bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Credit card fraud: awareness and prevention
Authors: Barker Katherine J. , D'Amato Jackie , Sheridon Paul
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To make readers aware of the pervasiveness of credit card fraud and how it affects credit card companies, merchants and consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recent publications in journals and information from internet web sites provide corroboration and details of how fraudsters are using credit cards to steal billions of dollars each year. Numerous schemes and techniques are described in addition to recommendations as to how to help control this growing type of fraud.

Findings

Credit card fraud is a healthy and growing means of stealing billions of dollars from credit card companies, merchants and consumers. This paper offers current information to help understand the techniques used by fraudsters and how to avoid falling prey to them.

Research limitations/implications

This fraud relies on technology currently available and the easy ability to obtain machinery to steal individual identities and account information, and to produce fraudulent credit cards. Information cited is current but could change radically as technological breakthroughs occur. The changing nature of technology also affects the recommendations made to control this fraud.

Practical implications

A very useful source of current information on credit card fraud for bank, credit card companies, merchants, and consumers.

Originality/value

This paper provides specific current information and recommendations regarding a fraud topic that is of interest to a wide audience.
Consumer insurance fraud in the US property‐casualty industry
Authors: Lesch William C. , Byars Bruce
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the management of consumer insurance fraud in the US property‐casualty market, attending to definition, prevalence, insurer and regulatory responses, and outcomes. A social marketing campaign is offered as a partial, long‐term solution.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explicates the difficulties associated with defining and measuring consumer insurance fraud, then models the system of factors now in place in redress.

Findings

Little agreement was found for a common definition of consumer insurance fraud and this was explained in part due to the decentralization of insurance regulation, competitive factors, and inconsistency in claims processing. The paper concludes by offering a social marketing campaign as a tool for reducing the incidence and severity of single‐claims fraud, the latter believed to be the largest source of consumer insurance fraud.

Originality/value

This paper affords a macro‐level view of a common and expensive social problem, suggests a practical solution with the promise of reducing long‐term losses at all levels.
Art crime and the Wealth of Nations
Authors: Hill Charles
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss art crime including the destruction of historical sites of artistic and architectural value.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on two quotations from Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations.

Findings

Art crime involves theft by burglary, robbery, deception (frauds, fakes, forgery, bogus provenance and false attribution), and can be done through money laundering, but there is a particular sinister form of theft by means of destruction.

Originality/value

Art is a wealth of nations, and provides targets we must protect better.
Intellectual capital statements in the Danish utility sector: materialisation and enactment
Authors: Nikolaj Bukh Per , Kjærgaard Jensen Isa
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how three similar utility companies have adopted intellectual capital statements as a management technology, incorporated it into existing practices, developed and adapted it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on ethnomethodology using accounts where the data collection was mainly through semi‐structured interviews with practitioners. The analysis is based on the actor network theory where the idea of an intellectual capital statement is enacted and materialised.

Findings

The paper finds that the local context and the local actors have a decisive influence on the network creation taking place around the intellectual capital statement as an object, where the objects create room for different actions. It is concluded that the intellectual capital statement in the companies functions as a conceptual framework where existing initiatives can be integrated into a whole. Further, it is concluded that an actor with a strong position is necessary in order for the intellectual capital statement to be part of the management practice.

Originality/value

Previous studies of intellectual capital reporting have been based on surveys or studies of the written reports and how they at a specific point in time were used in companies. This study is based on the researchers being present in the companies while the intellectual capital statements are developed, and on following the companies for three to four years. Thus, the focus is on the construction of the statements. Further, the methodology opens up new ways of understanding intellectual capital statements.
Association between independent audit committee members' human‐resource features and underpricing
Authors: Mitchell Van der Zahn J‐L.W. , Singh Harjinder , Singh Inderpal
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The primary objective of this paper is to examine the association between the seven human‐resource features (spanning three major themes: qualifications and credentials; business and initial public offering (IPO) launch experience; and diversity) of independent audit committee members and the level of underpricing.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 410 Singapore IPOs listing on the stock exchange of Singapore from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2006 was used.

Findings

Empirical results overall suggest no overwhelming association between the human‐resource features of IPO audit committees and underpricing. Rather, the findings suggest only some specific human‐resource features (e.g. presence of an independent audit committee member with accounting qualifications and credentials) are of significance. Others (e.g. gender diversity of independent audit committee members) have little or no association. Also, results do not suggest a major category of human‐resource features (i.e. qualifications and credentials, business and IPO launch experience, or diversity) is associated with underpricing. Time also does not appear to affect the results.

Practical implications

As human‐resource features tended to increase rather than lower an IPO's cost of capital, or had not influence at all, our findings generally do not support some policymakers' arguments for the introduction of mandated uniform audit committee structures. Rather, the results support flexibility to determine the properties of the audit committee.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first (particularly outside the USA) to investigate linkages between audit committee human‐resource features and underpricing. Whilst acknowledging some caveats associated with this study, such as focusing on a single nation, this paper contributes relevant insights to the debate about audit committee effectiveness.
Intellectual capital disclosure in India: content analysis of “TecK” firms
Authors: Kamath Bharathi
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the extent of voluntary intellectual capital disclosers in India's emerging information, communication and technology sector and the relationship between the size of the firm and the extent of disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of the 30 technology, entertainment, communication and other knowledge (TecK) companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange is carried out. A list of intellectual capital (IC)‐related terms is searched for its presence or absence within the annual reports of these forms for the financial year 2005‐2006. The list of terms is determined based on the extensive survey of literature on content analysis and IC.

Findings

The results find significantly small extent of IC disclosures in Indian firms. Information technology industries disclosures are more than any other sectors disclosures, closely followed by the telecommunication industry. Entertainment industry shows the minimal disclosures. There was no significant correlation between the occurrence of the term and the size of the firm based on its market capitalization.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the 30 TecK forms for one financial year. However, these firms are considered as an appropriate representative of the sector as they are knowledge and IC intensive in nature. Content analysis is well‐accepted methodology among researchers for analyzing the extent of IC disclosures; the search terminology used may be further classified or sub‐classified. Research can be extended across sectors and time period.

Practical implications

Firms, policy makers and the stakeholders get a new dimension to evaluate the performance of the firms. The implication for the firms is that a new model of IC measurement and disclosures must be developed as the traditional financial reporting models may not be sufficient to disclose the IC index and the relationship between the disclosure patterns and the firm's performance. As voluntary disclosures are negligible, the implication for the policy makers is that IC disclosures made statutory in the interest of the stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneering attempt to study the extent of IC disclosures using content analysis in the context of Indian firms.
Creativity and workplace attractiveness in professional employment
Authors: Marks Abigail , Huzzard Tony
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the notion of attractive workplaces in the specific context of creative professional employment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on observations and interview data at knowledge‐based firms in the UK, the paper looks at the extent to which employees are “rewarded” with the offer of creative work and the degree to which this offer really involves greater benefits for employees in terms of professional prestige and the confirmation of their identities as professional workers in the creative industries.

Findings

The paper finds that creative needs remain important components of the attractive workplace, but increasingly also of importance are the extrinsic rewards of an acceptable work‐life balance as the age profile of the technology worker changes and technology stagnates.

Research limitations/implications

This research focused on one group of workers within one specific country. Whilst it was found that work in the software sector is becoming less creative, this may not be the case across all contexts.

Practical implications

There is clearly a problem, of developing young technology specialists within Scotland. In order to maintain the “Smart, Successful Scotland” propounded by the Scottish Government, drastic steps need to be taken to educate the IT workers and indeed, entrepreneurs of the future.

Originality/value

This paper is new as there has been little recent research undertaken examining the IT sector in Scotland. More generally, there is a scarcity of work focusing on workplace attractiveness for IT specialists.
Sovereign‐wealth funds
Authors: Das Dilip K.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Over the last two decades global cross‐border investment has increased. State‐owned and managed, sovereign‐wealth funds (SWFs), largely from the emerging‐market economies, have started playing a decisive role in underpinning, sustaining and expanding financial globalization. This paper aims to provide the reader with basic conceptual strands on the SWF, their genesis, coming into prime and recent spurt in their operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on defining SWFs and tracks their origin and growth. It explores the present and future market size of SWFs and examines the ramifications of this group of large institutional investors. It also answers the query whether anxieties about their operations are exaggerated and attempts to provide answers regarding some of the prickly policy questions.

Findings

The paper finds that, although they are an instrument of enhancing liquidity and financial resource allocation in the international capital market, they have become a source of controversies and threaten and escalation in financial protectionism.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the concept of SWFs and the recent spurt in their activities and significance.
Benchmarking developing Asia's manufacturing sector
Authors: Felipe Jesus , Estrada Gemma
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the transformation of developing Asia's manufacturing sector during the last three decades.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper briefly discusses the transformation during the last 30 years and benchmarks the sector by estimating a regression based on the logistic pattern of growth. It then summarizes the main findings.

Findings

It is found that: the share of developing Asia in world manufacturing output has increased significantly since the 1970s; the increase is concentrated in a number a countries, mostly the NIES, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand; and there has been an important technological upgrading as the share of more technologically advanced manufacturers has increased. However, the increase is also concentrated in a reduced group of countries.

Originality/value

The findings in the paper should be of value to both other researchers and policy makers trying to understand industrialization.
Post‐socialist transformation and growth regime: some comments about the Chinese case
Authors: Charles Sébastien , El Karouni Ilyess
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper attempts to show that Chinese post‐socialist transformation has involved a deep change in growth regime.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors begin by detailing the institutional background of the study: the Chinese post‐socialist transformation. They compare growth regimes both in Maoist and post Maoist eras. Therefore, by using official data, the paper deals with the difficulties and challenges of the current growth regime.

Findings

The new growth regime could be particularly difficult to manage regarding China's dependence on external demand in a context of low domestic demand. In particular, the main difficulty to which this growth regime could be confronted with concerns the occurrence of an external contraction in the US. The authors then try to assess why such an event may appear by providing a list of external risks to emphasize the economic vulnerability of China.

Practical implications

This paper is essentially intended for Chinese policy‐makers who wish to adopt a more balanced growth strategy in the long‐run.

Originality/value

The paper develops an alternative view on the macroeconomic situation of China. In particular, it insists on its vulnerability through external demand.
A comparative analysis of exchange rate fluctuations and economic activity
Authors: Kandil Magda , Nergiz Dincer Nazire
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on real output, the price level, and the real value of components of aggregate demand in Egypt and Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on a theoretical model that decomposes movements in the exchange rate into anticipated and unanticipated components, the empirical investigation traces the effects through demand and supply channels.

Findings

In Turkey, anticipated exchange rate appreciation has significant adverse effects, contracting the growth of real output and the demand for investment and exports, while raising price inflation. Random fluctuations in Turkey have asymmetric effects that highlight the importance of unanticipated depreciation in shrinking output growth and the growth of private consumption and investment, despite an increase in export growth. In Egypt, anticipated exchange rate appreciation decreases export growth. Given asymmetry, the net effect of unanticipated exchange rate fluctuations, in Egypt, decreases real output and consumption growth and increases export growth, on average, over time.

Research limitations/implications

In light of the country‐specific evidence, future research should extend the investigation using panel estimation, incorporating various demand and supply shocks along with exchange rate fluctuations, to establish the relative importance of various shocks on macroeconomic performance across MENA countries.

Practical implications

While adhering to a flexible exchange rate policy to boost competitiveness, managing fundamentals to reduce excessive volatility impinging on the economic system over time should top the policy agenda.

Originality/value

Excessive volatility in the real effective exchange rate could be detrimental to real growth, over time, as the evidence for Turkey and Egypt illustrates.
Pro‐poor growth: explaining the cross‐country variation in the growth elasticity of poverty
Authors: Chhibber Ajay , Nayyar Gaurav
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyse the cross‐country variation in the growth elasticity of poverty across a sample of developing countries during the period from 1990 to 2000.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to identify variables that may explain the cross‐country variation in the growth elasticity of poverty, the paper sets up a theoretical framework. Subsequently, the explanatory power of these variables is tested empirically by panel data econometric analysis.

Findings

For a sample of 52 low and middle income countries, it is found that the level of initial income inequality, credit available to the private sector, literacy, the extent of business regulations and trade openness are important determinants of the growth elasticity of poverty.

Practical implications

Countries that reduce regulatory burdens, improve literacy, increase access to finance, undertake land reforms (asset redistribution), and provide safety nets while liberalizing trade can create more growth and ensure that it is pro‐poor.

Originality/value

The paper identifies variables (at a cross‐country level) that may guide the conscious policies which create pro‐poor growth.
The development of corporate real estate asset management in New Zealand
Authors: McDonagh John
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This research paper aims to review the development of corporate real estate asset management (CREAM) in New Zealand since 1992.

Design/methodology/approach

The first research into CREAM in New Zealand was carried out by Wei Kium Teoh. Lincoln University staff and post graduate students have subsequently undertaken several CREAM research projects involving surveys of organizations in New Zealand. These were spread over a 14 year time period and led to the opportunity to carry out a time series analysis of the development of CREAM practice in New Zealand.

Findings

Substantial improvement in some aspects of CREAM practice was observed, for example, in the qualifications of those responsible for CREAM and the development of strategic plans for those assets. However, other aspects of CREAM have remained remarkably stable or plateaued, for example the percentage of organizations with a separate real estate unit, reporting levels to management and the allocation of real estate costs.

Research limitations/implications

Both academic and industry attention in New Zealand can now be focused on those areas of CREAM development that appear to be lagging or otherwise warranting further research due to inconsistent results across the different studies.

Originality/value

CREAM research in a New Zealand context is limited. This paper collates and interprets much of that research with the added benefit of hindsight and trend analysis. The similarities in the findings with research carried out in other countries means international developments in CREAM are likely to be also applicable in a New Zealand context.
Boosting organizational performance and CRE credibility through occupancy planning
Authors: Knapp Curtis A. , Oliver Jennifer
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the merits of occupancy planning as a means for improving strategic decisions regarding real estate portfolios and strengthening the credibility of corporate real estate (CRE) professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' extensive experience is combined with survey results and case examples of how two global companies are benefiting from occupancy planning.

Findings

Occupancy planning programs lead to better data and forecasting, which in turn create a more accurate portfolio‐wide view and improved space utilization.

Originality/value

This article demonstrates the link between effective occupancy planning and sound CRE decisions.
Impact of real estate interventions on organisational performance
Authors: de Vries Jackie C. , de Jonge Hans , van der Voordt Theo J.M.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Real estate is increasingly used as a “fifth” resource to improve the performance of organisations by a positive image, cost reduction, increased employee satisfaction and increased labour productivity. A clear conceptual framework and standardised key performance indicators (KPIs) are needed to understand and monitor the effects of real estate interventions. This paper aims to explore the added value of real estate interventions to organisational performance, theoretically and empirically, including unforeseen positive and negative side‐effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework was based on an extensive literature survey and has been empirically used in a survey among 47 Institues of Higher Professional Education in The Netherlands and additional in‐depth interviews at nine institutes. The effects of real estate interventions were studied by conducting time series analyses of changing organisational performance using several KPIs.

Findings

The research has shown that real estate interventions actually improve organisational performance. However, the effects are not always as positive as expected, nor are they always clearly visible when using the present KPIs for organisational performance. And in addition, some effects are temporary.

Practical implications

The conceptual framework and the suggested KPIs can be used to support managers in effectively steering on organisational performance by means of real estate interventions, formulating targets in a SMART way, setting priorities with regard to their organisation's main objectives, and monitoring the effects.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework integrates know‐how from various studies and fields and was empirically used in educational settings.
Editors' introduction to the European Foresight Monitoring Network
Authors: Butter Maurits , Brandes Felix , Keenan Michael , Popper Rafael
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an introduction to the special issue of foresight, dedicated to the European Foresight Monitoring Network (EFMN).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sets out the project's rationale and its scope and approach.

Findings

The paper presents some of the achievements of the EFMN, as well as some of its limitations.

Originality/value

The paper considers how the EFMN might be sustained and further developed over the longer term. It also provides a brief description of the main papers in the special issue.
Comparing foresight “style” in six world regions
Authors: Keenan Michael , Popper Rafael
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The paper sets out to explore the nature and degree of variation in foresight “style” across six world regions. The underlying hypothesis is that differences in regional context – in terms of political, socio‐economic, and cultural conditions – will affect foresight “style”. At the same time, a secondary hypothesis acknowledges that policy tool transfer and international learning might soften the influence of contextual conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data collected for more than 800 foresight exercises in six world regions, the paper considers eight different dimensions of foresight “style”, including domain coverage, time horizon, target groups, and methods used. It interprets regional differences (and similarities) with reference to dominant political and economic traditions in each region. In so doing, it tests the hypothesis that foresight “style” is influenced by regional context.

Findings

The analysis suggests that some foresight “style” dimensions vary between regions more than others. For example, there is marked variation in the domain areas covered by foresight across the world, while some regions appear to prefer particular methods over others. Time horizons also vary. For other dimensions, such as participation levels and the identity of target groups, there is a good deal of similarity. Thus, some dimensions of “style”, at least at the aggregate level, seem to be more influenced by regional context than others.

Originality/value

The paper is unique in being the first publication to survey such a large sample of foresight activity across a wide part of the globe.
Foresight versus FP7: comparing innovations in healthcare
Authors: Butter Maurits , Hoogendoorn Joost
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The EU Framework Programme and the foresight community are both focusing on future developments in innovation. This paper seeks to answer the questions: How much can they learn from one another to enhance their visions on the future? Are both perspectives aligned?

Design/methodology/approach

This research used the Dynamo approach, which analyses the match and mismatch of innovation entities by characterising both by a codified taxonomy on innovation. This taxonomy is based on the experience of TNO in innovation. In total, 140 flagship foresight activities from the EFMN database are analysed, as well as the Working Programmes 2007‐2008 from FP7 Cooperation.

Findings

The findings show that the perspectives of FP7 and the foresight community on innovations in health are highly aligned. Some interesting mismatches are identified that can be taken up by FP8 and the foresight community. Only a limited number of innovation themes are not addressed by both perspectives.

Practical implications

These results can help the foresight community to focus on important innovation themes in health not generally addressed and give input to the new FP7 working for 2009‐2013.

Originality/value

The results of the study show a more detailed insight into what innovation topics foresight and FP7 are mentioning/addressing.
How are foresight methods selected?
Authors: Popper Rafael
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper addresses a challenging topic, which in both academic and professional literatures has been widely discussed but mainly from one single angle – that is, how to select foresight methods. From that point of view researchers and consultants promote (even if unintentionally) the use of particular methods. Here the question of selection is raised from a different perspective: how are foresight methods selected?

Design/methodology/approach

The guiding “theory” is that a better understanding of the fundamental attributes of foresight methods and their linkages to the core phases of a foresight process, together with the identification of possible patterns in the selection of methods, will provide useful insights as to how the selection of methods is carried out.

Findings

So far the selection of foresight methods has been dominated by the intuition, insight, impulsiveness and – sometimes – inexperience or irresponsibility of practitioners and organisers. This paper reveals that the selection of foresight methods (even if not always coherent or systematic) is a multi‐factor process, and needs to be considered as such.

Practical implications

The results can be utilised by lecturers and students to describe and understand better the use of foresight methods, and by organisers of foresight (including practitioners) to better inform decisions during the design of (hopefully) more coherent methodological frameworks.

Originality/value

The paper combines practical concepts and frameworks (such as the Foresight Process and the Foresight Diamond) with innovative analyses to represent and visualise better the combination of methods in 886 case studies, for example introducing the Methods Combination Matrix (MCM) to examine the dynamics of a mix of methods.
Detecting and analysing emerging science and technology issues: the EFMN Issue Analysis
Authors: Rijkers‐Defrasne Sylvie , Amanatidou Effie , Braun Anette , Pechmann Agnes
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the contribution of the EFMN Issue Analysis to the identification of key emerging science and technology issues of high relevance for European policies, as well as to the development of future European science and technology policy priorities. As such, it describes the experience of the past three EFMN Issue Analyses (2005 to 2007), which focused on “Cognitive Science” (2005), “Healthy Ageing” (2006) and “Emerging Knowledge‐based Economy and Society” (2007).

Design/methodology/approach

The annual EFMN Issue Analysis aims at selecting and analysing one key emerging science and technology issue that is relevant for European Union policies. The selection is based on the screening and analysis of recent international foresights along a set of predefined criteria.

Findings

The paper highlights future socio‐economic perspectives and S&T developments coming along with the topics “Cognitive Science”, “Healthy Ageing” and “Emerging Knowledge‐based Economy and Society”, as well as policy recommendations as emerged from the respective expert workshop discussions. The paper also reflects on the methodology used, and experience of, and the lessons learned from the last three Issue Analyses.

Practical implications

This paper is of interest for foresight practitioners and policy‐makers at European level, as well as at national or regional level in European Member States.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the role of the EFMN Issue Analysis in providing the basis for well‐informed (science and technology) policy‐making.
Editorial: Process and IT
Authors: Koskela Lauri , Dave Bhargav
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper's aim is to provide a fresh perspective on how to address process improvement and information technology (IT) in an integrated fashion in order to improve the efficiency of the construction process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper looks at the problems associated with the “conventional” way of addressing IT within construction, and suggests improvements based on integrating three core organisational resources: people, process and technology.

Findings

The existing view that IT on its own brings organisational benefits leads to only marginal improvements in organisational efficiency if not resulting in negative impact. However, by correctly integrating people, process and IT initiatives, significant benefits can be achieved.

Originality/value

This paper provides value by providing a conceptualisation for addressing people, process and technology within the construction sector.
A superiority and inferiority ranking model for contractor selection
Authors: Marzouk Mohamed
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Contractor selection is carried out in order to choose a competent and capable contractor to do the work. To help in this selection, baselines are established to ensure that the contractors have the required skills, resources, and abilities to execute the project. Contractor selection is a multiple criteria decision making wherein several criteria are required to be evaluated simultaneously. This paper aims to propose a decision‐making model.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model utilizes superiority and inferiority ranking (SIR) method and it provides six preference structures in order to compare the performance of alternatives' criteria. As such, it can represent discrete or continuous criteria. The preference structures utilize indifference and preference thresholds to capture the characteristics of functions that represent the specified criteria. The model provides two aggregation procedures (simple additive weighting and technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution) to generate superiority and inferiority flows.

Findings

The proposed model is generic and can be used as a tool to evaluate alternatives in several applications such as value engineering, optimum organization structure, and constructability analysis. It enables its users to define the criteria that are deemed important for evaluation.

Originality/value

The proposed multiple criteria decision making (SIR method) is novel to construction. This ranking method can be utilized as a successful tool in contractor selection problem.
Quantitative risk analysis as a supporting tool for safety protocols at multi‐functional urban locations
Authors: Visscher Henk , Suddle Shahid , Meijer Frits
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide insight into how to deal with safety issues during construction projects at multi‐functional urban locations.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study comprising several construction projects for high‐rise buildings over a motorway in The Hague provided insight into the complexity of the safety management. A process model was designed of moments of influence of safety measures. This was combined with quantitative risk analyses of some alternative safety measures using failure mode and effect analysis and Bayesian networks.

Findings

It is essential to put safety management on the agenda at a very early stage in the planning process for construction projects at multi‐functional urban locations. The erection of heavy structural elements when building activities are being carried out above a motorway is an important risk factor. Structural measures appear to be more cost‐effective than closing off the road.

Research limitations/implications

The methods used to develop insight into the cost‐effectiveness of different safety measures can also be applied to construction processes at multi‐functional urban locations. This might lead to different conclusions on which measures are preferable.

Originality/value

There is very little literature or general knowledge on how to deal with these safety issues. This paper provides a method that can be applied in the development of safety protocols at multi‐functional urban locations.
Pathways to enhanced value creation from the international technology transfer process in Thai construction projects
Authors: Waroonkun Tanut , Stewart Rodney A.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

International technology transfer (TT) initiatives are essential for developing the necessary infrastructure which underpins the sustainable development of economics and living standards in newly industrialised and developing countries. However, these initiatives have rarely translated into enhanced capabilities and competitiveness within host country firms, resulting in a sustained reliance on foreign firms. With few clues as to how to effectively manage the TT process, many stakeholders from the construction sectors of developing countries lack direction on how to more rapidly diffuse best‐practice technology. This paper aims to address the issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In an attempt to better understand, the international TT process on Thai construction projects a path model was developed and later implemented. The path model development stage utilised the questionnaire survey response of 162 Thai construction and engineering professionals that had exposure to construction projects which incorporated international TT initiatives. A rigorous statistical analysis process which employed ANOVA, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling was followed to formulate the robust path model. The path model implementation stage utilised a series of case studies to validate the significant path equations in the developed model. This stage solicited questionnaire survey responses from 47 Thai construction and engineering professionals working for five domestic firms which were contractually involved with foreign partners on four large construction projects.

Findings

The findings provide evidence that transferors must have appropriate characteristics (i.e. willingness, knowledge base, experience, management, etc.) for establishing solid relationships with the transferee. Moreover, relationship building (RB) between the transferor and transferee (i.e. trust, understanding, communication, etc.) is the key enabler to TT induced value creation for the host construction sector.

Originality/value

The developed model empirically explains interactions between TT process enablers and outcome factors in the construction context. The model can assist government and private sector organisations from developing and newly industrialised countries to better evaluate the TT induced value creation process for the host construction sector. In this context, improved TT evaluation can help such organisations to devise targeted strategies for accelerating rates of TT, which will ultimately decrease their reliance on foreign firms when procuring large‐scale infrastructure projects.
Evaluation on indoor environment quality of dense urban residential buildings
Authors: Chan Edwin H.W. , Lam K.S. , Wong W.S.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the indoor environmental quality among residential buildings in dense urban living environment, after the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which called for a review on the relationship between health issues and the authors' built facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Environmental tests include thermal comfort, noise, daylight and air quality inside the residence of typical housing units were carried out. Based on inferences drawn from test results, the paper developed systematic conclusions.

Findings

It was observed that most of the occupants (over 70 per cent of 125 households) were tolerating the higher air temperature and dimmer daylight inside their residence, which was proven to fall behind Hong Kong Standard. On the contrary, people reflected that they were also trying to abate noise and dust concentration in their daily life.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the flat occupants' exclusive property rights in law, there were limited access to the residents' flats and only 32 occupants out of 125 allowed us to conduct the survey. Yet, the data set was justified.

Practical implications

The results provides practical guidance for the design of future housing to enhance health and comfort of occupants.

Originality/value

Originality of the findings is based on on‐site data collected in dense urban housing condition. Rating data were also collected from the occupants concerned about their habituation conditions in Hong Kong after the outbreak of SARS, which was a major crisis that called for fundamental review of the authors' built facilities.
Benchmarking operation and maintenance costs of luxury hotels
Authors: Lai Joseph H.K. , Yik Francis W.H.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Tourism is a pillar of the service industries in Hong Kong. Its growth entails quality hotel accommodations where cost‐effective operation and maintenance (O&M) of their facilities are essential. A benchmarking study was carried out on ten luxury hotels with the aim of identifying the significance and performance of various O&M cost elements.

Design/methodology/approach

A benchmarking club was set up for the practitioners participating in the study. A template was piloted and then refined for use in collecting data, which include the hotels' characteristics, their expenditures on maintenance and project works, in‐house manpower and payroll, contract maintenance costs, and utilities costs and consumptions.

Findings

Energy cost dominates the O&M expenditure of hotels. The cost for maintaining lifts and escalators constitutes a major part of contract maintenance costs. Larger hotels can enjoy a lower unit O&M cost.

Research limitations/implications

Quality, age and occupancy rate of hotels are factors which warrant further work to investigate their effects on O&M costs. It is also necessary to study what cost‐sensitive parameters are appropriate for use in normalising the costs of different trades of O&M work.

Practical implications

It has been shown how a benchmarking curve can be constructed for identifying the performance of utilities cost. This approach can be taken to develop similar curves for benchmarking other cost elements, as well as other aspects including processes and values of O&M works.

Originality/value

Sensitive O&M cost data are seldom disclosed. The study has overcome the difficulties with their collection and the cost benchmarks presented are useful references for hotel practitioners.
Workforce ownership of space in a space sharing environment
Authors: Pitt Michael , Bennett James
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Technological innovations and continuing IT developments, together with the now widespread use of innovative space planning techniques, such as hot‐desking have been hailed as the remedy for the demand for a more intensive and efficient use of space in offices. Although most organisations have attempted to simultaneously provide for human needs and requirements, most, if not all have fallen short. This paper aims to investigate whether an optimum balance can be struck between commercial requirements of flexibility, in terms of office design, while at the same time ensuring that the human needs of privacy, identity, status and personal control are not compromised.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers current thought and provides a literature review in the area. The paper aims to establish that new work methods can have a potentially negative effect on employee performance in companies as the implementation of new ways of working does not always take into account the importance of employee satisfaction and empowerment. New work methods and innovative space planning techniques are compared and contrasted to case study observations at the offices of Drivers Jonas LLP, Chartered Surveyors, in Manchester.

Findings

Innovative space planning concepts and recent technological innovations are examined including how they impact on the employee, in terms of behaviour and work satisfaction. A case study identifies how the unique culture of openness and sharing that is present at Drivers Jonas LLP can successfully integrate human requirements with physical requirements so that optimal employee performance and satisfaction is achieved.

Originality/value

The paper establishes that the culture of an organisation is the most important element in determining whether a workforce can own their own space in a space sharing environment. In terms of increasing workplace satisfaction which is directly linked to “better business performance”, the paper will identify that all innovative space planning techniques and methods will fall at the first hurdle, if an organisation does not have the right culture to support its ideas.
Facility management practices in higher education buildings
Authors: Lavy Sarel
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Facility management (FM) is important to the business success of companies and organizations. Nowadays, teaching FM is often spread over several disciplines, including architecture, management, business, and construction. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study completed by a team of three graduate students in the course “Introduction to Facility Management,” offered by a large southern university in the USA in the spring 2007 semester.

Design/methodology/approach

The students studied several aspects of FM, such as strategic and tactical planning, space allocation, maintenance and repair, operations and energy management, benchmarking and condition assessment, and life cycle costs, in buildings on the university's campus. Assisted by the Office of the Vice President for Facilities and using software contributed by an external commercial engineering and construction company, the students collected the data and conducted the analyses shown in this paper as part of their tasks for the course.

Findings

Structured and organized FM has the potential to improve the physical performance and appearance of a building and its systems, as well as to increase the users' level of satisfaction, and to improve the efficiency with which the building is maintained and operated.

Practical implications

This course offered the students an opportunity to encounter real problems and dilemmas that facility managers witness on a daily basis. Students were asked to offer creative solutions to these dilemmas.

Originality/value

The concepts of teaching FM are discussed in this paper, and demonstrated through real life cases.
Managing the scope and impact of root cause analysis recommendations
Authors: Iedema Rick , Jorm Christine , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Increased public awareness of clinical failure and rising levels of litigation are spurring health policy makers in industrialized countries to mandate that clinicians report and investigate clinical errors and near misses. This paper seeks to understand the value of root cause analysis (RCA) recommendations for practice improvement purposes. The paper presents an analysis of interviews with nine senior health managers who were asked about their views on RCA as practice improvement method.

Design/methodology/approach

Interview data were collected as part of a multi‐method evaluation consultancy project investigating a local Health Safety Improvement Program. The interview data were discourse analysed and arranged into over‐arching themes.

Findings

The analysis reveals rather negative views of the improvement potential of RCA: RCA is subject to too many constraints to be able to produce valuable recommendations; RCA recommendations: are perceived to be of “variable quality”; generate considerable extra work for senior management to do with vetting RCA recommendations; are experienced as contributing in only a limited way to organizational and practice improvement.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on nine interviewees only and presents an analysis of single (not multiple) interviews. However, these nine interviewees fulfil crucial roles in implementing clinical practice improvement initiatives in their respective geographic areas.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that RCA requires much time and negotiation, and that the recommendations produced may not live up to the philosophy of clinical practice improvement's expectations. It may be necessary to reorient the expectations of the power of RCA, or accept that RCA produces communication about clinical processes that would otherwise not have taken place, and whose effects may not be registering for some time to come.

Originality/value

Besides drawing out the implications for RCA as investigative practice, the analysis argues that interviewees' responses harbour indications to suggest that these officials are finding themselves engaged in increasing levels of communicative and emotional labour, in having to manage and compensate for the ambiguities, incommensurabilities and conflicting goals inscribed into “post‐bureaucratic” initiatives such as RCA.