scholarly journals Enhancing the performance of architectural design firms through addressing the gap of workforce skills in developing countries: a good-to-great approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1911-1924
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Dana Ashraf Sokkar
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Good To Great ◽  
Workforce Skills ◽  
Design Firms

Abstract The aim of this research is to investigate the role of the good-to-great concept as an approach for enhanc­ing the performance of architectural design firms (ADFs) through addressing the gap of workforce skills in develop­ing countries. To achieve this aim, a research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives: (1) building a comprehensive background about the topic through cov­ering the nature of the construction industry, gap of work­force skills, previous approaches used to address this issue and the good-to-great concept; (2) presenting and analyz­ing two case studies to investigate the role of the good-to-great concept as an approach to fill the gap of workforce skills in organizations; (3) investigating the perception and application of the good-to-great concept for addressing the gap of workforce skills to enhance the performance of ADFs and (4) developing a framework to enhance the per­formance of ADFs through bridging the gap of workforce skills in ADFs using the good-to-great concept. Findings of this research showed that the issue of gap of workforce skills threatens all types of industries including construc­tion industry. The demand of ADFs became greater than the supply of skilled employees which indicates a critical issue encountered by these firms. Thus, the good-to-great concept that has never been adopted in ADFs before is pro­posed as a novel approach to tackle this issue.

A knowledge management based framework for enhancing the learning culture in architectural design firms in developing countries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Mirna Mohamed ElKady
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Learning Culture ◽  
Continuous Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Firms

Purpose In spite of the active role of continuous learning on improving organisational performance, the construction industry generally and architectural design firms (ADFs) in particular are criticised for their inability to use organisational knowledge to foster learning culture towards enhancing their performance. This paper aims to develop a framework based on knowledge management (KM) to enhance the learning culture in ADFs in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the abovementioned aim, a research methodology consisted of data collection, data analysis and action required is designed to achieve four objectives. First, to examine the nature of the construction industry in developing countries, learning culture in ADFs, as well as knowledge and KM; second, to present three case studies to investigate the effectiveness of KM in enhancing the learning culture in ADFs; third, to investigate the perception and application of KM towards enhancing the learning culture in ADFs in Egypt, finally to develop a KM based framework to enhance the learning culture in ADFs in developing countries. Findings Through literature review, the research highlighted the fragmented nature of the architectural design process, which led to the loss of valuable information and made the process of capturing and sharing knowledge a hard task. In addition, it identified the barriers of implementing KM and the building blocks of learning culture in ADFs. Results of data analysis showed that “lack of organisational culture” and “low involvement of top management” were ranked the highest barriers for implementing KM in ADFs. Moreover, respondents mentioned that they do not share openly their information with other employees to maintain their uniqueness and that the strict working environment of their ADFs is not encouraging creativity or enhancing learning culture. Furthermore, “continuous learning and enhancement” and “experimentation, feedback and reflection” were ranked by respondents as the highest building blocks of a learning organisation. Research limitations/implications This research focussed on ADFs in developing countries. Practical implications Implementing KM strategies will facilitate the enhancement of learning culture within ADFs in developing countries. This will impact positively on improving the performance and increasing the competitiveness and market share of ADFS. Originality/value The research identified the barriers of KM implementation in ADFs and the building blocks of creating a learning organisations. It focusses on improving the performance of ADFs through using the capabilities of KM towards building learning culture in ADFs. The proposed framework which was designed to facilitate the implementation of KM for enhancing the learning culture in ADFs in developing countries represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

A framework integrating corporate social responsibility for marketing architectural design firms in developing countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1174-1191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Mai Gamal Hafez
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Design Firms ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This paper aims to develop a framework based on corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a novel approach for marketing architectural design firms (ADFs) in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this aim, a research strategy consists of literature review and survey questionnaire is designed to accomplish four objectives: first, to examine the concepts of marketing and CSR in construction; second, to investigate the perception and application of CSR as a marketing tool for ADFs in developing countries; third, to develop a framework based on CSR as an approach for marketing ADFs in developing countries; and finally, to outline research conclusions and recommendations useful to government, ADFs and future research. Findings The research highlighted the inefficiency of current marketing strategies in developing countries due to lack of considering community needs, using incomprehensible technical language in communication with clients and misrepresenting the calibers of ADFs. ADFs believe that CSR can play a role in increasing their marketability. This requires governmental involvement and overcoming the barriers of adopting CSR. Originality/value This paper proposed a framework based on CSR as a novel approach for marketing ADFs in developing countries. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature. The proposed framework represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the original body of knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

A learning-based framework adopting post occupancy evaluation for improving the performance of architectural design firms

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 418-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Heba Elsaay
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Building Performance ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Design Firms

PurposeDespite the active role of continuous learning on improving organizational performance, the construction industry generally and architectural design firms (ADFs) in particular are criticized for their inability to properly use learning to improve their performance. This paper aims to develop a business improvement framework based on post occupancy evaluation (POE) as a learning tool for improving the performance of ADFs.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the above-mentioned aim, a twofold research strategy, namely, theoretical and practical, is used to achieve four objectives. The theoretical approach is used to conduct thorough literature review to investigate three main topics: building performance, organizational performance and learning organization. The practical approach is used to present and synthesize two relevant field studies to examine the role of POE toward improving the performance of ADFs and evaluate the perception and application of ADFs in Egypt toward improving their performance through POE. Based on the results gleaned from the objectives, the research developed a framework to facilitate the adoption and application of POE as a learning tool for improving the performance of ADFs. Finally, research conclusions and recommendations useful to ADFs and future research are outlined.FindingsThe construction industry is a fragmented business that is characterized by low performance compared to other industries. This is because the separation between design, construction and end-users results in missing the opportunity to provide designers with learned lessons, feedback and suggestions for design improvement that ultimately obstructs the performance of ADFs. POE is an effective tool adopted to measure building performance and provide learning environment to improve the performance of new projects and ADFs. The research realized that there is a need to fill the gap in construction literature concerning improving ADFs’ performance through POE and to develop a framework to facilitate the adoption and application of POE as a learning tool for improving the performance of ADFs.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focused on improving the performance of ADFs only.Practical implicationsThe framework developed by this research establishes organized procedures to enable AFDs to implement POE and use its benefits toward improving their performance.Originality/valueThis paper presents a business improvement framework integrating POE as learning tool for improving the performance of ADFs. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature. The developed framework represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

Lean talent management: a novel approach for increasing creativity in architectural design firms

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 1355-1375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Mohamed Hesham Madbouly Khalil
Keyword(s):  
Architectural Design ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Creative Industries ◽  
Quantitative Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Design Firms ◽  
Aec Industry

PurposeArchitecture is classified as one of the creative industries worldwide. However, it is plagued with a number of problems that confine its creativity towards developing innovative solutions that fulfil society needs. One of these pressing problems is the lack of creativity due to the non-utilisation of talented architects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of lean talent management (LTM) as a novel approach to increase creativity in architectural design firms (ADFs).Design/methodology/approachIn order to achieve the above-mentioned aim, a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology is designed to accomplish three objectives. First, reviewing literature to investigate the concepts of creative industries, motivation, demotivation, talent management (TM), talents utilisation (TU), lean thinking (LT) and lean innovation (LI). Second, presenting and analysing five case studies to explore the integration between TM, LT and LI in real-life context to overcome barriers of creativity. Finally, analysing the results of a survey questionnaire conducted with a representative sample of Egyptian ADFs to evaluate their perception and application of TM as a facilitator for creativity.FindingsThe five barriers of creativity encompassed lack of motivation in ADFs and demotivation and lack of TU in ADFs and Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. TM facilitated motivation and eliminated six demotivating factors. The seventh factor was eliminated through LT. In AEC industry, TU was achieved through LI with five considerations. In ADFs, TU can be achieved through LTM. However, two additional barriers have been identified for further investigation. Egyptian ADFs failed increasing creativity with TM solely. Hence, a LTM framework is required.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study focussed on architecture as a case for creative industries and targeted Egyptian ADFs, the application of LTM is to be applied at any industry that is talent-based although barriers related to the design process could vary.Originality/valueThis paper presents an innovative approach through discussing the integration of lean concepts into TM towards increasing creativity in ADFs. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature and is the first of its kind in the architectural field. The proposed ideas represent a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

scholarly journals BOURDIEU CAPITALS AND LEADERSHIP: THE CASE OF DESIGN CONSULTANT FIRMS’ MANAGERS IN THE MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

2019 ◽  
Vol 266 ◽  
pp. 03005
Author(s):  
Mohd Hisham Ariffin ◽  
Abdul Rahman Abdul Rahim ◽  
Ruslan Affendy Arshad ◽  
Ruzaini Zahari
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Leadership Traits ◽  
Construction Market ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Member Exchange ◽  
Local Construction ◽  
Social Capitals ◽  
Design Firms ◽  
Collaborative Efforts

The creative products of Malaysian design firms are critical for sustained competitiveness in the increasing globalised and local construction market. These products are derived from the collaborative efforts of the design leaders and their subordinates. Owner-managers of design firms are aware of the role of their leadership in increasing the productivity of their creativity workers. Knowledge of effective leadership traits has initially guided leadership development and sustainability. Later theories such as charismatic theories and leader-member exchange theories have a common theoretical paradigm of leader-follower relations. A novel approach to this leadership theoretical paradigm is replacing relevant leaders’ traits with Bourdieu capitals that effectively influence their followers. This paper reports the findings of interviews with subordinates in Malaysian architecture, civil engineering and landscape architecture consultant firms regarding the influence of the superior’s Bourdieu capitals upon their creativity. Qualitative thematic coding analysis of the interview transcripts generated the relevant Bourdieu capital categories and theme. The leader’s human, emotional, leadership, cultural and social capitals were found to influence the subordinate’s creativity motivation. The data indicate a common theme of followers’ creativity motivation through learning from leader’s superior human capital. The learning is aided by the leader’s emotional capital. Thus, Bourdieu capitals offer an innovative perspective in studying and possibly quantifying leaders’ influence upon their followers.

scholarly journals Investigation on application of Rwanda building standards in local construction industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leopold Mbereyaho ◽  
Abaho G. Gershome ◽  
Jean de Dieu Mutabaruka ◽  
Jean Claude Ndayisenga ◽  
Evariste Niyomwungeri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Building Code ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Monitoring Process ◽  
Local Construction ◽  
Building Standards ◽  
Adequate Research

The Rwanda Building code is in place from 2015, while the development of Rwanda standards dates from 2006 when the reviewed Law establishing Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) was published. The key role of standards is technically to ensure quality, safety, reliability of constructions as stated the relevant codes. With the construction industry growing very fast, the purpose of this study was to investigate on the application of Rwanda building standards, with regards to the existing code requirements and to identify the relevant gaps. The study was conducted based on initially set specific objectives, while the research methodology was mainly comprised of visits to different public and private agencies related to construction industry, observations on the sites and interview with different experts. The study established that Rwanda building standards were still accused of a low awareness and application as well as noticeable gaps. The level of awareness among all professionals was still at 71%. In general about application, only 55% of respondents confirmed the experience in application of Rwanda building standards, even if this level was higher for some categories. A good part of respondents composing around 57% thought that Rwanda building standards documents were still incomplete. Based on the above findings, adequate strategies for improving the awareness, application process and document completion were proposed; with the introduction of Rwanda building standards into academic curriculum, increase the number of awareness meetings and recognition of adequate research before design or review of any standard, among others.Keywords: Building code, Building Standards, awareness strategy, Law and Regulations, Monitoring process

scholarly journals Analysis and Discussion on the Design of Green Super High-rise Civil Buildings in Huangshan

2019 ◽  
Vol 136 ◽  
pp. 03025
Author(s):  
Liu Jun ◽  
Zhang Jinfeng ◽  
Tu Qian ◽  
Hu Haowei ◽  
Shui Taotao
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Urbanization Process ◽  
Green Building Design ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Low Carbon City

With the accelerating urbanization process and the development of the construction industry, the role of green building design in architectural design is constantly reflected. The comprehensive implementation of green building is an important measure to promote China's energy-saving emission reduction and low-carbon city strategy. However, there are relatively few cases in which green building design is applied to super high-rise civil buildings, and in-depth research and data analysis must be carried out. The design points in green super high-rise civil buildings in Huangshan area were briefly summarized, and the actual cases of a green super high-rise civil building design in Huangshan City were analyzed, which is conducive to laying the foundation for the application of green building design to super high-rise civil buildings.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE JOB BURNOUT AMONG ARCHITECTS AT DESIGN FIRMS

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
GULDEN GUMUSBURUN AYALP ◽  
Nur Bozhuyuk ◽  
Ilhami Ay
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Fast Track ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Job Burnout ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Design Firms ◽  
Almost All

Construction industry is characterized with its complicated, risky, hazardous and demanding nature. Construction projects are comprised of variety of activities that must be completed in a timely, cost-effective, and high-quality manner. Within fast track construction projects, architects who participate at almost all phases of construction process are often expected to work erratic and long hours. Therefore, these factors can frequently result in stressful work environment. Prolonged job stress cause job burnout could decrease individuals’ level of job satisfaction, productivity and increase turnover intention that consequentially lowers the organization’s performance. Emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and diminished professional efficacy were remarked to be valid in the most commonly accepted burnout model. This research aimed to investigate the factors that cause job burnout among architects working within architectural offices in Turkey. Identifying the most important burnout factors is another goal of this study. Therefore, to reach these aims a questionnaire was composed by researchers with literature review and applied to architects who are working at architectural design firms in Turkey. At the end of data collection 360 surveys are gathered. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. Consequently, six critical factors determined causing burnout among architects.

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