Gavin Ford and Jonathan Gosling
The construction industry has struggled to deliver schemes on time to budget and right-first-time (RFT). There have been many studies into nonconformance and rework through…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry has struggled to deliver schemes on time to budget and right-first-time (RFT). There have been many studies into nonconformance and rework through quantitative research over the years to understand why the industry continues to see similar issues of failure. Some scholars have reported rework figures as high as 12.6% of total contract value, highlighting major concerns of the sustainability of construction projects. Separately, however, there have been few studies that explore and detail the views of industry professions who are caught in the middle of quality issues, to understand their perceptions of where the industry is failing. As such, this paper interrogates qualitative data (open-ended questions) on the topic of nonconformance and rework in construction to understand what industry professionals believe are the causes and suggested improvement areas.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach is adopted for this research. An industry survey consisting of seven open-ended questions is presented to two professional working groups within a Tier 1 contractor, and outputs are analysed using statistic software (NVivo 12) to identify prominent themes for discussion. Inductive analysis is undertaken to gain further insight into responses to yield recurrent areas for continuous improvement.
Findings
Qualitative analysis of the survey reveals a persistent prioritisation of cost and programme over quality management in construction project. Furthermore, feedback from construction professionals present a number of improvement areas that must be addressed to improve quality. These include increased training and competency investment, overhauling quality behaviours, providing greater quality leadership direction and reshaping the way clients govern schemes.
Research limitations/implications
There are limitations to this paper that require noting. Firstly, the survey was conducted within one principal contractor with varying levels of knowledge across multiple sectors. Secondly, the case study was from one major highways scheme; therefore, the generalisability of the findings is limited. It is suggested that a similar exercise is undertaken in other sectors to uncover similar improvement avenues.
Practical implications
The implications of this study calls for quality to be re-evaluated at project, company, sector and government levels to overhaul how quality is delivered. Furthermore, the paper identifies critical learning outcomes for the construction sector to take forward, including the need to reassess projects to ensure they are appropriately equip with competent personnel under a vetted, progressive training programme, share collaborative behaviours that value quality delivery on an equal standing to safety, programme and cost and tackle the inappropriate resource dilemmas projects finding themselves in through clear tendering and accurate planning. In addition, before making erratic decisions, projects must assess the risk profiling of proceed without approved design details and include the client in the decision-making process. Moreover, the findings call for a greater collaborative environment between the construction team and quality management department, rather than being seen as obstructive (i.e. compliance based policing). All of these must be driven by leadership to overhaul the way quality is managed on schemes. The findings demonstrate the importance and impact from open-ended survey response data studies to enhance quantitative outcomes and help provide strengthened proposals of improvement.
Originality/value
This paper addresses the highly sensitive area of quality failure outcomes and interrogates them via an industry survey within a major UK contractor for feedback. Unique insights are gained into how industry professionals perceive quality in construction. From previous research, this has been largely missing and offers a valuable addition in understanding the “quality status quo” from those delivering schemes.
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Suhair Alkilani, Martin Loosemore, Ahmed W.A. Hammad and Sophie-May Kerr
The purpose of this paper is to use Bourdieu’s Theory of Capital–Field–Habitus to explore how refugees, asylum seekers and migrants accumulate and mobilise social, cultural…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use Bourdieu’s Theory of Capital–Field–Habitus to explore how refugees, asylum seekers and migrants accumulate and mobilise social, cultural, symbolic and economic capital to find meaningful work in the Australian construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reports the results of a survey of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who have either successfully or unsuccessfully searched for employment in the Australian construction industry.
Findings
The findings dispel widely held negative stereotypes of about this group by describing a highly capable workforce which could address significant skills shortages in the industry, while concurrently diversifying the workforce. However, it is found that refugees, asylum seekers and migrants face considerable barriers to finding meaningful employment in the construction industry. In circumventing these barriers, education institutions, charities and community-based organisations play an especially important role, alongside friends and family networks. They do this by helping refugees, asylum seekers and migrants accumulate and deploy the necessary capital to secure meaningful work in the construction industry. Disappointingly, it is also found that the construction industry does little to help facilitate capital accumulation and deployment for this group, despite the urgent need to address diversity and critical skills shortages.
Originality/value
Employing Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Capital–Field–Habitus, the findings make a number of new theoretical and practical contributions to the limited body of international research relating to the employment of refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers in the construction. The results are important because meaningful employment is widely accepted to be the single most factor in the successful integration of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants into a host society and the construction industry represents an important source of potential employment for them.
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Suhair Alkilani and Martin Loosemore
This research examines the employability challenges faced by skilled female migrants in the Australian construction industry, focusing on barriers to employment and their negative…
Abstract
Purpose
This research examines the employability challenges faced by skilled female migrants in the Australian construction industry, focusing on barriers to employment and their negative impacts on confidence, health and well-being. The paper concludes with recommendations for construction firms and policymakers to improve the employability of these women, offering insights that are applicable internationally.
Design/methodology/approach
Using employability theory, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with 16 skilled female migrants seeking employment in the Australian construction industry. The interviews captured the lived experiences of these women, and thematic analysis was applied to identify key barriers and inform recommendations for construction firms and policymakers.
Findings
The findings provide new conceptual insights into the multiple barriers which female skilled migrants have to overcome in improving their employability in the construction industry. It is also found that these experiences of seeking employment in construction align with the theoretical concept of “contextualized employability” and have potentially profound negative impacts on skilled female migrants’ confidence, hope, health, well-being and family and community relationships. This is despite the Australian construction industry facing a serious labour and skills shortage and being the most gender segregated industry in Australia. The study highlights the need for tailored support, improved industry practices and collaborative efforts from government and private sectors to enhance the employability and integration of skilled female migrants in the construction industry.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited by its focus on the Australian context, which may not be generalisable to other countries with different institutional systems, policies and cultural attitudes towards migrants. The sample size of 16 participants, while providing in-depth insights, may not capture the full diversity of experiences among female skilled migrants. Further research is needed in other countries to compare findings and develop more comprehensive strategies. Despite these limitations, the study’s implications highlight the urgent need for better support systems and industry reforms to improve the employability of skilled female migrants in the construction sector.
Practical implications
Improving the employability of skilled female migrants promotes social integration, mental health and stronger community ties. It challenges gender stereotypes and reduces discrimination in the construction industry, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Practical recommendations include mentorship programs, inclusive recruitment and tailored training. Social procurement policies could set hiring targets for female migrants in the construction industry, while streamlined qualification recognition and tax incentives can encourage hiring. Non-profits and community organisations can support these efforts through mentorship, networking and internships, helping these women build sustainable careers and strengthen workforce diversity. The recommendations aim at enhancing the job prospects and overall well-being of these women while addressing labour shortages in the construction industry.
Originality/value
This study contributes original insights into the under-researched area of skilled female migrants’ employability in the construction industry. It expands employability theory by highlighting the impact of intersecting factors such as gender, migration status and industry-specific barriers on employment outcomes. Its practical recommendations offer pathways for policymakers and industry leaders to improve the integration and employment outcomes of this untapped talent pool.
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Walter Vesperi, Ineza Gagnidze and Tetiana Sobolieva
This paper aims to discuss the concepts of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, the New Normal and sustainable development (SD). The simultaneous existence of two Industrial Revolutions…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the concepts of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, the New Normal and sustainable development (SD). The simultaneous existence of two Industrial Revolutions raises questions, thus, necessitating discussions and clarifications. The issue of SD has become a compulsory prerequisite for the future survival of humanity.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory and inductive methodology was used to examine the phenomenon under analysis. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through a multi-step methodological process. A brief analysis using VoS viewer software enabled the authors to comprehend recent theoretical developments and analytical perspectives.
Findings
The findings underscore the relationship between the new sustainability challenges, digital transactions and organisational competitiveness. These intricate competitive challenges can be surmounted by focusing on educational offerings, particularly in universities. By forging international educational connections, the challenges posed by SD can be relatively easily overcome.
Originality/value
The authors conducted a comparative study of university students from four different countries: Georgia, Hungary, Italy and Ukraine. The authors observed differences in the average values across various countries, as well as disparities among respondents from the same country. Moreover, the results reveal a tendency among female respondents to be more inclined towards issues of green management and sustainability. SD cannot be realised without international collaboration. The authors present a schematic representation of the systemic connections among the universities of the participating countries to achieve SD.
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Parul Gupta, Fangfang Zhang, Sumedha Chauhan, Sandeep Goyal, Amit Kumar Bhardwaj and Yuvraj Gajpal
This study aims to examine the factors (Stimuli) enhancing perceived utilitarian, social and conditional values (Organisms) of social commerce (s-commerce) platforms and their…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the factors (Stimuli) enhancing perceived utilitarian, social and conditional values (Organisms) of social commerce (s-commerce) platforms and their impact on small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs’) behavioral intention (Response) to adopt s-commerce.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were gathered from 304 Indian SMEs using s-commerce platforms. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS 3 software.
Findings
The results indicated that perceived values significantly impact SMEs’ behavioral intention to adopt s-commerce. Among conditional, utilitarian and social values, the conditional value of s-commerce sites was found to be the strongest motivator for SMEs to adopt s-commerce.
Research limitations/implications
This research contributes to the growing literature on s-commerce, explaining how perceived value influences the decision of SMEs to adopt s-commerce platforms.
Practical implications
Among the significant influencers, perceived usefulness and perceived reputation were found to be the most effective triggers that stimulate perceived values of s-commerce sites. The findings draw due attention from policymakers toward environmental cues such as the legal and regulatory environment, which are instrumental in creating the most important perceived value for SMEs, i.e. conditional value.
Originality/value
By employing the inputs from the theory of consumption values and the Stimulus-Organism-Response framework, this original study looked beyond the technology factors and examined the role of perceived values of s-commerce platforms in shaping SMEs’ behavioral intention to adopt.
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Christopher Pich and Guja Armannsdottir
Brand image remains a “nebulous” construct with very few frameworks dedicated to understanding the process of uncovering brand image. This is supported by explicit calls for…
Abstract
Purpose
Brand image remains a “nebulous” construct with very few frameworks dedicated to understanding the process of uncovering brand image. This is supported by explicit calls for greater clarity on how to examine brand image, particularly in different settings. Political branding is one setting that has received some attention, however, research has focused on “party” political brands and neglected “non-party” brands (independent candidates). Therefore, this study aims to examine how young citizens interpret independent non-party brands through the theoretical lens of brand image in the context of Guernsey and develop a systematic brand image framework that provides greater clarity to this topic area.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative interpretivist approach using focus group discussions was adopted to investigate the phenomenon from the perspective of young voters 18–24 years of age. Focus group discussions ceased upon reaching theoretical saturation and a six-staged thematic analytical strategy was adopted to analyse the findings.
Findings
This study revealed deep insight into the political brand image of non-party brands from the perspective of young voters in an under-explored context. More specifically, this study uncovered that Guernsey’s political brands were seen as “accessible”; however, there was little differentiation, identification and connection between young voters and politicians. Further, this study uncovered a series of opportunities for strategists such as the desire for a younger generational view and younger representation in the Guernsey Parliament and greater clarity, distinction and authenticity related to political brand image.
Originality/value
This study addresses explicit calls for further research on brand image with a distinct focus on non-party political brands. Further, this study concludes by presenting the “consumer brand image schema”; a systematic framework which can be used to uncover brand image within and beyond the setting of politics. Further, the framework operationalises the complex concept of brand image and provides a three-stage process to examine and develop brand image. This will enable strategists to develop targeted strategies and adopt appropriate tactics to manage brand image to ensure brands are differentiated and interpreted as authentic, relatable, engaging, accessible and identifiable.
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Suhans Bansal, Naval Garg and Jagvinder Singh
Cyberbullying has become one of the reasons behind the increase in psychological and medical problems. A need to prevent recurrences of cyberbullying incidents and discourage…
Abstract
Purpose
Cyberbullying has become one of the reasons behind the increase in psychological and medical problems. A need to prevent recurrences of cyberbullying incidents and discourage bullies from further bullying the victims has risen. This problem has attracted the attention of all stakeholders across the globe. Various researchers have developed theories and interventions to detect and stop bullying behavior. Previously, researchers focused on helping victims, but as the times have changed, so has the focus of researchers. This study aims to analyze scientific research articles and review papers to understand the development of the knowledge base on the topic.
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzes the performance of literature on cyberbullying perpetration (CBP) using the widely accepted bibliometric analysis techniques: performance analysis and science mapping. The study is based on a dataset extracted from the Web of Science database. Initially, 2,792 articles between 2007 and 2022 were retrieved, which were filtered down to 441. The filter was based on various criteria, but primarily on CBP. VOSViewer and MS Excel were used to analyze the data. In addition, VOSViewer was used to create “bibliometric citations, co-citations, and co-word maps.”
Findings
The findings include publication and citation quantum and trends, the top 20 active countries, the most significant research articles and leading journals in this domain. Major themes or clusters identified were “Cyberbullying and victim behavior,” bullying behavior, adolescents and intervention, “cyberbullying associations,” and “cyberbullying personality associations.”
Originality/value
The study is unique because it analyses research articles based on cyberbullies, whereas past studies explored only the victims' side. Further, the present study used the Web of Science database, whereas most studies use the Scopus database.
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The purpose of this study is to review cyberbullying incidents among students in higher education institutions (HEIs). Cyberbullying has become a threat to students' wellbeing as…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to review cyberbullying incidents among students in higher education institutions (HEIs). Cyberbullying has become a threat to students' wellbeing as it penetrates one life due to the pervasive availability of digital technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a bibliometric analysis, this study analyzes 361 journal publications from the Web of Science (WoS) based on bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis.
Findings
Significant themes were found related to cyberbullying in HEIs, particularly related to the impact and determinants of cyberbullying on students. Bibliographic coupling produces three clusters on the current research fronts, while co-word analysis produces four clusters on the prediction of future trends. Implications of this phenomenon warrant comprehensive intervention by the HEIs management to dampen its impact on students' wellbeing. Findings would enhance the fundamental understanding through science mapping on the prevalent and potential incidence of cyberbullying.
Practical implications
Crucial insights will benefit the government, HEIs’ management, educators, scholars, policymakers and parents to overcome this dreadful phenomenon of cyberbullying. Several managerial interventions and mitigation strategies are proposed to reduce and control the occurrence of cyberbullying.
Originality/value
This study presents a bibliometric review to uncover the knowledge structure of cyberbullying studies in HEIs.
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Festim Tafolli, Elkjer Qema and Kujtim Hameli
This study aims to examine the impact of electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) on purchase intention, focusing on the mediating roles of brand image and brand trust among Albanian…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) on purchase intention, focusing on the mediating roles of brand image and brand trust among Albanian consumers in the fashion industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 302 consumers who had purchased fashion products in Albania in the past year was conducted. Structural equation modeling using Amos v.26 was used to analyze the relationships between e-WOM, brand image, brand trust and purchase intention.
Findings
The results show that e-WOM has no significant direct effect on purchase intention. However, e-WOM has a significant influence on brand image and brand trust, which act as important mediators in the relationship between e-WOM and purchase intention.
Research limitations/implications
While this study enriches the understanding of e-WOM in a developing market context, the reliance on structured questionnaires may limit the depth of insights into consumer perceptions. Practically, the findings underscore the importance of leveraging e-WOM to strengthen brand image and trust, providing actionable insights for marketers seeking to optimize online platforms for engagement and sales in the fashion industry.
Originality/value
This study offers a new perspective on the mediating role of brand image and brand trust in the relationship between e-WOM and purchase intention. By focusing on these mediators, the study extends existing knowledge on how consumer perceptions and trust are influenced by digital word of mouth. The results of the study contribute to a deeper understanding of the indirect pathways through which e-WOM influences purchase decisions and provide actionable insights for brand managers and marketers in the dynamic context of the fashion industry.
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Iván Veas-González, Nelson Geovany Carrión-Bósquez, Jorge Serrano-Malebran, Diana Veneros-Alquinta, Andrés García-Umaña and Matías Campusano-Campusano
This study aimed to determine whether the brand image of fast-food restaurants moderates the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty among Chilean customers.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to determine whether the brand image of fast-food restaurants moderates the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty among Chilean customers.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted using a structural equation modeling approach and involved a sample of 1,000 fast-food customers who were surveyed through nonprobabilistic sampling with a questionnaire consisting of 21 items. The instrument underwent validation by a panel of experts, and the results obtained were processed using the statistical software Smart PLS4. Convergent validity, discriminant validity and the structural model were tested to assess the acceptance or rejection of the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The results of the research indicate that product quality, service quality and physical environment are crucial factors influencing customer satisfaction and shaping customer loyalty. However, it was found that brand image does not moderate the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty in fast-food consumption.
Originality/value
The present study contributes to the field of knowledge on fast-food consumption behavior and unveils findings that help fill knowledge gaps regarding the influence of restaurant brand image on the relationship between satisfaction and consumption loyalty. Thus, it demonstrates that, for certain customers, the brand becomes an irrelevant factor for their consumption loyalty as long as the restaurant offers product quality, excellent service and a pleasant physical environment.