A cultural diversity management framework for enhancing the performance of architectural design firms in Egypt

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Nadine Ibrahim Fouda
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diverse Workforce ◽  
Design Firms

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a cultural diversity management (CDM) framework to enhance the performance of architecture design firms (ADFs) in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachA research methodology consisting of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire was designed to achieve the abovementioned aim. First, literature review was used to investigate the concepts of globalization, international construction, diversity, diversity management (DM) and organizational performance. Second, four case studies were presented and analyzed. The first two cases explored the role of CDM towards enhancing the performance of ADFs, while the last two cases showed initiatives carried out by NGOs to integrate architects of color into their communities through training programs that enhanced their skills and uplifted their societies. Third, a survey questionnaire was carried out with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to investigate their perception and application of DM towards enhancing organizational performance. Based on the results of the above, the research developed a framework to enhance the performance of ADFs through managing culturally diverse workforces.FindingsLiterature review showed that diversity is not limited to race and gender; however, it includes other types such as disability, socioeconomic status, thinking style, culture, personality, life experience, religious and spiritual beliefs. Despite the benefits that diversity brings to ADFs such as stimulating creativity and increasing productivity, poor management of diverse workforce leads to dysfunctional conflicts, frustration and confusion. Results of case studies showed that ADFs that adopt a CDM approach succeeded in enhancing their performance. In addition, training initiatives carried out by NGOs succeeded to integrate architects of color into their communities and uplifting their societies. Results of data analysis identified the barriers to integrating diverse workforce in ADFs. These barriers include “Poor communication and spirit of collaboration between diverse workforce”, “Resistance to change”, “Lack of maintaining wage equity and promotion between different workforces based on gender”, “Poor organization culture” and “Lack of Senior Management involvement”. This necessitated taking action towards developing a framework to overcome these barriers to manage diverse workforces towards enhancing the performance of ADFs in Egypt.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the conceptual nature of the proposed framework, it has to be tested and validated to ensure its capability to overcome the barriers of managing culturally diverse workforces as an approach for enhancing the performance of ADFs in Egypt.Practical implicationsThis research presents a practical solution to enhance the performance of ADFs in Egypt through managing cultural workforce diversity.Originality/valueThe research identified and analyzed the barriers that obstruct the integration of diverse workforces in ADFs. The research tackled a topic that received scant attention in construction literature with particular emphasis on Egypt. In addition, this paper proposed a CDM framework to enhance the performance of ADFs in Egypt, which represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the body of knowledge.

A framework for implementing integrated project delivery in architecture design firms in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Lamis Yasser Wagih Youssef
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Architecture Design ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Integrated Project Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrated Project ◽  
Design Firms

Purpose This paper aims to develop a framework for implementing the integrated project delivery (IPD) approach during the design process in architecture design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach A research methodology consists of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire was designed to achieve the abovementioned aim. First, literature review was used to identify and categorise the challenges of implementing IPD during the design process. Second, four case studies were analysed to investigate the values delivered to the client or missed due to the use of IPD or traditional procurement approaches, respectively. Finally, a survey questionnaire was carried out with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to investigate their perception towards the challenges of IPD implementation in Egypt. Based on the results of the above, the research developed a framework to facilitate the implementation of IPD in ADFs in Egypt. Findings Through literature review, the research identified 30 challenges that hamper the implementation of IPD in ADFs. These challenges were categorised due to their nature into five groups, namely, integration, cooperation, commitment and trust challenges, knowledge, experience skills and decision-making challenges, cultural challenges, legal and contractual challenges and technical and financial challenges. Results of data analysis showed that “poor communication and spirit of collaboration between project stakeholders” was ranked the highest influential challenge as IPD is based on collaboration and trust between project participants. In addition, “lack of training and motivation in investing for using IPD” was ranked the lowest influential challenge due to the poor attention paid to training in the construction industry. Moreover, despite the benefits of IPD implementations in many countries worldwide, it is not implemented in the Egyptian context. This necessitated taking action towards developing a framework to facilitate IPD implementation in ADFs in Egypt. Research limitations/implications The research focussed on ADFs in Egypt. Practical implications Adopting the proposed framework developed through this research will help implementing IPD during the design process in ADFs. Originality/value The research identified, categorised and analysed the challenges that obstruct the implementation of IPD in ADFs. The research tackled a topic that received scant attention in construction literature in the Middle East generally and Egypt in particular. In addition, this paper presented a framework to facilitate the implementation of IPD during the design process, which represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

scholarly journals Antecedents and Outcomes of a Culturally Diverse Workforce in Hotels

2021 ◽  
pp. 109634802098690
Author(s):  
Ashokkumar Manoharan ◽  
Michael J. Gross ◽  
Shruti R. Sardeshmukh
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Social Identity Theory ◽  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Diverse Workforce ◽  
The Social ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Hospitality Firms

The topic of cultural diversity in hospitality firms has been somewhat neglected in the abundant research on cultural diversity in organizations. To overcome the gap, the purpose of the research was to examine the antecedents and outcomes of employing a culturally diverse workforce in hotels. Results from semistructured interviews showed there are four antecedents for the increase in cultural diversity and outcomes reflect significantly more benefits than challenges. Our findings suggest the benefits of cultural diversity come from the informational advantages, supporting the processing perspective. The challenges of diversity are rooted in the social categorization and in-group-out-group dynamics, lending support to the social identity theory. This study advances diversity literature based on research evidence of the various antecedents and outcomes in employing a culturally diverse workforce. Implications for diversity management are offered so the benefits may be sustained, and the challenges may be minimized in hospitality firms.

Diversity management in tourism and hospitality: an exploratory study

foresight ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchika Malik ◽  
Tanavi Madappa ◽  
Jaya Chitranshi
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diverse Workforce ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism Industry

Purpose The hospitality and tourism industry has seen an increase in organizations operating internationally, bringing people from diverse cultural backgrounds together. The authors aim to help clarify that with a lack of awareness and understanding about diversity, many problems arise in terms of effective intercultural communication between managers and employees and employees and the customers. This paper helps in answering the questions related to the importance of cross cultural management, the intercultural issues faced by an organization, the best practices for diversity management and the future of cultural diversity. Design/methodology/approach The authors have carried out a review-based research of 60 papers relevant to the topic. The study has been restricted to secondary data consisting of research in the area of managing cultural diversity. Findings The researchers have concluded that there are different dimensions of cultural diversity and thus policies and programs to manage it have to be carefully implemented and integrated. Also, managers need to identify the current gaps in the organization in terms of diversity management to take the necessary steps for building a harmonious relationship between expatriates and the local employees. Originality/value The study addresses the complex nature of cultural diversity and the management issues of multiculturalism within the hospitality and tourism industry. The authors have made an effort to identify the best practices and programs for managing a diverse workforce which may also improve engagement and retention levels through radical inclusion of employees.

scholarly journals Managing Cultural Diversity: Implication for Organizational Innovativeness

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-371
Author(s):  
Amakiri Don-Solomon ◽  
Perewari Fakidouma
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Theoretical Implication ◽  
Organizational Goal ◽  
Diverse Workforce ◽  
Organizational Innovativeness ◽  
Cultural Variables ◽  
Cultural Implications

It is a known fact that the workplace is a repository of culturally diverse workforce, who brings their difference cultural inclinations and expertise to bear in pursuit of the general organizational goal. A diverse workforce comes with both benefits and challenges which are consequences of how the workforce is managed. This paper examines the theoretical implication of cultural diversity management on organizational innovativeness. The piece began with conceptual exposition of culture and the organization, organizational innovativeness as well as cultural diversity. Further, the paper identified cultural variables in the impeding workforce with subsequent management efforts of the diversity. Eventually, diverse cultural implications on organization innovativeness were emphasized. Findings are that; team that has variety of diverse characteristics can collectively spark a height of inventiveness, and likely exude better capacity to resolve intricate glitches and offers superior solution. Also, organization thrives creatively and innovatively in a culturally diverse workforce tolerant environment.

scholarly journals Achieving competitive advantage through the integration of disabled architects in architectural design firms in Egypt

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1547-1558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Marise Hossam Hosny Sorial
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Controversial Topic ◽  
Design Firms

AbstractThe 2030 strategy of sustainable development in Egypt is based on integrated goals, including Human Resource Development. Egypt has ~9,540 disabled architects, who can play an important role in achieving competitive advantage through their integration in Architectural Design Firms (ADFs). By neglecting the benefits of integrating disabled architects, ADFs encounter the risk of losing unique skills and competent personnel. This article investigates the integration of disabled architects in ADFs as an approach for achieving competitive advantage. To achieve this aim, a research methodology consisting of literature review, case studies, and survey questionnaire has been adopted, and it is designed to achieve five objectives. First, literature review is used to investigate the concepts of disabilities and competitive advantage, as well as the relation between integrating disabled architects and the achievement of competitiveness in ADFs. Second, six case studies are presented and analyzed to investigate the role and process of achieving competitive advantage in ADFs through employing disabled architects. Third, the results of a survey questionnaire are analyzed to examine the perception regarding and application of employing disabled architects as an approach for achieving competitive advantage in ADFs in Egypt. Fourth, a framework is developed to facilitate the integration of disabled architects in ADFs with the goal of achieving competitive advantage. Finally, the research findings are summarized and recommendations are put forth. The value of this research stems from the need to address the issue of lack of employment of disabled architects in ADFs and the benefits of making better use of their unique capabilities and skills toward achieving competitiveness. In addition, this research covers a controversial topic that receives scant attention in construction literature, especially in Egypt.

Healthcare supply chain management: literature review and some issues

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhavana Mathur ◽  
Sumit Gupta ◽  
Makhan Lal Meena ◽  
G.S. Dangayach
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Benefits

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the causal linkages among supply chain practices, effectiveness of supply chain performance (SCP) and organizational performance (OP) in Indian healthcare industries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is helpful in developing a framework for linking a healthcare supply chain practice to its OP, and thus identifies how such a linkage can be connected to the effectiveness of SCP. Such effort also enables the authors to derive a set of recommended supply chain practices for SC performance.FindingsFrom the literature review, this paper finds that, in the context of Indian healthcare industries, efficient SC performance may play a critical role for overall OP improvement, as there is a close interrelationship between supply chain management (SCM) practices and SCP that may have a more significant effect on OP improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe principle limitation of the paper is that it is performed only in a particular industry and with a questionnaire survey which could be extended in future for other industries also. Another limitation of the paper is that it is focused only on the SCP of medical device and equipment supply chain which is a small portion of the whole healthcare supply chain, and therefore requires further research covering various other domains of healthcare supply chain. Another limitation of the study is that the sample survey has been taken from only one respondent per company at one point of time which may create biasness in the results. Thus, future research should collect data through multiple members from the organization.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to know the effect of SCM practices on healthcare SCP and provides a practical and useful tool to evaluate the extent of effectiveness of SCP and finally their impact on the healthcare OP. Finally, this study provides conceptual and descriptive literature regarding SCM practices that leads to improvement in healthcare performance.Social implicationsThis study adds to the knowledge on healthcare SCM performance by exploring the relationship between supply chain practices, healthcare SCP and healthcare OP and by developing and testing a research framework thus help in improving patient satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study attempts to show how the potential benefits of supply chain practices can no longer be ignored in healthcare supply chain.

Achieving sustainability through integrating risk management into the architectural design process

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Nermeen Mohamed Amin Abdelwahab
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Design Firms

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework integrating risk management (RM) into the architectural design process (ADP) as an approach for delivering sustainable construction projects. Design/methodology/approach A research methodology, which consisted of literature review and field study, is designed to accomplish four objectives. First, to provide a comprehensive literature review of the concepts of sustainability, ADP and RM. Second, to present and synthesis the results of two relevant studies focused on identifying, quantifying and classifying the risks associated with ADP; and investigating the perception and application of Egyptian architectural design firms (ADFs) towards integrating RM into ADP as an approach for delivering sustainable construction projects. Third, to develop a framework that integrates RM into ADP towards delivering sustainable construction projects. Finally, to draw conclusions and recommendations to improve the practice of delivering sustainable construction projects among ADFs, construction professionals and governmental authorities. Findings ADP is a fundamental phase of the construction process because the decisions adopted during this phase affect the project performance throughout its life cycle. While RM is widely applied in different sectors of the construction industry, its application in ADP received scant attention in construction literature. The research identified 18 key risks that affect the sustainable delivery of construction projects during ADP. The architect, the client and the project manager are the highest ranked responsible parties for the occurrence of these key risks. The field study highlighted the need to develop a framework to facilitate integrating RM into ADP. Research limitations/implications This paper focused only on the integration of RM into ADP. Originality/value The conducted literature review and field study provided an in-depth understanding of the key risks that affect the sustainable delivery of construction projects during ADP. Through its five stages, the proposed framework is expected to serve as a foundation for integrating RM into ADP as an approach for delivering sustainable projects. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature. The developed framework represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

Optimising building performance through integrating risk management and building information modelling during the design process

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Fatma Othman Alamoudy
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Building Performance ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information

Purpose This paper aims to develop a framework for optimising building performance through the integration between risk management (RM) and building information modelling (BIM) during the design process. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this aim, a research strategy consisting of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire is designed to accomplish four objectives. First, to examine the concepts of design process, building performance, RM and BIM; second, to present three case studies to explain the role of using RM and BIM capabilities towards optimising building performance; third, to investigate the perception and application of architectural design firms in Egypt towards the role of RM and BIM for enhancing building performance during the design process; and finally, to develop a framework integrating RM and BIM during the design process as an approach for optimising building performance. Findings Through literature review, the research identified 18 risks that hamper optimising building performance during the design process. In addition, 11 building performance values and 20 BIM technologies were defined. Results of data analysis showed that “Design budget overrun”, “Lack of considering life cycle cost” and “Inefficient use of the design time” were ranked the highest risks that affect the optimisation of building performance. Respondents ranked “Risk avoid” or “Risk transfer” as the most risk responses adopted in the Egyptian context. In addition, “BIM As Built” was ranked the highest BIM technology used for overcoming risks during the design process. These findings necessitated taking action towards developing a framework to optimising building performance. Originality/value The research identified the risks that affect optimising building performance during the design process. It focuses on improving the design process through using the capabilities of BIM technologies towards overcoming these risks during the design process. The proposed framework which integrates RM and BIM represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

Leanness assessment of organizational performance: a systematic literature review

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 768-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narpat Ram Sangwa ◽  
Kuldip Singh Sangwan
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
English Language ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Assessment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review various themes of leanness, leanness assessment approaches, leanness assessment areas, and their evolution by a systematic literature review (SLR). Design/methodology/approach The eight types of literature review methodologies are identified and compared. The SLR is selected after critically analyzing the eight types of literature reviews. A four-phased SLR (i.e. plan, do, analyze/synthesize, and propose) has been carried out based on the peer-reviewed journal and conference articles on leanness assessment. Findings The existing literature on leanness assessment shows the lack of review-based papers on lean assessment. This study attempts to build a two-fold contribution to the field of leanness assessment: first, various types of themes, approaches, and assessment areas are identified; second, a framework for leanness assessment is proposed. The study shows that the research on leanness assessment is mainly empirical using qualitative judgment. The paper traces the changes in scope, areas, and approaches to leanness assessment. The scope of leanness assessment broadened from manufacturing process assessment to whole supply chain assessment including manufacturing process. The focus of earlier assessment was manufacturing and financial areas which now includes human resource, administration, new product development, suppliers, and customers also. Tool and technique based assessment has given way to outcome-based assessment using non-financial and qualitative parameters. Research limitations/implications One of the limitations of the study is that literature search was mainly focused on peer-reviewed articles published in English language only; therefore, some papers in others languages may have been missed. Apart from this, the SLR has been conducted for the manufacturing sector only. Practical implications The study is expected to be useful for the lean practitioners to identify the causes of reported lean failures. Moreover, the authors also expect that the conducted SLR will provide the passage to the practitioners for not only fostering the concepts on leanness assessment but also provide the vital and significant knowledge about the leanness assessment to the managers for enhancing organizational performance. Originality/value As per the authors’ knowledge, this is the first SLR on leanness assessment. It is expected that this paper will help the researchers working in the area of lean manufacturing to identify new areas of research.

Improving organizational performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Potential exists for businesses to considerably boost performance through the development and execution of an appropriate strategy. The structure of the organization is likewise key as it possesses scope to influence this relationship. Creating a structure which is highly decentralized can prove especially significant under certain conditions. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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