M.M. Abou‐Krisha, F.H. Assaf, M. Khodari and E.M. Elkady
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the corrosion resistance and the electrodeposition behavior of electrodeposited nickel‐cobalt‐iron alloys. Also, to compare the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the corrosion resistance and the electrodeposition behavior of electrodeposited nickel‐cobalt‐iron alloys. Also, to compare the electrodeposition of ternary nickel‐cobalt‐iron alloy from acidic sulfate bath onto a steel substrate with the characteristics of Co‐Fe electrodeposits.
Design/methodology/approach
The investigation of electrodeposition was carried out using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic techniques, while potentiodynamic polarization resistance and anodic linear sweep voltammetry techniques were used for corrosion study. The phase structure was characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction analysis. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the deposits were examined by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively.
Findings
The obtained results revealed that the Ni‐Co‐Fe alloys consisted of a mixture of iron (Fe10.8Ni) and (FeCo) phases. It was found that the obtained Ni‐Co‐Fe alloy exhibited a more‐preferred surface appearance and better corrosion resistance, compared to the Co‐Fe alloy that was electrodeposited under similar conditions.
Practical implications
Ni‐Co‐Fe alloy was successfully electroplated from a sulfate bath. This alloy showed better anticorrosion properties compared to Co‐Fe deposits. The Ni‐Co‐Fe alloy could be used advantageously in industry, e.g. the automotive industry. The coating also has particular interest due to it is ability to exhibit stable magnetic properties.
Originality/value
The paper evaluates the effect of electrodeposition of the ternary alloy on the corrosion behavior of electroplated steel. To date, there has been little research on this issue. It was found that the presence of Ni could increase the corrosion resistance of steel.
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Chau Ngoc Dang, Warit Wipulanusat, Peem Nuaklong and Boonsap Witchayangkoon
This study aims to explore the relationships between knowledge management (KM) enablers, employee innovativeness (EI) and market development performance (MDP) in architecture…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the relationships between knowledge management (KM) enablers, employee innovativeness (EI) and market development performance (MDP) in architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) firms.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey is conducted to collect empirical data from A/E/C practitioners in Vietnam. First, factor analysis is used to identify KM enablers in A/E/C firms. Then, a framework which shows the links between KM enablers, EI and MDP is proposed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to examine the proposed relationships.
Findings
This study identifies five constructs which can enable A/E/C firms to achieve effective KM implementation, including mutual trust and collaboration, organizational values and norms, information and communication systems, organizational policies and empowerment. Furthermore, the SEM results show that except for organizational policies, four remaining KM enablers significantly affect EI. It is also found that EI has a significant impact on MDP.
Practical implications
The findings could help A/E/C firms to know which KM enablers are critical to EI and provide a better understanding of the link between EI and MDP. Hence, they could make appropriate investments in KM practices to improve both EI and MDP.
Originality/value
The results of this study fill the gap in knowledge by empirically structuring the relationships between KM enablers, EI and MDP. Such results may provide A/E/C firms with useful information to enhance EI and MDP in today’s intensively competitive construction environments.
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The aim of this research is to determine the impact of a learning organisation (LO) on developing quality improvement practices (QIPs) and to propose knowledge-sharing (KS) as a…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this research is to determine the impact of a learning organisation (LO) on developing quality improvement practices (QIPs) and to propose knowledge-sharing (KS) as a moderator which is anticipated to support the beneficial effect of a LO on QIP. A further objective is to establish whether training provision raises the abilities of healthcare organisations (HCOs) to attain greater standards of QIP via a LO and KS.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 240 responses, obtained from employees working at private HCOs in Jordan, comprised the valid dataset. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilised for data analysis. Multigroup analysis (MGA) was performed to compare the impact of workers who had or had not undergone training.
Findings
The findings indicated that QIP was significantly enhanced by LO. HCOs with the objective of converting a KS-moderated LO could attain improved QIP standards, but within the surveyed establishments, this effect was only appreciated at modest degrees. By performing MGA, no variations were identified in the impact of workers.
Practical implications
Managers should place more emphasis on training and learning within HCOs. However, respondents did indicate that their establishments had notable degrees of KS, suggesting a potential strength that could be used positively by the managerial hierarchy.
Originality/value
This study encompasses an original contribution to contemporary scholarship in the field of knowledge management and quality through its examination of the moderating effect of KS on LO and QIP.
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Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman and Rodayna Ehab Hegazy
This research aims to develop and validate a framework for eradicating women’s discrimination in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt and propose strategies for prospective…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to develop and validate a framework for eradicating women’s discrimination in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt and propose strategies for prospective adoption in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to increase the transformational impact of women on the architectural and urban developments of the Gulf region.
Design/methodology/approach
A combined qualitative and quantitative research approach was designed to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, to investigate the nature of business in ADFs, women’s discrimination and policies for gender equity (PGE) in architecture. Secondly, to analyse three case studies to validate the identified causes and impacts of women’s discrimination and examine the role of PGE towards eradicating women’s discrimination in ADFs. Thirdly, to conduct a survey questionnaire with a representative sample of ADFs to investigate their perception of women’s discrimination and the correlation between PGE towards eradicating women’s discrimination in ADFs. Based on the above, the research developed and validated a framework to eradicate women’s discrimination in ADFs in Egypt and suggested strategies for potential application in the GCC countries to increase the transformational role of women in the architectural and urban developments of the Gulf region.
Findings
Through literature review and case studies, the research identified and validated the causes and impacts of women’s discrimination as well as PGE in Architecture. The findings of data analysis showed that the highest-ranked causes of women discrimination in ADFs were “customs and beliefs” followed by “Underestimating women’s work” and “Recruiting males more than females”. Moreover, the highest-ranked impacts of women’s discrimination were “career shift and leaving the profession” followed by “decrease in creativity and innovation” and “decrease in economic growth”. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation test showed that while some PGE were correlated, others were not. These findings helped in the development of the proposed framework and proposed strategies.
Practical implications
This research presents a practical framework to eliminate women’s discrimination in ADFs in Egypt based on the findings of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire. The framework explained in a workable way the objectives of the framework functions; activities; tools and techniques; involved personnel and needed resources as well as enforcing mechanisms. It was validated by a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to ensure its practicability and viability and suggested strategies for implementation in the GCC countries to increase women’s role in architectural and urban development.
Originality/value
The research identified and validated the causes and impacts of women’s discrimination as well as PGE in Architecture. Moreover, the research investigated the perception of women’s discrimination and the correlation between PGE through conducting a survey questionnaire with a representative of ADFs in Egypt. The research tackled a topic that received scant attention in construction literature, especially in Egypt and the GCC countries. The research developed and validated a framework to eradicate women’s discrimination in ADFs in Egypt. It represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred. The research suggested several strategies for the prospective implementation of the framework in the GCC countries as an approach to enhancing the transformational role of women in the architectural and urban developments of the Gulf region.
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This study aims to (1) develop a structural equation model in understanding the relationships between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and contractor…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to (1) develop a structural equation model in understanding the relationships between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and contractor competitiveness and (2) test the moderating effect of firm sizes on this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review showed an urgent need to investigate the relationship between CSR implementation and contractor competitiveness holistically. CSR and contractor competitiveness variables were identified through the literature review and discussions with experienced professionals. Using a survey questionnaire, a total of 252 completed questionnaires were received. A structural equation modeling technique was then applied to analyze the data collected. Multigroup analysis was employed to test the moderating effect of firm sizes on the relationship between CSR implementation and contractor competitiveness.
Findings
The results indicated a strong relationship between CSR implementation and contractor competitiveness. This relationship is not moderated by firm size.
Originality/value
This research is one of the first studies to holistically explore the linkages between CSR implementation and contractor competitiveness. The findings can be served as a solid foundation to promote CSR performance in construction firms. Contractors of different sizes are suggested to implement CSR activities to foster competitiveness.
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Sarah Alves and Edouard Thiebaut
If building and nurturing a learning organization is not a random chance, the question of where organizations should start is patent. Because learning culture is one of the core…
Abstract
Purpose
If building and nurturing a learning organization is not a random chance, the question of where organizations should start is patent. Because learning culture is one of the core components of learning organizations, it is wondered how individuals and organizations contribute to this phenomenon. Under an interactional perspective, the authors explore the cross-dynamics between learning resources, structure and support (organizational level), and self-directed learning (individual level).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted qualitative and exploratory research in Spring 2021 in France. They used semi-structured interviews with HRMs and a Delphi panel as the main instruments. This dual approach brings a reflexive and complementary dialogue to the research question.
Findings
The results show that non-learning organizations took advantage of the Covid-19 period. They created a learning biotope and fostered learning dynamics. Although this biotope acted as a learning marketplace and lacked guidance, individuals interacted with this learning biotope. They took learning initiatives and developed their self-directed learning. This understanding argues for constant interaction and co-influence between organizations and individuals to build and nurture a learning culture.
Originality/value
There is little discussion on how individuals and organizations contribute to building and nurturing a learning culture from an interactional perspective. Furthermore, literature on learning organizations considers self-directedness as a whole, considering self-directed learning as a characteristic and a process sharpens thinking. On methodological concerns, the authors used a dual qualitative approach with interviews and Delphi for the first time in research on learning organizations.
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Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman and Yara Ahmed Maarek
The global economic downturn has greatly impacted the construction industry and architectural design firms (ADFs). Social media, however, provides a strategic avenue to enhance…
Abstract
Purpose
The global economic downturn has greatly impacted the construction industry and architectural design firms (ADFs). Social media, however, provides a strategic avenue to enhance the visibility and resilience of ADFs. This paper aims to develop a framework integrating social media as an innovative marketing approach for mitigating the impacts of the global economic downturn on ADFs in Egypt.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative and quantitative research approach was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review examined the global economic downturn and marketing ADFs. Three case studies investigated the role of social media in marketing ADFs during economic uncertainties. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs to assess their perception and application of social media as a marketing approach. Based on the above, the research developed a framework integrating social media as a novel approach for marketing ADFs in Egypt to alleviate the impacts of the global economic downturn.
Findings
The research explored the causes and impacts of the global economic downturn, focusing on marketing strategies and the use of social media in promoting ADFs. Case studies demonstrated that ADFs that utilized social media effectively succeeded in navigating the economic downturn and enhancing market performance, reputation and profitability. Data analysis highlighted “generating leads” as the top marketing strategy, followed by “attracting potential clients.” “Instagram” emerged as the most widely used platform, with “analytics and reporting” identified as the most impactful tool. However, “limited resources” was recognized as the primary challenge in implementing successful social media marketing for ADFs in Egypt.
Practical implications
This research developed a practical framework to navigate the impacts of the global economic downturn on ADFs in Egypt based on the findings of a literature review, case studies and a survey questionnaire. The framework practically detailed the objectives of the framework’s functions, activities, tools and techniques, involved personnel, needed resources and implementation mechanisms.
Originality/value
The research examined the causes and impacts of the global economic downturn, with a focus on how ADFs in Egypt use social media as a marketing tool and identified the implementation challenges. The study, which fills a gap in construction literature, developed a framework to help ADFs mitigate the global economic downturn effects. The framework offers a practical solution to improve the resilience and marketing of ADFs in Egypt by providing new insights into the architecture and construction sectors and adding significant value to existing knowledge.
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Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Mariz Nasser Walis Aziz and Fatma O. Alamoudy
This research aims to develop and validate a framework to support the development of sustainable architectural entrepreneurship start-ups (AES) in Egypt by overcoming the…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to develop and validate a framework to support the development of sustainable architectural entrepreneurship start-ups (AES) in Egypt by overcoming the challenges that obstruct their development.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated the concept of entrepreneurship, the challenges of AES in Egypt and Egypt’s Vision 2030. Four case studies were analysed to validate the identified challenges and strategies adopted to overcome these obstacles. A survey questionnaire was conducted with AES founders in Egypt to assess their perception of entrepreneurship, challenges and strategies adopted to overcome these barriers. Finally, a framework was developed and validated to facilitate the development of sustainable AES in Egypt.
Findings
Through a literature review, the research identified the highest 17 challenges that obstruct the development of sustainable AES in Egypt and classified them into six categories. Analysis of case studies confirmed various challenges and strategies adopted to overcome these obstacles. Data analysis showed that “financial”, “awareness, educational and training” represent the most influential challenges to AES in Egypt. Moreover, “self-funding through savings” was ranked the highest strategy employed to overcome the financial challenges, while the “continuous learning and skill development” strategy was adopted to address the challenge of awareness, education and training.
Practical implications
This research presents a practical solution to facilitate the development of sustainable AES in Egypt by overcoming the challenges that obstruct their growth. The framework was explained in a workable way to include the required activities, tools and techniques, involved personnel needed resources and implementation strategies.
Originality/value
This research identified and analysed the challenges of developing sustainable AES and the strategies adopted to overcome these obstacles. It studied a topic that received scant attention in construction literature related to start-ups in architecture, especially in Egypt. Moreover, this research developed and validated a framework consisting of six domains based on the findings of a literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire to facilitate the development of sustainable AES in Egypt, which represents a novel and creative synthesis that adds value to knowledge in a way that has not previously occurred.
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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance is critical to address construction activities’ environmental and social impacts. This study aims to evaluate the level of CSR…
Abstract
Purpose
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance is critical to address construction activities’ environmental and social impacts. This study aims to evaluate the level of CSR implementation across various categories within the context of the Vietnamese construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature review and semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine Vietnamese construction organizations’ most commonly implemented CSR activities. A total of 252 valid responses were then obtained through a questionnaire survey. In addition, the fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) method was used to evaluate the extent to which CSR categories have been implemented in construction companies.
Findings
The findings revealed 31 commonly implemented CSR activities of the Vietnamese construction firms, which were grouped into four categories. Of the four categories, the FSE analysis showed that stakeholder CSR was the most critical category, followed by ethical CSR, philanthropic CSR and environmental CSR.
Originality/value
This research provides valuable CSR activities to construction companies that intend to develop sustainably. Moreover, the proposed prioritization methodology offers practitioners a reliable and easy-to-use evaluation tool that clearly understands CSR performance within their organizations.
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Government information and services are increasingly delivered online through the Internet or other digital means. To benefit citizens, such electronic government (e-government…
Abstract
Purpose
Government information and services are increasingly delivered online through the Internet or other digital means. To benefit citizens, such electronic government (e-government) must be incorporated in their government-related information behavior. This study reviews citizens' information behavior in relation to e-government.
Design/methodology/approach
Following procedures for systematic reviews, this study reviews 53 papers about citizens' e-government information behavior.
Findings
The review finds that citizens (1) employ a rich set of quality, accessibility and non-utilitarian criteria in their perception of e-government; (2) use e-government in combination with offline channels; (3) choose channels on the basis of demographic and situational factors; (4) make frequent use of interpersonal sources and (5) may or may not achieve the intended outcome of their e-government information behavior. E-government information behavior has a lot in common with information behaviors in other domains, but it also accentuates certain facets of information behavior, such as the simultaneous use of multiple channels. In addition, mixed findings are common.
Research limitations/implications
Interpersonal sources, both lay and professional, are integral to citizens' e-government information behavior. Yet, theoretical frameworks for understanding information behavior tend to focus on the individual citizen.
Practical implications
On its own, e-government is most suited for simpler problems. More complex problems require an information behavior that combines e-government with interpersonal sources.
Originality/value
E-government shapes how citizens satisfy their government-related information needs. This study provides an overview of the otherwise scattered research on this information behavior.