Does an open-plan office actually work? A workplace gap analysis: importance and perceived support of key activities

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-277
Author(s):  
Ricardo Jose Chacon Vega ◽  
Stephen P. Gale ◽  
Yujin Kim ◽  
Sungil Hong ◽  
Eunhwa Yang
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Noise Temperature ◽  
Personal Identification ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Office Layouts

Purpose This study aims to investigate the performance of open-plan office layouts and to identify occupants’ concerns in existing open-plan office layouts. Design/methodology/approach Workplace activity questionnaire (WAQ) was administered in the form of an online survey in March 2019, as part of a design briefing process for the expansion of the office facilities located in Bangalore, India, for a Fortune 100 software technology company. A total of 4,810 questionnaires were distributed and 3,877 responses were received (80.6% response rate). After that, 849 incomplete responses were eliminated from the analysis, resulting in a final sample size of 3,028. The questionnaire included 11 key activities conducted by the office workers and established the gap between the workers’ perceived importance and support from their existing facilities using a five-point Likert scale. Findings The findings of this study provide strong evidence that different physical environments influence the satisfaction of occupants. An improvement of the facilities, especially by enabling areas for quiet working, should be prioritized in relation to the other activities surveyed. Also, office workers perceived significantly different support levels for quiet working depending on their department, while there was no significant difference between the workers of different buildings. Research limitations/implications Individual demographic information was not collected because of the possibility of personal identification. There was also a lack of objective environmental measures, such as temperature and noise level. Thus, the quality of indoor environments was unknown. In this study, some respondents mentioned dissatisfaction with indoor environmental quality, including noise, temperature and air quality in their comments. Originality/value In the programming stage of a workplace design process, the WAQ survey tool has value because it renders important insight into the perception of a live workplace, which can then be used to determine priorities for a design effort. It clearly identifies the areas to focus on, ask questions about and develop improvements. Validating its reliability will enhance its credibility and confidence in its use. In addition, the large sample size provides statistical advantages in the data analysis, providing a higher likelihood to find a true positive of the findings of the study. Also, having a relatively high response rate provides an advantage of mitigating the risk of having non-response bias in the analysis.

Energy disclosure law in New York City

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 571-583
Author(s):  
Eunhwa Yang ◽  
Yong-Cheol Lee ◽  
Qi Li
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
York City ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Star ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Energy Benchmarking ◽  
Local Law

Purpose This paper aims to primarily analyzing the state and pattern of current energy benchmarking progress on commercial buildings since the New York City’s energy disclosure law, Local Law 84: Benchmarking has been implemented. It then compares the yearly benchmarking progress of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified and non-LEED-certified buildings as well as ENERGY STAR-certified and non-ENERGY STAR-certified. Design/methodology/approach For thorough analytics, the authors combined and examined four sources of data: New York City Local Law 84: Benchmarking, Primary Land Use Tax Lot Output, US Green Building Council and US Environmental Protection Agency. The data sets were combined using two primary keys: the Borough, Block, Lot (BBL) number and the building address. Four years of energy use intensity values were obtained and normalized by shrinking the range of deviance in weather. Findings The findings indicate a significant improvement in the benchmarking progress when controlling building size, building type, year of construction or the most recent renovation and the presence of renovation. Interestingly, there is no significant difference in the energy benchmarking progress between LEED- and non-LEED-certified buildings. Possible reasons are explored and discussed. Originality/value From a methodological perspective, the study benefited from data disclosure as well as open data sources and used secondary data with a relatively large sample size. Many studies in the construction industry are based on the case-study approach, which may affect generalizability and causality of research findings. This unique approach illustrates the potential of secondary data analysis in the industry.

scholarly journals Incentivizing and re-engaging lapsed health club members

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-565
Author(s):  
Teresa Hurley ◽  
Corinne Faure ◽  
Seamus Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Club ◽  
Health Clubs ◽  
Fitness Industry ◽  
Engagement Behavior

PurposeThis quantitative research paper examined factors influencing re-engagement intentions and re-engagement behavior of lapsed health club members and identified which sales promotion incentives are most effective in re-engaging this lapsed member market. While previous studies examined re-engagement intentions and re-engagement behavior in isolation, no research could be located which examined both simultaneously and the impact of promotion incentives in the health and fitness industry.Design/methodology/approachStudy A (mail survey) examined re-engagement intentions of one hundred lapsed members of a medium size suburban health club. Study B (an experimental field study) measured actual true re-engagement behavior using price and gift token as incentives to re-engage 300 lapsed members of the same health club. Ten hypotheses were tested using chi-square, logistic regression and correlation analysis.FindingsResults indicate that price is the most influential incentive in promoting re-engagement intentions, while the experimental field study tested this survey finding and reported that although incentives were more effective than nonincentives in terms of re-engagement behavior, price played a far greater significant role than gift token in actual re-engagement behavior of lapsed members. Highly satisfied customers are likely to have stronger re-engagement intentions with frequent attendees more influenced by price in terms of re-engagement intentions, while those who lapsed most recently demonstrated stronger re-engagement behavior.Research limitations/implicationsStudy A: While acknowledging that the sample size was limited, a respectable response rate of 49% was recorded for the mail survey in Study A but a greater response rate and larger sample size would have allowed for a more comprehensive analysis. However, the study is primarily exploratory in nature and serves to achieve the objectives of the research. The study was based on a medium size suburban health club, therefore no comparisons can be drawn between the results of this study and that involving larger health clubs, chains, urban clubs or those outside of Ireland. Although the inclusion of moderating effects was considered, it was not feasible to develop these interactions due to the limited sample size. Study B: Generalization of the findings in this study with other international markets is not possible due to differences in demographic factors, promotions and differences in the health and fitness industry. No comparison can be drawn either between health clubs which operate in a different environment, such as public or nonmembership-based clubs, urban clubs or those constituting a chain. While the offer incentives were of equal value, it is recognized that the gift token may have appealed more to females than to males.Practical implicationsHealth clubs should consider changing strategic focus, from being overly concentrated on new customer acquisition to actively re-engaging the lapsed member market by finding out why they left and offer an incentive such as price to re-engage. Although loyalty, duration, age, gender and income were found not to be significant in this study, satisfaction, frequency and recency of lapse were significant. Therefore, health clubs should strive to keep members satisfied, monitor and increase frequency of attendance with creative programming and commence the re-engagement process prior to the membership expiry so as to maximize re-engagement and customer retention using price discount as an incentive.Originality/valueThe originality of this study is that is tests statistically consumer re-engagement intentions and actual re-engagement behavior simultaneously in a health club setting using a mail survey in Study A and Experimental Design in Study B.

Towards quality consumption

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 602-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Hlédik ◽  
Dávid Harsányi
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
Consumer Group ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wine Experts

Purpose Hungarian wine culture has been developing steadily over the past decades. The number of wineries offering quality wine is growing as consumer interest in quality consumption increases. The purpose of this paper is to study the segmentation of the Hungarian wine consumers based on their purchase habits and preferences to identify how this shift towards quality consumption is represented in these segments. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted in Hungary. Nearly 28,000 consumers filled in the questionnaire. The TwoStep Cluster analysis could handle the large database and variables measured on different measurement scales. Findings The growing interest towards quality wine in the market is reflected in the study’s segmentation results. The large sample size made it possible to identify a special Hungarian wine consumer group, which has different buying habits than traditional wine consumer segments. Four segments were evolved: ordinary wine consumers, unsophisticated wine consumers, wealthy wine-experts and open-minded consumers. The last two segments seem to be the most valuable groups for high-quality wine producers. Originality/value The sample size allowed a relatively novel segmentation, whereby the preferences and purchasing habits of smaller, high-quality wine consumer groups became measurable.

scholarly journals Winning tenants’ loyalty in the private rented sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Claire Sanderson
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Cultural Significance ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Willingness To Recommend ◽  
Rented Sector

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to help landlords and property managers to understand what they can do to increase tenants’ satisfaction and propensity to renew their lease, and their willingness to recommend their landlord to other people. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyses almost 5,000 interviews with private rented sector (PRS) tenants in the UK, conducted over a four-year period, to investigate determinants of resident satisfaction, loyalty (lease renewal) and willingness to recommend their landlord. Statistical analysis is performed using respondents’ ratings of satisfaction with many aspects of their occupancy as explanatory variables. Comparisons are made between interviewees who renew their lease and those who do not renew. Findings The research finds that “ease of doing business” with their landlord is a strong predictor of residents’ satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy. Other key indicators for lease renewal include relationship management, rent collection and residents’ perception of receiving value for money. Tenants’ willingness to recommend their landlord depends mainly on their relationship with their landlord, how the landlord compares with tenants’ previous landlords and the property management service they receive. Research limitations/implications Limitations to this research include the fact that the residents have a single landlord and live on a single estate, one with particular cultural significance, therefore potentially restricting the general applicability of the findings. Although the sample size is large, the number of residents who have reached the end of their lease is relatively small, because the estate has only been occupied by PRS tenants since 2014. Practical implications Over the past five years, the PRS has become a significant asset class for institutional investors in the UK. This research should help to improve the landlord – tenant relationship in the PRS, and to increase occupancy rates without compromising rents. Originality/value The large sample size in this research, and the use of repeat interviews at various stages of a resident’s occupancy, highlight early signs of discontent that a landlord can act upon to reduce the risk of a tenant moving elsewhere.

scholarly journals Acupuncture for Chronic Pain-Related Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Fushui Liu ◽  
Jianyu You ◽  
Qi Li ◽  
Ting Fang ◽  
Mei Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Significant Difference

Objectives. Acupuncture has been widely used to relieve chronic pain-related insomnia (CPRI). However, the efficacy of acupuncture for CPRI is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for CPRI. Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if acupuncture was compared to sham acupuncture or conventional drug therapies for treating CPRI. Two reviewers screened each study and extracted data independently. Statistical analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.3 software. Results. A total of nine studies involving 944 patients were enrolled. The pooled analysis indicated that acupuncture treatment was significantly better than control group in improving effective rate (OR = 8.09, 95%CI = [4.75, 13.79], P < 0.00001) and cure rate (OR = 3.17, 95%CI = [2.35, 4.29], P < 0.00001), but subgroup analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and sham acupuncture in improving cure rate (OR =10.36, 95% CI [0.53, 201.45], P=0.12) based on one included study. In addition, meta-analysis demonstrated that acupuncture group was superior to control group in debasing PSQI score (MD = -2.65, 95%CI = [-4.00, -1.30], P = 0.0001) and VAS score (MD = -1.44, 95%CI = [-1.58, -1.29], P < 0.00001). And there was no significant difference in adverse events (OR =1.73, 95%CI = [0.92, 3.25], P =0.09) between the two groups. Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for CPRI, and this treatment can be recommended for the management of patients with CPRI. Due to the low quality and small sample size of the included studies, more rigorously designed RCTs with high quality and large sample size are recommended in future.

Socially responsible investment sukuk (Islamic bond) development in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 599-619
Author(s):  
Mahfuzur Rahman ◽  
Che Ruhana Isa ◽  
Ginanjar Dewandaru ◽  
Mohamed Hisham Hanifa ◽  
Nazreen T. Chowdhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Socially Responsible Investment ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Responsible Investment

Purpose This study aims to explore the underlying issues related to the development of socially responsible investment (SRI) sukuk in Malaysia. It identifies factors attracting investors and issuers, as well as challenges for the development of SRI sukuk (Islamic bond) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data from the institutional investors, SRI sukuk issuers and arrangers, as well as researchers. A total of 19 experts were approached in which 10 participated in the interview. The thematic analysis technique is used to report the findings. Findings This study uncovers that social contribution through business activities (i.e. investment in the education sector) is the key motivational drivers for the investors and issuers. Besides, investment risks, lack of performance measurement standards, high transaction costs, risks of return, shortage of enough Islamic bonds, investors’ confidence and lack of awareness are the major challenges for the development of SRI sukuk instruments. Research limitations/implications Due to the challenges in finding experts on this subject matter, this study was able to manage only 10 interviews from the participants, which is a small sample size. However, the findings of this study cannot be ignored. Future research should carry out with a large sample size (i.e. at least 30 interviews) to validate the current findings. Originality/value This study is among the pioneer in Malaysia, which explores the influencing factors of selecting Islamic bonds as an investment option. This paper provides some valuable implications for investors through discovering the challenges for the growth of SRI sukuk in Malaysia, which can also be applicable in a global setting.

The many faces of office noise – case contact center

Facilities ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 454-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Rasila ◽  
Tuuli Jylhä
Keyword(s):  
Call Center ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Contact Center ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Orientation ◽  
Worker Perceptions ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Sound Masking ◽  
The Many ◽  
Office System

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to take a look at the phenomena of office noise and to try and outline the worker perceptions of noise in a multi-dimensional and holistic manner. This is done in a case study setting in contact center environment. Design/methodology/approach – The research was carried out in three phases. First, a review of existing research was carried out. Second, 28 interviews were carried out to outline the dimensions of office noise. Third, a set of 20 further interviews were carried out to study the dimensions of noise that appeared from the first phase of the research. Findings – The literature review introduces seven streams of office noise research. None of these looks at the office noise as a holistic and multi-dimensional experience of office workers. The results from the interviews suggest that office workers see the office noise to have negative, neutral and positive aspects. In call center context, the most important aspect of noise includes: psychological and physiological symptoms, dynamism, social setting, knowledge transfer, socialization and sound masking. Research limitations/implications – The data are limited to one specific kind of work setting, namely, contact center environment. Thus, the findings may not be generalized to cover other types of work. Even though the sample size of 48 interviewees is quite big for a qualitative research setting, the basic problem of the research orientation is still present. The results are intended to give an in-depth insight on dimensionality of office noise in the complex interrelated open-plan office system. Originality/value – Existing research on office noises and acoustics tends to see the office noises just as a negative phenomenon. This leads to research settings that neglect the positive aspects of the noise. Further, this leads to somewhat distorted discussion and practical recommendations.

Cost and time performance analysis of progressive design-build projects

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Adamtey
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cost Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Performance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Design Build ◽  
The Cost

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate and determine the time and cost performance of progressive design-build (PDB) projects compared with that of design-build (DB) projects. The objective is to provide empirical evidence on the performance of PDB delivery method. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was used by analyzing time and cost data collected on 75 PDB and 92 DB projects from the database of Design-Build Institute of America. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine statistical difference in time and cost performance between PDB and DB. Findings PDB projects have a comparatively better time performance than cost performance. When compared with DB projects, there was a statistically significant difference in time overrun with PDB performing better than DB (0.41 vs 8.0%). Additionally, about 80% of PDB projects had shorter or as scheduled duration compared to 74% for DB. There was no statistically significant difference of cost performance between PDB and DB. Research limitations/implications The main limitation is the sample size of 72 PDB projects. It is recommended that further research should be conducted using a larger sample size to confirm the findings of this study. Practical implications PDB will be more beneficial for projects with sensitive deadlines. For an owner deciding between PDB and DB, the advantage of using PDB is in its time performance, which may lead to the project being completed on or ahead of time. As such, PDB can serve as another “tool in the toolbox” for owners to help in reducing construction delays. Originality/value This paper is the first attempt to provide an empirical evidence of the cost and time performance of PDB based on analyzing multiple projects. Owners will be better informed when selecting PDB for their projects.

Evaluation of antipyretic activity of Belladonna and Pyrogenium ultrahigh dilutions in induced fever model

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Ahmad ◽  
Waheed Mumtaz Abbasi ◽  
Tayyeba Rehman
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Baker’S Yeast ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Baker's Yeast ◽  
Antipyretic Activity ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Belladonna and Pyrogenium are commonly used to treat fever in homeopathy. But in vivo antipyretic activity of these medicines is not reported yet. The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrahigh dilutions of Belladonna (Bell) and Pyrogenium (Pyro) in fever model of rabbits induced by Baker's yeast. Methods Healthy, local strain rabbits (♂ and ♀) were divided into seven groups (n=42): Normal control, negative control, standard control, pyro 1000c, pyro 200c, Bell 1000c and Bell 200c. Fever was induced by intra peritoneal injection of 135 mg/kg Baker’s yeast suspension. Rectal temperature was measured hourly. All the medicines were administered once a day. The results were expressed as mean ± SEM. ANOVA and least significant difference post hoc test were applied for checking the level of significance, p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant statistically. Results Pyro in both potencies significantly reduced fever in rabbits compared to negative control group, while both potencies of Bell were ineffective. Paracetamol and Pyro 1000c reduced by 1.2 °C (39.7 ± 0.1 to 38.5 ± 0.1), while Pyro 200c reduced by 1 °C temperature (39.7 ± 0.5 to 38.7 ± 0.2). Conclusions Pyro possesses marked antipyretic activity in rabbit’s Baker's yeast fever model. It would embolden its clinical use in fever with more guarantee of its efficacy. However, caveat of small sample size necessitates replication of experiment in large sample size.

scholarly journals Office types and workers' cognitive vs affective evaluations from a noise perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Otterbring ◽  
Christina Bodin Danielsson ◽  
Jörg Pareigis
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cognitive Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Scores ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Open Plan

PurposeThis study aims to examine the links between office types (cellular, shared-room, small and medium-sized open-plan) and employees' subjective well-being regarding cognitive and affective evaluations and the role perceived noise levels at work has on the aforementioned associations.Design/methodology/approachA survey with measures of office types, perceived noise levels at work and the investigated facets of subjective well-being (cognitive vs affective) was distributed to employees working as real estate agents in Sweden. In total, 271 useable surveys were returned and were analyzed using analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and a regression-based model mirroring a test of moderated mediation.FindingsA significant difference was found between office types on the well-being dimension related to cognitive, but not affective, evaluations. Employees working in cellular and shared-room offices reported significantly higher ratings on this dimension than employees working in open-plan offices, and employees in medium-sized open-plan offices reported significantly lower cognitive evaluation scores than employees working in all other office types. This pattern of results was mediated by perceived noise levels at work, with employees in open-plan (vs cellular and shared-room) offices reporting less satisfactory noise perceptions and, in turn, lower well-being scores, especially regarding the cognitive (vs affective) dimension.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to compare the relative impact of office types on both cognitive and affective well-being dimensions while simultaneously testing and providing empirical support for the presumed process explaining the link between such aspects.

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