Keith Nichols and Derek Flanagan
Combines some of the challenges which the authors have experiencedin applying quality function deployment (QFD) to different applicationsin achieving better, cheaper, faster…
Abstract
Combines some of the challenges which the authors have experienced in applying quality function deployment (QFD) to different applications in achieving better, cheaper, faster products to market. Highlights the issues, conflicts, decision points and the ways forward in achieving results. Shares experiences with the reader.
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Paul Flanagan, Robert Johnston and Derek Talbot
The purpose of this paper is to better understand the concept of “confidence”, to assess its relationship with customer contact and to identify the dimensions and triggers of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to better understand the concept of “confidence”, to assess its relationship with customer contact and to identify the dimensions and triggers of “confidence” in an important organisation with which many people may have only limited contact.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was commissioned by the Northamptonshire Police in the UK and was based on data collected through focus groups held in the area. The groups were split into individuals who had limited contact with the police and individuals who had traumatic dealings with the police (e.g. had been the victim of a serious crime).
Findings
The findings supported earlier research which suggested that there was a fall in confidence after contact with the police. The analysis of the discussions revealed four key dimensions of confidence (i.e. what made people feel confident). Several types of confidence triggers were also identified, over some of which the police have control, pre‐contact, during contact and post‐contact.
Research limitations/implications
The research focused on one public sector organisation using a small number of focus group interviews.
Originality/value
Organisations can influence, at least to some extent, consumer confidence before use. The research also questions whether some organisations should assess confidence rather than, or in addition to, satisfaction.
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Derek H.T. Walker and Martin Loosemore
In responding to unanticipated challenges during the course of a project, lessons from crisis management research can be valuable. Effective project management requires both a…
Abstract
In responding to unanticipated challenges during the course of a project, lessons from crisis management research can be valuable. Effective project management requires both a proactive and reactive strategy in dealing with unanticipated and challenging events. A key element of success is developing a learning culture, which permits flexibility within a systematic problem‐solving approach. We indicate how this can be achieved using a crisis management model and use data gathered from the National Museum of Australia project to demonstrate the potential benefits of a learning which encourages solution‐building by teams.
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Vachara Peansupap and Derek H.T. Walker
The purpose of this paper is to report upon research undertaken on deployment of information communication technology (ICT) diffusion initiatives in the Australian construction…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report upon research undertaken on deployment of information communication technology (ICT) diffusion initiatives in the Australian construction industry. The paper seeks to explain how innovation implementation drivers and barriers facilitate diffusion at the organisational, group and individual levels.
Design/methodology/approach
Data from two web‐based document management case studies and one intranet document management system case study are used to analyse ICT diffusion dynamics within three large information technology (IT) literate Australian construction firms. The sample was purposefully limited to large IT‐literate construction contracting organisations with a need to use ICT for their operational effectiveness.
Findings
Constraints at the personal level include limited budget for ICT investment, commitment from other project participants, issues of ICT standardisation, and security problems. At the organisational level, constraints include basic levels computer experience, time available to learn, and the identification of clear benefits of ICT use. Constraints at the group level include time available to share information, quality of personal contact and geographical distance.
Research limitations/implications
The sample was purposefully limited to large IT‐literate construction contracting organisations with a need to use ICT for their operational effectiveness.
Practical implications
The driver and barrier models presented indicate that ICT innovation implementation requires intense management interventions to facilitate a supportive workplace environment that strongly links personal and organisational resource investment with demonstrated outcome benefits.
Originality/value
This study provides rich insights of the dynamics of ICT innovation implementation. Few studies in the literature have provided such insights that link the organisational, group and individual levels.
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Production workers in the Press shop at the Yate, Bristol, works of Newman Electric Motors now lead a much quieter life, thanks to a noise‐reduction system devised by the company.
The themes of accessibility and accountability have come to dominate the police reform agenda in the UK. They are evident, especially, in the rhetoric of ‘neighbourhood policing’…
Abstract
The themes of accessibility and accountability have come to dominate the police reform agenda in the UK. They are evident, especially, in the rhetoric of ‘neighbourhood policing’, which has been delivered across England and Wales, and in the ‘policing pledge’, which sets out a series of commitments regarding what the public can expect from their local police service. This paper is concerned with exploring these themes and their application in neighbourhood policing. It examines how officers in two police services have sought to implement the requirements of neighbourhood policing and the policing pledge in terms of improving accessibility and accountability of local policing. In doing so, it focuses on arrangements for consulting with members of the public, providing updates regarding their actions and outcomes in addressing local problems and on the provision of data and maps about crime problems. Practice implications are identified.
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Alolote Amadi and Anthony Paul Higham
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the ongoing discourse centred on enhancing building performance to provide an interpretation of life cycle cost (LCC) analysis, directly…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the ongoing discourse centred on enhancing building performance to provide an interpretation of life cycle cost (LCC) analysis, directly applicable to building construction in coastal areas located in tropical wet–humid settings.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 50 buildings based on physical observation is carried out to identify typical failure patterns in wet‒humid environment. Further, a comparative initial construction cost and LCC analysis is computed for two alternative building schemes with identical floor plans: Scheme A using sound construction and detailing to guard against future maintenance problems and Scheme B adopting the typical designs evident in the study area.
Findings
The result of the analysis shows that in the long-run scheme, A is an economically more viable option than B, as the increased initial costs are entirely offset by the reduced running cost.
Research limitations/implications
The contextual nature of LCC analysis poses difficulties in applying the evidence provided in this study to provide a generalisable financial justification to buildings clients.
Practical implications
The outcome of the study provides analytical validation to overcome resistances and enables informed decision making by clients, which is necessary to promote transition from conventional to environmentally responsive design choices suitable to wet–humid conditions.
Originality/value
The study provides an interpretation of LCC analysis, directly applicable to building construction in the tropical wet–humid setting of coastal areas against the backdrop of inconsistencies in the practical application of the theory of LCC.