Andrej Bertoncelj, Darko Kovač and Rok Bertoncel
The purpose of this paper is to investigate organisational evolution and change forces that influence the adaptation process. Despite significant research interest in this topic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate organisational evolution and change forces that influence the adaptation process. Despite significant research interest in this topic, the knowledge is still incomplete.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines the importance of organisational evolution and introduces two frameworks, five change forces and success factors and competencies, in the process of transformation from the new economy to the innovative economy.
Findings
The paper finds that organisational capacity for transformation in response to the economic change forces has become the critical success factor in the ever‐changing business environment where more competition means more intense selection. As organisations fight to remain on the market, unadaptive and consequently unsuccessful rivals fail to capture an adequate market share and have to exit.
Research limitations/implications
It would be particularly interesting to conduct studies in different countries to see whether the results are affected by the cultural context.
Practical implications
In today's knowledge‐based economy, different resources are used in creating new value and a broader circle of participants is involved than in the past. Human capital is becoming more important than economic capital.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the discussion on adaptive evolution of organisations and emphasizes which economic forces have impact on organisations in an era of innovative economy.
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Kostja Makarovič, Darko Belavič, Barbara Malič, Andreja Benčan, Franci Kovač and Janez Holc
The purpose of this study is the design, fabrication and evaluation of a miniature ozone generator using the principle of electric discharge are presented.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is the design, fabrication and evaluation of a miniature ozone generator using the principle of electric discharge are presented.
Design/methodology/approach
The device was fabricated using a low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology, by which a multilayered ceramic structure with integrated electrodes, buried channels and cavities in micro and millimeter scales was realized.
Findings
The developed ozone generator with the dimensions of 63.6 × 41.8 × 1.3 mm produces approximately 1 vol. % of ozone in oxygen flow of 15 ml/min, at an applied voltage of 7 kV.
Originality/value
A miniature ozone generator, manufactured in LTCC technology, produces high amount of ozone and more than it is described in the available references or in datasheets of commercial devices of similar size.
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Frank L.K. Ohemeng, Theresa Obuobisa Darko and Emelia Amoako-Asiedu
An engaged workforce has never been more important than it is now. Research continues to reveal a strong link between engaged employees and employee performance. Consequently…
Abstract
Purpose
An engaged workforce has never been more important than it is now. Research continues to reveal a strong link between engaged employees and employee performance. Consequently, different strategies continue to be developed to enhance employee engagement (EE) in organisations. Unfortunately, many of these strategies have not worked due to the lack of trust that some employees may have towards organisational leaders. Thus, it is argued that the first step in building an effective EE is building trust, which will erode all sorts of suspicion of the intention of leaders in the organisation. Unfortunately, the literature is not clear about how to build such trust, especially in developing countries where the organisational environment is much different from that in developed ones; making the applicability of models in the developed world quite difficulty in these countries. How can public sector leaders build trust in the organisations in an environment where informality appears to be the norm? The purpose of this paper is therefore to ascertain how trust can be built in public organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to answer the research questions, as well as obtain in-depth understanding of what is being done, the authors used the mixed methods approach in the data collection for the paper. In using mixed method data collection, the authors took both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Both qualitative and quantitative data were, however, collected concurrently. This was done for the sake of convenience, as there is little study on how to build trust or, even, EE in the Ghanaian context. The authors set out to explore these issues, and the only way for the authors to do so was to undertake the data collection simultaneously.
Findings
The paper examined critically four main areas to help leadership build trust: credibility, fairness, respect and communication. The study shows that both managers and employees firmly believe in building trust. Leaders were able to discuss the efforts they make to ensure that issues concerning trust building are addressed. At the same time, employees also agreed on the need to strengthen these variables.
Practical implications
The research identifies areas on which both leadership and employees can continually work to help bridge the gap between them if public organisations are to reap the benefits of EE. The authors are convinced that if the issues discussed here are addressed, and parties work on them, individuals will succeed in their own areas, but so will the organisations, which in turn will help in the development of he country.
Originality/value
From a theoretical perspective, it extends the work on EE, and offers new insight into this emerging concept from a developing countries perspective, where informality in the public sector is common. Most of the research on trust and EE has been either qualitative or quantitative in nature. Using the mixed methods approach means the authors will be explaining how both can help us better understand the “how” in building trust in the public sector. Thus, the paper is one of the few papers that have used the mixed methods approach to examine how trust can be built in public organisations.
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Darko Grundler and Tomislav Rolich
Fabric design has always been a matter of inspiration, depending mostly upon man's ingenuity and creativity. The authors suggest that creation of fabric patterns using evolution…
Abstract
Fabric design has always been a matter of inspiration, depending mostly upon man's ingenuity and creativity. The authors suggest that creation of fabric patterns using evolution algorithms, which can not only help in improving design created by man, but also make the procedure semi‐automatic, meaning much less dependent upon the designer himself/herself. Evolution algorithm based software offers a wide range of fabric patterns and is also able to create new ones based on the user's choice. The procedure can also be of considerable help to professional designers, as it can offer patterns they would not or could not create themselves. The system described is inexpensive and can be used on IBM compatible personal computers. It is user‐friendly and can be implemented with no previous preparation on the part of the user. The results of preliminary investigations suggest a practical applicability of the software.
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Redhwan Mohammed Saleh and Abdullah Al-Swidi
It is widely known that carbon dioxide emissions and climate change are among the most critical global challenges. These issues were worsened partly by the continuous adoption of…
Abstract
Purpose
It is widely known that carbon dioxide emissions and climate change are among the most critical global challenges. These issues were worsened partly by the continuous adoption of traditional non-green behaviors and practices in the construction sector. As both environmental and health-related practices continue to worsen, practitioners, researchers and government think tanks are taking a major shift to promote green building practices (GBP). The purpose of this paper is to examine and investigate the effects of several environment-related variables such as sustainable government support, environmental concern and green engagement in the adoption of GBP.
Design/methodology/approach
The model of the study was developed based on the integration of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), value-belief-norm and cognition-affective behavior (CAB). The instrument used to capture these constructs was adapted from existing validated instruments. The data were collected from Qatar-based consultant and contractor engineers. Of the 877 questionnaires distributed, 378 were completed which yields a response rate of 43 percent. The collected data were analyzed by employing the PLS-SEM approach. First, the measurement model was examined to confirm the validity and reliability of the measures. Next, the structural model was analyzed to test the hypotheses of the study.
Findings
The results of the study showed that environment-related variables such as green engagement, sustainable government support and environmental concern have strong effects on GBP along with other TPB variables, namely, subjective norms and attitudes.
Research limitations/implications
Although the objectives of the study were achieved, there are still some limitations. First, this study yields a deemed suitable response rate. Second, since this research focused solely on the view of the contractors and consultants of the country’s engineering sector, it may have narrowed down the real scenario.
Practical implications
Besides the government providing awareness campaigns on the importance of GBP in reducing pollution, the government may also set some regulations to be followed by construction companies to reduce the negative impacts on the environment and regulations that could motivate the decision makers to increase the green construction projects and practices. In addition, the engineers still need some supports from green building authorities and government to motivate them toward GBP. Some incentives that could be offered by the government are financial allowances, funding and reduced governmental fees.
Originality/value
This study has a great theoretical value since it extended the TPB by incorporating some important environment-related variables to explain the adoption of GBP. In addition, from the practical perspective, this study provides useful insights for the practitioners and policy makers who are concerned about designing and planning environment-friendly strategies in the sector of construction.
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Igor Martek, David J. Edwards, Stewart Seaton and David Jones
Much rhetoric exists on the urgency of transitioning from current practices to a more sustainable society. However, because this imperative is guided by strong ideological…
Abstract
Purpose
Much rhetoric exists on the urgency of transitioning from current practices to a more sustainable society. However, because this imperative is guided by strong ideological overtones, weaknesses and failures in the transition effort attract inadequate scrutiny. This paper reviews Australia's progress with sustainability in an urban domain and identifies key issues hindering the sustainability transition effort.
Design/methodology/approach
Research on urban sustainability is ubiquitous but this weight of publications tends to emphasize technical, operational or prescriptive themes. This research uses an interpretivist philosophical lens and inductive reasoning to manually analyse pertinent literature sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science data-bases. Specifically, this study assembles outcome and evaluative assessments pertaining to Australia's urban sustainability efforts to identify both the progress achieved and residual structural impediments.
Findings
Emergent findings illustrate that Australia's urban sustainability goals, as expressed by the Paris Accord, have not been met. Obstruction can be attributed to over-ambitious objectives combined with weak federal leadership, under-resourced local government, over-reliance on superficial rating systems and an ineffective regulatory regime. Elite “green branding” by image conscious corporations are insufficient to offset the general disinterest of the unincentivized majority of building owners and developers.
Originality/value
This paper cogently summarizes Australia's urban sustainability status, along with complexity of the challenges it faces to meet targets set.
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Stephanie Rock, M. Reza Hosseini, Bahareh Nikmehr, Igor Martek, Sepehr Abrishami and Serdar Durdyev
The built environment is a major source of carbon emissions. However, 80 per cent of the damage arises through the operational phase of a building’s life. Office buildings are the…
Abstract
Purpose
The built environment is a major source of carbon emissions. However, 80 per cent of the damage arises through the operational phase of a building’s life. Office buildings are the most significant building type in terms of emission-reduction potential. Yet, little research has been undertaken to examine the barriers faced by building operators in transitioning to a green operation of the office buildings in their care. This study aims to identify those barriers.
Design/methodology/approach
Building facilities managers with between 7 and 25 years’ experience in operating primarily Melbourne high-rise office buildings were interviewed. The sample was taken from LinkedIn connections, with ten agreeing to participate in semi-structured interviews – out of the 17 invitations sent out. Interview comments were recorded, coded and categorised to identify the barriers sought by this study.
Findings
Seven categories of barriers to effecting green operation of office buildings were extracted. These were financial, owner-related, tenant-related, technological, regulatory, architectural and stakeholder interest conflicts. Difficulties identifying green operation strategies that improved cost performance or return on investment of buildings was the major barrier.
Practical implications
Government, policymakers and facilities managers themselves have been struggling with how to catalyse a green transition in the operation of office buildings. By identifying the barriers standing in the way, this study provides a concrete point of departure from which remedial strategies and policies may be formulated and put into effect.
Originality/value
The uptake of green operation of office buildings has been extremely slow. Though barriers have been hypothesised in earlier works, this is the first study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that categorically identifies and tabulates the barriers that stand in the way of improving the green operational performance of office buildings, drawing on the direct knowledge of facilities experts.
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Keratiloe Mogotsi and Fanny Saruchera
This paper aims to reveal the philanthropy landscape processes for dealing with disasters and examine the influence of lean thinking in managing philanthropy for disasters. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to reveal the philanthropy landscape processes for dealing with disasters and examine the influence of lean thinking in managing philanthropy for disasters. It sought to leverage continuous improvement and maximise disaster response and humanitarian logistics efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
A sequential quantitative, qualitative research methods strategy was utilised involving data collection with literary analysis and two sets of online surveys with 212 NGO staff members in Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. In addition, in-depth key informant interviews were conducted with 23 staff members at various management levels from these countries.
Findings
The study found that lean thinking had a positive, statistically valid influence at a 95% confidence level. Community incorporation, government support and collaboration with other philanthropic organisations were critical success factors. When lean thinking tools were applied (any tools), philanthropic organisations experienced waste reduction and value addition, where waste reduction accounted for 67% variation, and value-addition accounted for 58%, respectively. These were the same benefits experienced in other industries, thus, justifying lean thinking's applicability in the non-profit sector. Lean was most helpful about the communication and duplication of efforts challenges humanitarian or philanthropic organisations face when responding to a disaster.
Practical implications
The study equips leaders and philanthropic organisations with suggestions to manage and respond to disasters in a lean and effective manner. The study helps philanthropy leaders rethink their funding and response models to pursue lean policies catering to humanitarian organisations and the communities they serve.
Originality/value
The study closes significant gaps in the literature and practice by adopting a multi-sectoral lens that borrows from business and manufacturing tools into a non-profit context. It enables documentation of processes and logistical management by philanthropy organisations for continuous improvement and elimination of waste to ensure efficiency in the philanthropic role of alleviating the impact of disasters. The study also affirms the need for philanthropic organisations to incorporate community feedback, use lean tools to collaborate with other responding organisations and work closely with the local authorities to fulfil the government's supportive role: the primary source and executor in disaster response.
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Darko Belavič, Marko Hrovat, Kostja Makarovič, Gregor Dolanč, Andrej Pohar, Stanko Hočevar and Barbara Malič
– The purpose of this paper is to present the research activity and results to research and development society on the field of ceramic microsystems.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the research activity and results to research and development society on the field of ceramic microsystems.
Design/methodology/approach
The chemical reactor was developed as a non-conventional application of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) and thick-film technologies. In the ceramic reactor with a large-volume, buried cavity, filled with a catalyst, the reaction between water and methanol produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide (together with traces of carbon monoxide). The LTCC ceramic three-dimensional (3D) structure consists of a reaction chamber, two inlet channels, an inlet mixing channel, an inlet distributor, an outlet collector and an outlet channel. The inlet and outlet fluidic barriers for the catalyst of the reaction chamber are made with two “grid lines”.
Findings
A 3D ceramic structure made by LTCC technology was successfully designed and developed for chemical reactor – methanol decomposition.
Research limitations/implications
Research activity includes the design and the capability of materials and technology (LTCC) to fabricate chemical reactor with large cavity. But further dimensions-scale-up is limited.
Practical implications
The technology for the fabrication of LTCC-based chemical reactor was developed and implemented in system for methanol decomposition.
Originality/value
The approach (large-volume cavity in ceramic structure), which has been developed, can be used for other type of reactors also.
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This paper aims to provide a systematic literature review of the state-of-the-art applications of climate information in humanitarian relief efforts, to further the knowledge of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a systematic literature review of the state-of-the-art applications of climate information in humanitarian relief efforts, to further the knowledge of how climate science can be better integrated into the decision-making process of humanitarian supply chains.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted using a combination of key search terms developed from both climate science and humanitarian logistics literature. Articles from four major databases were retrieved, reduced and analyzed.
Findings
The study illustrates the status of application of climate information in humanitarian work, and identifies usability, collaboration and coordination as three key themes.
Originality/value
By delivering an overview of the current applications and challenges of climate information, this literature review proposes a three-phase conceptual framework.