Investigating parameters affecting maintenance of heritage buildings in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoda Abdelrazik ◽  
Mohamed Marzouk
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Influencing Parameters

PurposeMaintenance of heritage buildings in Egypt is essential for extending their life and preserving them in a good condition for current use and future generations. The purpose of this paper aims to study the significant parameters to be taken into consideration in the decision-making process for maintenance of heritage buildings.Design/methodology/approachThis research identifies and analyzes the parameters affecting maintenance decision-making process using relative importance index method. Sixty-three parameters were collected from the literature and were categorized into six groups. The feedback of 15 experts who represent owners' representatives and consultants in the field of maintenance and preservation of heritage buildings was obtained through a questionnaire survey and analyses were conducted on the results.FindingsAccording to the highest values of the relative importance index method, the top 10 influencing parameters are determined. A comparison between feedback of the two groups of experts is conducted. Statistical analysis is carried out to test the parameters, revealing a strong correlation between structural and geotechnical groups of parameters.Originality/valueParameters affecting decision-making for maintenance of heritage buildings were identified, influencing parameters can be used to compare between heritage buildings in greater need of maintenance than others.

Fuzzy model for assessing delays in Egyptian residential projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-246
Author(s):  
Tarek El-Rasas ◽  
Mohamed Marzouk
Keyword(s):  
Fuzzy Logic ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Fuzzy Model ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Residential Projects

Purpose Construction delays are a common problem in the Egyptian construction industry. Frequent delays in a project can lead to disputes and litigation. This paper aims to study and analyze the causes of construction delays. Design/methodology/approach This research identifies delay causes in residential projects in Egypt and analyzes these causes with the relative importance index method. The feedback of construction experts was obtained through interviews. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was prepared. Fifty-six different delay causes were identified and categorized into eight categories based on a literature review and interviews with 36 experts from the construction industry who represent owners, consultants and contractors. Findings According to the highest values of the relative importance index, the top ten delay causes of residential projects in Egypt are determined. Statistical analysis is carried out using the analysis of variance method to test delay causes obtained from the survey, which revealed a good correlation between residential projects parties with respect to most of the delay causes. A fuzzy logic model using MATLAB is developed for determining the probability of delay of residential projects, and the model was tested in a real case study and was found to be satisfactory. Originality/value Delay causes in residential projects in Egypt were identified, and these causes were analyzed using the relative importance index method and fuzzy logic.

A benchmarking approach to the progress of green materials and systems’ use in the UAE construction industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aly Elgayar ◽  
Salwa Mamoun Beheiry ◽  
Alaa Jabbar ◽  
Hamad Al Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Green Materials ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Regulatory Guidelines

Purpose Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced several green regulatory guidelines, federal decrees, and a considerable number of environmentally friendly initiatives. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the top green materials and systems used currently in the UAE construction industry as per the new laws dictate as well as see if professionals are switching over to incorporate more green materials, systems, and/or designs. Design/methodology/approach The work involved reviewing internationally popular green materials and systems for construction, developing a questionnaire based on the literature review, surveying professionals in the seven UAE emirates, and ranking the findings based on the relative importance index. Findings Findings found the top used green materials and system in the UAE’s construction industry. As well as identified that there is a communication gap between the design and implementation phases that is possibly hindering the use of more green materials and systems. Originality/value This study sets a baseline to measure the UAE’s progress over the coming years in terms of integrating more green construction materials, systems, methodologies, and trends.

Evaluation of barriers in the adoption of halal certification: a fuzzy DEMATEL approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahbaz Khan ◽  
Mohd Imran Khan ◽  
Abid Haleem
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Specific Region ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Certification System ◽  
Expert’S Opinion

PurposeHigher level of customer satisfaction for halal products can be achieved by the effective adoption of halal certification through assessment and accreditation (HCAA). There are certain issues that seem detrimental towards the adoption of HCAA. The purpose of this paper is to identify the major barriers towards the adoption of HCAA and evaluate inter-relationships among them for developing the strategies to mitigate these barriers.Design/methodology/approachThe barriers towards the adoption of HCAA are identified through an integrative approach of literature review and expert’s opinion. The inter-relationship among the identified barriers is evaluated using fuzzy-based decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) technique, which categorises them into influential and influenced group.FindingsThe evaluation of inter-relationship among barriers using fuzzy DEMATEL indicates four influencing barriers and six influenced barriers towards the adoption of HCAA. Further, findings suggest an extensive government, and management support is vital in terms of commitment, resources and actions to realise the benefits attributed with HCAA.Research limitations/implicationsThe inter-relationship among barriers is contextual and based on the perception of experts which may be biased as per their background and area of expertise. This study pertains to a specific region and can be extended to the generalised certification system.Originality/valueThe empirical base of the research provides the inter-relationship among the barriers towards the adoption of HCAA which can be effectively used as input in the decision-making process by producers, manufacturers and distributor. The policy maker can analyse the cause group and effect group of barriers to formulate policies that would help in the adoption of HCAA.

Fire risk of apparel manufacturing buildings in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
R.M.D.I.M. Rathnayake ◽  
P. Sridarran ◽  
M.D.T.E. Abeynayake
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Fire Safety ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Fire Risk ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Apparel Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Indirect Impacts

Purpose The total essence of apparel manufacturing buildings (AMBs) is highly influenced by fire incidents which are caused direct or indirect impacts to the present building structure or even in old age. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the fire risk of AMBs in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted to explore the local and international fire incidents in AMBs and identify 24 factors that contribute to fire risk of AMBs. A questionnaire survey with professionals who have the knowledge and experience related to past fire incidents and 18 interviews with professionals of fire safety management were carried out. Content analysis was involved to evaluate interviewees’ opinions and relative importance index was involved to rank identified factors that contribute to the fire risk of AMBs. Findings The results revealed that due to the business nature of AMBs hold a high risk for fire incidents. The study discovered 83.4% of high fire risk prevailing in AMBs in Sri Lanka. Faulty wiring, welding work with electrical sparks and accumulation of waste fabric, paper and other garbage recognized as the top three factors that contribute to the fire risk of AMBs in Sri Lanka. Finally, the strategies proposed to eliminate identified all 41 factors that contribute to the fire risk of AMBs in Sri Lanka. Originality/value The paper helps to guide facility owners regarding the fire safety of AMBs in Sri Lanka.

Evaluation of the adaptive reuse potential of historic buildings and proposition of preventive-protective measures

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 493-507
Author(s):  
Ali Asghar Sharifi ◽  
Amir Hossein Farahinia
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Adaptive Reuse ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Historic Buildings ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Useful Life

PurposeThis study aims to render a pattern for heritage restoration in the context of reusing historic buildings, to assist the authorities with decision-making process on the most appropriate time during the building’s life cycle. Here, the adaptive reuse potential (ARP) model is used to find the most appropriate time for adaptive reuse and calculating the useful life as well as the potentiality of the Amir Nezam House so a viable solution can be put forward.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, a quantitative and qualitative method is adopted to evaluate the useful life and potentiality of the Amir Nezam House of Tabriz to determine the most appropriate time for next intervention.FindingsResults show that the potential (ARP score) of the Amir Nezam House is increasing, the value of which will be greater than 50 percent by the next few years. Evaluations show that the most appropriate time for further intervention is the year 2035.Originality/valueThe significance of this research lies within the objective of proposing a preventive and protective schedule for historic buildings before they reach their life expectancy with an emphasis on environmental, economic, social and functional sustainability as well as environmental impacts. ARP model has been applied to implement this concept in the Amir Nezam House, Tabriz, Iran.

Factors influencing cruise vacations: the impact of online reviews and environmental friendliness

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frida Bahja ◽  
Cihan Cobanoglu ◽  
Katerina Berezina ◽  
Carolin Lusby
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Environmental Friendliness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cruise Line ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of the study was to discover the relative importance of influencing factors toward booking a cruise vacation. Based on a review of literature, this study focused on exploring the relative importance of six influential factors in cruise customers’ decision-making process: cruise vacation price, cruise duration, distance from the cruise port, itineraries, environmental friendliness of cruise line and cruise online reviews. Design/methodology/approach The complexity of cruise customers’ decision-making process for involving these six attributes with several levels was examined with choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis. CBC was selected due to its realistic approach to purchase decisions, in the form of trade-offs. The online survey collected data anonymously. The survey was distributed through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (Mturk) platform. The sample consisted of 450 cruise customers, who had experienced a cruise vacation before. Findings The findings of the study showed that online reviews were the most influential attribute for cruise customers in their cruise decision, followed very closely by the environmental friendliness of the cruise line. The next influential factor was the duration of the cruise vacation, which was followed by distance from the cruise port, cruise itinerary and cruise vacation price. The best and the worst cruise vacation profiles were generated based on the CBC analysis. Practical implications The findings of this study provide some insights with regard to cruise customers’ importance about influencing factors when deciding on a cruise vacation. Originality/value The research provides insides in understanding the influential factors at the last stage of cruise customers’ decision-making process. In this regard, cruise industry can pay more attention in promoting the attributes of a cruise offer as influential factors. Additionally, the findings of this study contribute to the general knowledge about cruise customers’ decision-making process.

An enhanced algorithm for calculating the degree of greyness of interval grey numbers and its application

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 1721-1740
Author(s):  
Shuaishuai Geng ◽  
Yu Feng ◽  
Yaoguo Dang ◽  
Junjie Wang ◽  
Rizwan Rasheed
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Mechanism ◽  
Operation Process ◽  
Algebraic Operations ◽  
Grey Number ◽  
Operation Results ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose This paper aims to propose an enhanced algorithm and used to decision-making that specifically focuses on the choice of a domain in the calculation of degree of greyness according to the principle of grey numbers operation. The domain means the emerging background of interval grey numbers, it is vital for the operational mechanism of such interval grey numbers. However, the criteria of selection of domain always remain same that is not only for the calculated grey numbers but also for the resultant grey numbers, which can be assumed as unrealistic up to a certain extent. Design/methodology/approach The existence of interval grey number operation based on kernel and the degree of greyness containing two calculation aspects, which are kernel and the degree of greyness. For the degree of greyness, it includes concepts of domain and calculation of the domain. The concepts of a domain are defined. The enhanced algorithm is also comprised of four deductive theorems and eight rules that are linked to the properties of the enhanced algorithm of the interval grey numbers based on the kernel and the degree of greyness. Findings Aiming to improve the algorithm of the degree of greyness for interval grey numbers, based on the variation of domain in the operation process, the degree of greyness of the operation result is defined in this paper, and the specific expressions for algebraic operations are given, which is relevant to the kernel, the degree of greyness and the domain. Then, these expressions are used to the algorithm of interval grey numbers based on the kernel and the degree of greyness, improving the accuracy of the operation results. Originality/value The enhanced algorithm in this paper can effectively reduce the loss of information in the operation process, so as to avoid the situation where the decision values are the same and scientific decisions cannot be made during the grey evaluation and decision-making process.

Taking librarians off the desk: one library changes its reference desk staffing model

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Peters
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Service Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staffing Model ◽  
Central Michigan University ◽  
Reference Service

Purpose – This paper is a case study of the decision at Central Michigan University to take librarians off the reference desk. Departmental data on reference desk traffic and other ancillary functions of the reference department was used to make the case for removing the librarians from the desk. Data collected since the decision was made has supported the decision to move to an on-call reference desk staffing model. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The department reviewed and analyzed data on reference desk transactions of all types from previous years to inform its decision making. Data trends and an analysis of the nature of the questions asked at the reference desk were instrumental in the analysis. Findings – The department determined that the statistical data justified the removal of the librarians from the reference desk. Data collected since moving to the on-call model supports the earlier decision. Originality/value – This paper provides libraries considering their own desk staffing models with a discussion of another library’s decision-making process and evidence of a successful migration to a new reference service model.

Reducing construction material cost by optimizing buy-in decision that accounts the flexibility of non-critical activities

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1092-1108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junna Meng ◽  
Jinghong Yan ◽  
Bin Xue ◽  
Jing Fu ◽  
Ning He
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Construction Material ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Material Cost ◽  
Starting Date ◽  
The Right ◽  
Start Dates

Purpose The goal of making buy-in decisions is to purchase materials at the right time with the required quantity and a minimum material cost (MC). To help achieve this goal, the purpose of this paper is to find a way of optimizing the buy-in decision with the consideration of flexible starting date of non-critical activities which makes daily demand adjustable. Design/methodology/approach First, a specific algorithm is developed to calculate a series of demand combinations modeling daily material demand for all the possible start dates. Second, future material prices are predicted by applying artificial neural network. Third, the demand combinations and predicted prices are used to generate an optimal buy-in decision. Findings By comparing MC in situation when non-critical activities always start at the earliest date to that in situations when the starting date is flexible, it is found that making material buy-in decision with the consideration of the flexibility usually helps reduce MC. Originality/value In this paper, a material buy-in decision-making method that accounts non-critical activities’ flexible starting date is proposed. A ternary cycle algorithm is developed to calculate demand combinations. The results that making material buy-in decision considering non-critical activities’ flexible starting date can reduce MC in most times indicates that contractors may consider non-critical activities’ flexibility a part of the buy-in decision-making process, so as to achieve an MC decrease and profit increase.

Utilising ontology for “heteregeneous data analysis in organizational goals”

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 310-323
Author(s):  
Tengku Adil Tengku Izhar ◽  
Bernady O. Apduhan ◽  
Torab Torabi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Goals ◽  
Dependency Relationship ◽  
Operational Level ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of the organizational goal accomplishment by assessing the reliance relationship between organizational data and organizational goals. Design/methodology/approach The evaluation of the organizational goals is based on design and operational level, which can serve in ranking of the organizational goals achievement and hence assist the decision-making process in achieving the organizational goals. To achieve this aim, the authors propose an ontology to develop the relationship between organizational data and organizational goals. Findings Data goals dependency shows the dependency relationship between organizational data and organizational goals. At the same time, data goals dependency assists the process of identifying data attributes, where the authors suggest that these data attributes are relevant in relation to the organizational goals. Originality/value The contribution of this paper will serve as the first step to evaluate the relevance of organizational data to assist decision-making in relation to the organizational goals.

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