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1 – 10 of 12Mohammed Arif, Mohammed Al Zubi, Aman Deep Gupta, Charles Egbu, Robert O. Walton and Rubina Islam
The purpose of this paper is to present a maturity model developed to assess knowledge sharing (KS) for the Jordanian construction sector.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a maturity model developed to assess knowledge sharing (KS) for the Jordanian construction sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted in three stages. The first stage consisted of the review of literature and documenting variables from the literature that highlight influence on KS in organizations. The second stage was designed for maturity model development by identifying the cultural factors that affect KS in the Jordanian construction sector through questionnaires and interviews. Factor analysis was used to find possible relationships between the cultural variables followed by semi-structured interviews. In the third stage the initial maturity model was refined through another set of semi-structured interviews.
Findings
The model presented in the paper includes three levels of maturity. The first level identifies whether the variable barely exists in company’s KS practices. The second level shows the occasional techniques which the company uses to increase KS activities. The final level demonstrates the importance of the variable in affecting KS as being fundamentally ingrained in the company’s vision, mission, strategy and operations.
Originality/value
The research has developed a model that can be used to measure the KS in an organization. Although the model has been applied to the construction industry, it can easily be modified to fit in the other sectors.
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Sukhwant Kaur Sagar, Olugbenga Timo Oladinrin, Mohammed Arif, Amit Kaushik and Rubina Islam
This study aims to focus on model development to analyse key factors affecting trust in virtual project teams (VPTs).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on model development to analyse key factors affecting trust in virtual project teams (VPTs).
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was conducted on construction professionals participating in virtual teams. Structural equation modelling technique was performed to establish the effect of relevant factors on trust-building in VPTs.
Findings
Team performance is highly affected by the trust among the team members. Trust building can be enhanced by improving the quality of team communication, organisation culture, team bonding and team members’ characteristics.
Originality/value
The model developed in this study would benefit team productivity and team members’ learning in VPTs.
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Lovelin Ifeoma Obi, Mohammed Arif, Bankole Awuzie, Rubina Islam, Aman Deep Gupta and Robert Walton
Effective cost performance is a crucial criterion measuring successful project management in public-housing projects. This paper aims to analyse the vital underlying factors…
Abstract
Purpose
Effective cost performance is a crucial criterion measuring successful project management in public-housing projects. This paper aims to analyse the vital underlying factors surrounding the successful cost management process (CMP) outcomes in public housing projects (PHPs).
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted in three stages. The first stage consisted of a detailed literature review to document success factors affecting cost performances and management. In stage two, brainstorming sessions were undertaken with construction experts knowledgeable in cost management practices and have been involved in PHPs. These sessions were used to refine those success factors for the PHPs settings and define their criticality with respect to the CMP stages using interpretive ranking process. In stage three, focus group sessions were performed to validate the interrelationships of the contextualised critical success factors.
Findings
The top three most critical factors for successful implementation and outcomes at all CMP stages in PHPs settings were found to relate to competencies, team qualities and collaborative practices of the project team. Early contractor involvement and effective construction planning and management also emerged relevant to the process.
Practical implications
Government project departments, project managers and construction organisations (consultants and contractors) need to commit and mandate continuous development of cost management competencies for all professionals engaged in PHPs. Channels supporting team integration and collaborative practices between design and construction teams are required to increase the likelihood of successful project cost management practice and outcomes in PHPs.
Originality/value
The research has developed a factor-process relationship model that can be used to improve and evaluate the efficacy of CMP implementation in PHP settings.
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Pratyush Banerjee, Ritu Gupta, Musarrat Shaheen, Rajasekhar David, Kalaa Chenji and Chetna Priyadarshini
In recent times, several instances of anti-immigration-related hate crimes and religious bullying have been reported where South Asian expatriates have been victimized. The…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent times, several instances of anti-immigration-related hate crimes and religious bullying have been reported where South Asian expatriates have been victimized. The accompanying children of such expatriates may find such hostile perceptions very difficult to deal with due to their tender age and sensitive ego, which may also lead to the premature return of the expatriate. In this study, a qualitative investigation is conducted to understand the specific problems faced by South Asian expat kids with respect to religious stigma and anti-immigration sentiments.
Design/methodology/approach
A latent thematic analysis was adopted as the research method in this study. Responses were obtained from 27 South Asian adolescent expat kids through audiovisual interviews.
Findings
A total of three central themes were identified from the analysis: (1) coping against social stigma, (2) dealing with social isolation and (3) assimilating with host culture. The findings indicated that the expat kids from South Asia were mentally well prepared to cope with bullying related to the religious or political sentiment using several self-reflective orientations and through optimal use of technical resources.
Research limitations/implications
This study applies a qualitative exploratory design. Hence, a follow-up study backed by quantifiable data is needed to enhance generalizability of the findings.
Practical implications
Corporate practitioners may develop dedicated social media page for expat kids or an online community of such individuals as a support system.
Originality/value
The paper applies a critical lens on some deep-rooted sociopolitical issues which have not been addressed in extant literature on expat adjustment.
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Mohit Kumar, Justin Paul, Madhvendra Misra and Rubina Romanello
In this paper, using the antecedents, decisions and outcomes (ADO) framework, the factors/key performance indicators (KPIs) most relevant for creating or building a learning…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, using the antecedents, decisions and outcomes (ADO) framework, the factors/key performance indicators (KPIs) most relevant for creating or building a learning organization (LO) are identified. This study aims to contribute to the field of knowledge management (KM) in terms of introducing KPIs to foster a business organization with a continuous learning process, mechanisms of knowledge creation and memorization.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 57 papers were selected for this systematic literature review (SLR) from Web of Science and Scopus covering the period 1985–2019.
Findings
The 12 most relevant KPIs are identified based on the literature survey conducted in the field of LO.
Research limitations/implications
The managerial implications of this review paper will be an added advantage to the modern business organization worldwide that have adopted KM practices to foster knowledge management with information technology (IT) infrastructure. As IT infrastructure focuses on knowledge acquisition, dissemination and storage but the KPIs revealed through this review will help in transforming stored information as learning for the organization to improve its overall performance.
Originality/value
This review synthesizes prior studies and provides directions for future research.
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Naimat Ullah Shah, Salman Bin Naeem, Rubina Bhatti, Amjid Khan and Xia Wang
The purpose of this study is to determine the level of awareness among library and information science (LIS) professionals regarding the perceived utility of big data (BD) and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine the level of awareness among library and information science (LIS) professionals regarding the perceived utility of big data (BD) and data analytics (DA) in academic libraries, as well as their influence on the provision of data services (DSs).
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was carried out to collect the data for this study. The population of this study comprised LIS professionals working in public sector university libraries. A four-factor measurement model estimating the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in academic libraries was tested using the structural equation modelling.
Findings
The findings revealed that awareness (AW) (β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.011) demonstrated a significant positive influence on the provision of DSs. The perceived utility of BD (β = 0.058, CR = 0.582, p = 0.561), and perceived utility of DA (β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.905) exhibits a positive but statistically non-significant impact on the provision of DSs (β = 0.010, CR = 0.120, p = 0.905). The goodness of fit indices suggest a favourable fit for the model, as evidenced by the following values: χ2 = 1.400, DF = 164; p = 0.001; IFI = 0.954; TLI = 0.946; CFI = 0.953; GFI = 0.906; and RMSEA = 0.043.
Originality/value
A new perspective on the use of BD and DA in academic libraries is presented in this study. It presents a four-factor measurement model on the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in university libraries.
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Marya Ahmad, Khurshid Ahmad and Rubina Bhatti
This study aims to measure the acceptance of digital resources by integrating knowledge management (KM) factors (i.e. acquisition, sharing, application and protection) into the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to measure the acceptance of digital resources by integrating knowledge management (KM) factors (i.e. acquisition, sharing, application and protection) into the factors of the technology acceptance model (TAM) (i.e. perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) and their impact on actual system use through behavioural intention.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the quantitative research method, a survey was conducted of the public sector universities of Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from postgraduate students and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.
Findings
The findings showed that the factors of KM with the integration of TAM significantly impact the acceptance of digital resources. The study’s hypotheses are all supported, and the findings demonstrated that knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, knowledge application and knowledge protection significantly influenced perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, and that these factors are positively correlated with behavioural intentions to use digital resources.
Originality/value
This study has considerable significant implications for policymakers, developers and practitioners in designing digital resources. This study will also assist librarians to discover areas for development that may enhance the use of digital resources among users
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Shakeel Ahmad Khan and Rubina Bhatti
The purpose of this study was to explore the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. The study identified useful training programs for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. The study identified useful training programs for university librarians to acquire digital competencies. It examined their digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries in universities of Pakistan. This study also evaluates their digital knowledge in applying security measures to protect digital contents.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative research method was used to conduct this study. Research questions and hypothesis were developed to achieve the objectives. In-depth review of related literature was conducted to draft a list of essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. It was circulated among the panel of experts to get their valuable feedback to make a final list of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. A questionnaire was developed to measure the status of digital competencies of university librarians in Pakistan. It was pre-tested on 20 respondents before applying to the whole population. SPSS software was used to analyze data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to achieve results.
Findings
The findings of the study showed that digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries fall into three main categories: digital competencies for developing digital libraries; digital competencies for managing digital libraries; and digital competencies to protect digital contents. The results revealed that training programs offered by Higher Education Commission (HEC), library associations, library schools, in-house trainings, use of online tutorials and trainings offered by skilled professionals are highly important and useful for university librarians to acquire digital competencies. The study concluded that the university librarians working in HEC recognized universities in Punjab province possess basic level of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. Their digital competencies vary on the basis of their university type, i.e. public and private sector.
Research limitations/implications
This study measures digital competencies of university librarians in Pakistan. The study has practical implications for librarians, library schools, library associations, university libraries and HEC.
Practical implications
This study has practical implications for librarians, information professionals, libraries and library schools. The results are useful for librarians to get knowledge of digital competencies which are essential for developing and managing digital libraries and protecting digital contents. They can develop their digital competencies in identified areas. This study has identified useful training programs for university librarians for acquiring digital competencies. The university librarians should use these programs to gain needed digital skills.
Social implications
Librarians can get knowledge of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries to face the challenges of digital age.
Originality/value
In contrast to previous research work on investigating computer skills, information and communication technology skills, technological skills and general digital skills, this study particularly identifies the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. It helps library and information science schools, library associations, training groups and university libraries to offer adequate training opportunities in identified areas to meet the challenges of the digital age.
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Rubina Begum, Fahad Riaz Choudhry, Tahir Mehmood Khan, Faizah Safina Bakrin, Yaser Mohammed Al-Worafi and Khadeeja Munawar
The term “Mental health literacy” is defined as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention. The importance of health…
Abstract
Purpose
The term “Mental health literacy” is defined as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention. The importance of health literacy for physical health is widely studied; however, the area of mental health literacy in Pakistan has been comparatively neglected. The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge about mental health in people living in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Relevant literature relating to mental health literacy was identified through various database searches. The databases searched included: PubMed, Cochrane database of Systemic Reviews, PsycINFO using the terms mental health, mental health literacy, mental health education, Pakistan.
Findings
Literature suggests that there is dearth of knowledge about mental illnesses and their treatment among public. This review also highlights the importance of mental health literacy among professionals working in the field of health care. In Pakistan, due to low literacy rate, a high percentage of poverty and dearth of trained professionals warrants an emendation in approaches established for attaining the goal of public health and psychiatric care.
Practical implications
Findings have implications for practitioners in the field of mental health care as well as designing targeted interventions for enhancing mental health literacy and help-seeking behavior in the future.
Originality/value
A limited understanding and lack of improvement in mental health literacy may interfere with society’s acceptance of evidence-based mental health care which may hamper the delivery of adequate mental health services to the needy.
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