bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Briefing from a facilities management perspective
Authors: Kelly John , Hunter Kirsty , Shen Geoffrey , Yu Ann 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo identify the management tools and variables that impact briefing, assess the nature of current briefing practices, review the need for more structured techniques and determine the place of facilities management in briefing.Design/methodology/approachA detailed literature review to analyse and critique the briefing process was followed by a brainstorming session to explore relevant technical frameworks. A questionnaire survey investigated opinions of structured approaches to briefing.FindingsThe facilities manager operating within the strategic framework of the client organisation and having the necessary skills is a natural choice as brief writer. Facilities managers’ involvement is not strongly reflected in this research, indicating perhaps that they do not consider briefing a natural role or that they do not possess the skills for its undertaking. It is concluded that while briefing remains an unstructured investigative process, the skills for which are learned through experience, then architects and project managers will continue to dominate the activity.Practical implicationsCurrently, briefing is unstructured, iterative, and uses a variety of media for its exposition. More formalised processes recognising strategic and project briefing are advocated in the literature. Options for improvement include a structured approach to investigative briefing and facilitated value management.Originality/valueThe limited involvement of facilities managers in briefing prompted this research. This paper identifies the structure and variables impacting the briefing process and concludes with options for formalised approaches to briefing.
Risk analysis of escape time from buildings
Authors: Wong L.T. , Fong N.K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo model the evacuation time from buildings in the event of emergencies based on occupant load, looking specifically at the exit width as a design parameter.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, transient occupant loads from a simulation model based on a recent study of 34 offices in Hong Kong were used to evaluate the probable risk to evacuees in the case of an emergency evacuation. For this analysis the “door carrying capacity” approach was used, together with probability profiles for the occupant loads at certain exit flow rates. This paper investigates the occupant load profiles as well as the yearly and daily occupant load variations of some typical offices in Hong Kong and examines the fire safety implications of the office building designs from the perspective of the risk to evacuees.FindingsThe results show that the building occupant load, occupant‐load ratio, total exit width and specific flow rate at the exit significantly affect the risk to evacuees.Research limitations/implicationsThe model parameters are not exhaustive and are determined from surveys in Hong Kong.Practical implicationsA useful source of reference in conducting risk assessment for safe egress design of office buildings for those involved in building design, operation and management.Originality/valueThis paper, taking account of exit design, occupant load and its variations using the door carrying capacity approach, presents a simple method to determine the probable risk to evacuees in offices.
The potential effects of variation orders on institutional building projects
Authors: Manzoor Arain Faisal , Sui Pheng Low 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide an in‐depth analysis of the potential effects of variations in institutional building projects, which would be helpful for building professionals in assessing and taking proactive measures for reducing the adverse impact of variations.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire survey was carried out to collect information on potential effects of variations. Responses from 28 professionals working for a developer organization (a government agency) were analyzed. Furthermore, 26 face‐to‐face interviews using the questionnaires were also analyzed.FindingsThe results suggest that the most frequent effects of variations were increase in project costs, additional payments for contractor, progress affected but without any delay, completion schedule delay, increase in overhead expenses and rework and demolition. Recommendations were suggested based on the findings of the research and literature review.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presented only the developers' view of the effects of variation orders on institutional building projects in Singapore. Further works can be extended to survey the consultants and the contractors who have carried out these projects.Practical implicationsThe study will benefit the professionals involved with institutional building projects. The professionals would learn about the downstream effects that may assist in the valuable evaluation of variation orders.Originality/valueThis is a timely study as the program of rebuilding and improving existing institutional buildings is currently underway in Singapore. A clearer view of the effects of variations on the projects will enable the project team to take advantage of beneficial variations. Furthermore, the findings can be used by future researchers to carry out studies on the management of variation orders in various other types of projects.
Radon emanation rates of common partition materials in Hong Kong
Authors: Mui K.W. , Wong L.T. , Au‐Yeung S.L. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo determine the radon emanation rates of common partition materials in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachAn initial slope of radon gas growth against time and a mass balance analysis can be used to quantify the magnitude of these rates from different types of partition materials. In particular, the radon‐222 emanations from boards of calcium silicate, gypsum and lightweight concrete were measured experimentally in a small impervious radon chamber.FindingsThe radon‐222 emanations from boards of calcium silicate, gypsum and lightweight concrete were measured experimentally in a small impervious radon chamber, and expressed as becquerels per square meter per hour of air (Bq m−2 hr−1). The rates found were 2.43, 0.22 and 0.46 Bq m−2 hr(1 respectively. Comparing with the emanation rate and the quantities of radon emitting construction materials in Hong Kong, these three partition materials have a low radon emitting level.Research limitations/implicationsThe model parameters used in the study were not exhaustive and were determined from samples of materials used in Hong Kong.Practical implicationsA useful source of reference for determining the radon emanation rates of common partition materials used in building developments. The results can be used to identify the exposure risk of radon in buildings.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a mathematical model of radon emanation rates of common partition materials. The model offers practical helps to professionals planning, designing and managing the selection of building materials in buildings.
Managing stakeholder expectations in facility management using workplace planning and commitment making techniques
Authors: Pennanen Ari , Whelton Michael , Ballard Glenn 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo enable facility management to define workplace strategy basing on organizations strategy and operations.Design/methodology/approachIn facility planning the workplace strategy process is subject to conditions of continuous change and uncertainty. The theory of workplace planning is constructed on the basis of production and commitment making concepts in order to link workplace to organization's general strategy. Workplace planning process includes computer‐aided applications for practical work. They measure owner needs such as user functions, geometrical and temporal needs, spatial performance and associated costs, thereby enabling activity‐based cost management.FindingsThe customer workplace is linked to a complex social system. Achieving a final commitment of an organization is an iterative process of commitments, withdrawals and new approaches. The workplace planning process displays evidence of supporting group collaboration in terms of fostering stakeholder engagement, developing high quality information, supporting innovation in the owner's functions, and the appropriate sharing of facility spaces among owner groups operating with limited resources. In the project case, the need for space (and life cycle costs) decreased 20 percent. All the activities can still be supported because of improved utilization.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is concentrated on workplace needs, use and costs. It does not cover user operations efficiency or costs (like salaries, education etc.)Originality/valueWorkplace planning process and applications have been in practical use for several years. The results have been in concordance with case project findings.
Water seepage in multi‐storey buildings
Authors: Wong Joe T.Y. , Hui Eddie C.M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe objective is to address the major issues and suggest solutions to solve the water seepage and health related problems in residential buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology relies on a literature review on water damage in residential buildings with references to the vertical spread of SARS in a housing estate in Hong Kong. Working procedures for handling seepage complaints by Hong Kong government departments and their performance are examined.FindingsThe study found that individual departments have difficulties in identifying: the cause and source of seepage, and resolutions to the problem given the limited powers and legal constraints that exist. A holistic approach by individual departments is needed to address the issue. The proposed formation of Owners' Corporations, third party insurance and repair and maintenance sinking fund for old buildings would help solve the building defect and health related problems.Practical implicationsThe suggestions in the study would help reduce and partly prevent the environmental nuisance and, more importantly, health risk. Residents are better prepared in the future for a possible return of SARS or other infectious disease.Originality/valueResearch on water damage is very scarce in Hong Kong. And perhaps this is the first of its kind. The study identifies the broader issue of maintaining and managing a high‐rise residential building. The building management and health related problems identified in the study should be noted in any policy addressing housing and health issues.
Left Brain Marketing Planning: a Forrester Research® viewpoint
Authors: Pickton David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis viewpoint, based on research undertaken by Forrester Research, aims to assess the impact of technological change on consumer behaviour, especially media habits, and the implication this holds for marketing planners. Currently, it is believed that marketing planners are out of step with new customer behaviours growing out of the changing consumer technological environment. Left Brain Marketing Planning emphasises the need, opportunity and the means by which planners can adopt more analytical procedures to improve marketing planning by greater use of data‐driven approaches that permit the selection and allocation of marketing resources based on an holistic picture of customers across all points in the buying process.Design/methodology/approachA two stage approach adopted by Forrester Research. First, a marketing allocation tool was devised using Forrester's Consumer Technographics® data to understand how consumers interact with 13 media. These were used to index each medium against four marketer inputs: business goals, target audience, product type, and targeting approach. Second, interviews were conducted with marketers and agencies to understand current marketing planning processes and best practices and their response to the marketing allocation tool. Interviews were also held with marketing planning experts for additional perspectives around how they anticipate marketing planning will change over the next five years.FindingsPrincipally, current marketing planning processes are based on traditional approaches that take too little account of the new realities brought about by technological change. The media selected in the marketing planning process do not reflect the media habits of today's consumers. New technology has changed customer behaviour and new technology holds the means by which this can be monitored and evaluated to assess the effectiveness of marketing plans as they are implemented. Changes need to be made, and the means are at hand to achieve such changes, that allow more analytical approaches to marketing planning in understanding what is happening in today's marketplaces and not just an emphasis on marketing metrics for the purpose of meeting internal financial imperatives.Originality/valueThere is much debate about the dynamics in marketing planning between creative approaches and a greater emphasis on marketing metrics to ensure greater marketing accountability. This paper highlights the importance of analytical approaches that do not, of themselves, limit creativity. While encouraging the use of measurement and analytical tools, the paper emphasises the need to use these throughout the planning process and exploit the facilities enabled by new technology to assist in the process of better understanding consumers and communications and buying processes.
Understanding the relationship between attribute performance and overall satisfaction
Authors: Busacca Bruno , Padula Giovanna 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThere is a pressing need for practitioners to adopt viable analytic procedures that may help them optimize resource allocation to strengthen customer satisfaction. This paper reviews a range of procedures used for measuring customer satisfaction that are identified in the literature and tests which procedures might be more useful to practitioners.Design/methodology/approachCustomer satisfaction measurement procedures developed in the literature are reviewed to assess the non‐linear and asymmetric relationship between attribute performance and overall satisfaction. A convergent validity test between the two measurement procedures that the review suggests are the most suitable for application in practice is then conducted to discover the relative merits of each. The test is based on an empirical investigation carried out in the mobile communication industry.FindingsTwo measurement procedures were identified as the most appropriate to practitioners, “regression with dummy variables” and the “Importance Grid”. These were compared using a convergent validity test, which revealed a lack convergent validity between the two. Discussion about the reliability of the two procedures and the implications for practice is provided. On balance, the regression with dummy variables was identified as the better approach.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the importance that recognition is given to the non‐linear and asymmetric response of customer satisfaction to the performance of different product/service attributes if appropriate decisions are to be made for allocating marketing resources. While research on customer satisfaction has emphasized the need to account for the non‐linear and asymmetric relationship between attribute performance and overall satisfaction, no effort has been made to disseminate these insights fully among practitioners. Since understanding the relationship between attribute performance and overall satisfaction is paramount if resource allocation to improve attribute performance is to be prioritized correctly, there is a pressing concern to move customer satisfaction programs closer to the theory predictions. A range of measurement procedures is reviewed and compared. Through this work, academics and practitioners may gain further insight into procedures for measuring customer satisfaction and an understanding of the relative benefits and limitations of the procedures that may be adopted.
The four Cs of customer loyalty
Authors: Rowley Jennifer 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo propose a categorisation of customer loyalty types to further increase our understanding of the nature of loyalty.Design/methodology/approachBy segmenting customers who are both loyal in attitude and behaviour to a brand, a model is proposed that differentiates between customers whose loyalty is inertial, and those whose loyalty is positive.FindingsFour categories of loyal customer are proposed: captive, convenience‐seekers, contented and committed. The behaviours and attitudes that can be expected of customers in these different categories are discussed. It is also suggested that customers in different categories will respond in different ways to triggers to switching. Further research that investigates customers' reasons for loyalty behaviour in relation to a portfolio of brands is recommended to validate the model and to enhance understanding and predictability of customer loyalty propensities.Originality/valueThere is agreement that loyals are important for the future of the business, and that this category is deserving of special attention. Since loyalty is key in customer development and profitability, it is important to understand the loyalty condition in more detail, and to use this understanding to develop further the relationship with customers in the loyal category. The model proposed here subdivides loyals in Dick and Basu's categorisation based on behaviour and attitudes. Four categories of loyalty are proposed: captive, contented, convenience‐seeker and committed. Each is described and discussed, and their management implications and research agendas identified. It is noted that any one individual is likely to exhibit the characteristics of each of these categories in relation to different products, services, outlets, and their associated brands. This is a speculative model at this stage of development, which is intended to provoke further thought about the nature of loyalty.
Predictors of consumer trust: likelihood to pay online
Authors: Black Gregory S. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeUsing data relating to eBay transactions, investigates the economic, demographic, and geographic factors affecting willingness to pay for purchases online.Design/methodology/approachCarries out regression analysis of 3,386 eBay transactions, over a two‐year period, reported by two American sellers operating on the United States eBay site. In all auctions examined, consumers had the option of making payment online or by various traditional payment methods.FindingsAnalysis identifies several variables as reasonable predictors of the chosen payment method, including the value of the transaction, the buyer's gender, rural versus urban residence, and several other characteristics of the community in which the buyer lives.Research limitations/implicationsThe general demographic, geographic, and economic variables of consumers can be used by researchers and planners to predict consumers' willingness to make online payments. The effect of income demands further investigation. Factors not identified – such as consumer personality and ethnicity or product category – might also influence this form of online consumer behaviour. The study is restricted to online consumer auction transactions in one country only.Originality/valueUses a larger sample than most previous studies of eBay to identify general demographic, geographic, and economic characteristics of an American sample of eBay consumers, which act as predictors of willingness to make online payments for purchases. Can be a departure point for further research in other countries.
Competitive intelligence activity: evidence from Greece
Authors: Priporas Constantinos‐Vasilios , Gatsoris Lampros , Zacharis Vassilis 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo investigate awareness, attitudes and implementation with respect to competitive intelligence (CI) in Greece.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews with a sample of 50 well‐known companies around Thessaloniki, an area of strategic marketing importance in Greece, representing a reasonable cross section of types and sizes of enterprise.FindingsFor the present, adoption in Greece is well behind the USA, but roughly on a par with the UK. The reasons for slow adoption are: unawareness, lack of sufficiently competent staff and a shortage of experts available to train them, perceptions of the cost, and somewhat complacent satisfaction with the general market research activity of in‐house marketing departments. The focus is on short‐term customer satisfaction, rather than long‐term competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsA deliberately limited exploratory study of a small sample in a highly localised setting. Recommendations are presented for further research.Practical implicationsIn the turbulent business environments of the present day, CI can make a crucial strategic contribution to competitive success.Originality/valueThis study broadly confirms the findings and conclusions of previous research in the UK. It has clear value to strategic planning for marketing in Greece itself, but also in general.
Shelter in the storm: marketing strategy as moderated by the hostile environment
Authors: Ward Steven , Lewandowska Aleksandra 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo assess which components of the marketing orientation, along with the new measure societal marketing orientation, predict the performance of the firm and which are moderated by the environment.Design/methodology/approachSurvey research in 1999 and hierarchical regression of 81 items.FindingsCompetitor‐based strategy has a more positive impact on firm's performance than the market‐based alternative. Its effectiveness is enhanced by the degree of competitive turbulence in the environment – as, for example, in Singapore in 1999. Societal marketing strategies, while morally appealing, are negatively associated with performance, and further negatively moderated by competitive hostility. The study found no support for the association between market orientation and performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited somewhat by the size and nature of the sample and the low response rate, though these compare well with other studies in the field. The research shows the importance of the business environment as a moderator of the performance of business strategies.Practical implicationsMarketing intelligence gatherers and strategists should take note that choice of an appropriate business strategy is moderated by the environment. Market‐based business strategies are not necessarily the most effective.Originality/valueApart from the main findings, introduces an important measure of a firm's societal orientation.