Gender differences in workplace stress response strategies of quantity surveyors in Southwestern Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 718-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Kehinde Ojo ◽  
Grace Mayowa Adeyeye ◽  
Akintayo Opawole ◽  
Kahilu Kajimo-Shakantu
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Response Strategies ◽  
Significant Difference

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess how gender influences stress response strategies among quantity surveyors in workplaces with a view to enhancing job performance.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were obtained through a survey, which utilised structured questionnaires administered to quantity surveyors in Lagos, Oyo and Ondo States in Nigeria. In total, 334 quantity surveyors in government establishments, consulting and construction firms were randomly sampled to survey male quantity surveyors, and a purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from female quantity surveyors. Data collected were analysed using percentile, using mean item score (MIS) and Mann–WhitneyUtest.FindingsIn total, 27 stress response strategies were identified in dealing with stressors in quantity surveyors’ workplaces. The results of the analysis revealed the level of usage of the stress response strategies with the highest being “seeking clarification with colleagues or superiors” achieving an MIS of 3.95, followed by “belonging to professional association” (MIS=3.67), and “opportunity to discuss with manager/supervisor” (MIS=3.66). The scoring of the level of usage of the stress response strategies (2.20<MIS<3.95) suggested that although quantity surveying organisations were familiar with a good number of workplace stress response strategies, a significant number of the strategies were neither suitable nor adopted. Moreover, stress response strategies with high a rating of familiarity were also the most utilised and most effective.Practical implicationsThe study provided implications for management roles in identifying stressors and appropriate strategies towards creating a healthy working environment and improving job productivity of female quantity surveyors in their workplaces.Originality/valueThe results show no significant difference in gender perception of the effectiveness of the 27 stress response strategies assessed except three. The first is “opportunity to discuss with manager/supervisor” with the Mann–WhitneyUtest (MWW) value of 3.337 atp=0.001. The other two are “prioritizing future workloads” (MWW=−3.226;p=0.002) and “clubbing or socializing” (MWW=−3.483;p=0.001). These findings imply that both male and female quantity surveyors perceived the use of these three stress response strategies in different ways. In this regard, although all the strategies may be applied as influenced by employers’ decision and preference, managers may have to exercise caution when applying them while dealing with male and female employees.

Quadrant and gap analysis of required and exhibited quantity surveyors’ competencies

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1161-1173
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke ◽  
Deji Rufus Ogunsemi ◽  
Morenike Adeyelu
Keyword(s):  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Continuous Change ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Importance ◽  
Construction Works

Purpose In their delivery of service, quantity surveyors are not in any way protected against threats and changes in their operating environment as a result of globalisation and continuous change in demand of clients. This research therefore examined the current and important areas of competencies of Nigerian quantity surveyors in their quest to continue to provide value for money for their clients. Design/methodology/approach Primary data were collected through administration of questionnaires on quantity surveyors that are members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS). Mean item score (MIS) was used to rank required and exhibited competencies while gap and quadrant analyses were employed to evaluate their importance and proficiency level. Findings Core competencies required of quantity surveyors are costing of construction works; valuation; estimating and tendering; and procurement management while valuation; estimating and tendering; and costing of construction works are top three competencies currently exhibited. There is significant difference in the level of importance of the competencies areas compared to their exhibition by quantity surveyors. Originality/value It was noted that some important areas of competencies are not currently exhibited by quantity surveyors in the study area, there is therefore the need for personal and collective continuous development through workshops, conferences and seminars that will enhance the identified competencies areas. Training of undergraduates and retraining of practicing quantity surveyors is also essential to inculcate competencies that are not currently exhibited. This will benefit quantity surveyors and bodies concerned with the regulation of the profession in their quest for better service delivery.

Risk factors associated with procuring university hostel facilities through build-operate-transfer model

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-154
Author(s):  
Akintayo Opawole ◽  
Kahilu Kajimo-Shakantu ◽  
Oluwaseyi Olalekan Alao ◽  
Chinanu Patience Ogbaje
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Transfer Model ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Simplified Approach ◽  
Factors Associated

PurposeThe build-operate-transfer (BOT) model is fast becoming a sustainable tool for remedying the deficiencies of public financing of hostel facilities in Nigeria. Being a new concept in Nigeria, this study aims to assess clients’ organizations perspective of risk factors associated with BOT model with a view to providing information for their effective management.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative descriptive analysis was used, which was based on primary data obtained through questionnaire survey. The respondents included architects, engineers (structural/civil/mechanical/electrical), builders and quantity surveyors who were officials in the physical planning development and works departments of five sampled universities in the southwestern Nigeria who executed at least one BOT hostel project. A total number of 45 copies of questionnaire were administered, out of which 35 copies representing a response rate of 77.8 per cent were retrieved. Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive statistics: percentages, mean item score and relative importance index.FindingsSeverity of the risk factors specific to BOT model for hostel development was revealed. Besides, conceptual allocations and mitigation measures were suggested against each risk factor.Practical implicationsPrivate sector investor would find the results of this research useful in preparing robust BOT contract packages through the understanding of the nature of risk factors associated with the procurement model.Originality/valueWith limited evaluation of BOT in hostel facilities procurement, this study developed a simplified approach to management of risk factors associated with BOT model in the education sector.

People-centred management for improving construction workers' productivity in Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 350-368
Author(s):  
Tirivavi Moyo ◽  
Gerrit Crafford ◽  
Fidelis Emuze
Keyword(s):  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
The People ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Concern ◽  
The Impact

PurposeWhile operational factors reduce construction workers' productivity in Zimbabwe, the impact of the people-centred management aspects has not been empirically interrogated as a remedy. This article reports on a study that sought to determine significant people-centred management aspects that lead to improved labour productivity and assesses the existence of statistically significant differences due to the demographic variables of respondents. Demographic-specific strategies that enhance construction “workers” productivity were revealed.Design/methodology/approachThe survey research design using a self-administered questionnaire was deployed to collect the primary data. The design followed a positivist paradigm to evaluate objectively how people-centred management affects construction workers' productivity. The statistical data were descriptively and inferentially analysed.FindingsPeople-centred management was determined to be significant in improving construction workers' productivity, with the most significant aspect being the building of employee confidence in related approaches. Designations and educational levels mostly indicated a statistically significant difference in several aspects that included the adoption of a functional reward culture for workers and training on people-centred principles. Training on-site management and construction workers in people-centred management and its application are crucial to improving construction workers' productivity.Research limitations/implicationsConstruction companies should drastically improve their concern for people while they sustain a high concern for production within their construction sites. Although several factors affect construction workers' productivity, this study determined that management-related factors and people-centred management were significant towards influencing low productivity in Zimbabwe.Originality/valueThe study determined people-centred management and demographic-specific interventions as being able to improve construction workers' productivity in Zimbabwe.

Students’ satisfaction with hostel accommodations in higher education institutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 652-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Marcia M. Raphiri
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Higher Institutions ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Purpose There are several types of accommodation available to students of higher education institutions, and it is the responsibility of the institutions to focus on factors that can attract and retain students to their residences. This study aims to investigate satisfaction of higher institutions students with on-campus accommodation with an emphasis on the ethnicity of the students. Design/methodology/approach Using convenience sampling method, questionnaires were administered to students of selected residences in the study area. Mean item score was used to rank identified factors, whereas mean gap and Kruskal–Wallis K-test were adopted to examine the difference in opinion of students from various ethnic groups. Findings Overall, major features that make students dissatisfied with university-owned accommodations are enforcement of rule that compels all students to move out with their belongings during each recess, the effectiveness of the lift system, the size of wardrobe and closet, laundry service in the residence, numbers of electrical sockets and window quality. Considering dwelling unit features, neighbourhood, environmental, building quality and services provided by residence management, this study reveals that there is a significant difference in the satisfaction of students of diverse ethnic groups with their accommodation. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to on-campus residences owned by higher education institutions in South Africa. However, the findings of the study can be adopted for off-campus residences, and such owned by private individuals, agencies and other bodies provided are approved by the institutions. Originality/value The findings of this study will help management of higher education institutions to improve quality of services in their residences for the satisfaction of their students. Developers, contractors and other stakeholders involved in construction of these residences will also find the findings useful in designing and construction of the facilities.

Innovations and innovation capability in palm kernel processing industry in southwestern Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Bolaji Ilori ◽  
Akinloye Lawal ◽  
Olayemi Oladehinde Simeon-Oke
Keyword(s):  
Palm Kernel ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
The South ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unit Operations

Purpose This study aims to examine the innovations available in the small-scale palm kernel processing firms in southwestern Nigeria. The sample population of 265 respondents was obtained through respondent-driven sampling tools. The research tools used were questionnaire, personal observations, interviews and secondary data collection approach. The questionnaire was administered to palm kernel processors and elicited information on innovations available in the firms. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. Design/methodology/approach The study area consisted of Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ondo states in the southwestern Nigeria, because of the abundant supply of palm kernel as well as the presence of small and medium palm kernel oil (PKO) processing firms. The study population consists of all small palm kernel processing enterprises in these states. A total of 265 firms were purposively selected for the study. The sampling procedure involved the initial purposive selection of a palm kernel processing firm in a location, from where other firms within the locality were then identified. The primary data were collected through the use of questionnaire, interview and personal observation. Findings The results of the study showed that only process, organisational and market innovations were recorded by the palm kernel processing firms. Apart from the sieving operation where majority of the firms (91.30 per cent) used manual method, other unit operations were done mechanically. There was evidence of one or two innovation(s) available in the unit operations of these firms. Also, improvements were carried out occasionally in the process and marketing operations; the major sources of ideas for innovation were from related firms and customers. The organisations where majority of these firms had linkage with were Nigeria Palm Kernel Processing Association, government agencies and customer/suppliers. Research limitations/implications The findings are limited to the south-western part of Nigeria, there is need to extend the study to other states in the southern part where palm produce is the major cash crop. This will assist in making better generalisation on the innovation and innovation capability of the processors in Nigeria. Practical implications The study showed that the palm kernel processing firms experienced low innovation capability which could be due to their weak interactions with the knowledge institutions. Hence, there is need for these palm kernel processing firms to establish strong linkage with the knowledge institutions where their innovation capability can be enhanced. Social implications The findings in this paper can serve as an input to the design of policies that can enhance the innovation capability of the various actors in the value chain. This will assist in preventing wastages, increasing the quantity and quality of products and creating job opportunities. This is because the quality of PKO depends on the processing method; hence, better process innovation will improve the characteristics of the oil and widen its application. Originality/value Much has been written about palm kernel processing in medium and large enterprises, but information is still scanty on the small-scale processing enterprises. This paper contributed to knowledge by examining the innovations existing in the palm kernel processing enterprises in the south-western part of Nigeria and the innovation capability possessed by these enterprises.

Does intellectual capital allow improving innovation performance? A quantitative analysis in the SME context

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 400-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Agostini ◽  
Anna Nosella ◽  
Roberto Filippini
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Incremental Innovation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Innovation Capital

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between the strength of intellectual capital (IC) and small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach Primary data of 150 SMEs belonging to manufacturing medium-high tech industries were collected through a survey. The methodology consists of a confirmatory factor analysis and a cluster analysis, complemented by a t-test, to assess whether there is a significant difference in terms of innovation performance of SMEs characterized by a different strength of IC. Findings Overall, the findings show that SMEs of the sample can be divided into two groups characterized by a different strength of IC, and those SMEs disclosing a higher strength of IC, in terms of human capital, innovation capital and relational capital, exhibit a significantly higher radical and incremental innovation performance. Practical implications The present study provides SME entrepreneurs and managers with an empirical evidence that possessing strong IC in its three dimensions seems to help SMEs reinforce their ability to generate both radical and incremental innovation. This calls that SME entrepreneurs and managers need to identify and effectively manage IC in order to strengthen and effectively leverage their investments on IC. Originality/value This study is particularly relevant because, instead of focusing on single categories of IC as previous studies mainly do, it adopts an overarching perspective of the dimensions of IC and their impact on both radical and incremental innovation performance. Moreover, it focuses on the SME context which has been less investigated than large firms within the domain of IC.

The prevalence of anaemia among Saudi school girls: a comparison of two techniques

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-88
Author(s):  
Elham Abbas Aljaaly ◽  
Nahlaa Abduwahab Khalifa
Keyword(s):  
Venous Blood ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Capillary Blood ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Jeddah City ◽  
System Method ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
School Girls

Purpose – Continuous integration of health screens to investigate and track variations in the students’ healthiness over time is essential. However, the sustainability of this practice remains challenging. The purpose of this paper is to identify the prevalence of anaemia based on haemoglobin (Hb) estimation among Saudi school girls in Jeddah city by examining capillary and venous blood. Design/methodology/approach – The design is investigative, using primary data to define the prevalence of anaemia based on two techniques. Samples of venous (n=408) and capillary (n=797) blood from Saudi school girls in Jeddah city was collected and compared using: Reflotron Plus System method (capillary blood) and ABX MICROS 60-OT Automated Haematology Analyser for (venous blood). Findings – When the capillary blood was used, the prevalence of anaemia was 40 per cent (n=319 out of 797). Using the venous blood, the prevalence was 29.4 per cent (n=120 out of 408). Comparison of Hb data for both tests showed a significant difference in Hb levels with levels between the 10g and 12 g/dl particularly and both measurements demonstrated good agreement (ICC=0.87, 95 per cent CI (0.845, 0.892)). Research limitations/implications – The data were collected only in Jeddah city. Further studies should include a national sample that is representative of both gender from different backgrounds and geographical areas in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Practical implications – The high prevalence of anaemia within the school girls’ population require decision makers to devise a set of maintainable projects to progress students’ general health, including health education and supplementation such as iron, particularly if anaemia is diagnosed to be nutrition-related. This particularly applied to the health centres at female schools that have anaemia screening programmes that going on in Saudi schools. Originality/value – This study reveals a technique-based measures of anaemia prevalence that have public and practical health implications.

Risk-Taking Patterns of Male and Female Entrepreneurs in Roodepoort

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay K. Garg ◽  
A. Duvenhage
Keyword(s):  
Risk Taking ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Performance Perceptions

This study analyses the risk-taking propensity of male and female entrepreneurs. Primary data were collected from a sample of 400 randomly selected from among the small and medium scale entrepreneurs in Roodepoort and two structured questionnaires were used. The results showed the existence of differences among male and female entrepreneurs’ risk-taking perceptions. However, no significant differences in the mean scores between males and females in the financial and social domains of risk taking perception were found. The results further indicate that there is a significant difference in the means of the entrepreneurs with regard to their overall risk-taking perception in the ethical domain of risk-taking perception, health and safety risk-taking perception, recreational risk-taking perception as well as their business performance perceptions. The study also suggests that there is no correlation between business performance and risk-taking in entrepreneurs. The study highlights that there is no evidence to suggest that risk-taking in different genders plays a role as an indicator in business performance.

scholarly journals The Impact of Workplace Stress Management in a Business Organisation in the Service Industries – A Case Study on Kingstel Hotel Limited -Takoradi, Ghana

2021 ◽  
pp. 240-275
Author(s):  
Alex Acquah ◽  
Prof. Huiying Chen
Keyword(s):  
Stress Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Service Industries ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Marketing Manager ◽  
Service Personnel ◽  
The Impact

This research presents readers with adequate information about workplace stress and its impact on the productivity of employees in the service industries, factors in the working environment that cause stressful situations and negative health consequences of workplace stress. It was necessary to undertake this research on workplace stress due to the rapid changes in the service industries which come with some sort of pressure and making the workplace more prone to stress for managers and frontline service personnel. Service personnel need to control their personal emotions so that they will be capable of managing the emotions of their customers and provide them with their service requirements in an organization. The major objective for conducting this research work is to analyze the effectiveness of workplace stress management practices at Kingstel Hotel Limited and how sources of job stress for service personnel such as perceived customer demands, uncooperative attitudes of employees, role ambiguity, role conflict, role overload and how teamwork and other mediators such as job autonomy, training, and motivational programs helps to minimize workplace stress. To enhance better understanding and thorough analysis of stressors, questionnaires were administered to service personnel at Kingstel Hotel to gather primary data for further analysis and investigation. The researcher also interviewed the marketing manager of the hotel to gather further information. Moreover, in other not underrating the significant benefits of secondary data, various articles and publications were reviewed to enrich our knowledge and information base. With the use of an online survey, the questionnaire response was translated into tables and figures for further analysis. With the help of SPSS, correlations analyze was conducted to examine correlations in the variables used and the results of the study indicated that service personnel does not have personal stress management activities and this may result in health- related issues at the workplace more often. The study also identified from the analysis that workplace stress management activities will reduce working hours. Findings suggest the more uncooperative colleagues tend to be in an organization, the heavier workload will be for employees and hence higher probability to suffer from stress. Finally, recommendations for future research are given and areas are highlighted where there is a need for more empirical research.

Labour migration in ASEAN: Indonesian migrant workers in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-39
Author(s):  
Arisman Arisman ◽  
Ratnawati Kusuma Jaya
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Working Condition ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Labour Migration ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Domestic Worker ◽  
International Labour Migration ◽  
Working Hour

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explain and share about labour migration for employment purposes issues from the perspective of a sending and receiving country in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (Indonesia; sending state and Malaysia; receiving state) on managing the international labour migration between the two countries.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopting “mixed methods”, mixing of quantitative and qualitative data within a single investigation or sustained programme of inquiry. The activity includes collecting primary data in two countries. Data collection is done by distributing questionnaires to migrant workers in the receiving states and used indepth interview to 10 stakeholders in the sending states.FindingsThe protection of migrant workers in Johor Bahru is still weak. The graph shows that Indonesian migrant workers in Johor mostly have their documents kept by their employer. Fisheries sector has the highest percentage of workers whose documents are retained by the employer. Meanwhile the sector in which the worker mostly do not get a weekly one day off is the domestic worker. Overall, this means that Malaysia has to put more attention on the existing regulation in order to create a more comfortable working environment.Originality/valueThis paper observe three parameters such as working hour, who keep the passport of the Indonesian migrant workers and weekly one day off relate to working condition of Indonesian migrant workers.

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