bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of Industry 4.0 implementation-variables by using SAP-LAP and e-IRP approach
Authors: Kumar Veepan , Shankar Ravi , Vrat Prem
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In today’s uncertain business environment, Industry 4.0 is regarded as a viable strategic plan for addressing a wide range of manufacturing-related challenges. However, it appears that its level of adoption varies across many countries. In the case of a developing economy like India, practitioners are still in the early stages of implementation. The implementation of Industry 4.0 appears to be complex, and it must be investigated holistically in order to gain a better understanding of it. Therefore, an attempt has been made to examine the Industry 4.0 implementation for the Indian manufacturing organization in a detailed way by analyzing the complexities of relevant variables.

Design/methodology/approach

SAP-LAP (situation-actor-process and learning-action-performance) and an efficient interpretive ranking process (e-IRP) were used to analyze the various variables influencing Industry 4.0 implementation. The variables were identified, as per SAP-LAP, through a thorough review of the literature and based on the perspectives of various experts. The e-IRP has been used to prioritize the selected elements (i.e. actors with respect to processes and actions with respect to performance) of SAP-LAP.

Findings

This study ranked five stakeholders according to their priority in Industry 4.0 implementation: government policymakers, industry associations, research and academic institutions, manufacturers and customers. In addition, the study also prioritized important actions that need to be taken by these stakeholders.

Practical implications

The results of this study would be useful in identifying and managing the various actors and actions related to Industry 4.0 implementation. Accordingly, their prioritized sequence would be useful to the practitioners in preparing the well-defined and comprehensive strategic roadmap for Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

This study has adopted qualitative and quantitative approaches for identifying and prioritizing different variables of Industry 4.0 implementation. This, in turn, helps the stakeholder to comprehend the concept of Industry 4.0 in a much simpler way.
A critical perspective on career shocks in a volatile environment: Red Cross staff and volunteers aiding migrants on their way to Europe in 2016
Authors: Petrović Ivana B. , Vukelić Milica , Mol Stefan T.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the career shocks of Red Cross (RC) of Serbia staff and volunteers providing aid during the 2016 migrants’ influx. Specifically, the authors explore what the volatile environment in which RC staff and volunteers work can teach us about career shocks, and what makes a career shock for people whose everyday work entails stressful events.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined a number of anecdotes that reflect the career shock construct to a greater or lesser extent. These anecdotes were developed by RC staff and volunteers as part of a communications training storytelling exercise.

Findings

The authors analyzed these events from the perspective of recent developments in career shocks research and examined whether the anecdotes contained elements that would enable us to differentiate between career shocks and stressors. Those anecdotes found to be the most prototypical of career shocks, as opposed to stressors, were found to instigate in-depth reflection about the career, were identity related, and had a tangible career impact. Shocking events in the eyes of RC people entailed work demands that go beyond expectations, excessive media scrutiny, and conflicting values. The authors discuss how organizational values, fostering person–organization fit, providing organizational and collegial support, and deploying “weathered” staff, could comprise the “vaccine” that makes the organization immune to career shocks.

Originality/value

By taking a data before theory approach to the study of career shocks, this paper provides a novel perspective on the lived experiences of RC people, and how such experiences may be classified into career shocks or stressors.
Safety performance framework at construction site for self-regulation by building developers
Authors: Mahmoud Abubakar Sadiq , Hamdan Ahmad Mohd , Mohd Yatim Yahya , Aminu Dodo Yakubu
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study proposes a self-regulatory framework to enhance safety performance at the construction stage among building developers.

Design/methodology/approach

Extant literature identified 137 potential factors that influence the construction safety performances of building developers. Focus group discussions and interviews were conducted with 11 panels of experts and professionals. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to analyse the response feedback described in a similar paper. In this study, the survey tool used was set up with 40 variables grouped into eight latent variables in the framework, which were agreed and certified as “extremely important” by the panel. Based on random sampling, data were collected from 229 valid respondents. Structural equation modelling (SEM) technique using Smart PLS software was then used to analyse the respondent's feedback.

Findings

The results show that safety administration and processes, effective communication of safety behaviour, significantly influenced safety performance on a construction site with β values of 0.330 and 0.431 along with t values of 3.005 and 2.547 at p < 0.1, respectively. These factors, among others, provide a distinct approach to understanding and improving on-site construction safety. The study findings will potentially benefit building professionals and other stakeholders by improving awareness of safety practices.

Research limitations/implications

The study may not have covered all possible factors that influence the construction safety performance of building developers. Also, the generalizability and transferability of the research outcome to the construction industry wide use is also limited when reference is made to the characteristics of the research respondents and/or participants. In addition, validation of the framework by five professionals is rather small.

Practical implications

Theoretically, the framework through the identified factors provide a distinct approach to understanding and improving on-site construction safety through voluntary adherence to self-regulatory standard where there are no enforceable laws and regulations to promote safety. The study findings will potentially benefit building professionals and other stakeholders by improving awareness of the health and safety practices of the construction industry.

Originality/value

Many research efforts have developed frameworks and models for construction safety. However, the particularity of these frameworks to countries other than Nigeria requires similar research to be conducted to enhance the safety performance of building developers.
The speedways’ method: drive fast, catch the wind, get there early and move ahead!
Authors: Dimitri Girgis , Bodolica Virginia
Published: August 2021

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this case study analysis in class, students should be able to distinguish the different steps and actions involved in the entrepreneurial venture creation; evaluate the extent to which an entrepreneurial idea represents a commercial success or practical failure; apply relevant strategy frameworks to estimate the complexities associated with the management of a small startup; and debate about the pros and cons of different strategic options and offer viable advice for decision-making.

Case overview/synopsis

This case follows the entrepreneurial beginnings of a college student, Mohsen Shahin, whose early initiation into the world of business commenced from a serendipitous win of a small fortune in a raffle in London, UK. The case study illustrates the protagonist’s dilemma of whether to spend the winning on everyday pleasures of his life as a teenager or to venture in an entrepreneurial undertaking. Following his father’s advice, Mohsen ultimately decides to exchange his prize for money and use it for launching Speedways, a luxurious car servicing garage in London’s downtown. The case further elaborates on some initial struggles he faced as a young entrepreneur and continues with his decision to pursue higher education in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which forced him to handle his managerial responsibilities from a country thousands of miles away from his garage. Eventually, Mohsen makes the hard decision to sell Speedways and realize his grown ambition of exploiting his prior business experience to embark on new adventures in his life. The case culminates with Mohsen having to choose between either opening his own company in the premium car care industry in Dubai or pursuing his post-graduate studies at a prestigious university in the USA – a critical decision he has to make promptly, as he is short on time.

Complexity academic level

Upper-level undergraduate courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS: 11 Strategy.
Promprylad.Renovation: impact investing in emerging markets
Authors: Boychuk Yaryna , Kornetskyy Artem , Kryzhanovska Liudmyla , Rozhdestvensky Andrew , Stepanyuk Yaryna
Published: August 2021

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this paper is as follows: to structure the impact investing phenomenon and distinguish it from traditional investing or philanthropy, including the motivation of investors in impact investing projects; to analyse stakeholders in impact investing projects according to four main categories; to structure the implementation model of the theory of change in the context of impact investing; to build managerial decisions concerning the development of impact investing projects in crisis situations.

Case overview/synopsis

The case describes the development path of the Promprylad.Renovation project from its concept to the critical moment at the end of 2018. Yuriy Fyliuk – the case protagonist, acts as the main ideologist and leader of the project, the essence of which is the establishment of an innovation centre on the area of the old Promprylad plant in Ivano-Frankivsk. Impact investing was selected as the main project development tool, as it allows for attracting investors who share the aspiration for positive change of the city and potential financial benefit. The project is implemented in several stages as follows: partner involvement (Insha Osvita, MitOst, Pact Ukraine and LvBS), vision finalisation and research (together with Stanford Research Institute, Zotov & Co, FORMA Architects, Moris Group, etc.), the launch of the pilot floor (attracting more than $683,000 from allocated grants and more than $590,000 of private investments). Open equity crowdfunding and the purchase of the entire plant, with its subsequent renovation, should be the next stage. As of 2017, agreements have been reached to pay fully for the purchase of the plant by the end of 2019. After a successful pilot and lengthy negotiations, it was agreed that $1,000,000 should be paid by the end of 2018 and $2,000,000 by the end of 2019 to complete the buyout. However, as of the end of 2018, martial law was proclaimed in Ukraine. Hence, considering the risks, a major US investor refuses to contribute. The main dilemma is either to find a suitable solution to complete the buyout of the plant or to stop the project.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used in the master’s programmes of business schools (MBA, Executive MBA, Entrepreneurship, etc.), as well as in training programmes for public and state sector managers. The case study will be particularly useful for mixed groups with representatives from different sectors of the economy. This case study might be taught in the following disciplines: social entrepreneurship, social investing, leadership and crisis management. The subject of impact investing allows recognition of the benefits of combined cross-sectoral efforts over joint projects.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management science.
A neurobehavioral account of differential consumer responses to price and in-store display between un/healthy food
Authors: Labban Alice , Ma Yu , Dube Laurette
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to elucidate some of the complexity around food consumption by drawing from neuroscience research of food as a motivated choice (i.e. a neurobehavioral process sensitive to dopaminergic response to food and environmental cues such as marketing). The authors explore the single and compounded effect of the motivational salience of food’s intrinsic reinforcing value tied to its sugar content and that of two marketing food cues, price and in-store display, on actual consumer purchase behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test the above hypotheses in two perceived “healthy” product categories with a wide distribution of sugar content. The authors estimate a within-category model using three years of retail transaction data to test the effect on weekly sales.

Findings

The authors confirm the single effect of each of food’s and marketing cues’ motivational salience as well as their compounded effect with high-motivational-salience food being less price elastic and more susceptible to in-store display activities.

Research limitations/implications

This research highlights the need to complement current reliance on unhealthy/healthy perception with finer grained objective evidence linked to the formulation of the food itself and the marketing applied to them.

Practical implications

The present study findings may help marketing managers and policymakers develop better targeted pricing and display strategies for low- and high-motivational-salience food, attempting to strike a better balance between consumer welfare and commercial performance.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few that links real-world market outcomes to predictions derived from a unique combination of consumer neuroscience and neurobiology of food, advancing data-driven decisions.
Experiences, perspectives, and emerging frameworks: COLINET libraries response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pryce Trecia Latoya , Russell Jollette , Crawford Marsha Nicola , McDermott Joan Opal , Perkins Ariel Christina, Nordia
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to detail the experiences, perspectives and emerging framework for the delivery of library services by member libraries of the College Libraries Information Network (COLINET) at the onset and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory sequential mixed approach was used for this study. Qualitative data was collected initially using a semi-structured interview with a virtual focus group comprising seven librarians from the COLINET in Jamaica. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants for the focus group. The second phase of data collection used an online survey through Google Forms to the membership of COLINET; 19 of 31 libraries (61.2%) responded to the survey.

Findings

The findings reveal the current status of library operation and service delivery at the COLINET member libraries. The impact of COVID-19 on staffing arrangements, support and engagement, library resources and services are seen through the lens of the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

In total, 19 of the 31 libraries in COLINET responded to the survey; therefore, the researchers were unable to get a comprehensive assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on COLINET libraries.

Practical implications

This study will assist libraries in their response to COVID-19 and other similar future national public health crises. The findings and recommendations can provide a blueprint for developing policies and procedures for libraries during a national health crisis. Additionally, it will add to the empirical literature on Caribbean libraries.

Originality/value

This study is essential for libraries responding to the coronavirus pandemic in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. This study examines the response of academic libraries from diverse tertiary institutions; exploring their challenges, solutions and emerging frameworks; making it representative and inclusive for academic libraries. This study advances the limited research that exists with regard to Caribbean libraries and the COVID-19 pandemic.
UTAUT3 model viability among teachers due to technological dynamism during COVID-19
Authors: Tiwari Mansi , Gupta Yuvika , Khan Farheen Mujeeb , Adlakha Amit
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the viability of the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model 3 (UTAUT3) model among the teachers especially during COVID-19 towards the use of technology.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive primary survey has been conducted through a well-structured tool under UTAUT3 model. The survey is conducted among 450 teachers from various institutions taken for the study. The data was collected from the Northern India. The data analysis will be done through the SmartPLS software with application of structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The results are strong for educators and policy makers. It was found that performance expectancy is positively related to the behavioural intentions among teachers. Teachers consider that usage of technology will boost their job and task performance.

Practical implications

This study has a very strong implications in the field of education in case or replacement of traditional teaching patterns with modern one during pandemic times. It will be effective if teachers would prioritize their work. There will be more effective teaching and learning system in future.

Originality/value

The study validates the constructs of UTAUT3 model in understanding teachers' behaviour and attitude towards technology acceptance. Furthermore, the study invites research from different viewpoint to investigate the role of UTAUT3 model in an individuals' behaviour and attitude towards technology acceptance.
Equity crowdfunding platforms and social media: a Twitter analysis
Authors: Battisti Enrico , Graziano Elvira Anna , Christofi Michael
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the central users (hubs) in the dissemination of equity crowdfunding (EC) news on social media, with particular regard to Twitter. Specifically, the study explores some aspects related to the diffusion of news through social networks concerning EC.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a social network analysis (SNA) technique the authors define an understanding of the users' network that is created on Twitter when it comes to crowdfunding. Using Twitter data, the authors identify the central actors on the social network that produce and/or disseminate information about crowdfunding tools.

Findings

The results indicate that a large number of users tweeted about EC in relation to the introduction of the most important Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (Consob) Regulation n. 20264 of 17/01/2018 on an equity model at the beginning of 2018; the growth in the use of this instrument in the first quarter of 2019 and the publication of Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (Consob) Regulation n. 21110 of 10/10/2019. Moreover, the authors find that in the case of tweets concerning EC, the operators of the sector, with particular regard to crowdfunding platforms, are central to the network, followed by traditional and specialised media.

Originality/value

The results shed new light on a still unexplored research field concerning the diffusion of news about EC from a platform's perspective. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first explorative study that jointly investigates an EC model and social media in the Italian market, considering the impacts of two different and important regulations. In particular, this study contributes to the literature on EC by clarifying some new aspects related to the diffusion of news through Twitter.
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the valuation of Indian companies using a financial model
Authors: Mohanty Pitabas , Mishra Supriti
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Fear grips stock markets when a pandemic like COVID-19 strikes, severely affecting stock prices. However, fundamental value drivers of companies do not change drastically during pandemics. The sensitivity of firms' cash flows to lockdowns during pandemics depends on their cost structure. This paper develops a financial model incorporating information about value drivers and lockdown sensitivity of companies to find the enterprise value.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a financial model that estimates the effects of COVID-19 on enterprise value and helps to identify wrongly valued stocks. The authors apply the model to five Indian stocks from five different industries to study how firms belonging to various sectors get affected differently in this pandemic.

Findings

Companies belonging to civil aviation and retail sectors get more affected by COVID-19 compared to those in movie exhibition, automobile and hotel industries. The cost structure of the latter category of firms reduces their cash flow effect.

Practical implications

The model can be used by practitioners to understand any pandemic's effect on stock prices. Also, it explains how firms having different cost structures get affected by any crisis and help investors in taking appropriate buy/sell decisions.

Originality/value

The study has two contributions: first, the authors develop a financial model to estimate the effect of COVID-19 on the enterprise value. Second, contrary to popular perception, the authors find companies belonging to movie exhibition, hotel and automobile industries do not get that severely affected.
Maqasid-based consumer preference index for Islamic home financing
Authors: Amin Hanudin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Using the maqasid-based consumer preference index (MCPi), this study aims to investigate customer preference for Islamic home financing.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study, based on valid 1,034 usable questionnaires and the MCPi, evaluates consumer choice for the supplied Islamic home finance products by 16 Islamic banks in Malaysia.

Findings

According to the findings, all banks have a moderate value of MCPi. Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad is at the top of the list, followed by Maybank Islamic, Commerce International Merchant Bankers Islamic and Malaysia Building Society Berhad.

Research limitations/implications

The MCPi is used in this study to test a new technique to measuring consumer preference. The contributions are confined to these particular variables – Educating Customer, Establishing Justice, Promoting Welfare and Fulfiling Islamic Debt Policy. The research also has limitations in terms of the facility’s general setting. Future research may shed light on these issues from new angles.

Practical implications

This research offers banks a new way to manage their products based on maqasid al-Sharīʿah.

Originality/value

In the context of Malaysia, this study introduces the MCPi, a new measure of consumer preference for home financing.
Tribological characteristics of AA8090-WC-ZrC metal matrix composites prepared by stir casting process for Aerospace applications
Authors: A Kalaiyarasan , S Sundaram , K Gunasekaran , J. Bensam Raj
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Aerospace field is demanding a material with superior strength and high resistance against wear, tear and corrosion. The current study aimed to develop a new material with high performance to be applicable in aerospace field

Design/methodology/approach

A metal matrix composite AA8090-WC-ZrC was fabricated using stir casting method and its tribological behavior was investigated. Totally, five composites viz. AA/Z, AA/W, AA/WZ (1:3), AA/WZ (1:1) & AA/WZ (3:1) were prepared. Micro hardness, tensile and wear study were performed on the fabricated composites and the results were compared with AA8090 alloy

Findings

Vickers hardness test resulted that the AA/W composite showed the higher hardness value of 160 HB compared to other materials due to the reinforcing effect of WC particles with high hardness. Tensile test reported that the AA/W composite displayed the maximum tensile strength of 502 MPa owing to the creation of more dislocation density. Further, wear study showed that the AA/W composite exhibited the least wear rate of 0.0011 mm3/m because of the more resisting force offered by the WC particles. Furthermore, the AA/W composite showed the slightest mass loss of 0.0028 g and lower COF value of 0.31 due to the hinder effect of WC particle to the movement of atoms in AA8090 alloy

Originality/value

This work is original in the field of aerospace engineering and materials science which deals with the fabrication of AA8090 alloy with the reinforcement particles such as tungsten carbide and zirconium carbide. The impact of the combination of hybrid particles and their volume fractions on the tribological properties has been investigated in this work. This work would provide new scientific information to society.
Exploring the paths to big data analytics implementation success in banking and financial service: an integrated approach
Authors: Hajiheydari Nastaran , Delgosha Mohammad Soltani , Wang Yichuan , Olya Hossein
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Big data analytics (BDA) is recognized as a recent breakthrough technology with potential business impact, however, the roadmap for its successful implementation and the path to exploiting its essential value remains unclear. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the enablers facilitating BDA implementation in the banking and financial service sector from the perspective of interdependencies and interrelations.

Design/methodology/approach

We use an integrated approach that incorporates Delphi study, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and fuzzy MICMAC methodology to identify the interactions among enablers that determine the success of BDA implementation. Our integrated approach utilizes experts' domain knowledge and gains a novel insight into the underlying causal relations associated with enablers, linguistic evaluation of the mutual impacts among variables and incorporating two innovative ways for visualizing the results.

Findings

Our findings highlight the key role of enabling factors, including technical and skilled workforce, financial support, infrastructure readiness and selecting appropriate big data technologies, that have significant driving impacts on other enablers in a hierarchical model. The results provide reliable, robust and easy to understand insights about the dynamics of BDA implementation in banking and financial service as a whole system while demonstrating potential influences of all interconnected influential factors.

Originality/value

This study explores the key enablers leading to successful BDA implementation in the banking and financial service sector. More importantly, it reveals the interrelationships of factors by calculating driving and dependence degrees. This exploration provides managers with a clear strategic path towards effective BDA implementation.
The influence of firm, industry and concentrated ownership on dynamic capital structure decision in emerging market
Authors: Haron Razali , Nomran Naji Mansour , Abdullah Othman Anwar Hasan , Md Husin Maizaitulaidawati , Sharofiddin Ashurov
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of firm, industry level determinants and ownership concentration on the dynamic capital structure decision in Indonesia and analyses the governing theories.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the dynamic panel model of generalized method of moments-System (one-step and two-step) by using a panel data from 2000 to 2014 to examine the relationship between the determinants and leverage. The results are robust to the various definitions of leverage, heterogeneity, autocorrelation, multicollinearity and endogeneity concern.

Findings

Growing firms and firms operating in a highly concentrated industry use high level of debt, taking advantage of the tax shield (trade-off theory). However, if the firms are operating in a highly dynamic environment, they take on less debt as to avoid bankruptcy risk. Firms in Indonesia opt for debt financing perhaps to act as a controlling mechanism to mitigate agency conflicts that may exist between the large controlling shareholders and the minority. Aged and highly profitable firms with high tangible and intangible assets and liquidity level operating in a high dynamic environment follow the pecking order theory.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not perform each industry regression individually. All the industries are pooled together, as the main focus of this study is to examine the factors affecting leverage of firms in general without giving particular attention to individual industry.

Originality/value

The insights on the impact of ownership concentration and industry characteristics are novel especially on Indonesia, thus fill the gap in the literature.
Measuring social skills: cultural adaptation and validation of the SSI-Del Prette
Authors: Fundinho João Filipe , Ferreira-Alves José , Braz Ana Carolina , Del Prette Zilda Aparecida Pereira , Del Prette Almir
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Identifying and assessing social skills has been a powerful way of linking human behaviour and human interaction with their consequences at significant developmental levels. There are some data connecting social skills with interpersonal violence but not yet with elder abuse. The reason might be the scarcity of quick and easy-to-apply measures of social skills. This study aims to adapt and validate the social skills inventory (SSI) (Del Prette and Del Prette, 2001) to the Portuguese population.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two studies. In Study 1, the authors gathered the psychometric characteristics of the SSI-Del-Prette through exploratoryfactor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In Study 2, the authors correlated the new measure with measures of depression and empathy to test for divergent and concurrent validity.

Findings

The obtained version of the SSI-Del-Prette showed a good model fit and internal consistency. This measure presented six factors: conversation and social confidence, easiness of self-exposure, self-expression of positive affect, coping assertively with risk, defending interests and opinions and giving and receiving praise. The indicators of convergent and divergent validity supported the integrity of the measure.

Research limitations/implications

The adaptation of this measure of social skills opens new possibilities for studying these skills.

Originality/value

This paper provides an adaptation of a measure of six social skills expanded to the older adult population.
Its scouse soldier’s lad init! An examination of modern Urban street gangs on Merseyside
Authors: Hesketh Robert Francis
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the emergence of the contemporary Urban Street Gang (USG) on Merseyside. In terms of gang scholarship in the UK, Merseyside has been greatly neglected despite regular reports in national mainstream media that suggest Merseyside USGs represent some of the most criminally active and violent members in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A specific methodology has been omitted because the author while providing a viewpoint from Hesketh (2018), also wishes to encapsulate observations from the remaining two pieces of research conducted on Merseyside (Smithson et al., 2009; Robinson, 2018). For this reason, a summary of the methods used in each of the three studies is provided.

Findings

The paper will highlight observations drawn from all three research studies that were prevalent with USG members throughout the Merseyside county at the time of each study. They include aspects surrounding territoriality, belonging and identity through dress style as well as USG structures and motivation for joining. In particular, the paper will address also address the role of drugs which has transformed the structural make-up of many Merseyside USGs from relatively loosely knit-street corner groups involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB) to more structural-deviant entrepreneurial enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

The paper calls for more research to be carried out on Merseyside. Limitations would include the omission of young women in each of the three studies.

Practical implications

The practical implications are as follows: a need to focus on the impact of bridging within excluded communities; a need to focus on emphasising that drug dealing is a crime that carries serious consequences, and not a form of work (grafting); a need to focus on young women and criminal involvement; and a need to concentrate on developing strategies that counter the allure and attraction of risk-taking behaviour.

Social implications

The paper addresses the impact of social exclusion and the need for equality to counter young people becoming involved in criminality and gangs as well as adult organised crime groups.

Originality/value

The paper is based on what have been so far the only three in-depth studies carried out on Merseyside.
Wind flow on and around U-shaped buildings
Authors: Inan Gunaydin Tugba
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper presents the numerical examination of wind pressure distributions on U-plan shaped buildings having four different depth ratios (DR) as 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 over wind incidence angle (WIA) of 0°. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of irregular building form, DRs, distances from the reentrant corner, wind velocity values on and around wind pressure distributions of the buildings. With this aim, ANSYS Fluent 20.0 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) program is used for the analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Four U-shaped buildings having the same height, width and wing length but having different DR in plan were analyzed by the application of CFD package of ANSYS 20. With this purpose, wind pressure distributions on and around U-plan shaped buildings were analyzed for the wind velocity values of 2 and 5 m/s over WIA of 0°. Comprehensive results were obtained from the analyses.

Findings

While the change in the DR values did not create a significant change in positive pressure coefficients on A and E surfaces, negative pressure values increased as the DR decreased. The negative pressure coefficients observed on the A and E surfaces become higher than the positive pressure coefficients with the decrease in the DR. On contrary to that condition, with the decrease in the DR, G surfaces take higher positive pressure coefficients than the negative pressure coefficients. The reason for this is that the DR decreases and negative pressure values on G surface significantly decrease. The effect of the DR on the pressure coefficients is remarkable on B and D surfaces. The negative pressure coefficients on the B and D surfaces tend to increase as the DR decreases.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on DRs and wind velocity values effect on pressure coefficients to limit variables. Different building wing dimensions did not take into account.

Originality/value

Although there are a number of studies related to wind behavior of irregular plan shaped buildings, irregular building forms have not been extensively investigated parametrically, especially in terms of the effect of DR on wind pressures. This study is therefore designed to fill this gap by analyzing impacts of various parameters like building shape with various DRs, WIA and wind velocity values on wind pressure distributions and velocity distributions on and around the building.
A confirmatory factor analysis of the challenges of effective management of construction workforce in South Africa
Authors: Aghimien Lerato Millicent , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Anumba Chimay J. , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The South African construction industry (SACI) is a huge employer of labour as the industry depends mostly on human resources to carry out its activities. However, the industry has also been noted for its poor workforce management and lack of attention to human resource management (HRM) issues. Therefore, this study aims to assess the challenges facing the effective management of the construction workforce in South Africa with a view to improving HRM activities in the industry and improve overall service delivery through an effectively managed workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

A pragmatic philosophical view using a mixed-method research design was adopted. The study’s qualitative strand was achieved through a Delphi, whilst the quantitative strand was achieved through a questionnaire survey. In addition, descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean item score, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were adopted for data analysis.

Findings

With high reliability, construct validity and model fit indices, the study found that for effective HRM to be attained within construction organisations, careful attention must be given to issues surrounding the nature of the industry, unhealthy working environment, employee-related issues, diversity and working condition in the industry.

Originality/value

Whilst several studies have been conducted on HRM, there is a lack of studies on the major challenges facing effective HRM in the SACI. The findings also offer future research studies a good theoretical platform to build upon.
Material management practices and factors influencing material conservation on construction sites in Nigeria
Authors: Edike Uche Emmanuel
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to enhance material conservation and further the knowledge of efficient material management practices on construction sites. This study investigated contractors’ material management practices on construction sites in Nigeria. The factors influencing material conservation on construction sites were also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey of 125 contractors who were administered with structured questionnaire, which resulted in 82 valid returned questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using frequency, importance, utility and severity indexes.

Findings

This study found checking materials delivered to a site for specification, use of security personnel to safeguard materials and analysis of materials as key material management practices used on construction sites. Critical factors influencing material management are materials double-handling, management of surplus materials, subsequent design changes, excessive paperwork and not receiving materials at the expected time.

Practical implications

The implementation of the material management practices identified in this study will support contractors to efficiently manage materials on construction sites. The factors influencing material conservation reported in this study will also help contractors understand the critical factors that may affect material management in their construction sites and make better plans for future projects.

Originality/value

This study has reported key issues confronting contractors on the conservation of materials on construction site and various material management practices suitable for application in a wide range of infrastructure projects. This is significant because the construction industry is recording outrageous cost and time overruns of infrastructure projects, which are vital to economic prosperity of nations. The issues and panaceas presented in this study had received scant consideration in construction literature in the sub-Sahara Africa. This study represents a novel synthesis and adds value to knowledge in a manner that has not been reported in previous studies.
Post occupancy evaluation of thermal comfort and indoor air quality of office spaces in a tropical green campus building
Authors: Yong Nurul Hayati , Kwong Qi Jie , Ong Kok Seng , Mumovic Dejan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

As suggested in many previous studies, good thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) played a significant role in ensuring human comfort, health and productivity in buildings. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the thermal comfort and IAQ conditions of open-plan office areas within a green-certified campus building through a post occupancy evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the field measurement method, environmental dataloggers were positioned at three office areas during office hours to measure the levels of thermal comfort parameters, CO2 concentrations and the supply air rates. At the same time, questionnaires were distributed to the available office staff to obtain their perception of the indoor environment. The findings were then compared with the recommended environmental comfort ranges and used to calculate the thermal comfort indices.

Findings

Results show that the physical parameters were generally within acceptable ranges of a local guideline. The neutral temperature based on the actual mean vote at these areas was 23.9°C, which is slightly lower than the predicted thermal neutrality of 25.2°C. From the surveyed findings, about 81% of the occupants found their thermal environment comfortable with high adaptation rates. A preference for cooler environments was found among the workers. Meanwhile, the air quality was perceived to be clean by a majority of the respondents, and the mean ventilation rate per person was identified to be sufficient.

Research limitations/implications

This study focussed on the thermal environment and air quality at selected office spaces only. More work should be carried out in other regularly occupied workplaces and study areas of the green educational building to allow a more thorough analysis of the indoor air conditions.

Practical implications

This paper highlights on the thermal comfort and air quality conditions of the air-conditioned office spaces in a green-certified campus building and is intended to assist the building services engineers in effective air conditioning control. The findings reported are useful for thermal comfort, IAQ and subsequently energy efficiency improvements in such building type where adjustments on the air temperature set-point can be considered according to the actual requirements. This study will be extended to other green campus spaces for a more exhaustive analysis of the indoor environment.

Originality/value

There is limited information pertaining to the environmental comfort levels in offices of green campus in the tropics. This study is, therefore, one of the earliest attempts to directly explore the thermal comfort and IAQ conditions in such workplace using both on-site physical measurement and questionnaire survey.
A comparative analysis of human capital information opaqueness in South Korea and the UK
Authors: Lim Hyoung Joo , Mali Dafydd
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Human capital is considered by many to be a firm's most important asset. However, because no international human capital reporting framework exists, firms can decide to include/exclude human capital details on annual reports. Based on legitimacy theory, firms that disclose high levels of human capital information can be considered congruent with the expectations of society. However, firms can also choose to include human capital information on annual reports for symbolic purposes as an image management strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 2018 as a sample period, content analysis is used to evaluate the annual reports of the 25 largest British and 25 largest Korean firms to demonstrate the propensity of British/Korean firms to disclose human capital information as numerical and textual data.

Findings

The authors report that South Korean firms provide high levels of human capital information using narrative and numerical data, including value added human capital elements included on integrated reports. British firms on the other hand tend to use primarily positive narrative and limited numerical human capital data to present human capital information.

Originality/value

The results imply South Korean firms provide robust human capital information on annual reports as a legitimacy strategy. On the other hand, the UK's human capital reporting requirement can be considered as a form of image management. The results therefore have important policy implications for legislators, labour unions and firm stakeholders with incentives to enhance human capital information transparency.
Knowledge management and innovative behavior: police reform efforts in Puerto Rico
Authors: Castro Luis , Santos-Corrada Maria , Flecha-Ortiz Jose A. , Lopez Evelyn , Gomez Jose , Aponte Brunilda
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Knowledge management has historically been approached in private firms as a key factor for business management. However, this is not the case for government institutions. The existing literature on the transfer of knowledge appears as a topic little addressed in government and even to a lesser degree within the police forces. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between motivation, knowledge absorption, knowledge transfer and innovative behavior in a public organization such as the Puerto Rico Police.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative research using the survey technique had the participation of 300 police officers from the 13 police regions of Puerto Rico and the research model was analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results contribute to the growth of the currently limited literature at identifies how motivation, knowledge absorption, knowledge transfer and institutional support influence innovative behavior.

Originality/value

The study discusses a series of implications on less explore the issue in how the transfer of knowledge becomes a key force to produce change and the success of all reforms. Various implications for the success of public administration in bringing a change from a bureaucratic culture to an advanced one are also discussed.
An expansion of the brand and message framing effects on smart health-care clothing
Authors: Woo Hongjoo , Kim Sanghee
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of brand and message framing on consumers’ evaluations and purchase intentions of smart health-care clothing. The study also examines the mediating effect of consumers’ evaluations on the effects of the brand and message framing on purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an experimental approach, a total of 240 US consumers’ evaluation of smart health-care clothing is compared according to the existence of a well-known brand (vs. none) and message framing (technology-focused vs. fashion-focused).

Findings

The results show that consumer evaluation of smart health-care clothing is higher when the product is from a well-known brand, where consumers’ fashion consciousness and health consciousness positively influence such an evaluation as covariates. Message framing, however, did not have an influence that revealed any significant difference between technology-focused and fashion-focused messages. The consumer’s evaluation of smart health-care clothing eventually increased their purchase intentions and mediated the effects of brand on purchase intentions.

Originality/value

Smart health-care clothing refers to clothing that measures, records and manages the user’s activity and health status through conductive fibers or sensors that are woven in the clothes. Despite its benefits, smart health-care clothing is still not widely adopted among consumers, except for a few successful examples. Closing this gap, the results of this study provide implications regarding whether and how brand and message framing maximize consumers’ evaluations toward smart health-care clothing, which the developers and marketers of such products can use to increase the product’s market penetration.