scholarly journals What is architectural management? Towards a pragmatic definition

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Alharbi ◽  
Stephen Emmitt ◽  
Peter Demian
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Common Understanding

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a pragmatic definition of architectural management (AM) derived from systematic research. Design/methodology/approach – A triangulated approach to data collection was employed, comprising a number of sequential stages. First, a literature review was carried out to analyse the previous attempts to define the term. Then, a preliminary survey was conducted (online questionnaire) to capture the current interpretations of the term. After that, a new definition was formulated based on analysing and synthesising the collected data. The fourth stage was focused on examining the consistency of the new definition through the perspectives of architectural researchers and practitioners. The final stage was refining the definition based on the feedback. Findings – After following a pragmatic approach for constructing a new definition of AM; and based on the results of the several testing stages, it was found that AM is associated with the strategic management of the architectural office and its individual projects; and it is responsible for value design and delivery for its adopter and for the different types of stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – Although there was some quantitative testing in addition to the qualitative data the response rate was low in terms of the population of UK architectural practices. Originality/value – The outcome is the first definition of AM grounded in research. The research is unique in terms of reviewing the scope and limitations of the previous definitions of AM. Based on the research findings, the new definition of AM was found to offer an accepted description of AM that can be used by both researchers, educators and practising architects. The definition provides a common understanding (vocabulary) for those working in the area of AM.

scholarly journals Accommodating nomadism and mobility

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 324-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë James ◽  
Rebekah Southern
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
South West ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Socially Excluded ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how and why Gypsies and Travellers are socially excluded in England and how their experience may be reflected in other European contexts. Specifically, the paper explores the impact of planning policies on accommodation provision for Gypsies and Travellers in England and subsequently how their exclusion manifests due to the sedentarist binary definition of nomadism embedded within that policy. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on evidence from empirical research carried out by the authors in the South West of England in 2015 as part of an accommodation needs assessment of Gypsies and Travellers. The research was commissioned by a local authority but the analysis presented here was carried out in addition to the core report. The decision to comment further on the research findings in relation to policy and theory was agreed with the project funders. Findings The research findings show that there continues to be a lack of accommodation provided to Gypsies and Travellers in England, despite policy and legislative initiatives to the contrary. The paper identifies that current government policy in England is likely to diminish access to appropriate accommodation in the future for Gypsies and Travellers, particularly for the most vulnerable. Finally, the paper concludes that a sedentarist binary definition of nomadism has failed to recognise Gypsy and Traveller communities’ culture or mobility. Originality/value This paper sets out how an underpinning “sedentarist binary” definition of nomadism is used in England to determine policies of provision for Gypsies and Travellers. That definition is based on the sedentary notions of nomadism that are binary, distinguishing only between people who are mobile and people who are not, rather than acknowledging the cultural nomadism of Gypsies and Travellers. The findings are useful beyond the UK context as they help to explain why Gypsies, Travellers and Roma in wider Europe remain excluded within states despite extensive European initiatives for inclusion.

Social entrepreneurship in Nigeria through drivers of religion and work-desire

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thea van der Westhuizen ◽  
Yemisi Adelakun
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Analysis Programme

Purpose Entrepreneurs engaging in social entrepreneurship are inspired by a need to make a difference in their local socio-economic circumstances. In developing countries and emerging economies, social entrepreneurs from deep rural areas are tapping into different types of ways to inspire themselves to sustain actions. Little research has been done to investigate the role religion plays as a source of inspiration to rural entrepreneurs in developing countries. Many scholars from economic sciences reject the probability of linking religion to social entrepreneurship. The purpose of this study is to investigate themes as inspired by religious paradigm aspects of desire, disenchantment, epiphany, bridging and enlightenment. A framework was created for social entrepreneurship development by using religious drivers as premise. Design/methodology/approach In a partially inductive, exploratory design, this study examined the objectives through a qualitative approach. ATLAS.ti, a qualitative data analysis programme, was used for thematic analysis. Findings The key finding was that in this specific rural demographic area, social entrepreneurs often express a common motivation as an aspiration to integrate their religious beliefs and work. Originality/value Investigating a specific demographic sample in a deep rural area in Nigeria provided valuable insights into the community’s way of living by incorporating aspects of religious drivers to develop social entrepreneurship. It was also valuable to discover that the sample views qualities such as hard work, independence and thrift as drivers to strengthen their religious belief and in return boost social entrepreneurship.

Vulnerability as a driver of the police response to fraud

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-64
Author(s):  
Michael Skidmore ◽  
Janice Goldstraw-White ◽  
Martin Gill
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Police Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Frameworks for understanding victim harm and vulnerability have become central to priority-setting and resource allocation for decision-makers in the police and government in the UK. This paper aims to look at the meaning of vulnerability in the context of fraud. Design/methodology/approach The research took a mixed methods approach, including analysis of national crime data (n = 61,902), qualitative data collected from interviews with practitioners (n = 107) and a survey of strategic lead officers in the police (n = 32). Findings There was a lack of clarity across practitioners and organisations in their understanding of vulnerability and the way it informed the police response to fraud, and a lack of resources and capability for identifying it. Research limitations/implications The authors invite reconsideration of the approach to fraud victims which have for too long been forgotten by response and support agencies. Practical implications We need to standardise and agree the definition of “vulnerability”; rethink eligibility levels; and refocus police on fraud victims taking vulnerability as a meaningful criterion in deciding who to support. Originality/value There is very little research on vulnerability and fraud victims; this paper, based on original research, fills this gap.

Elastic and plastic innovation capability in firms

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 198-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Zou ◽  
Feng Guo ◽  
Michael Song
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory Of The Firm ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Past Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Common

Purpose Although the extant innovation literature has extensively explored the attributes of different types of innovation capability, little is known yet about the common phenomenon of the rebound and durableness of innovation capability. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to address these aspects by introducing the concepts of elastic and plastic innovation capability. Design/methodology/approach Based on the behavioral theory of the firm, the authors propose a theoretical model to study the antecedents and outcomes of elastic and plastic innovation capability. An empirical testing involves two data sets that contained 183 companies in three industries. The empirical evidence supports the existence of the concepts of elastic and plastic innovation capability. Findings The research findings also demonstrate that a firm’s past performance is positively related to elastic innovation capability. Elastic innovation capability and organizational aspiration are positively related to plastic innovation capability. Both elastic and plastic innovation capability significantly lead to superior performance. Originality/value This study makes three main contributions to the existing innovation literature. First, the authors extend existing knowledge on innovation capability by proposing two new types of innovation capability – elastic and plastic innovation capability. Second, the proposed concepts of elastic and plastic innovation capability contribute to the theory of dynamic capability. Finally, this study reveals the micro-mechanism of elastic and plastic innovation capability from the perspective of the behavior theory of the firm and their different effect on firm performance.

Inter-organizational relationships: toward a reconceptualization of constructs

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Agostini ◽  
Anna Nosella ◽  
Mehari Beyene Teshome
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Organizational Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Network ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a reconceptualization of existing constructs within the inter-organizational relationship (IOR) domain to face two main issues: the proliferation of constructs emerged because of a fast-growing body of literature, and the interchangeable and ambiguous use of constructs. Design/methodology/approach First, the authors surveyed the literature regarding IORs using a structured process supported by the use of bibliometric technique, and then the authors organized an expert panel process that contributes to refine the reconceptualization of the constructs. Findings The results of the analyses allow a further confirmation of the inconsistency in the definition of IOR constructs and provide a clear reconceptualization of the inter-organizational network and alliance constructs, recognized as the most relevant in this domain. Originality/value Being the first attempt to deal with the issue of construct reconceptualization in the IOR domain practically, and considering that clear construct definitions serve as a necessary basis for theory building, this paper has relevant implications for the development of theory related to the different types of IORs.

Conflict factors investigation among construction professionals in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 1121-1137
Author(s):  
Benjamen Sunkanmi Adeyemi ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Strict Adherence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose This paper aims to determine various factors that cause conflict among professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This study made use of quantitative approach. Questionnaires were used as a form of data collection, and it was distributed to construction professionals such as quantity surveyors, architects, builders, civil engineers, project managers and construction managers in Ondo and Lagos state to ascertain various factors that cause conflict among professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. A total number of 150 questionnaires were distributed, but 135 were received from the respondents that represent 90 per cent of response rate. In this study, the descriptive analysis and exploratory factor analysis were used. Findings The findings from this study show that the major cause of conflict among the professionals is favouritism. This is followed by role ambiguity that occurs due to improper definition of the role of different construction professionals, and it leads to a misunderstanding culminating into conflict. Also, other major causes of conflict among construction professionals in Nigeria include differences in professionals’ experience, differences in level of education, differences in personalities and differences in professionals’ goal and views. Originality/value It should be emphasized that professionals must avoid and desist from any factors that can cause conflict among them. Strict adherence by construction professionals in Nigeria will encourage free flow of ideas and will help them progress. This will actually lead to improvement on professionals tasks.

Will contractors pursue unsustainable practices following environmental recovery? A highway case in China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Shang ◽  
Xin Hu ◽  
Kunhui Ye ◽  
Vivian W. Y. Tam
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Tolerance ◽  
Environmental Recovery ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Research Findings

PurposeThis study aims to map out contractors' thoughts on construction-related environmental recovery as an excuse for deliberately carrying on unsustainable construction.Design/methodology/approachA typical highway construction project in China was investigated. Textual materials were collected through semistructured interviews. Content analysis was conducted to derive qualitative data from the textual materials.FindingsThe research findings reveal a trend of environmental recovery associated with construction activities. It is found that contractors utilize this trend to maintain unsustainable construction. Furthermore, the effects of environmental recovery equip local governments with a tolerance for environmental degradation, and the environmental tolerance allows contractors to continue unsustainable construction without being discovered.Originality/valueThis paper presents an environmental recovery-based perspective on unsustainable construction and sheds some light on the promotion of sustainable construction.

scholarly journals Benefits and risks associated with time choice of innovating in retail settings

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Pantano
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Demand Pull ◽  
Management Perspective ◽  
Subsequent Choice ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose – The innovation success requires a deep understanding of risks and benefits of the process, as well as of the best moment for innovating. The purpose of this paper is to explore the current retailers’ choice of innovating in terms of being the first innovator imitating competitors’ innovations, by declining the benefits and risks associated with the both strategies. Design/methodology/approach – Building on qualitative data from retail industry, with emphasis on fashion (including clothes, jewelry, and accessories), the investigation provides an empirical contribution to the emerging area on innovation management in retailing through its in-depth investigation of the strategies of eight case retailers who introduced technological innovations in the last three years, and by mapping the patterns between strategy and outcomes. Findings – The analysis revealed how pioneers and followers acted their strategies for achieving benefits and reducing the encountered risks. In particular, findings identify to what extend pioneers act according the technology push and followers according to the demand pull. Originality/value – The research starts from the definition of the time choice of innovating, and the subsequent choice of being the first innovation adopter or the imitator. The insights support scholarly exploration of innovation management by offering a new marketing management perspective, and providing practitioners with a better understanding on the time choice for innovating in retailing and also in broader empirical settings.

scholarly journals Advantages and potential challenges of data management in e-maintenance

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arian Razmi-Farooji ◽  
Hanna Kropsu-Vehkaperä ◽  
Janne Härkönen ◽  
Harri Haapasalo
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Maintenance Systems ◽  
Industry Leader ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to understand data management challenges in e-maintenance systems from a holistically viewpoint through summarizing the earlier scattered research in the field, and second, to present a conceptual approach for addressing these challenges in practice. Design/methodology/approach The study is realized as a combination of a literature review and by the means of analyzing the practices on an industry leader in manufacturing and maintenance services. Findings This research provides a general understanding over data management challenges in e-maintenance and summarizes their associated proposed solutions. In addition, this paper lists and exemplifies different types and sources of data which can be collected in e-maintenance, across different organizational levels. Analyzing the data management practices of an e-maintenance industry leader provides a conceptual approach to address identified challenges in practice. Research limitations/implications Since this paper is based on studying the practices of a single company, it might be limited to generalize the results. Future research topics can focus on each of mentioned data management challenges and also validate the applicability of presented model in other companies and industries. Practical implications Understanding the e-maintenance-related challenges helps maintenance managers and other involved stakeholders in e-maintenance systems to better solve the challenges. Originality/value The so-far literature on e-maintenance has been studied with narrow focus to data and data management in e-maintenance appears as one of the less studied topics in the literature. This research paper contributes to e-maintenance by highlighting the deficiencies of the discussion surrounding the perspectives of data management in e-maintenance by studying all common data management challenges and listing different types of data which need to be acquired in e-maintenance systems.

Establishing a benchmark for continuous HR improvement

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Claire Clifford
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Leadership Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – This paper explains how Sabio approached benchmarking of their overall human resource (HR) performance. Design/methodology/approach – Sabio asked employees for feedback, achieving an impressive 92 per cent response rate. Findings – Feedback from employees highlighted issues around leadership, communication and corporate social responsibility. The article explains how Sabio addressed these issues. Originality/value – This paper gives a first-hand account of benchmarking for HR departments and how the company addressed the issues raised.

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