Aini Ahmad, Norrihan Sulan and Anita Abdul Rani
The concept of learning organization has been inspiring both public and private sectors since the early 90s. This paper discusses the implementation of learning organization ideas…
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of learning organization has been inspiring both public and private sectors since the early 90s. This paper discusses the implementation of learning organization ideas along with the organization’s core values at one of the public universities in Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to identify the components of core values that support the development and maintenance of learning organization ideas. It also aims to examine the potential integration of the learning organization idea with organizational core values.
Design/methodology/approach
The study analyses the application of learning organization principles based on Örtenblad’s (2002) four understandings of learning organization, which are organizational learning, learning at work, learning climate and learning structure, along with the five core values initiatives at the university.
Findings
This study suggests that the university core values and the learning organization idea work harmoniously with each other. This paper provides examples of the application of the learning organization idea and the core values attribute and how both fit into each other in one of the Malaysian public universities. A learning organization–core values matrix is proposed at the end of the paper.
Research limitations/implications
This research uses the specific case of organizational core values that are established based on Islamic principles. Opportunities for further research can be a study of learning organizations in other core values environment and also from a different belief system.
Practical implications
Learning organization is relevant and in harmony with Islamic environment.
Originality/value
The paper provides real examples of learning organization practices within the core values agenda in a Malaysian university.
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There has been a substantial growth in the construction industry in the last decades. However, as this sector grows, there is also a growth in its effects on the environment…
Abstract
There has been a substantial growth in the construction industry in the last decades. However, as this sector grows, there is also a growth in its effects on the environment. Owing to this fact, professionals in the sector are promoting practice focusing on how these environmental impacts caused by construction activities can be reduced to the barest minimum during and after construction. This study focuses on the environmental performance of construction projects with the goal of mitigating the negative environmental impacts of building construction. In this chapter, the environmental performance characteristics, forms of pollution that cause these environmental difficulties and the relevance of sustainable construction were not overlooked.
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Mahazril ‘Aini Yaaco, Hafizah Hammad Ahmad Khan and Nurul Hidayana Mohd Noor
This study aims to investigate the impact of housing knowledge, housing challenges and housing policy on the renting intention and satisfaction of young people.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of housing knowledge, housing challenges and housing policy on the renting intention and satisfaction of young people.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey helped collect data from young people in the study area, which were then analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 27 software. A descriptive analysis and the Cronbach’s alpha test were adopted to analyse the data. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a significant relationship between housing knowledge, housing challenges and housing policy and renting intention and satisfaction.
Findings
The overall findings revealed that most young people intend to own a home one day, and a minority of them decided to continue renting. The findings suggest that there is a significant relationship between housing knowledge and housing intention. However, housing challenges and housing policies do not appear to impact renting intentions. On the other hand, housing knowledge and housing challenges were found to be associated with housing satisfaction, while housing policy does not show a significant relationship.
Research limitations/implications
This study, however, poses limitations as it uses a limited model and location and involves only a cross-sectional study. Future studies can use the methodology used in this study to conduct further investigations on housing intention and satisfaction in other regions of the country, thereby validating the findings of this study.
Practical implications
In terms of practical implications, this study has made a valuable contribution to the field of housing literature by shedding light on two crucial elements, namely, housing intention and satisfaction, which have been understudied. Understanding the determinants of housing intention and satisfaction is vital in efforts to implement appropriate policy reforms.
Social implications
Findings from this study offer valuable insight related to managerial and practical implications, with the former implicating a need to prioritise initiatives that enhance renters’ housing knowledge. Implementing educational programmes and providing accessible resources can empower renters with a better understanding of the rental process and other important housing information.
Originality/value
This paper is relevant because it provides a guideline for policymakers to initiate regulations concerning housing and implement appropriate policy reforms. This study can also help housing providers develop more affordable housing that meets the needs of young people currently renting because most have expressed their housing intentions. Understanding housing intention and satisfaction determinants is vital to implementing appropriate policy reforms.
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Hilary Omatule Onubi, Nor'Aini Yusof and Ahmad Sanusi Hassan
This study aims to assess the impact of adopting selected green construction site practices on the health and safety performance of the construction projects. The impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the impact of adopting selected green construction site practices on the health and safety performance of the construction projects. The impact of storm-water management, energy management and construction waste management on projects health and safety performance was also examined.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted to collect information from Class A contractors in Nigeria, and 168 usable responses were received. The data were analysed using the partial least squares (PLSs) structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
The findings indicate that energy management and waste management practices have significant effects on the health and safety performance of the construction projects, while storm-water management has no effect.
Practical implications
Project and site managers need to take into consideration the skill set of their workforce when attempting to adopt new innovative construction strategies the workers are unfamiliar with in a changing construction environment. There is also a need for more training of workers on generic and specific green skills to avoid health and safety challenges on site.
Originality/value
The findings of this study make significant contribution to the debate on the health and safety performance of green projects, as only a few studies have been conducted on this topic. The empirical relationships between the constructs of energy management, waste management, storm-water management and health and safety performance are unique in the context of other related studies and have advanced the body of existing knowledge.
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Hilary Omatule Onubi, Nor’Aini Yusof and Ahmad Sanusi Hassan
This study aims to examine the effects of green construction site practices on the economic performance of projects executed by “class A” contractors in Nigeria. The effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effects of green construction site practices on the economic performance of projects executed by “class A” contractors in Nigeria. The effects of stormwater management, materials management waste management and energy management on economic performance were examined.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected through a survey of class A contractors in Nigeria, and 168 usable responses were received. The partial least-squares structural equation modelling technique was used to analyse the collected data.
Findings
It was observed that all the green construction practices studied had significant effects on the economic performance of construction projects with the greatest effect from energy management.
Practical implications
The results imply that green construction practices generally lead to economic performance. The study has both theoretical and practical implications, as it helps both policymakers and contractors better understand the relationships between these variables of green construction practices and economic performance to better plan for their projects and for the government to formulate appropriate policies.
Originality/value
The study’s findings makes significant contributions to the ongoing discussion on the relationship between green construction practices and economic performance. The relationship established between stormwater management, waste management, materials management, energy management and economic performance in this study is different when compared with those in other similar studies.
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Hilary Omatule Onubi, Ahmad Sanusi Hassan, Nor'Aini Yusof and Ali Ahmed Salem Bahdad
The COVID-19 health crisis has brought about a set of extra health and safety regulations, and procedures to the construction industry which could influence projects' economic…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 health crisis has brought about a set of extra health and safety regulations, and procedures to the construction industry which could influence projects' economic performance (EP). The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of adopting COVID-19 safety protocols on construction sites on the economic performance (EP) of construction projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing the survey method using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from small- and large-sized construction projects in Nigeria and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique.
Findings
The findings reveal that job re-organization and sanitization have negative significant effects on EP, while social distancing and specific training have no effect on EP. Furthermore, project size moderates the relationship between job re-organization, sanitization, specific training and EP with the stronger effect on the relationships observed in big projects, except for the relationship between sanitization and EP where the moderating relationship is stronger in small projects. However, there is no significant moderating effect of project size on the relationship between social distancing and EP.
Practical implications
As construction project sites continue to operate amidst strict safety protocols, this study offers theoretical and practical insights on how construction projects can adhere to the safety protocols while performing economically.
Originality/value
The originality of this study's findings stems from the fact that it is among the first to provide greater insight on how construction projects have fared economically considering the impact of the various COVID-19 protocols.
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Wahidah Shari, Asmadi Mohamed Naim, Mohamad Yazid Isa, Mohd Fikri Sofi, Nurul Aini Muhamed, Selamah Maamor and Shahrul Nizam Ahmad
This paper aims to investigate consumers’ preferences regarding the distribution channels for subscription, contribution payment and compensation claims of microtakaful scheme in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate consumers’ preferences regarding the distribution channels for subscription, contribution payment and compensation claims of microtakaful scheme in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
Consumers’ preferences were explored through questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD) conducted among the bottom 40% income classification households (B40) in five zones: northern, central, eastern, southern and Sabah and Sarawak.
Findings
Empirical findings from cross-tabulation analysis revealed that takaful company is the preferred distribution channel for purchasing protection plans and making compensation claims. However, the online platform is the favoured channel to make contribution payments. Further investigation through FGD suggested that the selection of a channel for subscription, contribution payment and compensation claim is influenced by consumer trust, cost-effectiveness and simplicity of procedure.
Research limitations/implications
Limitation is pertaining to only cross-tabulation analysis used in explaining the choice of distribution channel for microtakaful among B40 group. Thus, advanced analysis is required to strengthen the findings.
Practical implications
Findings of this study would help marketers and practitioners to formulate strategies to promote their microtakaful protection to enhance subscription among the low-income population.
Originality/value
Empirical findings offer academic contributions to the existing body of knowledge on microtakaful area as the primary data collected will eventually allow future researchers to explicate the contribution of the current study to understand the important of distribution channel for microtakaful from the perspective of subscribers and potential subscribers.