bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring influential factors leading to the poor performance of public construction project in Ethiopia using structural equation modelling
Authors: Gadisa Benti , Zhou Hong 
Published: September 2020

PurposeIt is well recognized that the construction industry is characterised by inefficient and ineffective service delivery due to various causative factors. Thus this study aims to examine the influential factors affecting public construction project performance in Ethiopia to improve the industry's service delivery.Design/methodology/approachFrom the extensive literature reviewed, 58 potential factors affecting construction project performance have been compiled. Based on the evidence accumulated, the conceptual model of this paper has been developed. By using survey questionnaires, valuable data were collected from the construction industry professionals in Ethiopia; analysed and interpreted with the use of both SPSS and AMOS software.FindingsIt is concluded that failure factors related to the “performance” of the contractor, the “capability” of the owner, the “project design-procurement process,” and project contract management can significantly contribute to the poor performance of public construction projects in Ethiopia. Ten key factors include inadequate contractor capacity, weak project site management and supervision, weak project management skills and capabilities of the owner, additional work orders, delayed payment, lack of comprehensive project plans between parties and incomplete project design, rising material prices, ineffective project schedules, and cost management, rising market prices and devaluation of the currency.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this study confined to public projects in Ethiopia. It suggests that further research needs to consider public and private construction from a comprehensive perspective in the developing countries.Practical implicationsIt provides practitioners with information and guidance on the factors that affect the performance of construction projects.Originality/valueIt provides inclusive evidence related to many factors that affect the performance of public construction projects.
An economic view of entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Nakara Walid Adam , Laouiti Rahma , Chavez Roberto , Gharbi Samiha 
Published: September 2020

PurposeThe role of macrolevel factors in entrepreneurial intention remains as an underexplored issue in the literature. The purpose of this study is to reduce this gap by testing the effect of economic development on entrepreneurial intention.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a quantitative approach that formally tests for a quadratic relationship between economic development measured by the gross domestic product (GDP) and the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI)) and entrepreneurial intention based on longitudinal data covering 72 countries over the 2010–2016 period. Data are gathered from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).FindingsThe results reveal the existence of a U-shaped relationship between the country's GDP per capita and individuals' entrepreneurial intention. The results also support a similar relationship between GCI and entrepreneurial intention. These findings suggest that individuals' entrepreneurial intentions differ between countries depending on the level of economic development.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this article presents the first attempt to investigate the role of economic development on entrepreneurial intention based on longitudinal data covering a large sample of countries. Moreover, by providing evidence of a U-shaped relationship between economic progress and individuals' propensity to attempt an entrepreneurial career, this study enhances the understanding of the macrolevel determinants of entrepreneurial intention.
Psychological ownership of a team of change agents during second-order change in schools and its implications for school culture
Authors: Benji-Rabinovitz Shiran , Berkovich Izhak 
Published: September 2020

PurposeTaking ownership is considered vital for sustaining change in organizations, particularly when second-order changes are the goal. Yet, few studies explored psychological ownership of change agents in educational organizations. Moreover, no knowledge exists on how agents' individual psychological ownership augments psychological ownership in schools and on how collective psychological ownership of change relates to school culture. The present study aims to address these two lacunae.Design/methodology/approachA case study method was adopted to investigate the psychological ownership of teams of change agents in schools. Six Israeli secondary state religious schools adopting a new liberal curricular program were studied. Thirty one interviews were conducted with principals, program coordinators, mid-level teacher leaders and teachers who were active change agents in the promotion of the program. The interviews were complemented by quantitative data on students' perceptions of school discipline and tolerance of diversity based on the national school culture survey.FindingsThe analyses revealed the prevalence of three types of psychological ownership in the sample of schools. The analyses also showed how key components of psychological ownership, i.e. responsibility and territoriality in relation to change manifest in the schools that were explored. Institution-level analysis shed light on the different effects psychological ownership of the change team had on sharing within the faculty. In addition, analyses showed how the scope of agreement between two key change agents, the program initiator and the principal, on psychological ownership affected various psychological ownership aspects of the team. Last, the analysis shows that two types of collective psychological ownership emerged in the course of a liberal school change, and that types were differently related to school outcomes.Originality/valueThe study offers an innovative typology of collective psychological ownership during second-order change in schools, mapping two ideal types: cooperative and fragmented collective psychological ownership. The new types provide a better understanding of the dynamic of collective psychological ownership and its outcomes in organizations in general and schools in particular.
Innovation community and content providers' new service development performance in technology-based service ecosystem
Authors: Li Lei , Liu Bo , Mu Huimin 
Published: September 2020

PurposeThis paper investigates the paths through which innovation community affects content providers' new service development (NSD) performance in technology-based service ecosystem and contingency factors exist in the paths.Design/methodology/approachThe research model is built based on service-dominant (S-D) logic, exploring the relationship among innovation community, content providers' knowledge acquisition and content providers' NSD performance as well as the moderating role of content providers' technology readiness and content providers' complexity. Using survey data collected from 386 content providers of selected open network platforms in China, this study finds broad support for the proposed research model.FindingsThe findings of this paper reveal that content providers' tacit knowledge acquisition from users plays a mediating role between the innovation community and new service ratings. Content providers' technology readiness plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between innovation community and their explicit or tacit knowledge acquisition. Content providers' task complexity negatively moderates the effects of their explicit knowledge acquisition from users on new service volumes or ratings, but positively moderates the effects of tacit knowledge acquisition from users on new service volumes or ratings.Originality/valueThough extant literature highlights the importance of knowledge acquisition in NSD performance, few studies explore the antecedents of content providers' knowledge acquisition from users and the paths through which these antecedents affect content providers' NSD performance. Moreover, boundary conditions exist in the process of improving NSD performance are generally ignored in previous literature. With the lens of S-D logic, this paper explicates how content providers of different technology readiness and different task complexity enhance their new service volumes and ratings through acquiring explicit and tacit knowledge from users in innovation community. Adopting S-D logic from marketing area to NSD area, this paper not only enriches the theoretical accumulations of antecedents and boundary conditions of content providers' NSD performance but also offers insights for content providers and users on how to synergistically advance NSD activities and co-create value in the technology-based service ecosystem.
Design of robust layout for unequal area dynamic facility layout problems with flexible bays structure
Authors: Hunagund Irappa Basappa , Pillai V. Madhusudanan , Kempaiah Ujjani Nagegowda 
Published: September 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for the design of robust layout for unequal area-dynamic facility layout problem with flexible bay structure (UA-DFLP with FBS) and test the suitability of generated robust layout in a dynamic environment.

Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts formulation of a mathematical model for generating a single layout for unequal area facility layout problems with flexible bay structure under dynamic environment. The formulated model for the robust layout formation is solved by developing a simulated annealing algorithm. The proposed robust approach model for UA-DFLP with FBS is validated by conducting numerical experiments on standard UA-DFLPs reported in the literature. The suitability of the generated robust layout in a dynamic environment is tested with total penalty cost criteria.

Findings
The proposed model has given a better solution for some UA-DFLPs with FBS in comparison with the adaptive approach’s solution reported in the literature. The total penalty cost is within the specified limit given in the literature, for most of the layouts generated for UA-DFLPs with FBS. In the proposed model, there is no rearrangement of facilities in various periods of planning horizon and thus no disruptions in operations.

Research limitations/implications
The present work has limitations that when the area and aspect ratio of the facilities are required to change from one period to another, then it is not possible to make application of the robust approach-based formulation to the dynamic environment facility layout problems.

Practical implications
Rearrangement of facilities in adaptive approach disrupts the operations whereas in the proposed approach no disruption of production. The FBS approach is more suitable for layout planning where proper aisle structure is required. The solution of the proposed approach helps to create a proper aisle structure in the detailed layout plan. Thus, easy interaction of the material handling equipment, men and materials is possible.

Originality/value
This paper proposes a mathematical formulation for the design of robust layout for UA-FLPs with FBS in a dynamic environment and an efficient simulated annealing algorithm as its solution procedure. The proposed robust approach generates a single layout for the entire planning horizon. This approach is more useful for facilities which are difficult/sensitive to relocate in various periods of the planning horizon.
Obstacles to comprehensive real estate asset management
Authors: Read Dustin C. , Sanderson Danielle Claire 
Published: September 2020

PurposeMotivated by behavioral theories of the firm, this study aims to consider the extent to which knowledge gaps, organizational inertia and conflicts of interest prevent large real estate investment management firms from approaching asset management in a comprehensive manner.Design/methodology/approachResults of 93 semi-structured interviews conducted with real estate practitioners working in the USA are thematically analyzed.FindingsAll of the aforementioned factors are found to influence real estate asset management practices and serve as potential obstacles to operational excellence.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative analysis is limited in the sense that it focuses exclusively on the perceptions of real estate practitioners in the USA who work for relatively large organizations. However, it offers compelling evidence that comprehensive asset management is difficult under the best of circumstances, and becomes even more so in the presence of knowledge gaps, organizational inertia and conflicts of interest.Practical implicationsThose working in asset management or with asset managers must be mindful of the obstacles discussed if they hope to encourage and facilitate process improvement.Originality/valueThe study contributes to a small but growing, body of research examining the challenges large real estate investment management firms face when trying to derive value from their asset management platforms.
Countering the pedagogic hegemony of neo-liberalism in the workplace: a Freirean analysis of the contribution of union-led learning to enhanced worker participation in the UK
Authors: Bennett Tony 
Published: September 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically assess the degree to which current union learning strategy and practice in the UK can become a catalyst for greater activism and participation by their members in the workplace and beyond. To this end, the paper seeks to draw on the rich heritage of pedagogic theory and practice in adult education writing to bring a fresh perspective to a key aspect of industrial relations.Design/methodology/approachThrough a meta-analysis of the current literature on the role of union learning representatives, learning centres and the context of that learning, the paper seeks to enhance understanding of how such initiatives in addition to upskilling workers lead to members' greater enlightenment with respect to the asymmetric power relations within the workplace and society. Using a conceptual model devised by the author from Freirean theory, this potentially increased awareness of their position in the organisation and society leading to greater levels of subsequent activism and participation by these learners is then critically assessed.FindingsUtilising the radical perspective of Paulo Freire, the article critically analyses the key elements of current union learning strategies in the UK. The paper concludes that union pedagogy strategy not just often raises members' awareness, as Freire would advocate, of their “subordinate” position in society, but potentially also genuinely equips them with the skills, knowledge and understanding to challenge that position through subsequent union activism and, therefore, greater participation in decision-making in the workplace. Union-facilitated learning, it is argued, can also develop the skills and knowledge necessary to increase members' job security.Originality/valueTo the author's knowledge, this is the first time that a Freirean analysis has been applied to this key element of contemporary trade union strategy and practice. In particular, the study seeks to also go beyond most studies of union pedagogic approaches and focus on the learner's journey and how this may imbue a propensity to become more active in the union and, therefore, the workplace.
AI redefining the hospitality industry
Authors: Ruel Huub , Njoku Esther 
Published: September 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have redefined the hospitality industry. It develops a theoretical framework to evaluate its impact on employee engagement, retention and productivity levels, stemming from its potential implications for service quality and customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachBased on the exploration of relevant literature, role theory and service-profit chain were used to develop – role-service-profit chain.FindingsRole-service-profit chain is an analytical tool which has strong implications for investment and deployment analysis of the new technologies in hospitality and tourism businesses. It proposes how managers can evaluate how the role expectation of technological innovations relate to service quality and customer satisfaction through its impact on employee-related outcomes (such as employee engagement, retention and productivity), and assess the corresponding impact on profitability and growth, in the context of their own unique internal environment and position in the market.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough an empirical assessment of the hypothesised relationships in the model is required to evaluate and validate it in the hospitality industry, role-service-profit chain presents promising implications for tourism and hospitality practice and future research.Practical implicationsRole-service-profit chain is an analytical tool from which managers can make improvements on talent and talent management practices and adjust expectations and behaviours in ways that facilitate improvements in service quality and customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThis paper makes an important contribution to hospitality and tourism literature, as it explores how AI technologies implemented to improve on talent and talent management practices impact on service quality and customer satisfaction, and develops analytical tools by which this may be evaluated.
Reliability of internal logistics distribution in a hospital
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme , Moliner Farjas Guillermo , Li Wen 
Published: September 2020

PurposeThe main objective of the research is to propose a method to assess the reliability of hospitals' internal logistics distribution.Design/methodology/approachA structured methodology was defined in five stages: (1) data collection and current state mapping; (2) future state design; (3) identification of the uncertainties and sources of variation; (4) reliability analysis of the proposed future state and (5) identification and prioritization of improvements.FindingsResults show shortcomings of the future state design and propose solutions to obtain a state that is more realistic and possible to perform. Subsequently, the feasibility of these improvements was analysed in order to be implemented in a real context, searching and identifying different uncertainty sources occurring inside the system.Originality/valueStudies that have addressed hospital's internal logistics are scarce. Such gap highlights the need for this research developments that address the reliability enhancement in hospitals internal logistics.
Forest cover and proximity decrease herbivory and increase crop yield via enhanced natural enemies in soybean fields
Authors: González Ezequiel , Landis Douglas A. , Knapp Michal , Valladares Graciela 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Non‐crop habitats are essential for sustaining biodiversity of beneficial arthropods in agricultural landscapes, which can increase ecosystem services provision and crop yield. However, their effects on specific crop systems are less clear, such as soybean in South America, where the responses of pests and natural enemies to landscape structure have only recently been studied.

Here, we analysed how native forest fragments at local and landscape scales influenced arthropod communities, herbivory and yield in soybean fields in central Argentina. To do this, we selected soybean fields located in agricultural landscapes with varying proportions of forest cover. At two distances (10 and 100 m) from a focal forest fragment, we sampled natural enemy and herbivore arthropods, and measured soybean herbivory and yield. We focused on herbivore diversity, abundance of key soybean pests in the region (caterpillars and stink bugs), and their generalist and specialist natural enemies.

Higher abundance of predators, lower herbivory rates and increased yield were found near forests, while overall forest cover in the landscape was positively related with parasitoid and stink bug abundance, soybean yield, and negatively with herbivory. Moreover, yield was positively linked to richness and abundance of generalist and specialist enemies and independent of herbivory according to piecewise Structural Equation Models.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show positive effects of native forests on biodiversity and yield in soybean crops, highlighting the need for conservation of forest fragments in agricultural landscapes. Moreover, the relation between natural enemies and crop yield suggests that Chaco forests support a diverse and abundant community of natural enemies that can provide sustained levels of ecosystem services and result in positive effects for farmers.
Biogeochemistry and hydrography shape microbial community assembly and activity in the eastern tropical North Pacific Ocean oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Beman J. Michael , Vargas Sonia Marie , Vazquez Samantha , Wilson Jesse Mac , Yu Angela , Cairo Ariadna , Perez‐Coronel Elisabet 
Published: September 2020

SummaryOceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycles due to extensive microbial activity. How OMZ microbial communities assemble and respond to environmental variation is therefore essential to understanding OMZ functioning and ocean biogeochemistry. Sampling along depth profiles at five stations in the eastern tropical North Pacific Ocean (ETNP), we captured systematic variations in dissolved oxygen (DO) and associated variables (nitrite, chlorophyll, and ammonium) with depth and between stations. We quantitatively analysed relationships between oceanographic gradients and microbial community assembly and activity based on paired 16S rDNA and 16S rRNA sequencing. Overall microbial community composition and diversity were strongly related to regional variations in density, DO, and other variables (regression and redundancy analysis r2 = 0.68–0.82), displaying predictable patterns with depth and between stations. Although similar factors influenced the active community, diversity was substantially lower within the OMZ. We also identified multiple active microbiological networks that tracked specific gradients or features – particularly subsurface ammonium and nitrite maxima. Our findings indicate that overall microbial community assembly is consistently shaped by hydrography and biogeochemistry, while active segments of the community form discrete networks inhabiting distinct portions of the water column, and that both are tightly tuned to environmental conditions in the ETNP.