Ramdane Djebarni and Abdullah Al‐Abed
Evaluating housing projects is an essential task to determine the effectiveness of these projects and to provide a useful feedback to the projects’ initiators ‐ be it the public…
Abstract
Evaluating housing projects is an essential task to determine the effectiveness of these projects and to provide a useful feedback to the projects’ initiators ‐ be it the public or the private sector. The evaluation could be on a number of different bases. Reports the results of research work aiming to compare the quality and effectiveness of three housing projects initiated by the Yemeni government in the capital ‐ Sana’a. The basis chosen for evaluating the public low‐income housing schemes is the housing quality measurement technique. This technique is used for measuring quality under widely different housing standards. It is a way of assessing the environmental quality and hence evaluating the success or failure of a particular housing project. Satisfaction of residents has also been evaluated and reported in an earlier paper (Al‐Abed and Mustapha, 1996).
Ramdane Djebarni and Abdullah Al‐Abed
For the last 20 years, the Yemeni government has been providing housing schemes for low‐income groups. These low‐income housing schemes have not, however, been evaluated. Based on…
Abstract
For the last 20 years, the Yemeni government has been providing housing schemes for low‐income groups. These low‐income housing schemes have not, however, been evaluated. Based on a post‐occupancy evaluation of three low‐income public housing schemes in Sana’a, Yemen, the paper describes the residents’ judgement and assessment of the environment in which they are living. Interviews with 180 occupants revealed that they attach great importance to the level of satisfaction with their neighbourhoods. The most important factor associated with neighbourhood satisfaction was privacy, a reflection of the cultural background in Yemeni society.
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Syed Ali Fazal, Abdullah Al Mamun, Sazali Abdul Wahab and Muhammad Mohiuddin
Under the premise of resource-based view (RBV), this study aims to examine the influence of host-country characteristics (i.e. market environment, cultural factors, government…
Abstract
Purpose
Under the premise of resource-based view (RBV), this study aims to examine the influence of host-country characteristics (i.e. market environment, cultural factors, government policies and absorptive capacity) on improved knowledge acquired by means of intra-firm technology transfer and the latter’s subsequent effect on corporate sustainability among subsidiaries of foreign multinational corporations (MNCs) in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
The following study adopted a cross-sectional design. Quantitative data were collected through structured interview from the representatives of selected 252 subsidiaries of foreign-based MNCs located in Peninsular Malaysia.
Findings
The findings of this study revealed that market environment, government policies and absorptive capacity significantly affect the adoption of innovative knowledge, which also has a significant positive effect on corporate sustainability. The findings also revealed a partial mediation of improved knowledge between market environment, government policies and absorptive capacity on corporate sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
This study recommends that the host country should formulate and adopt trade and FDI friendly policies, as well as stricter intellectual property laws, and, at the same time, provide higher education and training to its citizens to maximize foreign investment and knowledge transfer.
Originality/value
Apart from highlighting the under-researched issue of organizational sustainability, this study is unique in its approach of connecting the external environment of the host country with the internal knowledge of the firm and corporate sustainability in a single framework. The empirical findings of this study support the hypothesized relationships and thereby extend the scope of the contingency theory and RBV in addition to simultaneously enriching the existing intra-firm knowledge management literature, particularly in the Malaysian context.
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Wa'el Alaghbari, Azizah Salim, Kamariah Dola and Abang Abdullah Abang Ali
The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that cause housing shortage for low‐income groups in Yemen and recommend some solutions to alleviate the problem.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that cause housing shortage for low‐income groups in Yemen and recommend some solutions to alleviate the problem.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey has been used as the tool to carry out this study. The first part of the questionnaire consisted of three groups namely: economic, administrative, and legal factors. The second part consists of suggestions on housing supply, construction methods, and materials used for low‐cost housing in Yemen. The level of importance of the categories was measured and the relative importance of weightage was ranked.
Findings
The results show that the most important economic factors causing housing shortage were poor handling of available economic resources and shortage of economic resources. The most important administrative factors causing housing shortage were lack of organization and synchronization and not conducting studies on housing. The most important legal factor causing housing shortage was lack of legalization of housing.
Originality/value
The findings could be used to improve housing policies and strategy in Yemen in order to decrease the housing shortage, particularly for the low‐income group.
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Wa'el Alaghbari, Azizah Salim, Kamariah Dola and Abang Abdullah Abang Ali
The cost of housing is very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, which has caused a shortage of housing supply, especially for the low‐income group. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
The cost of housing is very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, which has caused a shortage of housing supply, especially for the low‐income group. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that are significantly influencing housing cost in Yemen.
Design/methodology/approach
The study surveyed 60 professionals in housing in Yemen, to identify factors influencing housing cost that are related to land, materials used, construction methods used, finishing works, and other factors/related issues. The questionnaire survey instrument consisted of 32 factors, which were grouped into these five categories. The level of importance was measured and the relative importance of weightage was ranked for all five categories.
Findings
This study found that cost of project land, cost of cement and steel for reinforced concrete are the most significant factors influencing housing cost in Yemen.
Originality/value
Based on the analysis of the ranking and intensity of housing cost factors, this paper further suggests possible improvements for decreasing the housing cost in Yemen. These recommendations are hoped to increase more regulated housing development and housing policy.
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Ebtesam M. Khassawneh and Fahed A. Khasawneh
This paper aims to study the Zabdah housing project residents’ satisfaction on both dwelling and neighborhood levels. In addition, the determinants of residents’ satisfaction are…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the Zabdah housing project residents’ satisfaction on both dwelling and neighborhood levels. In addition, the determinants of residents’ satisfaction are studied.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methodology approach was used, merging quantitative and qualitative methods. The questionnaire was developed and filled out through structured interviews. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to understand the residents’ satisfaction levels. In addition, the chi-square test of independence was used to determine whether demographics and dwelling type were related to residents’ satisfaction.
Findings
It was found that the residents’ satisfaction level with Zabdah housing was moderate on both dwelling and neighborhood levels. On the dwelling level, the tiny dwelling areas were a fundamental problem. On the neighborhood level, good neighborhood services were crucial to the success of this project, while the lack of green spaces negatively affected the quality of life of its residents. In addition, the number of family members and dwelling types were critical determinants of residents’ satisfaction.
Practical implications
The findings can be developed into guidelines to govern the creation of better affordable residential environments. Furthermore, the successful dwelling typologies in this project can be modified to be adopted in the future.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to explore the relationship of demographics and dwelling type with residents’ satisfaction in affordable housing in Jordan.
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Wa'el Alaghbari, Azizah Salim, Kamariah Dola and Abang Abdullah Abang Ali
Housing costs are very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, which caused a shortage of housing supply especially for low‐income groups. This paper aims to develop…
Abstract
Purpose
Housing costs are very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, which caused a shortage of housing supply especially for low‐income groups. This paper aims to develop affordable housing design for people with low income and to examine their ability to afford houses in Sana'a, Yemen.
Design/methodology/approach
Two different questionnaires were used to achieve the study objectives. The first one was to examine the requirements and needs of low‐income groups, while the second was to analyze the feedback of professionals in relevant housing authorities in Sana'a. An affordable house design methodology was used to design alternatives of low‐income housing in order to minimize cost and environmental impact while maximizing the social acceptability in housing projects.
Findings
The results show that the low‐income group can afford new houses in Sana'a in consideration of the following: constructing multi‐storey housing units such as apartment system through using the concrete frame structure and building the internal and external walls with concrete blocks with limited areas (65‐120) square meters.
Originality/value
The findings could be used to improve housing affordability through housing policies in Yemen in order to decrease the housing shortage particularly for the low‐income group.
The use of digital channels to promote products and services is experimenting with an unprecedented boom in promotion and communication marketing campaigns; airports such as Los…
Abstract
The use of digital channels to promote products and services is experimenting with an unprecedented boom in promotion and communication marketing campaigns; airports such as Los Angeles (IATA: LAX) in the United States, Orlando International (IATA: MCO) in the United States, Schiphol Amsterdam (IATA: AMS) in the Netherlands or Changi airport (IATA: SIN) in Singapore are pioneers and recognised experts in marketing communication and technical aspects of promotion campaigns. The brand image of airports is a great opportunity to universalise loyalty marketing and price promotion for airport business portfolios. For this reason, in this chapter, we speak about neuromarketing science, which is a marketing discipline that uses medical techniques to understand how our central nervous system reacts to marketing stimuli. This is helping companies and airports get more consumer insights through digital channels.
Eziyi Offia Ibem and Oluwole Ajala Alagbe
The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation by residents in public housing with a view to identifying how government and construction…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation by residents in public housing with a view to identifying how government and construction professionals can deliver adequate housing facilities.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on household surveys involving 517 respondents selected from nine public housing estates constructed between 2003 and 2010 in Ogun State Southwest Nigeria. The data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to the residents by the researchers through visits to the housing estates. A total of 33 variables derived from the review of the literature were used in measuring housing adequacy. Descriptive statistics and factor analyses were used in analysis of the data.
Findings
The study reveals that residents perceived their housing situation as inadequate. They evaluated housing adequacy based on four key dimensions: ambient condition of interiors spaces, security, utilities and neighbourhood facilities; social infrastructure; level of privacy and size of sleeping; and living and dining areas in the residences. These dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation were found not to be exactly the same way experts conceived housing adequacy in the literature.
Research limitations/implications
The concept of housing adequacy can be used to examine occupants’ housing preferences and their standard of living, the quality of housing and the performance of mass housing projects.
Practical implications
The paper makes practical suggestions to government and construction professionals on how to improve adequacy levels of public housing. Specifically, in the areas of giving more attention to ambient condition of interiors, security, utilities and neighbourhood facilities as well as privacy and sizes of main activities areas in dwelling units in the design, construction and management of public housing projects.
Originality/value
The study identifies dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation by residents in public housing and compares these with experts’ conception of housing adequacy.
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Vahid Moghimi and Mahmud Bin Mohd Jusan
The purpose of this paper is to unveil how Johor Bahru resident’s conceptions are affected by various structural housing attributes. The determination of an appropriate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to unveil how Johor Bahru resident’s conceptions are affected by various structural housing attributes. The determination of an appropriate combination of housing preferences requires a great deal of involvement to balance a complex interplay of factors. This is attributable to this fact that housing preferences involve multiple-criteria decision-making, as each element has its own perceived relative importance. Accordingly, this study examines the resident housing preferences of Johor Bahru located in southern Malaysia with specific emphasis on the priority of structural attributes of housing preferences.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data collected through the theoretical and conceptual framework of non-structural fuzzy decision support system (NSFDSS) applied to facilitate the priority setting process.
Findings
Priority lists of preferences for structural housing attributes showing the contribution of each factor within their respective level and not the contribution of that factor toward the overall housing preferences were established.
Practical implications
By providing primary information about how potential buyers of a new house prioritize the different elements of a house design, the obtained results can make a useful contribution to the knowledge of individuals engaged in the housing development industry.
Originality/value
While in examining consumers’ housing choice and preferences, most studies use the hedonic price framework studying the issue from several aspects, this is first study dedicated to establish a priority of housing attribute using NSFDSS.