Supporting, tinkering, adjusting and resisting: a typology of user translations of the built environment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahlam Ammar Sharif ◽  
Andrew Karvonen
Keyword(s):  
Architectural Design ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Building Performance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type

PurposeArchitectural theorists have a long tradition of acknowledging the centrality of building users to architectural production. This article contributes to the discourse on architecture, actor–network theory (ANT), and users by proposing a typology of user translations ranging from supporting to tinkering to adjusting to resisting.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilises an ANT-inspired ethnography of sustainable lighting scripts at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST). It comprises semi-structured interviews with MIST designers and students, and site visits and participant observation to understand how the users interpret the scripts and how they interact and change them on a daily basis.FindingsThere is a shared understanding that users do not simply receive architectural designs but interpret and change them to suit their preferences. The findings reveal the multiple ways that users interpret and respond to the assumptions of designers and in the process, recast the relations between themselves and their material surroundings.Originality/valueThe research contributes to acknowledging the centrality of users to architectural design processes and the interpretation of design scripts, addressing the limitation in current literature in demonstrating the diversity of ways that users react to such scripts. The research suggests that user actions have significant implications on long-term building performance. It accordingly points to the need for devising multiple means of user involvement in the design process and allowing greater flexibility in design scripts to improve the alignment with user preferences.

scholarly journals Sinabung volcano: how culture shapes community resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-303
Author(s):  
Marta Mori ◽  
Ronan McDermott ◽  
Saut Sagala ◽  
Yasmina Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aid Dependency ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Cultural Experts ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how culture, including traditions and social structures, can influence resilience and how culturally sensitive relief operations can put affected people and their context at the core of any interventions. Design/methodology/approach A case study of the Mt Sinabung volcano area in Indonesia was undertaken. As part of the case study, an analysis of interventions was conducted, which was complemented by semi-structured interviews with Karo cultural experts and humanitarian organisations. Findings Culture influences the manner in which the Karo people react to volcano eruptions with varying implications for recovery. In addition, relief organisations which understand people’s actions through a cultural lens have better managed to tailor programs with long-term impact, thereby avoiding aid dependency. Practical implications Practical examples of disaster management activities that adequately account for the beneficiaries’ way of living prior to the eruptions are provided. Aid actors are provided with guidance concerning how to better tailor their activities in line with a cultural lens. Originality/value The study provides empirical grounding for claims concerning the role of culture in planning interventions in Indonesia and other similar contexts.

Adaptive clothing features to support daily exercising needs of muscular dystrophy victimized women in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niromi Seram ◽  
Rivini Mataraarachchi ◽  
Thanuri Jayaneththi
Keyword(s):  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Daily Exercise ◽  
Custom Made

Purpose Exercising is a key approach adopted by muscular dystrophy patients to halt the weakening of muscles as it can eventually lead to serious immobility issues. Though it is essential to exercise on a daily basis for healthy living, there is no mention of any research effort in the current literature regarding the development of an apparel product for these mobility-affected patients that might assist them both in meeting their exercising needs and providing them some comfort in their daily living. Thus, this paper aims to focus on identifying the specific needs of muscular dystrophy victims and proposing special adaptive clothing solutions to support their daily exercise and mobility needs. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the objectives of this study, attention was focused on the muscular dystrophy afflicted women in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the female victims of muscular dystrophy and their lifestyles were observed carefully; additional data were gathered by holding semi-structured interviews with their physiotherapists. Further, interviews were conducted with both garment technologists and fabric technologists too. Data gathered through these methods were analyzed qualitatively using the principles of thematic analysis and then aggregate conclusions were drawn. Findings It was observed that the patients were engaged in special activities such as exercising three times a day besides following their normal day-to-day activities to maintain and develop muscle strength. It soon became evident that these women found it difficult to perform their daily exercise routines with their regular clothing and were looking for custom made clothing they could wear all day long in comfort and avoid the problems that arose while exercising. The study specifies the requirements that must be met to satisfy both generic and specific needs. Considering all these aspects some adaptive clothing solutions were proposed to support daily exercising activity with respect to comfort, convenience, health and safety, as well as socio-cultural and psychological needs. Originality/value The area of fusing generic and specific features to support the daily exercising needs of muscular dystrophy victims is an untouched field of experimentation and being a need of the disabled, the present study marks a milestone on the way to a novel area of apparel design, besides exploring a new field of research.

Integrating corporate social responsibility into efforts to realize millennium development goals

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Katamba ◽  
Cedric Marvin Nkiko ◽  
Charles Tushabomwe-Kazooba ◽  
Sulayiman Babiiha Mpisi ◽  
Imelda Kemeza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Millennium Development Goals ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Government ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an alternative roadmap to accelerating realization of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Uganda, even after 2015. Design/methodology/approach – Using a mixed research methodology, this research documented CSR activities of 16 companies operating in Uganda. Data collection was guided by quantitative and qualitative methodologies (semi-structured interviews with CSR managers, plus non-participant observation of CSR activities and projects linked with MDGs). Triangulation was used to ensure credibility and validity of the results. For data analysis, the authors followed a three-stepwise process, which helped to develop a framework within which the collected data could be analyzed. For generalization of the findings, the authors were guided by the “adaptive theory approach”. Findings – Uganda will not realize any MDGs by 2015. However, CSR activities have the potential to contribute to a cross-section of various MDGs that are more important and relevant to Uganda when supported by the government. If this happens, realization of the MDGs is likely to be stepped up. CSR's potential contributions to the MDGs were found to be hindered by corruption and cost of doing business. Lastly, MDG 8 and MDG 3 were perceived to be too ambiguous to be integrated into company CSR interventions, and to a certain extent were perceived to be carrying political intentions which conflict with the primary business intentions of profit maximization. Practical implications – Governments in developing countries that are still grappling with the MDGs can use this research when devising collaborations with private-sector companies. These documented CSR activities that contribute directly to specific MDGs can be factored into the priority public-private partnership arrangements. Private companies can also use these findings to frame their stakeholder engagement, especially with the government and also when setting CSR priorities that significantly contribute to sustainable development. Originality value – This research advances the “Post-2015 MDG Development Agenda” suggested during the United Nations MDG Summit in 2010, which called for academic and innovative contributions on how MDGs can be realized even after 2015.

Market-mediated authenticity in culturally themed culinary space

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilanjana Sinha ◽  
Himadri Roy Chaudhuri ◽  
Jie G. Fowler ◽  
Sitanath Mazumdar
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Cultural Continuity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Global Marketplace ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Provider Perspectives ◽  
Cultural Boundaries

PurposeThis paper aims to explore authenticity as a multidimensional construct from both consumer and service provider perspectives in the context of culturally themed restaurants in Kolkata, India.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a phenomenological design, data have been collected through participant observation, photographs and semi-structured interviews in Bengali-themed restaurants over a two-year period.FindingsBy articulating the processes and dimensions that operate behind the narrative of authenticity, the findings display the interaction between market/cultural forces and the perception of authenticity. These reveal that authenticity embraces four major categories, namely, traditional, staged-form, postmodern and constructivist.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides insights into the collective role of both consumers and service providers in mediating perceptions of authenticity. Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature by articulating four dimensions of authenticity.Practical implicationsPractically, this study assists marketers with insights into the balance of authenticity and the commoditization of culture.Originality/valueAs globalization weakens cultural boundaries and jeopardizes regional identities, there is a need for reassuring cultural continuity that upholds ethnic legacy for local consumers. Thus, this study provides theoretical and practical insights for both researchers and practitioners concerned about maintaining authenticity in a global marketplace.

The influence of part-time work on graduates' careers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Evans ◽  
Ceri Vaughan
Keyword(s):  
Career Aspirations ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Small Element ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Work ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Personal Skills ◽  
Part Time Work

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore university students' perceptions about career development in relation to their part-time working and to examine whether students maximise opportunities arising in their part-time job in order to enhance their personal profile and career aspirations.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were held with 20 degree students at a UK university. The interview was based around 19 questions, split into three sections: general; career and the part-time job.FindingsThe findings indicate that while students are aware that part-time work helps in developing personal skills, there is a lack of awareness on how part-time work can provide differentiation in the graduate jobs market and support long-term graduate careers. The conclusion discusses the implications of the findings suggesting greater awareness among students of how part-time work can drive work readiness and long-term career aspirations. It also recommends greater involvement of career advisors and university teaching colleagues in supporting this endeavour.Originality/valueWhile other papers on student working have included a small element regarding careers, this paper offers originality by focussing solely on the relationship between students' part-time work and career aspirations. Moreover, most works in this area have been quantitative studies, whereas this study is qualitatively-based.

Enhancing delivery: algorithms supporting performance management in the logistics sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaldoon Al-Htaybat ◽  
Larissa von Alberti-Alhtaybat
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Past ◽  
National Organisation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to contribute an actor-network-theory (ANT) perspective of how algorithms are used and whether this reflects positively on organisational practices and related perceptions of organisation performance, by both customers and employees. Furthermore, the organisation’s view of adopting algorithms to manage their performance is explored. Design/methodology/approach The current study is a study set in this virtual space, as it seeks to use data available online from different stakeholders of the case organisation. Online “virtual space” studies have become more common over the past few years. Primary and secondary data are shared online, for instance on relevant rating websites for customers (such as TrustPilot) and employees (such as Indeed), which serve as a reflection of the organisational performance and the communication of their values. This type of study has become more prevalent, either as a study undertaken online fully (Hine, 2007) or partially (for instance Baxter et al., 2019), which provides a different perspective to traditionally carried out face-to-face interactions. Findings The current study has contributed insights from a global case organisation in the logistics sector originating in the Middle East (ME). The case organisation clearly indicates that its algorithm, in line with particular presentations and discussions on online platforms, is focussed on analysing limited factors, which are prediction of accurate delivery timeslot, preferred and precise location for delivery and speed of delivery overall. This reflects an inherent bias of the delivery industry, which the case organisation operates in, and may focus attention on delivering on those objectives, with a detrimental effect on the organisation’s broader organisational mindset. This refers to long-term values and sustainability-related objectives. Originality/value Findings will reflect on whether algorithms can be used to align a multi-national organisation to achieve its desired performance and related desirable results. This will be one of the main contributions of the current study, which engages with a multi-national organisation in the logistics sector that is based in the ME region.

Activity networks and the temporality of urban space: the case of a cul-de-sac square

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahlam Ammar Sharif
Keyword(s):  
Urban Space ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Urban Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Activity Networks ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThis study draws on recent actor-network theory (ANT) literature to provide a nuanced understanding of the effect of time on activity networks in urban spaces. It investigates the role of time in multiplying these networks and producing urban change, which is limited in similar ANT-related research.Design/methodology/approachThis ethnographic study of a cul-de-sac square within a housing project in the suburb of Dahiyat Al-Hussein in Amman, Jordan, documents the changes in its activity networks when comparing the 1990s with 2019. Data were collected through interviews and site observations covering the two time periods to investigate the different activities that occurred constantly over time, which reflect the temporal network stabilisation within the square.FindingsThe findings demonstrate the profound effect time has on the stability of activity networks related to playing, observing, walking, vending and their interrelations. Their overlaps and conflicts with each other and with other networks in the space were observed. Unpacking the stability of activity networks and their interrelations demonstrates the change in their actor relations and temporalities over time. This is significant in understanding urban change.Originality/valueThe study investigates the importance of time in recognising and extending the multiplicity of urban activities, which suggests new ways of understanding urban change. This exploration highlights new possibilities for creating more adaptable spaces according to residents' long-term needs.

scholarly journals The culture of UK employee-owned worker cooperatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 761-776
Author(s):  
David Wren
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Employee Ownership ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Worker Cooperatives ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Ownership Types

PurposeThis paper presents exploratory, empirical data from a three-year study of organizational culture in for-profit, employee-owned businesses within the UK, comparing ownership types (direct, trust, and cooperative). It outlines the study and then focuses on worker cooperatives. Culture is illuminated through the lens of performance and reward management.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data was gathered from three worker cooperatives based in the North of England, using semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document review and was compared to qualitative data collected from other types of employee-owned businesses.FindingsThe findings suggest a distinct culture within worker cooperatives encompassing five key values: a whole life perspective, consistently shared values, self-ownership, self-control, and secure employment.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional time with each cooperative and a greater spread of cooperatives would be beneficial. The research was carried out during a period of organizational growth for the case organizations, which may influence attitudes to reward and retention management.Practical implicationsThe results inform recruitment and retention policy and practice within worker cooperatives and highlight concerns regarding the stresses of being a self-owner. These are important considerations for potential worker co-operatives alongside policy recommendations to advance employee ownership.Originality/valueA comparative analysis of culture, performance, and rewards across different employee ownership types has not been undertaken before. This addresses an under-researched area of employee ownership regarding HR practices. Within the UK, recent research on the culture(s) of worker cooperatives is limited.

Malaysian banking: is the current practice of ibrā’ (rebate) reflecting its true meaning?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat Ishak
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Advisory Council ◽  
Islamic Banking ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Debt Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Content Analysis Method ◽  
Original Concept

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the current regulation of ibrā’ (rebate) set by the Central Bank for the Islamic banks in Malaysia and how far its original concept has been compromised to make it adaptable to the modern financial system. Design/methodology/approach This study, with regard to practising ibrā’ in Islamic banking in Malaysia, is qualitative in nature, using semi-structured interviews carried out with two types of informant: members of either the National Sharīʿah Advisory Council (NSAC) or the Internal Sharīʿah Committee (SC). All data are analysed based on the content analysis method. Findings The findings reveal that while stipulating an ibrā’ clause makes practising ibrā’ stray from its original concept, it has successfully tackled the current problem. However, the long-term consequences should be a concern, particularly Islamic banking products, which have been significantly influenced by the conventional system, including interest rates and the debt structure, neither of which should be identified with Islamic banking. Research limitations/implications This study is limited because it focusses on the practice of ibrā’ in Malaysian Islamic banking. Moreover, data are collected from nine interviewees from NSAC and SC from different Islamic banks. Thus, the results cannot be generalised to other countries. Originality/value This paper provides a fresh discussion of ibrā’ from the perspective of regulators and the experience of practitioners in Malaysia, particularly in respect of aspects of Sharīʿah and current actual practice.

The utility of relationships in the creation and maintenance of an event portfolio

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna M. Kelly ◽  
Sheranne Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Process Model ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Strategic Goals ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Event portfolios promote synergies among events and stakeholders within a destination in order to maximise resources. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of relationships in the creation and maintenance of an event portfolio using the four stages of Parvatiyar and Sheth’s (2000) process model of relationship marketing: formation, management and governance, performance evaluation, and evolution. Design/methodology/approach Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with tourism and government stakeholders involved in the creation and maintenance of an event portfolio within a single destination. Findings The destination outlined clear strategic goals through an event strategy. An Events Board was established to bring together key stakeholders from tourism, events, and government to oversee the development of an event portfolio. The Events Board gave advice to relevant tourism and government stakeholders on which events they should provide funding. Developing relationships was not a stated objective, but the Events Board realised the importance of relationships to create and maintain the destination’s event portfolio. Long-term funding contracts were used as a mechanism to establish relationships and were an impetus for interaction. Relationships were also maintained through dedicated staff who managed the relationships between the destination stakeholders and the events. Practical implications Understanding factors that contribute to the successful creation and maintenance of event portfolios can inform destination stakeholders who are responsible for generating tourism through events. Originality/value Limited research has examined the creation and maintenance of event portfolios. This study provides insight into the central importance of relationships in creating and maintaining an event portfolio.

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