Tayebeh Nikraftar, Elahe Hosseini and Elham Mohammadi
Technological entrepreneurship has been a very significant topic in recent decades. It has a crucial role in economic modernization and growth. The need for technological…
Abstract
Purpose
Technological entrepreneurship has been a very significant topic in recent decades. It has a crucial role in economic modernization and growth. The need for technological entrepreneurship is because technology-based industries are expanding rapidly and are replacing traditional industries. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying the factors affecting the success of technological entrepreneurship in Iranian nanotechnology businesses.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted through mixed method. The participants in the qualitative section included 17 university experts and executive managers in the field of nanotechnology in Iran, and 75 nanotechnology business managers participated in the quantitative section. The interview and questionnaire were used to collect information. In order to measure and fit the models, the confirmatory factor analysis method and PLS3 software were used.
Findings
The results indicated that the key factors affecting the success of the technological entrepreneurship process in nanotechnology were classified into five general categories: organizational, environmental, institutional, individual and technology factors. Moreover, it was shown that all these dimensions had a positive and significant effect on technological entrepreneurship. In addition, the organizational dimension has an essential role.
Originality/value
Companies' ability to engage technological entrepreneurship is a vital factor in human resource management and strategic management. However, technological entrepreneurship in Iranian nanotechnology businesses has not been involved integrally in the context of companies.
Details
Keywords
Apeesada Sompolgrunk, Saeed Banihashemi, M. Reza Hosseini, Hamed Golzad and Aso Hajirasouli
The business benefits envisaged for BIM represent the main criteria for decision-making about BIM implementation – or shy away from BIM. Despite the significance, traditional…
Abstract
Purpose
The business benefits envisaged for BIM represent the main criteria for decision-making about BIM implementation – or shy away from BIM. Despite the significance, traditional evaluation techniques have difficulty to capture “the true value” of BIM from multiple levels and dimensions – as an effective evaluation method is supposed to. This study aims to identify the significant factors that affect BIM return on investment (ROI), develop an integrated model for companies and examine the influence of intangible returning factors of BIM on the rate of BIM implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
A cluster sampling technique was used; 92 questionnaires completed by Australian architecture, engineering and construction small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provided the basis to identify and analyse the key measurable returning factors, value drivers and strategic benefits associated with BIM ROI.
Findings
Applying the PLS-SEM technique, findings reveal that a lack of reliable quantification methods for the ROI factors associated with BIM significantly affects the organisation's commitments to implement BIM. In essence, the failure to adequately identify and assess these benefits could result in the system not being appropriately implemented and supported by executive sponsors, who give priority to hard and tangible ROI measurements.
Practical implications
The outcome of this study would be of direct appeal to policymakers, industry professionals and the academic community alike, in providing data-informed insight into the intersection between the implementation of BIM and the concept of ROI. Findings would provide a springboard for further research into using ROI factors to increase BIM implementation. Though the findings are directly applicable and contextualised for Australia, they provide lessons and offer a blueprint for similar studies in other countries and settings. That is, regardless of the context, findings raise awareness and provide a point of reference for the quantification of intangible returning factors rather than the tangible returning factors, as one of the first studies in its kind.
Originality/value
The study provides original insight in drawing attention to an untapped area for research in BIM implementation, namely BIM ROI. Apart from raising awareness around BIM ROI, the study is novel in providing a quantified model that establishes the links and level of impacts of various factors associated with BIM ROI. Findings of this study, particularly add value to the body of knowledge related to the business implications associated with BIM implementation in the context of Australian SMEs, while providing lessons for other countries and settings.
Details
Keywords
F. Soltanian, Mehdi Dehghan and S.M. Karbassi
The main purpose of this paper is to find convenient methods to solve the differential‐algebraic equations which have great importance in various fields of science and engineering.
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper is to find convenient methods to solve the differential‐algebraic equations which have great importance in various fields of science and engineering.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper applies a semi‐analytical approach, using both the homotopy analysis method (HAM) and the modified homotopy analysis method (MHAM) for finding the solution of linear and nonlinear DAEs.
Findings
The results show that the new modification can effectively reduce computational costs and accelerates the rapid convergence of the series solution.
Originality/value
Some high index DAEs are investigated to present a comparative study between the HAM and the MHAM.
Details
Keywords
M. Reza Hosseini, Nicholas Chileshe, Bassam Baroudi, Jian Zuo and Anthony Mills
Deploying hybrid construction project teams (HCPTs) in which the common pattern of interactions is a blend of face-to-face and virtual communications has been increasingly gaining…
Abstract
Purpose
Deploying hybrid construction project teams (HCPTs) in which the common pattern of interactions is a blend of face-to-face and virtual communications has been increasingly gaining momentum in the construction context. Evidence has demonstrated that effectiveness of HCPTs is affected by a perceived level of virtuality, i.e. the perception of distance and boundaries between members where teams shift towards working virtually as opposed to purely collocated teams. This study aims to provide an integrated model of the factors affecting perceived virtuality in HCPTs, to address the conspicuous absence of studies on virtuality in the construction context.
Design/methodology/approach
An a priori list of factors extracted from existing literature on virtuality was subjected to the scrutiny of 17 experts with experiences of working in HCPTs through semi-structured interviews. Nvivo 10 was deployed for analysing the interview transcripts.
Findings
The findings outline the factors affecting virtuality in HCPTs and map the patterns of their associations as an integrated model. This leads to discovering a number of novel factors, which exert moderating impacts upon perceived virtuality in HCPTs.
Practical implications
The findings assist managers and practitioners dealing with any form of HCPTs (including building information modelling-based networks and distributed design teams) in identifying the variables manipulating the effectiveness of their teams. This enables them of designing more effective team arrangements.
Originality/value
As the first empirical study on virtuality in the construction context, this paper contributes to the sphere by conceptualising and contextualising the concept of virtuality in the construction industry. The study presents a new typology for the factors affecting perceived virtuality by categorising them into predictors and moderators.
Details
Keywords
Parviz Ghoddousi, Omid Poorafshar, Nicholas Chileshe and M. Reza Hosseini
The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to highlight the main factors and items affecting the productivity of construction projects, based on the perceptions of CEOs…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to highlight the main factors and items affecting the productivity of construction projects, based on the perceptions of CEOs in construction companies in Iran. Second, the study compares the elicited CEOs’ perceptions against the findings of studies based on the views of such as project managers, middle managers and employees in other levels.
Design/methodology/approach
The study drew upon literature on construction work to develop a conceptual model. Further, a total of 60 CEOs from road construction companies were surveyed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire to generate the data. The collated data were categorised and ranked according to the CEOs perceived level of importance using the relative importance index.
Findings
The findings highlight the main factors and items affecting labour productivity in construction projects in Iran as perceived by CEOs, which are mainly of human resources management nature and could be attributed to motivation and managerial policy aspects. The study also recognises that factors associated with the working environment particularly safety and health are perceived as insignificant by Iranian CEOs which could be a concern for the Iranian construction industry. The discussions shed some light on the discrepancies between the perceptions of CEOs and previous studies in regards to major determinants of productivity in the construction context.
Originality/value
This study is the first study aiming at discussing the perceptions of CEOs of construction companies active in construction projects in Iran. As such, the study highlights the standpoint of the main decision makers in construction companies in regards to labour productivity in the construction sector. Thus, the key contribution of the present study is providing insight into the perceptions of CEOs, who play the most vital role in strategic development of construction companies whereas previous studies have mostly focused on project or middle managers having a lower influence in determining the strategic plans of companies.
Details
Keywords
Mitra Valizadeh, Mojtaba Azizi, M. Reza Hosseini and Pegah Mahoor
This paper presents a pioneering investigation into the barriers impeding the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) in the Iranian construction industry, addressing a significant gap…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents a pioneering investigation into the barriers impeding the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) in the Iranian construction industry, addressing a significant gap in the current literature within the country.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a meticulous examination of the literature, complemented by 19 in-depth interviews, a battery of barriers to RL implementation was initially identified, distilled into a final set of 30 barriers, which served as the basis for the design of a structured survey questionnaire. Employing Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), an analysis was conducted on a dataset that comprised of 80 responses. Subsequently, the barriers approved through the PLS- SEM were subjected to prioritization through the application of Fuzzy TOPSIS.
Findings
Findings reveal the critical inadequacy of contemporary technology and infrastructure, a foundation essential for the efficacious enactment of RL. This shortfall manifests in procurement and logistics processes plagued by inefficiency and ineffectiveness, as consequences of an immature information and technology ecosystem. Furthermore, the study underscores the dominance of traditional markets where the adoption of secondary materials/products remains sporadic, signaling a crucial area for further research and intervention.
Originality/value
This study offers original insights into the significant hurdles that hinder the adoption and integration of RL practices within the Iranian construction industry, an under-explored area within the RL research domain. For industry practitioners, findings point to recommendations for overcoming these barriers in the specific Iranian context while also offering broader insights and lessons that may be relevant to other countries and similar contexts.
Details
Keywords
Arka Ghosh, David John Edwards and M. Reza Hosseini
The Internet of Things (IoT) provides exciting opportunities for the construction industry to solve its time and resource constraints and frequent defaults. This study seeks to…
Abstract
Purpose
The Internet of Things (IoT) provides exciting opportunities for the construction industry to solve its time and resource constraints and frequent defaults. This study seeks to identify and rank the perceived importance level of principal research areas associated with the IoT and the construction industry by utilising a scientific mapping tool (i.e. VOSviewer). Such knowledge would enable key drivers for successful adoption of the IoT and digitisation technologies to be outlined. An analysis of key drivers and research trends that facilitates the development of a roadmap for applying the IoT and digital technologies in the construction sector is therefore much needed.
Design/methodology/approach
An interpretivist philosophical lens was adopted to analyse published work as secondary data, where each publication represented a unit of analysis. A total of 417 peer-reviewed journal review articles covering the IoT within the construction domain were systematically reviewed using a mixed-methods approach, utilising qualitative-scientometric analyses techniques.
Findings
The results revealed a field of study in a fledgling stage, with a limited number of experts operating somewhat in isolation and offering single-point solutions instead of taking an integrated “holistic” approach. Key publication outlets were identified and the main focus of research undertaken being in the technical areas of smart buildings, smart construction objects and environmental sustainability. The major effects of adopting the IoT within the construction industry were identified as high-speed reporting, complete process control, data explosion leading to deep data analytics, strict ethical and legal expectations. Key drivers of the IoT adoption were outlined: interoperability; data privacy and security; flexible governance structures; proper business planning and models.
Practical implications
The study benefits researchers and industry practitioners alike. For researchers, the identified gaps reveal areas of high priority in future research. For construction companies, particularly small to medium-sized businesses, the study raises awareness of the latest developments and potential applicability of the IoT in the industry. For government agencies and policymakers, this study offers a point of reference in directing the adoption of the IoT smoothly in the construction sector and provides guidelines and standards for maximising the potential benefits.
Originality/value
The study is the first scientometric review of the existing body of knowledge in the context of application of the IoT in the construction industry. Findings expose knowledge gaps in contemporary research, specifically, a broader consideration of organisational adjustments needed to accommodate the IoT usage, economic analyses and impediments to wider acceptance.
Details
Keywords
Elahe Hosseini, Saeid Saeida Ardekani, Mehdi Sabokro and Aidin Salamzadeh
A review of previous studies on the voices of employees and knowledge workers clarifies that paying attention to employees' voice is critical in human resource management…
Abstract
Purpose
A review of previous studies on the voices of employees and knowledge workers clarifies that paying attention to employees' voice is critical in human resource management. However, limited studies have been conducted on it, and much less emphasis has been placed compared to other human resource management activities such as human resource planning. Therefore, the voice of knowledge employees has been one of the critical issues that have attracted a great deal of attention recently. Nonetheless, there is no evidence of various comprehensive and integrated voice mechanisms. As a result, this study aims to design knowledge workers' voice patterns in knowledge-based companies specialising in information and communication technology (ICT) in Iran in May and June 2020.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a qualitative grounded theory research. We collected the data from a target sample of 15 experts in knowledge-based ICT companies using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Since all the participants had practised the employee voice process, they were regarded as useful data sources. Data analysis was also performed using three-step coding (open, axial and selective) by Atlas T8, which eventually led to identifying 14 components and 38 selected codes. We placed identified components in a paradigm model, including Personality Characteristics, Job Factors, Economic Factors, Cultural Factors, Organisational Policies, Organisational Structure, Climate Of Voice in the Organisation, Management Factors, Emotional Events, Communications and Networking, Contrast and Conflict and, etc. Then, the voice pattern of the knowledge staff was drawn.
Findings
The results showed that constructive knowledge voice influences the recognition of environmental opportunities and, additionally, it helps the competitive advantages among the employees. By forming the concept of knowledge staff voice, it can be concluded that paying attention to knowledge staff voice leads to presenting creative solutions to do affairs in critical situations. The presentation of these solutions by knowledge workers results in the acceptance of environmental changes, recognition and exploitation of new chances and ideas, and sharing experiences in Iranian knowledge-based companies.
Practical implications
Strengthening and expanding the voice of employees in knowledge-oriented companies can pave the way to growth and development towards a higher future that prevents the waste of tangible and intangible assets.
Originality/value
Companies' ability to engage in knowledge workers is a vital factor in human resource management and strategic management. However, the employee voice has not been involved integrally in the context of corporate.
Details
Keywords
M. Reza Hosseini, David John Edwards, Tandeep Singh, Igor Martek and Amos Darko
The construction industry faces three emergent developments that in all likelihood will transform the industry into the future. First, engineering project networks (EPNs), in…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry faces three emergent developments that in all likelihood will transform the industry into the future. First, engineering project networks (EPNs), in which teams collaborate on projects remotely in time and space, are transforming global construction practices. Second, as a major consumer of resources and significant producer of green-house gases, construction is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Third, the construction industry presents as one of the least socially sustainable work environments, with high job dissatisfaction, skewed work–life balance and over representation of depressive and mental disorders. It is incumbent on the industry to reconcile these issues. Specifically, what scope is there to shape the evolution of EPNs towards a configuration that both promotes sustainability generally, and enhances quality of work-life issues, while at the same time continuing to apprehend the economic dividends for which it is adopted? As salient as this question is, it has not been broached in the literature. Therefore, this study aims to survey the extent to which EPNs align with the sustainability agenda, more broadly, and that of employee work-place satisfaction, more specifically.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review of current knowledge of these concerns is explored and a summative assessment presented.
Findings
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, as the first in its kind, the study brings to light that EPNs go a long way towards facilitating economic objectives, part way towards realising ecological and sociological objectives but make hardly any impact on improving employee work satisfaction.
Originality/value
This paper examines an entirely novel area that has not been studied yet. Future research should take up this finding to determine how EPNs may be further adapted to accommodate these wider necessary objectives.
Details
Keywords
Serdar Durdyev, M. Reza Hosseini, Igor Martek, Syuhaida Ismail and Mehrdad Arashpour
The purpose of this paper is to quantify the barriers to the use of integrated project delivery (IPD), as assessed by 115 construction professionals in Malaysia.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to quantify the barriers to the use of integrated project delivery (IPD), as assessed by 115 construction professionals in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
Barriers recording highest citation amongst researchers worldwide were collated in the form of a conceptual model. This model was validated via a partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
Findings advance the body of knowledge on IPD by providing original insights into the nature of key barriers, quantifying the relative importance of each barrier.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the above-mentioned contributions, and before drawing any conclusion, it is prudent to acknowledge limitations, particularly the chosen research approach in focusing on the Malaysian context. Therefore, caution must be exercised in direct application of findings to other contexts; research findings should be seen through the lens of moderatum generalisations (see Payne and Williams, 2005).
Practical implications
Apart from contributions to the body of knowledge, for the world of practice, conditions impacting a transition to IPD are discussed, with a recommendation for change management through a tested mechanism like the European Corporate Sustainability Framework.
Originality/value
Being the first empirical study undertaken to quantify the relationship among the identified barriers and IPD, the present study contributes to the field by addressing the gap in IPD research in Malaysia, as an exemplar of a developing country; it creates knowledge to inform further improvements in project performance through facilitating IPD use. The study also offers insight to construction stakeholders in other developing countries for tackling issues that hinder the adoption of an IPD approach, and it also points to major barriers such that resources for tackling barriers may be allocated properly.