scholarly journals Building control (amendment) regulations 2014: integration and compliance in large Irish construction organisations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin Dennehy ◽  
Bobby Kennedy ◽  
John Spillane
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Building Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Buildings ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the factors relating to the integration and compliance of Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (BC(A)R 2014) in large Irish construction organisations.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the aim, a mixed method approach is adopted, initially, providing a critique of the literature review, followed by a combination of 7 semi-structured interviews and 30 questionnaires from industry practitioners.FindingsFindings demonstrate that BC(A)R has had a significant positive effect on the industry, eliminating previous bad practice, by increasing the accountability for professionals signing-off on new buildings, and highlights the emphasis on certification in successfully achieving practical completion on projects.Practical implicationsThe findings provide further justification on the need for compliance, and integration, of BC(A)R in the Irish construction sector, offering further evidence, where needed, on the benefit of its adoption.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this research lies in the limited number of studies in the area, particularly in the context of large Irish construction projects, which this study aims to fulfil.

scholarly journals Using complexity and volatility characteristics to guide hybrid project management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvana Costantini ◽  
Jon G. Hall ◽  
Lucia Rapanotti
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe paper aims to provide methodological support for hybrid project management, in which the discipline of predictive methodologies combines with the flexibility of adaptive ones. Specifically, the paper explores the extent complexity and volatility dimensions of organisational problems inform choices of PM methodologies both theoretically and in current practice, as a first step towards better methodological support for hybridisation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a mixed method approach, including both secondary research and primary research with practitioners. Primary research consists of a small scale survey (n = 31) followed by semi-structured interviews, with findings triangulated against secondary evidence.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights on how complexity and volatility of organisational problems can inform hybrid project management practices. Specifically, it suggests a mapping between volatility and complexity dimensions and predictive and adaptive risk controls as a first step towards the systematisation of hybrid combinations in projects.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the small participant sample, the research results may lack generalisability.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for the development of methodological support for setting up hybrid projects in practice.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a gap acknowledged both in the literature and by practitioners.

scholarly journals Integrated solutions for total asset management through “RIVANS”

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hedley Smyth ◽  
Aaron M. Anvuur ◽  
Illona Kusuma
Keyword(s):  
Asset Management ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Total Asset ◽  
Technical Solution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Lifecycle ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Examine the extent of integration in delivering value from design and construction (DC) activities for total asset management (TAM) and operations post-completion. DC and operations and management (OM) are both addressed. The problem owners are those in roles and organisations responsible for integrating DC with OM. The purpose of this paper is to show the extent of integration between actors along the project lifecycle. Relationally integrated value networks (RIVANS) provide the conceptual lens for the analysis. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method approach was used. A questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were employed. Findings There is a lack of engagement between DC and OM. The trend is moving counter to integration. BIM is not found to be a technical solution. Research limitations/implications The mixed method helps extend the RIVANS perspective. Further research to understand and support integration is needed, especially qualitative research to provide greater granular understanding. Practical implications The identified trend away from integration poses management challenges in delivery and for sustainability in use. Supply chains engage specialists, yet internal and inter-organisational collaboration require management attention to value creation. This includes the DC-OM interface. Both sides can benefit from increased engagement. Social implications Infrastructure and property provision will continue to fall short of user and environmental functionality without improved integration. Originality/value A contribution to the project and asset management interface is made, showing low integration, disengaged asset management. BIM is unable to plug the gaps. The RIVANS analytical lens provides a perspective for improvement.

scholarly journals Quantity Surveyors’ Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Mixed Method Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Seng Hansen ◽  
Susy F Rostiyanti ◽  
Rizaldi Rizaldi ◽  
Clara Andjarwati
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Work Culture ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Method Approach ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Project Sustainability ◽  
Project Objectives ◽  
Method Approach

The COVID-19 outbreak began at the end of 2019, and has evolved to a pandemic threatening various industries’ sustainability. Decisive actions have been taken to tackle the pandemic’s spread, however, various impacts continue to be felt by many industries, including the construction industry. This paper therefore focuses on the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on Quantity Surveyors’ (QS) construction projects and activities, as a key profession in the industry. A mixed method approach, questionnaire survey followed by expert interviews, was adopted. Subsequently, 199 valid responses for analysis were obtained from the questionnaire distribution, using descriptive statistics and Significance Index. Furthermore, qualitative data were acquired through semi-structured interviews with five experts, and analyzed using a structured thematic analysis. According to the results, 56.78% of respondents experienced project slowdowns, 13.57% experienced project suspensions or terminations, and 12.56% experienced cost overruns. Most respondents acknowledged the pandemic had present changes to projects (84.92%), in the form of changes in organization structure, work culture, technological application, and project objectives. Meanwhile, the Significance Index has successfully established an 11-factors ranking, regarding the pandemic’s impact on QS activities, with impact on the overall project completion as the most profound impact followed by impacts on project scheduling, supply chain, tendering, cost controlling, and claim management. This study’s qualitative and quantitative findings tend to be in accordance, thus, providing some fundamental insights regarding the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on the construction industry, including direct impacts on project sustainability, technology adoption, and project resiliency issues. In addition, this study also contributes to scientific knowledge by discussing the issues and trends of work culture changes in QS professional activities.

An evaluation of the impacts of construction professionals’ conflict on performance in the Nigerian construction industry

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamen Sunkanmi Adeyemi ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Method ◽  
Professional Organization ◽  
Southwestern Part ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Great Performance ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate impacts of construction professionals (CPs) conflict on performance in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method was used for this research. Questionnaires were sent to various CPs in Southwestern part of Nigeria. A total of 150 questionnaires were sent out, while 135 were gotten back from the partakers. The data received from the partakers were computed by applying descriptive and exploratory factor analysis.FindingsIn this study, conflict leads to the abandonment of the CPs’ task being rated highest by the participants. This was followed by conflict that results in insufficient communication, generates job pressure, results to frustrations and displeasure among the CPs, helps in early problem identification, causes work damage among professionals, helps in solving professional organization problems, improves productivity of professionals, improves communication among the professionals and so on.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to CPs that are members of professional bodies in Nigeria, and only 135 participants participated. Though, this paper suggests that a mixed-method approach should be utilized in further studies with a wider coverage.Practical implicationsThe findings from this paper will increase the understanding of CPs in Nigeria on various impacts of conflict on performance in the construction industry, most specifically the professional bodies. Moreover, this study will increase the knowledge of CPs to always avoid whatever that leads to the abandonment of their tasks. Additionally, this study will benefit the CPs to avoid insufficient communication among themselves, in order to accomplish great performance and efficiency in their respective professional bodies.Originality/valueSince previous studies on impacts of construction conflict in Nigeria were only focused on contractors and consultants in construction project, this current study filled the gap by evaluating the impacts of CPs’ conflict on performance in the NCI. Also, the method of analysis used for this study is exemptional because previous studies have overlooked the method. However, it is recommended that CPs must communicate more with others so as to ensure favorable conflict effects on performance.

Expatriate assignments: the “same” job may require different tasks

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-239
Author(s):  
Scott Martin ◽  
Reynold James
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Task Differences ◽  
Expatriate Assignments ◽  
Development And Management ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Given a specific job, this paper aims to examine if the tasks change when moving from one country to another, and if so, whether such changes are at least partly a function of environmental factors. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method approach (surveys and interviews) with professional-level expatriates based in the UAE. Findings The results indicated that the “same” job often required different tasks depending on the country. Given a matching job between home and host countries, 66 per cent of respondents indicated that the job was different and on average, 20 per cent of the job was perceived to be different. Environmental forces did account for meaningful task differences. Legal and regulatory forces were a particularly important driver of task differences. Practical implications It is important to consider potential task differences in connection with expatriate assignments. Attending to task differences can have a positive impact on staffing, development and management processes. Originality/value Given the “same” job, the specific tasks may be different depending on the country.

scholarly journals Omnichannel fashion retailing: examining the customer decision-making journey

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Lynch ◽  
Liz Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
High Involvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shopping Experience ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
The One ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the customer decision-making journey of high involvement female fashion consumers in the context of omnichannel fashion retailing.Design/methodology/approachThe research is qualitative in nature, using a multi-method approach consisting of focus groups, semi-structured interviews, online diaries and follow-up interviews, with grounded theory applied to analyse the data.FindingsThe results of the study include a framework to outline the stages of the omnichannel customer decision-making journey for young high involvement female fashion consumers. The findings also reveal that an omnichannel decision-making journey is the one that predicated on risk and that consumers employ specific strategies to avoid such risks.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the nature of this research, the sample size is limited and may not be generalised. Data collection was confined to Manchester, UK.Practical implicationsCustomer journey mapping enables practitioners to view the entire shopping experience through the eyes of the customer and enables retailers' fault-find issues within the customer and brand experience.Originality/valueThe paper advances knowledge about fashion and consumer behaviour. The customer decision journey framework maps the emotional experiences, devices and channels encountered by high-involvement fashion consumers across each stage of the omnichannel journey.

Influences of key stakeholders’ involvement in maintenance management

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheong Peng Au-Yong ◽  
Azlan-Shah Ali ◽  
Faizah Ahmad ◽  
Shirley Jin Lin Chua
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Maintenance Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Maintenance ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Maintenance Service ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose Proper maintenance management ensures a long-term investment and provides a support function in business continuity to achieve organisational goal. However, inadequate involvement and participation of key stakeholders in maintenance management limit the continuous improvement of maintenance performance. Currently, there is a lack of studies about the influence of key stakeholders’ involvement in maintenance. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to deal with enhancement of maintenance management through the involvement of key stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach This research adopted a mixed method approach to determine the relationship between involvement of key stakeholders in maintenance management and maintenance effectiveness. The approach comprised of literature review, questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. Findings This research suggests a positive correlation between involvement of maintenance manager (MM), maintenance staff, organisation, user and maintenance service provider (SP) in improving the effectiveness of maintenance management. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the involvement of MM and SP are significant predictors of maintenance effectiveness. The research further identified that there was a lack of involvement of the user and SP in maintenance management. Originality/value The research demonstrated that all key stakeholders should value the important roles of their participation in maintenance management to ensure an optimum return on a long-term investment. To create the awareness for the involvement of key stakeholders in building maintenance, studies on the advantages of participating in building maintenance and the impacts of ignorant towards building maintenance can be beneficial to the industry.

The effect of information quality on trust in e-government systems ' transformation

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ally Lee ◽  
Yair Levy
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Method Approach ◽  
Systems Transformation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of information quality (IQ) on citizens ' trust in e-government systems. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a mixed-method approach. In the first phase, the study drew IQ characteristics from the literature pool and then administered a qualitative questionnaire to a sample of 20 citizens who use e-government systems. In the second phase, the study delivered a quantitative survey via web to a group of about 1,000 citizens. Findings – This two-phased study uncovered citizens ' perceived IQ factors and determined the influence of the IQ factors on trust in e-government systems. Research limitations/implications – There were some limitations to the study. Citizen ' s demographics, along with the type of e-government interaction, were not taken into consideration. Practical implications – Understanding IQ characteristics that improve trust would enhance the relationship between citizens and e-government systems, as well as aide in the design and development of such systems. Originality/value – This paper applied an established IQ framework, and used the value focus approach in assessing IQ characteristics that effect citizens ' trust in e-government systems.

Post-diagnostic support for dementia

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Ann Levin ◽  
Stephen Lithgow ◽  
Martine Miller ◽  
Jill Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Client Group ◽  
Mobile Working ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Diagnostic Support

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine three interpretations of post-diagnostic support (PDS) for dementia, to understand how best to support people recently diagnosed with dementia. Design/methodology/approach A sequential mixed-method approach was used which included analysis of the data collected by each sector, a focus group and interviews with PDS linkworkers and other staff. Findings All three sectors used a mix of supported self-management workshops and one-to-one PDS, however sectors varied by linkworker’s affiliation, caseload management and client group. Caseload varied greatly between sectors. Stage of disease and socioeconomic make-up of the local population were raised as factors determining the form of PDS offered. Some pillars appeared to be more easily achieved than others. There was a general agreement among all staff that “caseload” was misleading and that a measurement of workload would be preferable. Agile/mobile working was preferred by linkworkers. Even within teams there was variation in perceptions of PDS; some felt the linkworker role to be one of signposting, while others felt more involved with their client group, and for longer than 12 months. Practical implications Guidance at the outset of the PDS programme was sparse. The findings of this study should inform future development of the PDS model and a supporting guidance framework. Originality/value There is a growing interest in PDS for dementia. However, little is known about what a model of PDS should look like. This study attempts to capture the most important aspects of PDS delivery.

Suspicious preoperational activities and law enforcement interdiction of terrorist plots

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff Gruenewald ◽  
Brent R. Klein ◽  
Grant Drawve ◽  
Brent L. Smith ◽  
Katie Ratcliff
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioral Indicators ◽  
Terrorism Risk ◽  
Violent Extremism ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Conjunctive Analysis ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a metric for validating the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative’s (NSI) sixteen-category instrument, which is designed to guide law enforcement in the collection and analysis of suspicious behaviors preceding serious crimes, including terrorist attacks. Design/methodology/approach Data on suspicious preoperational activities and terrorism incident outcomes in the USA between 1972 and 2013 come from the American Terrorism Study (ATS). Using a mixed-method approach, the authors conduct descriptive and multivariate analyses to examine the frequencies of the least and most prevalent suspicious activities (or SAR indicators) and how they predict the likelihood of terrorism prevention. In addition, the authors contextualize how configurations of SAR indicators are associated with the successful thwarting of terrorism incidents by law enforcement using an analytical method known as conjunctive analysis of case configurations (CACC). Findings The study reveals several key findings. First, certain behaviors categorized as suspicious, such as making threats, occur more frequently than others. Second, making threats, conducting surveillance and terrorist recruitment/financing predict law enforcement interdiction in terrorism plots, while misrepresentation (or the manufacturing and use of false documents) is more associated with terrorist success. Third, prevalent SAR indicators operate differently in the context of various combinations of suspicious activities to shape the likelihood for law enforcement interdiction. Research limitations/implications The current study’s findings may not be generalizable to other forms of violent extremism and terrorism outside of the USA. Practical implications This study illuminates opportunities for the NSI to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to reduce terrorism risk and prevent future attacks. Originality/value To our knowledge, no scholarly work to date has assessed how observable behavioral indicators of suspicious preoperational activities affect the outcomes of terrorist plots.

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