recognition. This study aims to investigate whether ChatGPT can address these challenges by assisting in hazard recognition during CHPtD sessions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilized a randomized controlled experiment to assess ChatGPT as an intervention in supporting hazard recognition during CHPtD sessions. The study involves 162 civil and construction engineering student participants, representing future professionals. Participants engaged in hazard recognition during CHPtD sessions either with or without the assistance of ChatGPT.

Findings

Participants who utilized ChatGPT during CHPtD sessions demonstrated a significant improvement in hazard recognition, identifying approximately 40% more hazards compared to those who did not use ChatGPT. These findings underscore the efficacy of ChatGPT in supporting CHPtD efforts.

Practical implications

The results highlight the practical utility of harnessing ChatGPT in CHPtD sessions to enhance hazard recognition and ultimately promote workplace safety. By leveraging ChatGPT, designers and engineers can better anticipate and mitigate potential hazards during the design phase, thus creating a safer working environment for field workers.

Originality/value

This research contributes to addressing the challenges associated with implementing CHPtD by introducing ChatGPT as a valuable tool to support hazard recognition. By demonstrating the effectiveness of ChatGPT in enhancing hazard identification during CHPtD sessions, this study offers a novel approach to promoting the adoption of CHPtD and advancing workplace safety initiatives.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 October 2023

Jyh-Bin Yang and Ying-Fu Chen

An S-curve is an essential project-management tool. However, it is difficult to adjust S-curve to deal with a force majeure event. The present study develops four valuable…

Abstract

Purpose

An S-curve is an essential project-management tool. However, it is difficult to adjust S-curve to deal with a force majeure event. The present study develops four valuable adjustment approaches, designed to achieve a compromise between the views of the client and contractor. These can be used to control projects after a force majeure event.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study develops four adjustment approaches, which can be used to achieve a compromise between the views of the client and those of the contractor when controlling projects after a force majeure. To determine the S-curves during a force majeure event, two approaches can be selected: BCWS (budgeted cost of scheduled work)-base approach, or BCWP (budgeted cost of work performed)-base approach. To determine the rest of S-curves after a force majeure event, two approaches can be considered: maintaining the original curve of the remaining BCWS, or allocating the original curve of the remaining BCWS. Based on the validation of three empirical cases, drawn from a professional project-management website, this study confirms the feasibility of four proposed empirical approaches and a selection procedure for S-curve adjustment.

Findings

The S-curve-adjustment approaches presented here can be used to deal with cases that are ahead of, on and behind schedule. Using the proposed approaches and selection procedure, contractors can easily revise S-curves and control projects more effectively. To deal with a force majeure event, such as COVID-19, they are strongly advised to adopt the approaches labeled SA-A1 (to adjust the S-curve based on the extension ratio multiplied by the difference in progress during the force majeure) and SA-B1 (to maintain the original curve of the remaining BCWS) for the A/E and E/F curves, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed approaches can be used in cases of continuous construction during force majeure events. If construction work is totally suspended during such an event, it will be necessary to fine-tune the proposed approaches.

Originality/value

Previous studies have used case-oriented or mathematical-simulation approaches to forecast S-curves. The present study proposes simple approaches that allow the client and contractor to adjust the S-curve easily after a force majeure event. These approaches can be used to adjust work and project-completion targets within an extended duration. Selecting the right S-curve adjustment approach can help to control the remainder of the project, reducing the possibility of delay claims.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2024

Edem Emerald Sabah Welbeck and Mabel Ohenewaa Bremang

This study aims to analyse the impact of love of money, personality traits and peer influence on the ethical behaviour of graduate accounting students at the University of Ghana…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the impact of love of money, personality traits and peer influence on the ethical behaviour of graduate accounting students at the University of Ghana Business School.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative research approach to sample postgraduate accounting students who completed a self-administered questionnaire on the variables of interest. Using partial least square–structural equation modelling, the hypothesized relationships were examined based on 328 appropriate responses received for the questionnaire.

Findings

The empirical findings suggest that peer influence and personality trait, extraversion positively and significantly influence unethical behaviour, whereas the personality traits, agreeableness and openness to experience have a negative and significant relationship with unethical behaviour. The study, however, does not find support for the hypothesized relationships between the love of money, personality traits (conscientiousness, neuroticism) and unethical behaviour.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on unethical behaviour, highlighting how decision-making factors such as love of money, peer influence and personality traits, respectively, influence unethical behaviour explained by the self-justification concept under the social cognitive and moral reasoning theory. This could aid these potential managers in seeking higher reviews on ethical dilemmas. It could also aid the professional body and academics in Ghana particularly to intensify ethical education for students of the profession.

Details

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9369

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2024

Richard Kofi Opoku, Ramatu Issifu, Daniel Ofori, Sania Wafa and Alfred Asiedu

Although literature abounds on lean sustainability (LS), its contributions to manufacturing industries’ triple bottom line performance (TBLP) through top management commitment…

Abstract

Purpose

Although literature abounds on lean sustainability (LS), its contributions to manufacturing industries’ triple bottom line performance (TBLP) through top management commitment (TMC) remain scanty. This research explores the mediating role of TMC in the nexus between LS and TBLP.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the study’s quantitative focus, the causal design was utilised. The structured questionnaire, a survey instrument, was used to gather primary data from 285 manufacturing organisations in Ghana, a developing country. Data analysis was done with structural equation modelling.

Findings

It was found that LS and TMC positively influence TBLP, whereas TMC partially mediates the connection between LS and TBLP of Ghanaian manufacturing organisations.

Research limitations/implications

The study concentrates on Ghana’s manufacturing industry and embraces the stakeholder theory and quantitative methods.

Practical implications

This research underlines why top managers must prioritise investment in LS to promote sustainable development and attain their organisations’ TBLP targets. The study also provides key insights for top managers to consistently commit enormous resources towards developing lean practices, contributing favourably to TBLP. By establishing the interplay among LS, TMC and TBLP, manufacturing practitioners and researchers can further advance new strategies to address the growing sustainability concerns and achieve higher economic, social and environmental performance.

Originality/value

The study’s originality lies in analysing the mediation effect of TMC on the linkage between LS and TBLP in a developing economy where manufacturing organisations are continuously exposed to resource and waste management problems and lack adequate commitments from top managers towards sustainability initiatives. It is also the first to establish relationships between top management commitment and TBLP in the manufacturing industries of developing economies, concentrating on Ghana.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2024

Lukman Raimi

This study addresses the question of whether Islamic epistemology and ethics advance the understanding and promotion of sustainable development (SD) in the field of Islamic…

Abstract

Purpose

This study addresses the question of whether Islamic epistemology and ethics advance the understanding and promotion of sustainable development (SD) in the field of Islamic management, economics and finance (IMEF). This study also aims to understand how contemporary ethical theories explain and harmonise Islamic ethics in the context of SD.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the PRISMA protocol and conducts a systematic literature review of 62 articles published from 2015 to 2023 to provide answers to four research questions. The selected publications were taken from the Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, using the purposive sampling technique, and taking into account the selection criteria of quality, relevance and timeliness of the publications.

Findings

Four key findings emerged from the review. Firstly, Islamic epistemology and ethics, drawn from the Qur’an and Hadith, guide practices toward SD. Secondly, Islamic epistemology and ethics promote SD through various initiatives, including ethical behaviour, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, Islamic banking and financing ethics and Islamic social financing principles among others. Third, contemporary ethical theories such as virtue ethics, intentionalism, consequentialism and deontological ethics enrich the application of Islamic ethical foundations in the context of SD. Finally, the theoretical connection between Islamic epistemology, ethics and SD lies in their alignment toward promoting ethical behaviour, social responsibility and holistic ecosystem well-being.

Practical implications

The insights provided by this review offer practical implications for researchers, policymakers and practitioners in IMEF. The insights also underscore the importance of integrating Islamic ethical principles into SD initiatives and policy frameworks.

Originality/value

This novel study offers unique perspectives by integrating contemporary ethical theories with Islamic ethics and epistemology to justify SD in ways that are both theoretically and practically significant. In addition, six novel propositions are suggested for future research in IMEF.

Details

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9369

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 November 2024

Alexander Kies, Arne De Keyser, Susana Jaramillo, Jiarui Li, Yihui (Elina) Tang and Ihtesham Ud Din

Neurotechnologies such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are rapidly moving out of laboratories and onto frontline employees' (FLEs) heads. BCIs offer thought-controlled device…

Abstract

Purpose

Neurotechnologies such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are rapidly moving out of laboratories and onto frontline employees' (FLEs) heads. BCIs offer thought-controlled device operation and real-time adjustment of work tasks based on employees’ mental states, balancing the potential for optimal well-being with the risk of exploitative employee treatment. Despite its profound implications, a considerable gap exists in understanding how BCIs affect FLEs. This article’s purpose is to investigate BCIs’ impact on FLEs’ well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses a conceptual approach to synthesize interdisciplinary research from service marketing, neurotechnology and well-being.

Findings

This article highlights the expected impact from BCIs on the work environment and conceptualizes what BCIs entail for the service sector and the different BCI types that may be discerned. Second, a conceptual framework is introduced to explicate BCIs’ impact on FLEs’ well-being, identifying two mediating factors (i.e. BCI as a stressor versus BCI as a resource) and three categories of moderating factors that influence this relationship. Third, this article identifies areas for future research on this important topic.

Practical implications

Service firms can benefit from integrating BCIs to enhance efficiency and foster a healthy work environment. This article provides managers with an overview of BCI technology and key implementation considerations.

Originality/value

This article pioneers a systematic examination of BCIs as workplace technology, investigating their influence on FLEs’ well-being.

Details

Journal of Service Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-5818

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2025

Kadiane Angaman Alphonse, Guitao Zhang, Bilal Aslam, Shujun Guo, Maowang Ji and Shoaib Maqsood

The purpose of this investigation is to examine how the adaption of digital supply chain management (DSCM) practices affects the efficiency of factories and sustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to examine how the adaption of digital supply chain management (DSCM) practices affects the efficiency of factories and sustainable production. The research consists of eight constructs which, respectively, inspired eight hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

The emergence of DSCM practices has significant importance for sustainable production and enhances overall firm performance.

Findings

The smart PLS-SEM approach allowed us to examine the data from 450 factories in Côte d'Ivoire. The results indicated that research hypotheses are highly significant and exhibit a strong correlation with DSCM for firm performance and competitiveness. The outcomes underscore the significance of DSCM strategies in achieving competitive advantage, enhancing firm performance and promoting sustainable production within the manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

This study is useful for policymakers, industrialists and the government of Côte d’Ivoire.

Details

Management Decision, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Sourav Mondal, Saumya Singh and Himanshu Gupta

Green entrepreneurship (GE) is a novel concept in business and enhances environmentally friendly production and operation activities for “sustainable development” (SD). The aim of…

Abstract

Purpose

Green entrepreneurship (GE) is a novel concept in business and enhances environmentally friendly production and operation activities for “sustainable development” (SD). The aim of this study is to determine the drivers that contribute to the growth and success of “micro, small, and medium enterprises” (MSMEs) in the manufacturing sector in India. The study also examines the mutual and cause-and-effect relationships among these identified drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used integrated research methodology and identified nine key drivers of GE (GEDs) through extensive literature reviews, theoretical perspectives (i.e. “resource-based view” (RBV), “natural resource-based view” (NRBV) and “critical success factor theory” (CSFT)), and expert opinions. Further, “total interpretive structural modeling” (TISM) and “matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment” (MICMAC) analysis are used here to develop a hierarchical model and cluster the drivers, and fuzzy “decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory” (fuzzy-DEMATEL) is used to develop causal relationships among the drivers. Further, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to ensure the robustness of the results.

Findings

Results indicated that green manufacturing and operation capability development, green business process management and attitudes toward developing sustainable business models significantly impacted GE and SD. The findings of this study help managers, policymakers, and practitioners gain an in-depth understanding of the drivers of GE.

Research limitations/implications

The study considers a limited number of drivers and is specific to Indian manufacturing MSMEs only. Further, a limited number of experts from different enterprises are considered for data analysis. This study is also based on interrelationships and their relative importance based on multicriteria decision-making techniques. This study aids government decision-making, policy formulation and strategic decision-making for manufacturing businesses in achieving SD goals. In addition, this research also encourages green entrepreneurs to start eco-driven companies and facilitate the use of environmentally friendly goods to offset environmental challenges and accomplish sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

This study proposes an integrated methodology that will benefit managers, practitioners and others in developing strategies and innovations to improve and develop green practices. This study further helps with responsive, sustainable business development in various manufacturing MSMEs.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2024

Alan Bandeira Pinheiro and Ana Lidia de Oliveira Silva Ramalho

Framed under the upper echelons theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of board characteristics on the adoption of the global reporting initiative (GRI…

Abstract

Purpose

Framed under the upper echelons theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of board characteristics on the adoption of the global reporting initiative (GRI) guidelines for corporate disclosure and, consequently, their effect on the company’s market value.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research objective, the authors investigated the impact of certain important board characteristics, such as board independence, size, gender diversity and director skills. The authors examined the adoption of GRI guidelines by 371 companies based in Latin America. Using logistic regression and panel data analysis, the authors tested five hypotheses.

Findings

The findings can confirm the upper echelons theory, showing that directors have an important role in determining environmental policies and strategies in their companies. The authors confirm that three characteristics affect GRI adoption in Latin America: independence, gender diversity and skills of board directors. The authors also found that companies that adhere to the GRI tend to perform better in terms of market capitalization.

Practical implications

Managers who want their organization to perform better in terms of GRI disclosure must understand that characteristics such as board independence, gender diversity and directors’ skills play a significant role in the company adopting the GRI for corporate disclosure. Furthermore, managers must be aware that by adopting the GRI, the company increases its market value through market capitalization.

Originality/value

The literature is still unaware of how the adoption of GRI can bring financial returns to organizations that adopt this type of standard to disclose their corporate reports. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical paper to investigate the antecedents and consequences of GRI adoption in Latin America.

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2025

Stephen Prah, Bright Owusu Asante, Godfred Holaena Dagbatsa, Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa, Seth Etuah and John N. Ng’ombe

This paper examines the nexus between input credit access, farm performance and food nutrition in Ghana.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines the nexus between input credit access, farm performance and food nutrition in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a random sample of 239 smallholder rice farmers, we utilized the endogenous switching regression model to address the self-selection issue and estimate the impact of input credit access on farm performance and food nutrition and further analyze the heterogenous impacts.

Findings

The results show that socioeconomic (age, education, sex, off-farm activity and farm size), institutional (extension contact and farmer-based organizations) characteristics and location variable significantly influence the decision to access input credit. After adjusting for both observed and unobserved factors, our findings reveal that access to input credit significantly improves rice yield, net profit and food nutrition of smallholder rice farmers in Ghana. Furthermore, results reveal that the effects of input credit access on rice yield, net profit and food nutrition are heterogeneous and subject to farmers’ propensity to access input credit. Specifically, we find that those with a higher inclination to access input credit experience larger positive impacts, indicating a positive selection process.

Research limitations/implications

Access to agricultural input credit is essential for the adoption of modern and climate-smart technologies in agricultural production. However, the persistent lack of access to input credit hampers agricultural productivity and constrains investment in farm input resources in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our study calls for proper targeting of input credit interventions to incentivize the uptake of farm input credit such as improved seeds and fertilizers to improve overall crop production and achieve food security.

Originality/value

The study utilized rigorous econometric methods to analyze the impact of input credit access on smallholder rice farmers' farm performance and food nutrition in Ghana. The findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers and future research on agricultural development in Ghana.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

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