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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2020

Dongxiang Zhao, Qiping Zhang and Feicheng Ma

Online health communities (OHCs) are attracting more and more healthy consumers, including patients, their families, caregivers and the general public. This paper aims to explore…

602

Abstract

Purpose

Online health communities (OHCs) are attracting more and more healthy consumers, including patients, their families, caregivers and the general public. This paper aims to explore the themes and characteristics of patient-generated content (PGC) in Chinese OHCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Baidu Tieba for hypertension was selected as the research site. Online ethnography (netnography) approach was utilized to explore the PGC and health communication in the online hypertension community. The final database included 300 randomly sampled threads and their 3,187 reply posts and was further analyzed from three perspectives: health information needs, attitudes and psychological reactions to hypertension and social support exchange.

Findings

The members' health information needs were mainly concentrated on five aspects: causes, symptoms, measuring instrument, tests and diagnosis and treatment. Their attitudes and psychological reactions to hypertension varied with the context, for example, disease stage, health condition. Within the health communication, three types of social support – information support, emotional support and network support – were generated, transmitted and exchanged among members.

Practical implications

OHCs are able to serve as important source of health information and tool for health education. The implications and suggestions for health promotion of individuals, health information services optimization of OHCs and national health strategy plans were also discussed.

Originality/value

This is the first netnography study in information field on Chinese online hypertension community. This study provides a new perspective to explore the needs, attitudes and social support behaviors of Chinese hypertension population and also enables the Chinese experience of using OHCs to reduce health disparities to come to the world.

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Article
Publication date: 9 April 2020

Dongxiang Zhao, Qiping Zhang and Feicheng Ma

The purpose of this paper is to investigate eldercare issues in China through exploring what was discussed about eldercare in a Chinese online community for older adults (OCOA).

631

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate eldercare issues in China through exploring what was discussed about eldercare in a Chinese online community for older adults (OCOA).

Design/methodology/approach

Netnography was used to explore eldercare-related online discussion in a Chinese OCOA – LaoYouBang. After a two-month-long online observation, 275 microblogs and 594 comments were collected and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Findings

The main findings include as follows: the users involved in an online discussion about eldercare were consist of four categories, namely, elderly user, non-elderly user, advertiser and community administrator. Non-elderly user include the elderly’s caregivers and families, young and middle-aged people concerning about eldercare. From 2012 to 2017, eldercare issues gradually became refined and differentiated in China and elderly users’ contribution proportion and activeness increased yearly. According to the results of thematic analysis, users’ information needs for eldercare included opinion, news, practice, emotion, knowledge and others. In China, some changes have taken place in the public’s conceptions of eldercare, embodied in the changes in the public’s attention, attitudes and cognition. Changes in user structure and communication patterns in OCOA have also been noted. OCOA plays an important role in eldercare information dissemination and social support exchange and helps to meet the eldercare challenges.

Originality/value

This study explored an online community for older adults. This is the first netnography study in the information field on Chinese OCOA. This paper provides new perspectives to explore eldercare issues and OCOA in other regions and cultures and it also provides some suggestions to improve OCOA.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

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Book part
Publication date: 12 June 2015

Anamika Megwalu

Academic social networking (ASN) sites are becoming a popular communication medium among scholars. This case study was designed to explore communication behaviors of physicists…

Abstract

Academic social networking (ASN) sites are becoming a popular communication medium among scholars. This case study was designed to explore communication behaviors of physicists, linguists, and sociologists on an ASN site called Academia.edu, their motivations for using it, and the perceived impact of their use of the site on their professional activities. Results from this study are valuable for designing computer-mediated and web-based communication media for scholars and also for adding richness to the literature related to scholarly communication. For the purpose of this study, data was collected using three different instruments: Server log, survey, and interview. Data used for analyses included a total of 20,309 server log data, 267 survey responses, and 28 interviews from scholars of Physics, Sociology, and Linguistics who use Academia.edu. Results from the study showed that the use of Academia.edu is dependent on the discipline scholars are affiliated with, their professional status, and the time of the year. Unlike physicists, linguists and sociologists are more inclined to using Academia.edu and other ASN sites. Although linguists and sociologists actively use Academia.edu, their motivations to use the site are different. These differences in user-motivations and user-activities across the disciplines are influenced by variations in the social and cultural practices of the disciplines. This study used Whitley’s (2000) theory of degrees of mutual dependence and task uncertainty to explain the differences in the adoption and use of Academia.edu across the three disciplines.

Details

Current Issues in Libraries, Information Science and Related Fields
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-637-9

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Article
Publication date: 27 July 2012

J. Deckers, K. Shahzad, J. Vleugels and J.P. Kruth

The purpose of this paper is to assess a new powder metallurgy process to make alumina parts through indirect selective laser sintering (SLS). Density measurements, some…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess a new powder metallurgy process to make alumina parts through indirect selective laser sintering (SLS). Density measurements, some geometrical assessments and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructural analyses are performed after each stage of the process, allowing an objective overview to be provided of the challenges and possibilities for the processing of high density technical ceramic parts through SLS of ball milled alumina/polyamide powder agglomerates.

Design/methodology/approach

The powder production by ball milling, SLS, cold isostatic pressing (CIP) or quasi isostatic pressing (QIP), debinding and sintering (FS) stages of the powder metallurgy process were sequentially investigated.

Findings

Alumina parts with a density up to 94.1 per cent could be produced by a powder metallurgy process containing an SLS step. Microstructural investigation of the sintered samples reveals an alumina matrix with a grain size of ∼5 μm and two different kinds of pore morphologies, i.e. long elongated pores, which stem from the intergranular spacings during SLS, and intermediate pores, which likely originate from larger polyamide agglomerates in the ball milled powder. Also, QIPing at elevated temperatures is found to be a promising alternative for CIPing at room temperature to increase the final part density.

Research limitations/implications

Cracks, long elongated pores and intermediate pores remained in the sintered parts. Homogenizing the microstructure of the parts through optimizing the composite starting powder, the deposition during SLS, the SLS parameters and QIPing parameters is essential to overcome these limitations.

Practical implications

Homogenizing the starting powder mixture and the microstructure of the SLS material is the key issue for producing ceramic parts through indirect SLS.

Originality/value

Indirect SLS of ceramics has hardly been reported and the combined use of SLS and QIPing is innovative in the field of indirect SLS of ceramics.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 15 October 2021

Ibrahim Yahaya Wuni, Geoffrey Qiping Shen, Adedayo Johnson Ogungbile and Jonathan Zinzi Ayitey

Industrialized construction (IC) is promoted to address some of the ills associated with the processes and products of the traditional construction approach. With several…

297

Abstract

Purpose

Industrialized construction (IC) is promoted to address some of the ills associated with the processes and products of the traditional construction approach. With several successful projects, IC is progressively becoming a preferred alternative construction approach and spurred the interest of contractors, developers and housing authorities in the technology. Increasingly, these stakeholders are keen to ascertain the compatibility and feasibility of using IC in their projects. This paper aims to develop a knowledge-based decision support framework for implementing industrialized construction projects (ICPs) that can facilitate better and informed decision-making when deciding to implement ICPs.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was implemented to recruit 40 decision support factors (DSFs) and grouped into project requirements, location and site attribute, labour considerations and organizational factors. A 3-member expert panel validated the relevance of 35 DSFs, which became candidates for a structured questionnaire survey of experts in 18 countries. Statistical techniques are used to evaluate and prioritize the DSFs, leading to the development of a conceptual framework.

Findings

Statistical analysis revealed 33 significant DSFs. The top five most significant factors that could influence the decision to implement IC in a project include a stringent requirement for project quality control, suitability of the design for IC, organizational readiness and competencies in ICPs, client receptivity to IC and the need to minimize field construction time. A framework of project requirements, location and site attributes, labour considerations and organizational factors was proposed as decision support.

Practical implications

The proposed framework may help to inform decision-making regarding the implementation of IC in a project. It has wider applicability because it includes technical, managerial and operational aspects of and the required competencies for IC, which are shared between project types and territories. The prioritized DSFs could be used as a guide when implementing IC, especially in countries where bespoke decision support systems cannot be developed.

Originality/value

The paper delineated the most important DSFs that are shared between IC project types and territories and can be used to investigate the compatibility of using IC in a proposed project. This research constitutes the first exclusive attempt at delineating, quantifying and ranking the sets of decision-making factors, drawing on international data set and contributes to the empirical checklist of DSFs for ICPs.

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Article
Publication date: 15 August 2024

Zhenzong Zhou, Chen Wei, Geoffrey Qiping Shen, Jin Xue, Yongyue Liu, Yaowu Wang and Qingpeng Man

This study explores citizens’ acceptance of prefabricated housing (PH) from the perspective of socio-demographic and psychological factors, aiming to reveal the formation of PH…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study explores citizens’ acceptance of prefabricated housing (PH) from the perspective of socio-demographic and psychological factors, aiming to reveal the formation of PH acceptance and realize a sustainable development of PH.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed hypotheses drawing on procedural justice theory and uncertainty management theory. A survey of 245 respondents was conducted, and the collected data was analyzed in a stepwise multiple regression model. Then, the psychological influencing mechanism was demonstrated using a mediation model.

Findings

Results of the data analysis manifested that citizens’ acceptance of PH was influenced by socio-demographic and psychological factors, where psychological factors had more significant effects on acceptance than socio-demographic factors. The psychological mechanism was examined by verifying the mediating role of uncertainty between procedural justice and the acceptance of PH. Furthermore, a scientific strategy for developing PH was proposed based on this empirical study.

Originality/value

This study extends the knowledge of procedural justice theory by investigating people’s acceptance in the PH context. This study is also one of the first studies to unveil the psychological mechanism toward a high-cost product with invisible technological innovation. This study contributes to the literature by introducing uncertainty management theory to a controversial issue, examining and expanding its application in a complicated context. Moreover, results highlight the positive influence of fair processes on controversial issues.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 14 May 2020

Jin Xue, Geoffrey Qiping Shen, Rebecca Jing Yang, Irfan Zafar, E.M.A.C. Ekanayake, Xue Lin and Amos Darko

The purpose of this research is to seek better relational strategies between formal and informal stakeholder relationships to improve megaproject performance.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to seek better relational strategies between formal and informal stakeholder relationships to improve megaproject performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model was developed with twenty hypotheses based on the literature review. Then a questionnaire survey was conducted, and the collected data were analyzed by Partial Least squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for validating the proposed model. Finally, the findings were discussed by a comparative study to explain the different effects of the formal and informal relationship on megaproject performance, and the managerial implications are presented for the stakeholders to implement the relationship management in the megaprojects.

Findings

The research finding reveals that formal relationship plays a dominating role in cost, quality, and labor protection; meanwhile, it is still more reliable in improving coordination, safety and environmental protection. Both formal and informal relationship is equally important towards collaboration and scheduling while the informal relationship is more effective in communication and project transparency.

Originality/value

The study extends the knowledge of relationship management in the domain of the megaproject performance. It provides a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the impact of formal and informal stakeholder relationships on ten aspects of the megaproject performance by the proposed conceptual model and PLS-SEM results. The research findings contribute to the theory of relationship management on how the different influences between formal and informal stakeholder relationships lead to better megaproject performance from inter-organizational level to project and societal level.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 13 April 2020

Ibrahim Yahaya Wuni and Geoffrey Qiping Shen

For many types of buildings, prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) is increasingly becoming a preferred alternative construction approach. Empirical evidence of…

3350

Abstract

Purpose

For many types of buildings, prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) is increasingly becoming a preferred alternative construction approach. Empirical evidence of project performance has consistently demonstrated that the ultimate success of PPVC projects is directly linked to the key decisions made at the outset of the PPVC project life cycle. However, there is limited knowledge of how to successfully manage these early stages. This research identified and evaluated the critical success factors (CSFs) required for the management of the conception, planning and design stages of the PPVC project life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

A multistage methodological framework was adopted to identify and evaluate the CSFs for management of the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle. Based on a comprehensive literature review and expert review, a list of the 9 CSFs relevant to the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle was established. Drawing on an online-based international questionnaire survey with global PPVC experts, the CSFs were measured. The data set was statistically tested for reliability and analyzed using several techniques such as mean scores, relativity weightings and significance analysis.

Findings

The analysis revealed that the top 5 most influential CSFs for management of the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle include robust design specifications, accurate drawings and early design freeze; good working collaboration, effective communication and information sharing among project participants; effective stakeholder management; extensive project planning and scheduling; and early engagement of key players. The research further found correlations among the CSFs and proposed a conceptual framework for the management of the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle.

Research limitations/implications

The research recognizes that data quality and reliability risks are the major drawbacks of online questionnaire surveys but the engagement of experts with substantial theoretical and hands-on experiences in PPVC projects helped to minimize these risks. Although small, the sample size was justified and compared with studies that adopted the same data collection approach but analyzed even smaller samples. However, the results should be interpreted against these limitations.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that effective management of the early stages of the PPVC project lifecycle requires early commitment to the PPVC approach in a project; detailed planning and assessment of the suitability of PPVC for the given project; and collaborative design with manufacturers and suppliers to address module production challenges at the detailed design stage. These findings practically instructive and may serve as management support during PPVC implementation.

Originality/value

This research constitutes the first exclusive attempt at identifying the CSFs for successful management of the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle. It provides a fresh and more in-depth understanding of how best to manage the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle. Thus, it contributes to the practice and praxis of the PPVC project implementation discourse.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2021

Ibrahim Yahaya Wuni, Geoffrey Qiping Shen and Robert Osei-Kyei

Prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) is a game-changing construction method that transforms the fragmented site-based construction of buildings into an…

800

Abstract

Purpose

Prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) is a game-changing construction method that transforms the fragmented site-based construction of buildings into an integrated production, integration and assembly of value-added volumetric building components. Where circumstances merit, the effective implementation of PPVC leverages significant gains in time, cost, quality, productivity and sustainability performance of construction projects. As PPVC is increasingly becoming mainstream, it is imperative to identify the critical success criteria (CSC) for measuring PPVC project success. The purpose of this study is to identify, rank and benchmark the CSC for measuring PPVC project success.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative research design where the potential CSC for PPVC projects were evaluated. A comprehensive literature and pilot expert review identified 18 CSC for measuring PPVC project success. Based on a questionnaire survey of international PPVC experts, the 18 CSC were analyzed and prioritized using mean score analysis and weighting function.

Findings

Based on mean index assessment, the top five CSC for PPVC projects were identified as adherence to project schedules, meeting project quality specification, meeting safety requirements, client and owner satisfaction and cost savings and profitability. Further analysis grouped the 18 CSC into six principal success criteria (PSC), comprising time performance, cost performance, quality performance, environmental and safety performance, stakeholder satisfaction and supply chain performance. Based on weighted analysis of the six PSCs, quality performance, time performance and environmental and safety performance obtained the highest weights.

Research limitations/implications

The research results are limited by the following limitations. First, although adequate, the sample size was relatively smaller. Second, the generalized analysis overlooked the geospatial sensitivities of the CSC.

Originality/value

The results constitute the first exclusive quantitative ranking and prioritization of the CSC for PPVC projects. The outputs of this study will enable practitioners to reliably and accurately evaluate the performance levels of PPVC projects. A framework of the CSC for measuring the success of PPVC projects was developed.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 August 2021

Juliana Parise Baldauf, Carlos Torres Formoso and Patricia Tzortzopoulos

This paper proposes a method for managing client requirements with the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM). The development of healthcare projects demands a large amount…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper proposes a method for managing client requirements with the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM). The development of healthcare projects demands a large amount of requirements information, in order to deal with a diversity of clients and frequents changes in healthcare services. The proposed method supports healthcare design by adopting a process-based approach for client requirements management, with the aim of improving value generation.

Design/methodology/approach

Design Science Research was the methodological approach adopted in this investigation. The main outcome of this study emerged from an empirical study carried out in a healthcare project in Brazil.

Findings

The proposed method involves three stages: (1) capturing and processing requirements; (2) product and requirements modelling, which involves the connection between requirements and the BIM 3-D model and (3) supporting design solution refinement, through the communication of requirements and the assessment of design in relation to updated client requirements information.

Originality/value

This study explores client requirements management from a process perspective, proposing activities and their interdependences and possible sources of data, including healthcare services information. The main theoretical contributions are related to the understanding of the nature and complexity of the information involved in client requirements management, and how this can be modelled.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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