bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delays and cost overruns in the construction projects in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Enshassi Adnan , Al‐Najjar Jomah , Kumaraswamy Mohan 
Published: July 2009

PurposeDelays and cost overruns are evidently frequent problems in the construction industries of many developed and developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to assess factors leading to time overruns (delays) and cost overruns in construction projects in the Gaza Strip. Since there appear to be additional special contributors to delays here, the relative perceptions of contractors, consultants and owners are compared, based on a listing of causal factors derived from previous studies elsewhere, together with other factors arising from special conditions in the Gaza Strip.Design/methodology/approachA survey of a randomly selected samples yielded responses from 66 contractors, 27 consultants, and 31 owners. The survey included 110 delay factors/causes which were grouped into 12 major groups. The same survey also included 42 cost overrun factors. The level of importance of the delays and cost overrun factors were measured and ranked by their importance indexes, according to the perspectives of contractors, consultants, and owners.FindingsThere seems to be a general agreement between contractors, consultants and owners regarding causes of delays and cost overruns. The main four causes of time delays included strikes and border closures, material‐related factors, lack of materials in markets, and delays in materials delivery to the site. Additionally, the main three causes for cost overruns included price fluctuations of construction materials, contractor delays in material and equipment delivery, and inflation.Originality/valueThe outcome of this paper will assist owners, contractors, and consultants in understanding the reasons for delays and cost overruns, thus eliminating or minimizing these causes. This could be achieved by better management of the projects and by finding new methods for storing the critical materials from the beginning of the project. Furthermore, the local government is advised to initiate legislation to overcome problems arising from monopolies in the supply of construction materials.
The impact of contractors' management capability on cost and time performance of construction projects in Nigeria
Authors: Aje O.I. , Odusami K.T. , Ogunsemi D.R. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeManagement capability is one of the major criteria for evaluating construction contractors during prequalification and tender evaluation This paper aims to investigate the impact of contractors' management capability as a prequalification criterion on cost and time performance of selected building projects.Design/methodology/approachPrequalification assessments of management capability of wining contractors as well as cost data relating to 77 completed building projects executed between 2004 and 2007 are obtained. The data obtained from a questionnaire and archival data are analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and multiple regression.FindingsThe results reveal that contractors' management capability has significant impact on cost and time performance of building projects as evidenced by p‐values of 0.042 and 0.039, respectively.Practical implicationsThe research could be of significant benefit at the research implementation stage of public procurement practice especially in relation to the construction industry in Nigeria. Construction practitioners involved in prequalification and tender evaluation should continue to seek relevant information relating to management capability from the candidate contractors during prequalification and tender evaluation.Originality/valueModels capable of predicting the final cost and duration of building projects are eventually derived based on prequalification assessment of contractors on management capability, proposed contract duration and the initial contract figure. The goodness of fit of the models as defined by the value of R2 is found to be 96.2 percent and 90.01 percent for cost and time, respectively; thus signifying high predictive efficacy of the models.
Determinants of knowledge sharing using Web 2.0 technologies
Authors: Paroutis Sotirios , Al Saleh Alya 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the key determinants of knowledge sharing and collaboration using Web 2.0 technologies by exploring the reasons for and barriers to employees' active participation in its various platforms within a large multinational firm.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a case study design. In total, 11 in‐depth interviews were conducted. In addition, secondary data was collected. The data was analysed using a grounded approach.FindingsThe authors reveal four key determinants of knowledge sharing using Web 2.0 technologies: history, outcome expectations, perceived organizational or management support and trust.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations are related to the small sample size and the assumptions on which the study was based. First, Web 2.0 technologies were perceived as a single set of technologies whose adoption and use is determined by the same range of factors. Secondly, the study assumes that knowledge sharing using Web 2.0 is an effective means to collaborate.Practical implicationsManagerial recommendations derived from this study include: playing an active role in supporting Web 2.0 technologies as a strategic knowledge management initiative, clearly communicating its benefits, providing the necessary training and finally, rewarding participation.Originality/valueOnline collaboration tools have become the knowledge management tool of choice for an increasing number of organisations. However, very little is known about factors leading to their success or failure. This study narrows this gap by offering unique empirical evidence from TechCo (pseudonym), one of the largest companies deploying such technologies.
A new institutional reading of knowledge management technology adoption
Authors: Rizzi Carlo , Ponte Diego , Bonifacio Matteo 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a new institutional perspective of knowledge Management technology adoption through an empirical study of a knowledge intensive firm.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved collection of qualitative data about knowledge management practices. The analysis was carried out over a six month period by means of ethnographic research and a series of interviews. It focused mainly on the personnel involved in Knowledge Management initiatives within two information technology units of a telecommunication firm.FindingsThis article proposes a new institutional perspective of knowledge management as an alternative of the instrumental point of view. The authors argue that knowledge management initiatives are better understood if considered as rational myths instead of rational choices.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has some limitations. First, the research is based on a single case study; secondly, the authors acknowledge the difficulty in having full access to decision‐making rooms or corridors “of power” where institutional pressure is exerted. To improve the theoretical framework and the methodological approach, both qualitative and quantitative analyses are recommended.Originality/valueWhy do organizations, even in the face of the poor results produced by knowledge management initiatives, continue to invest financial and organizational resources in knowledge management related technologies? This article proposes that this apparently irrational behaviour can be explained when evaluating knowledge management initiatives, rather than in their instrumental value, as symbolic means to legitimate the organization in an environment where the management of knowledge is said to be a core feature of modern organizations.
What is practical knowledge?
Authors: Guzman Gustavo 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the key dimensions of practical knowledge. It is argued that practical knowledge and practice are two sides of the same phenomenon and possess objective and subjective dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe development of this paper involved an in‐depth review of the workplace learning, cognitive education and practice‐based management literatures supported by Giddens and Habermas' insights on action.FindingsThe proposed framework complements practice‐oriented management research. While there is a significant body of literature dealing with workplace action‐learning approaches, still it is not clear what approach to use in what situation. The proposed framework might assist in this task since it recognises different configurations of practice and their associated PK.Originality/valueThis paper integrates parallel literatures from different theoretical backgrounds in order to explain the main dimensions of practical knowledge.
Mapping knowledge flows in virtual teams with SNA
Authors: Behrend Frank D. , Erwee Ronel 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to map information and knowledge flow in six virtual project teams with members of diverse cultures in private and public sector companies in different sectors.Design/methodology/approachDue to the area of research, the authors supplemented the in‐depth interviews with an embedded SNA questionnaire and two stage analysis.FindingsThe SNA findings demonstrated that network ties are useful predictors of how information and knowledge flows in virtual project teams and can be better indicators than formal project structures. assessment of participants' prestige, activity and influence and their generic formal team functions, thus leadership, member and support roles.Research limitations/implicationsSNA does not yield information about causal factors, context or history of the team contributing to the current team relationships.Practical implicationsSNA as a method in this study delivers information on diverse members' influence, prestige and specific team member‐related brokerage roles. It highlights what boundary‐crossing knowledge sharing activities they engage in and maps the knowledge and information flows between members of the virtual project teams within the companies.Originality/valueThe multi‐method research design represents a sound approach to target knowledge management in virtual project environments in international contexts.
Enhancing knowledge transfer during and after international assignments
Authors: Anne Crowne Kerri 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to expand the research in knowledge management, by specifically examining knowledge transfer among expatriates, repatriates and top management teams. The relationships posited here should aid multinational firms in increasing their international assignment return on investment.Design/methodology/approachBased on previous literature, a theoretical model of the anticipated impact of feedback seeking behaviors and social networks among international assignees and top management teams is presented.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this article expands the literature in knowledge transfer and encourages multinational enterprises to examine their knowledge management strategies among expatriate, repatriates and top management teams, the model presented is limited. It does not integrate some elements that may cause difficulties for expatriates and repatriates and hinder knowledge transfer.Practical implicationsTop management teams should take an active interest in increasing the knowledge transfer from expatriates and repatriates in the organization because of the expected positive impact it will have on global performance. In order to be more proactive, firms need to implement formal mechanisms, as well as encouraging informal mechanisms in order to transfer knowledge, which should aid the organization in such areas as their expatriation‐repatriation process and foreign subsidiary operations.Originality/valueTo date, no article has addressed how feedback‐seeking behaviors and social networks, together, can enhance knowledge transfer among expatriates, repatriates and Top Management Teams. Furthermore, evidence of effective knowledge transfer during international assignments is scant. Therefore this article fills a gap in the literature by expanding the research on knowledge management.
Knowledge management in project environments
Authors: Hanisch Bastian , Lindner Frank , Mueller Ana , Wald Andreas 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is show how the management of knowledge in temporary organizations is an increasingly important factor in many industries. This paper aims to examine knowledge management in and between projects.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of 27 structured interviews with project managers and knowledge management experts in different corporations mainly located in Germany and German speaking countries, the prevalence, the organization and the success factors of project knowledge management are analyzed.FindingsAs a result, most interviewees stated an urgent need for a significant improvement of project knowledge management although only in few companies a systematic approach exists. The success of project knowledge management is mainly determined by cultural factors whereas technical aspects like information systems and project management methods are considered to serve as supporting factors only.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should include large‐scale surveys to systematically analyze the causalities of successful project knowledge management in different types of projects, organizations, and industries. Further research involving companies located in other cultural areas could help extracting possible effects caused by cultural or societal influences.Originality/valueThe authors present a cross‐sectional study on project knowledge management comprising companies from different industries.
Passion and expertise knowledge transfer
Authors: Sié Laurent , Yakhlef Ali 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that experts' degree of passion for, and attachment to their expertise knowledge facilitates knowledge acquisition and its transfer.Design/methodology/approachThe article draws on case study methodology. Twenty experts within the petrol industry were interviewed with a view to examining the motivators and inhibitors of transferring their expertise knowledge to freshly recruited engineers.FindingsIt seems to emerge that the more passionate an expert is the more intent they will on seeing thrive and diffuse to others. Assuming that expertise is dialogical, that is, the process of transferring is at the same a process of acquiring it. The two processes are conflated.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the study is that it relies on an in‐depth case study within a specific, scientific industry. How relevant are the findings remains to be studied.Practical implicationsTo the extent that passion is an intrinsic motive and since it is not amenable to management control and intervention (“expertise cannot be managed!”), attempts at managing it may be counter‐productive. If curiosity and passion are the main drivers behind transferring (and pursuing intellectually challenging tasks) are the mainspring, managers are faced with providing context that stimulates such drives, not necessarily resorting to monetary rewards.Originality/valueThe originality of this study is to emphasize the significance of passion in the process of transferring and acquiring knowledge.
Looking ahead: energy, climate change and pro‐poor responses
Authors: Malyshev Teresa 
Published: July 2009

PurposeIn the absence of new policies, global trends in energy supply and consumption are unsustainable all around. Today, roughly 2.6 billion people use fuelwood, charcoal, agricultural waste and animal dung to meet most of their daily energy needs for cooking and heating. There are 1.6 billion people in the world without electricity, equal to over a quarter of the world population. The purpose of this paper is to present pro‐poor solutions for addressing the crippling impacts of current global energy use on the world's poorest people.Design/methodology/approachThe paper lays out scenarios for global energy demand and greenhouse‐gas emissions and highlights the impact of these trends on developing countries. Based largely on publications and research from the International Energy Agency, it shows that better targeted subsidies, capacity building, integrated policy approaches and improvements in data collection can help to alleviate the impacts of current energy use on health and the environment.FindingsDecisive action is needed to expand energy access and to arrest the potential impacts of climate change in poor countries. It is demonstrated here that investments in programs that are tailored to promoting development and addressing climate change simultaneously can be successfully deployed.Originality/valueThere is an urgent need for policymakers in rich and poor countries to join together and tackle the global energy and climate challenges, and, as this paper shows, pro‐poor foresight is needed to ensure that these challenges are met in an equitable and sustainable way.
The future of science and technology and pro‐poor applications
Authors: Damrongchai Nares , Michelson Evan S. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the overall lack of focus of existing foresight analysis concerning the future of science and technology on the issue of poverty. The paper looks to re‐orient the technology foresight community to adopting an explicit pro‐poor perspective when considering future developments in science and technology (S&T).Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a general overview of existing technology foresight studies from organizations located in North America, Europe, and Asia. By describing the key points made in a selection of foresight studies, the paper emphasizes the conceptual links between forward‐looking analysis related to S&T and poverty‐related issues.FindingsThe paper reaches two main conclusions about the role of S&T foresight and development. The first is that the foresight research community needs to interact more closely with the development community in order to enhance the value of the findings in each field to the other. Second, the pressing matter of poverty alleviation requires that the foresight community should come together and create a sense of urgency in issues that have long‐term implications but need immediate action and attention.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to an approach that provides an overview of existing work in technology foresight. While no such review could be comprehensive, this paper provides examples of technology foresight analysis from a range of geographies, sectors, and perspectives to help mitigate this gap.Practical implicationsThe argument suggests that technology foresight practitioners should make issues of poverty an explicit topic or category of analysis in future technology foresight activities. Including poverty issues in future scenario activities would go a long way to closing this gap.Originality/valueThis paper synthesizes ideas from a variety of forward‐looking studies addressing the future of science and technology and identifies the need to include poverty as a dimension for analysis in future studies. In addition, the paper provides an introduction to technology foresight work being conducted in Asia by the APEC Center for Technology Foresight.
Process integration for paperless delivery using EPC compliance technology
Authors: Mo John P.T. , Gajzer Slavica , Fane Murray , Wind Gerry , Snioch Tania , Larnach Kevin , Seitam Drew , Saito Hiroyuki , Brown Stewart , Wilson Fergus , Lerias George 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the research work of managing returnable assets such as pallets by radio frequency identification (RFID) methods on a national scale.Design/methodology/approachThe project is an extension of an earlier project which tracks pallets and cartons through a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chain. This extension project investigates how RFID information can be applied for integrating business processes. The project team developed a national business information network with electronic product code (EPC) compliance devices and systems. To implement an effective pallet management business process, the project team carried out detailed process modelling study of the effect of RFID processes and measured the improvement in performance and efficiency.FindingsThe key to success in the extension project is the adoption of EPC compliance technology that enables efficient communication of business data across platforms and companies. The project found that there is an average 18 per cent improvement in system efficiency should an EPC compliance technology be adopted for supporting paperless proof of delivery. There are also additional administrative and unquantifiable savings in support systems and services.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is related to the FMCG industry sector. The business processes in this sector can vary significantly. The project is conducted under a controlled business environment on the condition that the changes would not affect main business activities of the partners. The system efficiency improvement and savings estimated from the project findings should be taken as reference figures only.Originality/valueThe combination of process modelling approach and validation of system performance data by simulation in this paper provide a basis for generalisation of the methodology in similar national scale research studies. The estimated data could be used as reference for preliminary feasibility studies of similar EPC applications.
Managing e‐service development – comparing two e‐government case studies
Authors: Melin Ulf , Axelsson Karin 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the progress and the success vs failure in e‐government development, based on case studies of two inter‐organizational (IO) e‐service projects.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis in the paper is made from an e‐government systems development life cycle perspective and a challenge and success factor perspective. The point of departure is theory and a comparative analysis of two e‐government projects.FindingsThe main results in this paper are: a combination of perspectives (in a project stage and analysis grid) that can serve as a support when managing e‐service development and a set of identified crucial success factors within an IO e‐government project including project manager skills and position in the agency organization as well as when and how systems maintenance issues are introduced into a project. Existing theory and perspectives are also criticised based on the present study.Practical implicationsLessons to learn from a challenge and success factors perspective in two different e‐government projects, and suggestions to revise an e‐government development life cycle in order to perform a better practice in the field. The revised/developed project stage and analysis grid presented in the paper is one way to deal with the challenges related to the management of e‐service development in the public sector.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a number of challenges of complexity and risk that e‐government initiatives face. It is not an easy matter to realize such initiatives' potential. A key research issue for the e‐government field, as well as the information systems field in general, is to understand why some projects progress to success while others end in failure. This is the niche for the present paper.