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1 – 10 of 793George Agyekum-Mensah and Andrew David Knight
Construction project delays are described as a universal problem, which has led to many empirical studies. However, most of these studies were based on the rankings by…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction project delays are described as a universal problem, which has led to many empirical studies. However, most of these studies were based on the rankings by respondents, and they were rarely verified. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore professional perspectives on the causes of delay in the construction industry, where there has been little explicit consideration on this subject in recent decades.
Design/methodology/approach
A critical literature review and a qualitative approach was considered for a deeper and fresh understanding of the causes of delays, rather than recycling the existing themes and the risk of a statistically biased approach. A total of 41 interviews were undertaken which included the London Olympic 2012 project team.
Findings
In all, 32 themes were identified, which were categorised into 15 categories of causes of delay in the construction projects. Almost two-thirds of the main themes are not ranked top 15 causes of delay. These include knowledge and competence shortage, poor commercial decisions, unnecessary health and safety restrictions, poor risk management and poor space and logistics management.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the qualitative nature of the study, the findings might not be considered as representative.
Practical implications
The findings provide consideration of the causes of delay in the construction industry as seen by practitioners, which should provide guidance to enhance performance.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the better understanding of the causes of delays by using qualitative research strategy which is limited in the construction management literature. This study is an empirical investigation into the causes of delay in the twenty-first century and it represents an important edition to the body of knowledge within the subject area.
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Josephine S.F. Chow, Veronica Eugenia Gonzalez-Arce, Andrew Knight, Nutan Maurya and Friedbert Kohler
A recent study on the implementation of telemonitoring has provided an opportunity to explore how telemonitoring could be further developed to enhance better patient, carer and…
Abstract
Purpose
A recent study on the implementation of telemonitoring has provided an opportunity to explore how telemonitoring could be further developed to enhance better patient, carer and clinician experiences for patients living with chronic disease. The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges and lessons of the telemonitoring implementation and to identify strategies to inform future implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study was conducted with a purposive sample using semi-structured interviews to explore their views about the issues identified in the research aims. Interview themes were informed by current literature and the findings from local studies. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.
Findings
A total of 16 participants were interviewed. Overall the recruitment of 56 percent were from identified potential participants. Five core themes were identified, linking different aspects of the telemonitoring implementation: impact of telemonitoring; implementation and management lessons; program risks; program main changes from beginning; and future strategies and recommendations.
Originality/value
This study will inform the wider roll out of telemonitoring across the region with the goal of ensuring future interventions achieve better clinical outcomes, patient, carer experience and deliver better value.
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Josephine S.F. Chow, Veronica Gonzalez-Arce, Andrew Knight and Friedbert Kohler
The purpose of this paper is to analyse early findings from telemonitoring data for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, residing in Wollondilly Shire, New South Wales…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse early findings from telemonitoring data for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, residing in Wollondilly Shire, New South Wales, Australia. The Shire has 19 small scattered and isolated rural communities, which experience undersupply of healthcare providers. Findings are to be used for further research to support wider implementation of telemonitoring by general practitioners (GPs).
Design/methodology/approach
Local patients with multiple chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospital admissions were allocated home telemonitoring equipment, entering readings according to their GP management plan. Demographic, biometric and self-assessment readings were retrospectively collected, from July 2015 to April 2016.
Findings
Data for 18 patients aged 44-87, with equal gender representation was analysed. There was a total of 24,545 data points from 2,932 readings. Over half showed high clinical risk; 93 occasions required GP escalation, 23 per cent for respiratory conditions, in 14 patients. Nine were hospitalised, 51 per cent for respiratory conditions.
Practical implications
Home telemonitoring of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was found to be a promising patient management approach, providing accurate, reliable health indicators. Its use empowered patients to improve symptom control and health outcomes.
Originality/value
Experience in Australian general practice with telemonitoring is limited. High protocol compliance occurred, risk indicators were obtained and the value of home telemonitoring was confirmed.
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The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of work performed at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to set-up a Research Data Management Service and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of work performed at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to set-up a Research Data Management Service and tailor it to the needs of health researchers.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes the motivations for establishing the RDM Service and outlines the three objectives that were set to improve data management practice within the institution. Each of the objectives are explored in turn, stating how they were addressed.
Findings
A university with limited resources can operate a RDM Service that pro-actively supports researchers wishing to manage research data by monitoring evolving support needs, identifying common trends and developing resources that will reduce the time investment needed. The institution-wide survey identified a need for guidance on developing data documentation and archiving research data following project completion. Analysis of ongoing support requests identifies a need for guidance on data management plans and complying with journal sharing requirements.
Research limitations/implications
The paper provides a case study of a single institution. The results may not be generally applicable to universities that support other disciplines.
Practical implications
The case study may be helpful in helping other universities to establish an RDM Service using limited resources.
Originality/value
The paper outlines how the evolving data management needs of public health researchers can be identified and a strategy that can be adopted by an RDM Service to efficiently address these requirements.
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Andrew J. Knight, Michelle R. Worosz and E.C.D. Todd
The goals of this study were to study consumer perceptions of food safety at restaurants and to compare these results to those of other food system actors.
Abstract
Purpose
The goals of this study were to study consumer perceptions of food safety at restaurants and to compare these results to those of other food system actors.
Design/methodology/approach
The data for this study were gathered from telephone interviews conducted with 1,014 randomly selected US adults.
Findings
The main findings were that a substantial number of consumers think about food safety in general and particularly when eating at restaurant establishments; and while a majority of consumers stated that restaurants were doing a good job, were capable, and were committed to food safety, in comparison to other actors, restaurants ranked significantly lower than farmers, food processors and manufacturers, and grocery stores and supermarkets.
Research limitations/implications
A limitation of this study was that distinctions were not made between fast food and sit‐down restaurants or other types of restaurants, e.g. chains, independent, and ethnic. These results highlight the need for more comprehensive studies on how food safety issues affect consumer perceptions of restaurants and how these perceptions affect consumer behavior.
Practical implications
The findings reinforce the importance of food safety behaviors at restaurants, particularly in the areas of personal hygiene and workplace sanitation, food handling, and food preparation.
Originality/value
This paper helps restaurant managers to better understand consumer perceptions of food safety and highlights the importance of instituting and monitoring food safety practices.
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Discusses the need for effective business process outsourcing, and starts by identifying core and non‐core activities. Common tasks of outsourcing are identified and each task is…
Abstract
Discusses the need for effective business process outsourcing, and starts by identifying core and non‐core activities. Common tasks of outsourcing are identified and each task is examined, in turn, to identify the management competences required. Presents a framework of technical and behavioural competences and puts forward an effective action‐learning approach for use by management development specialists. One role is examined to demonstrate a manager’s outsourced responsibilities, and the competences required to manage them.
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George Agyekum‐Mensah, Andrew Knight and Christopher Coffey
The paper is conceptual in nature and explores the role and function of project management in the achievement of sustainability in the built environment by developing a 4Es…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper is conceptual in nature and explores the role and function of project management in the achievement of sustainability in the built environment by developing a 4Es (Economic, Effectiveness, Efficiency and Ethics) and 4 Poles (Economic, Social, Environmental and Technology) model of sustainability. The study also identifies that the existing debates on sustainability seem to marginalise project management's positive contributions to sustainable construction, as well as the importance of technology in the sustainability agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper consists of a literature review on the concept of sustainability, the contribution of the built environment to the sustainability problem, and an intellectual discussion of a proposed model for achieving sustainable development in the built environment. The body of this paper is divided into three sections: part one reviews “what is sustainability”, part two discusses the current state of sustainability including the importance of technology, and part three discusses the 4Es and 4 Poles model.
Findings
This research establishes the importance of technology in the sustainable development agenda. The paper proposes a 4Es (project management model) and 4 Poles (poles or factors of sustainability) model as a holistic approach to achieving sustainable construction. In addition, this paper proposes an extension to the definition of sustainable construction or development, as the existing definitions seem to be vague.
Research limitations/implications
This research paper focuses only on sustainability in the built environment and sustainable development with reference to project management.
Practical implications
The proposed model uses a project management approach, which does not allow trade‐offs, but promotes integration of the 4 Poles. This will contribute to the achievement of sustainable construction at every level of a project or organisation.
Originality/value
The proposed model is new within project management and the built environment. It also promotes technology as a core factor in achieving sustainable development.
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This exploration of management history focuses on mass entertainment media to determine the history of the efficiency expert in popular culture. It reviews the history of the…
Abstract
This exploration of management history focuses on mass entertainment media to determine the history of the efficiency expert in popular culture. It reviews the history of the image of the efficiency expert in film and on American‐produced television programs. The review shows that this profession is a universal and pervasive one, permanently embedded in our culture and catholic in background, occupation and workplace. It is generally a man’s job. The most significant historical trend is a sharp change from the efficiency expert as an amusing and relatively harmless character to a malevolent one who is to be feared. Although television has only existed for about half as long as motion pictures, the depiction of the efficiency expert on TV is similar to his movie image. This widely recognized profession needs no introduction to the viewer. He is a negative figure, often laughed at but never admired.
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Recent academic work on leadership has focused largely on organizational leadership. This study takes a close look at political leadership, especially that given to popular…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent academic work on leadership has focused largely on organizational leadership. This study takes a close look at political leadership, especially that given to popular movements, and delineates a new model of transformational leadership.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study borrows models from organizational leadership research and applies them to a specific case study to reveal critical concepts underlying transformational leadership. Application of these models to Bangladesh's founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, during the two decades of the 1950 and 1960s, shows potential for a new flexible framework for transformational leadership with added significance on leader–follower relatedness, socio-historical context and charisma.
Findings
This study presents clear evidence on the nature of leadership in popular movements and using a specific case study elucidates that movements pick leaders who meet distinct criteria specific to the movement, including a vision that resounds with key follower-groups and prototypicality.
Research limitations/implications
This study presents a new lens under which political and popular leadership can be studied, focusing away from person, political party or rational choice and voting behavior-based ideas of political leadership.
Originality/value
The findings reveal the importance of seeking new ways to fit leadership theory with burgeoning social phenomenon.
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I must offer immediately one qualification to the title of the presentation. My own experience, and the survey the results of which I will be using in this session, have both been…
Abstract
I must offer immediately one qualification to the title of the presentation. My own experience, and the survey the results of which I will be using in this session, have both been directed at how managers learn rather than at the total general population. However, I know from my broader reading that the comments I will make are largely true for the population as a whole.