Facilities and maintenance services for sustainable high-rise living

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 330-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mal Kong Sia ◽  
Vivien Wong Chin Yew ◽  
Zhi Yong Lim ◽  
Ye Dongqing
Keyword(s):  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Property Management ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Joint Management ◽  
High Rise ◽  
The Common ◽  
Residential Living ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose It is essential to provide the necessary facilities in a building for human living. However, most unit owners of high-rise buildings do not realise the importance of good property management until their buildings and common facilities have deteriorated. It is thus important to ensure adequate maintenance is provided to create and sustain a healthy living environment for high-rise households. The purpose of this study is to measure and compare the perceptions and satisfactions of residents with the facilities and maintenance services provided in two different condominiums located next to each other. Design/methodology/approach Survey questionnaires were used, and the data were collected from 120 residents of each condominium which was developed by the same developer but completed at different times. Using the IBM SPSS Statistics software, cross tabulations, χ2 tests of independence and independent-samples t-tests were carried out for descriptive and inferential statistics. A simple post questionnaire survey was conducted to confirm the findings obtained from χ2 tests and t-tests. Findings The results show that residents’ perceptions of facilities and maintenance services provided are significantly higher for the newer condominium compared to the older one. Residents’ satisfactions with facilities are also higher for the newer condominium. However, poorer lift services and their maintenance have resulted in lower overall mean satisfaction with maintenance services for the newer condominium. Nevertheless, results from data collected in post questionnaire survey reveal that the respondents still prefer to live in the newer condominium despite higher rental rates. Research limitations/implications This paper reports only the data collected from samples of two condominiums in Kuala Lumpur. Practical implications There is a dearth of literature on residents’ perceptions and satisfactions towards facilities and maintenance services provided for high-rise residential living, particularly in Malaysia, where high-rise buildings are either managed by joint management body or management corporation depending on whether the strata titles have been issued. The findings can be used as benchmarks for property management purposes of condominiums. Originality/value This paper could be considered as the first in reporting residents’ perceptions and satisfactions with the facilities and maintenance services provided in residential high-rise buildings since the implementation of the Strata Management Act 2013, which was implemented to provide for proper maintenance and management of high-rise buildings and the common properties.

scholarly journals Accounting for the messiness of the research process: the fieldpath approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perttu Salovaara
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Human Ethics ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
The Common ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose It has recently become more acknowledged that there is a quality of “messiness” to the qualitative research process. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the fieldpath approach—a hermeneutically inspired framework—to account for the non-linearity, uncertainty and ambiguity of the research process. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper reviews how the scope of hermeneutics has been partly misunderstood. The paper discusses how the scope of hermeneutics has lately been expanded by works such as Günter Figal’s (2010) Objectivity: The Hermeneutical and Philosophy. Findings The fieldpath approach proposes that a heightened relation to materiality enables the messiness of the process to be preserved, while at the same time offering a way to find one’s footing in the midst of ontologically incomplete phenomena that are still—in a processual fashion—forming and becoming. Research limitations/implications This is a conceptual paper. In addition to the research mentioned here, more studies would be needed to legitimise, test and refine the approach. Practical implications Objectivity provides an additional criterion for researchers to lean on when facing the non-linearity and unexpected turns inherent in the qualitative research process. Social implications The stress on materiality involves an ethical dimension. Post-human ethics are concerned with the future environmental consequences and sustainability of the material world. The way that matter matters in our methodologies is of primary importance. Originality/value First, the paper emphasises that hermeneutics, contrary to the common perception, does offer criteria for evaluating between interpretations. Second, it introduces the notion of hermeneutic objectivity, which stresses the importance of materiality for interpretations. Third, it introduces the fieldpath approach, which, based on the previous criterion of hermeneutic objectivity, allows for the messiness of the research process, while also preserving a tight grip on the hermeneutic imperative of “understanding in a new way”.

Managers’ psychological challenges in implementing corporate responsibility in supply chains

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 564-578
Author(s):  
David Eriksson ◽  
Göran Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Corporate Responsibility ◽  
Bystander Effect ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effect Theory ◽  
The Common ◽  
Identification Theory ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to conceptualize managers’ psychological challenges with respect to implementing corporate responsibility throughout supply chains. Design/methodology/approach Four areas of psychological theory are introduced to expand the understanding of the challenges involved in implementing corporate responsibility in supply chains, namely, relationship and humanization theory; the number-of-people-suffering theory; superficial-identification theory; and the bystander effect theory. Findings The common denominator between the introduced areas of psychological theory is that all consider the expected degree of corporate responsibility in supply chains to extend beyond managers’ ability to cope so that failure is probable. Research limitations/implications Supply chain management research needs to consider various psychological challenges to effectively address corporate responsibility in supply chains. This research shows that it is important to include theory from psychology to truly understand the challenges faced by managers, although only a few theories are presented here. More comprehensive reviews are needed in the future. Practical implications Managers require guidelines based on psychological theory to assist them in overcoming their inabilities in this context. Originality/value SCM research advocates responsibility for all those affected by this phenomenon, but the lack of theoretical grounding to meet the prevailing psychological challenges hampers the efficacy of putting the current recommendations into business practice. The paper is one of only a few to address managers’ psychological challenges in dealing with corporate responsibility across organizational borders and judicial boundaries in supply chains.

Prospects and restraints of green roofs for high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-260
Author(s):  
Subaskar Charles ◽  
Herath Vidyaratne ◽  
Damithri Gayashini Melagoda
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Rise ◽  
The Government

Purpose Green roofs are acknowledged as a method to substitute greenery washed out by the urbanization. They provide many ecological and sustainable benefits of greenery; reduce the adverse effects of high-rise building constructions. Though this concept is more popular across many countries over the past few decades, still, implementation of this technology in Sri Lanka is new and scant. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the potential of green roofs in high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach The data collection was conducted through expert interviews and questionnaire survey. Expert interviews were carried out to validate the prospects and restraints identified through literature review to the Sri Lankan context and analyzed using content analysis. Questionnaire survey identified the most significant prospects and restraints using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Findings Reduction of air pollution, aesthetical appearance, thermal benefits and energy savings, reduction of an urban heat island effect, the addition of points in the green rating system are the top most significant prospects that need to be highlighted in promoting green roof systems in Sri Lankan high rises. Less space allocation on rooftops, lack of technical competence and lack of awareness and research are restraints that need most effective elimination strategies to encourage green roof systems. Originality/value The first identified and quantified prospects and restraints for green roof system in Sri Lankan high-rise buildings can be utilized by the government, donors, multi-lateral agencies to promote the sustainable development in Sri Lanka and this knowledge could be used in different scale awareness programs. The value of this paper is such that the paper discusses the links of green roofs with the other facets of sustainability. The new legal reforms and amendments in Sri Lanka could potentially be pending with findings of this study.

Dark tourism: tourist value and loyalty intentions

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 915-929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pramod Sharma ◽  
Jogendra Kumar Nayak
Keyword(s):  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Direct And Indirect Effects ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Dark Tourism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loyalty Intentions ◽  
Emotional Value ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of tourists’ value on satisfaction and loyalty intentions in dark tourism.Design/methodology/approachThis research was conducted using the data collected through a questionnaire survey from 403 tourists visiting a dark tourism destination in India. Data were analyzed using CFA and SPSS macro (Process).FindingsThe findings confirmed that tourists’ values have significant direct and indirect effects on loyalty intentions via satisfaction in dark tourism. Among specific value, the strongest direct and indirect influence of emotional value in dark tourism is the unique finding of this research.Practical implicationsThis study would help the marketers, government, local authorities and relevant stakeholders operating in dark tourism to formulate policies and strategies to better serve this niche tourism.Originality/valueThis research is the first-known attempt to reveal the uniqueness of tourists’ perception of value in dark tourism. It could significantly add to the literature and practice of dark tourism.

When face meets globalization

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyang Huang ◽  
Jiaxun He
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Consumer Culture ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Branding ◽  
The Common ◽  
Moderation Model ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Synthesizing the unique Confucian cultural values and the common characteristics of emerging markets, the purpose of this paper is to examine how face drives consumers’ attitudes toward global consumer culture positioning (GCCP) as well as the moderating roles of social aggrandizement and susceptibility to normative influence (SNI). Design/methodology/approach The authors adopt the total effect moderation model to test the hypotheses using data collected from China. Findings The results show that face positively affects consumers’ attitudes toward GCCP through enhancing their pursuit for global myth. In addition, social aggrandizement positively moderates the influence of face on pursuit for global myth. SNI positively moderates the influence of pursuit for global myth on attitudes toward GCCP. Practical implications The findings of this study highlight the need to utilize local powers to promote brands globally and provide guidelines for “Think Globally, Act Locally” in Confucian societies. Originality/value This study represents an important step in the global branding literature regarding the advancement of culturally driven attitudes toward GCCP by taking root in the Confucian culture.

Evaluating the satisfaction rate for affordable housing in non-gated residential area (NGR): the case of Al-Sharq housing project in Zarqa-Jordan

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rami Khaled Al Shawabkeh ◽  
Ahmad M. Alzouby ◽  
Abdelmajeed Rjoub ◽  
Mays Alsmadi ◽  
Maram AlKhamaiseh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Gated Communities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Residential Community ◽  
Residential Communities ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Non-gated residential communities (NGR) are now becoming significant in Jordan resulting in an increase in low and medium-income areas. This study aims to investigate the sense of community at residential level within NGR by testing the characteristics presented in the first and largest non-gated community in Jordan (Al-Sharq project). Design/methodology/approach Such characteristics were identified via literary reviews and visual data collected through site visits, observation and photographs of the project's physical settings. This formed the basis of a questionnaire/survey that was distributed to the residents. This research depends on the mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative) to achieve the research objectives. The quantitative method involved the use of a questionnaire/survey, while the qualitative method undertook a comparative process using some statistical methods for the main characteristics. The results were analysed by using descriptive statistics, comprising frequency and factor analyses. Findings The study concludes with a framework consisting of suggestions and recommendations to remove the main constraints on improving the quality of life for the non-gated residential community. Practical implications The outcome of this study will influence the decisions made by the parties involved in urban development in Jordan when designing residential neighborhoods. Originality/value The significance of this paper is that while the majority of studies have been on the evaluation of gated communities in developing countries, there have only been a limited of studies specifically examining the experience of residents in those environments. Therefore, this paper contributes and adds to the existing knowledge in the development of non-gated communities in a developing country.

Common incentives for teamwork – the unspoken contract's significance

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 65-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan M. Berlin
Keyword(s):  
Driving Force ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Shared Responsibility ◽  
Practical Work ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Organisation ◽  
The Common ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this paper was to identify and study common incentives for teamwork. Design/methodology/approach – The study was designed as a case study. The case consists of teamwork at a university hospital. At the hospital, ten psychiatric teams were studied for a period of four years (2008-2011). Each team was followed for 12-18 months. Data were collected through interviews (n=48) and observations (n=52) of the teamwork at treatment conferences. Findings – The common incentives identified consist of shared responsibility, appreciation and long-sightedness. The incidence of a silent contract is highlighted as an explanation for the team's cohesion. Research limitations/implications – The study is conducted in a public organisation within one field. The results should therefore be interpreted with some caution. Practical implications – The study is useful for practitioners to understand the importance of common incentives as a collective driving force. By developing well-adapted common incentives, the practical work can be developed, refined and improved. Originality/value – The significance of common incentives and the unspoken contract in the team is identified.

Investigation of facilities management practices for providing feedback during the design development and review stages

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 597-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fadi A. Fatayer ◽  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Abdullatif Abdallah ◽  
Abdul-Mohsen Al-Hammad
Keyword(s):  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Current Practices

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the current practices of the early facilities management (FM) involvement during the design development and review stages (DDRS), and recommend activities aimed at achieving better integration.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted to ascertain the challenges faced by the integrated design team (IDT) in the absence of the facilities managers’ review of design solutions, and underscore the significance of the early involvement of facilities managers during the DDRS. A questionnaire survey was then developed for collecting data on eight aspects of the current practices of early FM involvement during the DDRS. The questionnaire survey was administered to the FM departments of 13 long established, public universities in Saudi Arabia. Ten responses were obtained and analyzed.FindingsThe findings suggest that the early involvement of the FM department enhances the operation and maintenance of facilities. This has been measured through reductions in the number of architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning defects.Practical implicationsRecommendations were provided to facilitate the process of integrating the practices of two influential stakeholders of building projects. These recommendations encompass the need for maintainability considerations at the early schematic stage, the necessity of direct contact between the two parties and the necessity of facility managers’ increased familiarity of the design stage activities, among other recommendations. In this way, the study promotes the awareness of the significance of integrating FM with the IDT at the DDRS.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature and practice by presenting a detailed analysis of the integration process between the FM department and the IDT. Furthermore, the outcomes of the integration between the parties were measured to assess the effectiveness of the collaboration and highlight the possible areas of improvement.

CCTV and robbery in high-rise public housing in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-130
Author(s):  
Lina Chow ◽  
Rob I. Mawby
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Police Statistics ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Industrial Societies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In Hong Kong, robberies occurring in the elevators in high-rise buildings were identified as a particular problem and the purpose of this paper is to address a dedicated programme aimed at reducing such offences. Design/methodology/approach A comparison of elevator-based robbery statistics over a ten-year policy-implication period, in two police districts, one with a high rate of public ownership and a traditionally high rate of elevator robberies, the second with a higher rate of private ownership and a traditionally lower rate of such robberies. Findings The evidence suggests that the programme was successful, with such robberies declining significantly and with no evidence of displacement. Research limitations/implications This research is based on police statistics. There is a need for more research, for example, investigating residents’ involvement with the system and the extent to which it encouraged shared ownership of the initiative. Practical implications What is clear is that, where in the West the Newman legacy led to the demonisation of high-rise public sector housing, in Hong Kong, where there is no viable alternative, the use of CCTV helped transform such areas into safer communities. Social implications The rate of robbery, most notably elevator-based robbery, fell dramatically, improving community safety. Originality/value Though there has been a considerable amount of research on the impact of CCTV on crime, almost all of this has focussed on Western industrial societies and little of it has addressed robbery. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this research is the first in Hong Kong, and the first to evaluate the impact of CCTV on robbery.

Reverberations in the Torrens system: a new Land Transfer Act in New Zealand

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-107
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Toomey
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Judicial Discretion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
System A ◽  
Land Transfer ◽  
The Common ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose On 12 November 2018, New Zealand's Land Transfer Act 2017 came into force. The purpose of this paper is to pinpoint some of the significant changes in the Act that challenge the fundamental concepts of the Torrens system of registration. Design/methodology/approach The paper addresses three significant reforms: a definition of land transfer fraud; the concept of immediate indefeasibility with limited judicial discretion and its impact on volunteers and the Gibbs v. Messer anomaly; and the compensation regime. Case studies illustrate the effect of these changes. Findings The limited legislative definition of fraud reflects the common law and allows for any necessary flexibility. The new Act reiterates the principle of immediate indefeasibility but qualifies it with the introduction of some judicial discretion. This is a novel concept for the courts and will undoubtedly be dealt with cautiously. The author voices some disquiet with regard to some of the guidelines set out in s 55(4) of the Act. The compensation provisions introduce an element of an owner's culpability. An owner now runs the risk of reduced compensation if there has been a lack of proper care. Research limitations/implications The implications of this research are fundamental for New Zealand's land transfer system. Practical implications The limited judicial discretion will challenge the courts of New Zealand. The new compensation provisions will ensure that an owner's carelessness will be accountable. Originality/value This study is one of the first to analyse the Land Transfer Act 2017 (New Zealand). Its value extends beyond New Zealand shores as it has implications for global land transfer systems.

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