Examines two aspects of facilities management work: the degree ofcustomization involved in professional services; and the skills neededin face‐to‐face interaction with a client…
Abstract
Examines two aspects of facilities management work: the degree of customization involved in professional services; and the skills needed in face‐to‐face interaction with a client. Suggests that these require highly‐skilled individuals to provide an effective service. Concludes that developing a partnership relation should be based on trust.
Details
Keywords
Danny Shiem-shin Then, Teng-hee Tan, Rogerio Fonseca Santovito and Per Anker Jensen
The purpose of this paper is to present a model for consideration of real estate and facilities management (RE/FM) alignment to business needs and to validate the model based on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a model for consideration of real estate and facilities management (RE/FM) alignment to business needs and to validate the model based on questionnaire surveys carried out in a number of countries around the world.
Design/methodology/approach
The model for RE/FM alignment is inspired by the work of the fathers of the Balanced Scorecard in their book called Alignment. The model includes a number of criteria for alignment between business needs, facility solutions, FM services and FM resources. Three multi-year questionnaire surveys were conducted using the same methodology: the surveys have been carried out in three rounds in different languages: English, Portuguese and Danish. The respondents were senior professionals in the area of FM and real estate/property, mostly working at strategic levels, and representing countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. The results of the different surveys were combined and then analyzed, using both statistical analysis and tests to validate the results. Differences in the priorities of the alignment criteria in the different regions are described and analyzed.
Findings
A main result of the surveys is that all of the alignment criteria were seen as relevant and useful in nearly all countries, but the accorded priorities to the different criteria varied significantly for some of the alignment variables in the different regions. The highest degree of agreement was on “capacity”, being the most important criteria for the alignment between supply and demand of facility solutions in relation to business needs. One of the main differences in agreement was between the importance of strategy versus cost in the alignment between “facility solutions” and “FM services”.
Originality/value
Alignment of RE/FM to business needs is an essential management task and an important tool for RE/FM executives to create added value to their core business. However, there has so far only been limited research into such an alignment concept applicable to FM and an implementation model.
Details
Keywords
Inna Levy and Pamela Kerschke-Risch
The current research focused on attitudes toward food fraud (AFF) and examined the impact of types of food fraud, gender differences, and country of residence.
Abstract
Purpose
The current research focused on attitudes toward food fraud (AFF) and examined the impact of types of food fraud, gender differences, and country of residence.
Design/methodology/approach
A convenience sample of German (n = 151) and Israeli (n = 496) participants was recruited through an online survey. They filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire and AFF scale, which includes three subscales: organic fraud, kosher fraud, and spraying fraud.
Findings
The results indicate that there is a significant effect of type of fraud, country of residence, and gender. German participants expressed more negative attitudes toward organic food fraud and less negative attitudes toward kosher fraud than Israeli participants. Women expressed more negative attitudes toward organic and kosher food frauds than men.
Originality/value
This study offers insight into cross-cultural and gender differences in attitudes toward food fraud. The findings suggest that public attitudes toward food fraud represent not just severity of possible consequences, but also environmental and religious aspects of consumption, norms and culture.
Details
Keywords
Irene Santoso, Malcolm J. Wright, Giang Trinh and Mark Avis
This study aims to investigate whether digital advertising can be effective despite consumer inattention and how certain common combinations of ad characteristics increase or…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether digital advertising can be effective despite consumer inattention and how certain common combinations of ad characteristics increase or decrease ad effectiveness under conditions of low attention.
Design/methodology/approach
Using two online experiments in naturalistic environment, the authors compare ad effects under focussed, divided and incidental attention, for certain ad characteristics, namely, appeal type and (mis)matching between appeal and brand type. The results are analysed using logistic regression.
Findings
Ad exposure under low attention does increase brand consideration and choice. The greatest uplift in impact occurs when moving from non-exposure to incidental attention. Under incidental attention, emotive advertising was more effective than rational advertising, as was matching rather than mismatching an emotional appeal to a hedonic brand. Conversely, under divided attention, rational advertising and mismatching a rational appeal to a hedonic brand were more effective.
Research limitations/implications
This research explores the effectiveness of Twitter ads with an emotional or a rational appeal and the (mis)matching between appeal and utilitarian or hedonic brand type. Future research can examine other formats and creative elements of digital advertising that can affect the low-attention processing and the effects that occur.
Practical implications
Intrusive, attention-getting advertising strategies may not be necessary. Certain common creative devices can increase advertising effectiveness despite low attention, so marketers can ensure consumer-centric marketing communication.
Originality/value
There has previously been limited understanding of low-attention mechanisms in advertising and little evidence of ad effectiveness under conditions of low attention. The research also demonstrates that certain ad characteristics, linked to common creative devices, enhance the impact of advertising despite low attention.
Details
Keywords
Tuberculosis is the cause of a large burden of disease in less developed countries. With the development of drug resistance and the co‐epidemic of HIV, tuberculosis has already…
Abstract
Tuberculosis is the cause of a large burden of disease in less developed countries. With the development of drug resistance and the co‐epidemic of HIV, tuberculosis has already started to make a comeback in wealthier countries. The WHO’s solution to this global tuberculosis epidemic is the DOTS strategy, the implementation of which presents many problems. The two issues most common to the majority of locations are delay in presentation for treatment and non‐completion of treatment. This review looks at the reasons for these problems in the less developed world, and addresses some solutions. The main reasons for delayed presentation are: a lack of understanding about TB; the stigma associated with the disease; the inaccessibility of treatment; and a preference for private practitioners. The main reasons for non‐completion of treatment are: the stigma of the disease; a lack of information; dissatisfaction with the treatment and its delivery; and inaccessibility of treatment. Successful implementations of the DOTS strategy need to address all these issues. There is little evidence that DOT enhances treatment completion unless combined with other strategies. Community‐based, patient‐orientated DOTS appears to be an appropriate way of addressing many of these issues. The involvement of volunteers in community‐based strategies is common, but needs more research in order for this strategy to realise its full potential.
Details
Keywords
Atheer Abdullah Mohammed, Abdul Hafeez Baig and Raj Gururajan
The key objective of the study is to understand the best processes that are currently used in managing talent in Australian higher education (AHE) and design a quantitative…
Abstract
Purpose
The key objective of the study is to understand the best processes that are currently used in managing talent in Australian higher education (AHE) and design a quantitative measurement of talent management processes (TMPs) for the higher education (HE) sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The three qualitative multi-method studies that are commonly used in empirical studies, namely, brainstorming, focus group discussions and semi-structured individual interviews were considered. Twenty-three individuals from six Australian universities participated in this study.
Findings
The qualitative study explored three key themes and ten subthemes of TMPs that are used in AHE. These were: (1) talent attraction, (2) talent development and (3) talent retention.
Research limitations/implications
This study only targeted one country (Australia) and one sector (HE).
Practical implications
This study offers three major contributions as follows: theoretical, practical and policy aspects. Theoretically, the study provides a value-add to Talent Management (TM) theory through designing a guide (conceptual model) of TMPs for the HE sector. Practically, it collects original qualitative data regarding TM in the HE domain. From a policy point of view, this study adds more debate around adding new ideas to Australian education strategic plans for HE.
Originality/value
This study has a unique methodology because of strengthening the effect of an in-depth case study. For instance, two different techniques were used for data analysis for the same research objective as follows: (1) both manual methods and content analysis software (NVivo 11) and (2) the three-stage approach. Using these techniques for the same purpose in one study can provide greater flexibility to examine the relationship between theory and data.
Details
Keywords
Amélia Brandão and Ana Gonçalves da Costa
Extending the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper aims to measure the relative importance of different barriers to sustainable fashion consumption (SFC).
Abstract
Purpose
Extending the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper aims to measure the relative importance of different barriers to sustainable fashion consumption (SFC).
Design/methodology/approach
Existing studies have mainly adopted a qualitative methodology for identifying barriers to uptake of SFC, this study uses six of the main identified barriers: environmental apparel knowledge, perceived value, price sensitivity, product attributes and variety, availability and scepticism into the TPB framework to test and reveal which barriers have the greater impact on the TPB cognitions and consequently on building intention towards SFC. To test this model a survey study among 669 consumers from Europe, Asian and North America was conducted, structural equation modelling is used to test the research hypotheses.
Findings
Findings confirm the role of TPB cognitions on predicting intention and show that the proposed barriers provide a satisfactory explanation of the TPB model. Furthermore, results show that product attributes and variety and environmental apparel knowledge have the greatest impact on the TPB cognitions and on building intention towards SFC. Differences were found between the impacts of the price for the three continents.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the emerging sustainable fashion literature by examining the impact of different barriers to SFC in an extended TPB framework. To the best of our knowledge price sensitivity, availability and scepticism have never been studied in the context of sustainable fashion. It also provides a multifactor group analysis which uncovers differences among consumers from different continents.
Details
Keywords
Professionalism indicates a devotion to and demonstration of exceptional performance and achievement in any activity. The built environment comprises the physical items required…
Abstract
Purpose
Professionalism indicates a devotion to and demonstration of exceptional performance and achievement in any activity. The built environment comprises the physical items required for economic activity, long-term national development and social well-being. Studies show a need to improve many aspects of the built environment and the sector which creates it. Researchers should contribute to this improvement effort. It is suggested that researchers should demonstrate professionalism, but there is no agreement on how professionalism in research is determined. It is necessary to consider what constitutes professionalism in built environment research and how it can be developed.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory study is presented. It considers major works on the nature of the built environment and its sector, and factors influencing research on them; and draws on works on research ethics, integrity and good practice to propose a framework for professionalism in built environment research.
Findings
More work is needed to improve the built environment and its sector. Professionalism in built environment research will make the contribution of such research to this effort effective. This professionalism should be conceptualised, developed and continuously enhanced.
Research limitations/implications
This first attempt to formulate a framework for professionalism in built environment research is based on a review of the major relevant literature. Subsequent works can test this framework empirically.
Social implications
The professional built environment researcher will be committed to contributing to society.
Originality/value
This is the first work on professionalism in research on the built environment. The framework provides the basis for further studies on the subject.
Details
Keywords
Janine Black, Kihwan Kim, Shanggeun Rhee, Kai Wang and Sut Sakchutchawan
This study aims to examine empirically the effect of emotional intelligence of the team, as calculated by the average of all team members’ individual emotional intelligence…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine empirically the effect of emotional intelligence of the team, as calculated by the average of all team members’ individual emotional intelligence measurements, on the cohesiveness of the team, and the effect of the perception of self-efficacy of the team members on the relationship between emotional intelligence and team cohesion. Finally, certain financial indicators were analyzed to evaluate team performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used quasi-experimental design. Participated in the experiment a total of 146 students (35 teams) who were senior business major students in the mid-sized university in the USA. In the experiment, the participants played a business simulation game over an eight-year simulated time frame. After the final round of the simulation game, the variables of emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and team cohesion were measured using the survey questionnaire and team performance and participation data were collected from the business simulation game. In the support of the quantitative data analysis, the current study also collected and analyzed qualitative data comments on other group members’ contribution to the group task.
Findings
Results indicated that team cohesion was highest when team members demonstrated greater emotional intelligence. Self-efficacy also had a positive influence on team cohesion. High self-efficacy was found to be an important mediator of the relationship between emotional intelligence and team cohesion. High emotional intelligence promoted the development of self-efficacy, resulting in increased team cohesion. Increased team cohesion resulted in improved team performance and participation.
Research limitations/implications
The current study has several limitations. First, the sample is mostly business major students in the mid-sized university in the USA. There is a limitation in generalizing the findings into other populations. Second, this study accessed information on 35 teams comprising a total of 146 students. While the number of students and teams is sufficient for a study, more data would improve the robustness of the results. Third, this study collected and analyzed cross-sectional data, so there is the possibility for the reversed causal relationship in the findings. Although the authors concluded that team cohesion had a positive impact on team performance and participation, they also found the reverse relationship from the additional analysis. Fourth, the validity of the construct for emotional intelligence has some detractors, mainly because of the subjective nature of the measurement that tends to overlap existing personality measures and the objective measurement which involves a consensual scoring method with poor reliability.
Practical implications
This paper implies practical strategies to manage teams and team members for enhanced team productivity. Teams are critical resources within companies. This study demonstrates that high team cohesion leads to better team performance. As team cohesion is important for team performance, the authors found that two antecedents for team cohesion are emotional intelligence and self-efficacy within team members. Therefore, it is important for managers to hire and select team members with high levels of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy. Managers can train employees to internalize increased levels of these traits.
Originality/value
The current study demonstrated that self-efficacy mediated emotional intelligence and team cohesion during a research project lasting one semester. There have been few studies examining the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between emotional intelligence and team cohesion. In particular, unlike many other studies that use short-term laboratory experiments, the duration of this study could provide enough time to more thoroughly develop cohesion among members. The current study collected both quantitative and qualitative data. In addition to the quantitative data analysis, the analysis of qualitative data reinforced the findings of the quantitative data analysis.
Details
Keywords
Ingrid Mur‐Veeman, Irmgard Eijkelberg and Cor Spreeuwenberg
The Dutch health care sector has become familiar with innovation of care delivery in order to meet the changing demand of the steadily ageing population, in need of complex care…
Abstract
The Dutch health care sector has become familiar with innovation of care delivery in order to meet the changing demand of the steadily ageing population, in need of complex care. Innovations often concern the implementation of shared care models, implying collaboration and substitution of care. Whereas ageing is a European‐wide phenomenon, the development of such new care arrangements can be observed not only in The Netherlands, but also in the UK, Scandinavia, Italy and other countries. In this article we discuss the implementation of shared care, with the help of three concepts: power, culture and structure. We discuss the role of these factors from the view that shared care can be considered as inter‐professional working within a network context. The central question is how structure, culture and power can offer change managers a starting‐point for improving their innovative capacity. To illuminate our discussion we make use of a number of event‐descriptions from five Dutch shared care projects. Also, we give some practical recommendations for change managers.