Jenny Crawley, Phillip Biddulph, Jez Wingfield, Minnie Ashdown, Robert Lowe and Cliff Elwell
Compulsory airtightness testing was introduced for new dwellings in England and Wales in 2006 and in Scotland in 2010 to ensure that they are constructed according to design air…
Abstract
Purpose
Compulsory airtightness testing was introduced for new dwellings in England and Wales in 2006 and in Scotland in 2010 to ensure that they are constructed according to design air permeability targets. These targets are set to limit heat loss through air infiltration. Previous work examining the large Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA) data set of UK airtightness test data suggested that, in a proportion of dwellings, the targets were being met by post-completion sealing as opposed to airtight construction, but did not quantify the prevalence of this practice. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the distribution of as-built airtightness and the proportion of dwellings undergoing post-completion sealing are estimated from the ATTMA data set covering 2015–2016. This is carried out by Bayesian statistical modelling, using the data set of recorded test results and a modelled representation of the testing process.
Findings
This analysis finds the mode of the as-built distribution of air permeability as 4.38 ± 0.01 m3/m2h. It predicts that 39 per cent of dwellings aiming for one of the five most common design targets have sealing interventions at the point of pressure testing to meet their target. The as-built distribution of the ATTMA data is compared to airtightness test data obtained from just before compulsory testing was introduced, showing an improvement in the modal air permeability of 3.6 m3/m2h since testing became mandatory.
Originality/value
This paper has investigated the available data beyond simply what is reported, to estimate what the real levels of airtightness in the UK new build stock may be.
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Sofie Pelsmakers, Evy Vereecken, Miimu Airaksinen and Cliff C.A. Elwell
Millions of properties have suspended timber ground floors globally, with around ten million in the UK alone. However, it is unknown what the floor void conditions are, nor the…
Abstract
Purpose
Millions of properties have suspended timber ground floors globally, with around ten million in the UK alone. However, it is unknown what the floor void conditions are, nor the effect of insulating such floors. Upgrading floors changes the void conditions, which might increase or decrease moisture build-up and mould and fungal growth. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the current global evidence and present the results of in situ monitoring of 15 UK floor voids.
Design/methodology/approach
An extensive literature review on the moisture behaviour in both uninsulated and insulated suspended timber crawl spaces is supplemented with primary data of a monitoring campaign during different periods between 2012 and 2015. Air temperature and relative humidity sensors were placed in different floor void locations. Where possible, crawl spaces were visually inspected.
Findings
Comparison of void conditions to mould growth thresholds highlights that a large number of monitored floor voids might exceed the critical ranges for mould growth, leading to potential occupant health impacts if mould spores transfer into living spaces above. A direct comparison could not be made between insulated and uninsulated floors in the sample due to non-random sampling and because the insulated floors included historically damp floors. The study also highlighted that long-term monitoring over all seasons and high-resolution monitoring and inspection are required; conditions in one location are not representative of conditions in other locations.
Originality/value
This study presents the largest UK sample of monitored floors, evaluated using a review of current evidence and comparison with literature thresholds.
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Deborah Elwell Arfken, Marilyn M. Helms and Mary Poston Tanner
Interim leaders often have little advance notice of their new assignments. Yet, they must skillfully lead their organizations, provide stability for staff and continue the…
Abstract
Purpose
Interim leaders often have little advance notice of their new assignments. Yet, they must skillfully lead their organizations, provide stability for staff and continue the direction of the mission and vision in a time of change. In addition, temporary leaders – often termed interim executive directors or interim chief executive officers (CEOs) – are frequently asked to guide the transition for a new and permanent leader.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study presents the insights of 24 interim leaders, largely in the Chattanooga, Tennessee (TN) region, who participated in individual virtual interviews and a subsequent virtual focus group to address a protocol of questions concerned with all phases of carrying out the interim position.
Findings
The findings confirmed existing literature on how the interim was selected, the responsibilities of this leader and the costs and benefits for the organization of using an interim and extended findings with guidance for interim over their tenure.
Practical implications
The findings uncovered new insights into personal and career growth, along with unexpected personal and professional enrichment and satisfaction from the experience. The practical implications include providing detailed guidelines for interim leaders at each stage of their tenure, which can help them navigate the complexities of their roles more effectively. Additionally, the findings highlight the potential for significant personal and professional growth, offering interim leaders unexpected enrichment and satisfaction from their experiences.
Social implications
The exploratory research validated the existing literature on interim leadership and added additional detail in practical guidance for beginning an interim position, carrying out the interim position and even ending the position. This study delineates practical guidelines at each stage of the interim lifecycle for both the temporary leader and the organization and provides areas for future research. Qualitative findings also identified key characteristics of an interim leader. This study also includes discussion of the political implications of interim CEOs.
Originality/value
The study presents original insights into the role of interim leaders by combining qualitative data from 24 participants in the Chattanooga, TN region with existing literature, thereby enhancing understanding of the challenges and successes these leaders face. It confirms previous findings regarding interim leadership and provides practical guidelines for navigating the interim lifecycle, highlighting aspects of personal growth and satisfaction that have not been extensively explored in prior research.
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Giselle C. Rampersad, Ann-Louise Hordacre and John Spoehr
The purpose of this study is to investigate how supply chains can become more resilient through innovation initiatives. It examines the expansion and deepening of relationships…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate how supply chains can become more resilient through innovation initiatives. It examines the expansion and deepening of relationships between buyers and suppliers and the facilitatory role of the government in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study compares supply chains in the advanced manufacturing and food industries. It is based on qualitative research involving case studies and in-depth interviews with buyers, suppliers and facilitators from government.
Findings
The study reveals that innovation is critical in building more resilient supply chains. It uncovers the importance of power distribution, coordination, communication, trust and commitment for innovation within these relationships.
Practical implications
It provides implications about how best to develop effective buyer–supplier relationships through innovation and diversification, for marketing and purchasing managers, CEOs of manufacturing companies and suppliers and government players with responsibility for industry development and innovation.
Originality/value
It advances the industrial buyer–supplier literature by extending the predominantly business-to-business supply chain perspective to include the role of government in supply chains and their innovation.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine empirical evidence on factors that influence performance of state owned enterprises (SOEs). With a focus on power utilities, the paper…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine empirical evidence on factors that influence performance of state owned enterprises (SOEs). With a focus on power utilities, the paper investigates how such several factors interact with each other to influence ultimate performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Data on the SOEs constituting the sample is predominantly obtained from the audited annual financial statements and other publicized reports of entities for a 20-year period spanning from 1994 to 2013. The audited annual financial statements provide quantitative data whilst the rest of qualitative information is available from narratives in the annual reports. The study takes liquidity, board strength, extent of stakeholder presentation on board and government’s involvement in pricing as proxy variables for resource-based agency, stakeholder and public choice theories, respectively. Using performance as the dependent variable, the study variables are modeled in a regression model.
Findings
The paper finds that good SOE performance could be explained in terms of the agency and resource-based theories, where the authors found strong boards and good liquidity profiles to be positively related to good performance. A wider stakeholder representation on SOE boards correlates negatively with performance. Similarly, the higher the level of government involvement in the tariff setting process the weaker the performance results. Based on the results, the paper concludes that SOEs performance is underpinned by a plethora of organizational issues: agency, public policy, stakeholder and resource-based issues. These issues must therefore inform the appointment of SOE management and also their performance contracts.
Practical implications
The study suggests that SOE governance structures should be centered around four main unifying themes; agency, stakeholders, resources and shareholder engagement. From an agency perspective, board appointments should first be based on merit and stakeholder representation comes in as a subset. Resources availability should be paired with objective imperatives and engagement with political leadership should be limited to matters of policy through a regulatory and legal framework.
Originality/value
This study provides some practical insights from both an administration and policy perspective. First, it reveals the importance of and a linkage between both adequate resources and strong boards, but also the need to find the right balance in managing stakeholder interests SOEs face. The study does not necessarily support the popular view of completely eliminating government interference in SOE affairs, but rather advances optimal political influence through regulatory and legal frameworks without giving up ownership rights.
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There are major pressures on social care funding for people with learning disabilities. It is unsustainable to continue working in the same way. The need to promote independence…
Abstract
Purpose
There are major pressures on social care funding for people with learning disabilities. It is unsustainable to continue working in the same way. The need to promote independence and prevent the need for social care for people with a learning disability is urgent. The purpose of this paper is to highlight key issues, stimulate debate and strengthen the evidence base.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes evidence from research, literature reviews, statistics and policy debates. It illustrates key points with case studies. The argument for change has been developed in discussion with key stakeholders including the chief executive of a leading self-advocacy organisation.
Findings
Demand is increasing whilst funding is reducing. Policy, practice and evidence on prevention of the need for social care for people with a learning disability are underdeveloped. Nevertheless, there are many examples of good practice, and of emerging opportunities for local partnerships to work together to build a new approach.
Research limitations/implications
Research on the benefits and costs of prevention of social care for people with a learning disability is underdeveloped. There is a need to extend the evidence base on the range of interventions and their effectiveness.
Originality/value
The paper argues for a step change in culture, practice and the focus of research.