bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lessons learned from a case study in deploying blended learning continuing professional development
Authors: Wall John , Ahmed Vian 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose a framework for higher education institutions facing the challenge of developing and deploying continuing professional development in the construction industry using a blended learning approach. The focus in on institutions that have not previously engaged in delivery of programmes using a combination of both traditional and distance learning formats.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on literature on the use of technology in the delivery of lifelong learning, a case analysis of a newly deployed blended learning programme is presented.FindingsThis paper illustrates that construction professionals undertaking blended learning programmes can engage with a range of ICT technologies and the integration of these technologies can make for an effective programme.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study is limited by its small and potentially non‐representative sample and should be viewed as a first step in the formulation of a framework for deploying continuing professional development.Originality/valueProfessionals in the construction industry who wish to access lifelong learning opportunities face many challenges in trying to access programmes while continuing to meet work and personal commitments. A framework for educational providers to deliver blended lifelong learning in the construction industry based on the analysis of this initiative is put forward.
Strategic safety management information system for building projects in Singapore
Authors: Kamardeen Imriyas 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe construction industry in Singapore has been recording higher accident rates compared with other industries. As an initiative to reduce occupational accidents, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore proposed to clients to adopt quality‐fee method (QFM) for tender evaluation, departing from the traditional lowest price method. Assessing tenderers' safety proposals is a crucial task for clients' project managers to implement QFM, but it is a difficult and challenging task. This study aims to provide a tool to facilitate this.Design/methodology/approachA triple‐index model was developed for estimating potential accident risks in building projects, given that a contractor's proposed safety system is in place to combat the accident hazards inherent in the project. The model was then automated as a decision support system (DSS). Case studies were conducted to test the reliability and accuracy of the DSS.FindingsThe DSS produces project accident indices, and it was found in the case studies that values for this index are positively correlated with the number of accidents in building projects. The findings proved that the DSS makes a significant contribution to the state‐of‐the‐art of risk assessment.Practical implicationsThe proposed model and its DSS would facilitate the implementation of QFM for tender evaluation and thereby reduce accidents.Originality/valueThe paper presents a novel tool to combat accidents in construction at the early stage of tender evaluation.
Measuring knowledge retention: a case study of a construction consultancy in the UAE
Authors: Arif Mohammed , Egbu Charles , Alom Ola , Khalfan Malik M.A. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a model that can be used to assess the knowledge retention capabilities of an organisation, and suggest opportunities for improvement. A model to fulfil this aim is developed and validated on a construction engineering consultancy.Design/methodology/approachA knowledge retention model was developed drawing on a thorough review of the literature. The developed retention model was validated through a case of a construction engineering consultancy. Semi‐structured interviews were used to elicit relevant information during the case study.FindingsA four‐stage knowledge retention process has been presented. These four steps are socialisation, codification, knowledge construction, and knowledge retrieval. The paper also describes four levels of maturity for the knowledge retention model. The first level demonstrated the extent of knowledge sharing in the organisation, the second level measured the extent of knowledge shared being documented, the third level measured the effectiveness of storage of documented knowledge, and the last level was a measure of ease of accessibility and retrieval of the knowledge. A four‐level indicator of maturity of the knowledge retention process has been documented. For the case study analysed in this research, the maturity of knowledge retention was noted as being between two and three.Research limitations/implicationsThe model developed only captures knowledge that can be converted into an explicit form. The authors accept that there would be some tacit knowledge that cannot be effectively codified in explicit form, and such knowledge might not be captured using the model.Originality/valueThe paper has developed a model that can be used to measure the knowledge retention in an organisation. Although the model has been applied to a construction industry, it can easily be modified vis‐à‐vis other sectors.
A survey on communications in large‐scale construction projects in China
Authors: Tai S. , Wang Y. , Anumba C.J. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how effective project team communications is one of the major challenges to a construction project's success. The success of large‐scale construction projects is critical to Chinese economy. The purposes of the research are to grasp the current status of communications in large‐scale construction projects in China and lay a basis for further research on project communications.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted by postal questionnaire and telephone.FindingsThrough analyzing the data obtained from the survey, the communication problems in large‐scale construction projects in China are exposed. The roots of the problems are summarized as lack of good communication mechanism, weak organizational structures of construction teams, lack of uniform standards for construction information, and lack of support for advanced communication technologies.Originality/valueThe paper presents the directions for further research to improve communications in large‐scale construction projects in China.
Ineffective leadership
Authors: Toor Shamas‐ur‐Rehman , Ogunlana Stephen 
Published: January 2010

PurposeA large portion of the extant literature on leadership focuses only on the positive traits of leaders. However, the so‐called “dark side of leadership”, or negative personal traits of leaders, has received relatively less attention. Also, in practice, leadership is mostly evaluated in terms of the positive traits and strengths of leaders, even though certain organizational factors and followers' characteristics significantly contribute to the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of leaders. This paper aims to examine the negative personal attributes and organizational factors – termed “organizational neutralizers” – that impede the leadership effectiveness of project managers on construction projects.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the research objectives, questionnaire surveys and interviews are conducted on a large construction project in Thailand. In total, 78 questionnaires and 35 interviews are conducted with project managers, deputy project managers, and other senior managers working for various stakeholders involved in the construction of the Second Bangkok International Airport (SBIA).FindingsFindings reveal that wrongful use of power, poor communication, and low experience are the leading negative personal factors which make project leaders appear incompetent and ineffective in the workplace. Also, organizational factors that hinder the leadership performance of project managers include: lack of resources, lack of planning and control, lack of synergy between performance and goals, and lack of higher management support.Practical implicationsPractical implications are discussed for the selection and development of project managers and project staff, personnel performance management, and improvements in organizational culture, strategy, and approach towards project management.Original/valueThe research findings presented here show that certain negative attributes of leaders and organizational factors can impede leadership effectiveness and performance. A number of possible directions are proposed in which future research can be directed to explore what hinders project managers from performing their leadership roles more effectively in construction projects.
The job satisfaction of UK architects and relationships with work‐life balance and turnover intentions
Authors: Sang Katherine J.C. , Ison Stephen G. , Dainty Andrew R.J. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThere is evidence that those working within the construction industry are exposed to a number of stressors which potentially negatively impact well‐being, namely; long working hours, high workload, poor work‐life balance, low sense of professional worth and lack of job security. Additionally there is some evidence architects may also be vulnerable to an erosion of professional status, low pay and limited scope to use their creative skills. This paper aims to explore the job satisfaction of architects who are currently employed within the UK.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire is used to elicit data from 110 practising architects on their occupational well‐being and work‐life balance.FindingsThe results reveal that between 20 and 40 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with their rate of pay, practice management, promotion prospects, working hours and opportunity to use their abilities. Additionally the majority of respondents report some work‐life balance difficulties and approximately one‐third were considering leaving their current employer. The causes of poor well‐being are associated with organisational factors rather than factors intrinsic to the work of an architect. Further analysis demonstrates that those who are self employed may experience better occupational well‐being.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size means that any generalisations to the entire architectural profession should be treated with caution. A cross‐sectional approach can only highlight the existence of relationships between variables; it cannot comment on their exact nature.Originality/valueThe implications for the profession are discussed and tentative recommendations put forward as to how the profession may address the situation.
Building capability in construction projects: a relationship‐based approach
Authors: Davis P.R. , Walker D.H.T. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to propose a way that the development of human social relationship capital can be identified and measured in a construction project environment.Design/methodology/approachTheory on the creation of social capital and consequent intellectual capital between parties to collaborative project procurement is explored. This is an exploratory study using grounded theory.FindingsA proposed capability maturity model (CMM) is posited that can be used to measure improvement in developing human social capital, and assisting in project strategy formulation. Two recent Australian alliance projects are analysed using the model to gain insights into how the quality of relationships within project alliances can be assessed.Practical implicationsThe model described in this paper may be used to measure performance or as an initial step towards strategising a change management plan based upon identifying a “current” situation.Originality/valueEach alliance is unique and so its goals with regard to social capital will vary. Accordingly the results should be viewed accordingly. Work in this area using a CMM approach is relatively rare, and so this paper provides a novel way of measuring a complex concept such as social capital.
Evaluating and monitoring CEO performance: evidence from US compensation committee reports
Authors: Epstein Marc J. , Roy Marie‐Josée 
Published: January 2010

PurposeConcerns for improving governance have focused attention on the role of boards of directors in evaluating the performance of the CEOs. There have been numerous discussions about how performance and strategic management systems aid in the evaluation and implementation of strategy and improve corporate performance. However, the value of those systems to boards of directors has not been extensively discussed. The purpose of this article is to describe the use of non‐financial metrics for CEO performance evaluations and offer specific guidance as to how boards of directors can design a performance measurement system that provides a sound basis for evaluating CEO performance.Design/methodology/approachThe sample for this study was drawn from Fortune magazine's America's Most Admired Companies industry list. Compensation committee reports found in 59 proxy statements were examined.FindingsAlthough there are a growing number of companies using non‐financial metrics, results confirm that CEOs are primarily evaluated on financial criteria, indicating a narrow definition of corporate performance. Few attempts are made to ascertain and disclose the appropriateness of the performance measures and to demonstrate how these measures are consistent with the company's vision, mission, and strategies for long‐term performance success.Originality/valueWhile some surveys have investigated the growing trend of using non‐financial criteria, in this survey, these criteria are examined in the context of a multidimensional performance evaluation system. Also, a framework for improving the measurement and performance of CEOs is presented. This is an important part of an overall program that should be in place to improve overall corporate governance.
Justice, management, and governance
Authors: Hsieh Nien‐hê 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe object of this paper is to examine the debate in business ethics over extending insights from political philosophy (e.g. theories of distributive justice) to address questions about the management and governance of economic enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe paper engages in a philosophical argument.FindingsEven if justice does not matter in a direct manner for questions about economic enterprises, current debate overlooks the possibility that justice matters in an indirect manner for questions about the management and governance of economic enterprises. The paper illustrates two ways in which justice matters for such questions. The first concerns the promotion of stakeholder interests by multinational corporations. The second concerns the claims of workers to participate in the governance of economic enterprises.Originality/valueThe paper is offered as a contribution to the literature on normative theories of managerial responsibility and corporate governance.
Developing the wider role of business in society: the experience of Microsoft in developing training and supporting employability
Authors: Bonfiglioli Elena , Moir Lance , Ambrosini Véronique 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe Microsoft's activities in encouraging employability and to show how these activities provide strategic advantageDesign/methodology/approachTwo of Microsoft's corporate responsibility initiatives linked to the development of employment in Europe are described and it is shown how these activities have created sustainable competitive advantage for Microsoft through an analysis of industrial organisation economics and the resource‐based view of the firm. Reflects on the characteristics of these involvements and points to aspects which may have wider applicability.FindingsInvolvement in societal projects can contribute intangible assets to the firm whilst delivering social value. However these projects are part of wider coordinated activities with other organisations and with government.Research limitationsThese are reflections on participation in business and hence the conclusions are not representative and the analysis is unstructured.Practical implicationsThese case studies will show other businesses how to think about their corporate social responsibility activities from a strategic viewpoint and will allow academics to see how business develops such strategies.Originality/valueThese are rare descriptions of such projects, which are becoming more common in business.
Corporate social responsibility: a trend and a movement, but of what and for what?
Authors: Sahlin‐Andersson Kerstin 
Published: January 2010

PurposeCorporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a global trend involving corporations, states, international organizations and civil society organizations. It is far from clear what CSR stands for, what the trend really is, where it comes from, where it is heading and who the leading actors are. If one views it as a social movement, one must ask: a movement of what and for whom? The purpose of this paper is to examine the CSR trend in all its complexity and draw conclusions regarding its development and potential impact.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of central documents and publications on CSR is combined with interviews with driving corporate actors.FindingsThis article portrays the CSR trend in three ways: as a regulatory framework that places new demands on corporations; as a mobilization of corporate actors to assist the development aid of states; and as a management trend. Each of these portraits suggests certain actors, relations, driving forces and interests as being central. An analysis shows that no one of these views seems to be more accurate than the others: rather the movement comprises a collection of diverse interests, actors, origins and trajectories. These multiple identities may partially describe the trend's success, but could equally well describe its contestation, fragility and fluidity.Originality/valueThe conceptual distinction shows the likely development and potential impact of a corporate social development. Moreover, the discussions help us reflect on the formation of management trends and how certain models come to flow rapidly and extensively around the globe, following and adding to institutional change – especially to changes in the roles, relations and boundaries between and among states, business corporations and civil society organizations.
The link between corporate governance and performance of the non‐traditional export sector: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Kyereboah‐Coleman Anthony , Biekpe Nicholas 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how corporate governance affects performance of firms in the non‐traditional export (NTE) sector in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachPanel data covering the ten‐year period 1995‐2004 were analyzed within the generalized least squares (GLS) framework.FindingsFor efficient performance, firms in the NTE sector in Ghana should have indigenous ownership and must ensure more non‐executive directors on their boards.Research limitations/implicationsMore indicators of corporate governance are needed, due to the fact that corporate governance embraces a broader set of indicators.Practical implicationsThere are practical implications for both academics and practitioners.Originality/valueProvides an examination of the link between corporate governance and the performance of the NTE sector, which has hitherto not been researched.
Group affiliation and North American firms' value
Authors: Gadhoum Yoser , Gueyié Jean‐Pierre , Zoubeidi Maher 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the impact of group affiliation and anticipated expropriation on North American firms' value.Design/methodology/approachThe net impact of firms' affiliation to groups is generally far from evident. While group affiliation can be perceived as positive news because of the benefits of internal capital markets, the fear of expropriation of minority interests by large shareholders can mitigate such benefits. This commands some empirical investigations, which are done in this paper through statistical analyses.FindingsThe results indicate that group affiliation has a positive and significant impact on North American firms' value and, more specifically, on US firms' value. The negative impact of the anticipated expropriation of minority shareholders mainly comes from divergence in ownership and voting rights between the first and second ultimate owners. Group affiliation, then, is valuable, even in countries with well‐organized capital markets. The results may explain the current wave toward mergers and acquisitions.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on the impact of group affiliation and anticipated expropriation on North American firms' value.
Corporate governance efficiency: an indexing approach using the stochastic frontier analysis
Authors: Khiari Wided , Karaa Adel , Omri Abdelwahed 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify efficient governance using a governance efficiency score based on recommendations provided by codes of best practices in order to determine “good governance”.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of 320 US listed firms from 1994‐2001, governance practices were synthesized by an index computed according to a parametric method, the stochastic frontier analysis, which allows taking into account the relation between inputs (governance axes) and outputs (performance).FindingsThe use of a latent classis in the specification of the model allowed detecting two groups of firms according to their specific characteristics. The results of affectation equation show that the probability of being in the highest performing group is more important when the firm size, the dividend yield and the return on equity (ROE) are high, while a high leverage level decreases the chance to be in the non‐performing group. Moreover, the model allows establishing a dualist description of the two groups which point out two opposite governance systems. The non‐performing system is characterized by a managerial discretion, an ownership concentration, a dominance of the board by the CEO and a manager entrenchment. However, the highest performing system is characterized by an inside control efficiency and an inside financial control efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample choice presents a selectivity bias. Firms of the sample present some particularities in relation to other US firms, which limits the study generalisation. This study can also be the object of replications in other contexts.Originality/valueThis work is a demarcation in relation to previous works studying corporate governance quality, and particularly the relation between governance and performance. It provides a new econometric approach to develop a synthetic index to evaluate corporate governance firms' practices, wedged on performance level achieved by different firms.