Physical environment comfort towards Malaysian universities office employers’ performance and productivity

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 686-703
Author(s):  
Azlan Shah Ali ◽  
Shirley Jin Lin Chua ◽  
Melissa Ee Ling Lim
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Teaching Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Physical Comfort ◽  
Office Employees ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The physical environment comfort in a workplace is claimed to be vital, as it will encourage healthier, more productive and lower absenteeism rate among employees. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of physical environment comfort and establish its relationship with employees’ performance and productivity. Design/methodology/approach Evaluation for the selected case studies is made in the aspects of employee’s comfort perceive health and absenteeism rate by wielding the elements of physical comfort consisting room temperature, relative humidity and illuminance level. Field study and questionnaire survey were carried out for three institutional building particularly management department. Spearman’s correlation analysis was conducted to establish the relationship between the physical environment comfort and health symptoms faced by the employees. Findings Correlations were found between room temperature, lighting and relative humidity with health-related issues such as feeling stuffy, getting tired easily and facing difficulty in concentration which affect employees’ productivity and work performances. In addition, it was proven that the overall physical environment comfort factors have an impact on employees’ health which indirectly affects their absenteeism rate. The average absenteeism rate was compared between the case studies as well. Originality/value Performance and productivity for universities’ office employees are very essential in ensuring that the universities run smoothly and support teaching, innovation, learning and research activities. This study attempts to establish the relationship between physical environment comfort and universities’ office employees’ performance and productivity.

The effect of physical environment comfort on employees’ performance in office buildings

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 294-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azlan Shah Ali ◽  
Shirley Jin Lin Chua ◽  
Melissa Ee-Ling Lim
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Luminance Level ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Employee Productivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Related

Purpose – Maintaining a comfortable physical environment in the workplace is claimed to be vital as it will create a “healthier” building with optimum environmental conditions, which enable employees to be healthier and have a lower absenteeism rate, and hence be more productive. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to deal with the importance of physical environment comfort in the office workplace. Evaluation was made of the office workers’ performance that is mainly affected by levels of comfort in the office. Design/methodology/approach – Three selected case studies were evaluated based on aspects of employees’ comfort, perceived health and absenteeism rate, by considering the elements of physical comfort that consist of room temperature, relative humidity and luminance level. The selected case studies were the Department of Development and Estate Maintenance of three research universities in Malaysia. Field studies were carried out using hygrometers and lux meters in measuring the said elements as well as post-occupancy evaluation, which involved 30 respondents for each case (total 90 respondents), to determine their perception of comfort and its effect on their health and absenteeism rate. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Findings – The results suggest that employees did not find luminance level uncomfortable, when compared with room temperature, thus proving that employees are more sensitive to room temperature comfort. Furthermore, when the room temperature comfort was low, significant correlations were found with health-related issues such as feeling “stuffy”, being easily tired and having difficulty concentrating. Originality/value – This paper investigates the relationship between employee performance and a comfortable workplace environment. It could be concluded that an uncomfortable environment in an office workplace leads to health-related issues as well as increasing the absenteeism rate. High levels of employee absenteeism lead to decreased employee productivity, therefore affecting their work performance.

Accountability and governance in social care: the impact of personalisation

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Bracci
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Public Governance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
New Public ◽  
Governance Process ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to illustrate the changing structure of accountability under a new public governance agenda introduced in England to deliver social care through personal budgets. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on accountability and public governance literature, in particular, the accountability framework proposed by Hupe and Hill. The evidence was gathered from exploratory case studies conducted in two English County Councils. Findings – The introduction of personal budgets has modified the roles of the different actors involved in the co-production of social services. The case studies evidence changes in the accountability and governance process, particularly with respect to the personal budget regime that has devolved responsibility and accountability to the customer. Specifically, the customer's role has shifted and expanded in the accountability chain and thus developed into a partnership. Originality/value – This study is one of the first to analyse the relationship between the personalisation agenda in English social services and the relevant accountability mechanisms involved. Moreover, the paper refines the theoretical framework proposed by Hupe and Hill according to the different role the public now plays.

Fabricating concepts: using custom 3D models to teach abstract concepts

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon McNaughtan ◽  
Ryan Litsey ◽  
Nichole Morelock
Keyword(s):  
Student Retention ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Abstract Concepts ◽  
Information Retention ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Teaching Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Objects ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeMany scholars and practitioners have attempted innovative teaching practices in an effort to make complex ideas easier to comprehend and retain. The purpose of this study was to test the relationship between learning and the use of 3D models created to provide physical representations of abstract concepts students could hold and manipulate.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quasi-experimental design, we test both the students' initial comprehension of the concept and their retention of the information four weeks later when the course concluded.FindingsFindings included an initial boost in information retention and a likely increased retention of the information, showing promising trajectories for incorporating 3D objects to enhance teaching in the classroom.Originality/valueThis study provides a unique analysis of the use of 3D printing technology to illustrate abstract concepts. This teaching innovation provides another example of how technology can enhance and engage students through active learning. We find that this approach can increase student retention of material.

The psychological currencies of corporate entrepreneurship strategy

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 30-31 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Corporate Entrepreneurship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tolerance For Ambiguity ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
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 This research paper, using survey data from Iranian SMEs, concentrates on the relationship between cultural intelligence, tolerance for ambiguity, and corporate entrepreneurship to reveal how companies can increase the effectiveness of their strategic activity within their particular market. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists 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.

Sustainable urban innovations: digital co-creation in European living labs

Kybernetes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 1969-1986
Author(s):  
Monika Mačiulienė ◽  
Aelita Skaržauskienė
Keyword(s):  
Urban Planning ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Systemic Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creative Processes ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Calculation Methodology ◽  
Living Labs ◽  
Scientific Results

Purpose An increasingly urbanized global population is facing multiple, inter-related and inter-connected challenges. By applying the so-called Living Lab concept, the authors open up innovation processes through online and offline collaborations between urban policymakers, non-profit organizations, citizens and other stakeholder groups. However, much of the current research being conducted on Living Labs is lacking in empirically tested methodologies for the co-creation of sustainable urban innovations in defined contexts. This research is intended to fill this gap by presenting a systemic approach to digital co-creation processes in Living Labs. The purpose of this paper is to present the first evaluation results of European Living Labs by applying the new developed digital co-creation monitoring technique. Design/methodology/approach By emphasizing the interplay between places, technology and people, the Digital Co-Creation Index (DCCI) calculation methodology provides a systemic understanding of the basic factors shaping the co-creative processes in Living Labs. DCCI has been used to evaluate such labs in four different European cities: Aukštamiestis in Vilnius, Lithuania; Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal; Città Studi in Milano, Italy and Zuid Park in Ghent, Belgium. The empirical data for assessment and index calculation were collected by using a mixed-method approach (i.e. qualitative and quantitative analysis). Findings While the findings are complex and varied, the case studies in this paper share several characteristics and patterns – the attractiveness of physical spaces, opportunities for experimentation, the density and diversity of stakeholders involved and the emergence of creative communities that co-design novel initiatives. The results show that digital technologies are underused in the evaluated Living Labs. Research limitations/implications The results are limited to a comparison of the European Living Labs in the research sample. In the absence of an index that was obtained, designed and tested in other territorial contexts, the comparative value of the outcomes of this research can be established between only four case studies. The authors anticipate that the implementation of the C3Places project and other research activities will yield even more scientific results. The findings and their implications should be discussed and tested in the broadest context possible. By focusing on creative synergy between places, technology and people, this paper presents a unified and empirically validated systemic approach to assessing digital co-creation efforts in urban planning. Originality/value Unlike previous research, this paper presents a unified and empirically based approach to assessing digital co-creation efforts in urban planning by emphasizing interplay between place, technology and people.

scholarly journals Supply chain strategy for companies in the luxury-fashion market

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (10/11) ◽  
pp. 940-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Maria Castelli ◽  
Andrea Sianesi
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Strategy ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The World ◽  
Luxury Market ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how it is possible to take into account the objectives that fashion-luxury companies pursue on the final market (i.e. critical success factors (CSF) – of luxury) and propagate them in the upstream steps of the supply chain (SC) in order to understand how the latter can be aligned to the market. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive literature review allowed the identification of SC objectives. Case studies were used in order to asses choices and practices applied along the SC of luxury companies were assessed through in depth case studies; hence, the relationship between choices/practices, SC objectives and luxury CSF was explored. Findings – The paper documents that success in the luxury market not only depends on branding and marketing but also on the choices made along the SC, to the point that it is possible to identify some SC choices and practices that support the achievement of luxury CSF. Research limitations/implications – The results presented represent a useful guideline and offer some methodological suggestions; however, the precise set of SC objectives have to be tailored on each specific brand, according to the uniqueness that characterizes luxury companies. Practical implications – The paper suggests which areas of the SC should be mostly targeted in order to achieve success in the luxury market, also indicating some possible concrete choices. Originality/value – The main value of this paper consists in shaping a first explicit connection among the world of luxury as it is perceived by the consumers and the world of the SC.

If maturity is the answer, then exactly what was the question?

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Mullaly
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Specific Model ◽  
Linear Process ◽  
Maturity Models ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Current Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – Maturity models have been widely adopted as a popular framework for improvement project management practices. Despite their prevalence, there is still minimal evidence that improvements in maturity correspond to improvements in performance or value. This paper aims to explore the challenges faced in applying project management maturity models and offers suggestions for their revision. Design/methodology/approach – The paper highlights the presumptions in their development and use that are inhibiting relevance of maturity models. Case studies from a major research project explore the relationship between maturity and value. Insights are generated on how project management maturity models need to change in order to become relevant. Findings – Project management maturity models presume that project management is universal, control oriented and consistent, and that maturity is a linear process. Empirical evidence demonstrates that the practice of project management varies, that different practices result in different value. The paper suggests that a contingent and contextual approach to assessment is required, which maturity models as currently defined may not be able to support. Research limitations/implications – This is a largely conceptual paper and draws on a limited number of case studies that derived maturity from a comprehensive understanding of project management practices. It is not tied to one specific model, and a model that would address the criticisms discussed here has not been conceived or developed. Practical implications – This paper will have particular relevance for organizations, who may place excess faith in the rhetoric surrounding maturity models without questioning their underlying relevance or value. It is also of importance to those who develop maturity models and suggests strategies for their significant revision. Originality/value – This paper takes an important look at whether maturity models actually deliver on their promise and argues that by both design and structure, they are unlikely to do so in their current form.

scholarly journals HUBUNGAN ANTARA KOMPONEN PERMUKIMAN DAN KEBERHASILAN METODE BANK SAMPAH DALAM PENGELOLAAN SAMPAH BERKELANJUTAN DI KOTA SURAKARTA

Arsitektura ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Nuriman ◽  
Soedwiwahjono Soedwiwahjono ◽  
Rufia Andisetyana Putri
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Environmental Problems ◽  
Community Law ◽  
Individual Aspect ◽  
Housing Component ◽  
Management Method ◽  
The Relationship

<p><em>Garbage was one of the environmental problems. As time goes by, garbage has become that cause new problems like water pollution</em><em>, air </em><em>pollution, flood and others. Most of people seeing garbage as unused items that cannot work and then system of garbage management by government did not function properly. </em></p><p><em>Today begins to develop a sustainable garbage management with community role to managing garbage. One of the part of sustainable garbage management is garbage bank method. In sustainable garbage management method particularly with garbage bank must be adjusted and considered by environmental conditions local settlements in order to successfu</em><em>l</em><em>, the aspect related to housing components such as physical environment, economy, community, law, culture and the availability of utilities have an important relation in the development  of sustainable garbage management.</em></p><p><em>T</em><em>his research wants to know what is relationship between housing components and success of garbage bank method on sustainable garbage management, and the next step is identfy housing components and success of garbage bank in two area, RW IX Kelurahan Kadipiro and RW II Kelurahan Gajahan with scoring analyse and finally do the crosstab analyse to determine the relationship between both of them. </em><em></em></p><p><em>The conclusion is a housing components with individual aspect such as nature, society, shell and network have important relation with the success of garbage bank  method. This research is to identfy the housing components and success of garbage bank method in two case studies, so we can determine the relationship between both of them in RW IX Kelurahan Kadipiro and RW II Kelurahan Gajahan, Surakarta.</em><em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><strong><em>Keywords:</em></strong><em> sustainable garbage management, garbage bank, housing component</em><em>s</em></p>

scholarly journals Tourist settlements in the Comunidad Valenciana coast: A Typological Map

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilda Azulay Tapiero ◽  
Vicente Mas Llorens
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Urban Form ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
The Social ◽  
Territorial Cohesion ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Great Complexity

The system of tourist settlements on the Mediterranean coast presents a great complexity, as well as its geographical, landscape, morphological, urban and architectural conditions like for the varied way of relating to it the social and economic groups involved. The purpose of the communication is to expose the research about the need and the possibility of actions providing tourist settlements with urban and territorial cohesion, and enabling new proposals where what is decisive is not only acting on the parties but, globally, on the conditions that defines the scenes of action. In order to deal with the complexity of the tourist development on the Valencian Mediterranean coast, we proposed, as a first step, the identification of settlement types where, contrary to the buildings type, it will be necessary to apply mechanisms that take into account there are structures in the process of evolution. As Giorgio Grassi (1973) already said, a classification is not a type but allows an approximation to it. This has allowed the development of a “Typological Map of Tourist Settlements in the Comunidad Valenciana” where situate case studies while reading the territory as a whole and each settlement in relation to others settlements. A map to add data, based on the definition of parameters related to structure, urban form and architecture, but also to the relationship with the coastal physical environment, and selected for their capacity to provide data for the research purposes.

scholarly journals Impact of employee satisfaction with facilities on self-assessed productivity support

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 442-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Groen ◽  
Theo van der Voordt ◽  
Bartele Hoekstra ◽  
Hester van Sprang
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Employee Satisfaction ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Regression ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employees Satisfaction ◽  
Clear Insight ◽  
Office Employees ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to explore the relationship between satisfaction with buildings, facilities and services and perceived productivity support and to test whether the findings from a similar study of Batenburg and Van der Voordt (2008) are confirmed in a repeat study after 10 years with more recent data. Design/methodology/approach Data were traced from a database with data on user satisfaction and perceived productivity support. These data were collected through the work environment diagnostic tool WODI light. The data include responses from 25,947 respondents and 191 organisations that have been analysed by stepwise multiple-regression analyses. Findings In total 38% of the variation of office employees’ satisfaction with support of productivity can be explained by employee satisfaction with facilities, the organisation, current work processes and personal- and job-related characteristics. The most important predictor of self-assessed support of productivity is employee satisfaction with facilities. In particular, psychological aspects, i.e. opportunities to concentrate and to communicate, privacy, level of openness, and functionality, comfort and diversity of the workplaces are very important. The findings confirm that employee satisfaction with facilities correlates significantly with perceived productivity support. Other factors that are not included in the data set, such as intrinsic motivation, labour circumstances and human resource management may have an impact as well. Originality/value This research provides a clear insight in the relation between employee satisfaction with facilities and the perceived support of productivity, based on survey data collected over almost 10 years in 191 organisations.

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