A.A. Arif and A.H. Karam
This paper reports on the use of Information Technologies (IT) in the South African building industry. It offers an insight into the architecture profession, a profession that…
Abstract
This paper reports on the use of Information Technologies (IT) in the South African building industry. It offers an insight into the architecture profession, a profession that plays a major role in the construction sector. The analysis is based on the results of a survey conducted in the Western Cape Province during the year 2000. In an attempt to uncover the similarities and differences between the local context and the international one, this paper outlines a few elements of IT for comparison. After a brief introduction to the IT map of South Africa, the analysis concentrates on the following four issues: Response and Respondents, General IT usage, Use of Computer‐Aided‐Design (CAD) and Use of Networks. Each of these issues is framed in both the local and the international contexts. Despite the shortcomings of using different questions with different emphasis when referring to other surveys, it is still believed that reporting on local practices is not extremely meaningful in isolation. It is hoped that this type of analysis will serve to unravel the particulars of the construction industry in South Africa providing its counterparts with a new perspective.
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There is a general sentiment against the idea of marketing among architectural professionals. This paper argues for the necessity of a marketing approach particularly in times…
Abstract
There is a general sentiment against the idea of marketing among architectural professionals. This paper argues for the necessity of a marketing approach particularly in times where the workload is declining. This paper looks at the marketing strategies that the Western Cape architects follow. It examines their efforts in building a successful marketing portfolio that defines marketing targets, utilizes proper marketing tools, and carry on helpful image building tasks. The data were collected using a mailed questionnaire to all principals of architectural offices in the Western Cape Province. The concluding section relates these strategies with the perception of growth over a five‐year period.
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Hamza Sayyou, Jabrane Belabid, Hakan F. Öztop and Karam Allali
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of gravitational modulation on natural convection in a square inclined porous cavity filled by a fluid containing copper…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of gravitational modulation on natural convection in a square inclined porous cavity filled by a fluid containing copper nanoparticles.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study uses a system of equations that couple hydrodynamics to heat transfer, representing the governing equations of fluid flow in a square domain. The Boussinesq–Darcy flow with Cu-water nanofluid is considered. The dimensionless partial differential equations are solved numerically using finite difference method based on alternating direction implicit scheme. The cavity is differentially heated by constant heat flux, while the top and bottom walls are insulated. The authors examined the effects of gravity amplitude (λ), vibration frequency (σ), tilt angle (α) and Rayleigh number (Ra) on flow and temperature.
Findings
The numerical simulations, in the form of streamlines, isotherms, Nusselt number and maximum stream function for different values of amplitude, frequency, tilt angle and Rayleigh number, have revealed an oscillatory behavior in the development of flow and temperature under gravity modulation. An increase of amplitude from 0.5 to 1 intensifies the flow stream (from |ψmax| = 21.415 to |ψmax| = 25.262) and improves heat transfer (from
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is original in its examination of the combined effects of modulated gravity and cavity inclination on free convection in nanofluid porous media. It highlights the crucial roles of these two important factors in influencing flow and heat transfer properties.
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Mahfuzur Rahman, Che Ruhana Isa, Ginanjar Dewandaru, Mohamed Hisham Hanifa, Nazreen T. Chowdhury and Moniruzzaman Sarker
This study aims to explore the underlying issues related to the development of socially responsible investment (SRI) sukuk in Malaysia. It identifies factors attracting investors…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the underlying issues related to the development of socially responsible investment (SRI) sukuk in Malaysia. It identifies factors attracting investors and issuers, as well as challenges for the development of SRI sukuk (Islamic bond) in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data from the institutional investors, SRI sukuk issuers and arrangers, as well as researchers. A total of 19 experts were approached in which 10 participated in the interview. The thematic analysis technique is used to report the findings.
Findings
This study uncovers that social contribution through business activities (i.e. investment in the education sector) is the key motivational drivers for the investors and issuers. Besides, investment risks, lack of performance measurement standards, high transaction costs, risks of return, shortage of enough Islamic bonds, investors’ confidence and lack of awareness are the major challenges for the development of SRI sukuk instruments.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the challenges in finding experts on this subject matter, this study was able to manage only 10 interviews from the participants, which is a small sample size. However, the findings of this study cannot be ignored. Future research should carry out with a large sample size (i.e. at least 30 interviews) to validate the current findings.
Originality/value
This study is among the pioneer in Malaysia, which explores the influencing factors of selecting Islamic bonds as an investment option. This paper provides some valuable implications for investors through discovering the challenges for the growth of SRI sukuk in Malaysia, which can also be applicable in a global setting.
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This study aims to examine the attitudes of the Kuwaiti public towards governmental campaigns on social media (GCSM) regarding the country’s Vision 2035. Specifically, it…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the attitudes of the Kuwaiti public towards governmental campaigns on social media (GCSM) regarding the country’s Vision 2035. Specifically, it investigates the effect of GCSM on three attitudinal dimensions (i.e. cognitive, emotional and behavioural).
Design/methodology/approach
This study is designed using random sampling. Responses from 630 social media users were obtained using a survey questionnaire (Appendix). The results of data analysis indicate that GCSM had a positive impact on the attitudes of participants towards Vision 2035.
Findings
Based on the findings, recommendations are outlined to increase the efficiency of GCSM. This study is unique because no other study has examined the attitudes of Kuwaiti citizens towards GCSM or investigated the effects of these campaigns on citizens’ attitudes in terms of cognitive, emotional and behavioural components. The results can assist decision makers in identifying the effectiveness of such campaigns and taking measures accordingly.
Originality/value
This research provides a new evaluation of the role of virtual campaigns in Kuwait. It highlights the crucial and increasing role of virtual campaigns on citizens’ attitudes Towards Kuwait’s Vision 2035, and it found that virtual campaigns should be used as an addendum to conventional political campaigns in Kuwait.
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Yuanzhuo Zhu, Zhihua Zhang and M. James C. Crabbe
Climatic extreme events are predicted to occur more frequently and intensely and will significantly threat the living of residents in arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore, this…
Abstract
Purpose
Climatic extreme events are predicted to occur more frequently and intensely and will significantly threat the living of residents in arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore, this study aims to assess climatic extremes’ response to the emerging climate change mitigation strategy using a marine cloud brightening (MCB) scheme.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model version 2-Earth System model simulations of a MCB scheme, this study used six climatic extreme indices [i.e. the hottest days (TXx), the coolest nights (TNn), the warm spell duration (WSDI), the cold spell duration (CSDI), the consecutive dry days (CDD) and wettest consecutive five days (RX5day)] to analyze spatiotemporal evolution of climate extreme events in the arid Sahara-Sahel-Arabian Peninsula Zone with and without MCB implementation.
Findings
Compared with a Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 scenario, from 2030 to 2059, implementation of MCB is predicted to decrease the mean annual TXx and TNn indices by 0.4–1.7 and 0.3–2.1°C, respectively, for most of the Sahara-Sahel-Arabian Peninsula zone. It would also shorten the mean annual WSDI index by 118–183 days and the mean annual CSDI index by only 1–3 days, especially in the southern Sahara-Sahel-Arabian Peninsula zone. In terms of extreme precipitation, MCB could also decrease the mean annual CDD index by 5–25 days in the whole Sahara and Sahel belt and increase the mean annual RX5day index by approximately 10 mm in the east part of the Sahel belt during 2030–2059.
Originality/value
The results provide the first insights into the impacts of MCB on extreme climate in the arid Sahara-Sahel-Arabian Peninsula zone.