Search results

The present research aims to investigate how lean project management (LPM) and agile project management (APM) affect project performance outcomes in the construction sector in Jordan. This study focuses on six key project performance outcomes, namely cost, time, quality, client satisfaction, innovation and responsiveness.

The present study employed a quantitative approach to achieve the research objectives. Accordingly, a multi-item survey questionnaire was prepared to gather data from 392 project managers from construction companies in Jordan. The study’s model showed acceptable levels regarding reliability, validity, fit indices and discriminant validity. In order to test the hypotheses of this study, path analysis was employed using Amos 24.0 software.

LPM demonstrated a remarkably high positive impact on cost performance. It also positively affected quality performance and client satisfaction. However, LPM insignificantly affected time, innovation and responsiveness performance measures. On the other hand, APM showed a notably high positive impact on innovation and responsiveness. The findings also revealed that APM positively impacted quality performance and client satisfaction. In addition, APM negatively impacted cost performance and insignificantly impacted time performance.

This study is one of the first comprehensive studies to empirically examine the impact of both LPM and APM on various project performance outcomes in the construction industry in the context of a developing country. It reveals some similarities and differences between LPM and APM with regard to their impacts on project management outcomes. The findings are expected to guide managers in selecting the appropriate project management approach based on the desired performance outcomes. Accordingly, it offers important implications for project managers in construction companies.

The aim of this paper is to explore how Arab Muslim women entrepreneurs construe success, their identity as successful and the influence of Islam on these construals in the country-specific context of Lebanon.

To achieve our aim, a qualitative interpretative methodology, drawing upon 25 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Muslim women entrepreneurs was adopted.

Equipped with Islamic feminism, Arab women entrepreneurs experienced Islam as a malleable resource. Islam allowed them to construe success and their identity as successful at the juncture of their lived experiences as business owners, Muslims of good character and standing and Arab females. Ultimately, Islam unfolded as a dynamic religion that supports women's agency in a landscape dominated by deeply entrenched patriarchal societal and cultural norms and gender-based restrictions.

First, we contribute to research on the effect of Islam on entrepreneurship by demonstrating the influence of Islam on women's identity construction as successful and their construals of success. Second, we contribute to research on how entrepreneurs construe success beyond situating their construals of success in opposing camps of either objective or subjective success. Third, we contribute to research on identity construction and identity work by demonstrating how Muslim women entrepreneurs' identity as successful is construed at the intersection of their personal and social identities.

One important aspect of a quality work environment is its ability to protect workers from potential hazards while providing comfort, especially during long hours. This study aims to improve the properties of the polyester fabric used for uniforms by enhancing its ultraviolet (UV) protection factor (UPF), reducing electrostatic charge and increasing comfort.

Six different samples of polyester woven fabric were manufactured using a yarn count of 150/144 denier for the warp and 300/96 denier for the weft. Honeycomb and Bedford cord structures were performed with three different weft densities, 36, 45 and 55 weft/cm. The napping process was conducted on one side for all fabrics, and several tests were conducted before and after napping, including thickness, weight, tensile strength, elongation, air and water permeability, UPF and electrostatic charges.

The results were collected, tabulated and statistically analysed. Three different tools were used, given as follows: Column chart to define the behaviour of produced fabrics at each property; ANOVA test with p-value = 0.05 to indicate the significant and non-significant effects of different parameters; and Radar chart area to rank fabrics and demonstrate the preferable performance.

According to the investigated study, the produced fabrics were affected by the parameters, where despite the nap process increasing the fluffy surface and promoting airflow, UV protection and electrostatic charge, it aids in deteriorating mechanical properties and relatively reducing absorbency. Additionally, the weft densities are striking in various fabric characteristics and performances relating to the fancy weave structure.