Kicki Björklund, John Alex Dadzie and Mats Wilhelmsson
The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not the offer price affects the transaction price and the number of days the property is on the market. Specifically, is it…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not the offer price affects the transaction price and the number of days the property is on the market. Specifically, is it possible for the broker to use the offer price as an instrument for obtaining a higher transaction price?
Design/methodology/approach
To test the hypothesis the general hedonic model is used, where the deviation of the transaction price and expected price from the offer price is a function of time on the market.
Findings
The results indicate that a high offer price is more likely to result in a high ratio of transaction price to expected price compared to a low offer price.
Research limitations/implications
However, the overall conclusion is affected by the state of the market, that is, whether the market is static, rising or falling.
Practical implications
The best selling strategy in a rising market seems to be set a high offer price compared to the expected sale price.
Originality/value
The main contribution is that the paper not only analyzes the relationship between offer and transaction price, but also its relationship to expected price. It also tests for the existence of spatial autocorrelation, which is unique in this type of study.
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Purpose – The chapter explores the use of freedom of information (ATI/FOI) requests in social science research, with specific focus on using ATI/FOI requests in socio-legal…
Abstract
Purpose – The chapter explores the use of freedom of information (ATI/FOI) requests in social science research, with specific focus on using ATI/FOI requests in socio-legal studies, criminal justice studies, and criminology.
Methodology/approach – ATI/FOI requests constitute a novel method of data collection that has methodological and also epistemological implications for researchers.
Findings – The chapter explains how to use ATI/FOI requests in social science as well as how to navigate challenges and barriers ATI/FOI users regularly face.
Originality/value – There is a paucity of writings on use of ATI/FOI requests in socio-legal studies, criminal justice studies, and criminology. The chapter reveals the value of using ATI/FOI in social science and the originality of the data that ATI/FOI requests can result in.
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Ewald Kuoribo, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Roland Yomoah, Caleb Debrah, Alex Acheampong and David John Edwards
The construction industry is an enabler of economic growth in developing countries, but its performance is governed by the professional behaviour of construction professionals…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry is an enabler of economic growth in developing countries, but its performance is governed by the professional behaviour of construction professionals. Unethical behaviour (UB) breaches codes of practice and undermines economic performance hence, ubiquitous academic attention has been given to understanding this phenomenon. This paper aims to contribute to the ensuing discourse by reporting upon the most critical ethical behaviours (EBs and UBs) of professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI).
Design/methodology/approach
The study compounded identified factors into a closed-ended questionnaire in a quantitative research strategy. Data analysis was conducted using the relative importance index and one sample t-test. To measure the reliability of the scale, Cronbach’s alpha was used, which indicated that all measured items were reliable for further analysis.
Findings
The study confirmed that professionals within the GCI are aware of the existence of UBs and revealed that the most prevalent ethical conducts exhibited, namely, level of accuracy, accountability, honesty, reliability, fairness and respect for colleagues. Common unethical conducts exhibited included: favouritism, bribery and corruption, professional negligence, falsification, fraud and overbilling.
Research limitations/implications
The study reported on the dominant ethical conduct among built environment professionals. The claims put forward in the analysis are, thus, affected by Ghana’s social, economic and political environments, which could restrict the generalization of the findings.
Practical implications
Incipient findings presented from this research will guide stakeholders to develop and device strategies that will aid alleviate persistent ethical issues within the built environment.
Social implications
The study highlights individuals’ perspectives on ethical issues persistent in the built environment. The findings suggest individuals adhere to ethical practices in a project environment by the evidence presented.
Originality/value
This pioneering study is a novel assessment on EBs and UBs of built environment professionals in the GCI. The study supplementary adds value to the literature on ethical and unethical practices. By identifying these practices, construction firms have a competitive edge in combating UB and promoting EB among built environment professionals in the GCI.
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This review paper examines the germaneness of libraries in sustaining information technology services, rethinking towards implementing futuristic strategies and the significant…
Abstract
Purpose
This review paper examines the germaneness of libraries in sustaining information technology services, rethinking towards implementing futuristic strategies and the significant sustainability factors related to information technology (IT) services, identifying gaps in the existing studies and suggesting future areas of research work.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a systematic literature review (SLR), in which 81 articles were identified and utilised for the paper. The inclusion and exclusion research design was used for the study.
Findings
The role of libraries in sustaining information technology services is increasingly crucial as they evolve into dynamic IT hubs, addressing the growing digital needs of users. This transformation involves integrating advanced technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning to enhance access and usability of information. Libraries support academic research and education by offering extensive digital archives and research databases, thereby fostering innovation and learning. They also play a vital role in community engagement by providing digital literacy programs and IT training, thus bridging the digital divide. Embracing sustainable IT practices and adapting to technological advancements ensure that libraries remain relevant and effective. However, these initiatives require significant investment in infrastructure and continuous staff training. The results highlight the complexity of maintaining sustainable library IT services and support an active, cooperative, and user-centred strategy.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the importance of libraries in providing IT services, there is a lack of research on the germaneness of libraries in sustaining IT services (DSpace, 2022). The number of research publications on these topics has grown since the late 1990s and is increasing. However, contrary to the vast number of research publications, there are few literature reviews on libraries’ sustainability and information technology. Moreover, little is known about the germaneness of libraries in sustaining IT services.
Originality/value
Libraries’ roles in sustaining IT services and implementing futuristic strategies underscore their evolving importance in contemporary society. Libraries are not just centres of learning but are integral to community development, technological advancement and social inclusion. Rethinking and innovating their approach to IT services, libraries continue to serve as vital hubs of development and engagement, significantly benefiting communities worldwide. Furthermore, by addressing a significant research issue, creating creative solutions, stressing teamwork and supporting an all-encompassing strategy for maintaining library IT services. It is a stimulant for more study and cooperative initiatives to achieve sustainable library and information science development.
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Jane Emma Machin, Emily Moscato and Charlene Dadzie
This paper examines the potential of photography as a design thinking method to develop innovative food experiences that improve food well-being.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the potential of photography as a design thinking method to develop innovative food experiences that improve food well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a critical review of research using photography to examine the complex physical, emotional, psychological and social relationships individuals have with food at personal and societal levels.
Findings
The conceptual legitimacy of photography is well-established in the social sciences but has been missing from design thinking practices. Photography is particularly well suited to understand the highly visual practice of food and to design innovative food experiences.
Research limitations/implications
Practical and ethical issues in the use of photography are considered as a research tool. Future research should examine photography as an integrated tool in the entire design thinking process.
Practical implications
A table of photographic research methods for all stages of design thinking, from empathy to prototyping, is presented. Best practices for the successful implementation and interpretation of photography in food design thinking are discussed.
Social implications
Photography is a uniquely inclusive and accessible research method for understanding the social problem of food well-being and designing innovative food experiences.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors knowledge, this paper provides the first conceptual foundation for the use of photography in design thinking. The paper identifies novel photographic methods that can be used to understand problems and generate solutions. It provides guidelines to successfully integrate photography in the design of innovative food experiences that improve food well-being.
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Kofi Agyekum, Seth Yeboah Botchway, Emmanuel Adinyira and Alex Opoku
Recent reports based on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) have revealed that no country is in line with achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent reports based on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) have revealed that no country is in line with achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, with the slowest progress being witnessed mainly on goals that are focused on the environment. This study examines environmental performance indicators for assessing the sustainability of building projects.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses an explanatory sequential design with an initial quantitative instrument phase, followed by a qualitative data collection phase. An extensive critical comparative review of the literature resulted in the identification of ten environmental sustainability indicators. One hundred and sixty-seven questionnaire responses based upon these indicators from the Ghanaian construction industry were received. Data were coded with SPSS v22, analysed descriptively, and via inferential analysis. These data were then validated through semi-structured interviews with six interviewees who are fellows of their respective professional bodies, a senior academic (professor in construction project delivery) and a government official. Data obtained from the semi-structured validation interviews were analysed through the side-by-side comparison of the qualitative data with the quantitative data.
Findings
The findings from the study suggest that all the indicators were important in assessing building projects' environmental sustainability across the entire life cycle. Key among the identified indicators is the effects of the project on “water quality, air quality, energy use and conservation, and environmental compliance and management”. The interviewees further agreed to and confirmed the importance of these identified indicators for assessing the environmental sustainability of building projects in Ghana.
Originality/value
Compared to existing studies, this study adopts the exploratory sequential design to identify and examine the critical indicators in assessing the environmental sustainability across the entire lifecycle of building projects in a typical developing country setting, i.e. Ghana. It reveals areas of prime concern in the drive to place the local construction industry on a trajectory towards achieving environmental sustainability.
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Theophilus Lamptey, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Alex Acheampong, Michael Adesi and Frank Ato Ghansah
Despite the amount of considerable investigations on business models, much studies have not been undertaken in the construction industry emphasising the adoption of green business…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the amount of considerable investigations on business models, much studies have not been undertaken in the construction industry emphasising the adoption of green business models to drive sustainable construction. Construction activities continue to increase the carbon footprint and eject contaminated materials into the ecological environment with dire consequences for economic and social sustainability. As a result of the adverse impacts of construction activities, it is necessary for construction firms to rethink their approach to the use of conventional business models. The purpose of this study is to explore a framework for the adoption of green business models to drive sustainability in the construction industry of Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is exploratory due to its focus on emerging economies in which there is a perceptible gap in the adoption of green business models. As a result of this, this paper is entrenched in the interpretivist philosophical stance, which led to the adoption of the qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken involving 13 senior managers of construction firms. A thematic analysis was used with the aid of qualitative data analysis computer software package to code the interview transcripts.
Findings
The results demonstrate the six definitions of green business models among the managers of construction firms. The study also shows the need for developing green business models to address the issues of circularity and sustainability goals to reduce carbon footprints in the construction industry. Similarly, the paper found various sources of information to drive the awareness, understanding and adoption of the components for green business models. These sources include international conferences and training workshops on green business models. Finally, the study presents a framework that integrates the building information modelling (BIM) and the Internet of things (IoT) into the components for green business models adoption in construction firms.
Research limitations/implications
There is a need to use the quantitative approach to undertake further empirical studies, as this paper focuses mostly on the qualitative approach to ascertain the nature of the relationship between green business model and the various components of the circular economy in the construction industry.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the existing knowledge on green business models by demonstrating six key pillars of green business models by the inclusion of digital technologies such as BIM and IoT, which hitherto this investigation have not been considered in the adoption of green business models in the construction industry. This study extends the existing knowledge on green business models, which has the potential to increase the awareness and understanding of practitioners and managers of construction firms.
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Babatunde Akanji, Chima Mordi, Afam Ituma, Toyin Ajibade Adisa and Hakeem Ajonbadi
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of organisational culture (OC) on leadership styles in Nigerian universities. The study utilises the cultural dimensions theory…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of organisational culture (OC) on leadership styles in Nigerian universities. The study utilises the cultural dimensions theory (Hofstede’s insights) and the social exchange concept as theoretical lenses to examine the phenomena.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an exploratory qualitative approach, 40 interviews were conducted with senior academics and non-teaching staff working in Nigerian universities.
Findings
The findings reveal hierarchical, patriarchal, servile, and interdependent values as the underlying characteristics of organisation culture, shaping the choice of leadership styles in the management of Nigerian universities. As a result, it emerged from the study that positional, formalised exchanges, paternalism, relational approach and gendered reactions to leadership were typically adopted in university administration in this context.
Research limitations/implications
The study relies on a small qualitative sample size, which makes the generalisation of findings difficult. However, the study provides a good understanding of cultural hegemony, framing leadership styles different from those of western cultures.
Originality/value
The findings of this study help to bridge the research gap concerning the implications of OC, and its influence on leadership behaviours in the Sub-Saharan African context. Research within this subfield in Africa is rare. Specifically, the study also enriches our understanding of cultural dimensions, informing the leadership methods adopted in higher education institutions.
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Sanjay Sharma and Sachin Modgil
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of total quality management (TQM) and supply chain management (SCM) practices on operational performance, and their…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of total quality management (TQM) and supply chain management (SCM) practices on operational performance, and their interlinkage between each other.
Design/methodology/approach
Constructs those are critical to pharmaceutical quality and supply chain have been identified with the help of literature and experts from industry. The impact of TQM practices on supply chain practices and on operational performance has been evaluated. Similarly, the impact of supply chain practices on operational performance has been evaluated. Further, alternate models are tested and evaluated through structural equation modeling.
Findings
It was observed during testing of alternate models that TQM practices have a direct impact on operational performance. However, TQM practices also directly impact supply chain components, which, in turn, influence overall operational performance. In comparison of alternate models, the model in which TQM practices affect supply chain practices and supply chain practices further affect the operational performance is found most appropriate.
Practical implications
This study provides some useful implications from industry point of view. TQM practices are critical to pharmaceutical industry. TQM practices are the core of attaining a smooth supply chain, which will have greater impact to achieve operational performance. Strategic supplier partnership, procurement management, information sharing, and quality and inventory management practices are driven by TQM practices. This tri-linkage helps to achieve the desired operational performance.
Originality/value
There are very limited studies that have considered both the areas together to achieve better operational performance. In pharmaceutical industry, both TQM and SCM are the critical areas for any organization to drive its growth.