Assessing contract management as a strategic tool for achieving quality of work in Ghanaian construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Coleman ◽  
Isaac Kwesi Nooni ◽  
Samuel Korenteng Fianko ◽  
Linka Dadzie ◽  
Ebenezer Nickson Neequaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Contract Management ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Supervisory Staff

Purpose This study aims to investigate the attainment of quality in Government of Ghana’s (GoG) infrastructural projects through effective contract management and especially, relating to qualification, competence and experience of supply chain stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire and field observations were used to collect primary data from staff of the education ministry and construction professionals. Documentary analyses of contract documents were also undertaken. Findings The results show that executing agencies’ failure to apply appropriate contract management processes was linked to the gap between stakeholders’ knowledge and actual practice. This was confirmed by Spearman’s rho tests of correlation between overall mean ranks given by professionals and non-professionals, which indicated strong agreement between those groups. Factors such as contractors’ engagement of unqualified supervisory staff, lack of proper projects monitoring and evaluation by executing agencies mainly contribute to the poor quality of work. Research limitations/implications Investigations were limited to the Funds and Procurement Management Unit of the Ministry of Education, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and local contractors. Nonetheless, the methodology used could be used in future studies to analyse the socio-economic implications on the quality of education infrastructure. Practical implications Construction is booming in Ghana but the capacity to improve the work quality through effective contract management is limited. However, with the effort of stakeholder and statutory bodies’ support in capacity building initiatives, GoG projects could offer some novel solutions to improve quality of work. Social implications Construction industry professionals and students’ knowledge and perception on construction industry and contract management is significantly improved. Originality/value This study provides information on respondents’ knowledge on contract management process, which, if not properly understood, can lead to poor quality of work and loss of money.

Measuring of job satisfaction: the use of quality of work life factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 871-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavitra Dhamija ◽  
Shivam Gupta ◽  
Surajit Bag
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Banking Industry ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Quality Of Work Life ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Work

PurposeBanking industry forms a part of financial services that has emerged itself as the most important source for India’s economic growth. Job satisfaction of employees is one of the important pre-requisites to ensure smooth functioning of banks. The purpose of this paper is to explore the association of job satisfaction with the quality of work life factors of bank employees (n=300), followed by the essential influential relationship of these concepts with socio-demographic characteristics, thereby, proving its own distinct contribution to the subsist body of literature.Design/methodology/approachThis study has considered five private sector banks in India and has used the technique of multi-stage sampling to collect primary data. The respondents from different cadres, namely, executive, associate and manager involved in customer-oriented interactions participated in this survey. The analysis has been conducted by applying descriptive statistics, regression analysis (impact of the quality of work life factors on job satisfaction) andχ2statistics (association of the quality of work life and job satisfaction with socio-demographic variables). The results have been compared with the Herzberg Theory of Job Satisfaction.FindingsThe results of the study show the presence of variance (R261.40 percent) in job satisfaction as explained by the quality of work life constructs. The unconducive work environment has confirmed negative association with job satisfaction. The study foresees to contribute useful information to the top management level in the organizations to enhance employees’ overall job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe opaqueness with which the Indian banking industry has its roots and existence in India, the present study clearly has limits: the small size of the sample and the study considered only private sector banks.Practical implicationsA planned approach at organizational and individual level is highly recommended. The bank management must realize the importance of their devoted staff by giving them quality work environment. The initiatives like regular exercise routines can be adopted to reduce stress. Some respondents expressed the need for intercity branch associations, which can help them to solve common problems, better learning opportunities with an informal atmosphere along with other training sessions organized formally.Originality/valueThe paper gives a theoretical explanation of the quality of work life and job satisfaction factors in the Indian private banks falling under the umbrella of Indian banking industry with respect to the employees of private sector banks.

HR interventions and quality of work life of healthcare employees: an investigation

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 234-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanaya Nayak ◽  
Chandan Kumar Sahoo ◽  
Prabodh Kumar Mohanty ◽  
Bijaya Kumar Sundaray
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Quality Of Work Life ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Human Resource Interventions ◽  
Relationship Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the predictors of perceived quality of work life (QWL) by accentuating on human resource interventions in healthcare units. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data were accumulated from 158 health care employees through a structured questionnaire from healthcare organisations in India. Statistical analysis was done using tools like factor analysis and multiple regression analysis by using SPSS (version 20). Findings – A total of 18 independent variables was used in the study, only four factors were extracted specifically work life balance, communication, teamwork and empowerment were found to be significant predictors of perceived QWL. The proposed hypotheses for this study are significant. Research limitations/implications – This work provides a pragmatic view about the compendium of human resource interventions pivotal for better QWL in healthcare organisations. The survey also offers insights to healthcare managers, administrators and practitioners for implementing these interventions. Originality/value – This work clearly reflects on the relationship of HR intervention and QWL in the new context of health care.

Measuring the service gaps in the roles of quantity surveyors in the emerging market

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1111-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
AbdulLateef Olanrewaju
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
The Other ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

Purpose – The opportunities that the emerging markets present to the players in the construction industry means that the players need to expand on the scope and size of their responsibilities and duties to the stakeholders. Each of the professionals now demands more specialised and sophisticated services from one another. The other players in the construction industry now require more emerging responsibilities and duties from the quantity surveyors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the roles that “modern” quantity surveyors play by measuring the gaps that exist in the services that the quantity surveyors provide. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data are collected through survey questionnaires. In total, 23 roles played by modern quantity surveyors are identified and addressed to the respondents to rank the rate at which quantity surveyors provide these “emerging” services. The collected data were analysed statistically. Findings – The results of the findings led to the conclusion that the quantity surveyors were not meeting the expectations of other players. Therefore, for competitiveness, quantity surveyors need to better meet demand expectations. Research limitations/implications – This findings of this research are constrained to the services or functions that the quantity provide in the construction industry. Practical implications – This knowledge is valuable to academic institutions that offer quantity surveying programmes, to practicing quantity surveyors, governments, and other players in the construction industry. It will allow quantity surveyors to reconcile supply and demand expectations. Originality/value – There is no known conclusive empirical study on services offered by quantity surveyors in any emerging markets. Therefore, the findings offer a fresh understanding on the services of quantity surveyors not only in Nigeria but elsewhere. While some of the services are common, others are peculiar to emerging markets.

Quality of Design Documentation in the Construction Industry: A Review Using Meta-Synthesis Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (06) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Dodzi Kwasi Agbaxode ◽  
Sitsabo Dlamini ◽  
Ehsan Saghatforoush
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Improve Design ◽  
Documentation Quality ◽  
Design Documentation ◽  
Quality Design ◽  
Synthesis Approach

A meta-synthesis approach was used to identify, synthesize, and categorize appropriately factors in the literature that contribute to design documentation quality. The categories include factors on quality attributes, quality indicators, and quality-influencing factors. Findings indicate that the quality of design documentation in practice is unsatisfactory, therefore, there is a need for collaboration between the owner, designers, and end-users to improve design documentation quality. The results offer pragmatic data on design documentation quality in the construction industry between the years 1992 and 2019. However, further research on the significant impacts of poor-quality design documentation on construction projects is recommended.

scholarly journals Assessing the quality of collaboration towards the achievement of Sustainable Energy Innovation in PFI school projects

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulafa M. Badi ◽  
Stephen D Pryke
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of collaboration towards Sustainable Energy Innovation (SEI) in Private Finance Initiative (PFI) projects. While the capacity of PFI to encourage collaboration towards innovation is largely advocated by its proponents; however, it remains to be supported by empirical evidence. Design/methodology/approach – Adopting the Complex Product System (CoPS) innovation management model, the authors assess the quality of collaboration at the interface between the innovation superstructure of public sector clients and users, and the innovation infrastructure of private sector designers, contractors and operators. Two interactional elements are examined upon which the quality of collaboration is assessed: openness of communication and alignment of objectives. The authors apply the model to four new-built PFI school projects within the context of the UK government Building Schools for the Future Programme. Semi-structured interviews with total of 50 key stakeholders were used as the primary data collection method. Findings – PFI has introduced a number of problematic issues weakening collaborative efforts towards innovation in the project environment. Particularly, the study underlines the restricting internal contractual relationships within the integrated Project Company and the misalignment of Design-Construction-Operation sustainability objectives. It also highlights ineffective communication with public sector clients and users brought in by the restricted nature of PFI engagement processes as well as the misalignment of public sector-private sector sustainability objectives. Research limitations/implications – The qualitative nature of the chosen research methodology limits the ability to generalise. The research findings need to be confirmed or rejected by means of quantitative research as representative of all PFI projects. Practical implications – The study emphasizes the public authority’s role in relation to providing the necessary conditions for the creation of a collaborative environment conducive to SEI in PFI projects. Originality/value – The study was able to expand the understanding of innovation and collaboration management processes in PFI projects in three respects: First, addressing the limited attention to innovation in PFI research, the study is the first to examine the quality of collaboration in PFI projects towards the implementation SEI. Second, examining the quality of collaboration in PFI projects through the lens of CoPS provides a new understanding of sustainability innovation and strongly indicates that the CoPS model should be expanded to account for the dynamics of innovation processes in the procurement of sustainable CoPS. Third, the explorative nature of the study was useful in generating research hypotheses that can form the basis for future research on SEI in PFI projects.

Information professionals' quality of work-life and its impact on their job performance

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saira Hanif Soroya ◽  
Tehmina Sarwar ◽  
Muhammad Shahid Soroya
Keyword(s):  
Job Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Behavior ◽  
Quality Of Work Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Key Indicator ◽  
Information Professionals

PurposeJob performance (JP) of employees is a key indicator of success for any organization; however, job performance is dependent on many factors including personal and organizational. The current study aims to investigate this phenomenon concerning the quality of work-life (QoWL).Design/methodology/approachThe study design was quantitative, and a questionnaire was filled by 130 professional librarians based on a convenient sampling technique. The research population was academic information professionals (IPs) serving the university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using SPSS (20.0).FindingsJob career satisfaction is proved a key indicator of JP along with job control and general well-being (GWB). Counterproductive work behavior (CWB), which is a negative behavior, is significantly affected by poor job satisfaction (JS), stress, feelings of unhappiness and low workplace autonomy.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that if poor JS, stress, feelings of unhappiness and low workplace autonomy could be manipulated positively, CWB may be reduced and there are chances to improve the JP of IPs.Originality/valueThis is one of the first attempts that focuses on QoWL and its impact on JP of IPs. The study findings may help leaders and library administration to take employees' friendly decisions to provide a conducive work environment.

Human resource management practices at university spin-offs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Human Resource Management Practices

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the human resource management practices and the associated dimensions of quality of employment in university spin-offs. Through this, it becomes possible to explore and recognize the practices and difficulties placed on the employees of university spin-offs. Design/methodology/approach The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) framework to assess the quality of work in the European Union is adopted. It is used a qualitative approach through the development of four case studies at university spin-offs located in Portugal. These case studies relate to four sectors of activity, such as information technology, urban mobility, health and electronics. Findings The findings reveal that most of the challenges of quality of work in a spin-off university are common to those in an SME or micro company. Among these factors, the authors highlight the lack of job security, reduced or no social protection and very low income and nonwage pecuniary benefits. Other factors specific to university spin-offs also emerge, such as the numerous opportunities for skills development and training, the potentialities to become an entrepreneur and the high number of working hours that are necessary to face the vibrant market dynamics. Originality/value The study aims to contribute, in a theoretical and empirically grounded basis, to the knowledge about the quality of employment in a spin-off university. This work becomes relevant for policymakers to understand in depth the specific challenges faced by employees of a spin-off university.

Health care providers' experiences with delivering person centred care in an Integrated Care Program for thoracic surgery patients in Ontario, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy Kornas ◽  
Meghan O'Neill ◽  
Catherine Y. Liang ◽  
Lori Diemert ◽  
Tsoleen Ayanian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Quality Of Work Life ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Provider Experiences

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand health care providers' experiences with delivering a novel Integrated Care (IC) Program that co-ordinates hospital-based clinical services and home care for thoracic surgery patients, including perceptions on the provision of person-centred care and quality of work life.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a process evaluation using qualitative methods to understand provider experiences in the Integrated Care (IC) Program and to identify areas for programme improvement. Study data were collected using a focus group with thoracic surgeons, open-ended survey with home care providers, and semi-structured interviews with lead thoracic surgeons and IC leads, who are nurses serving as the primary point of contact for one consistent care team. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe IC Program was successful in supporting a partnership between health care providers and patients and caregivers to deliver a comprehensive and person-centred care experience. Informational continuity between providers was facilitated by IC leads and improved over time with greater professional integration and adaptation to the new care delivery processes. Differential impacts were found on quality of work life for providers in the IC Program.Originality/valueThis study describes provider experiences with delivering integrated and person-centred care across the hospital to home continuum, which can inform future integrated care initiatives.

Agricultural Schemes in Namibia for Meeting Essential Needs

2018 ◽  
pp. 500-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar ◽  
Konis Elungi
Keyword(s):  
National Development ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Rural Poor ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Rural Income ◽  
Development Framework ◽  
Vision 2030

Namibia has been striving to improve the rural poor quality of life through policies and schemes in line with the national development framework (Vision 2030). Sustained food production is one of the major initiatives, as it constitutes as basic livelihood activity but also augments rural income and livelihood. Apart from that, it is also a citizen's critical need. Though significant the schemes are, their contribution to household income and their role in improvement of livelihood is never taken up and exploration done. Adopting the DFID sustainable livelihood assessment framework, this chapter uses direct observations and primary data to present an assessment of the contribution of selected agricultural schemes.

A generic investigation process for South African commercial forensic practitioners

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 587-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacobus Gerhardus J. Nortje ◽  
Daniel P. Bredenkamp
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
South African ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Investigation Process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse and discuss the identification of a generic investigation process to be followed by the commercial forensic practitioner in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a cross-sectional design that commenced with a review of the current available literature, highlighting the different approaches, processes and best practices used in local and international forensic practices. The methodology includes primary data collected with questionnaires from commercial forensic practitioner (N = 75) process users. Findings This paper identifies the following five distinct categories in the forensic investigation process, with sub-processes, namely, initiation, planning, execution, reporting and reflection. Research limitations/implications The study focuses only on the South African members of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP) fraternity in South Africa as the ICFP is a leading body that, through membership, offers a recognised professional qualification in commercial forensics. Practical implications An investigation process for commercial forensic practitioners in South Africa could be used by the ICFP that would provide a governance structure for the ICFP. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in setting out of an account of forensic accounting processes and best practices nationally and internationally. The missing knowledge is that no such research is known to have been conducted in South Africa. Currently, to the authors’ knowledge, no formalised investigation process exists. The contribution of the study is that by using an investigation process, it may enhance the quality of forensic investigations and contribute to the successful investigation and prosecution of commercial crime in South Africa that will be beneficial to all stakeholders.

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