Mahmood Yusuf, Mahmood Yusuf and Mat Naim Abdullah Mohd Asmoni
This paper aims to discuss the existing literature on critical success factors (CSFs) for maintenance implementation in Nigerian universities and compile them in a single format…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the existing literature on critical success factors (CSFs) for maintenance implementation in Nigerian universities and compile them in a single format to determine if gaps may exist.
Design/methodology/approach
Many relevant articles were searched using keywords extracted from a preliminary literature review. The second round of articles abstract study resulted in 40 articles been selected for this compilation. Inductive coding technique and content analysis methodology were used to identify the constructs of the CSFs. Subsequently, a critical analysis of the reviewed literature identified some gaps in the literature studied.
Findings
This literature review reveals that lack of maintenance policy, maintenance culture, shortage of building facilities and overpopulation in Nigerian universities are the major problems affecting maintenance implementation success. Additionally, most researchers concentrate on the identification of CSFs without providing the strategies for implementing them.
Research limitations/implications
More in-depth research must be carried out on the study of CSFs to implement maintenance policy and culture in Nigerian universities. Duplication in the frequency analysis of the success factors is a significant limitation in this research work and is attributed to the secondary search used as the primary methodology for many articles cited.
Originality/value
This paper provides an in-depth compilation and analysis of all previously identified success factors for maintenance implementation in Nigerian universities using a structured methodological approach.
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Fatimah Zulkifli, Rosfariza Radzali, Alhan Farhanah Abd Rahim, Ainorkhilah Mahmood, Nurul Syuhadah Mohd Razali and Aslina Abu Bakar
Porous silicon (Si) was fabricated by using three different wet etching methods, namely, direct current photo-assisted electrochemical (DCPEC), alternating CPEC (ACPEC) and…
Abstract
Purpose
Porous silicon (Si) was fabricated by using three different wet etching methods, namely, direct current photo-assisted electrochemical (DCPEC), alternating CPEC (ACPEC) and two-step ACPEC etching. This study aims to investigate the structural properties of porous structures formed by using these etching methods and to identify which etching method works best.
Design/methodology/approach
Si n(100) was used to fabricate porous Si using three different etching methods (DCPEC, ACPEC and two-step ACPEC). All the samples were etched with the same current density and etching duration. The samples were etched by using hydrofluoric acid-based electrolytes under the illumination of an incandescent lamp.
Findings
Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that porous Si etched using the two-step ACPEC method has a higher porosity and density than porous Si etched using DCPEC and ACPEC. The atomic force microscopy results supported the FESEM results showing that porous Si etched using the two-step ACPEC method has the highest surface roughness relative to the samples produced using the other two methods. High resolution X-ray diffraction revealed that porous Si produced through two-step ACPEC has the highest peak intensity out of the three porous Si samples suggesting an improvement in pore uniformity with a better crystalline quality.
Originality/value
Two-step ACPEC method is a fairly new etching method and many of its fundamental properties are yet to be established. This work presents a comparison of the effect of these three different etching methods on the structural properties of Si. The results obtained indicated that the two-step ACPEC method produced an etched sample with a higher porosity, pore density, surface roughness, improvement in uniformity of pores and better crystalline quality than the other etching methods.
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Emre Tascioglu, Hamaid Mahmood Khan, Yusuf Kaynak, Mert Coşkun, Gurkan Tarakci and Ebubekir Koç
The present study aims to investigate the effect of finish machining and aging processes on the surface integrity of the selective laser melted (SLM) maraging steel samples and…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to investigate the effect of finish machining and aging processes on the surface integrity of the selective laser melted (SLM) maraging steel samples and compared them with those obtained conventionally.
Design/methodology/approach
Finish machining and aging were applied on the SLM and wrought maraging samples to investigate and compare their microstructural and mechanical properties such as surface roughness, microhardness and wear resistance.
Findings
After applying aging and finish machining treatments, the surface roughness <1 µm, microhardness (542Hv) and wear resistance (COF 0.578) of SLM samples were similar to their wrought counterparts. Compared to finish machining, the effect of aging was more significant on the microhardness and the wear resistance, regardless of sample type.
Originality/value
The knowledge of post-processing is essential to enhance the functional performance of the SLM samples. Aging and finish machining were applied for the first time to evaluate the surface integrity of the SLM prepared maraging steel and compared it with the wrought samples.
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Mahmood Shah, Abdullah Maitlo, Paul Jones and Yahaya Yusuf
Lack of individual awareness of knowledge sharing practices to prevent identity theft is a significant issue for online retail organisations (OROs). Agile learning processes and…
Abstract
Purpose
Lack of individual awareness of knowledge sharing practices to prevent identity theft is a significant issue for online retail organisations (OROs). Agile learning processes and sharing of knowledge is essential, but the lack of relevant training inhibits these processes within the online industry. This study aims to identify the inhibiting factors in agile learning and knowledge sharing process with recommendations for best practice for organisations and staff to effectively share knowledge on identity theft prevention.
Design/methodology/approach
Three qualitative case studies were undertaken in OROs in the UK. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, internal documents and related external material. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis method.
Findings
The findings identified that individual staff members within OROs from the information security and fraud prevention departments often share their knowledge as a community. However, there is no formal knowledge sharing process or any related training facilitating this exchange. There is a need for agile learning environment in OROs of the UK.
Originality/value
The study offers both theoretical and practical contributions to the extant literature of agile learning of knowledge sharing to prevent identity theft in OROs. Existing learning opportunities are not being used to enhance the knowledge of individuals, and OROs need to increase the skills and trust of their staff to share knowledge efficiently. This study identifies the systemic weaknesses inherent in the process of knowledge sharing and existing training provision within OROs. It provides ORO managers with practical guidelines in facilitating trust between individuals and developing appropriate training systems to educate staff on sharing organisational knowledge. This study contributes by extending the knowledge sharing framework proposed by Chong et al. (2011) for enhanced individual knowledge sharing processes to prevent identity theft within OROs. It also identifies OROs’ weaknesses in knowledge sharing learning processes for theft prevention and offers prevention guidelines and recommendations for developing effective agile learning environments.
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Majid Nejatian, Mohammad Hossein Zarei, Mehran Nejati and Seyed Mahmood Zanjirchi
In today’s intense global competition, agility is advocated as a fundamental characteristic for business survival and competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to propose a…
Abstract
Purpose
In today’s intense global competition, agility is advocated as a fundamental characteristic for business survival and competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to propose a practical methodology to achieve and enhance organizational agility based on strategic objectives.
Design/methodology/approach
In the first step, a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) of the organization being studied are recognized and classified under the perspectives of balanced scorecard (BSC). Critical success factors are then identified by ranking the KPIs according to their importance in achieving organizational strategic objectives using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). In the second step, three houses of quality (HOQs) are constructed sequentially to identify and rank the main agile attributes, agile enablers, and improvement paths. In addition, in order to translate linguistics judgments of practitioners into numerical values in building HOQs, fuzzy logic is employed.
Findings
The capability of the proposed methodology is demonstrated by applying it to a case of a multi-national food company in Iran. Through the application, the company could find the most suitable improvement paths to improve its organizational agility.
Research limitations/implications
A limited number of KPIs were chosen due to computational and visual constraints related to HOQs. Another limitation, similar to other agility studies, which facilitate decision making among agility metrics, was that the metrics were more industry-specific and less inclusive.
Practical implications
A strong practical advantage for the application of the methodology over directly choosing agility metrics without linking them is that through the methodology, the right metrics were selected that match organization’s core values and marketing objectives. While metrics may ostensibly seem unrelated or inappropriate, they actually contributed to the right areas where there were gaps between the current and desired level of agility. It would otherwise be impossible to choose the right metrics without a structured methodology.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a novel methodology for achieving organizational agility. By utilizing and linking several tools such as BSC, fuzzy TOPSIS, and quality function deployment (QFD), the proposed approach enables organizations to identify the most appropriate agile attributes, agile enablers, and subsequently agile improvement paths.
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Yusuf Arayici, Onur Behzat Tokdemir and Mohamad Kassem
This research aims to identify and measure the correlations between building information modelling (BIM) and lean construction (LC) principles at the design and construction…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to identify and measure the correlations between building information modelling (BIM) and lean construction (LC) principles at the design and construction phases.
Design/methodology/approach
The study investigates BIM-LC principles correlations using the Istanbul Grant Airport (IGA) as a case study. The Delphi technique, performed quantitatively, contributes to the identification and quantification of a set of correlations between 11 selected BIM uses and 13 LC principles, which are supported with practical examples from the case study.
Findings
Together, the two research methods provide an evidence-based approach to understand the correlations between BIM and LC. The correlation analysis results in 46 correlations, and the correlations between the LC principles and BIM uses are intensified with the LC principles.
Practical implications
A quantitative understanding BIM use and LC principles correlations and appreciation of their specific uses can guide the practical implementation of BIM and LC, especially in large and mega projects.
Originality/value
BIM and LC practices represent approaches to improve performance in construction projects. While BIM has both information technology (IT) and process perspectives, the LC approach is mainly a process and product-oriented philosophy for project efficiency, effectiveness and the elimination of non-value-adding activities and waste. Many studies have investigated how the two approaches complement each other and concluded that their combined implementation in projects can improve efficiency and effectiveness. However, to date an analytical and granular investigation identifying and measuring correlations between BIM and LC based on empirical data is lacking. This paper fills that gap with an evidence-based analysis of the tightness of coupling and correlations between BIM uses and LC principles.
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Yusuf Hassan, Anuja Akhouri and Amitabh Deo Kodwani
This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) authenticity and its relationship with repurchase intentions. In doing so, the current…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) authenticity and its relationship with repurchase intentions. In doing so, the current research also investigates the mediating role of perceived CSR (PCSR) and perceived moral judgement.
Design/methodology/approach
For the current research purpose, a sample of 262 Indian working professionals was surveyed.
Findings
Data analysis revealed that CSR authenticity significantly predicted the repurchase intentions of the survey participants. The studied research contributes significantly to the extant literature on CSR authenticity by studying the underlying mechanisms that make a consumer repurchase a product or service.
Originality/value
Research on CSR authenticity is still at a nascent stage. Furthermore, variables such as moral judgement and PCSR motives have not been studied in CSR authenticity literature.
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The debate that entrepreneurship is an engine of economic development has been a long-standing one. The higher the level of entrepreneurial activities, the higher the economic…
Abstract
The debate that entrepreneurship is an engine of economic development has been a long-standing one. The higher the level of entrepreneurial activities, the higher the economic development. However, this literature is contradictory or elusive in Sub-Saharan Africa. Entrepreneurial activities are high in Africa, but economic development is not. Using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM, 2017) data, the chapter discusses some of the contradictory factors. Further data were collected from 60 businesses, 20 each from Cameroon, Nigeria and Uganda for more clarification in 2019. The results show that the economic development is solely measured in economic terms. Entrepreneurship in Africa operates in an embedded context quite different from that of developed nations. Africans are often only making do with the environment in which they find themselves; thus, entrepreneurship in Africa should not be seen as unproductive considering the context and motives of the entrepreneurs.
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Syed Jalaluddin Haider and Khalid Mahmood
The aim of this study is to provide an insight to international readers into the perspective of doctoral level research in Pakistan. The factors which led to the start of this…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to provide an insight to international readers into the perspective of doctoral level research in Pakistan. The factors which led to the start of this program and difficulties encountered in this regard at different universities are discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is mainly based on review of the literature. Research theses approved at MPhil and PhD level are evaluated. Some information collected from Library and Information Science (LIS) schools through personal communication is also provided.
Findings
The problems that did not allow success in the doctoral programs in LIS were: lack of encouragement by seniors in a real sense; low esteem for indigenous PhD degree in the eyes of fellow professionals; little or no impact of early recipients of the degree on profession; and non‐availability of financial assistance to the prospective candidates. Of the findings mention is made of: no fixed criteria for admission; the research topics do not concern the problems; and absence of proper supervision/guidance resulting in poor quality of thesis in most cases. Suggestions include: formation of a high level committee comprising senior library educators under the Higher Education Commission to work out problems and streamline the process; maintenance of close links with library schools in other countries, particularly in the English speaking world, which are interested in global librarianship.
Originality/value
This paper is the only evaluation of postmaster level LIS education in Pakistan. The findings are useful for planners of LIS education at postmaster level in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries.
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Hafiz Habib-ur-Rehman, Haroon Idrees and Ahsan Ullah
Deeni Madaris of Pakistan and their libraries are playing an important role in educating the large fraction of society. They have always been engaged in the development of social…
Abstract
Purpose
Deeni Madaris of Pakistan and their libraries are playing an important role in educating the large fraction of society. They have always been engaged in the development of social and cultural values of the Pakistani society. This study aims to investigate the organization of information resources and their utilization at Deeni Madaris libraries in the central Punjab, Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research approach was adopted for this study. A questionnaire was developed on the bases of related literature and discussions with experts of librarianship as well as Islamic studies in Pakistan. The questionnaire was sent to 49 Deeni Madaris, of which five did not have libraries and four did not respond. Forty (81.6 per cent) Deeni Madaris responded and provided the relevant data about their libraries. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS 22. Mostly descriptive statistics were applied to calculate the frequencies, percentage, means and standard deviations. A two-tailed t-test was applied to check the impact of cataloguing and automation on the use of information resources.
Findings
It was found that majority of the respondents developed their own classification and cataloguing methods for the organization of information resources and did not have a proper retrieval system. Majority of the respondents were providing lending services to readers. Teachers and final-year students were the key users of the libraries. They mostly referred to books, theses and serials written in Urdu and Arabic language. The situation of library computerization was very weak; only 19 libraries had computers and 11 of them have partially automated the library activities. Library automation and catalogue put positive effects on the use of library resources.
Originality/value
The exploration of the literature showed that libraries of Madaris in Pakistan have always been a priority, but these libraries did not get a position in the library literature as they deserve. This study will fill this gap.