Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap, Ban Leong Lim, Martin Skitmore and Jason Gray
Poor project knowledge and inadequate experience are frequently linked to construction time-cost overruns. This paper aims to expound on the criticality of project knowledge and…
Abstract
Purpose
Poor project knowledge and inadequate experience are frequently linked to construction time-cost overruns. This paper aims to expound on the criticality of project knowledge and experience in the successful delivery of projects in the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a detailed literature review, a quantitative positivist approach with a questionnaire survey involving industry professionals is used to appraise the 30 prevalent causes of time-cost overruns according to frequency, effectiveness and importance indices. The data are then subjected to Spearman’s rank correlation tests and exploratory factor analysis.
Findings
Using the importance index, which assimilates both frequency and effectiveness indices, the criticality of knowledge and experience in the overall context is seen as fundamental for addressing the contractor’s faulty planning and scheduling, construction mistakes and defective work, site management and supervision, delayed/slow decision-making, incomplete drawings and design documents and change/variation orders. Spearman’s rank correlation tests indicate a good consensus of perceptions among the key parties involved. Next, an exploratory factor analysis uncovers six underlying knowledge-based factors affecting construction performance, relating to inaccurate resource estimates, design changes, resource shortages, lack of experience, incompetence and mistakes and defects.
Originality/value
The study draws out the repercussions of the hitherto limited research into the deficiencies in knowledge and experience in undertaking construction projects to enhance performance using knowledge management functions.
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Tze-Yin Lim, Bibiana Lim, Choi-Meng Leong and Andrea Le
This study explores the disposition behaviour of late adolescents towards unfinished food. Specifically, this paper identifies and discusses the manner (the how's) and the reasons…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the disposition behaviour of late adolescents towards unfinished food. Specifically, this paper identifies and discusses the manner (the how's) and the reasons (the why's) of food disposition.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a taxonomy of decisions pertaining to consumer disposition processes. A generic qualitative approach based on personal interviews and focus group discussions was used to collect data from late adolescents. Data was subsequently analysed using content and thematic analyses.
Findings
The findings revealed five manners (the how's) of food disposition among late adolescents, namely keeping it for original purposes, leaving it for other people to dispose of, converting it for another purpose, trying to finish it and getting rid of it permanently. Additionally, there are three reasons (the why's) for food disposition among late adolescents, namely food-related factors, socio-cultural factors and personal factors.
Originality/value
Food waste has continually impacted food production, supply and consumption in a profound way. Responsible food disposition behaviour among individuals has become essential to improve food sustainability. Proper food disposition requires a behavioural change among individuals, including late adolescents, who are growing into adulthood. This study contributes to the body of knowledge of food systems by identifying how and why food is disposed of among late adolescents during their formative years. The findings can be utilised to raise awareness of food disposition behaviour and design food responsibility initiatives.
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Nazlida Muhamad, Vai Shiem Leong and Normalisa Md Isa
This paper aims to model consumers’ decision to use halal logo on packaged food products. The model primarily tests the importance of country of origin (COO) of a halal logo as an…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to model consumers’ decision to use halal logo on packaged food products. The model primarily tests the importance of country of origin (COO) of a halal logo as an indicator for assessing credibility of a halal logo, and its relevance in consumers’ decision to use the logo in packaged food purchase.
Design/methodology/approach
A data set from a survey of 559 respondents from two countries was used to test eight hypotheses that were developed based on a modified theory of planned behaviour framework, using partial least squares procedures.
Findings
Halal certification logo was found to have COO effect on consumers’ evaluation during purchase decision of food items. Consumer uses information on the COO of a halal logo to assess the logo’s credibility in delivering the halal food standard. The construct, along with the constructs of religiosity and its interaction terms, subjective norms and attitude, explains consumers’ intention to consider the halal logo during packaged food purchase.
Research limitations/implications
Generalization of the findings is limited to the packaged food industry and to the consumer groups surveyed in the two countries.
Practical implications
There is a need for marketers to recognize Muslim consumers’ sensitivity towards the origin of a halal logo in choosing the right logo for their products. Logo certifiers may want to consider adopting marketing strategies to market their certification as a credible marker of a halal food standard.
Originality/value
The effect of COO of halal logo and its influence on consumers’ decision to use the logo in purchase decision are new to the literature.
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Wing Thye Woo, Yuen Yoong Leong, Wai Sern Low, Jin Soong Liew and Chean Chung Lee
This study employs advanced modelling to assess the effectiveness of Malaysia’s current energy policies in achieving a low-carbon future. By optimising a 100% renewable energy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study employs advanced modelling to assess the effectiveness of Malaysia’s current energy policies in achieving a low-carbon future. By optimising a 100% renewable energy mix, including energy storage, the research identifies pathways to decarbonise the power sector while minimising costs. These findings will inform the development of future policies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs the Stockholm Environment Institute-developed Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and Next Energy Modeling system for Optimization (NEMO) to construct and optimise a comprehensive Malaysian power sector model. The model encompasses both electricity supply, including diverse electricity generation sources and demand across key sectors. Three scenarios – existing policy, optimised existing policy and more ambitious policy (near-zero emissions) – are analysed.
Findings
Solar photovoltaic (PV) is the dominant technology, but realising its full potential requires significant grid upgrades. While natural gas expansion underpins Malaysia’s decarbonisation strategy, solar and storage offer a cleaner and potentially cost-effective alternative. Rapid technological advancements in clean energy increase stranded asset risk for new gas power plants. Malaysia’s abundant bioenergy resources need more tapping. This can contribute to decarbonisation and rural development. Transitioning to a fully renewable grid necessitates substantial investments in energy storage and grid infrastructure. While falling battery costs and regional interconnection can mitigate costs, careful consideration of potential disruptions and cost fluctuations is essential for resilience.
Research limitations/implications
Energy sector modelling results are inherently dependent on input assumptions, such as future technology costs, resource availability and fossil fuel prices. These factors can be highly uncertain. While this study did not conduct sensitivity analyses to explore how variations in these assumptions might affect the results (e.g. cost variations across scenarios, technology mix fluctuations), the core findings provide valuable insights into potential decarbonisation pathways for Malaysia’s power sector. Future studies could build upon this work by incorporating sensitivity analyses to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how key results might change under a wider range of future possibilities.
Originality/value
This study co-optimises a 100% renewable energy mix for Malaysia, incorporating a comprehensive range of renewable resources, battery and pumped hydro storage. The research also provides a unique perspective on the interplay of philosophical underpinnings, psychological maturity and energy policy.
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Established in 1967 by the National Service (Amendment) Bill, National Service (NS) makes it compulsory for most young Singaporean males to enlist in the armed forces, typically…
Abstract
Established in 1967 by the National Service (Amendment) Bill, National Service (NS) makes it compulsory for most young Singaporean males to enlist in the armed forces, typically for a two-year period. NS comes at a critical juncture in most Singaporean mens’ adolescence, disrupting their lives and isolating them in a foreign environment just as they are beginning to form a firm sense of identity. Recruits are expected to go through grueling training and endure harsh scoldings to prove their worth as both soldiers and men. Through an interview with 14 individuals who have served or are serving NS, it is found that the hegemonic masculinity present in NS relies on norms of strength, leadership, and suppression of emotion. However, its impact on enlistees is inconsistent, and dependent on one’s vocation, personal encounters, and expectations prior to enlisting.
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The globalisation of markets, emerging concepts of sustainable development, and circular economy have defined the boundaries within which organisations must compete and address…
Abstract
The globalisation of markets, emerging concepts of sustainable development, and circular economy have defined the boundaries within which organisations must compete and address the needs of key stakeholders. As circumstances change, boundaries are often replaced by the relationships between companies and the communities they serve. Consequently, strategy has become a central aspect of sustainable leadership and the foundation for implementing strategic management in a dynamic system of relationships. Every company is born and grows within social and economic ecosystems. Drawing on the metaphor of biology, ecosystems are described as dynamic interconnections among various elements that influence and foster entrepreneurship. Interconnections between players (such as marketplaces, organisations, governments, and universities) create a flow of expertise, abilities, knowledge, experience, and tangible resources. Economic and social ecosystems involve various actors and components that continuously coexist and interact, leading to the creation of numerous mutual relationships. Consequently, it is crucial for managers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the internal and external environments. Various decision-making tools and strategies can be used to achieve this goal. These tools were developed to assist managers, researchers, and consultants in making informed decisions under complex scenarios. This chapter presents several decision-making strategies and tools, including the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix, General Electric (GE) matrix, Balanced Scorecard (BSC), PEST, PESTEL analysis, and SWOT analysis.
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Jochen Wirtz and Robert Johnston
Singapore Airlines (SIA) is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading carriers. This article details the results of a series of in‐depth interviews with SIA’s…
Abstract
Singapore Airlines (SIA) is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading carriers. This article details the results of a series of in‐depth interviews with SIA’s senior management on their views on what made SIA a service champion, and what it will take to maintain its lead in the industry. Excerpts from there interviews were broadly organized into four sections. They are: “SIA’s perspective of service excellence and key challenges”; “Understanding customers and anticipating their needs”; “Training and motivating the front line”; and “Managing with an eye for detail and profits”. The interviews show what SIA’s senior management sees as their key drivers of service excellence. The drivers are then related to key frameworks and models from the services marketing/management literature. Implications for current and aspiring service champions are derived.
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The purpose of this paper is to analyze the status quo of China's innovation systems and contribute to the development of effective innovation policies.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the status quo of China's innovation systems and contribute to the development of effective innovation policies.
Design/methodology/approach
The construct of this paper is based on a comprehensive case study in China's transportation sector. Detailed discussions and analyses follow to give implications in policy making.
Findings
Sectoral innovation capability can be enhanced in a learning environment that balances domestic innovation and international technology transfer. Government should strategically leverage various resources for innovation.
Originality/value
Through the analysis of case study, a conceptual framework to support sectoral innovation is proposed. The research gives insight on how to improve and prepare the conditions for future innovation.
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Reiner Quick, Matthias Sattler and Daniela Wiemann
The aim of the present paper is to examine the impact of agency costs on the demand for non‐audit services (NAS) in Germany.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present paper is to examine the impact of agency costs on the demand for non‐audit services (NAS) in Germany.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses data from German listed companies to test whether audit clients vary their purchases of NAS according to agency costs over time. The paper used multiple regressions and included ownership composition, performance‐based management compensation, and leverage as proxies for agency conflicts.
Findings
Overall, the hypothesis that agency costs influence the demand for NAS was not confirmed. None of our proxies for agency conflicts were significantly associated with the purchase of NAS. These findings remain stable when alternative NAS fee measures were applied.
Research limitations/implications
Findings cannot be generalised for smaller, private companies. Particularities of the German setting might have caused the insignificance of agency costs, but this cannot be tested statistically. The contrast between these insignificant results and the significant impact of agency costs on the demand for non‐audit services revealed by many previous studies, in particular from the US and the UK, raises important questions for future research.
Practical implications
This paper concerns management's perceptions on how stakeholders perceive the effect of NAS provision on auditor independence. Thus, its findings should be of interest to German, European and international regulators when evaluating the impact of the provision of NAS on independence in appearance.
Originality/value
This study is the first to provide evidence on the relationship between agency conflicts and the demand for non‐audit services from Germany and thus from a continental European country. Moreover, it provides evidence for periods after the introduction of stricter standards on the provision of non‐audit services. In addition, it applies a new proxy for agency costs (i.e. performance‐based management compensation).