Nguyet Tong, Niluka Domingo and An Le
Construction activities are anticipated to experience steady growth worldwide, resulting in massive construction and demolition waste (CDW). Despite introducing five designing out…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction activities are anticipated to experience steady growth worldwide, resulting in massive construction and demolition waste (CDW). Despite introducing five designing out waste (DoW) principles to combat CDW from the early design stage, the design process remains a notable contributor to CDW generation due to designers’ limited knowledge and experience. The decision-making process in identifying and selecting DoW solutions is relatively underexplored in the current literature. This study aims to bridge this gap by reviewing existing literature to investigate the implementation of DoW principles and uncover potential areas to support designers in selecting DoW solutions for their projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the Preferred Reporting Item for systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol, a systematic literature review is adopted to analyse 50 selected articles published from 2000 to 2023 in order to develop the conceptual framework, which was subsequently reviewed by industry experts.
Findings
This review critically examines the current state of DoW implementation, the decision-making criteria for selecting DoW solutions and the available tools for DoW implementation. Existing limitations and future research directions to aid DoW in decision-making were identified. Drawing from the review’s findings, a conceptual framework is formulated to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives.
Originality/value
The outcome of this review offers researchers insight into identifying existing gaps and potential areas to aid the DoW decision-making process. Construction professionals can use the findings to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives, thereby minimising waste generation in construction projects.
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Nguyet Tong, Niluka Domingo and An Le
Construction and demolition waste has emerged as a significant challenge for sustainable development globally. Hence, construction waste management (CWM) is considered one of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction and demolition waste has emerged as a significant challenge for sustainable development globally. Hence, construction waste management (CWM) is considered one of the critical sustainable deliveries stipulated in various green building rating systems (GBRSs), including Homestar in New Zealand (NZ). The 6 Homestar rating is mandated for use by the national public housing provider. However, no empirical study has been conducted on CWM in 6 Homestar dwellings. This study investigates the current practice of CWM in those projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were extracted from 6 Homestar built assessment submissions for 100 public housing projects. The waste reports provided quantitative data to calculate the waste generation rate (WGR), waste diversion rate (WDR) and diverted waste rate (DWR) for descriptive analysis. These findings underwent further exploration by analysing site waste management plans.
Findings
With the aid of on- and off-site sorting and the recycling centre, a significant WDR is achieved at an average of 75.6%. However, diverted waste is treated at a low-priority level in the waste management hierarchy, and WGR remains relatively high.
Originality/value
The findings of this study can serve as valuable resources for managers in formulating comprehensive waste management plans and for policymakers in developing strategies and policies towards enhancing CWM practices. The study suggested the need for further focus towards minimising construction waste (CW) from the early design plan to achieve the construction industry's zero-waste target.
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Hanan Al-Ghazo, Manaf Al-Okaily, Aws Al-Okaily, Arwa Al-Anber, Hadeel B. Heilat, Mohammad A. Alissa, Ali A. Alomar and Iman A. Basheti
The main purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting the adoption of telemedicine services as mobile health apps in the Jordanian context by extending the…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting the adoption of telemedicine services as mobile health apps in the Jordanian context by extending the technology acceptance model (TAM).
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach with an online survey was used to collect data from 306 Jordanian respondents to achieve the main purpose. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to analyze collected data.
Findings
The results mainly confirmed that the intention to use mobile health apps (otherwise known as AMAN apps in Jordan) is significantly influenced by social influence, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, trust in government and social media awareness. Next, contrary to what is expected, culture does not moderate the association between perceived ease of use and behavioral intention to use the AMAN app, and hence the related hypothesis was not supported. To conclude, the results show that the actual use of the AMAN app is significantly influenced by behavioral intention, and hence, the final hypothesis was supported.
Originality/value
The current research contributed to the literature on information technology (IT)/information systems (IS) acceptance and use by switching the investigation efforts from the acceptance of IT/IS to the adoption of protection technology in the crisis era.
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Izaias Martins, Maria Antonia Nunez, Juan P. Perez and Eduart Villanueva
Informal female entrepreneurship (IFE) represents a significant yet understudied dimension of economic activity globally. This research aims to conduct a systematic literature…
Abstract
Purpose
Informal female entrepreneurship (IFE) represents a significant yet understudied dimension of economic activity globally. This research aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on IFE.
Design/methodology/approach
This SLR delves into the intricate landscape of IFE, examining scholarly contributions sourced from the Web of Science Social Sciences Citation Index database.
Findings
By synthesizing existing literature, this review sheds light on the multifaceted dynamics surrounding IFE, encompassing factors such as socioeconomic contexts, cultural influences and institutional frameworks. Moreover, this study underscores the importance of addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women engaged in informal entrepreneurial activities. In doing so, it not only enriches our understanding of female entrepreneurship but also underscores the need for tailored policies and interventions to support women in these endeavours.
Originality/value
This inquiry’s relevance stems from the pivotal role that women play in informal economies, which often remain obscured by traditional economic metrics. This review contributes to the scholarly discourse by proposing a research agenda to advance knowledge and inform future investigations into this critical domain.
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Manaf Al-Okaily, Fadi Shehab Shiyyab, Nesreen A. Salim and Amer Al-Rahayfeh
Digital health or digital healthcare, is a broad, multidisciplinary concept that includes concepts from an intersection between technology and healthcare. Digital health applies…
Abstract
Purpose
Digital health or digital healthcare, is a broad, multidisciplinary concept that includes concepts from an intersection between technology and healthcare. Digital health applies digital transformation to the healthcare field, incorporating software, hardware and services. The usefulness of digital health technologies such as digital contact tracing apps (CTAs) depends deeply on the acceptance to use them. Accordingly, the main purpose of this study is to explore the usage of CTAs by integrating the protection motivation theory (PMT) and technology acceptance model (TAM) in the Jordanian context.
Design/methodology/approach
Partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed to test empirically the integrated research model against data collected from 420 respondents, leading to the identification of the important determinants for the usage of CTAs.
Findings
The results reveal that perceived severity and perceived vulnerability have a significant positive impact on the perceived need for CTAs, which, in turn, affects the individuals’ intention to use CTAs. It also reveals that perceived trust in government, perceived privacy and perceived usefulness have a significant positive impact on individuals’ intention to use CTAs, which, in turn, affects the usage of CTAs. In contrast, perceived ease of use did not find any significant relationship, and hence hypothesis H7 was not supported. Lastly, social media awareness has a significant positive impact on perceived usefulness and ease of use.
Originality/value
This study is considered among the first studies in the Jordanian context that integrate the PMT and TAM to gain a better understanding of the critical determinants for the acceptance and usage of CTAs in the context of pandemics.
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Lan Luo, Yuyang Liu, Yue Yang, Jianxun Xie and Guangdong Wu
This study aims to explore the interaction of “contractual governance – relational governance – governmental governance” mechanisms and proposes hypotheses about the effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the interaction of “contractual governance – relational governance – governmental governance” mechanisms and proposes hypotheses about the effects of megaproject governance on governance performance from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a megaproject governance model is developed to explain the relationship between governance mechanisms and governance performance. The model is based on related literature and explores the interactions between governance mechanisms and how they work to improve governance performance. The structural equation model (SEM) is adopted to explore the influence path on governance performance for megaprojects.
Findings
The results indicate that: (a) The findings highlight the positive role of project governance mechanisms on governance performance. (b) Contractual governance, relational governance, and governmental governance directly affect governance performance. In addition, contractual governance mediates governance performance through relational governance and governmental governance; governmental governance mediates governance performance through contractual governance and relational governance. (c) Contractual governance, relational governance, and governmental governance play a positive role in governance performance.
Research limitations/implications
Governmental governance is added to project governance theory and the empirical research method is used to explore the interaction between contractual governance, relational governance, and governmental governance of megaprojects. The SEM is used to systematically explore the paths of megaproject governance mechanisms on governance performance, considering the interactive role of the “contractual governance - relational governance - governmental governance” and the mediating role.
Practical implications
The study reveals the impact path of multidimensional megaproject governance mechanisms on governance performance. In this paper, the empirical findings can help the project participants by providing a decision-making basis for good governance and references for the governments to promote the construction of a micro-institutional environment for megaprojects.
Originality/value
The contributions of this study are (1) to add an exploration of governmental governance to the existing project governance theory, and (2) to consider the interactions of the “contractual governance – relational governance – governmental governance” mechanisms, and (3) to explore their effects on governance performance, including direct and mediating effects. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of megaproject governance by considering governmental governance and the interactions of the three governance mechanisms. Understanding the impact of megaproject governance on governance performance could assist project stakeholders and provide decision guidance for good governance.
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Ahmed M. Ibrahim, Mohammad A. Hassanain and Mohamed H. Salaheldin
This research compares consultants' and contractors' professional practices and perspectives on the use of specifications in the engineering of built environment projects.
Abstract
Purpose
This research compares consultants' and contractors' professional practices and perspectives on the use of specifications in the engineering of built environment projects.
Design/methodology/approach
The study initiates with a review of literature, toward realizing (1) the need for inclusion of specifications, throughout the projects' stages (design, tender, construction and handing over), as well as the (2) causes and effects of defective specifications in design and execution of engineered projects. Additionally (3) the study investigates the challenges and causes of specification variations to projects' design and execution. The systematic methodology adopted in this research utilizes frequency indicators, to rank and correlate the perspectives of 60 professionals, who are experienced in consulting and contracting of mega public and private projects.
Findings
The research considers the uncertainties and differences that could be present in engineering developments and use of design specifications for projects' execution and handing over. The two groups of experts' (consultants and contractors) perspectives are usually observed as conflicting, in practice. Practices comparison of their experiences with engineering projects' specifications usability provides unique empirical findings. The analysis and assessment of the experts' knowledge, this research addresses gaps identified in the literature, providing valuable insights.
Originality/value
The study provides in-depth recommendations and discusses possible trends and methods for enhancing specifications' usability in design engineering and execution of built environment projects. The analysis and recommendations present and assess experts' knowledge while bridge gaps identified from the literature.
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Janappriya Jayawardana, Malindu Sandanayake, Supun Jayasinghe, Asela Kulatunga and Guomin Zhang
The present study aims to identify significant barriers to adopting prefabricated construction (PFC) in developing economies using a study in Sri Lanka and develop an integrated…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to identify significant barriers to adopting prefabricated construction (PFC) in developing economies using a study in Sri Lanka and develop an integrated strategy framework to mitigate and overcome the obstacles.
Design/methodology/approach
The research process included a comprehensive literature review, a pilot study, a questionnaire survey for data collection, statistical analysis and a qualitative content analysis.
Findings
Ranking method revealed that all 23 barriers were significant. Top significant barriers include challenges in prefabricated component transportation, high capital investment costs and lack of awareness of the benefits of PFC among owners/developers. Factor analysis clustered six barrier categories (BCs) that fit the barrier factors, explaining 71.22% of the cumulative variance. Fuzzy synthetic evaluation revealed that all BCs significantly influence PFC adoption in Sri Lanka. Finally, the proposed mitigation strategies were mapped with barriers to complete the integrated framework.
Practical implications
The study outcomes are relevant to construction industry stakeholders of Sri Lanka, who are keen to enhance construction efficiencies. The implications can also benefit construction industry stakeholders and policymakers to formulate policies and regulations and identify mitigation solutions.
Originality/value
The study provides deeper insights into the challenges to adopting prefabrication in South Asian countries such as Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the integrated framework is a novel contribution that can be used to derive actions to mitigate barriers in developing economies.
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Shivendra Singh Rathore and Chakradhara Rao Meesala
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the replacement of natural coarse aggregate (NCA) with different percentages of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the replacement of natural coarse aggregate (NCA) with different percentages of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) on properties of low calcium fly ash (FA)-based geopolymer concrete (GPC) cured at oven temperature. Further, this paper aims to study the effect of partial replacement of FA by ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) in GPC made with both NCA and RCA cured under ambient temperature curing.
Design/methodology/approach
M25 grade of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete was designed according to IS: 10262-2019 with 100% NCA as control concrete. Since no standard guidelines are available in the literature for GPC, the same mix proportion was adopted for the GPC by replacing the OPC with 100% FA and W/C ratio by alkalinity/binder ratio. All FA-based GPC mixes were prepared with 12 M of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and an alkalinity ratio, i.e. sodium hydroxide to sodium silicate (NaOH:Na2SiO3) of 1:1.5, subjected to 90°C temperature for 48 h of curing. The NCA were replaced with 50% and 100% RCA in both OPC and GPC mixes. Further, FA was partially replaced with 15% GGBS in GPC made with the above percentages of NCA and RCA, and they were given ambient temperature curing with the same molarity of NaOH and alkalinity ratio.
Findings
The workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, density, volume of voids and rebound hammer value of all the mixes were studied. Further, the relationship between compressive strength and other mechanical properties of GPC mixes were established and compared with the well-established relationships available for conventional concrete. From the experimental results, it is found that the compressive strength of GPC under ambient curing condition at 28 days with 100% NCA, 50% RCA and 100% RCA were, respectively, 14.8%, 12.85% and 17.76% higher than those of OPC concrete. Further, it is found that 85% FA and 15% GGBS-based GPC with RCA under ambient curing shown superior performance than OPC concrete and FA-based GPC cured under oven curing.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of the present paper is limited to replace the FA by 15% GGBS. Further, only 50% and 100% RCA are used in place of natural aggregate. However, in future study, the replacement of FA by different amounts of GGBS (20%, 25%, 30% and 35%) may be tried to decide the optimum utilisation of GGBS so that the applications of GPC can be widely used in cast in situ applications, i.e. under ambient curing condition. Further, in the present study, the natural aggregate is replaced with only 50% and 100% RCA in GPC. However, further investigations may be carried out by considering different percentages between 50 and 100 with the optimum compositions of FA and GGBS to enhance the use of RCA in GPC applications. The present study is further limited to only the mechanical properties and a few other properties of GPC. For wider use of GPC under ambient curing conditions, the structural performance of GPC needs to be understood. Therefore, the structural performance of GPC subjected to different loadings under ambient curing with RCA to be investigated in future study.
Originality/value
The replacement percentage of natural aggregate by RCA may be further enhanced to 50% in GPC under ambient curing condition without compromising on the mechanical properties of concrete. This may be a good alternative for OPC and natural aggregate to reduce pollution and leads sustainability in the construction.
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Debolina Dutta, Prashant Srivastava, Nazia Zabin Memon and Chaitali Vedak
The study explores inclusive and sustainable growth in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) by examining people-oriented practices that expand employment opportunities for…
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores inclusive and sustainable growth in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) by examining people-oriented practices that expand employment opportunities for women. It uses the Conservation of Resources Theory to explore sustainable HRM practices like telecommuting, managerial support and understanding generational preferences to enhance women's well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
The study captures the impact of HRM practices on employee well-being using multi-source data that were collected through an online questionnaire administered to 2,856 female employees in 18 Indian MSMEs. We then use PLS-SEM (SmartPLS-4 and PLS-multi-group analysis (PLS-MGA)) to analyze predictors of employee well-being.
Findings
The data analysis revealed that satisfaction with HRM practices positively impacted employee well-being. Secondly, satisfaction with telecommuting mediated the relationship between satisfaction with HRM practices and employee well-being. Thirdly, managerial support positively moderated the relationship between satisfaction with telecommuting and well-being. Lastly, generational cohort membership moderated the satisfaction with HRM policies and well-being, with Generation Z having a stronger need than Generation Y.
Practical implications
This study emphasizes the significance of robust and gender-sensitive HRM practices in MSMEs in high-growth emerging markets. It emphasizes the need for telecommuting policies and the role of managers in creating a supportive work environment for women. By implementing these insights, MSMEs can develop effective strategies to attract, retain and promote the well-being of women employees, thereby fostering sustainable HRM practices.
Originality/value
This study explores sustainable MSME HRM practices supporting gender inclusions and women’s well-being in high-growth emerging markets. By focusing on gender inclusion and the impact of telecommuting, generational preferences and managerial support, we contribute to mechanisms for sustainable labor as an economic and social concept.