Architect–client relationship and value addition in private residential projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akash Angral
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Revealed Preferences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fee Structure ◽  
Client Relationship ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Residential Projects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contextualise the architect–client relationship and evaluate the factors responsible for its deterioration, and then define the impact of these factors on the future needs of architects and clients, including how such knowledge can help emerging architects to develop an understanding of the profession at an early stage. It will attempt to reveal new insights and build consensus around issues, such as functionality and aesthetics, per cent-based fee structure, conflict of interest amongst architects, contractors and clients. Design/methodology/approach A combination of qualitative online survey, semi-structured interviews and online focus group discussions under the comprehensive umbrella of the case study method has been used to construct a pragmatic framework. The data collection was focused on revealed preferences rather than stated preferences, in terms of likes and dislikes, in a standard survey. Findings Overall, this paper strengthens the idea that the predicament of the profession and the marginalisation of architects is due to their detachment from clients. The findings suggest that the fee structure might be a major source of discontent and there is an urgent need for alternative routes of procurement, particularly for private residential clients. While most clients prefer functionality over aesthetics and want architects to be affordable, they are more willing to invest their trust in architects who can deliver from concept to completion. Research limitations/implications The arguments contested in this paper attempt to demystify the dynamics that are at play during the construction stage. It looks at power sharing, responsibilities and silent hierarchies that transpire between architects, clients and contractors, particularly in private residential projects. Originality/value The main recommendation of this paper is that to secure the future of the architecture profession emerging architects need to be trained more in client-centric skills than design-centric aptitude.

scholarly journals Back to the future: challenges of European tourism of tomorrow

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natàlia Ferrer-Roca ◽  
Richard Weston ◽  
Jaume Guia ◽  
Tanja Mihalic ◽  
Dani Blasco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Tourism Development ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Future ◽  
Tourism Governance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the most recent (or emerging) trends likely to have a major impact in shaping the future of tourism in Europe. Design/methodology/approach The methodology of this paper involved in-depth literature review of European Union policies, initiatives and programs. Also, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key individuals/organisations, mainly at a European level, but also including pertinent global and national tourism organisations. Moreover, an online survey was also conducted and circulated to a wide range of organisations from all 28 EU Member States. Nvivo was used to analyse the documents as well as to conduct a content and thematic analysis of the interviews. Findings This paper identifies five trends associated with the future of tourism in Europe. Those main trends are: evolving visitor demand; marketing; stakeholders and tourism governance; new technologies; and sustainable and responsible tourism. Originality/value This trends paper provides five useful recommendations for the future of tourism in Europe, including: sustainable tourism development, investment in technology, effective tourism governance, enhance Europe's overall destination brand and marketing strategy, and the need for new skills and training.

The co-evolution of remote work and expectations in a COVID-19 world utilizing an expectation disconfirmation theory lens

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Carraher-Wolverton
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Of Work ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
The Future ◽  
Expectation Disconfirmation ◽  
Intention To Continue ◽  
The Impact

Purpose As researchers are being called to examine the evolving technology research issues for COVID-19 and other pandemics, remote work has been accelerated and represents the future of work. Although it is known that one of the top forces shaping the future of work is changing employee expectations, the knowledge of remote work during a pandemic remains scant. Thus, this paper aims to determine the impact of remote worker’s expectations on their level of satisfaction and intention to continue to work remotely. Design/methodology/approach Using one of the prominent theories on expectations, Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDT), the authors conduct an online survey of 146 individuals who are currently working remotely. Findings By applying EDT, the findings demonstrate that an individual’s expectations regarding remote work impact their level of satisfaction with remote work and intention to continue to work remotely. Incorporating extant research, the findings extend the research stream to indicate that employees’ expectations about remote work significantly impact both their level of satisfaction and level of productivity. Originality/value The discussion elucidates the significance of understanding employee expectations regarding remote work in the evolving new normal. The findings from the study demonstrate the importance of an individual’s expectations regarding remote work on their level of satisfaction with remote work and intention to continue to work remotely. Thus, this study fills a gap in the literature by applying EDT to the remote work context.

scholarly journals The social value of rescuing food, nourishing communities

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (12) ◽  
pp. 3044-3058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miranda Mirosa ◽  
Louise Mainvil ◽  
Hayley Horne ◽  
Ella Mangan-Walker
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Value ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Evaluation ◽  
The Social ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the social value food rescue enterprises can create for both their stakeholders and the wider community “in the meantime” whilst longer term solutions to the problems of insecurity and waste are sought. Design/methodology/approach FoodShare, a New Zealand urban-based social enterprise specialising in food redistribution, served as a case study for this research. Semi-structured interviews (n=13) were conducted with FoodShare staff and key stakeholder groups (food donors, financial donors, recipient agencies and volunteers). In addition, an anonymous online survey (n=40) was completed by the wider organisational volunteer network. The interview guides were structured around a new social value evaluation tool, Social Return on Investment, which is increasingly used to demonstrate the impact of such programmes. Deductive methods were used to code the resulting transcripts to identify key outcomes experienced by FoodShare’s stakeholders. Findings The outcomes of FoodShare’s work differed for the various stakeholders. For food donors, outcomes included “more involved relationships with community”, and “improved perceptions of corporate social responsibility”. Identified key outcomes for the financial donors included “key promotional opportunity” and “do something good”. For recipient agencies, important outcomes were “greater volume of food” and “increased reach”. Volunteers reported “meeting new people”, “a sense of accomplishment in helping others” and “learning new skills”. There were also a number of nutritional and environmental outcomes for the wider community. Originality/value Given the dearth of evidence on the societal value that is created in redistributing unsold food to people in need, this novel perspective makes a significant contribution to the literature in this area.

Agriculture value chain sustainability during COVID-19: an emerging economy perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sneha Kumari ◽  
V.G. Venkatesh ◽  
Eric Deakins ◽  
Venkatesh Mani ◽  
Sachin Kamble
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Relational Governance ◽  
Supply Chain Disruptions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

PurposeAgriculture value chains (AVCs) have experienced unprecedented disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and stringent social distancing restrictions making buying and selling behaviours complex and uncertain. This study aims provide a theoretical framework describing the stakeholder behaviours that arise in severely disrupted value chains, which give rise to inter-organisational initiatives that impact industry sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach is adopted, in which uncertainty theory and relational governance theory and structured interviews with 15 AVC stakeholders underpin the initial conceptual model. The framework is empirically validated via partial least squares structural equation modelling using data from an online survey of 185 AVC stakeholders based in India.FindingsThe findings reveal that buyer and supplier uncertainty created by the COVID-19 lockdowns gives rise to behaviours that encourage stakeholders to engage in relational governance initiatives. Progressive farmers and other AVC stakeholders welcome this improved information sharing, which encourages self-reliance that positively impacts agricultural productivity and sustainability.Practical implicationsThe new framework offers farmers and other stakeholders in developing nations possibilities to sustain their AVCs even in dire circumstances. In India, this also requires an enabling ecosystem to enhance smallholders' marketing power and help them take advantage of recent agricultural reforms.Originality/valueResearch is scarce into the impact of buyer and seller behaviour during extreme supply chain disruptions. This study applies relational governance and uncertainty theories, leading to a proposed risk aversion theory.

scholarly journals Performance of SMEs in Tangier: the interface of networking and wasta

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yassine Sefiani ◽  
Barry J. Davies ◽  
Robin Bown ◽  
Neilson Kite
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Phase ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Business Connections ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Qualitative Phase

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of networking on business performance by uncovering particular and significant methods of pursuing business connections, for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tangier. Design/methodology/approach A two-stage design, which incorporated both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was employed in this study. Approaches were employed in succession with the findings from the quantitative phase informing the qualitative phase. Initially, a paper and online survey questionnaire was administered to a population of 365 industrial SMEs to gain some insights on the perceptions of owner-managers of the impact of networking on business performance. Following the quantitative phase, 15 in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with selected owner-managers of SMEs, forming a judgmental selection, to explore their experiences, beliefs, and attitudes with respect to networking factor. Findings Both quantitative and qualitative phases of the study found that networking was a significant factor in influencing the success of SMEs. The concept of wasta, the Arabic word for connections, emerged from the qualitative phase. Findings show that using wasta, through politico-business networks is important since it enables access to current information that is crucial for the success of SMEs. The concept of wasta was also mentioned in relation to financial resources and suppliers. Findings revealed that strong relationships with suppliers enable firms to get financial resources in the form of trade credits. Furthermore, the relationship between wasta and human resources was also revealed. Findings showed that owner-managers use their network relations through wasta in order to recruit their staff. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study add to the understanding of networking in Arabic countries with the importance of wasta in an economy that functions on relationships. The findings of this study could therefore be useful to international managers to assist their intercultural effectiveness by adjusting to culture-specific networking in Tangier. Originality/value This study is among those few studies located in the Middle East North Africa region that explore the performance of SMEs from the perceptions of owner-managers themselves, and not based on aggregate or economic data. It supports previous findings of several studies and contributes additional evidence that suggests the significance of wasta and its impact on SME success.

scholarly journals What you see depends on where you look: performance measurement of Australian accounting academics

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1193-1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Martin-Sardesai ◽  
James Guthrie ◽  
Basil P. Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
University Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems ◽  
University Leaders ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper explores the impact of contemporary calculative practices, termed “accountingisation”, on Australian accounting academics' values. Also, it seeks to understand the rationale underlying the development of various university performance measurement systems (PMSs), and their implementation and evaluation.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach uses accounting academics' responses to an online survey and also semi-structured interviews with senior research-related leaders in a group of Australian universities. This is supplemented by document analysis. A narrative story-telling approach explores and presents the combined data observations, over the period 2010–2018, of two characters: a “typical” accounting academic and a “typical” vice-chancellor.FindingsThe study contributes to the literature on PMSs in understanding “accountingisation”, the rationale behind the development, implementation and evaluation of performance metrics by senior management and its impact on accounting academics. It juxtaposes and unpacks the complexities and nuances of PMSs and provides empirical evidence by highlighting the perceptions of both the Australian accounting academics and senior university management. The findings demonstrate a level of discontent among accounting academics in reconciling the expectations of increased “accountingisation” within university PMSs. These are juxtaposed against the views of senior university leaders who are influential in determining PMSs.Originality/valueThis paper is novel in considering the implications of “accountingisation” in a contemporary setting, focusing on accounting academics, values and individual PMSs within business schools.

The impact of COVID-19 on police training academies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. White ◽  
Joseph Schafer ◽  
Michael Kyle
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
State Level ◽  
Police Training ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Police Recruits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the impacts coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had on US police academies’ production of police recruits.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a national online survey of police academy directors in the USA, followed by purposive, semi-structured interviews of select academy directors. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data is combined in a mixed methods approach.FindingsThe findings suggest that academies experienced a range of impacts related to COVID-19. These impacts lead to more questions concerning how academies and state-level governing boards responded not only to pandemic-related challenges, but also to their willingness to accept more online and alternative curriculum delivery strategies.Originality/valuePolice academies are a required step in the production of new police recruits in the USA, but researchers have paid little attention to how academies operate. While exploratory, this study provides some insights into how this aspect of policing weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers suggestions for future research, as well as policy implications.

scholarly journals Views of the Future of Partners of People with Multiple Sclerosis Who Attended a Lifestyle Modification Workshop: A Qualitative Analysis of Perspectives and Experiences

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Sandra L. Neate ◽  
Keryn L. Taylor ◽  
Nupur Nag ◽  
George A. Jelinek ◽  
Steve Simpson-Yap ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Interpretive Phenomenology ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
The Future ◽  
Partner Perceptions ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) often experience uncertainty and fear about their futures. Partners of PwMS may share their concerns and experience fears about their own futures, limitations on their lives, ability to work, and becoming a carer. For PwMS, modification of lifestyle-related risk factors has been associated with improved health outcomes. For PwMS who attended residential lifestyle modification workshops (RLMW), sustained improved health outcomes have been demonstrated. Whether improved outcomes for PwMS who engage with lifestyle modification translate to improved partner perceptions of the future, is yet to be explored. We explored the perspectives of partners of PwMS who had attended a RLMW and the impact that the person with MS’s illness and their engagement with lifestyle modification had on their partners’ views of the future. Analysis of 21 semi-structured interviews used a methodology informed by Heidegger’s Interpretive Phenomenology. Three themes emerged: ‘uncertainty’, ‘planning for the future’ and ‘control, empowerment and confidence’. Subthemes included MS and lifestyle modification being a catalyst for positive change; developing a sense of control and empowerment; and hope, optimism and positivity. Lifestyle modification may provide benefits, not only to PwMS, but also to their partners, and should be considered part of mainstream management of MS.

scholarly journals The impact of coronavirus lockdown on oral healthcare and its associated issues of pre-schoolers in China: an online cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Liu ◽  
Shuang Zhang ◽  
Chenzheng Zhang ◽  
Baojun Tai ◽  
Han Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Children’S Oral Health

Abstract Background The sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic influenced people’s daily life. During lockdown of Wuhan city, the oral health and its associated issues of preschool children were investigated and guidance for dental clinics when the epidemic were controlled in the future were also provided. Methods A national online survey was conducted among preschool children and completed by their caregivers. The questionnaire related to children’s oral health status and care behaviour, caregivers' attitudes. The information was statistically analyzed between Wuhan residents and others residents. Results 4495 valid questionnaires were collected. In oral health status, during Wuhan lockdown, 60.8%, 35.5% and 18.3% children had self-reported dental caries, toothache and halitosis respectively. In oral health attitudes, respondents who would increase attention to oral health was more than that would decrease. In oral hygiene behaviour, compared to non-Wuhan children, the children in Wuhan became more active in brushing their teeth. In utilization of dental services in the future, less Wuhan residents would choose to have dental visit directly, 28.5% Wuhan residents and 34.7% non-Wuhan residents agreed all of procedures could be done if proper protected. Conclusions Oral health status and associated issues of preschool children in Wuhan were significantly different from that of others during lockdown of Wuhan city and in the future. Effective measures should be taken as early as possible to protect children's oral health.

scholarly journals Service-user efforts to maintain their wellbeing during and after successful withdrawal from antipsychotic medication

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 204512532198913
Author(s):  
Miriam Larsen-Barr ◽  
Fred Seymour
Keyword(s):  
Antipsychotic Medication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
What Works ◽  
Systemic Factors ◽  
The Impact

Background: It is well-known that attempting antipsychotic withdrawal can be a fraught process, with a high risk of relapse that often leads people to resume the medication. Nonetheless, there is a group of people who appear to be able to discontinue successfully. Relatively little is known about how people do this. Methods: A convenience sample of adults who had stopped taking antipsychotic medication for more than a year were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews through an anonymous online survey that investigated antipsychotic medication experiences in New Zealand. Thematic analysis explored participant descriptions of their efforts to maintain their wellbeing during and after the withdrawal process. Results: Of the seven women who volunteered to participate, six reported bipolar disorder diagnoses and one reported diagnoses of obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. The women reported successfully discontinuing antipsychotics for 1.25–25 years; six followed a gradual withdrawal method and had support to prepare for and manage this. Participants defined wellbeing in terms of their ability to manage the impact of any difficulties faced rather than their ability to prevent them entirely, and saw this as something that evolved over time. They described managing the process and maintaining their wellbeing afterwards by ‘understanding myself and my needs’, ‘finding what works for me’ and ‘connecting with support’. Sub-themes expand on the way in which they did this. For example, ‘finding what works for me’ included using a tool-box of strategies to flexibly meet their needs, practicing acceptance, drawing on persistence and curiosity and creating positive life experiences. Conclusion: This is a small, qualitative study and results should be interpreted with caution. This sample shows it is possible for people who experience mania and psychosis to successfully discontinue antipsychotics and safely manage the impact of any symptoms that emerge as a result of the withdrawal process or other life stressors that arise afterwards. Findings suggest internal resources and systemic factors play a role in the outcomes observed among people who attempt to stop taking antipsychotics and a preoccupation with avoiding relapse may be counterproductive to these efforts. Professionals can play a valuable role in facilitating change.

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