Nguyen Luong Hai and Ngo Anh Tuan
The planning function is a central component of management principles, enabling the success of construction project management. Many works have been highlighting the topic of…
Abstract
Purpose
The planning function is a central component of management principles, enabling the success of construction project management. Many works have been highlighting the topic of critical success factors within construction organizations, yet the results have rarely covered planning behaviors within public construction work management; these less investigated areas were the aims of this study.
Design/methodology/approach
To fulfill this research aim, seven attributes of planning function were first derived through focus group studies, a focused literature review and focal interviews with industry practitioners. Then, a regression analysis design was employed with data collected from 139 professionals who are involved in public construction works management in Vietnam. The structural equation modeling technique with partial least-squares estimation was utilized to analyze the data.
Findings
The results revealed seven behavioral dimensions (i.e. Goals planning (PL1), Planning guidance (PL2), Strategic planning (PL3), Financial mobilization (PL4), Action plan (PL5), Expenditure planning (PL6) and Responsibility assignment (PL7)) to measure planning function management in terms of public construction works. The study also reveals that Goals planning (PL1), Financial mobilization (PL4), Expenditure planning (PL6) and Responsibility assignment (PL7) have significant effects on management effectiveness. At the same time, Goals planning (PL1) acts as the mediator of Planning guidance (PL2) and Strategic planning (PL3); while Action plan (PL5) specifies an indirect influence through the mediator of PL4, PL6 and PL7.
Originality/value
The success of this approach is expected to reinforce the contribution of the planning function and suggest a useful tool for supporting the professionals in managing public construction works.
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Thien Vuong Nguyen, Vy Do Truc, Tuan Anh Nguyen and Dai Lam Tran
This study aims to explore the synergistic effect of oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, Fe2O3, SiO2) and cerium nitrate inhibitor on anti-corrosion performance of epoxy coating. First…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the synergistic effect of oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, Fe2O3, SiO2) and cerium nitrate inhibitor on anti-corrosion performance of epoxy coating. First, cerium nitrate inhibitors are absorbed on the surface of various oxide nanoparticles. Thereafter, epoxy nanocomposite coatings have been fabricated on carbon steel substrate using these oxide@Ce nanoparticles as both nano-fillers and nano-inhibitors.
Design/methodology/approach
To evaluate the impact of oxides@Ce nanoparticles on mechanical properties of epoxy coating, the abrasion resistance and impact resistance of epoxy coatings have been examined. To study the impact of oxides@Ce nanoparticles on anti-corrosion performance of epoxy coating for steel, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been carried out in 3% NaCl solution.
Findings
ZnO@Ce3+ and SiO2@Ce3+ nanoparticles provide more enhancement in the epoxy pore network than modification of the epoxy/steel interface. Whereas, Fe2O3@Ce3+ nanoparticles have more to do with modification of the epoxy/steel interface than to change the epoxy pore network.
Originality/value
Incorporation of both oxide nanoparticles and inorganic inhibitor into the epoxy resin is a promising approach for enhancing the anti-corrosion performance of carbon steel.
Nelsensius Klau Fauk and Lillian Mwanri
The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential socio-cultural determinants contributing to inequalities and the susceptibility of the Ojek to Human Immunodeficiency Virus…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential socio-cultural determinants contributing to inequalities and the susceptibility of the Ojek to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
Design/methodology/approach
In 2010 a qualitative enquiry was employed to collect data concerning the susceptibility of the Ojek to HIV infection. Both one-on-one open-ended in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were employed. Participants included Ojek (hired motorcycle drivers), religious and community leaders, staff from the HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Commission of Belu and staff from two HIV/AIDS non-governmental organisations. A thematic analysis and a framework approach were used to analyse the data.
Findings
The findings showed four socio-cultural determinants of susceptibility to HIV infection within the Ojek community. These included: first, mobility and migration; second, patterns of sexual behaviours, sexual networks and sexual incentives; third, cultural norms and social interactions; and fourth, the lack of resources, knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS. Underpinned by these factors, the main determinant of HIV susceptibility for the Ojek is an individual’s engagement in sexual intercourse with multiple sex partners, including female commercial sex workers (FCSWs).
Social implications
There is a need to disseminate HIV/AIDS information and education throughout the Ojek communities, and to engage the general population in the promotion of sexual behavioural change among the Ojek in Belu. Empowerment strategies should also be employed to empower the general community, the Ojek and FCSWs in order to address HIV/AIDS transmission.
Originality/value
This paper provides evidence of the socio-cultural determinants of HIV inequalities within the Ojek community in Indonesia. An understanding of these determinants would enable the planning, implementation and application of a holistic approach addressing the determinants of HIV in Belu and other similar settings. Additionally, knowledge of such determinants would provide an understanding of the role of inter-sectoral collaboration and community participation in tackling the susceptibility to HIV infection within the Ojek community.
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In late 2015, the El Nĩno phenomenon induced Vietnam’s worst drought in 60 years, which lasted until mid-2016 and intensified the most expansive saline intrusion in 90 years. The…
Abstract
In late 2015, the El Nĩno phenomenon induced Vietnam’s worst drought in 60 years, which lasted until mid-2016 and intensified the most expansive saline intrusion in 90 years. The combination of the two hazards resulted in a large-scale disaster, which has led 18 provinces of Vietnam, most of them from the Mekong Delta, to water shortage, insanitation, human and animal diseases, food emergency need and a considerable disruption in local communities’ livelihoods. These devastating effects raise the question of what makes local households vulnerable to drought and saline intrusion. The chapter argues that vulnerability to the natural disaster is not something resulted from external threats, but rather, is derived from the interplay between social structures residing deeply inside the socio-economic systems and agency’s conditions presenting at the household level. Social structures are rules and procedures that constrain and/or enable human actions in agricultural production, risk taking and adaptation. Agency refers to the capacities of disaster-affected households in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta who cultivated third rice crop and suffered heavily from the 2015–2016 disaster. In addition to households’ lack of planning and coping capacities, the constitution of vulnerability to drought and saline intrusion can be attributed to the interaction between farmers’ choice of extra rice crops and the state’s policies and directions in agricultural and irrigation development since 1990s to date.
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The purpose of this paper is to trace the way in which a popular ritual became one of Vietnam’s most important festivals, elevated as a celebration of national heroism and charts…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to trace the way in which a popular ritual became one of Vietnam’s most important festivals, elevated as a celebration of national heroism and charts its gradual transformation in modern society.
Design/methodology/approach
This research focuses on the combination of a fertility rite and narratives of St Gióng based on nationalism or heroism created a special festival reflecting many traditional cultural characteristics of Vietnam and the Việt people and the transformation of St Gióng from a mythological to a national symbol of heroism in anti-invader history was recorded in texts.
Findings
The paper casts light on the mythologization and historicization of St Gióng in Vietnam’s particular historical context by decoding the Gióng symbol as a core element of the folktales and myths about St Gióng to understand the formation and development of St Gióng in the cultural history of Vietnam.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is not exploring the Gióng symbol within a larger cultural context of nationalism and ethnosymbolic approach in a comparison of national symbolism and heroism.
Practical implications
The paper includes implications for advised scholars to conduct further exploration of the symbol and myth of not only St Gióng in Vietnam but also Kubera in India and Vaisravana in China to connect Kubera, Vaisravana and St Gióng under the connection of literal myth and heroic symbol.
Social implications
The paper shows how processes of historicizing myth and mythologizing history are important features of Vietnamese socio-historical research.
Originality/value
The paper shows how a fertility rite became a historical festival and the figure of St Gióng became a symbol of patriotic heroism.
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Mekuanint Abera, Chetana Marvadi and Dilipkumar Suthar
This study aims to examine the mediating role of innovation capability in the relationship between digital transformation strategy and innovation performance of microfinance…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the mediating role of innovation capability in the relationship between digital transformation strategy and innovation performance of microfinance institutions in Ethiopia.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 12 microfinance institutions in Ethiopia through self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling with AMOS and SPSS. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to test the study hypotheses.
Findings
Digital transformation strategy indicators such as (digitization vision, information technology integration, information technology agility and flexibility of information technology) directly affect innovation performance. The innovation capability mediates the relationship between digital transformation strategy indicator (information technology agility) and innovation performance. However, innovation capability does not have mediation effect in the relationship between digital transformation strategy remaining indicators (digitization vision, information technology flexibility and information technology integration) and innovation performance.
Originality/value
The study affirmed the importance of dynamic capability theory and presents noteworthy conclusions applicable to managers, stakeholders, and policymakers. It illuminates how innovation capability serves as a crucial link between digital transformation strategies and innovation performance within microfinance institutions in Ethiopia. This research enhances the current understanding of innovation capability, digital transformation strategy and innovation performance in the literature.
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Thi Kieu Van Tran, Ehsan Elahi, Liqin Zhang, Habibullah Magsi, Quang Trung Pham and Tuan Minh Hoang
The purpose of this paper is to estimate a recent trend in climate change and its impact on livelihood of community living in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam. Further, it aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to estimate a recent trend in climate change and its impact on livelihood of community living in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam. Further, it aims to increase the government attention for adaptation measures by providing awareness of climate change and its negative impacts on livelihood.
Design/methodology/approach
For study purpose, cross-sectional and secondary data sets were used. The community perceptions about climate change were recorded by face-to-face interviews of 500 respondents from Nam Dinh province, Vietnam in April 2015 by using a well-structured questionnaire, whereas secondary data were collected from the statistical yearbook of General Statistics Office of Vietnam. To accomplish the study objectives, Cobb–Douglas production function and Likert scale were used to estimate the community perceptions of climate change and impact of climate change on livelihood, respectively.
Findings
Results depict that climate change negatively impacted on the productivity of rice and livestock. Particularly, frequently occurring of droughts, floods and salinity intrusion negatively impacted on rice productivity, while livestock productivity is decreased by frequent occurring of flood storms in study area.
Originality/value
The study results suggest a government support is essential to achieve sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities living in the Red River Delta, particularly some adaptation measures in the context of climate change are required in study area.
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Greeni Maheshwari, Oanh Thi Kim Vu and Hang Pham Thanh
The purpose of this research is to explore the motivators and barriers faced by successful women entrepreneurs in Vietnam, a country with high rates of early-stage and established…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to explore the motivators and barriers faced by successful women entrepreneurs in Vietnam, a country with high rates of early-stage and established business ownership by women. By integrating the push-pull theory with macro, meso, and micro-level factors, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing female entrepreneurship in this context.
Design/methodology/approach
The data for this exploratory qualitative study were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 31 successful female entrepreneurs in Vietnam. The analysis was conducted using NVivo software, employing thematic analysis to identify the motivators and barriers associated with women’s entrepreneurship.
Findings
The findings indicate that women are motivated to start businesses by push factors like job dissatisfaction, economic improvement, and family support, as well as pull factors such as time flexibility, autonomy, and personal development. Barriers are identified at different levels: micro-level challenges include lack of financial support, inadequate skills, and work-life balance issues; meso-level barriers involve insufficient training programs, and macro-level barriers are shaped by gender prejudice. Notably, specific to the sectors, the lack of business training is a major challenge for women in consultancy, tourism, and retail sectors, alongside financial constraints in retail and services.
Originality/value
As a theoretical contribution, this study presents a novel model that integrates push/pull theory with macro, meso, and micro-level factors to analyze the motivators and barriers for female entrepreneurship. This integrated model offers a comprehensive view of women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam’s transitional economy, enhancing understanding of their motivations and challenges, addressing existing gaps, and suggesting practical implications.
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Ngoc T.B. Le, Lien T.P. Vu and Thang V. Nguyen
Drawing from fraud triangle theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether the use of internal control systems and codes of conduct, as a specific element of internal…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing from fraud triangle theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether the use of internal control systems and codes of conduct, as a specific element of internal control, helps firms to reduce law violations and bribery payments to public officials.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on survey data of Vietnamese firms, conducted between September and December 2018. The authors run logistic and ordinary least squares regressions to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The study showed that the use of internal control systems has a negative and significant relationship with law violation but not with bribes paid to public officials. By contrast, the use of codes of conduct appears to reduce bribe payments but not law violations.
Research limitations/implications
Cross-sectional data do not allow us to confirm causal relationships. The self-reported measures of the use of codes of conduct and internal control systems may suffer from social desirability biases and should be further validated with different samples of firms. Finally, the relatively modest number of firms that participated in the survey raises a concern of sample representativeness.
Practical implications
For businesses, the application of codes of conduct and internal control systems enhances the reliability and certainty of the firm's operations as well as its integrity, contributing to the firm's long-term development. For policymakers, encouraging businesses to use internal control systems and codes of conduct would contribute meaningfully to the anti-corruption effort.
Originality/value
Businesses in emerging economies face a dilemma of how to participate in an anti-corruption agenda while staying profitable. This study shows that the use of internal control systems and codes of conduct would serve both purposes, contributing to businesses' sustainable development.
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Hien Thu Thi Nguyen, Long Thanh Giang and Toan Ngoc Pham
The purpose of this study was to evaluate how higher tax on tobacco would influence output and employment in Vietnam.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate how higher tax on tobacco would influence output and employment in Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used micro-simulation techniques proposed by Walbeeck (2010). Both national data (from Input–Output Table) and household data (Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey) were utilized.
Findings
The results showed that any increase in the excise tax for tobacco would have positive net impacts on both national output and employment. The tobacco industry would not be significantly affected due to its small contribution to national economy and employment. More importantly, money released from reduced tobacco consumption would be reallocated to other goods and services, and thus outputs and jobs in nontobacco sectors would increase.
Research limitations/implications
The key limitation of this study was due to unavailability of updated data, especially Input–Output Table as well as household living standard survey.
Practical implications
This study concluded that government should increase tax on cigarette along with a well-planned roadmap to avoid unexpected consequences on income and employment of laborers in this sector.
Originality/value
This study replicated a popular approach in order to verify an important government policy (i.e. effect of tax on tobacco on output and employment) under Vietnamese context.