A code-compliance framework for fire safety in student housing facilities

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 423-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Jamilu A. Garkuwa ◽  
Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Code Compliance ◽  
Housing Facilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the development and implementation of a qualitative, code-compliance framework for property managers of student housing facilities. Design/methodology/approach The paper identified the fire safety code requirements for student housing facilities and arranged these requirements in the form of a checklist, which was further validated by professional experts. Additionally, the paper presented an IDEF0 (Integrated Definition for Function Modeling) framework model that illustrates a stepwise process for the deployment of the checklist. A case study was conducted on three similar student housing facilities in a university campus to demonstrate the application of the framework. Furthermore, the findings from the case study were reported along with recommendations to improve the degree of compliance with the requirements of fire safety codes. Findings The developed framework was validated by professional experts and through a case study. Fire safety provisions were mostly found to be adequate in the case study building. The authors proposed several actions to improve the current status of fire safety in the building. Originality/value The paper serves to disseminate awareness about the occurrence of fires, their severe consequences and precautionary measures in student housing facilities. It also provides a standardized checklist for ease of use by property managers who may be unable to understand the technical terminologies found in fire safety codes and standards. Thus, the developed framework is of tangible value to property managers, building specialists and student housing administrators.

The role of facilities management in green retrofit of existing buildings in the United Arab Emirates

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Mawed ◽  
Vinay Tilani ◽  
Karima Hamani
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Actual Case ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Green retrofitting is acknowledged as an essential strategy toward achieving long-term sustainability in the built environment. To implement this strategy successfully, the role of facility managers cannot be ignored. The purpose of this paper is to investigate present practices that are used in managing the existing facilities, to highlight the elements that govern the process of green retrofitting, and discuss the efforts and contribution of facility managers in enhancing the environmental performance of the existing facilities stock in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach This study suggests that an adequate level of awareness of the benefits of green retrofit amongst owners and decision-makers is mostly dependent on facilities management (FM) professionals, who must establish effective communication channel with senior management. FM professionals in the UAE are well equipped and competent in greening existing buildings and can simultaneously lead a building to the path of achieving green building certification. Findings To examine the role of FM in a green retrofit and its current status in the UAE built environment, a two-step qualitative method was adopted. The study started by conducting semi-structured interviews with FM professionals and then assessing the insights obtained from the interviews against an actual case study of a LEED Existing Building certified facility. Research limitations/implications Interviews were limited to FM professionals in the private sector and the results from one case study should be considered cautiously. Originality/value This paper emphasizes the primordial role of FM professionals in promoting green retrofit in the UAE.

Amazon India’s “Apni Dukaan”: branding strategy

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Neetu Yadav ◽  
Mahim Sagar
Keyword(s):  
Brand Management ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Branding Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Brand ◽  
Branding Strategies ◽  
Fierce Competition

Subject area Brand Management, Branding Strategy, Strategic Management. Study level/applicability The case study is suitable for postgraduate management programs, such as MBA, Executive MBA and executive development programs. Case overview This case study provides a detailed analysis of Amazon India’s branding strategy by way of analyzing popular branding campaigns such as “Try to kar”, “Aur Dikhao”, “Kya Pehnu” and “Apni Dukaan” that enabled the global brand to reach to the masses of Tier-II and Tier-III cities in India. Facing fierce competition from existing market leaders such as Flipkart and Snapdeal, Amazon India strategizes to attract Indian consumers by rightly capturing their behavior in terms of demanding “highest power of options”, “fashion choices”, “originality” and “trust” with its local flavored advertisement campaigns enabling it to create a “trusted, reliable and local” brand identity. With the help of sufficient data and numbers about the industry, company and competitors, the analysis presents a clear picture of the current status of Amazon in the Indian e-commerce space and leaves the readers with food for thought concerning whether this “culture-specific” branding strategy will enable Amazon to become the number one choice for Indian online shoppers in the near future. Expected learning outcomes This case study helps students to understand how global MNCs use unique branding strategies to capture mass-markets in e-commerce business, the role of culture-specific aspects in developing differentiation strategies and the role of local flavors in branding strategies and internationalization. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code: CSS 8: Marketing.

On-campus university student housing facility services prioritisation framework

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 20-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrick Simpeh ◽  
Winston Shakantu
Keyword(s):  
Water Security ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maintenance Service ◽  
Housing Services ◽  
Housing Facility ◽  
Housing Facilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a prioritisation framework that can guide the provision and management of on-campus student housing facility (SHF) services of southern Ghana Universities. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopted a phenomenological research strategy. Data was collected by means of focus group discussions (FGDs); a total of ten FGDs were conducted. Observations were also done during the site visit to augment the FGDs. The data were analysed thematically. Findings The study found that some services are perceived as “extremely important” and “basic” while others are seen as “unimportant” and “indifferent”. Services including; electricity, water, security, internet, cleaning service, maintenance service, generator, ventilation (fan), health service, library service, electric socket, study furniture, refuse collection, pest control and fire extinguisher were perceived by students as “extremely important”. However, not all of these services were perceived as “basic” requirements. Practical implications The framework can be used as a guide by facility and hostel managers to effectively prioritise and manage the services required in a university SHF. Moreover, when designing, constructing and adapting student housing facilities, the framework can be used as a guide to ensure that all critical services are provided in the student housing facilities. Originality/value Although several studies have been conducted on student housing, studies that specifically focuses on the services required in a SHF and the prioritisation of such services is lacking. This study combines students’ requirements, importance levels of requirements, and classification of requirements to develop a prioritisation system for student housing services.

Evaluation of on-campus student housing facilities security and safety performance

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrick Simpeh ◽  
Solomon Adisa
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Models ◽  
Level Of Importance ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Housing Facilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a guide for managing the provision of on-campus student housing facilities (SHFs) security and safety measures. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a mixed-method approach; the questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect quantitative data, whereas the interview was used to collect qualitative data. Descriptive and inferential statistics and importance-performance analysis models were used to analyse the quantitative data, whereas content analysis was used for the qualitative data. Findings This study found that students rated the satisfaction of all the SHFs safety and security measures below the level of importance. Three categories of performance level (i.e. poor, average and good) were determined. It also became evident that most of the measures were performing averagely, quite a number were poorly performing and few were performing well. Research limitations/implications Data was collected from only one university; therefore, the findings of the research may not be generalised. A study that expands the number of participating universities is recommended. Practical implications The guide developed can be used by the facility and/or hostel managers to ensure appropriate management of SHFs security and safety measures. The guide can also assist to ensure that all the essential safety measures are provided when designing, constructing or upgrading SHFs. It would also aid in the development of policy frameworks for SHFs security and safety. Originality/value Although several studies have been conducted on SHFs, studies that mainly focussed on prioritising SHFs security and safety measures are lacking. With this paper, the authors also demonstrate the practicality of the use of the IPA model to aid the process of developing improvement priorities.

Optimization of spatial distribution of hospitals for better earthquake recovery using GIS and imperialist competition algorithm (case study: Gorgan, Iran)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hossein Saraei ◽  
Ayyoob Sharifi ◽  
Mohsen Adeli
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithms ◽  
Crisis Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Spatial Optimization ◽  
Current Status Data ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Hospital Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Status Data

Purpose The purpose of this study is to optimize the location of hospitals in Gorgan, Iran, to provide desirable services to citizens in the event of an earthquake crisis. Design/methodology/approach This paper, due to target, is practical and developmental, due to doing method is descriptive and analytical and due to information gathering method is documental and surveying. In the present study, the capabilities of genetic algorithms and imperialist competition algorithm in MATLAB environment in combination with GIS capabilities have been used. In fact, cases such as route blocking, network analysis and vulnerability raster have been obtained from GIS-based on current status data, and then the output of this information is entered as non-random heuristic information into genetic algorithms and imperialist competition algorithm in MATLAB environment. Findings After spatial optimization, the hospital service process has become more favorable. Also, the average cost and transfer vector from hospitals to citizens has decreased significantly. By establishing hospitals in the proposed locations, a larger population of citizens can access relief services in less time. Originality/value Spatial optimization of relief centers, including hospitals, is one of the issues that can be of significant importance, especially in the event of an earthquake crisis. The findings of the present study and the originality, efficiency and innovation of the used methods can provide a favorable theoretical framework for the success of earthquake crisis management projects.

An integrated fire safety assessment of a student housing facility

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 354-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire ◽  
Mohammad A. Hassanain
Keyword(s):  
Fire Safety ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Safety Assessment ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Simulation Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Facility

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated approach to fire safety assessment, through combining the outcomes of a checklist tailored to the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC), and an evacuation simulation tool (EVACNET4), applied to a student housing facility as case study. Design/methodology/approach – The authors reviewed relevant literature and previous studies pertaining to fire safety assessment and management. An assessment checklist was developed according to the requirements of the IBC. EVACNET4 simulation tool was utilized to model the evacuation of the facility under review. The results derived from the aforementioned steps were correlated to identify potential corroborating or conflicting issues pertaining to the safe evacuation of building occupants in the occurrence of a fire incident. Findings – Fire safety provisions were found to be adequate, and the building can be evacuated safely in about 190 seconds, should a fire occur. The architectural design aspects of the exit doors which might cause potential bottlenecks were identified. Originality/value – A completely fire safe building does not exist, and thus more integrative approaches to fire safety assessment and management will reduce to the least extent possible fire risks. A holistic fire safety management of campus housing is of paramount interest to the campus community, and the building industry at large.

Qualitative usability evaluation of databases: a case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 8-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Memoona Iqbal ◽  
Ahsan Ullah
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Web Site ◽  
Usability Evaluation ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Electronic Content

Purpose The purpose of this study is to particularly define the usability regarding interface of digital library Web site. It discusses the multi-dimensional constructs of usability and methods applied in the evaluation of the usability of digital library Web site interface. The Usability of HEC National Digital Library Web site interface is measured in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, a qualitative approach, that is, focus group technique, is used. This study includes eight members in the focus group. These members were MA students from the Department of Information Management, University of the Punjab Lahore. Findings Usability evaluation was made by using effectiveness, efficiency, learnability and satisfaction constructs. It also discovers the opinion of focus group members on the “ease of use”, “organization of information”, “terminology and labeling”, “visual attractiveness” and “mistake recovery”. “Click cost” is particularly examined. Originality/value No usability study has been conducted in Pakistan about the National Digital Library of HEC. This library is a very important source of electronic content for academic community. This study will explore the usability evaluation, problems faced by users and solutions to solve these problems.

Library bookbinding in Greece

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 393-407
Author(s):  
Vassileia Grimani ◽  
Spiros Zervos
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Central Administration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Model Library ◽  
Library Community ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current status of library bookbinding in Greece. Design/methodology/approach – Two surveys were circulated among libraries and bookbinders. They aimed at determining the extent of use of bookbinding, the necessary characteristics of durable library bookbinding according to the respondents’ opinions and the relationship between bookbinders and libraries. Findings – The gathered data reflect the attitudes of Greek librarians and bookbinders and outline the current status of library bookbinding in Greece. They showed that bookbinding is extensively used as part of the preservation strategy for the majority of the Greek libraries. Most libraries resort to outsourcing. The specifications set by libraries are usually minimal, and it is left to the bookbinders to recommend the best solutions. Both librarians and binders emphasised openability and durability as the most important qualities of the bound volumes and quoted several relevant technical details. A model library binding technique is suggested in this study. Originality/value – Such an investigation has never been attempted before. This research can be useful to the Greek Libraries Central Administration and also to the whole Greek library community for the improvement of the current situation, and may help towards the development of a national standard. It may also be useful for the international library community as a case study, presenting the situation in Greece.

scholarly journals An empirical study on company’s perception of integrated reporting in India

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandita Mishra ◽  
Mohamed Nurullah ◽  
Adel Sarea
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dimensionality Reduction Technique ◽  
The Status ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council

Purpose International Integrated Reporting Council is in its 10th year of establishment and the integrated reporting (IR) framework released in 2013 was under revision in the year, 2020. Despite some significant developments in the past 10 years, the authors know very little about the perception of preparers towards IR. This paper aims to study the perception of the preparers and to understand the current status of the adoption of IR in India. Design/methodology/approach The top 500 companies from ET 500 list have been analysed. Banks and financial institutions (a total of 69) have been excluded for the study. Out of 431 companies, the status of IR has been checked by the questionnaire-based survey. Principle component analysis, a dimensionality reduction technique was performed on the responses to understand the important components impacting the perception of companies. Also, a case study methodology has been adopted to compare and analyse the IR trends in the manufacturing and industrial sector. Findings The result shows that the majority of companies have a positive opinion about IR and the three major components impacting their perception are – concise reporting, effective and transparent reporting and finally, better decision-making. Practical implications The result of this study will be useful for the policymakers, regulators, companies who have or will adopt IR. Paper gives a relevant view to academicians for assessing the effectiveness and perception of IR. Originality/value Very few studies can be found in India which focusses on analysing the perception of preparers towards the IR. Specially after the circular of SEBI in 2017, it becomes even more important to analyse the insight and awareness of the companies who have adopted IR. The paper is a timely and relevant contribution to the literature by providing insight over the opinion of preparers in India.

Investigating the acceptance of distance learning amongst Omani students: a case study from Oman

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Hakim Hassan Mustafa Mohamed ◽  
Fadi Abdel Muniem Abdel Fattah ◽  
Mohamed Izzeldin AbdelRahman Bashir ◽  
Maia Alhajri ◽  
Akbar Khanan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Arts And Humanities ◽  
Willingness To Use ◽  
Study Participants

Purpose In the COVID-19 pandemic, students were subjected to high pressure when they were forced to move to distance learning in a lockdown environment. Such a drastic move for communities living in groups with solid relationship ties comes at a price. This study aims to investigate the acceptance of distance learning amongst Omani higher education institutions (HEI) students during COVID-19 lockdown. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative research based on an online survey designed to study participants’ acceptance of distance learning during COVID-19 lockdown. Findings A sample of 757 Omani students was selected, of which 81.2% were female. About 60% of the students’ Age lies 15–20 years. The highest percentage (38.8%) of students belongs to the College of Arts and Humanities. A total of 80% of the students reported a moderate level of information technology skills, and also more than 80% of the students had never attended eLearning calls. Most of the students affirm the eLearning acceptance (students’ willingness to use eLearning tools for the tasks they are designed for), eLearning usefulness (using eLearning would enhance students’ performance), eLearning ease of use (the degree to which a student believes that using eLearning tools are free from effort), learning from home during COVID-19 and eLearning effectiveness (student’s satisfaction and the benefits student will gain from learning via online platforms). Multiple regression analysis confirms that more than 81% of the variation in the eLearning acceptance was explained by eLearning usefulness, eLearning ease of use, learning from home during COVID-19 and eLearning effectiveness independent variables. Moreover, these independent predictors have a positive association with eLearning acceptance. Originality/value This research intends to fill the gap in Omani HEI students’ acceptance of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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