Measures in curbing poor compliance to building control regulation among renovated terrace houses

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-271
Author(s):  
Bibi Khairani Mohamed Sabri ◽  
Norsidah Ujang ◽  
Afida Mastura Muhammad Arif ◽  
Srazali Aripin
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Poor Compliance ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Building Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Interview Session ◽  
Control Regulation ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore measures taken by local authorities in curbing poor compliance among renovated terrace houses in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was selected in the data collection and analysis of the study. Seven local authority officers from seven selected local authorities were invited to participate in a face-to-face interview session to share their experience. A focus group was conducted for the purpose of confirming the validity of the data collected during the interview session. The focus group consisted of 32 officers in charge of building control enforcement invited from 11 local authorities within Selangor State. Findings The results show that collecting revenue rather than ensuring compliance is the main objective among the authorities responsible for enforcing the regulations. There are four common tools adopted to penalize the offenders, which are compounds, demolition, prosecution and court orders, with a mix of opinions on their objective achievement. Major obstacles identified in the implementation of the enforcement task are low staffing capacity in monitoring and inspection, difficulties in preparing investigation paper and problems carrying out the demolition of illegal extensions. Originality/value The study uncovers obstacles to enforcing regulations on home renovations. The findings contribute toward improving the enforcement practices of local building control authorities.

scholarly journals Exploring coping strategies of carers looking after people with intellectual disabilities and dementia

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 292-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhathika D. Perera ◽  
Penny J. Standen
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Narrative Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose – Carers play a vital role in looking after people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Caring role can be stressful and challenging in nature. Carers use various coping strategies to deal with stressors. The purpose of this paper is to explore coping strategies of carers looking after people with ID and dementia. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methodology was used to explore coping strategies. Focus groups and face-to-face interviews were carried out. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – Nine interviews with carers (six paid carers and three family carers) and two focus groups with nursing staff looking after people with ID were carried out. Three key themes of “Narrative”, “Strategy toolbox” and “Compartmentalisation” emerged from analysis. Narrative and strategy took box were further subthemed. Carers had narratives about them and the person they look after. These “narratives” helped them to deal with day to day stressors. They also carried a “strategy toolbox”, which they used when they were in stressful situations. Compartmentalisation helped them to separate their personal life from work life as a carer. Originality/value – Understanding carers’ coping strategies is important when planning services to help carers who play an important role in our society. Professionals can support carers to understand and improve their existing coping skills and help them to thrive in their role as carers.

scholarly journals Interfunctional coordination: the role of digitalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 404-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
José L. Ruiz-Alba ◽  
Rodrigo Guesalaga ◽  
Raquel Ayestarán ◽  
Javier Morales Mediano
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Executives ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
Negative Side Effects ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Integrated Study

Purpose This paper aims to investigate interfunctional coordination (IC) in a B2B context. More specifically, it explores the role of digitalization as a strategic driver for an effective IC. Design/methodology/approach Following a qualitative methodology, three studies have been integrated: Study 1 (focus group with 5 participants), Study 2 (31 in-depth interviews with top executives) and Study 3 (online focus group with 9 experts). Findings One finding is that digitalization is the main driver for IC and can be considered strategic. Other findings show that digitalization can enhance IC, but it was also found that digitalization can have negative side effects on IC. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of the importance of digitalization on IC and also contributes to the conceptualization of IC as a dynamic capability.

scholarly journals Management of acceptable use of computing facilities in the public library: avoiding a panoptic gaze?

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 572-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Gallagher ◽  
David McMenemy ◽  
Alan Poulter
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Features

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the language utilised in Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) in Scottish public libraries. Through this examination the paper aims to ascertain if power relationships between local authorities, public libraries and users are apparent. Finally, the paper aims to determine if Foucault’s theory of panopticism is relevant to public libraries in this context. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses all 32 of the AUPs used in Scottish public libraries, applying a Foucaldian discourse analysis to the content of the policies. Findings – By thorough examination of the literature the researchers were able to extract ten key features that ought to appear in an AUP. It was found that only one of 32 local authorities included information relating to all of these features. It was also found that one local authority contained as few as four of these key features. The median number of features included in the policies was seven. It was also found that power relationships are evident and can be perceived throughout the AUPs. By identifying the key Foucauldian themes of discipline, surveillance, knowledge, and power and resistance throughout the AUPs, the researchers were able to analyse and identify the existence of power relationships and consider the implications these could have on users and on the library services being provided. Research limitations/implications – The study examines one geographic region, and is only indicative of the region concerned. In addition the usage of the qualitative methodology utilised could be deemed to have elements of subjectivity. Practical implications – The study would be of benefit to researchers and professionals interested in issues around AUPs and surveillance of library users. Originality/value – The use of Foucaldian discourse analysis is limited in library and information science research, and this study helps fill this gap. It is the first study the researchers have found that critically examines a range of public library AUPs.

Attractiveness of cultural events organized by hotels

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-127
Author(s):  
Bruno Duarte Abreu Freitas ◽  
Pedro Correia
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Marketing Communications ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Cultural Events ◽  
Selection Factor

Purpose This paper aims to determine how important cultural events organized by hotels are when guests select the establishment, determine the most influential source to attract customers to the hotels’ cultural events and measure their ability to meet guests’ expectations. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative exploratory methodology was adopted. Data collection was performed through voluntary and non-probabilistic face-to-face interviews to 2,229 guests and six directors from eight hotels that organize cultural events. Findings The data revealed that, although cultural events organized by hotels were not a selection factor, these were attended by the majority of guests, who felt valued for being asked for feedback by the hotels and were more influenced by marketing communications within the establishments than by word-of-mouth. Originality/value Contrary to cultural events organized by local authorities, cultural events organized by hotels have received little to no academic attention. This research allowed the authors to better understand the factors that may influence hotel selection and guests’ satisfaction.

Organising in-house cleaning services in public FM

Facilities ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (13/14) ◽  
pp. 828-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Johanne Klungseth ◽  
Siri Hunnes Blakstad
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Span Of Control ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Chain Of Command ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose This paper aims to describe and discuss in-house cleaning services in local authorities to gain a better understanding of current practices. These descriptions are intended to increase researchers’, practitioners’ and educators’ understanding of the studied issue, as there at present does not exist a solid understanding of in-house cleaning services in local authorities. Previous studies provide little detailed information regarding the internal environment of facility management (FM) organisations, in particular with regard to FM organisations’ individual services. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on two descriptive case studies, one from Norway and one from the UK. The case studies are based on semi-structured, face-to-face in-depth interviews and document reviews. Findings The cases demonstrate that in-house cleaning services can be structured and managed in different ways, particularly with respect to the split in services, the management of staff and customer contracts, the span of control, the chain of command, self-managed leadership, cleaners’ hours of duty and the use of outsourcing. Research limitations/implications Although the previous research on particular FM services is limited, this paper’s detailed descriptions may stimulate further development and research within the field. The knowledge brought forward is part of bridging a knowledge gap on cleaning in FM research. This knowledge can contribute to advancements in the way this service is discussed and measured across contexts by encouraging more rigour and specific studies on cleaning. Originality/value This paper constitutes one of the first detailed descriptions of in-house cleaning organisation in local authorities. This is a type of service supply that is common in certain contexts and identified as beneficial to cost-saving in other contexts.

Struggle over public space: grassroots movements in Moscow and Vilnius

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 565-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Aidukaite ◽  
Christian Fröhlich
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Policy ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Using Data

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore urban mobilisation patterns in two post-Soviet cities: Vilnius and Moscow. Both cities were subject to similar housing and urban policy during Soviet times, and they have implemented urban development using neoliberal market principles, provoking grassroots opposition from citizens to privatisation and marketisation of their housing environment and local public space. However, the differing conditions of democratic Lithuanian and authoritarian Russian public governance offer different opportunities and set different constraints for neighbourhood mobilisation. The purpose is to contrast local community mobilisations under the two regimes and highlight the differences between and similarities in the activists’ repertoires of actions in two distinct political and economic urban settings. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs qualitative methodology using data from semi-structured interviews conducted with community activists and state officials, presented using a comparative case study design. Findings – Although, citizens’ mobilisations in the two cities are reactions to the neoliberalisation of housing and local public space, they take different forms. In Vilnius they are institutionalised and receive formal support from national and local authorities. Moreover, support from the EU encourages organisational development and provides material and cognitive resources for grassroots urban mobilisations. In contrast, residents’ mobilisations in Moscow are informal and face fierce opposition from local authorities. However, even in an authoritarian setting, grassroots mobilisations evolve using creative strategies to circumvent institutional constraints. Originality/value – Little attention has been paid to grassroots urban mobilisations in post-Soviet cities. There is also a lack of comparative attempts to show variation in post-Soviet urban activism related to housing and local public space.

Levers of control, complementariness, tensions and budget use: a case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-416
Author(s):  
Kaveesha Rathnasekara ◽  
Tharusha Gooneratne
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Domain Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Control Framework ◽  
Budgetary Control

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the complementariness and tensions in the use of management control systems diagnostically and interactively, using a budgetary control example, drawing empirical evidence from a clustered firm, “Pattern On”, which is engaged in the manufacture of apparels. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses the qualitative methodology and case study approach. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were carried out as the main source of data collection, supplemented by an analysis of internal documents. Findings The field data from this study shows that both diagnostic and interactive controls appear in the clusters of PatternOn. However, the extent of use, the way they are perceived by employees, consequences, complementariness and tensions differ among the clusters. It further suggests that interactive and diagnostic controls have their own positive and negative implications on organisational activities. Therefore, rather than ruling one type as superior; what is best depends on the particular organisational circumstances. Research limitations/implications This paper is a useful addition to the current body of management accounting literature, particularly to budgeting and to the levers of the control framework and highlights the use of a domain theory in a research study. Practical implications It provides insights to practitioners regarding the simultaneous use of controls, diagnostically and interactively, and how any resulting tensions are managed. Originality/value Using a budgetary control example, this paper shows how controls are used diagnostically and interactively while emphasising the complementariness and tensions created by such levers. This is important as most prior research has explored diagnostic and interactive use in isolation, while budgetary control, as well as the role of domain theory has not been their focus.

scholarly journals Defining the art product: a network perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-98
Author(s):  
Mark Wickham ◽  
Kim Lehman ◽  
Ian Fillis
Keyword(s):  
Art Market ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Visual Artists ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Art And Culture ◽  
Analysis Design ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper explores the nature of art as a product through a network perspective, accounting for key contributing stakeholders in shaping its essence.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a qualitative data collection and analysis design and is centred on a series of face-to-face interviews with established Australian visual artists.FindingsResults support the notion of an art product shaped by interconnections and interdependencies of actors in the art market. In particular, attention is paid to the roles of actors in conceptual, production and distribution networks.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough there are idiosyncrasies that (in part) define the Australian art market context, the issues identified here are nonetheless useful in determining the nature of the interconnectedness of the art market in other similar Western contexts. Many Australian artists have achieved similar recognition and status to other established artists elsewhere. Future cross-cultural comparative research should be carried out in order to assess this relationship in the longer term.Practical implicationsArtists at different stages of their careers can transfer the findings of this research into the development of a series of relevant strategies and tactics for developing their art and culture products more effectively.Originality/valueAlthough philosophical assessments of art as a product have been carried out elsewhere, there is a lack of evaluation from an art versus marketplace lens in considering the perspectives of interested stakeholders

scholarly journals Compliance and enforcement challenges: A case of the national building regulations’ processes in South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 679-684
Author(s):  
Michael Twum-Darko ◽  
Patricia Ntombizodwa Mazibuko
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Shopping Malls ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Building Regulations ◽  
Building Control ◽  
Interpretive Approach ◽  
Building Standards

This paper discusses the compliance and enforcement processes of the National Building Regulations of South Africa. These processes are administered by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977 (The Act). The objective was to investigate the how the business processes by the NRCS have enforced Building Control Officers at the Local Authorities nationwide to comply with the safety of buildings for building occupants or end-users. The investigation was largely motivated by the high number of injuries, deaths and/or human lives affected and reported due to collapsing and defective buildings. It was a case study based on disasters occurred and reported at various Local Authorities, in private residential homes, government-owned buildings, abandoned and commercial buildings, such as shopping malls. This study applied the interpretive approach underpinned by qualitative methodology where interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from affected stakeholders. The stakeholders ranged from building owners, prospective building owners and/or building occupants, built-environment practitioners, Local Authorities’ Building Control Officers and the Regulator. In gathering the data, it was ensured that it was done in an ethical manner and for the intended study only. The empirical findings revealed that there was a critical need for business process review and strategy shifts that advance objectivity and benefits to compliance, visibility and awareness of regulatory process. The output is a proposed re-design NRCS business processes that can effectively enforce compliance of the building regulations of South Africa.

scholarly journals Investigating the backstage of audit engagements: the paradox of team diversity

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 378-400
Author(s):  
Firdaus Amyar ◽  
Nunung Nurul Hidayah ◽  
Alan Lowe ◽  
Margaret Woods
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Team Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Diversity ◽  
Quality Practices ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Paradox Theory ◽  
Audit Team

Purpose There has been very little qualitative “fieldwork” of audit practice. This is especially the case in relation to investigations into how audit engagements proceed. The purpose of this paper is to engage with audit practice in order to explore and explain the internal dynamics and paradoxical conditions within audit engagement teams. Design/methodology/approach The research adopts a qualitative methodology, framed around an intensive case study that involves several methods of data collection and analysis including interviews, observation and document analysis. The authors observe audit team practices, work programmes and organisation including observations of individual and teams involved in audit engagements. Findings Using the lens of paradox theory, the authors explore the backstage of audit work, where audit teams are challenged with recurring contradictory requirements and opposing demands. The authors provide insight on the complexity associated with inadequate resourcing and planning that tend to stimulate the emergence of paradoxes in audit engagement work in a government audit context. As a result, the authors identify the occurrence of cascading reduced audit quality practices (RAQP) as the teams respond to the paradoxes they face. Originality/value The authors reveal the interlinked and cumulative coping strategies, namely, downplaying responsibility and downscaling audit processes. These strategies are performed concurrently by team leaders and audit members to manage paradoxical tensions. The authors also identified superficial audit supervision as another type of RAQP performed by team leaders.

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