bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications of rising groundwater level on structural integrity of underground structures – investigations and retrofit of a large building complex
Authors: Tariq Amin Chaudhary Muhammad 
Published: May 2012

PurposeGroundwater levels (GWL) are rising in many cities in the world. The purpose of this study is to present the multi‐faceted approach adopted for examining the impact of a 3 m rise in GWL on the durability, stability and strength of the structural components of a building complex with 40,000 m2 basement. It also reports on the retrofit measures adopted to remedy the situation.Design/methodology/approachThe overall stability of the building complex was examined for the revised loading conditions as well as the need to strengthen the structurally deficient components to satisfy owner's requirement of a dry and operational basement without the dewatering operation. Structural conditions of the basement walls and a slab of the building complex were assessed based on code guidelines, visual observations, site investigations, analytical finite element model (FEM) studies and sound engineering judgement.FindingsAbout 25 percent of the existing basement slab was found to be structrally deficient to resist the applied hydrostatic load. A number of articulation and construction details were also found to be inadequate. Various options for retrofit for the deficient structural components and articulation details were examined and design details were presented for a cost‐effective solution.Research limitations/implicationsThe presented methodology is general and can be adopted for similar situations. However, the presented solutions and conclusions are specific to the problem presented herein and modifications will be required for adoption to other situations.Practical implicationsPractising engineers are made aware of the problem of rising GWL for underground structures. Practical information is presented for practising engineers to solve the problem of water leakage in a large basement.Originality/valueThis paper presents an integrated approach for addressing the structural implications of rising groundwater level in an operational basement of a large building complex.
Cracks and stains on façade‐cladding made of carbonate rock thin panels
Authors: Hébert Ronan , Beouch Layla , Fichet Odile , Bigas Jean‐Philippe , Teyssié Dominique , Berthier Benoit , Prichystal Jean‐Baptiste 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to present a case study of some current disorders affecting the stone‐panels of façade claddings, i.e. cracking, spalling close to anchorage systems and staining. The purpose of this study is to identify the origin of the mechanical and chemical disorders of the carbonate rock thin panels of the “Les Chênes 1” building of the University of Cergy‐Pontoise (France).Design/methodology/approachMapping of the disorders, anchorage system investigation at spallings, chemical analyses of oil‐like stains were performed in order to characterize both disorders. Porosity and capillarity properties of the rock were measured and compared between samples collected outside and within a stain.FindingsMechanical disorders result from vandalism or poor implementation. Spallings are disorders very likely in evolution. Their occurrence may increase through time. Stains are made of silicone destabilization products.Originality/valueA model is proposed for the formation of oil‐like stains. Water is required to destabilize silicone sealant and to drive the migration of the degradation products through the porous media and towards the surface of the plate exposed to rainfall.
Exploration of management practices for LEED projects
Authors: Ofori‐Boadu Andrea , Owusu‐Manu De‐Graft , Edwards David , Holt Gary 
Published: May 2012

PurposeTraditional management systems sometimes struggle to meet the unique demands of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects. Consequently, contractors have to modify their management practices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the management practices necessary to achieve successful implementation of LEED projects.Design/methodology/approachLEED project management practices implemented by six US contractors from the Top 100 Green Contractors list published by the Engineering News and Record, were analysed using structured case study interviews. An additional case study probed management practices implemented on a LEED‐GOLD project.FindingsFindings support the implementation of management practices classified using the six Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria of leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce focus and operation focus.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative study was based on a limited number of participant organizations. A subsequent quantitative study might provide generalizeable metrics for the green building industry. Further research on the cost effectiveness of the identified management practices is recommended.Practical implicationsThis study provides an intuitive framework in the form of discourse on management practices to enhance the success of LEED projects. Contractors may consider the study's recommendations in order to increase their success on such projects.Originality/valueThe need to harmonize management practices with sustainable development has sparked the interest of researchers and practitioners. The study should be of utility to LEED contractors, environmental agencies, governments, educators, and other relevant stakeholders.
External para‐aramid fibre – concrete reinforcement
Authors: Richardson Alan , Galloway Caroline 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis research seeks to investigate the potential of using para‐aramid fibre fabric and yarn as an external reinforcement to existing structures. The purpose of this paper is to improve existing structural performance or to return the original design performance, during refurbishment. The research aims to investigate the potential for enhanced flexural strength and toughness in concrete beams, which may be required for change of use of buildings, where loadings may be subject to change. Buildings in earthquake zones may also benefit from additional toughness provided with external fabric/yarn reinforcement as a means of providing additional time for escape, for the occupants.Design/methodology/approachThe test compared four types of concrete beams with different reinforcement material compositions and each set consisted of three beams. The beams were: plain reinforced concrete without any external form of reinforcement (RC), plain unreinforced beams with a para aramid sheet (KF), plain unreinforced beams with para aramid strips of yarn attached longitudinally (KY) and plain reinforced concrete beams with sheet fabric (RCKF). All of the para‐aramid material (fabric and yarn) was externally bonded to the samples, using a two part epoxy resin adhesive applied to a prepared surface. To determine the flexural strength and toughness a three point loading test was used to provide load and deflection data on the 12 (500 mm×100 mm×100 mm) concrete beams.FindingsAn increase in flexural strength and toughness was observed when para‐aramid was used in conjunction with steel reinforcement bar (re‐bar). The para‐aramid fabric and yarn produced similar results to the plain reinforced concrete beam in terms of flexural strength but not toughness.Originality/valueAn advantage of using para‐aramid as an external reinforcement, would be to utilise the large deflection the beam sustains under loading, whilst the fabric/yarn holds the beam together across the rupture plane. Although the testing did not prove that para‐aramid would be a viable alternative to steel re‐bar it did show that the material has the potential as an additional reinforcement that may be particularly useful where concrete structures are subject to large deformations or in need of repair.
The international commitment of late‐internationalizing Brazilian entrepreneurial firms
Authors: da Rocha Angela , Cotta de Mello Renato , Pacheco Henrique , de Abreu Farias Isabel 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of international commitment of entrepreneurial firms from an emerging economy to their foreign operations. Specifically, it intends to help bridge an existing gap in the literature by focusing on the international commitment of established small entrepreneurial firms, a topic that has been largely overlooked; investigating small‐firm commitment to foreign investments whereas most studies focus on exporting; combining the different research streams that studied international commitment; and using the resource‐based view (RBV) to explore the interplay between resource allocation and commitment in the foreign investments of small entrepreneurial firms.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts an abductive approach to theory development and uses the case method of investigation. Three case studies were developed from primary and secondary sources. A total of 153 pieces of documentation were used to reconstruct past events, in addition to the interviews and information from company sites, permitting triangulation. Pattern‐matching logic was employed as case development progressed, continuously comparing with the theoretical background used in the study.FindingsThe interplay between resource availability, goal congruence, entrepreneur's desire to internationalize and family attitude seem to have a combined impact on the arousal and initial development of international commitment. The relative importance of managerial over financial resources in the early stages and the impact of preparatory activities on the speed and scope of internationalization seem to be specific manifestations of commitment among emerging market firms. As to the outcomes of commitment, performance appears both as an outcome and an antecedent, and, knowledge acquisition and opportunity development seem to increase pari passu with international commitment of emerging market firms.Practical implicationsThe findings can be useful to emerging market firms by pointing out the potential negative impact of low international commitment on a firm's internationalization process. Since most firms from emerging markets cannot count on previous internationalization knowledge accumulated by other firms in their (domestic) institutional environment to be used as guides to international expansion, this type of research can provide some guidelines to help their internationalization efforts.Originality/valueWhile certain results agreed with the extant literature, new findings generated a set of theoretical propositions regarding international commitment of late‐internationalizing entrepreneurial firms from an emerging Latin American market.
Risk, trust, and consumer online purchasing behaviour: a Chilean perspective
Authors: Bianchi Constanza , Andrews Lynda 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate Chilean consumers’ online purchase behaviour with a specific focus on the influence of perceived risk and trust. Studies of this nature have been conducted quite extensively in developed countries and in cross‐cultural comparative studies most noticeably comparing the USA with Asian countries. However, examining consumers’ perceived risk and trust with online purchasing in a Latin American context is very limited. While not a cross‐cultural study, this gap is addressed in the literature with an empirical study conducted in Chile. Moreover, it aims to address calls to investigate consumers’ post adoption acceptance of a technology to gain insights into which factors are most influential in explaining continuance behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe paper tests a model of the influence perceptions of risk and trust on consumers’ attitudes and intentions to continue purchasing on the internet. An online survey method is used. The sample consists of 176 Chilean consumers who purchase online. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsThe analysis reveals that perceived risk online had an inverse relationship with consumers’ attitude and that attitude has a positive influence on intentions to continue purchasing. Of the trust factors examined, trust in third party assurances and a cultural environment of trust have the strongest positive influence on intentions to continue purchasing online, whereas trust in online vendors and a propensity to trust were both insignificant.Practical implicationsIn a Latin American context, for marketers in domestic and global companies these results identify which trust beliefs have the most effect on consumer continuance behaviour towards purchasing online. Additionally, this research shows that consumers in a Latin American country, recognized as a collectivist, high risk avoidance culture, are willing to continue making purchases online despite the risks involved.Originality/valueThe study and its results is one of few available that investigates consumers’ perceptions of risk and trust for online purchasing in a Latin American country. The value of the findings provides an insight into the specific trust factors that influence post adoption behaviour; that is Chilean consumers’ continued purchasing online. The findings add value not only to the literature on the Latin American population's e‐commerce behaviour, but also have managerial implications for domestic and global companies considering offering online retailing for consumers in this region where internet penetration rates are very high, but local e‐commerce availability is low.
Comparative advertising effectiveness in Latin America: evidence from Chile
Authors: Manzur Enrique , Uribe Rodrigo , Hidalgo Pedro , Olavarrieta Sergio , Farías Pablo 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to test the viability of comparative advertising in Chile.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via controlled experimentation. The study employed a 3 (comparative advertising intensity: noncomparative, indirect comparative, and direct comparative)×2 (product category involvement: low, high)×2 (sponsor brand's relative market share: market leader, other brand) between‐subjects factorial design.FindingsThe results suggest that direct and indirect comparative advertisements are not more effective than noncomparative advertisements in Chile. Additionally, data do not support the idea that the effect of comparative advertising intensity is moderated by the product category involvement and/or by the sponsor brand's relative market share. Since comparative advertising was not shown to be more effective than noncomparative advertising, the authors hypothesize that it is due to cultural biases and the novelty of comparative advertising in Latin America, as expressed through negative message believability.Practical implicationsWhile experimental research is not sufficient to establish the generalized non‐superiority of comparative advertising in the region, the results support the idea that comparative advertising might not be more effective than noncomparative advertising for many marketing campaigns in Latin America.Originality/valueSeveral recent studies have investigated international differences in advertising practices. Most of these address advertising in general, leaving the transferability of comparative advertising practices largely unexplored (White Nye et al.). Analyzing the case of Latin America is highly relevant due to the limited development that exists with respect to comparative advertising in the region.
The influence of CSR on purchasing behaviour in Peru and Spain
Authors: Marquina Percy , Morales Carlos E. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe research study has three objectives. One is to provide empirical validation of the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate abilities (CA) as an influential factor in socially responsible consumption. The second is to ascertain whether there are significant differences between CSR parameters estimated in the purchasing decisions of consumers from Peru and Spain. Finally, the authors aim to measure people's trade‐off between the social (CSR) and traditional (CA) features of their purchasing decisions in terms of their willingness to pay.Design/methodology/approachA discrete choice modelling experiment was used to test the relationship between CSR and CA, quantify consumers’ intention to purchase, and establish their willingness to pay for specific social features.FindingsIt was found that there is a positive relationship between CSR and CA regarding consumer behaviour and that Peruvian consumers seem to be more sensitive to CSR features of products than Spanish consumers. Moreover, the results show that the willingness to pay for each specific social feature seems to be contextually defined.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the ongoing debate regarding the importance of corporate social responsibility as an influential factor in consumers’ socially responsible consumption. It quantifies the social features of companies’ products and willingness to pay.
The implementation of international advertising strategies
Authors: Fastoso Fernando , Whitelock Jeryl 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the issue of the implementation of international advertising strategies by first introducing a framework of four options that multinational enterprises (MNEs) can use to implement such strategies and second by drawing on contingency theory to develop and test hypotheses relating to how environmental factors and company characteristics affect such implementation.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses are tested using web‐survey data obtained from 182 Latin American managers based in the Mercosur trading bloc.FindingsFindings show that the choice of implementation process option is contingent on the environmental factor, cultural homogeneity and the company characteristics subsidiary size and MNE country‐of‐origin, yet not on regional economic integration.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory study contributes to advertising theory by offering an alternative approach to the consideration of the international advertising standardization question that focuses on the implementation of strategies rather than on their development. The findings further confirm the theory of regional multinationals in the context of international advertising decisions.Practical implicationsThe study presents practitioners with four distinct approaches to implementing their international advertising strategies as well as with clear guidelines as to how managers should implement those strategies depending on the specific benefits of standardization they want to achieve.Originality/valueTo the knowledge of the authors, this study is the first to specifically address the implementation of international advertising strategies.
Do auditors assess inherent risk as if there are no controls?
Authors: Miller Timothy C. , Cipriano Michael , Ramsay Robert J. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether auditors interpret the risk of material misstatement (RMM) in accordance with current standards' definition of inherent risk (IR). It is argued that controls should not be presumed when assessing inherent risk and that inherent risk should be considered separate from and prior to control risk when it is practical to do so. Because auditing standards explicitly require auditors to assess IR without consideration of internal controls (i.e. control risk (CR)), RMM should not be adjusted upward for control deficiencies.Design/methodology/approachThe authors survey and interview practicing auditors to gain an understanding of current risk assessment practice. They then evaluate whether their understanding of risk assessment is in line with current standards.FindingsContrary to auditing standards' definition of inherent risk, it appears that auditors presume some level of expected control effectiveness when assessing IR and they may increase RMM in response to internal control deficiencies. Such a presumption is inconsistent with the definition of inherent risk from the Auditing Standards Board (SAS No. 107), Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (AS 8), and International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (ISA 200). Such misinterpretation may be an inadvertent result of guidance provided by standard setters in the form of SAS No. 109 from the ASB, AS 12 from the PCAOB and ISA 315 from the IAASB, which suggest combining IR and CR into RMM.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited both by the small sample size and the small number of risk factors investigated.Practical implicationsIf auditors presume a level of controls in assessing inherent risk, they may reduce audit effectiveness by estimating a lower RMM than is appropriate.Originality/valueThis study presents insights on the interpretation and assessment of audit risk in audit environments where inherent risk is no longer automatically set to be at the maximum. Namely that due to the definition of inherent risk, control information should have a unidirectional downward effect on the risk of material misstatement.
Enhancing auditors' performance
Authors: Mohd Iskandar Takiah , Nelly Sari Ria , Mohd‐Sanusi Zuraidah , Anugerah Rita 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of effort on the relationship between both accountability pressure and self‐efficacy, and auditors' performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a between‐subjects experimental research design with accountability pressure manipulated randomly to two groups, accountable and non‐accountable. Each participant is required to perform internal control tasks.FindingsBased on partial least square (PLS) analysis, results indicate that both variables, i.e. accountability pressure and self‐efficacy, are positively related to audit judgment performance through the process of high level of effort. High self‐efficacious participants who received accountability pressure would have high levels of effort, which in turn increase audit judgment performance.Research implications/limitationsThis study provides further evidence on the effect of motivational factors on auditors' performance. Understanding the mediating role of some motivational variables is crucial in designing a continuous development program to enhance auditors' performance. The proposed framework of effort as a mediating variable is consistent with Libby and Lipe and Chang et al., who argue that accountability pressure and self‐efficacy would cause individuals to increase their effort in order to perform better.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on motivational factors that would explain the variability in audit judgments in coping with complex audit tasks.