bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human capacity building strategies for improving PPP implementation in Tanzanian construction projects
Authors: Chileshe Nicholas , Kavishe Neema 
Published: May 2022

PurposeImplementation of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in African projects is inundated with a number of capacity building challenges which affects growth and project performance. Further, there is paucity of empirical studies on the strategies for overcoming these challenges. Therefore, this research addresses that knowledge gap by examining the human capacity building (HCB) strategies for improving PPP implementation in construction projects in developing countries, with a focus on Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachHCB strategies identified from the scoping review were administered to 81 handpicked Tanzanian practitioners attending PPP training course. To examine the differences in the perception of the identified HCB strategies, and the relationships between different pairs of the HCB strategies, the data were subjected descriptive statistics, parametric tests, Kendall’s concordance and Pearson correlational analysis, including group wise correlation analysis.FindingsBased on the overall sample, “Engagement of stakeholders on capacity development”, “Organization of PPP seminars and training” and “Introduction of in-house training to Public institutions expected to undertake PPP projects” are the top ranked HCB strategies. “Development of study tours to stakeholders involved in PPP projects” is the least ranked. Significant differences between the sub-groups of “no PPP experience” and “some PPP experience” were evident for “Invitation of International experts to share experiences” and “Sharing of responsibilities” HCB strategies. The “no PPP experience” group rated both strategies higher than those with “some PPP experience”.Practical implicationsThe identified HCB strategies can be used as a “road map” for the development of appropriate engagement strategies with various stakeholders for the successful implementation of PPP thereby, enhancing the performance of the construction firms.Originality/valueEight strategies have been identified from the literature and tested for the Tanzanian context. The uniqueness of Tanzanian PPP implementation context arising from varying cultural, organizational, political and economic conditions differentiates the priority of HCB strategies when compared to other contexts where these strategies were investigated. This is germane to the PPP research.
Modelling barriers of battery integration in smart grid
Authors: Gupta Laxmi , Shankar Ravi 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Battery integration with renewable energy and conventional power grid is common practice in smart grid systems and provides higher operational flexibility. Abundant issues and challenges to the Indian smart grid while integrating renewable energy and storage technology will give timely emphasis to grasp uninterrupted power supply in forthcoming trend. Hence, this paper aims to acknowledge different barriers of battery integration and evaluate them to develop approaches for restricting their influence.

Design/methodology/approach
A multi-model approach is used to illustrate how these challenges are interrelated by systematically handling expert views and helps to chronologically assemble various issues from the greatest severe to the slightest severe ones. Further, these barriers are grouped using the cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to the classification analysis (MICMAC) study grounded on their driving and dependence power. Also, hypothesis testing was done to validate the obtained model.

Findings
It provides a complete thoughtful on directional interrelationships between the barriers and delivers the best possible solution for the active operation of the smart grid and its performance.

Research limitations/implications
There is a significant requirement for high-tech inventions outside the transmission grid to function for the integration of renewables and storage systems.

Practical implications
The model will support policymakers in building knowledgeable decisions while chronologically rejecting the challenges of battery integration in smart grid systems to improve power grid performance.

Originality/value
Based on author’s best knowledge, there is hardly any research that explicitly explains the framework for the barriers of battery integration in grid for developing countries like India. It is one of the first attempts to understand the fundamental barriers for battery integration. This study adds significantly to the literature on the energy sector by capturing the perspective of various stakeholders.
Mobile dependency and uncertainty reduction: influence on showrooming behaviours and user-generated content creation
Authors: Chimborazo-Azogue Luis Edwin , Mollá-Descals Alejandro , Miquel-Romero Maria-Jose , Frasquet Marta 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe expanded use of mobile devices for shopping has made mobile showrooming a frequent practice among omnichannel shoppers. This paper aims to shed light on the role of mobile dependency and uncertainty reduction strategies together with the motivation of getting the best value for money in showrooming behaviours and user-generated content (UGC) creation.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by means of a questionnaire answered by 659 shoppers in two product categories: clothing and consumer electronics. The research model was tested through partial least squares.FindingsThe results suggest that mobile showrooming attitude is positively affected by mobile dependency, value consciousness and need for touch, and negatively by perceived risk of mobile shopping. The results also reveal how UGC is created by showroomers and suggest this behaviour is linked to mobile dependency in the clothing category.Research limitations/implicationsAll the individuals in the sample had some experience in showrooming, which could affect the results regarding showrooming attitude and intentions. Future research should consider the role of experience and also validate the results across a larger number of product categories.Practical implicationsMobile showrooming is a challenge for multichannel retailers. This paper reveals certain ways in which multichannel retailers could deal with showroomers as potential customers.Originality/valueThis study is the first to analyse the role of mobile dependency in showrooming and the chain of effects towards mobile showrooming attitude, behaviour and UGC creation in two different product categories.
Volatility spillover effect between Pakistan and Shanghai Stock Exchanges using copula and dynamic conditional correlation model
Authors: Afzal Fahim , Choudhury Tonmoy Toufic , Kamran Muhammad 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Because of the growing financial market integration, China’s stock market’s volatility spillover effect has gradually increased. Traditional strategies do not capture stock volatility in dependence and dynamic conditions. Therefore, this study aims to find an effective stochastic model to predict the volatility spillover effect in the dynamic stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach
To assess the time-varying dynamics and volatility spillover, this study has used an integrated approach of dynamic conditional correlation model, copula and extreme-value theory. A daily log-returns of three leading indices of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) from the period of 2009 to 2019 is used in the modeling of value-at-risk (VaR) for volatility estimation. The Student’s t copula has been selected based on maximum likelihood estimation and Akaike’s information criteria values of all the copulas using the goodness-of-fit test.

Findings
The model results show stronger dependency between all major portfolios of PSX and SSE, with the parametric value of 0.98. Subsequently, the results of dependence structure positively estimate the spillover effect of SSE over PSX. Furthermore, the back-testing results show that the VaR model performs well at 99% and 95% levels of confidence and gives more accurate estimates upon the maximum level of confidence.

Practical implications
This study is helpful for the investment managers to manage the risk associated to portfolios under dependence conditions. Moreover, this study is also helpful for the researchers in the field of financial risk management who are trying to improve the returns by addressing the issues of volatility estimations.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a practical model to manage the volatility spillover effect in dependence conditions between as well as across the financial markets.
Impact of COVID-19 awareness and technological anxiety on “mandatory telework”: a Danish case study
Authors: Singh Vibhav , Verma Surabhi 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 has forced employees to use telework technologies and platforms to perform different tasks, that is, “mandatory telework”. COVID-19 is a unique situation that has shocked economies and societies and led to a reshaping of the perception of employees and firms about work practices. However, due to the recent nature of the phenomenon, it is not usually understood how employees would cope with this forced change. Thus, the study aims to explore COVID-19 awareness and employees’ behavior toward mandatory telework.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 201 Danish employees was selected to examine the research questions using partial least square (PLS) structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings show that COVID-19 awareness reduces technological anxiety and increases positive attitudes and job satisfaction. The authors have also found the full and partially mediating role of attitude and technological anxiety on the relationship between COVID-19 awareness and job satisfaction.Originality/valueThe study employed the theoretical lens of job demands-resources theory to understand COVID-19 awareness and technological anxiety dynamics on employees’ attitudes toward mandatory telework and job satisfaction during the pandemic.
ICT and the provision of social services in low-income countries: the moderating role of institutional quality
Authors: Evans Olaniyi 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of information and communications technology (ICT) on the provision of social services, as well as the moderating effect of institutional quality on the relationship between ICT and the provision of social services for 31 low-income countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on panel data from World Development Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators spanning 1996 to 2020 for 31 low-income countries. To analyze the data, the study uses cross-sectional dependence tests, slope heterogeneity tests, panel unit root tests, panel cointegration tests and cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) analysis.FindingsThe results overwhelmingly show that ICT has a significant positive effect on the provision of social services in both the short- and long-run. Also, the study reveals that institutional quality has a significant positive impact on the provision of social services in the short- and long-run. The results further provide empirical evidence of the positive and significant moderating effect of institutional quality on the relationship between ICT and the provision of social services.Practical implicationsThis study points out the significant potential of identifying appropriate scales of ICT infrastructure and institutional quality needed to support the various governments in low-income countries to improve social services delivery mechanisms and outreach efficacy and impact. The study can be invaluable for ICT innovators and policymakers in promoting the provision of social services.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to determine the effect of ICT on the provision of social services, as well as the moderating effect of institutional quality on the relationship between ICT and the provision of social services, especially for low-income countries using CS-ARDL.
Barriers to the green retrofitting of existing residential buildings
Authors: Amoah Christopher , Smith Jeanne 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
This study aims to examine the challenges for green retrofitting implementation in existing residential buildings to lower the running cost and achieve a better energy-efficient system.

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a qualitative approach by interviewing conveniently selected 16 construction professionals, made up of architects, quantity surveyors and engineers. Data received were analysed using the content analysis method.

Findings
The findings revealed that the main barriers to incorporating green retrofitting in the existing residential buildings as the nature of the existing structures, limited knowledge, not being a priority and high costs involved in the process. Moreover, other factors influencing property developers’ decision to apply energy-efficient principles in a residential home include cost (initial capital and maintenance), level of knowledge, nature of the climate in the area, local legislation, more independence and increasing the property’s market value and environmental aspect.

Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to South Africa; thus, the literature available was limited.

Practical implications
People’s perceptions, either wrong or correct, affect their ability to make an informed decision to adopt green retrofitting principles, thereby denying them the opportunity to reap the associated benefits. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the construction industry stakeholders and government to increase educational opportunities for property owners on the importance of green retrofitting.

Originality/value
This study provides the occupants with the possible barriers and problem areas with implementing these principles. They will thus make an informed decision when implementing sustainable design methods.
Board human capital diversity and firm performance: evidence from top listed Indian firms
Authors: Saha Rupjyoti , Maji Santi Gopal 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of board human capital diversity, measured by educational qualification diversity and gender diversity on the financial performance of Indian firms after controlling corporate governance (CG) and firm-specific variables.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a panel data set of top 100 listed Indian firms for a period of five years. The authors use Blau index and Shannon index to compute qualification diversity. The authors use three-stage least square (3SLS) model to deal with the potential endogeneity issue in the association of human capital diversity variables and other CG variables with firm performance. Further, the authors adopt generalized estimating equation (GEE) model for robustness check.

Findings
The authors find a significant positive impact of board’s educational diversity as well as gender diversity on the financial performance of firms. Additionally, they extricate highly significant positive interaction impact of board’s educational diversity and gender diversity on the financial performance of firms. Further, the results indicate a significant positive impact of board size, board independence, ownership concentration, family ownership and audit committee independence on firm performance, while CEO duality exhibits a significant negative impact on firm performance.

Originality/value
This study fills the existing gap in literature by extending the performance implications of board’s human capital diversity for top listed Indian firms.
Influence of different etching methods on the structural properties of porous silicon
Authors: Zulkifli Fatimah , Radzali Rosfariza , Abd Rahim Alhan Farhanah , Mahmood Ainorkhilah , Mohd Razali Nurul Syuhadah , Abu Bakar Aslina 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Porous silicon (Si) was fabricated by using three different wet etching methods, namely, direct current photo-assisted electrochemical (DCPEC), alternating CPEC (ACPEC) and two-step ACPEC etching. This study aims to investigate the structural properties of porous structures formed by using these etching methods and to identify which etching method works best.

Design/methodology/approach
Si n(100) was used to fabricate porous Si using three different etching methods (DCPEC, ACPEC and two-step ACPEC). All the samples were etched with the same current density and etching duration. The samples were etched by using hydrofluoric acid-based electrolytes under the illumination of an incandescent lamp.

Findings
Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that porous Si etched using the two-step ACPEC method has a higher porosity and density than porous Si etched using DCPEC and ACPEC. The atomic force microscopy results supported the FESEM results showing that porous Si etched using the two-step ACPEC method has the highest surface roughness relative to the samples produced using the other two methods. High resolution X-ray diffraction revealed that porous Si produced through two-step ACPEC has the highest peak intensity out of the three porous Si samples suggesting an improvement in pore uniformity with a better crystalline quality.

Originality/value
Two-step ACPEC method is a fairly new etching method and many of its fundamental properties are yet to be established. This work presents a comparison of the effect of these three different etching methods on the structural properties of Si. The results obtained indicated that the two-step ACPEC method produced an etched sample with a higher porosity, pore density, surface roughness, improvement in uniformity of pores and better crystalline quality than the other etching methods.
The Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) past, present and future: critical reflections and a research agenda on sustainability reporting (standard-setting)
Authors: de Villiers Charl , La Torre Matteo , Molinari Matteo 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to reflect on the future of sustainability reporting standards by examining the current practical initiatives and the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) position in the arena of non-financial and sustainability reporting and identifies avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach
A critical reflection and analysis of research on the GRI’s achievements and the influence of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation’s initiative to develop global sustainability reporting standards.

Findings
The GRI has a dominant position in sustainability reporting standard-setting related to the provision of information about the influence of reporting organisations on society and the natural environment. The IFRS Foundation’s initiative to enter the sustainability reporting standard-setting arena, although from the perspective of providing information to investors regarding the influence of society and the environment on the reporting organisation, is an attempt to solidify its own position as the reporting standard setter of choice, not only for financial reporting but for all reporting standards. However, despite its aim to differentiate its role from the GRI by leveraging the financial-oriented ideological side of double materiality, we argue that the IFRS is unlikely to harm the GRI’s global position in producing multi-stakeholder standards for sustainability reporting and accountability. This differentiated position is facilitated by the different sources of legitimacy the GRI and IFRS rely on.

Research limitations/implications
The paper identifies future research opportunities.

Originality/value
Due to the recent initiatives for creating new sustainability reporting standard-setters, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper offers one of the first critical reflections on the past and the likely future of the GRI and its sustainability reporting standards. The paper also identifies several new avenues for future research.
Perceived CSR motives, perceived CSR authenticity, and pro-environmental behavior intention: an internal stakeholder perspective
Authors: Wut Tai Ming , Ng Peggy Mei-lan 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
This study aims to apply attribution theory to examine how internal stakeholders’ attributions affect the perceived company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on employees’ pro-environmental behavioral intention through a mediated perceived CSR authenticity.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based survey was used because of the standardized questions and ease of acquisition of the target data with the assistance of a Web-based tool.

Findings
The perceived company’s other-centered CSR motives are positively associated with the perceived authenticity of the CSR engagement. The small company had a significantly stronger relationship than the large company. The perceived company’s self-centered CSR motives are not associated with the perceived authenticity of the CSR engagement. The perceived authenticity of CSR engagement is positively related to its own pro-environmental behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications
A larger sample size across different industries can improve the result. When the authors examine the effect of company size, multi-group sizes can be used instead of two groups. The above scenario usually works in normal businesses. How about the “dirty” business situation? Examples of dirty businesses are tobacco, gambling, alcohol and mining companies. During their business operations, they destroy our environment or create harmful effects on our health. Thus, dirty businesses engaging in CSR practices at the same time seems contradicting.

Practical implications
The management should ensure that employees perceive the company’s CSR initiatives as other-centered rather than self-centered. Company size matters in terms of delivering other-centered CSR messages. Specifically, employees who work in a small company (i.e. less than 100 employees) are more favorable to other-centered CSR messages.

Originality/value
This study extends the CSR literature by examining how internal stakeholders’ attributions (i.e. employees’ attribution) of the perceived company’s CSR initiatives influence employees’ pro-environmental behavior through a mediated perceived CSR authenticity.