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1 – 10 of 72Francisco Alexei Barrios Martínez, Eduardo Sierra Gil, Davel Eduardo Borges Vasconcellos and Israel Gondres Torné
This research was carried out in response to the need to find new alternative ways of maintaining public lighting with high pressure sodium vapor lamps. The objective was to…
Abstract
Purpose
This research was carried out in response to the need to find new alternative ways of maintaining public lighting with high pressure sodium vapor lamps. The objective was to develop a public lighting maintenance management system based on fuzzy logic that guarantees maximum energy efficiency and is economically feasible.
Design/methodology/approach
A preliminary study was carried out on the complaints due to failures of public lighting for three years in the municipality of Camagüey, Cuba, determining the failure rate of each control and the time between failures, a statistical evaluation of the time between failures was carried out identifying that this variable responds to a Weibull distribution, the membership functions of the proposed four linguistic variables and the rule base for their fuzzy sets were created, obtaining as output linguistic variable the mass replacement and cleaning time.
Findings
The fuzzy logic maintenance model developed is effective in making better use of the useful life of high-pressure sodium vapor lamps, increasing the time between maintenance operations of mass lamp replacement and mass cleaning of luminaires up to 8 and 9 years, without compromising the required lighting levels and energy efficiency.
Originality/value
The literature contains very few references to the use of condition-based maintenance in this type of system, so a novel approach by a robust heuristic model of street lighting condition-based maintenance management driven by data is proposed, the model integrates through fuzzy logic all the factors that influence the progressive deterioration of these installations and maintenance actions that guarantee compliance with the established service quality standards, with the maximum energy efficiency that is economically justified.
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Hong Kok Wang, Chin Tiong Cheng, Gabriel Hoh Teck Ling, Yan Yan Felicia Yong, Kian Aun Law and Xuerui Shi
This paper aims to explain the factors shaping collective action within low-cost housing communities, focusing on parcel holders, through the utilisation of an expanded…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explain the factors shaping collective action within low-cost housing communities, focusing on parcel holders, through the utilisation of an expanded institutional analysis development (IAD) framework, which extends upon Ostrom’s foundational framework. Additionally, the paper explores four different property management approaches accessible to these communities.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employed a mixed-method approach comprising four sequential steps. Firstly, a quantitative inquiry entailed a questionnaire survey administered to 633 parcel holders across four low-cost housing schemes, aimed at discerning factors influencing collective action. Subsequently, a qualitative investigation involved face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders to elucidate the contributing factors of collective action, with a specific focus on Nursa Kurnia (a successful low-cost housing scheme comprising 200 units), accessible via Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road II. Thirdly, the study explored the social practice of “commoning the governance”. Lastly, the paper advocated for housing policy interventions, specifically proposing government subsidies for lower-income parcel holders.
Findings
Exemplified by the success of Nursa Kurnia, the research findings emphasised the importance of shifting local management’s mindset from a zero-sum approach to a win-win perspective. It highlighted the pivotal role of four factors (resource system, governance system, context and historical development) in shaping collective action and fostering improved property management practices. Moreover, the study highlighted the potential of “commoning the governance” as a new approach capable of addressing collective action challenges in low-cost housing management, presenting a promising avenue for future endeavours.
Research limitations/implications
As more studies utilising the expanded IAD framework become available in the future, there is potential for further refinement and enhancement of the framework.
Practical implications
This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, property developers, local management and local communities, shedding light on challenges associated with the self-organisation of shared resources. Moreover, it highlights the potential of “commoning the governance” as a new property management approach to mitigate the impact of collective action problems.
Social implications
The well-being of society’s most vulnerable segment is indicative of the overall societal health. This underscores the significance of addressing the interests and needs of these lower-income groups within the broader social context.
Originality/value
Exploring collective action within the context of self-organising low-cost housing, the study delves into an area marked by persistent challenges like free-riding tendencies and vandalism. Despite significant attention given to collective action issues in the past, the novel approach of “commoning the governance” remains unexamined in the realm of low-cost housing maintenance and management.
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Michael C.P. Sing, Sophie, Y.Y. Luk, Ken H.C. Chan, Henry J. Liu and Richard Humphrey
In Hong Kong, over 20,000 private residential buildings will be 50 plus years old by 2039. However, building maintenance has not been owners’ popular interest because of the high…
Abstract
Purpose
In Hong Kong, over 20,000 private residential buildings will be 50 plus years old by 2039. However, building maintenance has not been owners’ popular interest because of the high cost as well as the complexities in justifying whether the quantities and prices of the maintenance works are reasonable. This paper therefore aims to validate the practicality of adopting Scan-to-BIM: Terrestrial Laser Scan (TLS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to perform quantity take-offs (QTO) for estimating building maintenance costs.
Design/methodology/approach
A 64-year-old tenement building was selected to conduct a case study. In this instance, the building had undergone a Scan-to-BIM survey approach to generate QTO for the bills of quantities for external painting works. The Scan-to-BIM approach includes site visit, positioning of scanning equipment, assignment of circular scan routes, point cloud registration and identification of residual error. After that, time, cost and quality data were logged into contrast with QTO on as-built plans for external wall plastering works.
Findings
The “time”, “cost” and “quality” of the Scan-to BIM practice were then examined and compared with the prevailing practices of manual measurements on as-built drawings. As noted from the results, the initial cost of Scan-to BIM is high, owing to the cost of equipment, software and capable available operators. However, the authors identified that the time and cost can be significantly minimised by developing and implementing efficient practices such as preparing a detailed scan plan, equipping modeller with quantity surveying knowledge, using automated object recognition and 5D BIM software packages such as Vico Office and CostX.
Practical implications
The upshot is that Scan-to-BIM could be one of the measures to advance the clarity in the QTO and estimated price of the maintenance projects.
Originality/value
The practicability of Scan-to-BIM has received limited attention on existing building maintenance project. The Scan-to-BIM approach was examined using a case building of a 64-year-old tenement building. The approach demonstrated in this research study is promised to advance the clarity in the QTO and estimated price of maintenance project.
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Rosylin Mohd Yusof, Zaemah Zainuddin, Hafirda Akma Bt Musaddad, Siti Latipah Harun and Mohd Aamir Adeeb Abdul Rahim
This paper aims to propose a model for democratization of Islamic home financing to tackle the issue of sustainability of homeownership affordability.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a model for democratization of Islamic home financing to tackle the issue of sustainability of homeownership affordability.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework and fractional equity model (FEM) are developed to incorporate big data analytics, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology in an ecosystem for affordability and sustainability of homeownership via the proposed financing model. In addition, the FEM adopts the simulation approach to show its validity in terms of liquidity when compared with traditional home financing. In this regard, this paper is focused on developing and demonstrating the feasibility of a new financing model, rather than testing specific hypotheses or relationships. This is to propose the democratization model for Islamic Home Financing that will not benefit the prospective home buyers without compromising the profitability of the financial institutions.
Findings
The findings indicate that the proposed end-to-end solution within the financing ecosystem can lead to more efficient matching market between the buyers and sellers of houses, reduced transaction costs, greater transparency and enhanced efficiency which in the end could lead to lower costs of owning homes and sustained financial resilience among house owners. The findings indicate that the FEM model is able to increase homeownership with more elements of liquidity, marketability and sustainability for homebuyers.
Research limitations/implications
This research highlights the potential of big data and blockchain technology in democratizing Islamic home financing and evidence that the transfer of ownership is possible through tokenization. However, this will require a mature financing environment to adapt the technology for practical application.
Practical implications
The model proposes a solution to propagate shared prosperity among stakeholders such as the house buyers/owners, sellers, investors as well the government agencies. The proposed FEM model provides alternative home financing that is more marketable, flexible and sustainable for households/buyers and financiers.
Social implications
It is hoped that with the proposed financing ecosystem to promote affordability and sustainability of homeownership via big data analytics, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology can lead to greater financial resilience for homeowners which can then be translated to enhanced well-being, increased productivity and can further promote economic growth.
Originality/value
This research is a concept paper based on academic research and industry collaboration with a technology provider.
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Kishore Kumar, Rubee Singh, Mrinalini Choudhary and Ankita Sharma
The impact of climate change (CC) has become the most defining issue of the present times. From an increase in temperature to food and water scarcity, the adverse effect of CC is…
Abstract
Purpose
The impact of climate change (CC) has become the most defining issue of the present times. From an increase in temperature to food and water scarcity, the adverse effect of CC is faced globally by all countries on an unprecedented level. Environmentally polluting industries are considered one of the primary contributors to the problem of CC. This chapter aims to provide an understanding of the emerging global threat of CC and various strategies that environmentally polluting firms could undertake to tackle the climate change crisis.
Methodology
Based on the review of the literature, this chapter presents deliberation on the climate change crisis and various strategies for environmentally polluting industries to tackle CC issues.
Findings
This chapter presents a bird's eye view of the CC issue and various strategies that could be undertaken by environmentally polluting industries to address the CC crisis.
Implications
This chapter should be very useful for policymakers, practitioners and corporations to understand the issue of climate change and global warming and its implications. Further, it will also help polluting companies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address the adverse impact of their business activities.
Originality
Considering the dearth of sector-specific studies based on climate change, this chapter is one of the few studies that explore CC strategies in the context of polluting industries.
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Chun Sing Maxwell Ho, Thomas Wing Yan Man and Ming Ming Chiu
Framed by social cognition theory, this study examines the impact of environmental factors (e.g. social norms) on students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ES) and entrepreneurial…
Abstract
Purpose
Framed by social cognition theory, this study examines the impact of environmental factors (e.g. social norms) on students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ES) and entrepreneurial intention (EI).
Design/methodology/approach
We obtained responses to a survey from 811 senior secondary students in Hong Kong. We then employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the proposed hypothesis. We removed non-significant parameters in testing the model and obtained the final SEM.
Findings
Among these students, those who were male or spoke English at home showed stronger social norms of entrepreneurship and greater entrepreneurial SE, which was linked to greater EI. Among students perceiving stronger social norms of entrepreneurship, those who lived in private housing or spoke English at school showed greater entrepreneurial intention.
Originality/value
The study provides a new social cognitive perspective for examining EI that emphasizes learning and development through the interaction of environmental and cognitive factors. It supplements previous research by demonstrating the significant influence of social norms and the conditional role of parental influence, adding complexity to our understanding of how these factors' interplay.
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Taozhi Zhuang, Haojie Ji, Ying Wang, Hongjuan Wu and Meiling Zeng
Globally, co-production is of great significance in promoting neighborhood regeneration. However, in the Chinese context, characterized by a governance system with strong…
Abstract
Purpose
Globally, co-production is of great significance in promoting neighborhood regeneration. However, in the Chinese context, characterized by a governance system with strong government discourse power and a tradition of passive public participation, co-production has faced significant challenges. To address issues, this paper aims to deeply understand the co-production behaviors and strategy choices of local governments and residents in the co-produced neighborhood regeneration.
Design/methodology/approach
An evolutionary game approach was utilized as the research method to analyze the interest interactions between the two parties, the differences and similarities in strategy choices and the influencing factors in government and resident-initiated project types, respectively. Chongqing was selected as the case area for empirical analysis, with data derived from project materials and in-depth interviews.
Findings
This study revealed dynamic interactions between local governments and residents, significant differences between the two project types regarding co-production levels, the positive role of residents' perceived loss and the effect of marginal benefits on critical influencing factors.
Originality/value
Drawing upon co-production theory, this paper elucidates how different levels of co-production are implemented and highlights the differences between the two types of neighborhood regeneration projects within governance systems characterized by strong state discourse power and a lack of public participation tradition. It addresses current issues and provides critical references for government policymakers and urban planners to make informed decisions and promote co-produced neighborhood rehabilitation projects.
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K.A.C.S. Kalu Arachchi, B.A.K.S. Perera, Dinithi Piyumra Raigama Acharige and Sajani Jayasuriya
The escalation in demand for buildings in tropical zones has risen resulting from global population growth. Moreover, the construction industry is under growing pressure to adapt…
Abstract
Purpose
The escalation in demand for buildings in tropical zones has risen resulting from global population growth. Moreover, the construction industry is under growing pressure to adapt sustainable practices. Hence, this research aims to investigate how Circular Economy (CE) principles can be converged with Tropical Design Strategies (TDS) to enhance sustainability within the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative approach was employed with three rounds of Delphi technique, following semi-structured expert interviews. Collected data were analysed through content analysis.
Findings
Four passive design strategies were explored as the most suitable strategies for building designs in the tropical regions. To amalgamate passive design strategies of Tropical Designs (TD) with the most practicable CE R principles, 23 number of methods were proposed to each passive design strategy. Furthermore, 11 enablers were revealed in converging TD with CE. Among them, green building design, advanced design software and bioclimatic designs are the enablers which are applicable for all the design strategies.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first kind of research which was done converging three concepts of CE, TD and sustainability. Moreover, this research defined various approaches on how to integrate CE R principles with each identified passive design strategy as an influential approach for ameliorating sustainability. This research contributes to the practice by proposing methods to building designers and architects on how to design buildings in tropical regions following CE principles while ensuring sustainability.
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Njideka Maryclara Aguome, Nonso Izuchukwu Ewurum and Fidelis Ifeanyi Emoh
The global imperative for sustainable infrastructure management has intensified the focus on facility retrofitting as a key strategy for reducing environmental impact and…
Abstract
Purpose
The global imperative for sustainable infrastructure management has intensified the focus on facility retrofitting as a key strategy for reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency. However, the complex interplay of factors influencing stakeholders’ willingness to pay (WTP) for such interventions remains inadequately understood, impeding effective policy formulation and resource allocation. This study aims to examine the motivational factors influencing the adoption of green retrofits in Lagos, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a stated preference discrete choice experiment conducted with 425 decision-makers of corporate facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. A multinomial logit model was used to compare retrofitting choice sets and a status quo option.
Findings
The study revealed that education level, reputation concerns, income, incentives and corporate social responsibility awareness significantly predicted WTP for basic heating ventilation air-conditioning, and lighting upgrades. Regulatory compliance, awareness, education, income and reputation emerged as key drivers for more comprehensive retrofits incorporating renewables.
Practical implications
The research findings, by revealing which motivators resonate strongest, offer an evidence-based roadmap that directs practitioners to look beyond price incentives and emphasize complementary non-price interventions integrated with policy. The study’s emphasis on the significance of noneconomic WTP drivers equips program administrators with actionable strategies to optimize the uptake of retrofits based on individuals’ motivational structures.
Originality/value
This is one of the very few studies that have investigated the motivational factors influencing the adoption of green facility retrofitting in emerging markets, focusing on Lagos, Nigeria.
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Ben Charters, Matthew Daly and Troy Heffernan
This article discusses research addressing apartment owners’ reluctance to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology by focusing on factors directly relevant to strata property…
Abstract
Purpose
This article discusses research addressing apartment owners’ reluctance to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology by focusing on factors directly relevant to strata property owners. The research utilised a motivation-opportunity-ability (MOA)-based conceptual model and market segmentation, identifying discrete segments within this population with regards to their attitudes to solar PV adoption and informing solar PV adoption interventions tailored to each.
Design/methodology/approach
The research utilised a tailored survey distributed to strata property owners. To identify segments within the resulting 547-respondent sample, latent class analysis and k-means cluster analysis were performed.
Findings
Data analysis revealed three discrete segments within this sample: “Frustrated Advocates”, who are highly supportive of strata solar but are less likely to consider it feasible for their particular strata scheme and who might respond to an ongoing collaborative intervention; “Passive Supporters”, who are more confident that strata solar would be feasible for their scheme but less enthusiastic in their personal support; and “Older Avoiders”, who are indifferent to strata solar in principle, unwilling to support it in practice, and who might require a carrot-and-stick approach that recognises their actual motivations.
Research limitations/implications
The research does not test interventions targeting the identified segments. However, its findings can inform tailored interventions and subsequent case studies, and influence broader research into multi-stakeholder decision-making.
Practical implications
This article proposes intervention strategies based on the segments' identified characteristics, to encourage and support adoption of solar PV in existing strata properties.
Social implications
This article could help strata property owners and their tenants to access an important form of renewable energy.
Originality/value
Through the application of an MOA-based model, this article enhances extant literature by enabling the conceptualisation of the directly relevant factors facing strata property owners seeking to adopt solar PV, particularly the need for collective approval from diverse stakeholders, and demonstrates how a segmentation-based methodology can provide robust findings with regards to their resulting attitudes.
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