bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supplier‐contractor collaboration in the construction industry
Authors: Bemelmans Jeroen , Voordijk Hans , Vos Bart 
Published: June 2012

PurposeRecent developments in the construction industry resulted in an increased importance of collaboration with and managing of suppliers by prime contractors. The focus of this study is on getting insights into existing knowledge on this topic and the gaps in this knowledge base. The goals of this study are threefold: to verify the current state of, to gain insights into, and to provide suggestions for supplier‐contractor research.Design/methodology/approachThe current state of supplier‐contractor research in the construction industry is verified through a taxonomic approach to the literature on buyer‐supplier research over the last decade (2000‐2009). The method followed consists of the following three steps: journal selection, initial article selection and final article selection.FindingsSupplier‐contractor research in the construction industry is still a relatively under‐researched phenomenon. The major topics discussed in the identified articles are aspects of partnering (conditions, characteristics and barriers/obstacles) and (sub)contracting/procurement issues (practices, selection criteria, performance and characteristics).Research limitations/implicationsThis study concludes that future research should focus on longitudinal studies, testing organisational barriers to partnering, the benefits of partnering in practice, conditions under which the formation of collaborative relationships between suppliers and contractors takes place, and experiences with this formation process.Practical implicationsIn practice, contractors do see a need to develop closer and more collaborative relationships with their suppliers. This study highlights the topics that need to be addressed to achieve these goals.Originality/valueThis study is a literature overview of relatively scarce research on collaborative relationships between suppliers and contractors in the construction industry.
Characteristics of global architectural firms
Authors: Oluwatayo Adedapo , Amole Dolapo 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the factors which discriminate between local and global architectural firms in Nigeria. The rationale was to examine how the globalization process differs in Nigeria and contribute to the discourse on globalization.Design/methodology/approachThe research is quantitative, using discriminant analysis to differentiate the global architectural firms from the local ones. The study used a random sample of 92 architectural firms in Nigeria, examining various characteristics of the firms through a questionnaire.FindingsThere was a strong distinction between global and local firms. Compared to the local architectural firms, the global firms were larger, and mostly run by sole principals who were more experienced. The internet was used more to communicate with other professionals, but less to communicate with clients and in designing and drafting. The global firms also placed higher value on developing expertise in specific building types.Research limitations/implicationsData are obtained from architectural firms in Nigeria only. The results suggest that global architectural firms are peculiar and exhibit certain characteristics which further differentiate them from local ones.Practical implicationsThe implications for architectural firms seeking to operate globally include building size advantage, building expertise in specific specializations, having principals with high level experience and employing alliances with other professionals in operating internationally.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the body of knowledge on architectural firms which are under‐researched. The importance of this paper lies in its empirical nature in investigating the characteristics of global architectural firms using a sample of architectural firms in Nigeria.
Modelling industrial construction operations using a multi‐agent resource allocation framework
Authors: Liu Yang , Mohamed Yasser 
Published: June 2012

PurposeModelling construction resources and their dynamic interactions and constraints are a challenging problem. The allocation of these resources to competing activities is usually a function required in any scheduling process. Performing such allocation under a dynamic and diverse set of constraints adds more complexity to the problem. This study seeks a structured approach for representing resources and their allocation to different activities through the use of an agent‐oriented modelling framework.Design/methodology/approachA model is developed for a real case of assembly operations of industrial construction modules. The model follows a multi‐agent resource allocation structure and is implemented within an agent‐based simulation environment. The model is used to evaluate the effects of different optimization algorithms and modelling parameters on the generation of a construction schedule. Different experiments run through the model and their results are analyzed and discussed.FindingsThe model showed sensitivity only under large and continuous workloads. Overall the structured approach followed in developing the model provided a flexible medium for experimenting with different elements of the resource allocation problem.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is limited to the studied case and the results cannot be generalized beyond similar cases. The modelling approach used in the study provides a platform that can facilitate future research in construction resource allocation strategies.Originality/valueThe presented work demonstrates a new approach for modelling construction resource allocation problems that enables structured experimentation with alternative allocation algorithms. It also presents a novel way for modelling modular industrial construction operations.
Selection of dispute resolution methods: factor analysis approach
Authors: Chong Heap‐Yih , Mohamad Zin Rosli 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to discover the behavior of dispute resolution in the Malaysian construction industry by analyzing factors that affect the selection of dispute resolution methods using factor analysis approach.Design/methodology/approachPreliminary interviews and a questionnaire survey were conducted. Dispute resolution methods were grouped and discussed together, based on the similarity of their characteristics, and used for the questionnaire survey. This research approach is different from the earlier studies that mostly focused on a single dispute resolution method. The data were further analyzed with factor analysis. This improved the data interpretation.FindingsSeven latent factors were extracted and revealed that the contractors and developers preferred alternative dispute resolution (ADR). However, the appreciation of the outcomes of ADR was perceived to be very low. Arbitration and litigation were in part accepted and agreed upon by the respondents.Originality/valueThe combined results from the literature review on the stages of dispute resolution and the latent factors affecting the selection of dispute resolution methods could assist in decision making. The selection of ADR or non‐ADR itself is not a major issue; rather, there is a concern for increased efficiency and an appreciation of the methods in the construction industry are more demanding.
Determinants of construction duration for building projects in Germany
Authors: Dursun Onur , Stoy Christian 
Published: June 2012

PurposeConstruction duration is referred to as one of the most crucial success elements for a construction project along with quality and cost. Modelling construction duration supports decision making at the early stages of a project. Exploring the complex structure of construction duration is necessary; hence this forms a basis to develop a predictive model. Therefore the main aim of this study is to determine the subset of variables for a descriptive model that explains the most substantial part of the variation in construction duration.Design/methodology/approachSecondary data set which includes 1,695 observations with 30 quantitative and four qualitative variables was utilized. Multiple linear regression was employed to define the relationship between explanatory variables and construction duration. General procedure for variable selection was presented in detail for data sets that suffer multicollinearity and singularity.FindingsAnalysis indicated that gross external floor area and cost of construction works are the major variables for describing the construction duration. In addition, categorisation with respect to type of facility, project location, availability of construction area, and market conditions was justified to be statistically significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to the population: German building industry. Besides, the affect of various qualitative variables, identified in the literature, could not be assessed due to lack of data availability.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, the study is the first to assess construction duration for German building projects. Moreover, it provides a method for describing variable selection routine transparently.
Exploring parents’ and children's awareness on internet threats in relation to internet safety
Authors: Ktoridou Despo , Eteokleous Nikleia , Zahariadou Anastasia 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to explore parents’ level of awareness in relation to the threats that children are exposed to when using the internet. Additionally, it explores the parental interest to raise their awareness on internet use and threats, as well as investigating their interest in establishing household environment safety measures in their household and a secure internet system in order to protect their children.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a mixed method approach where quantitative and qualitative data were collected (Creswell). Questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data and focus groups were organized for the qualitative data collection. The study's target population consisted of parents in two major cities in Cyprus, Nicosia and Larnaca. Non probability sampling was used to distribute 400 questionnaires to parents. The response rate was 55 percent, since 220 completed questionnaires were returned. The focus groups were organized as soon as the results of the questionnaires were analyzed. Eight focus groups (four focus groups with parents and four focus groups with children) were organized.FindingsThe results of the study are grouped in the following categories: internet uses, internet dangers and children, parents’ awareness on internet dangers, parents’ concerns, parents’ experience with internet dangers and productive measures.Originality/valueThe study provides practical and scientific implications related to raise parents’ and students’ awareness on internet safety, explaining the role of the various stakeholders involved.
Distance, online and campus higher education: reflections on learning outcomes
Authors: McPhee Iain , Söderström Tor 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss performance in postgraduate education in Sweden and Scotland. Drawing on two cases, the paper considers three themes: differences in students’ performance by study mode, differences in students’ performance by length of study, and finally comparing performance by study mode between modules in Scotland with an entire programme in Sweden.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical setting from Scotland builds on an evaluation of online and on‐campus study groups with exactly the same module syllabus. The Swedish setting is also based on an evaluation of distance and on‐campus study groups with exactly the same module syllabus. The data compiled in both countries arise from student performance scores and grades.FindingsThe results indicate that students in both countries foremost use the virtual learning environment (VLE) as a forum for accessing information, to access asynchronous postings in the forums and access streaming‐synchronous online lectures which are also accessed asynchronously in the VLE. The results show that there are no differences between the grades or test scores between campus students with face‐to‐face education and distance students with electronically (VLE) mediated education. These differences and similarities will form the basis of these reflections in this paper.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited because the examples given are only a few cases and small samples and there is a need to more rigorously investigate different educational programs in different academic disciplines.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to quality issues in distance, online and campus education by taking into account, in the first case, different student performance in the same course over a longer period and in the second case, changes over time within the same educational program.
Virtual classroom: reflections of online learning
Authors: Michael Kathy 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify student and staff experiences with online learning at higher education (HE) using the software Elluminate Live!Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a qualitative approach, focusing on the reflections of participants (student and teacher) collated over a 12 month period of piloting online classes with Elluminate Live!FindingsA number of insightful themes and issues emerged from the data collected from the journal reflections as well as other source documents such as meetings and emails. The themes considered in the paper include: increased flexibility and cost reductions, technical challenges, resistance to online learning, extension of online facilities and student engagement, and visual literacy skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe school's virtual classroom strategies need to address staff and student concerns. Staff training and the establishment of effective support structures for embedding safe, secure, and rewarding virtual classrooms are required. Once these issues have been addressed, online classes can be expanded across numerous discipline areas within the school.Originality/valueCurrently, Australian scholarly papers focussing on the use of Elluminate Live! as a teaching tool to help develop curriculum at tertiary level are scarce. The significance of this study is to share the important knowledge garnered through reflective insights (via feedback and journal writing) which can act as a guide to other higher education universities looking at undertaking online learning.
Generation Y, learner autonomy and the potential of Web 2.0 tools for language learning and teaching
Authors: Morgan Liam 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the development of learner autonomy and the application of Web 2.0 tools in the language classroom.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is that of qualitative action research within an explicit theoretical framework and the data were collected via surveys and through the analysis of learner diaries.FindingsAlthough the students were found to have high‐level skills in relation to the use of Web 2.0 tools, it was also found that explicit teaching is needed to maximize the potential of these tools.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research in this area is needed to develop a stronger research base around the student use of Web 2.0 to enhance their learning of second languages.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights a need for teachers to engage in discussions with students around the use of Web 2.0 tools beyond the classroom and to model effective use of these within the classroom.Social implicationsThe paper seeks to explore the implications of the development of Web 2.0 skills by students and seeks to contribute to the current thinking around the use of social media by Generation Y (Gen‐y) students.Originality/valueThis paper will be of value to second–language teachers reflecting on the need to better equip students faced with the combination of vast amounts of online material with the rich potential of publishing through Web 2.0 tools.
An analytic framework to support e.learning strategy development
Authors: Marshall Stephen J. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss and demonstrate the relevance of a new conceptual framework for leading and managing the development of learning and teaching to e.learning strategy development.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing and discussing the research literature on e.learning in higher education institutions from 2000 to 2010 to identify the issues associated with leading and managing the development, implementation and evaluation of e.learning, the paper describes and makes an argument for how a new conceptual framework for leading and managing the development of learning and teaching in higher education, developed and reported elsewhere (Marshall et al.), might be used to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of e.learning strategy.FindingsWhile subject to the limitations of all conceptual/analytical frameworks, it is argued that this new conceptual framework is able to first alert those with the responsibility for the development of e.learning to many of the critical issues identified in the research literature as being associated with its development, implementation and evaluation, and second, assist in conducting and developing the multi‐dimensional SWOT analyses and strategies necessary to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of e.learning.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to demonstrate the applicability of Marshall et al.'s new conceptual framework for leading and managing the development of learning and teaching to the development, implementation and evaluation of e.learning strategy.
Employers’ perspectives of online education
Authors: Linardopoulos Nikolaos 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the strengths and weaknesses of seven representative studies pertaining to the employers’ perceptions of online education.Design/methodology/approachThe paper retrieved and analysed representative studies on the subject from two scholarly databases and Google.FindingsThe results indicate that there is a much greater likelihood that a candidate with an online degree would be viewed less favorably for employment purposes compared to the candidate with the face‐to‐face degree.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the gaps in the current studies and suggests future research directions regarding this critical topic.
The governance of supply networks: a systematic literature review
Authors: Pilbeam Colin , Alvarez Gabriela , Wilson Hugh 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish what is known regarding how supply network governance leads to network outcomes, what mechanisms underlie this relationship, and how context impacts it.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review identified 44 conceptual and empirical studies. Purely dyadic studies were excluded. Synthesis used the context‐intervention‐mechanism‐outcomes (CIMO) logic.FindingsFrom a categorization of contexts, governance instruments, mechanisms and outcomes a contingent conceptual framework is developed in the paper relating governance instruments to network outcomes dependent on the context. In general, formal instruments are adopted in dynamic and unstable circumstances defined as risky, uncertain, unpredictable or during organizational change. These instruments can result in coordination, control, viability and performance outcomes. Informal instruments tend to be adopted in contexts where prior relationships exist between actors.Research limitations/implicationsArising from the conceptual framework three robust propositions are developed. A more nuanced view of power and trust is proposed to augment the explanations provided by transaction costs and social embeddedness. This provides opportunities for further research, including longitudinal and comparative studies.Practical implicationsThe conceptual framework provides three propositions suggesting that in dynamic or unstable circumstances formal governance instruments can provide viability, control, coordination or performance outcomes. Informal governance instruments are more effectively used in established relationships to improve performance, control and viability.Originality/valueThe synthesis reveals contingencies in the appropriate governance modes of supply networks for desired outcomes in specific contexts, resolving apparent inconsistencies between prior studies.
Supply chain risk management: a new methodology for a systematic literature review
Authors: Colicchia Claudia , Strozzi Fernanda 
Published: June 2012

PurposeSupply chain risk management (SCRM) has recently gained increasing attention in the supply chain context, both from the practitioners' perspective and as a research area. Given the relevance of the topic, the aim of the present paper is to present a focused literature review, investigating the process of knowledge creation, transfer and development from a dynamic perspective within the context of SCRM.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature on SCRM was undertaken. The new proposed methodology combines the systematic literature review approach to identify the most relevant articles to be included in the study with the citation network analysis in order to unfold the dynamics of the field under study. The authors define this new methodology as systematic literature network analysis.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that there are a number of key themes in the field of SCRM. The contributions that influenced the field were identified and, by analysing the evolution over time of key concepts, a number of research directions were identified and discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThe dynamic nature of current literature review allows the identification of the directions in which research is moving and thus the recognition of streams of research that appear most promising. However, the application of the research methodology, and in particular of the citation network analysis, requires the support of specific computer programs. Moreover, the underlying assumption of the citation network analysis is that, by analysing the network of citations made to and from articles, it is possible to explain the flows of knowledge used to generate new results. This is only partially true since the spread of measures based on impact assessment led many researchers to an excessive use of citations, even if their content is not always decisive for the outcome of their work.Practical implicationsThe present paper outlines a research agenda that may facilitate the development of models for managing supply chain risk. Furthermore from the evidence of the performed literature review some managerial insights can be derived on how to manage supply chain risk: by considering uncertainty in the design of supply chains, by understanding the impact of risks arising from network collaboration and interactions between supply chain partners, by developing proactive mitigation capabilities to hedge the increasing level of risk.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research lies in the combination of two existing methodologies for reviewing the literature and in the adoption of a dynamic perspective in order to analyse theory development.