S. Thomas Ng and Yoki M.W. Wong
The purpose of this paper is to establish whether this type of approach is suitable for maintenance schemes from the perspective of both the public agent and the service provider…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish whether this type of approach is suitable for maintenance schemes from the perspective of both the public agent and the service provider. Until recently, non‐privately funded public‐private partnerships have been adopted for the maintenance of infrastructure facilities.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, stakeholders involved in a trial of a non‐privately funded public‐private partnerships project were invited to express their opinions on the success and pitfalls of this type of scheme. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 12 management and front‐line staff of the public and private partners to capture their opinions on the project. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to uncover the views and standpoints of other stakeholders on PPP. A total of 33 respondents completed the questionnaire.
Findings
The results indicate that the non‐privately funded PPP approach is more cost‐effective and efficient in the delivery of maintenance services when compared with the traditional term contract. The performance‐based payment mechanism adopted could help improve the quality of maintenance services performed by the contractor. The inspection and programming tasks are transferred to the service provider relieving the workload of the public agency. Most stakeholders who participated in this study agreed that the non‐privately funded PPP approach can allow higher flexibility, encourage innovation, enhance cost‐effectiveness and improve the efficiency of work when compared with the traditional term contract in the delivery of maintenance services.
Originality/value
This paper provides a general introduction to the method adopted in the non‐privately funded public‐private partnerships approach with particular reference to the maintenance of infrastructure schemes. More important, the potentials and pitfalls of using this type of mechanism with maintenance projects are examined, which helps enhance understanding of this rather unexplored topic.
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Douglas Aghimien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Nicholas Chileshe and Bhekinkosi Jabulani Dlamini
This paper presents the findings of assessing the strategies required for improved work-life balance (WLB) of construction workers in Eswatini. This was done to improve the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents the findings of assessing the strategies required for improved work-life balance (WLB) of construction workers in Eswatini. This was done to improve the work-life relationship of construction workers and, in turn, improve the service delivery of the construction industry in the country.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a questionnaire administered to construction professionals in the country. The data gathered were analysed using frequency, percentage, Mann–Whitney U test, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Findings
The findings revealed that the level of implementation of WLB initiatives in the Eswatini construction industry is still low. Following the attaining of several model fitness, the study found that the key strategies needed for effective WLB can be classified into four significant components, namely: (1) leave, (2) health and wellness, (3) work flexibility, and; (4) days off/shared work.
Practical implications
The findings offer valuable benefits to construction participants as the adoption of the identified critical strategies can lead to the fulfilment of WLB of the construction workforce and by extension, the construction industry can benefit from better job performance.
Originality/value
This study is the first to assess the strategies needed for improved WLB of construction workers in Eswatini. Furthermore, the study offers a theoretical platform for future discourse on WLB in Eswatini, a country that has not gained significant attention in past WLB literature.
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Sandra Hakiem Afrizal, Achmad Nizar Hidayanto, Putu Wuri Handayani, Besral Besral, Evi Martha, Hosizah Markam, Meiwita Budiharsana and Tris Eryando
This study was aimed to evaluate the implementation of an integrated antenatal care (ANC) scheme through a retrospective document study using a checklist for measuring the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study was aimed to evaluate the implementation of an integrated antenatal care (ANC) scheme through a retrospective document study using a checklist for measuring the adequacy of the cohort ANC register documented by midwives in an urban area and to describe the barriers for the midwives during the ANC record process.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory descriptive study using a sequential mixed method was utilised where a quantitative method was employed by collecting secondary data of 150 entries of the cohort ANC register and followed by in-depth interviews among midwives and community health workers.
Findings
The results show that the cohort registry indicators for integrated care such as laboratory and management were poorly recorded. Several barriers were found and categorised during the implementation of the integrated ANC, namely (1) governance and strategy, (2) process of care, (3) organisation and management support.
Research limitations/implications
The contribution of this present research is that it provides empirical data of the integrated ANC implementation in primary health care (PHC) which has the responsibility to deliver an integrated level of care for ANC using a cohort registry for pregnancy registration monitoring which facilitates the continuity and quality of care.
Practical implications
Practical implication of the finding is that functional integration such as the clinical information system to facilitate an efficient and effective approach during the implementation of integrated ANC in primary care should be considered to support the clinical, professional, organisational, system and normative integration.
Originality/value
Since only limited studies have been conducted to assess the quality of the cohort ANC registry and to investigate the barriers against integrated ANC implementation in Indonesia, the research findings are valuable information for the national and local governments to improve the ANC service in Indonesia.