scholarly journals Preparing construction supply chains for blockchain technology: An investigation of its potential and future directions

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 547-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Algan Tezel ◽  
Eleni Papadonikolaki ◽  
Ibrahim Yitmen ◽  
Per Hilletofth
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Distributed Database ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Profit Margins ◽  
Business Transactions ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Asset Tracking ◽  
Database Structure

AbstractBlockchain, a peer-to-peer, controlled, distributed database structure, has the potential to profoundly affect current business transactions in the construction industry through smart contracts, cryptocurrencies, and reliable asset tracking. The construction industry is often criticized for being slow in embracing emerging technologies and not effectively diffusing them through its supply chains. Often, the extensive fragmentation, traditional procurement structures, destructive competition, lack of collaboration and transparency, low-profit margins, and human resources are shown as the main culprits for this. As blockchain technology makes its presence felt strongly in many other industries like finance and banking, this study investigates the preparation of construction supply chains for blockchain technology through an explorative analysis. Empirical data for the study were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 subject experts. Alongside presenting a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis (SWOT), the study exhibits the requirements for and steps toward a construction supply structure facilitated by blockchain technology.

The use of blockchain in the luxury industry: supply chains and the traceability of goods

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elodie de Boissieu ◽  
Galina Kondrateva ◽  
Patricia Baudier ◽  
Chantal Ammi
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Luxury Brands ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Luxury Industry

PurposeMost businesses strive to control the efficiency of their supply chains; however, luxury firms face additional challenges from counterfeit, gray market and copycat products. Blockchain technology can address these issues and enhance firms' supply chain management, guaranteeing the traceability and origin of luxury products. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the utility and contexts influencing the implementation of blockchain technology to optimize supply chain management and prevent fraud in the luxury industry.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a qualitative approach based on the grounded theory method. Data are collected by semi-structured interviews with 12 stakeholders working on blockchain applications in the luxury business sector.FindingsHighlighting the problems faced by luxury brands' supply chains, this study presents blockchain technology as a solution for disintermediation, traceability and transparency in the luxury goods sector. The constraints faced by luxury brands incorporating this technology into their ecosystem include the knowledge gap, the multiplicity of third parties involved in the production process and bias toward short-term returns on investment.Originality/valueBlockchains promote greater transparency and efficiency within supply chains, which builds consumer trust and improves brand revenue. Considering luxury brands' reluctance to adopt blockchains, this study suggests that luxury firms adopt a staggered implementation of private blockchain networks starting with a small number of third-party suppliers.

scholarly journals Blockchain and Smart Contracts: A Solution for Payment Issues in Construction Supply Chains

Informatics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Samudaya Nanayakkara ◽  
Srinath Perera ◽  
Sepani Senaratne ◽  
Geeganage Thilini Weerasuriya ◽  
Herath Mudiyanselage Nelanga Dilum Bandara
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Distributed Data ◽  
Smart Contracts ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Smart Contract ◽  
Industry Applications ◽  
Financial Issues

The construction industry has dynamic supply chains with multiple suppliers usually engaged in short-term relationships. Government legislation, novel types of payment agreements, conventional information technology solutions, and supply chain management best practices have endeavoured to solve payment-related financial issues in the construction industry, which are mainly caused by the complexities of the construction supply chain. Nevertheless, payment-related issues persist as one of the key challenges in the industry. Applications of blockchain technology–a trusted, distributed data storing mechanism–along with smart contracts are gaining focus as solutions for complex interorganisational processes. A smart contract is a self-executing script that codifies a set of rules or agreements between multiple parties and runs across the blockchain network. This paper identifies the suitability of blockchain and smart contract technologies in solving payment issues in the construction industry. An expert forum of construction industry stakeholders served as the primary data collection method through a structured questionnaire. The key finding of the paper is that blockchain and smart contract powered solutions can significantly mitigate the payment and related financial issues in the construction industry, including partial payments, nonpayments, cost of finance, long payment cycle, retention, and security of payments.

Knowledge creation in small building and construction firms

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson ◽  
Guido Bruns
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Knowledge Sources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Small Building

Studies on knowledge creation are limited in general, and there is a particular shortage of research on the topic in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the importance of SMEs for the economy and the vital role of knowledge creation in innovation, this situation is unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the purpose of our study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs create new knowledge. Data are obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten managing directors of German SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. The findings demonstrate the influence of external knowledge sources on knowledge creation activities. Even though the managing directors take advantage of different external knowledge sources, they seem to put an emphasis on informed knowledge sources. The study´s findings advance the limited body of knowledge regarding knowledge creation in SMEs.

scholarly journals ESR white paper: blockchain and medical imaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Elmar Kotter ◽  
Luis Marti-Bonmati ◽  
Adrian P. Brady ◽  
Nandita M. Desouza
Keyword(s):  
Medical Imaging ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Distributed Database ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
White Paper ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Basic Technology

AbstractBlockchain can be thought of as a distributed database allowing tracing of the origin of data, and who has manipulated a given data set in the past. Medical applications of blockchain technology are emerging. Blockchain has many potential applications in medical imaging, typically making use of the tracking of radiological or clinical data. Clinical applications of blockchain technology include the documentation of the contribution of different “authors” including AI algorithms to multipart reports, the documentation of the use of AI algorithms towards the diagnosis, the possibility to enhance the accessibility of relevant information in electronic medical records, and a better control of users over their personal health records. Applications of blockchain in research include a better traceability of image data within clinical trials, a better traceability of the contributions of image and annotation data for the training of AI algorithms, thus enhancing privacy and fairness, and potentially make imaging data for AI available in larger quantities. Blockchain also allows for dynamic consenting and has the potential to empower patients and giving them a better control who has accessed their health data. There are also many potential applications of blockchain technology for administrative purposes, like keeping track of learning achievements or the surveillance of medical devices. This article gives a brief introduction in the basic technology and terminology of blockchain technology and concentrates on the potential applications of blockchain in medical imaging.

scholarly journals Zero Carbon Building Practices in Aotearoa New Zealand

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4455
Author(s):  
Thao Thi Phuong Bui ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson ◽  
Niluka Domingo ◽  
Casimir MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Zero Carbon

In the light of climate change, the drive for zero carbon buildings is known as one response to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Within New Zealand, research on climate change mitigation and environmental impacts of buildings has received renewed attention. However, there has been no detailed investigation of zero carbon building practices. This paper undertakes an exploratory study through the use of semi-structured interviews with government representatives and construction industry experts to examine how the New Zealand construction industry plans and implements zero carbon buildings. The results show that New Zealand’s construction industry is in the early stage of transiting to a net-zero carbon built environment. Key actions to date are focused on devising a way for the industry to develop and deliver zero carbon building projects. Central and local governments play a leading role in driving zero carbon initiatives. Leading construction firms intend to maximise the carbon reduction in building projects by developing a roadmap to achieve the carbon target by 2050 and rethinking the way of designing and constructing buildings. The research results provide an insight into the initial practices and policy implications for the uptake of zero carbon buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Supply chain cost model for prefabricated building material based on time-driven activity-based costing

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Woo Kim ◽  
Seung-Heon Han ◽  
June-Seong Yi ◽  
SooWon Chang
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Cost Model ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Activity Based Costing ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Material Supply ◽  
Supply Chain Costs

The effect of ‘supply chain management’ can be leveraged when benefits of collaboration within and beyond the capacities of individual organizations are witnessed. One of the primary tasks in reducing total supply chain costs is to understand where the costs occur in a supply chain and how each activity impacts the total supply chain costs. Most supply chains in construction usually involve multiple entities, each one in a different process. A rebar supply chain is one example where many entities are involved in different processes. The supply chain coordinator needs a supply chain cost model, which shows how each activity impacts all supply chain costs to reduce the total costs. The research suggests a supply chain cost model using time-driven activity-based costing. The proposed cost model was applied to a building construction project, followed by sensitivity analysis identifying critical activities. This method can be adapted to analyze other fragmented material supply chains in the construction industry.

“Why can’t I Have the Office Jobs?”: Immigrant Latinx Transgender Peoples’ Experiences with Seeking Employment

2021 ◽  
pp. 089484532110629
Author(s):  
Roberto L. Abreu ◽  
Kirsten A. Gonzalez ◽  
Louis Lindley ◽  
Cristalís Capielo Rosario ◽  
Gabriel M. Lockett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
The United States ◽  
Disability Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Transgender People ◽  
Job Opportunities ◽  
Positive Experiences

Research has documented the experiences of transgender people in seeking employment. To date, no scholarship has explored the experiences of immigrant Latinx transgender people seeking employment in the United States. Using an intersectionality framework, the present study aimed to uncover the experiences of immigrant Latinx transgender people as they sought employment in the United States. A community sample of 18 immigrant Latinx transgender people from a large metropolitan city in Florida engaged in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed five themes related to participants’ experiences seeking employment, including: (1) discrimination, (2) limited options, (3) positive experiences, (4) momentary de-transition, and (5) disability benefits as financial relief. Future directions such as exploring ways in which immigrant Latinx transgender people resist discrimination while seeking job opportunities are discussed. Implications for practice and advocacy such as advocating for equitable employment policies that acknowledge the intersectional experiences of this community are presented.

scholarly journals Quantity Surveyors’ Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Mixed Method Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Seng Hansen ◽  
Susy F Rostiyanti ◽  
Rizaldi Rizaldi ◽  
Clara Andjarwati
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Work Culture ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Method Approach ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Project Sustainability ◽  
Project Objectives ◽  
Method Approach

The COVID-19 outbreak began at the end of 2019, and has evolved to a pandemic threatening various industries’ sustainability. Decisive actions have been taken to tackle the pandemic’s spread, however, various impacts continue to be felt by many industries, including the construction industry. This paper therefore focuses on the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on Quantity Surveyors’ (QS) construction projects and activities, as a key profession in the industry. A mixed method approach, questionnaire survey followed by expert interviews, was adopted. Subsequently, 199 valid responses for analysis were obtained from the questionnaire distribution, using descriptive statistics and Significance Index. Furthermore, qualitative data were acquired through semi-structured interviews with five experts, and analyzed using a structured thematic analysis. According to the results, 56.78% of respondents experienced project slowdowns, 13.57% experienced project suspensions or terminations, and 12.56% experienced cost overruns. Most respondents acknowledged the pandemic had present changes to projects (84.92%), in the form of changes in organization structure, work culture, technological application, and project objectives. Meanwhile, the Significance Index has successfully established an 11-factors ranking, regarding the pandemic’s impact on QS activities, with impact on the overall project completion as the most profound impact followed by impacts on project scheduling, supply chain, tendering, cost controlling, and claim management. This study’s qualitative and quantitative findings tend to be in accordance, thus, providing some fundamental insights regarding the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on the construction industry, including direct impacts on project sustainability, technology adoption, and project resiliency issues. In addition, this study also contributes to scientific knowledge by discussing the issues and trends of work culture changes in QS professional activities.

scholarly journals An Exploration of How Women Experience the Process of Intimate Partner Violence in Relationships Characterised by Bi-Directional Aggression.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Annette Levine
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Preventive Action ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Widespread Access ◽  
The Relationship

<p>This qualitative study explored how women in New Zealand experienced the process of intimate partner violence in relationships with men, which were characterised by bi-directional aggression. Using thematic analysis, semi-structured interviews with 11 women who experienced bi-directionally aggressive relationships were analysed and four themes were identified that encompassed 1) the foundations of bi-directional aggression; 2) the nature of bi-directional aggression within the relationship; 3) how the women were stuck in the relationship, and; 4) moving forward. The findings indicate how the vulnerabilities to bi-directional aggression can develop from early life and perpetuate and exacerbate over time in the context of the relationship dynamic. This highlights the need to implement preventive action to support adaptive self-regulation development in young people and families, provide education about bi-directional aggression and widespread access to support and treatment resources for all genders. Further implications and future directions for policy, research and practice regarding bi-directional aggression are discussed.</p>

scholarly journals Peer support for adolescent girls living with scoliosis: finding a digital community

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-11
Author(s):  
Marie Vigouroux ◽  
Kristina Amja ◽  
Richard B. Hovey
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Level Of Involvement ◽  
Philosophical Hermeneutic ◽  
Peer Support Group ◽  
Digital Community ◽  
The Individual

Introduction : Scoliosis in a condition where a curve develops in the spine. Adolescent girls affected by scoliosis are significantly more likely to require treatment such as bracing or surgery than their male counterparts. Curvy Girls is a peer support group for adolescent girls with scoliosis that allows them to engage with each other in a safe environment. Objectives : This study endeavours to explore the experiences of adolescent girls living with scoliosis who are Curvy Girls members and understand how this peer support group has affected their experience. Approach : Sixteen participants were recruited through a senior board member of Curvy Girls. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an applied philosophical hermeneutic approach, a practice of uncovering insights from transformational conversation. Findings : We found that the participants’ sense of belonging to Curvy Girls did not depend on their level of involvement with the group. Whether they were leaders in their in-person local group, or simply following the organization on social media, seeing themselves represented allowed the participants to feel like they belonged to the group. Future Directions : These findings may help clinicians, healthcare professionals, and peer support organisations deepen their understanding of the perspectives of this specific population. This transformed understanding could lead to the instauration of care and services that are better adapted to this population’s needs, resulting in lessening the burden of the condition on the individual and their support system.  

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