Scott McGibbon, Mohamed Abdel-Wahab and Ming Sun
With the increasing demand for high-quality economical and sustainable historic building repair and maintenance (R&M) allied with the perennial problem of skills shortages…
Abstract
Purpose
With the increasing demand for high-quality economical and sustainable historic building repair and maintenance (R&M) allied with the perennial problem of skills shortages (project management (PM) and on-site practice) investment in new technologies becomes paramount for modernising training and practice. Yet, the historic R&M industry, in particular small- and medium-sized enterprises have yet to benefit from digital technologies (such as laser scanning, virtual reality and cloud computing) which have the potential to enhance performance and productivity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative participatory action research approach was adopted. One demonstration project (Project A) exhibiting critical disrepair, showcasing the piloting of a five phased digitised “process-wheel” intended to provide a common framework for facilitating collaboration of project stakeholders thereby aiding successful project delivery is reported. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry employers to facilitate the process-wheel concept development.
Findings
Implementing only Phase 1 of the digitised “process-wheel” (e-Condition surveying incorporating laser scanning) resulted in an estimated 25-30 per cent cost and time savings, when compared to conventional methods. The accrued benefits are twofold: provide a structured standardised data capturing approach that is shared in a common project repository amongst relevant stakeholders; inform the application of digital technologies to attain efficiencies across various phases of the process-wheel.
Originality/value
This paper has provided original and valuable information on the benefits of modernising R&M practice, highlighting the importance of continued investment in innovative processes and new technologies for historic building R&M to enhance existing practice and in form current training provision. Future work will focus on further piloting and validation of the process-wheel in its entirety on selected demonstration projects with a view of supporting the industry to digitise its workflows and going fully digital to realise optimum process efficiencies.
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Scott McGibbon and Mohamed Abdel-Wahab
Scotland’s built heritage (pre-1919 building stock) is exhibiting varying levels of disrepair, in particular for stonemasonry works, despite the government’s on-going efforts for…
Abstract
Purpose
Scotland’s built heritage (pre-1919 building stock) is exhibiting varying levels of disrepair, in particular for stonemasonry works, despite the government’s on-going efforts for promoting higher standards of repair and maintenance (R & M) of historic buildings. The purpose of this paper is to examine the problems associated with the R & M of historic buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
Two case studies (Projects A and B) exhibiting critical disrepair are reported. Site surveying was carried-out on both projects, to identify site features and R & M problems along with proposed solutions drawing on the lead author’s extensive industry experience as a stonemasonry consultant. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals involved in each project to elicit views on the challenges faced. Additionally, three industry experts were interviewed to provide a wider perspective of the R & M challenges facing historic buildings.
Findings
Neglect and poor practice resulted in both projects becoming more challenging and expensive than they needed to be, which was attributed to generic and advanced skills 6deficiencies of the workforce. There is an urgent need for a multi-disciplinary approach to the development of a method statement for R & M, drawing on the expertise of professionals and contractors, particularly when specifying repairs to structural elements.
Originality/value
This paper has provided original and valuable information on R & M problems, highlighting the importance of continued investment in skills development for historic building R & M to enhance existing current training provision and practice. There is a need for further similar project-based data to inform skills development strategies for the R & M of historic buildings as well as enhancing existing qualification frameworks.
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Mohamed S. Abdel‐Wahab, Andrew R.J. Dainty, Stephen G. Ison, Patrick Bowen and Guy Hazlehurst
UK government policy has emphasised the role of skills development and training as a means of improving productivity performance across all sectors of the economy. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
UK government policy has emphasised the role of skills development and training as a means of improving productivity performance across all sectors of the economy. The purpose of this paper is to assess the appropriateness of this policy within the context of the construction industry, in light of the recently published statistics.
Design/methodology/approach
A trend analysis of construction productivity (measured by Gross Value Added/worker) and skills indicators (qualification attainment and training) was conducted over the period 1995‐2006.
Findings
There is inconsistency in the industry's productivity performance, despite the overall increase in qualification attainment levels and participation rates in training over the same period. However, the year‐on‐year change in the participation rate of training was not consistently associated with an improvement in productivity performance.
Originality/value
It is argued that the effective utilisation of skills rather than mere increase in the supply of skills is a key to bringing about productivity improvements. Indeed future policy makers decisions should focus on addressing other influences on productivity performance such as work organisation and management practice to support further development and progression of the UK construction industry.
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Yuhe Wang, Gui Ye, Yuxin Zhang, Ping Mu and Hongxia Wang
In response to the 2008 financial crisis, the performance of the Chinese construction industry seems to be more successful, especially in total factor productivity growth (TFPG…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to the 2008 financial crisis, the performance of the Chinese construction industry seems to be more successful, especially in total factor productivity growth (TFPG) and its contribution (TFPGC). Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate and reveal the potential successful lessons in this regard.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is conducted innovatively based on a special comparative analysis of TFPG and TFPGC between pre- and post-2008 financial crisis. Solow Residual Approach is used to measure TFPG and TFPGC for the period 2002–2016. Given that the crisis hit China at the end of 2008, the pre-2008 financial crisis period is from 2002 to 2008, and the post-2008 financial crisis period is limited to 2009–2016.
Findings
The results indicate that the industry indeed has better performance in promoting TFPG and TFPGC, TFP thus achieved significant accumulative growth before and after the crisis. However, from an evolutionary perspective, both TFPG and TFPGC presented an overall downward trend from before the crisis to after the crisis. Further, the game between the centrally planned economy and the market-oriented economy was identified and revealed as the essential reason behind the evolution of TFPG and TFPGC.
Practical implications
Some valuable lessons for policies and practices in promoting TFPG and TFPGC were summarized and learned from the Chinese experience, such as reducing administrative intervention and making the construction market play a decisive role.
Originality/value
This study provides some new empirical evidence to enrich the overall body of knowledge on growth theory, especially in promoting TFPG and TFPGC.
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This paper aims to synthesise some novel diazobenzene dyestuffs clubbed with sulphonamide moiety and their application for polyester fabrics in addition to evaluating their…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to synthesise some novel diazobenzene dyestuffs clubbed with sulphonamide moiety and their application for polyester fabrics in addition to evaluating their biological activities.
Design/methodology/approach
New diazobenzene disperse dyes with improved chemical construction via sulphonamides were designed. This amendment of diazobenzene dyes was completed by introducing sulphonamide derivatives through Japp–kilingman reaction. All new synthesised dyes were elucidated by elemental analyses and spectral data (IR and 1 H-NMR). Biological activities of the synthesised diazobenzene sulphonamide derivatives were evaluated.
Findings
The synthesised diazobenzene dyestuffs clubbed with sulphonamides were applied on polyester fabrics. The synthesised dyes showed that good fastness properties and their biological evaluation exhibited good efficacy towards antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer.
Originality/value
Sulphonamide derivatives have numerous uses, such as being used in dyestuff and providing antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Sulphonamide derivatives with diazobenzene coupler components exhibited an interesting colorant for polyester and provided better biological efficacy for other non-textile applications. This work afforded new disperse dyes beside their medical applications.
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This study aims to focus on the possibility of developing new thiazole azo dyes with good colouristic application properties, biological and pharmacological activities.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the possibility of developing new thiazole azo dyes with good colouristic application properties, biological and pharmacological activities.
Design/methodology/approach
Coupling of curcumin with different aromatic diazonium salts of 2-amino thiazole derivatives, such as 2-aminobenzothiazole, 2-amino-5-phenylthiazole, 2-amino-5-methylthiazole and 2-amino-5-nitrothiazole-produced novel azo dyes. Structures of all synthesised dyes were fully confirmed via spectroscopic and analytical methods. Those compounds were examined for their antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant activities. They were applied on polyester fabrics and, subsequently, their dyeing properties, light, washing, perspiration, rubbing and sublimation fastness were determined.
Findings
Prepared dyestuffs were suitable for dyeing polyester fabrics. It was found that all prepared dyes possess high colour strength, as well as good overall fastness properties. Meanwhile, the synthesised compounds exhibited good biological and pharmacology activity.
Research limitations/implications
Synthesis of these four azo dyes for textile dyeing was not conveyed earlier.
Practical implications
Thaizolyl disperse dyes were responsible for giving better colour assessment and fastness properties on polyester fabrics.
Social implications
Although, most of synthesis eco-friendly dyes are expensive, they are showing a good antimicrobial and anticancer activity.
Originality/value
It gave straightforward approach to synthesise novel thiazolyl azo dyes with good biological, pharmacology activities, good colour assessment, and fastness properties.
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This study aims to investigate the nature of the relationship between the state and civil society after the 2011 uprising.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the nature of the relationship between the state and civil society after the 2011 uprising.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted Mygdal’s approach to analyze the relationship between the state and civil society and identify their ability to control the rules of the political game. The study also draws on the theoretical framework of the hypotheses introduced by a number of scholars on the forms of potential relations between the state and civil society, and the impact of these forms on advancing the process of democratization.
Findings
This study argues that despite some important changes in favor of civil society vis-à-vis the state, it is too early to conclude that a dramatic change has occurred in this relationship, due to a discernable unbalanced power in favor of the state. The state revealed after 2011 that these organizations acted against the state’s stability and against its fundamentals.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research is the first to study the relationship between the state and the civil society in Egypt after 2011 events.
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Mohamed Gamal Aboelmaged and Shawky Mohamed El Subbaugh
This paper aims to examine the impact of demographic, technology, individual and organizational factors on perceived productivity of Egyptian teleworkers.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impact of demographic, technology, individual and organizational factors on perceived productivity of Egyptian teleworkers.
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 199 usable questionnaires are collected and analyzed by means of factor analysis and stepwise linear regression analysis.
Findings
The results highlight the crucial role of individual and organizational factors in influencing the perceived productivity of Egyptian teleworkers. In addition to the emergence of job security as a key determinant of perceived teleworking productivity, the role of satisfaction, commitment, work flexibility and management support is also emphasized. Surprisingly, the impact of demographic, attitudes and technological factors are barely observable.
Practical implications
The paper has important implications for managers and practitioners to boost teleworking productivity. Managers must ensure teleworkers' job security, work flexibility, and satisfaction. Also, addressing the efficient use of IT combined with user training should be based on clear understanding of teleworkers' need, knowledge and skills.
Originality/value
The paper is one of the first studies that examine determinants of perceived teleworking productivity. Also, the paper highlights teleworking productivity in an Arab world context, which is barely examined in teleworking research.
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This chapter offers a critical outline of the Egyptian feminist movement. It traces the forms of feminist activism and the demands raised by Egyptian feminists throughout the…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter offers a critical outline of the Egyptian feminist movement. It traces the forms of feminist activism and the demands raised by Egyptian feminists throughout the twentieth century and into the new millennium.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses the tools of feminist theory and women’s history in charting a critical outline of the Egyptian women’s movement and feminist activism throughout a century of Egyptian history. The study attempts to identify the main features of the movement in terms of the demands raised by women and the challenges and achievements involved within the socio-political national and international contexts.
Findings
The Egyptian feminist movement is divided here into four waves, highlighting the intersections between feminist demands and national demands, as well as Egyptian women’s struggle for their rights. The first wave is seen as focusing on women’s right to public education and political representation. The second wave is marked by women’s achievement of constitutional and legal rights in the context of state feminism. The third wave is characterised by feminist activism in the context of civil society organising. The fourth wave has extended its struggle into the realm of women’s bodies and sexuality.
Research implications/limitations
The study limits itself to forms of women’s agency and feminist activism in the public sphere.
Originality/value
This chapter is an original attempt at outlining the Egyptian women’s movement based on the demands raised and challenges faced. The chapter also suggests the existence of a sense of continuity in the Egyptian women’s movement.
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Fei Ying, John Tookey and Jeff Seadon
Construction logistics is an essential part of Construction Supply Chain Management for both project management and cost aspects. The quantum of money that is embodied in the…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction logistics is an essential part of Construction Supply Chain Management for both project management and cost aspects. The quantum of money that is embodied in the transportation of materials to site could be 39–58 per cent of total logistics costs and between 4 and 10 per cent of the product selling price for many firms. However, limited attention has been paid to measure the logistics performance at the operational level in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge about managing logistics costs by setting a key performance indicator (KPI) based on the number of vehicle movements to the construction site.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach was adopted with on-site observations and interviews. Observations were performed from the start of construction until “hand-over” to the building owner. A selection of construction suppliers and subcontractors involved in the studied project were interviewed.
Findings
Data analysis of vehicle movements suggested that construction transportation costs can be monitored and managed. The identified number of vehicle movements as a KPI offers a significant step towards logistics performance management in construction projects.
Originality/value
This research paper demonstrates that framework of using vehicular movements meet the criterion of effective KPI and is able to detect rooms for improvements. The key findings shed valuable insight for industry practitioners in initiating the measurement and monitor “the invisible logistics costs and performance”. It provides a basis for benchmarking that enables comparison, learning and improvement and thereby continuous enhancement of best practice at the operational level, which may accelerate the slow SCM implementation in the construction industry.