bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does CSR disclosure enhance corporate brand performance in emerging economy? Evidence from India
Authors: Sarkar Soumya , Chatterjee Manali , Bhattacharjee Titas
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to delve into the influence of corporate social responsibility on the corporate brand performance of Indian business-to-business (B2B) companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices have been measured through CSR disclosure index (CDI), generated by surveying annual reports/CSR reports/websites of 131 Indian B2B firms. The same was mapped to corporate brand performance of these firms, measured as customer-based corporate brand equity, which was measured through a questionnaire-survey of purchasing managers and users working in firms that are customers to the above-mentioned firms.

Findings

The result reveals the positive influence of CSR practices in shoring up corporate brand performance.

Research limitations/implications

CDI has been developed based on CSR reporting across the stakeholder groups. However, the impact has been mapped onto one stakeholder category, the customer. The sample period was only one year, and the data is cross-sectional. Future studies may investigate the long-term effect of CSR using longitudinal data on larger data sets.

Practical implications

This study will encourage Indian B2B firms to practice CSR not only for conforming to the regulatory requirements but also as a strategic tool in strengthening the competitive advantage.

Originality/value

It is the first study of its kind to evaluate the imprint of corporate social responsibility, measured based on CSR reporting by firms, on corporate brand performance. It looks into the return earned by firms from the resources invested in CSR activities.
Shariah board, web-based information and branding of Islamic financial institutions
Authors: Ahmed Ishfaq , Usman Ahmad , Farooq Waqas , Usman Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Purpose

With the advent of technology and internet banking, the role and value of bank’s websites have increased. Additionally, the Islamic banking boom has also increased the role of Shariah-based banking in the market. But neither web-based information nor Shariah board members have been investigated for their possible effects on the branding of Islamic banks. Against this backdrop, this study aims to explore web-based information and Shariah board as a source of branding of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs).

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretivism-based thematic inquiry is carried out through semi-structured interviews of 22 customers of Islamic banks.

Findings

The findings of the study highlighted the fact that customers’ perceived web-based information is in line with the Shariah objectives but showed low level of trust on that information. They assumed that the practices are not consistent with this information. Moreover, the Shariah board members were considered as brand ambassadors, and customers valued board members more than the Shariah board and Islamic bank itself. Findings further highlight the more knowledge customers have about the Shariah board members (experience, qualification, achievements, etc.) the greater is the impact on the branding of the IFIs.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel perspective by considering the value of web-based information and Shariah board on branding of Islamic banks. As there is no such study available in literature, up to the best of researchers' knowledge, the qualitative inquiry may suffice the study objectives and research questions.
The interaction between leadership styles and their followers' human capital: a correspondence analysis approach applied to micro-sized businesses
Authors: Al-Awlaqi Mohammed Ali , Aamer Ammar Mohamed , Barahma Maged Mohammed , Battour Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tendency of leaders to select their followers depending on their human capital factors such as age, education level, previous working experience and training.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants were 1,388 employees working in a randomly selected sample of 289 small-sized businesses operating in Yemen. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. The correspondence analysis method was used to explore the tendency of leaders to select their followers depending on their human capital factors.

Findings

We found significant corresponding relationships between leadership styles and the selection of the followers' human capital factors. The passive avoidant style was found to select middle-age, long-experience and fully-trained followers. Transactional style on the other hand was found to select young, middle-level experience and non-trained followers. The transformational leadership style was found to have no selection preferences towards any of the human capital factors except for working experience.

Originality/value

Although, some previous studies tried to understand the leaders–followers relationships, no one investigated the tendency of leaders to select their followers according to their preferences. This study contributes significantly to the leaders–followers theory by studying the selection process of the leadership style of their followers' human capital factors. Understanding this phenomenon could help explain why some leadership styles are more effective than others, especially in very limited resources contexts such as micro-sized businesses.
Effects of transparent brand communication on perceived brand authenticity and consumer responses
Authors: Yang Jing , Battocchio Ava Francesca
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand the effects of brands’ transparent communication (i.e. production transparency and cost transparency) on consumers’ perceptions of a brand’s perceived transparency and authenticity, as well as how such perceptions impact consumers’ attitude, trust and behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Two between-participants factorial design experiments (n = 176 for Study 1 and n = 169 for Study 2) were conducted to examine consumers’ responses to a brand’s cost transparency and production transparency.

Findings

The results revealed that transparency in the focal brand’s communication of production and cost would increase consumers’ perceptions of the brand’s transparency and authenticity because of its perceived information sensitivity. Such positive effects were found to similarly impact consumers’ attitude, trust and behavioral intention toward the brand.

Practical implications

The results point to the importance of brand transparency in marketing communication, specifically as it pertains to the influence that the inclusion of transparent cost and production information can have on consumers’ perceptions of authenticity, trust and attitude, as well as how these perceptions translate into behavioral intention.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to explore the differences between production transparency and cost transparency in influencing consumer responses and the underlying mechanisms. The findings also expand to the literature on brand transparency and brand authenticity.
Department chair as mentor: perceptions of young female faculty members from Kazakhstan
Authors: Yelibay Moldir
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The study explores factors affecting workplace–mentoring relationships of young female faculty members and their department chairs.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a qualitative interview research design to answer the research questions of the study. Semi-structured interviews of ten female faculty members from Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan were analyzed with the help of thematic coding and its interpretation.

Findings

The study suggests implementing women-only formal mentorship programs with Kochan's (2013) cultural framework for an organizational culture change. The reason is that study provides some insights into the traditional values that underpin age and gender biases in the professional community of Kazakhstani academia. However, but the results differ for participants who are informally mentored by department chairs with modern values. The author acknowledges that the small sample limits the findings and it's interpretation. Hence more research in the interdisciplinary field of gender, education and workforce in the context is required.

Originality/value

The study presents new evidence to support existing Western research on factors influencing workplace relationships and mentorship for young female faculty members. This empirical research adds on findings to the existing data from the Central Asian context, particularly to the sector of women studies and organizational culture in higher education institutions.
A tailorable framework of practices for maintenance delivery
Authors: Catt Philip James
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of a tailorable framework of practices for maintenance delivery (MD) and present a range of examples to demonstrate the tailoring process. The framework covers the entire scope of MD in detail, including several related subjects where significant business process interaction occurs. It offers a wide range of optional practices throughout, complete with expert guidance to enable tailoring based on the business context.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework was developed in two stages: firstly, via a review of existing MD processes from the literature to establish a preliminary version; this was then developed further via a Delphi study utilising the opinion of experts from industry to validate, critique and improve the initial framework design.

Findings

The completed framework was implemented and tested by the industrial sponsor of this research and was found to deliver significant improvement to their MD practices.

Practical implications

The tailorable nature of the framework means that it can be utilised by any business to design an MD process that is fully effective within their specific context. Alongside a tailored MD process, the framework will also generate a fully aligned implementation specification for the supporting computerised maintenance management system (CMMS), which is also tailored according to the same contextual requirements. This will enable the end user of the framework to procure, implement and configure a CMMS that has all of the functionality required to fully support their business requirements.

Originality/value

Innovation is delivered by combining a novel business process design tool with a software specification tool to solve a common industry problem (i.e. poor CMMS implementation).
Are employees' emotional labor strategies triggering or reducing customer incivility: a sociometer theory perspective
Authors: Zhan Xiaojun , Luo Wenhao , Ding Hanyu , Zhu Yanghao , Guo Yirong
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Prior studies have mainly attributed customer incivility to dispositional characteristics, whereas little attention has been paid to exploring service employees' role in triggering or reducing customer incivility. The purpose of the present study is to propose and test a model in which service employees' emotional labor strategies affect customer incivility via influencing customers' self-esteem threat, as well as examine the moderating role of customer's perception of service climate.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a matched sample consisting of 317 employee-customer dyads in China, multiple regression analysis and indirect effect tests were employed to test our model.

Findings

The study shows that employee surface acting is positively related to customer incivility, whereas deep acting is negatively associated with customer incivility. Moreover, customer self-esteem threat mediates the relationship between both types of emotional labor and customer incivility. Customer perception of service climate moderates the relationship between deep acting and customer self-esteem threat.

Originality/value

The current research broadens the antecedents of customer incivility from the employee perspective and sheds more light on the role of customer self-esteem in the interactions between employees and customers. It also demonstrates a complementary relationship between service climate and individual employees' emotional labor strategies, thereby expanding the existing understanding of the management of employees' emotional labor.
Robo-advisors (RAs): the programmed self-service market for professional advice
Authors: Wexler Mark N. , Oberlander Judy
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This conceptual paper draws together an interdisciplinary approach to robo-advisors (RAs) as an example of an early and successful example of automated, programmed professional services.

Design/methodology/approach

Little is known about the forces driving this change in the delivery of professional service. This work explores the drivers of RAs, the degree of disruption incurred by the introduction of RAs, and how, as RAs advance, trust in algorithmic authority aids in legitimating RAs as smart information.

Findings

From the firms' perspective, the drivers include rebranding occasioned by the financial crisis (2008), the widening of the client base and the “on-trend” nature of algorithmic authority guided by artificial intelligence (AI) embedded in RAs. This examination of the drivers of RAs indicates that professional service automation is aligned with information society trends and is likely to expand.

Practical implications

Examining RAs as an indicator of the future introduction of programmed professional services suggests that success increases when the algorithmic authority in the programmed serves are minimally disruptive, trustworthy and expand the client base while keeping the knowledge domain of the profession under control of the industry.

Originality/value

Treating RAs as an early instance of successfully embedding knowledge in AI and algorithmically based platforms adds to the early stages of theory and practice in the monetization and automation of professional knowledge-based services.
An empirical study of factors influencing training transfer in the management training intervention
Authors: Yaqub Yasmin , Singh Arun Kumar , Dutta Tanusree
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to predict the transfer of training (ToT) from management training. This study empirically examined the predictive power of ToT factors, namely, individual characteristics (self-efficacy), training intervention design (training approaches) and work climate (organizational support) among the study respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

All the proposed research hypotheses were tested through survey data. Data was collected using a questionnaire from managers working in different departments of an Indian public manufacturing organization. A sum of 273 usable data was analyzed, and the structural equation modeling technique was used to test the proposed theoretical model.

Findings

The study results showed a direct and positive association among self-efficacy, work climate and training intervention design with training transfer. The study findings suggest that self-efficacy, training approaches and organizational support predict ToT.

Practical implications

The study findings have a beneficial impact on designing and delivering successful management training intervention among managers. To enhance training transfer, organizations could consider all these three factors. A replication of the study in national and international settings would help improve generalizability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explored the new relationships of selected factors with ToT in management training. An improved understanding of the interactive impact of self-efficacy, training approaches and organizational support on the ToT is provided.
Japanese CEOs cross-cultural management of customer value orientation in India
Authors: Ashta Ashok , Stokes Peter John , Smith Simon M. , Hughes Paul
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of cross-cultural issues relating to the experience and implications of an elite grouping of Japanese CEOs customer value orientations (CVOs) within Japanese firms operating in India. The paper underlines that there is a propensity for East-West comparisons and in contrast the argument contributes to the under-examined area of research on East Asian/South Asian comparative studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were employed to generate narratives that provided rich and novel insights into the lived experience of Japanese CEOs working in Indian contexts and in relation to CVO. An inductive framework was employed in order to develop a more in-depth understanding of Japanese CEO CVO in Indo-Japanese empirical settings.

Findings

The data analysis identified a number of shared themes that influence CVO practice in the Indo-Japanese context. The findings develop an awareness of cross-cultural management's (CCM) in relation to the under-explored area of the Indo-Japanese dyad.

Research limitations/implications

The paper develops CCM perspectives towards a more in-depth conceptualization of Japanese CEO perceptions on CVO practice in India. This is also of potential relevance to wider foreign investors not only Japanese businesses. The sample respondents – Japanese CEOS working in India – constitute a small and elite group. The lead author, having experience as a CEO of a Japanese firm was able to use convenience sampling to access this difficult to access group. In addition, also stemming from the convenience aspect, all the respondents were in the manufacturing sector. The study was deliberately targeted and narrowly focussed for this reason and does not claim automatic wide generalizability to other employee strata or industry; however, other sectors and employees may recognize resonance. This identified gap provides space for future studies in varying regional, national and sector contexts.

Practical implications

The paper identifies implications for CCM training and Indo-Japanese business organization design.

Social implications

Use and acceptance of the enhanced research paradigm could support diversity in research and knowledge production with implications for research, teaching and future policymakers.

Originality/value

The cross-cultural study is original in that it contributes to CCM literature by providing a rare Indo-Japanese (sic East Asian: South Asian) comparative study. It provides an uncommon granular appreciation of the interaction of these cultures in relation to CVO. In addition, it secures rare data from an elite Japanese CEOs of manufacturing sector businesses.
Small ozone generator fabricated from low-temperature co-fired ceramics
Authors: Makarovič Kostja , Belavič Darko , Malič Barbara , Benčan Andreja , Kovač Franci , Holc Janez
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the design, fabrication and evaluation of a miniature ozone generator using the principle of electric discharge are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The device was fabricated using a low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology, by which a multilayered ceramic structure with integrated electrodes, buried channels and cavities in micro and millimeter scales was realized.

Findings

The developed ozone generator with the dimensions of 63.6 × 41.8 × 1.3 mm produces approximately 1 vol. % of ozone in oxygen flow of 15 ml/min, at an applied voltage of 7 kV.

Originality/value

A miniature ozone generator, manufactured in LTCC technology, produces high amount of ozone and more than it is described in the available references or in datasheets of commercial devices of similar size.
Small House Projects in Japan Housing Experiments for Open-Building Concept
Authors: Motooka Nobuhisa , Murakami Shin , Tobe Eiichi
Published: January 2021

Focusing on small houses has become one of the recent trends in housing design in Japan, as has been observed in many house design works. Periodical coverage can tell that the number of such works has clearly been increasing since the 90s, as compared with the 70s and 80s. The trend of small houses was also observed in the 50s. In those postwar years of economic growth, it was driven by the conditions of the time, such as supply and housing shortages and urban centralization. Today’s social conditions are significantly different from those in the 50s, and naturally, the whole concept of small houses has greatly changed from the past.

In this research, we evaluate the experiments of small houses, from the view of the idea of sustainability and open building concept. Specifically, the study compares the small houses of the 50s and those after 1990 to examine their differences or similarities in terms of size, structure and building systems. And thus clarify how industrialization and standardization reflect on these experiments.

The former period, most were constructed on wood, with traditional construction method. The purpose of design was rather how to adapt the industrialization to the traditional construction and how to realize the modern way of living in the smallest space, than fulfillment of flexibility. Moreover, low cost was also included in the design purpose. In latest examples, the “small” means “small building area” rather than “small space for life and minimal cost for construction” The experimental projects were conducted by the intention exploring new possibilities and diversities of space design, with various highly industrialized materials. The small houses after 1990 can be regarded as experimental efforts to explore new approaches to skeletons within the context of urban tissue.
Editorial: Managing Urban Disasters
Authors: Wamsler Christine
Published: January 2021

Imagine, for a moment, human settlements that are organised to overcome and withstand earthquakes or hurricanes, infrastructures that reinforce themselves and seal cracks of their own accord, or buildings that elevate themselves during flooding. Imagine settlements that provide information systems that warn when a tsunami is approaching, or when houses are overburdened and may be liable to imminent collapse due to landslides, fire or other hazards. Such human settlements would secure the livelihood of all their inhabitants, empowering them to cope and deal with natural threats. As with a living organism, these settlements would adjust their social, political and economic systems in such a rapid way that they can account for damage, effect repairs, learn from experience, and retire - urbanely - once they can no longer fulfil their protective and defensible function.
Legislation as Vulnerability Factor
Authors: Gavidia Jorge , Crivellari Annalisa
Published: January 2021

A study conducted in Central America in 2003 shows that in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch noticeable progress was made in introducing new legislation for disaster management, understood as covering the whole cycle from prevention, preparedness and relief, to reconstruction. The new legislation includes civil defence or disaster management laws and regulations to improve their effectiveness in responding to the threat of natural disasters. A similar situation can be observed in other countries like Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

The study looks into existing urban and municipal laws, regulations and planning guidelines to assess the extent to which they respond to vulnerability reduction criteria. This paper focuses on aspects of prevention and risk reduction. An attempt was made to look into the complementarities and gaps between the two sets of regulations for disaster management and for municipal/urban management. It is found that despite the many elements of good practice included in them, the links between these instruments are weak or absent on issues ranging from planning to the actual supervision of interventions on the built environment. Thus, the main elements of the edifice were there, but they did not constitute a solid, interconnected, structure, therefore, bound to fail under the loads imposed by rapid urbanisation, speculation, emergencies and weak governance structures.

Institutions are often left to fend themselves in discharging their tasks. Without a coherent normative framework, and the capacity to apply it, their work is primarily driven by institutional initiative, leading to problems of underperformance, overlaps, gaps, and non-constructive competition. Thus, the institutional setup and normative framework become important factors in increasing vulnerability, as real as a building with the wrong foundations.

The article reviews the mentioned aspects drawing from the experience in Central America, Cuba and Dominican Republic.
Integrating Slum Upgrading and Vulnerability Reduction in Mozambique
Authors: Spaliviero Mathias
Published: January 2021

Due to its location, Mozambique suffers from cyclical flooding associated with heavy rains and cyclones. In recent years, extreme flood events affected millions of people, disrupting the economic recovery process that followed the peace agreement in 1992. Despite this natural threat, most of the population continues to live in flood prone areas both in rural environment, due to the dependency on agricultural activities, and in urban environment, since unsafe zones are often the only affordable option for new settlers.

This paper presents a brief analytical review on different issues related with urban informal settlements, or slums, based on different project activities developed by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) in Mozambique. The aim is to identify applicable strategies to reduce vulnerability in urban slums, where approximately 70 percent of the urban population live. The implemented project activities target different organisational levels in an integrated manner, seeking for active involvement of the Government, local authorities and communities at each implementation stage, from decision-making to practical implementation. They consist of three main components: 1) supporting policy-making in order to ensure sustainable urban development, 2) delivering a comprehensive training and capacity building based on the mainstreaming concept of “Learning How to Live with Floods” as valid alternative to resettlement, and 3) facilitating participatory land use planning coupled with physical upgrading interventions at the local level.

In the long-term, the intention of UN-HABITAT is to progressively focus on community-based slum upgrading and vulnerability reduction activities, coordinated by local authorities and actively monitored by central institutions, in improving and managing basic services and infrastructures (i.e. water supply, drainage, sanitation, waste management, road network, etc). This type of bottom-up experiences should then represent a basis for setting up a slum upgrading intervention strategy to be applied at the national level.
A “Globalized” Studio Environment: Configuring Reflexive Spatial Agendas
Authors: Jenson Michael
Published: January 2021

De territorialization - a concept of territory where social, economic, and political space are not necessarily geographical has developed from the radical alterations brought about by rapid globalization. For the first time in history, cultural spaces are developing that have no tangible connection to geographical places. Conventional learning structures, teaching methods, and course content make it difficult for these educational institutions to operate effectively in this climate. To prosper, they must make decisions expeditiously and the development of new programs must take place quickly, seamlessly, and continuously.

More importantly, with the changes demanded by these processes, the classroom must truly become a global entity. In this paper, an argument is proposed that though the forces of globalization have radically changed our conception and use of space, its material manifestation is as important now more then ever to those training to be architects and designers. However, the old lecture hall and studio configuration must make way for a new type of reflexive space that allows disciplinary boundaries to become blurred and more flexible.

If this occurs, universities might again become bastions of critical thought illustrating possible types of alternative spaces and temporalities within our personal and communal lives. By cultivating spaces built on the imperatives of diversity and simultaneity, the monistic onslaught of the global network culture could be translated into a multitude of spaces and temporalities that add richness to the necessary social, political, and cultural aspects of our lives. Within architectural discourse, this call is doubly important because this type of individual will most affect the virtual/material interfaces that are become increasingly common as the effects of economic and technological transformations are felt on a global scale.
Editorial
Authors: Wilkinson Nicholas
Published: January 2021

The composition and subject balance of manuscripts in this Open Issue of OPEN HOUSE INTERNATIONAL range from experimental housing, through to mass customisation to Post-Disaster housing procurement methods and community oriented high rise building and Open Building. Starting with the Validity of PREVI, Lima, Peru, (p.6, Salas and Lucas, 2011) the focus is on an evaluation some forty years later after initial construction. Then on to Mass Customization of Housing, Malaysia, (p.16, 2011) for promoting customer satisfaction and contributing in the long run to sustainability of the housing industry. The overall conclusion was that there is a promosing future for customised housing coming directly from prospective buyers. In both cases large scale industrialised operations are the key words BUT rather than huge three dimensional elements, the proposals opted for precast small elements on an industrial basis deployed in a rationalised construction philosphy thus allowing users to participate in the design and building process.
The Pursuit of Sustainability of Homeownership Schemes for First-Time Buyers
Authors: Hong Tan Teck
Published: January 2021

A large portion of first-time homebuyers lack adequate means to meet their needs of housing owing to home price inflation in Malaysian cities. One way to address the housing needs of urban household is to provide affordable quality homes. Drawing upon a case study of Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this study attempts to discuss the cloud of issues related to different homeownership schemes available for first-time homebuyers. Results suggest that affordable housing should be made available at the price and locations that can be accepted by first-time homeowners. In line with the principle of sustainability, homeownership schemes for first-time homebuyers should be economically viable, socially acceptable and technically feasible.
Review on Vandalism and Mathematical Models for Visibility and Accessibility in Housing Districts: Case Study Sharjah City
Authors: Mushtaha Emad , Hamid Faisal
Published: January 2021

In recent times, residential districts in modern cities face certain new and undesired problems related to antisocial behaviour by adolescents in its urban public spaces. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the design features of public spaces in residential areas and the problem of vandalism within the districts. This paper examines the current literature reviews on vandalism, the main reasons behind the increase of in the problem, types of vandalism, and a mathematical model for assessing visibility and accessibility in addition to proving the results of a field study conducted in a UAE city. We believe that visibility of vandalism-prone areas through dwelling windows, accessibility of such areas by residents through dwelling entrances, and recognition of ownership of such areas can definitely play a role in mitigating vandalism. Our findings indicated the following: (1) There is a strong relationship between vandalism and visibility through dwelling windows. (2) Residents' accessibility to dwelling entrances and recognition of ownership play an important role in reducing vandalism. (3) In areas where the visibility and accessibility by residents is low, the severity of the problem of vandalism increase if there is an increase in the percentage of adolescent residents. (4) The design characteristics of the housing areas, such as the height of the blocks or the limits of public spaces, do not have any influence on the occurrence of vandalism.
Measured Neighbourhood Environmental Factors Correlate with Active Lifestyle Among Elderly
Authors: Elsawahli Hanan , Ali Azlan Shah
Published: January 2021

Neighbourhood environmental factors are associated with active lifestyle. Despite the considerable research that examined their relationship with elderly active lifestyle, the measures' reliability and validity attracted less attention. This pilot study aimed at examining the reliability and validity of eleven neighbourhood environmental factors hypothesized to promote active lifestyle among the elderly. The neighbourhood environmental factors ratings were compared from previous studies scale and the NEWS scale among young elderly residing in two cities in Malaysia. The identified items were further examined to identify their potential association with elderly active lifestyle. All the measures showed valid values except for convenience in both neighbourhoods and accessibility in Taman Meru. All items showed good-excellent reliability except for convenience in Taman Meru. All factors showed moderate-good correlations with active lifestyle except for walkability and convenience in Taman Meru, maintenance and safety in TTDI. The neighbourhood environmental factors can be used in neighbourhood and relevant surveys.
The Planning and Construction of a Regional Financial Center: Financial Structure
Authors: Zhong Xiong , Chen Shuanglian
Published: January 2021

The construction of regional financial center can gather a large amount of financial production elements and capital, which plays an important role in promoting regional economic development. Based on this, the analysis of the planning and design of regional financial center based on the financial structure was studied. Firstly, the research progress of regional financial center and financial structure was expounded. Then, on the basis of the functional demand of the financial center, the planning and design method of the regional financial center was put forward. The regional center building in Nanjing was taken as an example, and the specific planning and design of the traffic, super high-rise landmark buildings, squares and other buildings were analyzed with the advantage of location. The research shows that the design and planning of the regional financial center can provide the new coordinates of globalization for the local finance.
The Mirage of Smart Sustainable Cities in the Arab Region
Authors: El-Kholei Ahmed O. , Yassine Ghada
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the attempt to develop smart, sustainable cities (SSC) in the Arab region. The paper identifies four barriers: 1) infrastructural need for technological advances and availing information and transparency regarding the functioning of the administration; 2) high rates of adult illiteracy and lack of political participation; 3) methods of data collection, validity, reliability, and analysis, which are of utmost importance for decision-making are not always precise and rigorous; and 4) bound rationality that affects the planning process, thus hampering proper planning. Attempting to develop an SSC is not possible in a country where the majority are illiterate and poor. These attempts could lead to the loss of public space, social segregation, and dysfunctional democracy.
Exploring Urban Open Spaces of Regenerated Markets in Qatar
Authors: Gharib Remah Y.
Published: January 2021

The regeneration of urban open spaces of traditional markets in the GCC is driven by socio-cultural intents to reconcile between tradition and modernity. This paper investigates the qualities of urban open spaces of two traditional markets in Qatar through behavioural mapping and impressionistic assessments. The paper aims to demonstrate the variations of urban open spaces in historic markets of Doha and Al Wakra cities and to investigate efficiency of use. The study utilizes both quantitative data and qualitative observations during the peak hours. Firstly, it locates the activities and functions of users on actual maps and determines their density, and secondly, presents the observations recorded through still photographs. The study reveals that Souq Waqif in Doha scored high in the functional, social, and perceptual attributes than Souq Al-Wakra. The behavioural observations demonstrated that both markets are safe, welcoming, and accommodating for their users, yet, Souq Waqif promotes engaging social experiences due to efficient management.
Book Review
Authors: Smith George R.
Published: January 2021

POSSIBLE WAY OUT: FORMALIZING HOUSING INFORMALITY IN EGYPTIAN CITIES
“Seven Fallacies in Architectural Culture”
Authors: Kelbaugh Douglas
Published: January 2021

As an architect and educator I worry about the intellectual and pragmatic challenges that currently bedevil architectural practice and pedagogy. There are at least seven design fallacies that in various combinations permeate professional practice and studio culture at most schools of architecture. Some are self-imposed and tractable; others are less easily addressed because they are externally driven by the media, technology, globalization and capital. Some are about form-making; others are about social equity and environmental sustainability. All seven are deeply embedded in our architectural psyches. Changing them will not be easy, but change them we must if we want to recuperate architecture and urbanism, as well as invigorate them as a more positive and progressive force in the world.
The Extendable Patio House as Public Support
Authors: Shadar Hadas
Published: January 2021

A theoretical social trend prevailed in the Western World during the mid-20th century aimed at creating a sense of belonging to the community, a physical and personal identity and affiliation to a place through planning and architecture. This trend gained popularity especially after the dismantling of CIAM in 1956 at Dubrovnik, the organization of Team X, and in light of research by the SAR group (Stichting Architecten Research).

A short-lived project initiated by the Public Housing Project in the State of Israel expressed this trend. During the years 1956-1959, small one-story row houses were built in order to provide housing for newly arrived immigrants. The houses were initially partially built; the dweller was expected to complete the remainder of work using his own resources and during his free time. The perception whereby the resident is expected to extend his home on his own and bear the responsibility for building his house corresponded with the prevailing belief that social pluralistic contents could be implemented using architecture. The addition to the house was determined in advance. The one-story row house was to be extended along its length while incorporating a small patio that would serve as a source of light and ventilation. Due to the existence of the patio, the above-mentioned extended house was called “The Patio House,” and is the subject of this paper. This paper examines the design of the house in light of the prevailing theoretical background, the attempts made to implement it, and the results. The conclusions relate to the implementation of support system buildings in the context of public housing.
Integration or Separation? Refugee Camps in Southern Chad
Authors: Herz Manuel
Published: January 2021

The south of Chad has seen an influx of many tens of thousands of refugees within the last three years. After the president of the neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR), Felix Patasse, was overthrown in a coup d'etat in March 2003 more than 50.000 people fled to Chad, across the northern border. From the beginning of the refugee crisis, UNHCR has been present in the area to house and protect the refugees.

Following a renewed influx of large numbers of refugees in autumn 2005, UNHCR adopted a new strategy of ‘integration’ for their newest camp ‘Gondje’. ‘Integration’ aims for a joint use of camp facilities, such as schools and clinics, by the refugee population as well as by the local Chadian population. It is meant to bring benefits to the underdeveloped region of southern Chad. On the other hand, this strategy can also lead to a permanent resettlement of the refugees from CAR in Chad. Based on recent fieldwork in the area and in the camp of ‘Gondje’, this paper traces the strategy of ‘integration’ through a number of narratives as well as spatial analyses, puts it into a context of the planning strategies of refugee camps followed by UNHCR, and speculates on the effects and repercussions of this strategy. As emergency situations and the field of developmental work are becoming the areas within which architects are increasingly practicing, the article also sheds light on the responsibilities and the dilemmas the profession faces when operating in these humanitarian contexts.
The Edible Landscape of a Newfoundland Outport
Authors: Mellin Robert
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the remarkably edible landscape of Tilting, Fogo Island, Newfoundland. Tilting is a Cultural Landscape District (Historic Sites and Monuments Board) and a Registered Heritage District (Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador). Tilting has outstanding extant examples of vernacular architecture relating to Newfoundland's inshore fishery, but Tilting was also a farming community despite its challenging sub-arctic climate and exposed North Atlantic coastal location. There was a delicate sustainable balance in all aspects of life and work in Tilting, as demonstrated through a resource-conserving inshore fishery and through finely tuned agricultural and animal husbandry practices. Tilting's landscape was “literally” edible in a way that is unusual for most rural North American communities today. Animals like cows, horses, sheep, goats, and chickens were free to roam and forage for food and fences were used to keep animals out of gardens and hay meadows. This paper documents this dynamic arrangement and situates local agricultural and animal husbandry practices in the context of other communities and regions in outport Newfoundland. It also describes the recent rural Newfoundland transition from a working landscape to a pleasure landscape.
Editorial
Authors: Hasselaar Evert
Published: January 2021

What can a special issue on sustainable and healthy housing contribute to the widespread ongoing debate? Well, there is a need for good examples, for successful strategies and for “stepping stones”, meaning that better practices are based on acquired experience. Also, the young generation has to be prepared for state-of-the art sustainable principles and products and not to treat them as innovations.
Adoption of Highly Energy-Efficient Renovation Concepts
Authors: Mlecnik Erwin
Published: January 2021

More significant reductions in residential primary energy consumption and in space heating in particular, can contribute to achieving climate change and energy efficiency objectives. Project information from demonstration projects is now becoming available for highly energy-efficient renovation concepts.

The goal of this research is to understand how owner-occupants can be persuaded to apply far-reaching energy-saving renovations of single-family houses. To this end, the research examines drivers and barriers of owners to adopt highly energy-efficient renovation concepts. Theory on decision processes in innovation diffusion is used, in order to examine the adoption of integrated concepts to achieve high energy performance. Belgian case studies (different building typologies) were examined. Adoption drivers and barriers perceived by owner-occupants are analysed. This leads to improved understanding of characteristics that can persuade future adopters. Possible measures are discussed to overcome barriers in the introduction phase of innovation diffusion, and are illustrated more in detail with a case study. The research shows that especially expectations of improved comfort provide an opportunity for the market entry of integrated concepts. Owners, architects and contractors could benefit from increased attractiveness, competitiveness, affordability and availability of highly energy-efficient renovations. Holistic approaches (stronger coordination and clustered renovation concepts), higher skill competence (education) and improved communication (actor networks, significant economic incentives) are recommended.
Rethinking the Local Knowledge Approach to Placemaking: Lessons from Turkey
Authors: Arefi Mahyar
Published: January 2021

This article explores the relationship between knowledge and sustainable placemaking. Distinguishing between “expert knowledge” and “local knowledge,” it first problematizes expert knowledge, and then traces the local knowledge approach to placemaking. The widening gap between expert and local knowledge prompts understanding their sources and modes of knowing. By viewing place as an organization this article draws from Nonaka's (1994) distinctions of four modes of knowledge creation in an organization, and explores the commonalities between the two. The analogy between place and organization helps gain new insights from the organizational theory literature which links processed information to knowledge creation. Seeking similarities between place and organization arises from how individuals in organizations and places process information to solve problems. Critically examining local knowledge questions the presupposition of a fixed, static mode of knowing, and helps incorporate a range of activities and knowhow associated with different stages of placemaking. The study suggests that local knowledge converts existing knowledge into four types of new knowledge during the placemaking process. Furthermore, compared to the top-down nature of expert knowledge which mainly adheres to the principles of scientific rationality for grand planning and problem solving, the local knowledge approach to placemaking is bottom-up, fosters piecemeal growth, and thus is more adaptable and sustainable. Promoting (social) sustainability through knowledge conversion (i.e., converting tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge and vice versa), social interaction and self-help characterize placemaking in informal settlements.