An energy retrofitting methodology of Mediterranean historical buildings

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 984-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Fatiguso ◽  
Mariella De Fino ◽  
Elena Cantatore
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Historical Buildings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Italy ◽  
Energy Assessment ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
General Reliability ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and discuss a methodological approach for energy assessment and retrofitting of envelope systems in Mediterranean historical buildings, in order to ensure the desirable balance between improvement requirements and preservation principles. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is based on the assessment of historical districts at the site, building and component scales, the development of energy models of building-types that are highly representative, in terms of materials, construction techniques, typologies and performances, the identification of intervention priorities and the validation of compatible retrofitting solutions. Findings – The methodology, applied to a representative Adriatic sea town in South Italy, shows the potentialities of innovative materials and technologies (aerogel, PCMs, etc.) as tools to achieve the improvement of the energy performances and the preservation of the original characters. Nevertheless, it shows how the preliminary qualification of the environmental, architectural, constructional and technological characteristics is paramount to support the identification of the current behavior of the building system and the transformation boundaries from the historical values. Originality/value – The paper proves how assessment and intervention methods and tools, besides effective, compatible, low invasive and durable, should be geocluster oriented and performance based, thus with general reliability for the whole local context and suitable flexibility to be tailored to different specific situations, toward the definition of retrofitting micro-scale measures and macro-scale strategies that are replicable and scalable.

scholarly journals Open-book accounting and trust: influence on buyer-supplier relationship

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 597-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Cristina Francisco de Almeida Fehr ◽  
Welington Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Data Gathering ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Information Value ◽  
Open Book ◽  
Information Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
New Research ◽  
Supplier Relationship

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the role of open-book accounting (OBA) and trust on buyer–supplier relationship satisfaction. The objective of this paper is to analyze how OBA and trust influence satisfaction on the relationship between suppliers and buyers in the Brazilian automotive sector’s supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe research has been developed based on a qualitative strategy, characterized as explanatory. Data gathering has been conducted through document analysis and semi-structured interview, and content analysis has been used for discourse analysis.FindingsResults show that OBA is unilateral, imposed by the auto manufacturer, representing a selective information process, as suppliers try to protect their information value as far as possible. Trust is partial and cooperation is not spontaneous, both driven by the search for benefits. OBA may yield a positive or a negative outcome with regard to the social and the economic overall satisfaction of suppliers, depending on how the information is used by auto manufacturer.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this article is to provide an understanding of the difficulties of applying the OBA in companies and of the factors that may influence its operation and performance, impacting on satisfaction and continuity of relationships. The paper also contributes with the proposal of a clearer and more objective definition of OBA. Being the intention that new research in this area can be developed from a delimited, clear and objective definition of OBA, allowing better understanding on the subject and comparison among research studies.

scholarly journals Designing the Sustainable Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage to Enhance the Local Context

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 9059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania De Gregorio ◽  
Mariangela De Vita ◽  
Pierluigi De Berardinis ◽  
Luis Palmero ◽  
Alessandra Risdonne
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Reuse ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Historical Buildings ◽  
Industrial Heritage ◽  
Architectural Characteristics ◽  
The City

Since the European Year of Cultural Heritage, adaptive reuse is considered a strategy for intervention on historical buildings and territories to preserve and enhance artifacts, cities, and communities. Adaptive reuse can also generate social and economic benefits. This work looks at adaptive reuse in the context of industrial heritage, which represents an excellent test benchmark because of its intrinsic architectural characteristics and its localization in the city suburbs. The paper puts forward a methodological approach, verified through the application to a case study, which analyzes both the local context and the building. This study concludes using the data obtained to define an adaptive reuse project with positive repercussions for the community, the environment, and the local economy.

Fostering digital transformation of SMEs: a four levels approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (8) ◽  
pp. 1543-1562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonello Garzoni ◽  
Ivano De Turi ◽  
Giustina Secundo ◽  
Pasquale Del Vecchio
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Temporal Dimension ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Italy ◽  
Apulia Region ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how digital technologies trigger changes in the business process of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Apulia Region (South Italy). As SMEs play an essential role in the process value creation of industries and countries, the article examines the enablers of Industry 4.0 in a regional contexts characterized by delay in research and development and innovation performances where the companies' competitiveness is based on limited knowledge and technological assets.Design/methodology/approachThe case study of Smart District 4.0, an ongoing project aimed to promote the digitalization of SMEs operating in the Agri–Food, Clothing–Footwear and Mechanics–Mechatronics in the Apulia Region (South Italy) is analysed. The project has been financed by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development with the final aim to sustain the digital transformation of SMEs in South Italy.FindingsThe results introduce a four levels approach of engagement of SMEs in the adoption of digital technologies, namely, digital awareness, digital enquirement, digital collaboration and digital transformation. Furthermore, for each level of engagement the study describes and discusses some relevant variables that could be used by managers and entrepreneurs to assess the level of readiness for utilization of digital technologies and how to digitalize some processes.Practical implicationsPractical implications regard the definition of a roadmap useful to assess and manage the level of digital transformation of SMEs. Limitations of the study regarding the temporal dimension of the evidences associated to the Smart District 4.0 as well as to the regional context was analysed.Originality/valueOriginality resides in the definition of a roadmap for the digital transformation of SMEs in a region where the profile of companies' digital maturity is still low.

A multi-methodological approach for assessing sustainability of urban projects

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Bottero
Keyword(s):  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Multicriteria Analysis ◽  
Discounted Cash Flow ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The City

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a multi-methodological approach for assessing the sustainability of urban projects. The proposed framework has the objective of addressing the different dimensions involved in the analysis (economic, environmental, social, technological, cultural, etc.), following the subsequent phases for the definition of the projects (from a very general masterplan to more detailed preliminary projects). Design/methodology/approach – The multi-methodological approach is organized according to subsequent steps, involving the application of different evaluation methods, namely SWOT analysis, multicriteria analysis, discounted cash flow analysis and sensitivity analysis. With the aim of better illustrating the proposed approach, the method is applied on a real case concerning the project of a new boulevard in the city of Skopje. Findings – The proposed approach resulted to be successful in structuring the complex planning context and in increasing and improving the information for the project, thus acting as a learning process. Originality/value – The paper is based on the experimentation of an hybrid approach for addressing planning process. The multi-methodological framework can be useful in supporting decision making process in the domain of urban projects. In this sense, the proposed framework is able to communicate the planners’, designers’ and decision maker’s perspectives, to enhance transparency in the decision process and thus to increase acceptance.

A borrowing cost model for effective performance of SMEs in Uganda

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulait Tumwine ◽  
Richard Akisimire ◽  
Nixon Kamukama ◽  
Gad Mutaremwa
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Cost Model ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Performance ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective cost borrowing model of qualitative factors that are relevant to micro and small enterprises (SMEs) better performance. Design/methodology/approach – A valid research instrument was utilized to conduct a survey on 359 SMEs (131 retail businesses, 125 service businesses, 48 farming businesses and 55 other businesses) and 897 respondents that are representative of 397 SMEs and 1,087 respondents. Correlation and regression analysis were conducted to ascertain the validity of the hypotheses. Findings – It was established that cost of borrowing elements (interest rate and loan processing costs) are associated with SME performance. Furthermore, cost of borrowing as a whole accounts for 31.1 percent of the variation in performance Uganda’s SMEs. Research limitations/implications – Only a single research methodological approach was employed, future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate. Multiple respondents in SMEs (owner, manager and cashier) were studied neglecting others. Furthermore, the study used the cross-sectional approach – a longitudinal approach should be employed to study the trend over years. Finally, cost of borrowing was studied and by the virtual of the results, there are other factors that contribute to SME performance that were not part of this study. Practical implications – There is need to intensify initiatives to encourage greater understanding and acceptance of cost of borrowing, select appropriate elements that includes interest rate and loan processing costs in order to have affordable source of financing to establish and grow SMEs, provide employment, competitive and contribute to countries GDP. Originality/value – This is the first paper in Sub-Saharan Africa to test empirically the relationship between cost of borrowing and performance of SMEs in the Ugandan context.

scholarly journals Rehabilitation of renders of old buildings in Portugal

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 337-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmo Gonçalves de Carvalho ◽  
Inês Flores-Colen ◽  
Paulina Faria
Keyword(s):  
Stone Masonry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Requirements ◽  
Periodic Maintenance ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Points Of View ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Correct Implementation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a proposal for a methodology to support the rehabilitation project of renders of old buildings. Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the objective it was considered essential to define the main types of participants and aspects to integrate the proposal. The research methodology consists in an inquiry presented to several professional participants in rehabilitation, a market study of materials and products available in Portugal, the design of a methodology proposal and its application to a case study. The inquiry sample totals 24 answers from the targeted professionals. A sequence of relevant supporting procedures consists in the proposal, which aims to provide a supporting methodology to decide and project in this context and also to be tested with its application to the building. This proposal was applied to an old building with load-bearing stone masonry walls and air-lime-based renders. Findings – It was concluded that the assessment of the building and ex+ternal renderings’ condition, its diagnosis and of the supporting walls, the definition of intervention, the specification of materials to be used and performance requirements to comply, and also plans for conservation and periodic maintenance, are crucial. From the inquiry, compatibility between materials and complementary roles and points of view of different types of participants in rehabilitation must be highlighted. Originality/value – A proposal for a methodology to support the project could provide useful guidance particularly for architects and construction engineers, and improve the understanding of direct participants on site, therefore contributing for the correct implementation of the intervention.

Supply chain agility: a systematic review of definitions, enablers and performance implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eias Al Humdan ◽  
Yangyan Shi ◽  
Masud Behnia
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Performance Dimensions ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeSupply chain agility (SCA) has recently received considerable attention in the literature and in practice. Despite its popularity, the concept of SCA seems to be vaguely defined and loosely structured. More specifically, definitional ambiguity and conceptual fragmentation have prevented the concept of SCA from reaching its full potential. The time is ripe to address these issues through a systematic literature review.Design/methodology/approachA review and synthesis of the literature on SCA was undertaken. The authors selected 56 top-tier related articles for further analysis after applying rigorous filtering procedures.FindingsThe results of the review confirm that several key themes surround SCA's definition and enablers. In addition, consensus needs to be reached in terms of its performance dimensions and measures. Accordingly, this study constructed an encompassing definition, scrutinized SCA enablers and outcomes and thus developed an original framework for SCA, providing a unique conceptual contribution. Several research directions were also addressed accordingly.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research lies in the selection of highly recognized publications. It also provides an encompassing definition of SCA, consolidates its enablers for better communication and synthesizes its performance implications.

Negligent retention of counterproductive employees

2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis R. Self ◽  
Terry B. Self
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Disciplinary Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fiduciary Responsibility ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Negligent Retention ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to encourage organizations to recognize the potential risks of retaining counterproductive employees on their payrolls and the steps they should take to prevent and/or correct the situation should it exist within their organizations. Design/methodology/approach – Literature examining a broader definition of the negligent retention doctrine, which includes employees who lack the qualifications for the positions they hold, those who are nonperformers, and/or those who exhibit toxic behaviours, and the consequences for retaining these counterproductive employees on the payroll. By using a multilayered approach, the article discusses the efforts organizations can use to identify potentially counterproductive employee behaviour and the steps the organizations should take to provide appropriate developmental strategies/programs to assist counterproductive employees, as well as, provide appropriate disciplinary action, as the situation dictates. Findings – The review highlights the potential financial drain and performance threats counterproductive employees create for organizations; offers explanations as to why counterproductive employees are often allowed to stay on the payroll; and provides suggestions for preventing the selection of counterproductive employees, for providing appropriate developmental. Practical implications – The article offers practical insights and suggestions to organizations that are interested in upholding their fiduciary responsibility to their stakeholders, while providing counterproductive employees opportunity to improve their performance/behaviours or to exit the organization. Originality/value – The article expands the definition of the negligent retention doctrine to include the often-ignored financial and emotional dangers of retaining unfit or counterproductive employees on the payroll.

The hologram effect in entrepreneurial “social commercial” enterprises

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Crossan ◽  
Pat Ibbotson ◽  
Jim Bell
Keyword(s):  
Social Economic ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Good ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Measurement Framework ◽  
And Performance

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to present qualitative findings describing entrepreneurial differentiations between non‐profit organisations along a social economic continuum. The paper aims to focus on those non‐profit organisations classified as “social” and those more entrepreneurial behaving organisations classified as “social commercial”.Design/methodology/approachThe data were taken from recent research examining current classification systems and performance measurement indicators applied to not‐for‐profit and for‐profit organisations in an Irish regional context. Having reviewed the extant literature on classification systems and measurement indicators for non‐profit organisations, the social economic continuum model and theoretical measurement framework were developed. In order to test the models, the study employed a pragmatist mixed methodological approach; employing quantitative surveys and in‐depth interviews.FindingsThe paper presents key entrepreneurial differentiating themes between “social” and “social commercial” organisations, and discusses the triggers that produce a “hologram” effect or style of management in the third sector.Practical implicationsThe identification of entrepreneurial themes allows for the analysis of the non‐profit organisations from overly social in their activities and presentation, to overly economic in their behaviour. It allows for a greater understanding of the management processes employed by non‐profit organisations to create social value and meet their social aims and purpose.Originality/valueThe paper carries out a unique inter‐sector comparison of non‐profit organisations to determine entrepreneurial differentiations amongst non‐profit businesses employing entrepreneurial methodologies and behaviours to achieve social good.

scholarly journals Research methodology for ethnostatistics in organization studies: towards a historical ethnostatistics

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-342
Author(s):  
Stella Stoycheva ◽  
Giovanni Favero
Keyword(s):  
Complex Dynamics ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Multinational Organization ◽  
Business World ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
And Performance

PurposeWhile quantification and performance measurement have proliferated widely in academia and the business world, management and organization scholars increasingly agree on the need for a more in-depth focus on the complex dynamics embedded in the construction, use and effects of quantitative measures (pertaining to the thread of research called ethnostatistics). This paper develops a pluralistic method for conducting ethnostatistical research in organizational settings. Whilst presenting practical techniques for conducting research in live settings, it also discusses how historical approaches which focus on source criticism and contextual reconstruction could overcome the limitations of ethnostatistics.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach of this paper encompasses an in-depth discussion of the ethnostatistical method, its underlying assumptions and its methodological limitations. Based on this analysis, the authors propose a pluralistic method (model) for conducting ethnostatistical research in organizational settings based on the integration of 1) research practices employed by one of the authors conducting ethnostatistical research in a large multinational organization and 2) best practices from ethnographic and historical research.FindingsThis paper suggests how historical approaches can successfully join ethnostatistical enquiries in an attempt to overcome some limitations in existing conventional methods. The developed framework explores four levels of analysis (ethnography, statistics at work, rhetoric of statistics and history of statistics) and suggests practical approaches for each level that can contribute to strengthening the research output and overcoming limitations when using ethnostatistics.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the ethnostatistical field by discussing the intersection between history and ethnography and the ways for their complementary use in organizational and management research on quantification processes. As such it offers unique insights and hands-on experience from conducting ethnostatistical enquiries in live organizational settings.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document