scholarly journals A methodology for facing the accessibility of monuments developed and realised in Thessaloniki, Greece

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aristotelis Naniopoulos ◽  
Panagiotis Tsalis

Purpose Archaeological sites and monuments, by their nature, do not allow major interventions to their structure, in order to abolish the obstacles that make them inaccessible. Any interventions should be made sensitively and carefully, so as not to alter the monument’s character or damage it, either visually or structurally. The project “PROSPELASIS” focused on creating a methodology for facing monuments’ accessibility and perceptibility problems for people with disabilities and testing its application at Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The creation of the proposed methodology was based on both research in relevant bibliography and the application of a form of “Delphi method” among involved actors. In this process persons specialized in accessibility and disability issues, persons with disability themselves, as well as employees of the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, archaeologists and experts in monuments’ restoration, participated. Findings The possible sites of interest for visitors with disabilities examined amount to 20 monuments which document the evolution of Byzantine architecture and are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In six major monuments (Acheiropoietos, Saint Demetrios, Saint Nicholaos Orphanos, Hagia Sofia, Rotunda, Heptapyrgion Fortress) significant accessibility improvements were realized in order to verify the methodology proposed. Practical implications A practical tool for improving monuments’ accessibility has been developed, open for use by any interested body. Social implications The application of the methodology developed is beneficial for the promotion of the equality and non-discrimination principles. Originality/value The successful implementation of the proposed methodology and the importance that accessibility improvement of monumental sites has in the attraction of visitors with restricted mobility and perceptibility and the development of accessible tourism, constitute the results of this project not only pertinent to Thessaloniki or Greece, but worthy of a wider application.

Author(s):  
Maria Francisca Blasco López ◽  
Nuria Recuero Virto ◽  
Joaquin Aldas Manzano ◽  
Jesús Garcia-Madariaga

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine a model for developing sustainable tourism in archaeological sites. A qualitative and quantitative approach has been assumed in order to test a model of market orientation, where 11 experts were interviewed and 122 employees of archaeological sites answered the e-questionnaire. Design/methodology/approach Partial least squares path modelling regression was employed to examine the measurement and structural model. Findings The findings have revealed that market orientation and innovativeness positively and significantly influence tourism sustainability, measured in economic and social terms. Besides, tourist functionality has been determined as an antecedent of market orientation. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by the sample sizes of both researches. The model has second order constructs (market orientation, innovativeness and tourism sustainability) that include related concepts to increase parsimony and understand relations with other variables. As a result, separate effects of these dimensions have not been measured, which could report interesting findings in future-related studies. Practical implications The results suggest useful insights for managers to improve social and economic sustainability in archaeological sites. Innovativeness affects tourism sustainability, which reinforces the idea that offering technological and organisational innovations improve economic and social sustainability. Besides, it has been proved that market orientation is a necessary precondition to guarantee social and economic sustainability. Originality/value This paper assists scholars and practitioners by shedding light on the comprehension of tourism sustainability.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Grover

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the issues involved in the implementation of mass valuation systems and the conditions needed for doing so. Design/methodology/approach – The method makes use of case studies of and fieldwork in countries that have either recently introduced mass valuations, brought about major changes in their systems or have been working towards introducing mass valuations. Findings – Mass valuation depends upon a degree of development and transparency in property markets and an institutional structure capable of collecting and maintaining up-to-date price data and attributes of properties. Countries introducing mass valuation may need to undertake work on improving the institutional basis for this as a pre-condition for successful implementation of mass valuation. Practical implications – Although much of the literature is concerned with how to improve the statistical modelling of market prices, there are significant issues concerned with the type and quality of the data used in mass valuation models and the requirements for successful use of mass valuations. Originality/value – Much of the literature on mass valuation takes the form of the development of statistical models of value. There has been much less attention given to the issues involved in the implementation of mass valuation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 8-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Ozarow ◽  
Trevor Gibson ◽  
Arun Batra ◽  
Sam Mercer

Purpose – Argues that merely complying with legislation is not sufficient to accomplish genuine diversity and that, rather than assuming its benefits will naturally be derived and accepted, diversity must be approached strategically and its advantages communicated effectively to stakeholders to ensure desired outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – Considers the business case for diversity, presents a case study of barristers and examines the role of the national equality standard. Findings – Advances the view that multi-layered approaches to diversity are essential for its successful implementation. Practical implications – Highlights the strong business case for diversity in the workforce, as well as possible social repercussions from failing to ensure that workforces are diverse. Social implications – Underlines how young people in European and Anglo-Saxon countries are increasingly demanding to work with colleagues from varied ethnicities, nationalities and sexual orientations who are similar to the peers they socialize with. Diverse workforces have thus become central to talent attraction. Originality/value – Presents an interesting case study of barristers and diversity.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Linden ◽  
James Reilly ◽  
Peter Herzog

PurposeMechanical systems in library environments are typically designed to run continuously in order to maintain the desired environmental conditions for preservation purposes, often resulting in a high cost in dollars and energy consumption. Altering these conditions through changed HVAC operating schedules is a risk many librarians and institutions are hesitant to take. This study aims to introduce the methodology and early findings of current research into the question of whether energy usage can be significantly reduced in libraries by carefully monitored and risk‐managed shutdowns of air handling units (AHUs) during unoccupied hours in selected spaces without compromising the quality of the preservation environment.Design/methodology approachAs part of the project, the authors are monitoring up to three air handling units (AHUs) at each of five partner institutions, three of which are university libraries or repositories, as well as the associated collections spaces served by the units.FindingsEarly findings show the potential value of systems shutdowns in various parts of the country, while also identifying regions that are less favorable.Practical implicationsIn all cases, the experimentation with and successful implementation of a shutdown schedule, without adversely affecting preservation conditions, was preceded by careful documentation and risk management, as described.Originality/valueUnlike unilateral HVAC equipment shutdowns and setbacks conducted solely for energy management, with little regard for collections, this risk‐managed and documented approach potentially allows for the reduction of energy usage without placing collections' health at risk.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 22-24

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Companies can add considerable value by engaging in different forms of open innovation. Focusing on factors that most impact on this approach enables successful implementation of the strategy to improve performance and maximize returns to shareholders. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Technology has enabled many new ways of learning. One example is Quick Response (QR) codes in which information is encoded and stored for quick access when needed. This methodology has considerable scope to enhance mobile learning because of its just-in-time characteristic. Learners can more readily find appropriate information that is presented in a concise format. However, successful implementation of QR codes requires users to have access to a capable mobile device that is equipped with an up-to-date operating system and a camera. This will aid the scanning process as will a fast and reliable internet connection. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 838-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhad Panahifar ◽  
Cathal Heavey ◽  
PJ Byrne ◽  
Hamed Fazlollahtabar

Purpose – Although many papers purport the significant value attributable to supply chain performance from the use of Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR), the question of “what are the main constructs and efficient framework for successful implementation of CPFR?” remains largely unanswered. This question will be addressed by identifying and analysing the main constructs for successful implementation of CPFR. The purpose of this paper is to attempt first to seek answers to this question. Second, to review the scope and value of CPFR using a devised state-of-the-art taxonomy for the classification of selected bibliographical references and third, to develop a conceptual framework by identifying areas which need more research. Design/methodology/approach – The method underlying this paper followed the steps of a systematic literature review process outlined by Soni and Kodali (2011). The review is based on a total of 93 papers published from 1998 to 2013 on CPFR. Findings – Four main constructs for successful implementation of CPFR have been identified: CPFR enablers, CPFR barriers, trading partner selection and IA. The findings indicate that there is a need for better understanding of the amount and level of information sharing as an important function of CPFR implementation. The paper also illustrates a number of shortcomings in the current literature and provides suggestions to guide future research on implementing CPFR in different industries. Practical implications – This paper is of interest to both academicians and practitioners as it helps to better understand the concept and role of CPFR in supply chain integration and its implementation results, enablers and inhibitors. The proposed framework in this paper can be used to give insight for future research and practice. Originality/value – The paper offers a framework for the review of previous research on CPFR and identifies the most important shortcomings that need to be addressed in future research. In addition, this review is both greater in scope than previous reviews and is broader in its subject focus.


2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdallah Abdallah

Purpose – Various quality initiatives seem to have successful implementation in some healthcare organizations yet fail in others. This paper sets out to study the literature trying to understand drivers and challenges facing quality initiatives implementation in healthcare organizations then compare findings from literature with those of a structured questionnaire answered by 60 representatives from 18 hospitals. Finally it proposes a framework that mitigates challenges and utilizes drivers to ensure best implementation results. Design/methodology/approach – Literature regarding implementing various quality initiatives in the healthcare sector was reviewed. Representatives from several healthcare organizations were surveyed. Results from both approaches are compared to highlight the key challenges and drivers facing implementers. Findings – This research reveals that internal factors related to leadership and employees greatly affect quality initiative success or failure. Design and relevance play a major role in successful implementation. Practical implications – This research offers healthcare professionals greater success when implementing certain quality initiatives by taking success/failure factors into consideration. A general framework for successful implementation in the healthcare sector is provided. Originality/value – This article uncovers reasons behind success or failure in a comprehensive and practical way. It also explores how most popular quality initiatives are applied in hospitals.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 626-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inayat Ullah ◽  
Rakesh Narain

PurposeCurrent dynamic and turbulent business environment calls for adopting newer strategies so that organizations can create a niche for itself in the market, mass customization (MC) being one of them. The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical enablers necessary to realize the objectives of MC, study the relationship among them and prioritize them in order of their importance so that a clear roadmap can be easily prepared for successful implementation of MC.Design/methodology/approachA portfolio of enablers of MC has been elicited from a thorough review of literature and experts’ opinion. Then, contextually relevant relations are chosen for each pair. In addition, a hierarchy-based structural model is developed by using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) technique.FindingsThe findings classify the enablers into different groups according to their driving and dependence power. The findings show the enablers of strategic importance that need focused attention. This paper develops a structural model including hierarchy of enablers that forms a basis for the firms considering transition to MC.Practical implicationsThis paper allows the firms to differentiate the dependent and independent variables and their mutual relationships, also by identifying and establishing the connection and relationships among the enabling practices; firms can better prioritize the resources and implementation effort to successfully provide each customer exactly they want.Originality/valueThis paper happens to be one of the first of its kind in the area of mass customization research that presents a contextual model having a hierarchy of enablers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Ollermann ◽  
Rüdiger Rolf ◽  
Christian Greweling ◽  
André Klaßen

Purpose This paper aims to describe the principles underlying the successful implementation of a lecture recording service in higher education. Design/methodology/approach The paper qualitatively reviews the practices and experiences of several years of automated lecture recording at a medium-sized university in Germany. Findings The paper concludes that there are several principles that should be followed to successfully implement lecture recordings in higher education. Practical implications The principles described in this paper can serve as recommendations for other universities that would like to establish or optimize their own lecture recording service. Originality/value The value of the paper lies mainly in the great amount of experience in successfully running a lecture recording service on which the principles and recommendations are based.


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