This paper examines the way the Japanese education system strategically channels talent towards its elite universities, turning out a high proportion of engineers and architects…
Abstract
This paper examines the way the Japanese education system strategically channels talent towards its elite universities, turning out a high proportion of engineers and architects for the construction industry. At the same time, it provides limited education for construction workers and technicians in public vocational institutes and technical colleges, preferring to turn out a highly educated workforce of generalists who are trained for specific jobs by employers through the training centres of large firms, private vocational institutes, or on‐the‐job training by smaller subcontractors.
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It is widely recognized that large-scale public–private partnership (PPP) projects require an effective coordination mechanism among various stakeholders throughout the project…
Abstract
Purpose
It is widely recognized that large-scale public–private partnership (PPP) projects require an effective coordination mechanism among various stakeholders throughout the project life cycle. The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into how this may be achieved through the leading small group (LSG), which is a distinctive informal Chinese institution for coordination among various public agencies.
Design/methodology/approach
An in-depth case study using secondary data and five in-depth interviews with two staff members from the developer and three government officials involved is used to probe into how the LSG functions during the various development phases of the Yangzhou Teda Waste-to-Energy project.
Findings
The main finding is that, conditional on its capacity, the LSG coordinated various public agencies to promote fast project implementation and ensure its smooth operation by making high-level decisions, facilitating quick permits and approvals, and mitigating the risks. However, formalization and participation from other stakeholders are needed to ensure good governance.
Research limitations/implications
Because it is an exploratory case study, the findings cannot be readily generalized. Further research can be done to compare the performance of LSGs in different Chinese cities and PPP projects.
Practical implications
It is supposed that this paper can provide implications of designing effective coordination mechanisms for managing large-scale PPP projects.
Originality/value
This paper provides an account of the LSG as a distinctive Chinese coordination mechanism that has been rarely studied.
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This study uses the Tornqvist index to estimate the total factor productivity (TFP) for the Singapore construction industry between 1980 and 1996. Throughout the period, the main…
Abstract
This study uses the Tornqvist index to estimate the total factor productivity (TFP) for the Singapore construction industry between 1980 and 1996. Throughout the period, the main contribution to real construction output growth was capital accumulation. TFP was found to be negative, indicating that construction productivity growth has not been spectacular, even in a dynamic and rapidly growing economy such as Singapore. The result is in broad agreement with previous estimates of TFP for the entire Singapore economy. A lot needs to be done to improve construction productivity, as the industry cannot continue to grow by increasing factor inputs indefinitely without an accompanying rise in efficiency.
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Low Sui Pheng and Willie C.K. Tan
While it may be in the interest of construction firms to expand either gradually or rapidly their workload over time, the need to maintain a stable volume of work is still crucial…
Abstract
While it may be in the interest of construction firms to expand either gradually or rapidly their workload over time, the need to maintain a stable volume of work is still crucial for long‐term survival. While it is obviously useful for the industry to try to resolve the specific quality problems identified, the need to attain a stable and minimal level of workload will remain a high priority for all construction firms. This is because without a stable workload, survival will be at stake, let alone expansion and provision of good quality services and products. Sets out to test two hypotheses. First, poor quality standards in the construction industry are primarily structural problems tied to the demand for construction. Second, because cyclical fluctuations are inherent in the construction industry, poor quality standards in construction are also likely to be perpetual problems.
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Kai-Sean Lee and Chen-Wei (Willie) Tao
Informed by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s systems view of creativity and Chad Borkenhagen’s conceptualization of open source cooking, this study explored how a group of extraordinary…
Abstract
Purpose
Informed by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s systems view of creativity and Chad Borkenhagen’s conceptualization of open source cooking, this study explored how a group of extraordinary pastry chef used Instagram to openly express creativity, disseminate knowledge and reveal culinary secrets. The subsequent impacts of such actions were also assessed.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitatively driven mixed-method approach was conducted using a nested mixed-method design. A total of 2,456 Instagram posts were visually analyzed alongside a series of interviews with elite pastry chefs over a two-year period.
Findings
Analysis distilled three themes that delineated how elite pastry chefs express creativity and share knowledge mindfully, ethically and altruistically on Instagram. The findings also converged to form a new theoretical model, “systems view of culinary creative sharing,” which accounts for the multifaceted considerations of culinary knowledge sharing on social media.
Research limitations/implications
Findings converged to form a systems view of culinary knowledge sharing. This is peculiarly useful for scholars who are interested in developing a greater understanding about “where and how” creative ideas and knowledge originate, disseminate and receive corroborations in the contemporary digital era.
Originality/value
This study highlighted that a new praxis of open sharing looms large in the culinary profession. This praxis symbolizes a movement away from the traditional mindset of safeguarding culinary secrets and toward a more transparent and open philosophy toward knowledge sharing in the culinary community.
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Ibrahim Cifci, Baris Cam, Oguzhan Demirbas and Aleyna Celikay
This study aims to investigate the strategies and challenges of deploying Blockchain within the context of mobile public bazaars’ (MPBs) food supply chains (FSCs) in the tourism…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the strategies and challenges of deploying Blockchain within the context of mobile public bazaars’ (MPBs) food supply chains (FSCs) in the tourism and hospitality industry (T&H).
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on qualitative data gathered from 20 semistructured interviews with stakeholders (e.g. producers, food service businesses and government agencies), the study uses theme analysis to identify patterns and insights.
Findings
Findings reveal four strategies (i.e. implementations, digital literacy and awareness, government incentives and interoperability) and four challenges (i.e. public perception, business logic, constraints, legislative and administrative) arising from the deployment of Blockchain in the FSCs of MPBs.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive examination of the strategies and challenges associated with deploying Blockchain in the FSCs of MPBs within the T&H industry. It extends beyond singular theoretical frameworks, using a multitheory approach and offers a novel smart contract model for practical implementation.
研究目的
本研究旨在探讨在旅游与酒店行业(T&H)背景下, 将区块链技术应用于移动公共集市(MPBs)食品供应链(FSCs)的策略和挑战。
研究方法
通过对20位利益相关者(例如生产者、食品服务企业和政府机构)的半结构化访谈收集定性数据, 研究采用主题分析法以识别模式和洞察。
研究发现
研究结果揭示了四大策略(即实施、数字素养与意识、政府激励、互操作性)和四大挑战(即公众认知、商业逻辑、约束条件、法律与行政问题), 这些问题与区块链在MPBs的FSCs中的应用相关。
研究创新
本研究通过对MPBs中FSCs区块链部署相关策略与挑战的全面分析, 丰富了现有文献。研究超越单一理论框架, 采用多理论方法, 并提出了一个创新的智能合约模型以供实践应用。
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Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Term. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are…
Abstract
Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Term. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are available through normal trade sources. Mrs. Cheney, being a member of the editorial board of Pierian Press, will not review Pierian Press reference books in this column. Descriptions of Pierian Press reference books will be included elsewhere in this publication.
This paper aims to provide answers to the question: “What are the key innovative strategies needed for future tourism in the world?” At the outset, this paper redefines the word…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide answers to the question: “What are the key innovative strategies needed for future tourism in the world?” At the outset, this paper redefines the word “innovation” in the context of the hospitality and tourism industry. It then captures the essence of 13 proceeding papers on innovative initiatives in 17 countries and presents concluding remarks to this Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue on innovation (v. 11 n. 2, 2019).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws from a wide spectrum of innovation types, concepts, strategies, suggestions and solutions written by 24 authors, who cumulatively have valuable and diverse experience in managing, operating, teaching, researching and consulting on innovation.
Findings
Innovation is relevant to all macro- and micro-level aspects of all industries. In conclusion, to identify common elements in all 13 papers, the author presents a shorter definition: “Innovation is the art of implementing new ideas to improve productivity, products and services, while enhancing customer satisfaction, revenues and profitability”. In addition, he emphasizes that innovation needs vision, mission and passion!
Research limitations/implications
This research contributes to the emerging research theme of innovation in the hospitality and tourism industry and extends/re-defines the word: “innovation”.
Practical implications
There are significant practical implications in terms of industry approaches to use innovative strategies across the world.
Originality/value
Readers who are interested in international best practices of hospitality and tourism would benefit from this paper.
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The main purpose of this editorial is to combine the philosophies of learning from the Eastern and the Western cultures, offer some inspiration to researchers, and promote unique…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this editorial is to combine the philosophies of learning from the Eastern and the Western cultures, offer some inspiration to researchers, and promote unique and interesting contributions to the literature in Chinese human research management (HRM) research.
Design/methodology/approach
To illustrate the Eastern ways of thinking, the author selects two interesting Chinese words, uses reverse‐engineering, and demonstrates how our ancestors used rich, deep, and powerful meanings to design these Chinese words (Graphic 1) and also explores the meaning of knowledge or wisdom. They also reflect the Western culture and recent management literature.
Findings
The paper shows how researchers need to follow philosophical thoughts of the East and the West; study and evaluate the rich literature carefully; think deeply in order to challenge general assumptions and ask novel, original, and meaningful research questions; provide practical new knowledge; and make a significant contribution to the literature.
Originality/value
The paper promotes unique and interesting contributions to the literature in Chinese HRM research.