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In construction projects, engineering variations are very common and create breeding grounds for opportunistic claims. This study investigates the complementary effect between an inspection mechanism and a reputation system in deterring opportunistic claims, considering an employer with limited inspection accuracy and a contractor, which can be either reputation-concerned or opportunistic.

This paper applies a signaling game to investigate the complementary effect between the employer's inspection and a reputation system in deterring the contractor's possible opportunistic claim, considering the information-flow influence of claiming prices.

This study finds that in the exogenous-inspection-accuracy case, the employer does not always inspect the claim. A more stringent reputation system complements a less accurate inspection only when the inspection cost is lower than a threshold, but may decline the employer's surplus or social welfare. In the optimal-inspection-accuracy case, the employer always inspects the claim. However, only a sufficiently stringent reputation system can guarantee the effectiveness of an optimal inspection in curbing opportunistic claims. A more stringent reputation system has a value-stepping effect on the employer's surplus but may unexpectedly impair social welfare, whereas a higher inspection cost efficiency always reduces social welfare.

This article contributes to the project management literature by combing the signaling game theory with the reputation theory and thus embeds the problem of inspection mechanism design into a broader socio-economic framework.

The current study seeks to investigate and determine the principal barriers to the adoption of work–life balance (WLB) practices amongst construction companies operating in the developing countries using Lagos, Nigeria as a case study.

This study adopts a survey research technique. Snowball sampling technique was adopted to identify the target respondents for the administration of questionnaire. A total of 156 questionnaires were distributed and a response rate of 66% (103 questionnaires were completely filled and returned) was attained. Data elicited were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The results from the exploratory factors analysis show that the principal barriers to the adoption of WLB practices amongst construction companies in Lagos, Nigeria are categorised into four components: nature of construction job and limited evidence on impact of WLB, support, awareness and culture, lack of involvement of management staff and organisational factors.

This study contributed to more effective WLB studies by highlighting the barriers to the adoption of WLB practices in the construction sector. An understanding of these barriers can aid policy makers and management personnel in construction organisations as well as facilitate development of strategies required to reduce the barriers to WLB practices in the construction sector.

In the field of engineering, the fractional moments of random variables play a crucial role and are widely utilized. They are applied in various areas such as structural reliability assessment and analysis, studying the response characteristics of random vibration systems and optimizing signal processing and control systems. This study focuses on calculating the fractional moments of positive random variables encountered in engineering. This study focuses on calculating the fractional moments of positive random variables encountered in engineering.

By integrating Laplace transforms with fractional derivatives, both analytical and practical numerical solutions are derived. Furthermore, specific practical application methods are provided.

This approach allows for the stable and highly accurate calculation of fractional moments based on the integer moments of random variables. Data experiments included in this study demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in solving fractional moment calculations in engineering. Compared to traditional methods, the proposed method offers significant advantages in stability and accuracy, which can further advance research in the engineering field that employs fractional moments.

(1) Accuracy: Although the proposed method does involve some error, its error level is significantly lower than traditional methods, such as the Taylor expansion method. (2) Stability: The computational error of the proposed method is not only minimal but also remains stable within a narrow range as the fractional order varies. (3) Efficiency: Compared to the widely used Taylor expansion method, the proposed method requires only a minimal number of integer-order moments to achieve the desired results. Additionally, it avoids convergence issues during computation, greatly reducing computational resource requirements. (4) Simplicity: The application steps of the proposed method are very straightforward, offering significant advantages in practical applications.

This chapter explores the essence of transformational leadership through Taylor Swift’s unique perspective on fearlessness, highlighting the importance of resilience and perseverance. Swift’s leadership style exemplifies key principles such as inspirational motivation, idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. By inspiring fans with a compelling vision, fostering trust through authenticity, engaging creatively with her audience, and supporting individual growth, Swift demonstrates how transformational leadership can drive remarkable success. This chapter provides valuable insights on how transformational leadership (Downton, 1973) can positively impact any team or organization.

The article aims to provide an accurate and efficient numerical algorithm for viscous flows in power-law fluids under various thermal boundary and partial slip conditions.

We are conducting a numerical investigation using the Taylor–Galerkin/pressure correction finite element method, which builds upon the work of previous researchers. Here, attention is therefore given to the interplay of various thermal boundary and stick-slip conditions and their impact on non-isothermal inelastic fluid.

The results demonstrate the influence of the Prandtl, Brinkman and Reynolds numbers on the flow’s thermal and hydrodynamic behavior, concentrating on the impact of slip at the wall. Furthermore, we have presented the effects of these dimensionless parameters on the detailed local and average Nusselt numbers, illustrated the high accuracy we obtained for numerical convergence, and compared our results with those of previous papers, observing excellent agreement.

We have successfully tested the code under the presented industrial conditions. Future research directions on this topic aim for efficient and robust solvers for non-Newtonian thermal rheological models; this algorithm can be used for that purpose.

This algorithm has never been used for numerical analysis of such a problem previously.

This final chapter encapsulates the key moments and leadership lessons from Taylor Swift’s career. Throughout the book, we’ve seen Swift’s visionary leadership, creativity, resilience, and authenticity. By exploring her strategic decisions and transformative leadership style, we offer aspiring leaders actionable insights on setting clear goals, motivating others, embracing innovation, and leading with integrity. As we conclude, we shift from reflection to action, encouraging readers to apply these principles in their own leadership journeys.

This chapter is an introduction to the book “Swift Leadership: A Taylor-made Approach to Influence and Decision Making” which is part of the “Exploring Effective Leadership Practices Through Popular Culture” series. The book explores the business practices, decisions, and influence tactics used by popular musician and icon Taylor Swift. Swift leverages her popularity to stand up to entertainment industry giants and champion the underdog. This first chapter provides an overview of the book and reasons why analyzing Swift’s leadership approach is helpful.

This chapter examines Taylor Swift’s strategic response to losing control over her master recordings, showcasing exemplary crisis management. Swift’s decision to re-record her albums illustrates how proactive crisis handling can transform challenges into opportunities. This chapter uses the five phases of crisis management and positive psychological capital to analyze Swift’s approach, highlighting her resilience, optimism, and strategic thinking. By navigating adversity and advocating for artist rights, Swift demonstrates effective leadership and the power of taking control of one’s destiny.

This chapter explores the influence and charisma of Taylor Swift, highlighting her use of power to captivate audiences. The chapter examines the five bases of power – coercive, reward, legitimate, expert, and referent – demonstrated through Swift’s strategic actions in the music industry. Swift’s ability to inspire, reward, and connect authentically with her audience showcases her remarkable leadership. Swift exemplifies how true power lies in authentic connections and steadfast determination, turning personal stories into widely inspiring and authoritative narratives.

This chapter explores Taylor Swift’s leadership in music and business. Highlighting her use of leader–member exchange (LMX) and servant leadership (Dansereau et al., 1975), Swift creates a deep connection with her fans. This chapter demonstrates how Swift empowers her fans through open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. By fostering high-quality relationships and embodying servant leadership traits such as empathy and stewardship, Swift inspires loyalty and trust. Her high level of engagement with her followers turns her influence into a powerful tool for advocating her values and making impactful decisions.