Level of awareness of formwork design in the Ghanaian construction industry; enabling future technology application

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Boakye Danquah ◽  
Alex Acheampong ◽  
Theophilus Adjei-Kumi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Web Application ◽  
Inductive Reasoning ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Application ◽  
Code Of Practice ◽  
Future Technology ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Specific Regulation

Purpose In the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI), the option for stakeholders to adopt formwork design as a building construction requirement is uncommon place. This is due to the low level of awareness and practice of formwork design. As a result of this, there have been formwork accidents, cost and time overruns in construction. This paper aims to solicit the view of stakeholders on the awareness of formwork design practices in the GCI. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopted the interpretivism research philosophy and inductive reasoning. Through a semi-structured interview guide, data was collected. The data (interview) recorded was transcribed using the Amberscript web application. This study used thematic analysis in analyzing the data collected using Nvivo 10 software. Findings The data collected from the 22 professionals indicated that the respondents were unaware of the concept of formwork design and its practice, neither could they speak to the existence of any specific regulation nor code of practice. However, the respondents established that there was a need to design formwork and stated some benefits of it. Originality/value From the literature, little research has been done on formwork design and its context in the GCI is yet to be explored. This research attempts to fill this gap. The findings indicate that to practice formwork design, there must be education and training of human resources for formwork design, there must be a code of practice to guide the design process and legal backing through policies and regulations to mandate the design.

Organizational leadership role in the delivery of sustainable construction projects in UK

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Opoku ◽  
Heather Cruickshank ◽  
Vian Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Organizational Leadership ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Organizations ◽  
Sustainability Practices

Purpose – Sustainable construction project delivery should be supported by committed and inspirational leadership, with a clear understanding of the sustainability challenge. Construction organizations need intra-organizational leadership that provides the collective vision, strategy and direction towards the shared common goal of a sustainable future. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of intra-organizational leadership within UK construction organizations charged with the promotion of sustainability practices. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a mixed method approach with qualitative data collected through semi-structured interview with 15 leaders, followed by an industry-wide survey of 200 intra-organizational leaders in contractor and consultant organizations in the UK construction industry. Findings – The analysis of the data revealed that, the most important role of intra-organizational leadership in promoting sustainable construction practices is to formulate policies, implement procedures and disseminate best practices throughout the organization . Originality/value – Nothing has been written on intra-organizational leadership role in promoting sustainability practices in the construction industry. Although leadership and sustainability has been widely covered as separate issues this study provides the empirical evidence of the link between leadership and sustainability in construction.

Embracing sustainability practices in UK construction organizations

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Opoku ◽  
Vian Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Organizational Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Organizations ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – Adopting sustainable construction practices minimizes the overall environmental impact of the built asset throughout its whole life. Currently, there is demand from key stakeholders in the construction industry for organization to deliver sustainable built environment, however, leaders/champions within construction organizations charged with the adoption of sustainable construction practices face many challenges. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an investigation into the challenges facing intra-organizational leaders charged with the promotion of sustainable construction practices. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview with 15 leaders, followed by an industry-wide survey of 200 intra-organizational leaders in contractor and consultant organizations in the UK construction industry. Findings – The results revealed that increased capital cost is the most significant challenge facing construction organizations in attempt to adopt sustainability practices in the delivery of construction projects. Originality/value – This study provides the empirical evidence linking leadership within construction organizations and sustainability; filling the gap in literature and serving as a source of reference material for higher education programmes in the built environment.

Use of electronic resources by law academics: a case study from the University of Namibia

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-68
Author(s):  
Anna Leonard ◽  
Nampa Meameno Hamutumwa ◽  
Chiku Mnubi-Mchombu
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of e-resources by the Faculty of Law’s academic staff at the University of Namibia’s (UNAM’s) main campus. The study aimed to determine their level of awareness of electronic resources (e-resources) available to them, how useful and effective they found these e-resources, and the challenges they face in accessing them. Design/methodology/approach A convenient sampling technique was used to select a sample of 12 law academics from the population of 17. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods using questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide. Findings Findings revealed that the majority of the law academics were aware of the e-resources subscribed by UNAM’s library, although some were not aware of the newly subscribed international law databases. The findings further revealed that the academics used e-resources for research, publications and teaching purposes, but irregular training, bandwidth problems and limited searching skills hindered their use of e-resources. Practical implications Findings could be used to inform future collection-development decisions, realignment of information-literacy training and promotion and marketing of library services. Originality/value This study has made a significant contribution in the understanding the use of electronic legal resources by law academics at UNAM. The findings and recommendations could also benefit similar academic institutions in developing countries like Namibia.

Defining social value in the public procurement process for works

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandsford Kwame Gidigah ◽  
Kofi Agyekum ◽  
Bernard K. Baiden
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Value ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Functional Perspective

PurposeThough the Public Procurement Act of Ghana makes room for specific socio-economic policies (environmental, social, economic and other policies which are intended to promote social and economic impact), there is no explicit definition and provision for social value as an evaluation criterion, culminating in the absence of a definition in the Act. This paper elicits the conception and understanding of social value from stakeholders in the Ghanaian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative method that relied on a semi-structured interview of 30 participants purposively drawn from Western, Western North and Central regions of Ghana. An inductive thematic analysis approach, which involved identifying repetitions, exploring similarities and differences, noting linguistic connectors, and a framework were employed to analyse the data.FindingsThe study established no single definition or explanation for social value in the construction industry in Ghana. However, it was revealed from the study that the concept of social value could be defined from the functional perspective of the definer, particularly from the perspective of a Procurement Officer, Works Engineer, and a Quantity Surveyor. A new insight from the study that differs from the body of literature is that participants equated benefits derived from physically constructed projects as social value.Social implicationsThe study has implication for public administration and practice regarding the decision-making process in the construction industry in Ghana. It provides a vital awakening on social value as a criterion in evaluating construction works procurement in Ghana. The ability of participants to equate the benefits derived from executed construction projects as social value creates a new perspective on understanding the meaning of social value in the procurement of works construction.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the state-of-the-art and ongoing discourse on the concept of social value globally. The findings create an important catalyst for social value research in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice among hairdressers

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franklin Gyamfi Agyemang ◽  
Henry Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Tacit Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Collection Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the factors affecting tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice in the informal sector among hairdressers in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A case study was used as the research design. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 47 master hairdressers. Semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Data were analysed using the thematic technique. Findings The study found that apprenticeship fee, fear of competition, delegation reasons, joy and pride of mentorship, apprentices’ attitude and time, to be significant factors influencing tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice. It was also evident that time spent with master as he/she performs or works is crucial to learning as most of the learning is through socializing with the master. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the study is the use of the convenient sampling technique in choosing the participants. The results of this study, if it has to be generalised to all hairdressers in Ghana, it may have to be done with caution since the participants were not drawn from a pool of all master hairdressers in Ghana. Practical implications The paper provides what apprentices must do to acquire the tacit knowledge of master hairdressers. Originality/value This paper focuses on the holder of tacit knowledge (master hairdressers) and reveals their motivations to transfer or hoard their tacit knowledge.

Leadership style of sustainability professionals in the UK construction industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Opoku ◽  
Vian Ahmed ◽  
Heather Cruickshank
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Organizational Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – Leadership is a significant success factor in promoting sustainability practices in the construction industry. Sustainability is an integral part of the construction industry and affects all aspects of construction business operations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if there is any particular leadership style associated with intra-organizational leaders within UK construction organizations charged with the promotion of sustainability practices. The paper therefore examines the effective leadership style of sustainability professionals responsible for developing sustainable construction strategies. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview with 15 leaders, followed by an industry-wide survey of 200 intra-organizational leaders in contractor and consultant organizations in the UK construction industry. Findings – The results showed that while there is no one best leadership style for all situation, most leaders charged with the role of promoting sustainable construction are strategic in their style or behaviour. Originality/value – Although leadership and sustainability has been widely covered as separate issues, little rigorous research has been done on the link between leadership and sustainability in construction management research. The findings could guide organizational leaders with the responsibility of promoting sustainability practices.

scholarly journals Sustainable development: a developmental evaluation of logistics higher education in the Sultanate of Oman based on two innovation approaches (the triple helix of innovation and innovation competencies)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Nikolaou
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Inductive Reasoning ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Developmental Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Collaborations ◽  
Innovation Capacity ◽  
Low Theory ◽  
Industry Experience

PurposeThis research seeks to identify evidence of innovation elements in the implementation of a sustainable development ecosystem in the HE environment. For the purposes of this investigation, the use of developmental evaluation has been deemed appropriate to fully explore the depths of the topic.Design/methodology/approachThe research follows a qualitative approach of inductive reasoning. For the purpose of this developmental evaluation, the collection of information from several stakeholders has been pursued in the study. Both a semi-structured interview and documents analysis were used.FindingsDifferent awareness levels among logistics faculty members, while the incentives given are minimal. Availability of grants and lack of tenure are some of the reasons raised. Industry is not cooperative in providing placements/internships restricting students of industry experience. Internationalisation is slow and international collaborations limited. Limited freedom in topical discussions and their implications to learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has considered possible limitations and used other methods for triangulation of the findings.Practical implicationsLow awareness on the implementation of pedagogical approaches for innovation. Not all faculty can be innovative (owing to current practice) neither they are incentivised to be so. Government spending is very low on R&D – 0.136 of the GDP in 2016. The industry is not ready for University-Business Collaborations, therefore achieving a low theory to practice ratio for students.Originality/valueIn the context in which the research has taken place (HE in Oman), there has been no evaluation (and more so developmental evaluation) previously implemented. Additionally, a longitudinal study, integrated as part of an ESD system targeted to innovation could increase the innovation capacity of the country on the international innovation index.

Improving school feeding through participation: should the teacher be actively involved?

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Issah Iddrisu
Keyword(s):  
School System ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
School Level ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
School Feeding ◽  
Current State ◽  
Efficient Delivery ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Enhance Efficiency

Purpose Maintaining the success of educational institutions largely depends on the teacher. It is the teacher whose main efforts and contribution help in achieving the goals in education. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of the programme delivery and how involving the active participation of the teacher will help enhance effective and efficient delivery of the school feeding programme at the school level. Design/methodology/approach A total of ten basic schools were purposefully selected for the study with the use of the case study method. Interviews and observations were made in all the selected schools using a semi-structured interview guide. It was also done for some selected stakeholders within the study area under the school feeding programme. Findings There is an indication that teachers as managers and administrators of the school system are not actively involved in the feeding programme leading to an ineffective and efficient delivery. The school children do not get the best from the programme. There is a need to put teachers in charge of operations at the school level. This will improve trust and cooperation between caterers, students and opinion leaders. The structure at the school level should be redesigned making caterers answerable to the teacher. Teachers as implementers in the case of the capitation grant will enhance efficiency leading to the achievement of the goal of the programme. Originality/value The study underlines the importance, efficiency and influence of the teacher within the school system, in the operations of the school feeding programme and in the Ghanaian society.

Capturing value-based leadership in practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-430
Author(s):  
Ingela Bäckström ◽  
Pernilla Ingelsson ◽  
Kristen Snyder ◽  
Christer Hedlund ◽  
Johan Lilja
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Good Organization

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the results from the appreciative inquiry (AI)-inspired interviews to explore the underlying values held by top managers and to identify soft aspects of leadership. Design/methodology/approach Top managers were interviewed as a part of a research project with the aim to support the development of value-based leadership that integrates company values, organizational culture, customer needs and sustainable development. A structured interview guide, inspired by AI, was developed and used to pinpoint their motivation and vision of a good organization to understand the values that the managers had and to identify soft aspects of leadership. The interviews were analyzed in workshops with the whole research team and structured and visualized through affinity diagrams. Findings The results showed the underlying values held by top managers and identified soft aspects of leadership. Practical implications The presented interview guide can be used to identify the top managers’ underlying values, and the presented results from the interviews can be used to inspire other managers and leaders to develop their leadership in their striving of good leadership and effective organizations. Originality/value The paper explains how to apply an AI-inspired interview guide in finding out value-based leadership and soft aspects of leadership for enhancing organizational culture.

Apprenticeship bullying in the building and construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 502-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela Riggall ◽  
Jason Skues ◽  
Lisa Wise
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the definition, prevalence, antecedents, consequences and coping behaviours associated with apprenticeship bullying in the building and construction industry. Design/methodology/approach The sample comprises 13 participants aged between 22 and 27 (M=23.8, SD=1.26) who were all men who had completed their apprenticeship within the past five years. Participants completed an individual semi-structured interview in which several themes and sub-themes were identified. Findings Four characteristics (intention to harm, imbalance in power, repeated behaviours, target interpretation) and two types (personal, work-related) were identified by participants as fundamental to the definition of apprenticeship bullying. Being the target of bullying was found to be commonplace during an apprenticeship. Several antecedents were identified at the individual level (age, personality, physical appearance, work ethic, work performance) along with factors at the organisation level (culture and leadership style) that determined whether bullying would occur. The consequences of apprenticeship bullying included poor individual (personal and work-related) and organisational outcomes. Targets of apprenticeship bullying also tended to use avoidance coping. Originality/value This study has provided clarification on the characteristics and behaviours associated with apprenticeship bullying, as well as identified the antecedents and consequences of apprenticeship bullying from the perspective of past apprentices in the building and construction industry.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document