Jessica Lamond, David Proverbs and Adarkwah Antwi
The supposition that the availability and cost of insurance will have an effect on house prices is often accepted as fact. However the mechanism for this supposed impact has not…
Abstract
The supposition that the availability and cost of insurance will have an effect on house prices is often accepted as fact. However the mechanism for this supposed impact has not been clearly articulated and the hypothesis is far from proven in the UK market. Measurement of the effect of insurance is complicated by the fact that the parties are acting in the presence of incomplete information and that insurance costs can act as a proxy for other value drivers such as flood risk. Models useful in other countries cannot be applied sensibly to the UK market because of the unique properties of the UK insurance regime. Novel hypotheses are suggested for the three principal ways in which the availability and cost of insurance might influence the prospective property transfer. A method for testing one of these hypotheses is proposed using a quasi‐experimental approach with the aim of determining whether a relationship between insurance cost and house price does indeed exist.
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Jessica Lamond, David Proverbs and Adarkwah Antwi
The purpose of this research is to show how the measurement of the effect of flooding on house value can be invaluable information for professional valuers and homeowners alike…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to show how the measurement of the effect of flooding on house value can be invaluable information for professional valuers and homeowners alike. In the UK, even for an event as devastating as the autumn 2000 flood, the number of properties affected in any one town is small and so robust estimation is problematic and methodology applied elsewhere needs modification. A new framework for analysing the effect of flooding on house value in the UK is presented.
Design/methodology/approach
Data issues play a crucial role in determining the methodology employed in any analysis. A repeat sales methodology is proposed which allows for the tracking of effects through time. The analysis can be extended to multiple sites via a block design thereby increasing the sample size.
Findings
Empirical analysis of one case study site demonstrates the inherent small sample problem and yet reveals patterns that fall in line with expected outcomes in many respects.
Research limitations/implications
The case study results are illustrative only. A programme of further analysis is planned which includes comparison of the new framework with more traditional approaches.
Originality/value
A novel methodology is developed tracking the temporal variability in flood effect. The minimisation of data requirements inherent in the model allows for transfer to multiple sites and easy updating of the analysis.
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Micah DelVecchio, Joseph Ofori-Dankwa and Akosua K. Darkwah
Microenterprises in emerging economies are known to operate in turbulent and resource-scarce environments. We test our hypothesis that a more comprehensive “Integrated…
Abstract
Purpose
Microenterprises in emerging economies are known to operate in turbulent and resource-scarce environments. We test our hypothesis that a more comprehensive “Integrated Capital-Based Model” (ICBM) is needed when explaining the performance of microenterprises in such an environment. The model combines traditionally researched financial, human and social capital with more recently emphasized psychological and cognitive capital, providing greater explanatory power than models using only the traditional types of capital.
Design/methodology/approach
We use a pooled linear regression to analyze an existing survey of more than 900 independent business owners who were interviewed seven times between 2008 and 2012 in the Accra and Tema marketplaces in Ghana. We measure the performance of microenterprises using three dependent variables (revenue, profits, and productivity). We contrast the explanatory power of ICBM models against the more traditional models.
Findings
The ICBM has significantly higher levels of explanatory power over the traditional models in examining the performance of these microenterprises. These results highlight the importance of psychological and cognitive capital in emerging economies.
Research limitations/implications
We advocate for a more comprehensive view of capital as shown in our ICBM. However, the data were gathered only in an urban setting, which limits the generalizability to rural parts of emerging economies.
Practical implications
These findings suggest the utility of government and appropriate agencies finding ways to enhance the level of psychological and cognitive capital of microenterprise owners.
Originality/value
This paper's originality stems from hypothesizing and empirically confirming the higher predictive efficacy of ICBM against more traditionally researched capital sources.
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Noah Darko Adjei and Lizette King
This study compares the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) preparedness of two advanced academic libraries each in Ghana and South Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
This study compares the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) preparedness of two advanced academic libraries each in Ghana and South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized a conceptual framework that emanated from the Socio-Technical Theory (STT) and Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) models. Employing convergent parallel mixed methods, including questionnaires and interviews, 167 respondents, comprising librarians, IT staff and directors, shared insights on challenges faced by academic libraries in adapting to 4IR.
Findings
Findings highlight a deficiency in Lib 4.0 skills crucial for survival in the 4IR, with South Africa showing better readiness. Both countries lack Lib 4.0 policies and face budget constraints, inadequate ICT infrastructure and limited support. The findings underscore the impact of relevant training on staff embracing Lib 4.0 technologies.
Originality/value
The study then proposes a comprehensive model, highlighting the significance of librarians adopting a growth mindset and priori V Btizing continuous learning, relearning, reskilling and upskilling to effectively navigate the complexities posed by the 4IR.
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S.M. Jamil Uddin, Alex Albert and Mahzabin Tamanna
Construction Hazard Prevention through Design (CHPtD) is recognized as a pivotal strategy for enhancing workplace safety. Despite its theoretical potential, practical…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction Hazard Prevention through Design (CHPtD) is recognized as a pivotal strategy for enhancing workplace safety. Despite its theoretical potential, practical implementation faces challenges, particularly regarding designers' familiarity with field-level operations and hazard recognition. This study aims to investigate whether ChatGPT can address these challenges by assisting in hazard recognition during CHPtD sessions.
Design/methodology/approach
The research utilized a randomized controlled experiment to assess ChatGPT as an intervention in supporting hazard recognition during CHPtD sessions. The study involves 162 civil and construction engineering student participants, representing future professionals. Participants engaged in hazard recognition during CHPtD sessions either with or without the assistance of ChatGPT.
Findings
Participants who utilized ChatGPT during CHPtD sessions demonstrated a significant improvement in hazard recognition, identifying approximately 40% more hazards compared to those who did not use ChatGPT. These findings underscore the efficacy of ChatGPT in supporting CHPtD efforts.
Practical implications
The results highlight the practical utility of harnessing ChatGPT in CHPtD sessions to enhance hazard recognition and ultimately promote workplace safety. By leveraging ChatGPT, designers and engineers can better anticipate and mitigate potential hazards during the design phase, thus creating a safer working environment for field workers.
Originality/value
This research contributes to addressing the challenges associated with implementing CHPtD by introducing ChatGPT as a valuable tool to support hazard recognition. By demonstrating the effectiveness of ChatGPT in enhancing hazard identification during CHPtD sessions, this study offers a novel approach to promoting the adoption of CHPtD and advancing workplace safety initiatives.