Major construction risk factors considered by general contractors in Qatar

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz M. Jarkas ◽  
Theodore C. Haupt
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The State ◽  
Risk Allocation ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Risk ◽  
General Contractors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify, explore, rank the relative importance and determine the prevalent allocation response trends of the major construction risk factors considered by general contractors operating in the State of Qatar. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire survey comprising 37 potential risk factors was distributed to a statistically representative sample of contractors. The influence ranks of the factors explored were determined using the “Relative Importance Index (RII)” technique, whereas the prevalent trend of contractors’ attitudes toward risk allocation of each factor investigated was quantified and expressed as a percentage, based on the number of respondents who selected a specific option, in relation to the total number of respondents. Findings – The results obtained indicate that risks related to the “client” group are perceived as most critical, followed by the “consultant”, “contractor” and “exogenous” group-related factors, respectively. The outcomes further show that the “transfer” option is the contractors’ prevalent response to “client” and “consultant”-related risks, while the “retention” decision is the principal pattern linked to “contractor” and “exogenous” group-related risk factors. Research limitations/implications – The dominant respondents’ perception that the crucial construction risks are related to clients and consultants suggests that these two parties have an essential role in controlling the negative ramifications of the associated factors. Practical implications – The findings suggest that increasing designers’ awareness of the significant effect of applying the constructability concept can considerably help reducing the risks concomitant of the construction operation. Policy makers may contribute, moreover, in alleviating the risk of incompetent technical staff and operatives’ employment by controlling the migration of inexperienced and unskilled construction workforce into the State. Originality/value – Given the knowledge gap for the major construction risk factors considered by general contractors in Qatar, the results reported in this study can provide clients, industry practitioners and policy makers with guidance to effectively manage the significant risks determined, which can further assist in achieving a reasonable level of competitiveness and cost-effective operation.

scholarly journals The prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among subcontracted hospital cleaners in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanaphum Laithaisong ◽  
Wichai Aekplakorn ◽  
Paibul Suriyawongpaisal ◽  
Chanunporn Tupthai ◽  
Chathaya Wongrathanandha
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
History Of

PurposeThis research aimed to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and related factors among subcontracted cleaners in a teaching hospital in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted of 393 subcontracted cleaners in a teaching hospital, from May to June 2020. Face-to-face interviews were carried out using a standard questionnaire, consisting of four parts: (1) participant characteristics, (2) stress test, (3) work characteristics and (4) standardized Nordic questionnaire, Thai version, for MSDs outcome. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between MSDs and related factors.FindingsThe prevalence of MSDs was 81.9%, involving mostly the lower back (57.7%), followed by the shoulder (52.6%). Factors significantly associated with MSDs were as follows: male gender (OR = 3.06, 95% CI [1.19, 7.87]), severe stress (OR = 2.72, 95% CI [1.13, 6.54]), history of injuries (OR = 4.37, 95% CI [1.27, 15.11]), mopping posture (OR = 2.81, 95% CI [1.43, 5.50]) and task duration (OR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.01, 3.57] for 2–4 h and OR = 3.39, 95% CI [1.17, 9.86] for more than 4 h). Sick leave due to MSDs was associated with history of injuries, Thai nationality and having another part-time job.Originality/valueThe study findings about MSDs in terms of prevalence and related factors contributed to limited pool of the knowledge among subcontracted hospital cleaners in Thailand and middle-income country settings. With growing popularity in outsourcing cleaning services among hospitals in these countries, the study findings could raise a concern and inform policymakers and hospital administrators the importance of the magnitude and risk factors for MSDs necessitating design of preventive strategies.

Rabies Ecology in Bauchi State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-12
Author(s):  
Bolajoko Muhammad-Bashir ◽  
Yakubu Joel Atuman
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The State ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
P Value ◽  
Public Health Implication ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Canine Rabies ◽  
Dog Ownership ◽  
Dog Owners

Despite availability of safer and cost-effective treatments and vaccines, rabies is still considered among the most fatal viral zoonotic disease worldwide. The epidemiology of rabies is directly associated with the ecology of the reservoirs which needs better understanding to underpin appropriate control measures. There are only few reported attempts made towards understanding the ecology of dog and rabies cases in Nigeria. Although dogs are tolerated and kept in Bauchi State, the risk factors associated with dog ownership in the state, remain to be studied. This study is aimed at determining the risk factors associated with dog ownership in Bauchi state and to evaluate the degree with which the presence or absence of the identified factors can increase or decrease risk of rabies cases in the state. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted amongst dog owners across the state. Basic descriptive analyses were carried out in Microsoft Excel 2016 and IBM SPSS 21 was used to determine the relative risk (RR) of rabies occurrence in households across the state when exposed to each of the identified risk factors where P-value was set at 0.05. A total of 80 questionnaires were completed and received from the respondents. The calculated RR, revealed that the practice of extensive system of management increases the risk of canine rabies amongst dogs of the state by 80% and knowledge of dog owners about canine rabies reduces the risk of canine rabies by 27%. This study confirmed that dogs are owned and tolerated but poorly managed under extensive management system in Bauchi state with increasing risks of rabies spread due to low vaccination coverage and lack of practical application of knowledge on the dangers of rabies amongst the populace. The public health implication of this situation and the need for concerted efforts for sustainable control of rabies in the state is discussed

The applications of Kaizen methods in project settings: applied study in Jordan

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 831-849
Author(s):  
Khalil Ahmad Al-Hyari ◽  
Mohammed Khair Abu Zaid ◽  
Omar Suleiman Arabeyyat ◽  
Laith Al-Qwasmeh ◽  
Mohamed Haffar
Keyword(s):  
Job Shop ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Applied Study ◽  
Quality Control Tool ◽  
Fishbone Diagram

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the results of implementing the Kaizen approach in a caravan repairing project near the Jordanian–Syrian border in the Zaatari camp. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on the exploratory qualitative research approach. The data were collected through interviews and on-site observation with employees who were involved with the caravan maintenance project and have adequate knowledge and information about this project. In this process, a fishbone diagram, a quality control tool, is used to recognize and explain a causal-effect relationship under the selected Kaizen theme. Findings The findings suggest that the Kaizen approach was economical in terms of both money and time. Also, waste elimination can be achieved through a variety of tools and easily combined with the Kaizen approach. Implementing the Kaizen approach is an effective and reliable system that allows for the tackling of all types of inefficiencies in the caravan repairing project. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study will help policy makers and managers put together suitable and effective policies that will assist those firms in overcoming the demands of customers and competitors to deliver high quality, inexpensive products in less time through the application of the Kaizen approach. This, in turn, will lead to improved quality, efficiency and productivity in the most cost-effective way. However, these results should not be generalized since they are only confined to the context of caravan repairing project. Originality/value Very little research has been done that takes into account the contexts of developing countries. Additionally, most literature presents the use of Kaizen applications only in the manufacturing or production sectors. This study is the first to implement Kaizen as a continuous improvement technique in a caravan repairing project – a job shop industry different from the repetitive batch work environment that is usually associated with implementation of Kaizen. The current research should be of great interest to researchers, managers and professionals who wish to apply Kaizen approach as it is sustainable over time in similar projects.

scholarly journals “Please give me an invoice”: VAT evasion and the Portuguese tax lottery

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 412-426
Author(s):  
Daniela C. Wilks ◽  
José Cruz ◽  
Pedro Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Tax Benefits ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Voluntary Cooperation

Purpose The Portuguese tax authority implemented a lottery to encourage citizens to request invoices as a strategy to fight value-added tax (VAT) evasion. As the law does not require citizens to request sales invoices with the consumers’ tax number, doing so is a form of voluntary cooperation in tracking down tax evaders. The purpose of this paper is to understand why ordinary citizens decide to join forces with tax authorities in the fight against VAT evasion by requesting invoices with their tax identification number. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was conducted to explore the underlying motivation for Portuguese consumers to request sales invoices with their personal tax identification. The study combines quantitative and qualitative data. Findings The results from this study show that rewarding citizens is clearly a factor to be considered in any policy to maximize citizens’ cooperation in tracking down tax evaders. They indicate that fiscal benefits have a stronger effect on the request of invoices than the lottery and that it is necessary to promote good governance and justice. Practical implications Findings should be used to inform a cost-effective public policy that takes into account citizens’ concerns and combine deterrent measures and rewards in the form of tax benefits, rather than tax lotteries. Originality/value This paper provides new insights into VAT lotteries, which seem to be increasingly favored by policy makers but are an area under-researched. By recommending a course of action to maximize citizens’ cooperation in tracking down tax evaders, the paper provides useful practical implications and is a contribution for the study of VAT evasion policies.

Domestic violence against women in west of Iran: the prevalence and related factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 364-372
Author(s):  
Abdorrahim Afkhamzadeh ◽  
Namam-Ali Azadi ◽  
Shirin Ziaeei ◽  
Amjad Mohamadi-Bolbanabad
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Domestic Violence Against Women

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of domestic violence against women and its related factors in Sanandaj, west of Iran. Design/methodology/approach This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016. The sample consisted of 360 women who referred to two educational hospitals in Sanandaj. The data collection tool was a self-report questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors of domestic violence against women. Findings The prevalence of “any form of violence” in the past year was 71 percent (n=245). The prevalence of emotional, sexual and physical violence was 62.2 percent (n=225), 48.7 percent (n=168) and 49.9 percent (n=172), respectively. Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that the “any form of violence” has significant association with occupation of women, economic status of family and the status of sexual satisfaction of couples. Originality/value The prevalence of domestic violence against women is high and alarming in Sanandaj, Iran. Given the relationship between experience of violence and sexual dissatisfaction, sexual education before and after marriage is recommended for couples. Also, the experience of exposure to violence in women can be included in health centers as screening programs. In this way, couples who have risk factors will receive the educational programs.

Tackling money laundering in Tanzania: are private legal practitioners crime enablers or ineffectual and reluctant gatekeepers?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene E. Mniwasa
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Reforms ◽  
The Law ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
Legal Frameworks ◽  
Law Reports

Purpose This paper aims to examine the money laundering vulnerability of private legal practitioners in Tanzania, the involvement of these practitioners in money laundering activities and their role in preventing, detecting and thwarting money laundering and its predicate crimes. Design/methodology/approach The paper applies the “black-letter” law research approach to describe, examine and analyze the anti-money laundering law in Tanzania. It also uses the “law-in-context” research approach to interrogate the anti-money laundering law and to provide an understanding of factors impacting on the efficacy and readiness of private legal practitioners in Tanzania to tackle money laundering. The review of literature and analysis of statutory instruments and case law, reports of the anti-money laundering authorities and agencies and media reports-generated data are used in this paper. This information was complemented by data from interviews of purposively selected private legal practitioners. Findings Private legal practitioners in Tanzania are vulnerable to money laundering. There is an emerging evidence that indicates the involvement of some private legal practitioners in the commission of money laundering and/or its predicate crimes. The law designates the legal practitioners as reporting persons and imposes on the obligation to fight against money laundering. Law-related factors and practical challenges undermine the capacity of the legal practitioners to curb money laundering. Additionally, certain hostile perceptions contribute to the legal practitioners’ unwillingness, indifference or opposition against the fight against money laundering. Research limitations/implications The paper underscores the need for Tanzania to reform its policy and legal frameworks to create enabling environment for anti-money laundering gatekeepers, including private legal practitioners to partake efficiently in the fight against money laundering. It also underlines the importance of incorporating the principles that govern the private legal practise to enable the practitioners to partake effectively in tackling money laundering. Originality/value This paper generates useful information to private legal practitioners, policy makers and academicians on issues relating to money laundering and its control in Tanzania and presents recommendations on possible policy and legal reforms that can be adopted and applied to augment the role of the legal practitioners in Tanzania to combat money laundering.

Combating corruption in Pakistan

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feisal Khan
Keyword(s):  
The State ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Ruling Elite ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
British Colonial ◽  
The Government ◽  
Systemic Corruption ◽  
Institutional Capabilities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current state of corruption in Pakistan and evaluate attempts by the government to combat its entrenched corruption culture. Design/methodology/approach – The paper shows that Pakistan’s legacy of British colonial rule, its ethno-linguistic conflict and alternating civilian governments and military coups have weakened institutional capabilities, hindered capacity building and allowed systemic corruption to flourish there. Pakistan’s many anti-corruption efforts failed because they were used to attack political foes instead of strengthening institutional capabilities. Findings – Pakistan has maintained its highly authoritarian form of governance inherited from the British in 1947. The ruling elite view the state as a milch cow for their personal enrichment and this attitude is also reflected in the performance of its bureaucracy. Existing rules of conduct and administration are not enforced as citizens encounter corruption in their dealings with officials. At the policy level, key decisions are often made to benefit the decision makers. The paper concludes that without political will no significant improvement in the state of corruption in Pakistan is likely to occur. Originality/value – This paper will be useful for scholars, policy-makers and anti-corruption practitioners who are interested in corruption in Pakistan and whether the apparent institutionalization of parliamentary democracy has reduced corruption there.

Prominent demotivational factors influencing the productivity of construction project managers in Qatar

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 1070-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz M. Jarkas ◽  
Milan Radosavljevic ◽  
Liu Wuyi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
The State ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Productivity Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Technical Specifications ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – An extensive search of the literature revealed a dearth of research on the demotivational factors affecting the performance and productivity level of site-based construction project managers. Following the announcement of awarding the FIFA 2022 World Cup hosting rights to the State of Qatar, the State is pledging to spend tens of Billions of Dollars on hundreds of new construction projects. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify, explore, and rank the relative importance of the demotivational factors influencing the productivity of the State's construction management force. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire survey comprising 38 potential demotivational factors, which were shortlisted based on relevant previous studies on the impact of motivation on construction productivity, and numerous interviews with local industry professionals, was distributed to a relatively large sample of site-resident project managers. Using the “Relative Importance Index” technique, the influence ranks of the factors explored were determined. Findings – The results obtained reveal the following as the prominent demotivational factors influencing the productivity of construction project managers: lack of financial incentive schemes; slow decision-making process by owners; remuneration scale; delay in responding to Requests For Information (RFI); shortage of skilled labour force; shortage of materials; clarity and completeness of technical specifications; frequent changing orders during execution; drawings quality level; and rework. Research limitations/implications – It is clear, based on the outcomes, that the cultural background of individuals, and the prevalent practices within the environment in which they operate, are two critical factors in determining their motivation drivers. Hence, it is prudent to explore the dominant culture and values of the management workforce, in addition to the characteristics of the working environment, before trying to apply relevant motivational theories, or even implement new management strategies. Practical implications – The results demonstrate that, within the geographical setting and cultural aspects of the sample surveyed, “tributes” and “pecuniary” may be interpreted to have the largest effect on the productivity of construction project managers. Originality/value – The findings not only contribute to the overall body of knowledge related to the effect of the motivation phenomenon on the productivity of the construction operation, but can also be used to provide industry practitioners with guidance for focusing, acting upon, and controlling the significant demotivational factors affecting the efficiency of the construction project management force practicing in State.

Halal logistics opportunities and challenges

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhaiza Zailani ◽  
Mohammad Iranmanesh ◽  
Azmin Azliza Aziz ◽  
Kanagi Kanapathy
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Future Market ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Final Destination ◽  
Transportation Sector ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to investigate the challenges and opportunities for logistics companies in Malaysia to adopt halal logistics. Logistics plays a key role in protecting the halal integrity of halal food through proper transportation, storage and handling along the supply chain until it reaches its final destination. Design/methodology/approach This research builds on existing research published in the Journal of Islamic Marketing on halal logistics. In addition to an extensive literature review, five focus group discussions were conducted to discover the challenges and opportunities with regards to halal logistics services in Malaysia. Findings The results show that the future market demands and the competitive opportunities related to halal services are the main motivators of first movers in halal logistics. The early adopters of halal logistics face several challenges such as ambiguous halal guidelines, lack of international halal certification, lack of collaboration among governing agencies (i.e. logistics service providers (LSPs), Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) and Halal Industry Development Corporation), a lack of cost-effective standards, an overly competitive transportation sector, lack of demand, lack of halal logistics compulsion, financial challenges and a general misunderstanding of halal practices. Practical implications The findings of the present study may help government policy makers recognise the issues that should be addressed in motivating logistics companies to adopt halal practices. Originality/value Although halal logistics plays a key role in protecting the halal integrity of halal products, there are few halal LSPs. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge on the challenges and opportunities of adopting halal logistics.

Library advocacy starts at home

2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 110-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Borges
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
The State ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Web Resource ◽  
Library Users ◽  
The Usa

PurposeTo give a quick and easy approach to library advocacy, with regard to the ongoing needs of keeping in touch with stakeholders due to poor or reducing government funding for public libraries, librarians are in the situation of having to advocate in new and different ways.Design/methodology/approachGiven the state of New York and federal funding, this approach explores the best practices that anyone can apply to approach stakeholders and policy makers for more funding.FindingsFunding for libraries in the USA is often tied to “who” the library knows and this article gives a direct “how to” approach that can be used throughout the local, state or federal lobbying process. Especially in meeting the sophisticated demands of library users, this approach ties funding to patron activities, such as reading, electronic resources and programming.Originality/valueThis snapshot on advocacy can give those in the front lines or new to the advocacy process a way to start thinking in new ways to getting an advocacy action plan in place. A web resource of state activities in the State of New York offers resources on advocacy, specifically targeted to library advocates. Other benefits include developing messages and building coalitions.

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