Huijun Tu and Shitao Jin
Due to the complexity and diversity of megaprojects, the architectural programming process often involves multiple stakeholders, making decision-making difficult and susceptible…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the complexity and diversity of megaprojects, the architectural programming process often involves multiple stakeholders, making decision-making difficult and susceptible to subjective factors. This study aims to propose an architectural programming methodology system (APMS) for megaprojects based on group decision-making model to enhance the accuracy and transparency of decision-making, and to facilitate participation and integration among stakeholders. This method allows multiple interest groups to participate in decision-making, gathers various perspectives and opinions, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of architectural programming and promoting the smooth implementation of projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This study first clarifies the decision-making subjects, decision objects, and decision methods of APMS based on group decision-making theory and value-based architectural programming methods. Furthermore, the entropy weight method and fuzzy TOPSIS method are employed as calculation methods to comprehensively evaluate decision alternatives and derive optimal decision conclusions. The workflow of APMS consists of four stages: preparation, information, decision, and evaluation, ensuring the scientific and systematic of the decision-making process.
Findings
This study conducted field research and empirical analysis on a practical megaproject of a comprehensive transport hub to verify the effectiveness of APMS. The results show that, in terms of both short-distance and long-distance transportation modes, the decision-making results of APMS are largely consistent with the preliminary programming outcomes of the project. However, regarding transfer modes, the APMS decision-making results revealed certain discrepancies between the project's current status and the preliminary programming.
Originality/value
APMS addresses the shortcomings in decision accuracy and stakeholder participation and integration in the current field of architectural programming. It not only enhances stakeholder participation and interaction but also considers various opinions and interests comprehensively. Additionally, APMS has significant potential in optimizing project performance, accelerating project processes, and reducing resource waste.
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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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Shukuan Zhao, Xueyuan Fan, Dong Shao and Shuang Wang
This study aims to investigate the impact of supply chain concentration (SCC) on corporate research and development (R&D) investment and determine the moderating roles of industry…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of supply chain concentration (SCC) on corporate research and development (R&D) investment and determine the moderating roles of industry concentration and financing constraints on the relationship between SCC and R&D investment.
Design/methodology/approach
The study collected data from Chinese listed companies, used the fixed effects model to test the research hypotheses and further used the two-stage Heckman test and propensity score matching (PSM) to address potential endogeneity issues.
Findings
The result reveals a negative impact of SCC on corporate R&D investment. In addition, industry concentration mitigates the negative impact of SCC on corporate R&D investment, but financing constraints strengthen the negative impact.
Originality/value
This study introduces the concept of SCC and empirically tests its effect on R&D investment, further explaining the lack of corporate innovation. This study inspires companies to strengthen SC management and weigh the level of SCC with environmental factors.
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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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Geneva Gudmundson, jay johnson, Jessica W. Chin and Margery Holman
With social media use on the rise and little indication that sport team hazing ceremonies are declining, the amount and types of exposure and awareness of hazing and its…
Abstract
With social media use on the rise and little indication that sport team hazing ceremonies are declining, the amount and types of exposure and awareness of hazing and its potentially detrimental impacts are shifting for athletes, the public and school administrators alike. This chapter describes relationships between hazing in sport and social media use in university athletics. These two areas of research have been investigated separately but warrant a closer examination to understand how they are intertwined. In this analysis, we include findings from our larger national-scale sport hazing study that produced a second stream of data specific to social media use. Data are derived from interviews with university athletic directors, coaches and athletes to spotlight: (1) uses of social media in the context of athletics, (2) their understanding of social media's relationship to hazing and (3) experiences with social media and hazing education. We also present recommendations provided by the researchers, and athletes, coaches and athletic directors, for athletic administration use in developing educational and informational resources that address the interconnections between social media use and hazing. This chapter describes how athletic departments and coaches perceived and (dis)engaged from discussions around social media, the ways that university athletes and teams engaged in hazing practices, the diversified and multiple uses of social media on teams differing by gender, highlighting a (lack) of educational programming provided for athletes by their university athletic departments centred around social media use and sport hazing as both separate and interconnected topics.
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Ali Hassan Ali, Ahmed Farouk Kineber, Ahmed Elyamany, Ahmed Hussein Ibrahim and Ahmed Osama Daoud
This study aims to identify the most significant barriers and the stationary barrier to modular construction (MC) implementation and promote MC widespread use. By doing so, the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the most significant barriers and the stationary barrier to modular construction (MC) implementation and promote MC widespread use. By doing so, the construction industry can leverage the benefits of MC, such as faster construction times, improved quality control, reduced waste and increased sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a Gini’s mean analysis approach to identify the stationary barriers hindering the MC adoption in residential projects. The research focuses on the Egyptian context and uses a questionnaire survey to gather data from professionals in the construction industry.
Findings
According to the survey findings, the top five significant MC barriers are inability to modify the design; contractors asking for high bidding prices (higher initial cost); scepticism, conservation and resistance of clients to innovation and change; transportation restrictions; and lack of a one-size-fits-all tool for the design. In addition, Gini’s mean of dispersion demonstrated that the stationary barrier that faces MC adoption is the apprehension that architectural creativity will suffer because of MC.
Practical implications
The identified obstacles could be useful for decision makers in countries that have not yet adopted MC and may aid in the planning process to manage the risks associated with MC projects. The paper stresses the significance of devising techniques to overcome these barriers and proposes several methods to tackle these challenges.
Originality/value
This study fills the knowledge gap by identifying the stationary barrier and emphasising the potential risks associated with MC barriers. Furthermore, it suggests several strategies for overcoming and reducing these barriers in developing countries residential projects.
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Seyi S. Stephen, Ayodeji E. Oke, Clinton O. Aigbavboa, Opeoluwa I. Akinradewo, Pelumi E. Adetoro and Matthew Ikuabe
This chapter investigated tendering in stealth construction, emphasising innovative approaches and methodologies that prioritise environmental protection, safety, efficiency, and…
Abstract
This chapter investigated tendering in stealth construction, emphasising innovative approaches and methodologies that prioritise environmental protection, safety, efficiency, and aesthetics. It began with an overview of the construction industry’s tendering processes, followed by an in-depth examination of various tendering types, including competitive and negotiated methods. The study highlighted contemporary trends such as electronic tendering, Building Information Modelling (BIM), green and sustainable procurement, risk management, data analytics, artificial intelligence, lean construction practices, and blockchain technology. Moreover, with a specific focus on stealth construction, the chapter further analysed certain criteria, including building cross-section development, visibility, radio frequency emission, and countermeasures. It explored integrating functional construction systems, including environmental, safety, health, and quality management. Additionally, it discussed methods like green building, modular construction, and low-impact techniques. Lastly, the chapter emphasised the strategies to achieve environmental protection, safety, speed, economy, and aesthetics in tendering for stealth construction.
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Sailesh Saras Chand and Bimal Aklesh Kumar
Mobile blended learning (MBL) is becoming common in higher education settings; however, the student’s intention to adopt such technological innovation is less explored. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Mobile blended learning (MBL) is becoming common in higher education settings; however, the student’s intention to adopt such technological innovation is less explored. The purpose of this study is to measure MBL adoption using common variables used in the literature (supporting factors, learner attitude, learner perspective and learner effectiveness) and extending the model to include usability factors (ease of use, satisfaction and usefulness).
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from 322 respondents and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and partial least squares-structured equation modeling technique to assess the hypothesis. A five-point Likert scale instrument was developed using the existing literature for data collection.
Findings
The findings have both theoretical and managerial implications concerning MBL adoption. From a theoretical perspective, the findings provide a reconfirmation of the importance of usability in MBL adoption. From a managerial perspective, it will provide the necessary knowledge to incorporate relevant variables and factors that decision-makers could use to oversee a successful implementation.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the ever-growing body of literature on MBL through an analysis of students’ intention to adopt MBL using usability factors.
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Sharon Yam, Chyi Lin Lee, Connie Susilawati and Andrea Blake
The property industry has been experiencing massive transformation due to rapid technological advancement in the last decade. A large body of literature has attempted to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
The property industry has been experiencing massive transformation due to rapid technological advancement in the last decade. A large body of literature has attempted to identify the challenges confronting property professionals, with some examining the impact brought by Property Industry 4.0 on the future workforce. To effectively address the challenges, however, we need participation from diverse stakeholders, as previously proposed strategies have often only considered perspectives from specific cohorts and lacked broader engagement. Hence, this study aims to formulate comprehensive strategies to address the challenges facing our future workforce in the age of Property Industry 4.0.
Design/methodology/approach
For the first time, we invited a unique lineup of stakeholders to our co-design workshops. These include property leaders, property professionals, recent property graduates, property students, property academics, program directors, as well as university leadership executives, to make sure the outcomes are relevant, effective and user-oriented.
Findings
Four strategies were recommended to future-proof our property graduates: (1) enhancing AI-focused content in universities and collaborating with industry stakeholders, (2) regulating AI adoption by bodies like the Australian Property Institute (API), (3) introducing industry certifications to address ethical concerns and (4) developing students' soft skills via internships and networking events in collaboration with professional bodies.
Originality/value
This study is the first to employ a co-design workshop, incorporating the perspectives of all stakeholders in crafting potential solutions. These include property leaders, property practitioners, recent property graduates, property academics, property students and senior school executives (e.g. deputy dean and deputy head of education).