bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactive relationship between non-farm employment and mechanization service expenditure in rural China
Authors: Zheng Hongyun , Ma Wanglin , Guo Yanzhi , Zhou Xiaoshi 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the interactive relationship between non-farm employment and mechanization service expenditure.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs an innovative two-stage probit least squares (2SPLS) model to analyze the survey data collected from 1,148 rural households in China. This model not only simultaneously estimates the impact of non-farm employment on mechanization service expenditure and the impact of mechanization service expenditure on non-farm employment, but also addresses endogeneity issues associated with these two activities.FindingsThe empirical results show that non-farm employment and mechanization service expenditure are jointly determined. In particular, the study finds that non-farm employment significantly increases mechanization service expenditure, and vice versa. The results are confirmed by an estimation that captures a dichotomous decision of mechanization service usage. The interactive effects of non-farm employment on mechanization service expenditure are heterogeneous between male and female household heads and among households with different member sizes. Further analyses reveal that (1) mechanization service expenditure increases with increasing non-farm working time; (2) local non-farm employment, rather than provincial non-farm employment, has a larger impact on mechanization service expenditure; and (3) the number of household members employed in non-farm works does not affect mechanization service expenditure significantly.Originality/valueAlthough mechanization service markets are rapidly growing in many developing and transition countries, little is known about how service purchasing interacts with farmers' decisions to work in the non-farm sector. This study makes the first attempt by investigating the interactive effects of non-farm employment on mechanization service expenditure in rural China. The findings provide significant evidence for policymakers in China and other countries in their efforts to generate non-farm work opportunities and promote agricultural mechanization, with the aim of boosting rural development and improving farm economic performance.
Motivational profiles and proactive career behaviors among the solo self-employed
Authors: van den Groenendaal Sjanne Marie Elyse , Rossetti Silvia , van den Bergh Mattis , Kooij T.A.M. (Dorien) , Poell Rob. F. 
Published: April 2021

PurposeAs the current “one size fits all” research approach is likely to be ineffective in identifying the conditions that promote the entrepreneurial career of the solo self-employed, this paper advances the current understanding of the heterogeneity among the solo self-employed.Design/methodology/approachA person-centered approach is used to identify groups among the solo self-employed based on their starting motives and to examine their engagement in proactive career behaviors.FindingsUsing Latent Class Analysis (LCA), six groups displaying distinct motivational profiles are identified: (1) the pushed by necessity, (2) entrepreneurs by heart, (3) control-seekers, (4) occupationally-driven, (5) challenge-seekers and (6) the family business-driven. In line with the argument that starting motives affect behavior because they reflect the future work selves that individuals aim for, results show that solo self-employed with distinct motivational profiles differ in their engagement in proactive career behaviors. For future research, it is recommended to examine the role of demographic characteristics in the engagement in proactive career behaviors.Originality/valueAlthough starting motives among self-employed people have been studied frequently, this research applies an innovative methodological approach by using LCA. Hereby, a potentially more advanced configuration of starting motives is explored. Additionally, this study applies a career perspective towards the domain of solo self-employment by exploring how solo self-employed with distinct motivational profiles differ in terms of managing their entrepreneurial careers.
Application of machine learning in predicting construction project profit in Ghana using Support Vector Regression Algorithm (SVRA)
Authors: Adinyira Emmanuel , Adjei Emmanuel Akoi-Gyebi , Agyekum Kofi , Fugar Frank Desmond Kofi 
Published: April 2021

PurposeKnowledge of the effect of various cash-flow factors on expected project profit is important to effectively manage productivity on construction projects. This study was conducted to develop and test the sensitivity of a Machine Learning Support Vector Regression Algorithm (SVRA) to predict construction project profit in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study relied on data from 150 institutional projects executed within the past five years (2014–2018) in developing the model. Eighty percent (80%) of the data from the 150 projects was used at hyperparameter selection and final training phases of the model development and the remaining 20% for model testing. Using MATLAB for Support Vector Regression, the parameters available for tuning were the epsilon values, the kernel scale, the box constraint and standardisations. The sensitivity index was computed to determine the degree to which the independent variables impact the dependent variable.FindingsThe developed model's predictions perfectly fitted the data and explained all the variability of the response data around its mean. Average predictive accuracy of 73.66% was achieved with all the variables on the different projects in validation. The developed SVR model was sensitive to labour and loan.Originality/valueThe developed SVRA combines variation, defective works and labour with other financial constraints, which have been the variables used in previous studies. It will aid contractors in predicting profit on completion at commencement and also provide information on the effect of changes to cash-flow factors on profit.
Overuse of small chest drains for pleural effusions: a retrospective practice review
Authors: Tajarernmuang Pattraporn , Gonzalez Anne V. , Valenti David , Beaudoin Stéphane 
Published: April 2021

PurposeSmall-bore drains (≤ 16 Fr) are used in many centers to manage all pleural effusions. The goal of this study was to determine the proportion of avoidable chest drains and associated complications when a strategy of routine chest drain insertion is in place.Design/methodology/approachWe retrospectively reviewed consecutive pleural procedures performed in the Radiology Department of the McGill University Health Centre over one year (August 2015–July 2016). Drain insertion was the default drainage strategy. An interdisciplinary workgroup established criteria for drain insertion, namely: pneumothorax, pleural infection (confirmed/highly suspected), massive effusion (more than 2/3 of hemithorax with severe dyspnea /hypoxemia), effusions in ventilated patients and hemothorax. Drains inserted without any of these criteria were deemed potentially avoidable.FindingsA total of 288 procedures performed in 205 patients were reviewed: 249 (86.5%) drain insertions and 39 (13.5%) thoracenteses. Out of 249 chest drains, 113 (45.4%) were placed in the absence of drain insertion criteria and were deemed potentially avoidable. Of those, 33.6% were inserted for malignant effusions (without subsequent pleurodesis) and 34.5% for transudative effusions (median drainage duration of 2 and 4 days, respectively). Major complications were seen in 21.5% of all procedures. Pneumothorax requiring intervention (2.1%), bleeding (0.7%) and organ puncture or drain misplacement (2%) only occurred with drain insertion. Narcotics were prescribed more frequently following drain insertion vs. thoracentesis (27.1% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.03).Originality/valueRoutine use of chest drains for pleural effusions leads to avoidable drain insertions in a large proportion of cases and causes unnecessary harms.
Reflexive professional development in reflective practice: what lesson study can offer
Authors: Uştuk Özgehan , Çomoğlu İrem 
Published: April 2021

PurposeIn response to the top-down professional development (PD) practice, this study conceptualizes lesson study (LS) as a bottom-up approach to foreign language teacher PD in the Turkish context. Relatedly, the authors seek to empower teachers so that they can engage in reflexive PD and claim voice over their practices.Design/methodology/approachAn LS project including four teachers was implemented at a higher education language centre and conducted as a critical ethnographic study. Using ethnographic research qualitative data collection methods such as field notes, interviews and artefacts, the data were analysed with a thematic analytic approach.FindingsDrawing on cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), findings revealed that LS was a meta-activity that allowed teachers to be agents of the PD practices. More significantly, LS empowers teachers to have a situated impact on their development activities in addition to the meta-activity's impact on them.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few that goes beyond the reflective value of LS and gives contextual evidence of how reflexive PD can occur in LS. The reflexive relationship between the agent (participant–teachers) and the process (LS practice) provides a strong implication revealing the transformative impact of bottom-up PD activit(ies).
Contractual and relational enforcement in the aftermath of contract violations: the role of contracts and trust
Authors: Yao Hongjiang , Chen Yongqiang , Zhang Yangbing , Du Bo 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish an integrated framework of the antecedents of enforcement after contract violations in construction projects and to examine whether contract provisions (control and coordination provisions) and trust (goodwill and competence trust) affect enforcement mechanisms (contractual enforcement and relational enforcement).Design/methodology/approachA survey method was employed to test the hypotheses. The authors collected data from the Chinese construction industry, and general contractor respondents were asked to answer a questionnaire about a contract violation by one of their subcontractors.FindingsControl provisions and competence trust are positively related to contractual enforcement, but goodwill trust is negatively related to contractual enforcement. Relational enforcement is influenced by goodwill trust and competence trust.Research limitations/implicationsThis study treats contract violations as a given variable, and it focuses on contract violations by subcontractors. The cross-sectional design makes it difficult to confirm the causality of the relationships.Practical implicationsOverly strict contractual enforcement can generate disputes and a vicious cycle of retaliation, and overly severe relational enforcement can damage a potentially profitable long-term relationship. In construction projects, the violating party will benefit from this study to avoid excessively contractual enforcement and relational enforcement, thus developing a more collaborative atmosphere on the current project and even establishing a solid long-term relationship.Originality/valueThis study extends the project management literature by investigating the antecedents of enforcement after contract violations, an area not yet fully researched.
Pandemic leadership: lessons learnt from a small state of Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Basir Khairul Hidayatullah , Rahman Ummi Fa’izah Abdul 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis paper analyses the leadership approach and practices of the Brunei Government, in response hitherto to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachA review of the available resources and existing literature on COVID-19 and crisis management in Brunei is conducted, consequently drawing lessons on effective measures of Brunei experience in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsThe main key lessons of Brunei's success factors in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak are the “Whole of Government Approach” and “Whole of Nation Approach”. It is to be noted that the approach would not be successful without the approval and full support of the monarch himself and, more importantly, the public's cooperation. Engaging in constant updates with the government's willingness to have themselves be led by recognised experts has gained public trust, which leads to the success of containing COVID-19, which resulted Brunei not needing to opt for a lockdown, which in turn did not lead Brunei to succumb to the second wave of COVID-19.Research limitations/implicationsBrunei experiences in containing novel coronavirus will help international scholars, especially in Muslim countries, to understand the lessons and develop a robust pandemic leadership model.Practical implicationsThe lessons and strategies used by Brunei can be used as an exemplary approach to prepare for any future uncertainties by other countries.Originality/valueThe literature on pandemic leadership during COVID-19 in Brunei is scarce. This study might be considered as the first attempt to exhibit strong crisis leadership capacity in Brunei which resulted in the success of containing COVID-19.
Employee voice behavior: A moderated mediation analysis of high-performance work system
Authors: Jha Sumi 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychological capital, employee voice behavior and innovative work behavior. The employee voice behavior was studied as a mediator. The study also studied high-performance work system (HPWS) as a moderator between psychological capital and voice behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe human resource department of organizations was approached for data collection facilitation. The sample consisted of full-time employees at the managerial and supervisory level of India's manufacturing and services organizations. 321 managers and 193 supervisors responded to the questionnaire. Standard questionnaires were used to collect data. Moderated mediation analysis was used to study the relationships among variables.FindingsFindings indicated significant direct and indirect relationships. The presence of HPWS acted as a catalyst for relationship between psychological capital and employee voice behavior. The moderated mediation analysis findings showed the variation in outcome variable, innovative work behavior, when HPWS was low versus when HPWS was high.Originality/valueEmployee voice behavior has not yet been studied extensively in Indian context. Researcher examined the effect of employee voice behavior under high and low HPWS.
Mediating role of employee engagement on the relationship between succession planning practice and employee performance in academic institutions: PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Abdullahi Mohammed Sani , Raman Kavitha , Solarin Sakiru Adebola 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effect of succession planning practice (SPP) on employee engagement (EE) and employee performance (EP) in Malaysian private universities (MPU).Design/methodology/approachThis paper used a survey research design, and the study unit of the analysis consists of the academic staff of MPU. In the selection of the sample from the focused respondents (10,473) of the study, a stratified and simple random sampling method was used, and the study sample consists of 314 MPU academic staff. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the focused respondents while partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the study hypotheses.FindingsThe findings revealed that SPP has a significant effect on EP, and the relationship between SPP and EP is partially mediated by EE.Practical implicationsSound succession systems for achieving academic staff performance should be put in place by the university management. Furthermore, the outcome of this research urges the policymaker to come up with a sound policy that can allow internal talents of the university to hold key leadership positions of any nature when the need arises before considering external talents, with that the talents will be satisfied and put decisive effort to achieve a positive result.Originality/valueThis paper has made a significant contribution to the knowledge and operationalization of the EE, EP and SPP literature. The research also assists the university management to mobilize qualified and talented staff for an unexpected and sudden resignation of staff which saves the university the cost of hiring and development, and at the same time, it encourages internal hiring.
Engineering in heritage conservation
Authors: Cruz Arturo , Coffey Vaughan , Chan Tommy H.T. , Perovic Miljenka 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to set out the role of engineers in heritage conservation and investigates and evaluates the proposed available tools, technology and innovations that are currently available in the civil engineering sector that can be applied in heritage conservation.Design/methodology/approachAs society has become more aware of the grandeur of heritage spaces and structures, there is increasing pressure to preserve historic buildings. But, it is the economic cost of maintaining this important heritage legacy that has become the prime consideration of every state in Australia. Dedicated intelligent monitoring systems supplementing the traditional building inspections will enable the involved and interested stakeholders to carry out not only timely reactive response, but also to plan the maintenance of such buildings in a more vigilant and systematic manner. This will, in future, help to prevent further degradation of heritage buildings, which is very costly, often difficult and sometimes impossible to address if neglected. Savings in time and resources can be achieved, but only if a building's pathological monitoring and inspection results are on hand for use to guide major decisions to be made on how to best prevent further decay, or to save an important historical structure or building fabric.FindingsThe emergence of technological tools will enable the realization of a maintenance-focused conservation model. However, aside from the cost, these tools are still experimental in nature. These technologies are yet to be applied within the conservation industry with hopes of creating an easier and economically effective systematic method of heritage conservation.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the emerging tools and technologies in easing the monitoring aspect of a maintenance-focused conservation model.
The public–private–people partnership (P4) for cultural heritage management purposes
Authors: Boniotti Cristina 
Published: April 2021

PurposeIn light of the difficulties the governments typically face in conserving and managing their rich public cultural heritage, which often lingers in a condition of neglect, this study aims to identify a set of additional tools capable of providing adequate financial resources as well as skills.Design/methodology/approachThe general research methodology adopted is of a qualitative, rather than a quantitative, nature. In fact, the resulting considerations are mainly the consequence of a first broad theoretical examination, aimed at analyzing the different management models a public entity may adopt, and an applicable verification, aimed at describing some case histories selected by means of interviews.FindingsThe study develops a preliminary reflection on possible sector-specific models for public-built cultural heritage management that have not been well defined yet, especially so in reference to one of the institutional options, namely, the adoption of public–private–people agreements. Indeed, in addition to establishing the ties needed to link public institutions with the business sector, some strong involvement of society as a whole is advised to foster the implementation of projects and expedite the solution of shared problems. At a local level, for instance, private stakeholder participation must be encouraged, with special attention to the latter's cultural closeness to the territory involved.Originality/valueThis research identifies some tools suitable for adoption in the cultural heritage field, which would serve as perfect examples of community involvement and commitment, and some useful case studies resulting from the Italian context.
Association of work performance with absenteeism and presenteeism among support workers in a medical school hospital, Thailand
Authors: Tangchareonsamut Jirachat , Wongrathanandha Chathaya , Khamsee Siriluk , Aekplakorn Wichai 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of absenteeism and presenteeism and explore their association with work performance among support workers in a medical school hospital in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,102 support workers in the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, in June–August 2020. The World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) was used to assess absenteeism, presenteeism, work performance and related factors. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between current work performance and absenteeism and presenteeism in the past year.FindingsA total of 505 (45.8%) support workers completed the self-report questionnaire. Prevalence of sickness absence, non-sickness absence and presenteeism in the past year was 54.2%, 81.4% and 48.1%, respectively. Sickness absence and presenteeism in the past year were significantly associated with increased odds of poor work performance: (OR 3.05, 95% CI: 1.24–7.49) and (OR 5.12, 95% CI: 2.25–11.64), respectively. Support workers with high levels of stress and burnout were 3.89 (95% CI: 1.56–9.68) and 2.66 (95% CI: 1.50–4.72) times more likely to report poor work performance.Originality/valueSickness absence and presenteeism are associated with poor work performance in hospital support workers. Other factors such as stress and burnout also contribute to poor work performance, and interaction among these factors needs further research. To improve productivity, hospital administrators might consider intervention programs to enhance work performance among workers with sickness absence and presenteeism.
Multiagency working between children's social care and schools during COVID-19: case study experiences from English local authorities and international reflections
Authors: Baginsky Mary , Manthorpe Jill 
Published: April 2021

PurposeA multiagency approach to supporting and enhancing child welfare lies at the heart of policies and practice in England and many other countries. The assumption is that if professionals together from different disciplines share their knowledge and skills this will lead to better outcomes for children and their families. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the “normal practice” of such arrangements. This research explored how the pandemic's disruption led to new ways of communicating and professional behaviour, while exploring the potential for longer-term impact in England and other jurisdictions.Design/methodology/approachCase studies were conducted in 2020 in five English local authorities to explore how schools worked with Children's Social Care and other professionals during the COVID-19 period. It was supplemented by a survey of schools and discussions with and reflections from those with relevant experience in five other countries.FindingsMany schools played an extended role in supporting vulnerable and “in need” families during this period. Children's Social Care recognised their contributions and the improved communication achieved, although schools were divided over whether relationships had improved. Most communication and meetings were online; while benefits were noted there were concerns for families who were digitally disadvantaged.Originality/valueThe work provides a contemporary picture of multiagency work during the 2020 pandemic and identifies factors which may shape this work in the future in England and internationally.