Gary D. Holt and Jack S. Goulding
The use of mixed-methods research (MMR) within building and construction research (BCR) is studied in detail. A new MMR paradigm, defined as ambiguous mixed-methods research…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of mixed-methods research (MMR) within building and construction research (BCR) is studied in detail. A new MMR paradigm, defined as ambiguous mixed-methods research (AMMR), is conceptualised within a BCR context. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Informal and inductive methodology combines experiential and anecdotal knowledge with synthesis of extant literature, to detail a cogent representation of the BCR research paradigm continuum. From this, the AMMR design is presented and its conceptualisation highlighted by reference to a small sample of published BCR studies.
Findings
Paradoxically, the BCR paradigm continuum is dichotomous in its quantitative and qualitative extremes; while between these, coalesced paradigms permeate it. Influenced predominantly by worldview, many BCR researchers select a methodology that aligns with either continuum extreme. But, the authors conceptualise, in practice this often relies on ambiguous AMMR characteristics.
Research limitations/implications
AMMR offers BCR research and beyond, a new approach for making, designing and defending methodological decisions.
Originality/value
The AMMR paradigm was designed by the authors and is therefore entirely novel.
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The purpose of this study is analysis on fluid flow characteristics inside a modified designed spiral bubble column photo-bioreactor. Available fluid dynamic simulation of bubble…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is analysis on fluid flow characteristics inside a modified designed spiral bubble column photo-bioreactor. Available fluid dynamic simulation of bubble column reactor (BCR) (which is well-known conventional photobioreactor) had shown significance contribution over the past two decades, where the fluid dynamics of the culture medium and mixing will influence the average irradiance and the light regimen to which the cells are exposed. This enhances the growth. To develop this, and also to cut down the cost parameter involving the production of biodiesel from algae, the growth rate of algae has to be enhanced.
Design/methodology/approach
Some design modification through a staggered spiral-path inside the bubble column design had been proposed and comparative simulation of the modified design has been reported. Three-dimensional simulations of gas–liquid flow both in the BCR and spiral path column reactor have been carried out using the Euler–Euler approach. Various graphs are plotted, and from comparing, it has been seen that the proposed reactor will enhance better mixing rate, which could help the growth rate in microalgae in the present proposed model. In this paper, an earnest attempt had made to carry out computational simulation of conventional BCR and designed reactor used for cultivation of microalgae which had analyzed using commercial code ANSYS 14.
Findings
From this work, it was observed that the average turbulence kinetic energy fluctuates more in designed reactor over the conventional photo bioreactor, which will in turn increase diffusivity and enhance transfer of mass, momentum and energy. The results provide comprehensive information concerning effect of fluid flow characteristics inside a modified designed spiral bubble-column photo-bioreactor.
Originality/value
Some of our earlier published results (www.scientific.net/AMM.592-594.2427) are also referred in this paper. This work had been performed under the financial aid from RPS project (no. 8,023/RID/RPS/27/11/12), sponsored by All India Council for Technical Education.
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Bee Lan Oo, Hing‐Po Lo and Benson Teck‐Heng Lim
Winning a bid will carry implications for capacity level of a construction firm. This paper aims to examine the impact of a winning bid on contractors' bid pricing strategies.
Abstract
Purpose
Winning a bid will carry implications for capacity level of a construction firm. This paper aims to examine the impact of a winning bid on contractors' bid pricing strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
In identifying the specific types of bidding trends before and after a winning bid, the variations in bids are expressed as a function of time relative to winning bid – the “event” of interest in this study – using a piecewise mixed effects model. The bids analysed comprised series of bids with a winning bid in between, recorded from Hong Kong building contractors.
Findings
The results show that there is a relationship between bid price and bidding success. The bidders in general bid low for time periods before a winning bid and they are less competitive in time periods after a winning bid. However, by considering the individual bidders' characteristics that relate to differences in bidding competitiveness, it is shown that there is remarkable heterogeneity among the bidders in bid pricing decision for pre‐ and post‐winning periods. Nevertheless, the statistically significant bidding trends before and after a winning bid strengthen the notion that systematic changes in bidding behaviour over time do occur in reality in response to changes in firm capacity level.
Originality/value
This empirical investigation provides strong evidence on the systematic changes in bidding behaviour over time in response to changes in firm capacity level, supporting the need to incorporate firm capacity level in the future development of a suitable theoretical framework on construction bidding.
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Ghazal Mavahebi Tabatabai, Mohammad Tahsildoost, Amirreza Ardekani and Zahra Sadat Zomorodian
In many countries, urban block layouts follow rigid and outdated design guidelines; however, these approaches fail to effectively address settlement construction, neighborhood…
Abstract
Purpose
In many countries, urban block layouts follow rigid and outdated design guidelines; however, these approaches fail to effectively address settlement construction, neighborhood planning, the design of old urban contexts and the rapid development of emerging cities, as seen in the new towns of Iran and various other regions worldwide. Revising these guidelines requires early-stage decision-making to evaluate building layouts based on their impact on the built environment. This study introduces a workflow for optimizing urban block layouts with constant density while considering design constraints, climate and environmental performance. This framework assists planners and policymakers in refining site density distribution and building massing.
Design/methodology/approach
A computational urban design method was developed utilizing a grasshopper-based algorithm and Python for data generation. It introduces an innovative approach by incorporating buildings’ placement coordinates as design variables alongside dimensions and orientation. The Wallacei tool optimizes layouts by considering energy use intensity (EUI), outdoor thermal comfort and facades’ received radiation employing Ladybug Tools. Spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) and urban heat island (UHI) effects are also integrated into the workflow. The framework is applied to a hypothetical residential district in Tehran, consisting of nine blocks, each containing nine plots.
Findings
The results for a set of optimal solutions demonstrate that beyond existing urban design policies, environmentally prioritized designs are achievable. Radiation differences between the optimal models and the conventional parallel layout range from 41.3 to 61.1%. However, changes in EUI and universal thermal climate index (UTCI) are minimal; significant improvements are observed in sDA, with 7, 8 or all 9 buildings meeting the acceptable threshold compared to none in the parallel layout. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the design method framework proposed in this research, which has the potential to significantly influence urban planning practices across various regions globally.
Originality/value
The methodology of this study provides a flexible decision-making framework for early design phases, enabling policymakers, architects and urban designers to address the gap between current urban design methods and environmentally driven approaches. Sensitivity analysis of optimal solutions further offers valuable insights into the correlation between design variables and evaluation metrics.
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The paper aims to study the constraint solutions of the periodic coupled operator matrix equations by the biconjugate residual algorithm. The new algorithm can solve a lot of…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to study the constraint solutions of the periodic coupled operator matrix equations by the biconjugate residual algorithm. The new algorithm can solve a lot of constraint solutions including Hamiltonian solutions and symmetric solutions, as special cases. At the end of this paper, the new algorithm is applied to the pole assignment problem.
Design/methodology/approach
When the studied periodic coupled operator matrix equations are consistent, it is proved that constraint solutions can converge to exact solutions. It is demonstrated that the solutions of the equations can be obtained by the new algorithm with any arbitrary initial matrices without rounding error in a finite number of iterative steps. In addition, the least norm-constrained solutions can also be calculated by selecting any initial matrices when the equations of the periodic coupled operator matrix are inconsistent.
Findings
Numerical examples show that compared with some existing algorithms, the proposed method has higher convergence efficiency because less data are used in each iteration and the data is sufficient to complete an update. It not only has the best convergence accuracy but also requires the least running time for iteration, which greatly saves memory space.
Originality/value
Compared with previous algorithms, the main feature of this algorithm is that it can synthesize these equations together to get a coupled operator matrix equation. Although the equation of this paper contains multiple submatrix equations, the algorithm in this paper only needs to use the information of one submatrix equation in the equation of this paper in each iteration so that different constraint solutions of different (coupled) matrix equations can be studied for this class of equations. However, previous articles need to iterate on a specific constraint solution of a matrix equation separately.
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Joao Carlos Marques Silva and José Azevedo Pereira
The essence of discounted cash flow valuation is simple; the asset is worth the expected cash flows it will generate, discounted to the reference date for the valuation exercise…
Abstract
Theoretical basis
The essence of discounted cash flow valuation is simple; the asset is worth the expected cash flows it will generate, discounted to the reference date for the valuation exercise (normally, the day of the calculation). A survey article was written in Parker (1968), where it was stated that the earliest interest rate tables (use to discount value to the present) dated back to 1340. Works from Boulding (1935) and Keynes (1936) derived the IRR (Internal Rate of Return) for an investment. Samuelson (1937) compared the IRR and NPV (Net Present Value) approaches, arguing that rational investors should maximize NPV and not IRR. The previously mentioned works and the publication of Joel Dean’s reference book (Dean, 1951) on capital budgeting set the basis for the widespread use of the discounted cash flow approach into all business areas, aided by developments in portfolio theory. Nowadays, probably the model with more widespread use is the FCFE/FCFF (Free Cash Flow to Equity and Free Cash Flow to Firm) model. For simplification purposes, we will focus on the FCFE model, which basically is the FCF model’s version for the potential dividends. The focus is to value the business based on its dividends (potential or real), and thus care must be taken in order not to double count cash flows (this matter was treated in this case) and to assess what use is given to that excess cash flow – if it is invested wisely, what returns will come of them, how it is accounted for, etc. (Damodaran, 2006). The bridge to the FCFF model is straightforward; the FCFF includes FCFE and added cash that is owed to debtholders. References: Parker, R.H. (1968). “Discounted Cash Flow in Historical Perspective”, Journal of Accounting Research, v6, pp58-71. Boulding, K.E. (1935). “The Theory of a Single Investment”, Quarterly Journal of Economics, v49, pp479-494. Keynes, J. M. (1936). “The General Theory of Employment”, Macmillan, London. Samuelson, P. (1937). “Some Aspects of the Pure Theory of Capital”, Quarterly Journal of Economics, v51, pp. 469–496. Dean, Joel. (1951). “Capital Budgeting”, Columbia University Press, New York. Damodaran, A. (2006). “Damodaran on Valuation”, Second Edition, John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Research methodology
All information is taken from public sources and with consented company interviews.
Case overview/synopsis
Opportunities for value creation may be found in awkward and difficult circumstances. Good strategic thinking and ability to act swiftly are usually crucial to be able to take advantage of such tough environments. Amidst a country-wide economic crisis and general disbelief, José de Mello Group (JMG) saw one of its main assets’ (Brisa Highways) market value tumble down to unforeseen figures and was forced to act on it. Brisa’s main partners were eager in overpowering JMG’s control of the company, and outside pressure from Deutsche Bank was rising, due to the use of Brisa’s shares as collateral. JMG would have to revise its strategy and see if Brisa was worth fighting for; the market implicit assessment about the company’s prospects was very penalizing, but JMG’s predictions on Brisa’s future performance indicated that this could be an investment opportunity. Would it be wise to bet against the market?
Complexity academic level
This study is excellent for finance and strategy courses, at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Company valuation and corporate strategy are required.
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De-Graft Owusu-Manu, E. Amo-Asamoah, Frank Ato Ghansah and George Asumadu
Kumasi Metropolis, the second-largest city in Ghana is known to be bewildered with challenges relating to waste management. As a means of solving the waste management challenge…
Abstract
Purpose
Kumasi Metropolis, the second-largest city in Ghana is known to be bewildered with challenges relating to waste management. As a means of solving the waste management challenge, several suggestions are often made for the establishment of a waste-to-energy plant to manage the disposal of waste and generation of income. There have been no studies conducted to determine how economically viable such plants will be. This study aims to examine the economic viability of waste-to-energy generation in the Kumasi Metropolis to find out how economically viable such an approach will be.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this, a simple debt-equity ratio business model based on discounted cash flow technique was applied to estimate the internal rate of returns (IRR) as a measure of the economic viability and profitability of a modelled 50 MWH waste-energy generation plant in the Kumasi Metropolis. The analysis was performed using the RetScreen Expert Software.
Findings
The results show that the IRR and benefits cost ratio of the facility were 36% and 5.8%, respectively, indicating high levels of profitability and economic viability. The study concludes that waste-to-energy generation will be an economically viable venture in the Kumasi Metropolis.
Practical implications
It is, however, important for users of the findings of this study to take caution of the fact that the various assumptions although based on current knowledge and expert opinion may vary with time; therefore, the sensitive analysis on price and costs should always be considered. Practically, this study will contribute to solving the waste management situation in most cities, as well as generating revenue and helping close the energy deficit most developing countries are grabbling with.
Originality/value
The unique contribution of the study to knowledge is that it has professed an alternative analytical and methodological approach to measuring the financial viability of waste-to-energy plants in situations where there is none in the geographical jurisdiction of the proposed project.
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Qingchao Sun, Qingyuan Lin, Bin Yang, Xianlian Zhang and Lintao Wang
Bolted joints are the most common type of mechanical connections, and improving the anti-loosening performance of bolts for the reliable performance of mechanical and building…
Abstract
Purpose
Bolted joints are the most common type of mechanical connections, and improving the anti-loosening performance of bolts for the reliable performance of mechanical and building structures is highly significant.
Design/methodology/approach
Because of the lack of sufficient theoretical basis for the evaluation and design of anti-loosening bolts, a quantitative evaluation model exhibiting the following two evaluation criteria for anti-loosening bolts is introduced: bolt rotation angular acceleration criterion and critical transverse load criterion. Based on the relationship among bolt tension, transverse load and bolt rotation angular acceleration, a critical transverse load calculation model is put forward, and the mechanism by which the critical transverse load increases with the increase of bolt tension is revealed.
Findings
Based on the above model, a new type of anti-loosening bolt is designed, which generates additional bolt tension when the transverse load increases, and then improves the critical transverse load of the bolt. The effectiveness of the new type of anti-loosening bolt is verified by theoretical calculations and experiments.
Originality/value
The proposed model and method set a preliminary theoretical foundation for the evaluation of bolt anti-loosening performance and the design of a new anti-loosening bolt.
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Kishor Goswami, Hari K. Choudhury, Atanu Hazarika and Rohit Tripathi
This paper aims to analyze the economic viability of jatropha plantation in North East India.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the economic viability of jatropha plantation in North East India.
Design/methodology/approach
Economic viability is measured through the net present value and the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) at four different production standards along with four different prices of jatropha seed.
Findings
At a very low price and small production, jatropha plantation is economically not feasible. However, when the price of seed increases from INR 5 to 8, BCRs become greater than 1, provided that the discount rate is less than equal to 8 per cent. The minimum threshold of BCR indicates that the threshold of 1.5 BCR at a production level of 1.5 tons/ha can be achieved with a combination of seed price of INR 10 per kg and a discount rate of 1 to 3 per cent. Thus, jatropha cultivation is economically viable but not highly profitable.
Research limitations/implications
Present study analyzes the economic viability of jatropha plantation from purely financial point of view. Social cost and benefit of energy crop plantation is not included in the study. This suggests to adopt social cost–benefit analysis to evaluate the overall feasibility of plantation crops in future studies.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the academic literature of economic viability of energy plantation crops. Economic viability of jatropha plantation is shown in different cost and revenue conditions with statistical evidences.
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The primary purpose of this study is to identify whether there is a price premium and consumers’ preferences for higher housing density, and whether there is a relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of this study is to identify whether there is a price premium and consumers’ preferences for higher housing density, and whether there is a relationship between housing densities and sales prices. The second purpose was to identify if there is a non-linear relationship between housing density and prices even though housing density is directly associated with housing prices.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper applies hedonic modeling techniques to measure the value of development density of apartments in the metropolitan area of Seoul, South Korea. The regression of the sale price is a function of different types of variables such as density, market, location and other control variables.
Findings
For the first question, this paper concludes that the higher densities cause housing prices to decrease in Seoul. The summary of the results presents that housing density, floor area ratio (FAR), building coverage ratio and floor level are all important components affecting housing prices. Generally, consumers tend to buy housing with central heating systems, more parking spaces, smaller portion of rental housing within an apartment and buildings that have more of a mixed-use function. Consumers are also found to pay higher premiums for housing in areas with high population growth and less housing supply. It is conclusive that people are inclined to live in populated areas but do not want more density. For the second question, the results show that generally FAR has quadratic effects, but most housing density variables tend to have a non-linear relationship depending on the different quantile groups.
Originality/value
There is a knowledge gap in the area of estimating development density of apartments. Generally, studies investigating property value impacts of multifamily housing focus on external effects of the multifamily housing on home values to examine whether high density development could result in a decrease in nearby property values. These studies found that there are some positive effects. A study found that high-density housing increases property values of existing single-family homes (Joint Center for Housing Studies, 2011). More specifically, developments that are of a high design quality and superior landscaping increase values of single-family homes as well. Also, those residents who live in these high-density apartments can be good potential buyers for the existing single-family homes. The greater the number of buyers, the greater the housing market becomes. Similarly, according to a report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies (2011) at Harvard University, the presence of multifamily residents correlates with higher home values in “working communities”. Indeed, density can be an important factor determining value of apartments because of its unique characteristics. However, no empirical evidence has been provided in the literature with regard to the value of the development density. This study contributes toward improving this knowledge gap.