scholarly journals Performance Review of Prefabricated Building Systems and Future Research in Australia

Buildings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satheeskumar Navaratnam ◽  
Tuan Ngo ◽  
Tharaka Gunawardena ◽  
David Henderson

Volumetric prefabricated building construction is growing in most developed countries; for example, in Sweden the market share of prefabricated building systems in the housing industry was more than 80%. However, in Australia only approximately 3–4% of new building constructions are prefabricated buildings in a year. A major hindrance to the growth of prefab construction in Australia is that systems are developed under commercial and confidential conditions. There are limited publicly-available research and case studies for certifiers, regulators, engineers and academia to provide independent information on the performance, advantages and disadvantages of prefabricated building systems. Independent designers and structural engineers are relying on the strength of the structural and non-structural element, as well as the connections of the prefabricated building systems. This strength is estimated from the “commercial-in-confidence” test of individual components by manufactures, and it might result in undesired outcomes in design. This paper provides an overview of available literature on structural performance, benefits, constraints and challenges of prefabricated building systems. This paper also highlights the research needed on the prefabricated building systems such as full-scale tests, numerical modelling, hybrid simulations, case studies and social and economic assessments. Being supported by sound academic research will increase the market demand for prefabricated building systems in Australia as well as in other countries.

2015 ◽  
pp. 1186-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Sandoval-Almazan ◽  
Yaneileth Rojas Romero

The mobile government has become a reality in a large majority of countries around the world. However, the use of mobile apps (small software programs for use on mobile devices) to link government Websites and information is a recent trend that is becoming of interest to citizens and public officials. The uses, advantages, and disadvantages have recently become a study field for several scholars around the globe. The mobile government is not new for e-government scholars; however, the explosion of apps and the increase of smart phones have created a new trend in the mobile government field. In order to understand these phenomena in the Mexican society, the authors have gathered data from different sources: government departments, business enterprises, and citizen organizations. Based on this information, they analyze the impact of apps across the country and suggest a classification method that can be used for a better understanding of this new field. In this chapter, the authors discuss five small case studies, which they consider good examples to follow by different government organizations. To accomplish this objective, they divide this chapter into seven main sections. After the introduction, the authors provide a literature review, describe the method of study and classify the apps, discuss the findings with the model application, present the case studies for government apps, discuss ideas for future research on government apps, and then in the final section, they present final remarks and conclusions of the investigation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 198-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamal El Baz ◽  
Regina Frei ◽  
Issam Laguir

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate reverse supply chain (RSC) practices and their obstacles using case studies of Moroccan companies. The authors present the main findings of case studies’ analysis along with a discussion of an RSC framework for further directions of research. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted and semi-structured interviews with Moroccan companies were conducted using an interview guide. Findings The authors present an RSC model that encompasses remanufacturing, refurbishing and disposal processes. The authors believe that this model would constitute a promising framework for further research. The findings show that the successful implementation of RSC depends on many factors, but the company’s attitude (proactive or conservative) is one of the most critical determinants in RSC initiatives. Furthermore, the results of the case studies indicate two types of inhibitors: external and internal. These findings confirm the results of previous research on environmental sustainability obstacles in general and RSC obstacles in particular. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations that provide future research opportunities. Because this study is qualitative, further statistical support is needed to justify wider generalisation of its findings. Further studies might therefore investigate RSC practices in developing countries other than Morocco to increase the external validity of the results. Practical implications The findings can help firms to gain better understanding of their RSC and particularly the link between forward and RSCs. Consequently, companies can upgrade their business models to better control their RSC activities. Originality/value The relevant literature about RSC practices has mainly targeted manufacturing sectors in developed countries, and few studies have been conducted on developing countries. Research on RSC practices in developing countries in general and African countries in particular is sparse. This is one of the first articles written to address this gap by investigating RSC practices in Morocco.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Oli R. Mihalache ◽  
Henk W. Volberda

ABSTRACT Although transforming economies offer many examples of business model innovation, they have been largely overlooked in academic research, with most studies focusing on what happens in developed countries. However, in their push to become innovation economies, transforming economies have become experimentation arenas for new ways of doing business. This special issue addresses the gap in business model innovation research in several ways. First, we develop a co-evolutionary framework in which we consider what type of business model innovation occurs in transforming economies (adoption, adaptation, or creation) and who the central players are (indigenous firms or MNEs). We show how, through business model innovation, indigenous firms have begun to challenge global industry leaders – despite not having the same resource advantages, proprietary technology, or market power – and we highlight the consequences of this for the domestic and global environment. Second, we discuss how the articles in this special issue advance research by contributing to a co-evolutionary perspective on business model innovation for a global and digital world. Third, to guide future research on business model innovation in the fascinating context of transforming economies we outline various directions that could build on our framework and the articles presented here.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Hendry Yahya Sutjiadi

<p>As buildings rise higher, designers face two major issues. Firstly, how to design efficient structures to resist the lateral loads that impact so greatly on tall buildings. Secondly, how to effectively integrate building systems, which often consume large amounts of space in taller buildings and potentially detract from the building aesthetics. Double‐layer space structures have the potential to address these issues due to several beneficial design characteristics. As three‐dimensional structures, double‐layer space structures are rigid and structurally efficient. They can also integrate with other building systems by using the inherent structural cavities to accommodate services components and contribute a particular architectural aesthetic if their regular pattern is exposed.  Double‐layer space structures have been used in long‐span structure buildings, but have yet to be applied as vertical structures for super‐tall buildings. Only two projects, proposed by Kahn and Tying, and Swenson, have applied double‐layer space structures as vertical structures in high‐rise buildings. However, they have not yet been executed and no literature has discussed the feasibility of the application of this structural system to supertall buildings. This situation leads to the research question; “Are double‐layer space structures suitable for super‐tall buildings?” To answer this question, a long‐term study with multidisciplinary knowledge, involving surveys of public opinion, and possibly real pilot projects would be required. This research focuses only on structural efficiency and systems integration as the initial step of the study of vertical double‐layer space structures in super‐tall buildings. The main objective of this research is to analyse the efficiency of this structural system, especially compared to other current tall structural systems. The second objective is to investigate to what extent these structures can integrate with other building systems as well as a discussion on advantages and disadvantages of the integration. The significance of this research is to provide initial scientific information for designers about the possibility of using double‐layer space structures as a structural system of super‐tall building.  A research methodology including both quantitative and qualitative approaches is employed to measure the structural efficiency of vertical double‐layer space structures and to assess their potential to integrate with other building systems. This research covers structural aspects, building services systems including fire safety and approaches to energy efficiency, architectural integration, and construction.  A quantitative approach by structural design and analysis, and comparison of double‐layer space structures with other structural systems is used to analyse structural efficiency. Case studies using the structural models of two 100‐storey double‐layer space structure buildings with different values of slenderness are designed and analysed using the computer software, ETABS. Other currently used structural systems, a bundled‐tube, a braced‐tube and a diagrid, are also designed using the same configuration and their structural analysis findings are compared to those of double‐layer space structures. Services systems, including HVAC, stairs and elevators, are also designed and integrated with the structure. The systems integration aspect of this research in double‐layer space structure buildings is analysed using a qualitative approach in three main steps. The first step is a review of relevant literature covering systems integration and current technologies in tall buildings. Based on this review, systems integration in double‐layer space structure buildings in general and the 100‐storey case study buildings in particular are explored using computer models. As the final step, the advantages and disadvantages of the systems integration in the designed case studies are discussed.  These case studies are designed in order to represent current super‐tall buildings and recent technologies in high‐rise buildings. The structural models of 100‐storey buildings are relevant for buildings in the approximate range of 75 to 125 storeys or 300 to 500 metres high; the majority of current super‐tall buildings have been built in that range of heights. Recent technologies that are commonly used in super‐tall buildings, for example Centralised Air Handling and Localised Air Handling for HVAC system, double‐decking and sky lobbies for elevator system, and various façade systems, are adopted in these case studies. The aim is The Suitability of Double‐layer Space Structures for Super‐tall Buildings to investigate if double‐layer space structures can accommodate building components of current technologies.  The results of this research show that double‐layer space structures are efficient where applied in super‐tall buildings when compared to other existing structural systems. Doublelayer space structures can also integrate with services components. The case study design shows how larger usable floor areas than those in typical tall buildings can be provided by positioning the majority of services and structural components within the space structure on the perimeter of the building. In terms of fire safety, positioning fire safety and egress systems in two different locations far apart, as proposed in this research, increases their reliability. Double‐layer space structures are highly redundant structures that enable loads to be transferred through other structural members if several structural members collapse. This advantage minimises the possibility of progressive collapse. The ability of double‐layer space structures to visually and physically integrate with architectural components and aspects like façade, interior space and building geometry in various ways is also explored. In terms of construction, simple connections and construction methods can be applied to double‐layer space structures leading to competitive construction costs.  The research concludes by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of double‐layer space structures for super‐tall buildings and concludes that double‐layer space structures are indeed suitable for this application within the scope of this research. However, the study also recommends future research to address issues that are not covered in this research.</p>


Author(s):  
Rodrigo Sandoval-Almazan ◽  
Yaneileth Rojas Romero

The mobile government has become a reality in a large majority of countries around the world. However, the use of mobile apps (small software programs for use on mobile devices) to link government Websites and information is a recent trend that is becoming of interest to citizens and public officials. The uses, advantages, and disadvantages have recently become a study field for several scholars around the globe. The mobile government is not new for e-government scholars; however, the explosion of apps and the increase of smart phones have created a new trend in the mobile government field. In order to understand these phenomena in the Mexican society, the authors have gathered data from different sources: government departments, business enterprises, and citizen organizations. Based on this information, they analyze the impact of apps across the country and suggest a classification method that can be used for a better understanding of this new field. In this chapter, the authors discuss five small case studies, which they consider good examples to follow by different government organizations. To accomplish this objective, they divide this chapter into seven main sections. After the introduction, the authors provide a literature review, describe the method of study and classify the apps, discuss the findings with the model application, present the case studies for government apps, discuss ideas for future research on government apps, and then in the final section, they present final remarks and conclusions of the investigation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Hendry Yahya Sutjiadi

<p>As buildings rise higher, designers face two major issues. Firstly, how to design efficient structures to resist the lateral loads that impact so greatly on tall buildings. Secondly, how to effectively integrate building systems, which often consume large amounts of space in taller buildings and potentially detract from the building aesthetics. Double‐layer space structures have the potential to address these issues due to several beneficial design characteristics. As three‐dimensional structures, double‐layer space structures are rigid and structurally efficient. They can also integrate with other building systems by using the inherent structural cavities to accommodate services components and contribute a particular architectural aesthetic if their regular pattern is exposed.  Double‐layer space structures have been used in long‐span structure buildings, but have yet to be applied as vertical structures for super‐tall buildings. Only two projects, proposed by Kahn and Tying, and Swenson, have applied double‐layer space structures as vertical structures in high‐rise buildings. However, they have not yet been executed and no literature has discussed the feasibility of the application of this structural system to supertall buildings. This situation leads to the research question; “Are double‐layer space structures suitable for super‐tall buildings?” To answer this question, a long‐term study with multidisciplinary knowledge, involving surveys of public opinion, and possibly real pilot projects would be required. This research focuses only on structural efficiency and systems integration as the initial step of the study of vertical double‐layer space structures in super‐tall buildings. The main objective of this research is to analyse the efficiency of this structural system, especially compared to other current tall structural systems. The second objective is to investigate to what extent these structures can integrate with other building systems as well as a discussion on advantages and disadvantages of the integration. The significance of this research is to provide initial scientific information for designers about the possibility of using double‐layer space structures as a structural system of super‐tall building.  A research methodology including both quantitative and qualitative approaches is employed to measure the structural efficiency of vertical double‐layer space structures and to assess their potential to integrate with other building systems. This research covers structural aspects, building services systems including fire safety and approaches to energy efficiency, architectural integration, and construction.  A quantitative approach by structural design and analysis, and comparison of double‐layer space structures with other structural systems is used to analyse structural efficiency. Case studies using the structural models of two 100‐storey double‐layer space structure buildings with different values of slenderness are designed and analysed using the computer software, ETABS. Other currently used structural systems, a bundled‐tube, a braced‐tube and a diagrid, are also designed using the same configuration and their structural analysis findings are compared to those of double‐layer space structures. Services systems, including HVAC, stairs and elevators, are also designed and integrated with the structure. The systems integration aspect of this research in double‐layer space structure buildings is analysed using a qualitative approach in three main steps. The first step is a review of relevant literature covering systems integration and current technologies in tall buildings. Based on this review, systems integration in double‐layer space structure buildings in general and the 100‐storey case study buildings in particular are explored using computer models. As the final step, the advantages and disadvantages of the systems integration in the designed case studies are discussed.  These case studies are designed in order to represent current super‐tall buildings and recent technologies in high‐rise buildings. The structural models of 100‐storey buildings are relevant for buildings in the approximate range of 75 to 125 storeys or 300 to 500 metres high; the majority of current super‐tall buildings have been built in that range of heights. Recent technologies that are commonly used in super‐tall buildings, for example Centralised Air Handling and Localised Air Handling for HVAC system, double‐decking and sky lobbies for elevator system, and various façade systems, are adopted in these case studies. The aim is The Suitability of Double‐layer Space Structures for Super‐tall Buildings to investigate if double‐layer space structures can accommodate building components of current technologies.  The results of this research show that double‐layer space structures are efficient where applied in super‐tall buildings when compared to other existing structural systems. Doublelayer space structures can also integrate with services components. The case study design shows how larger usable floor areas than those in typical tall buildings can be provided by positioning the majority of services and structural components within the space structure on the perimeter of the building. In terms of fire safety, positioning fire safety and egress systems in two different locations far apart, as proposed in this research, increases their reliability. Double‐layer space structures are highly redundant structures that enable loads to be transferred through other structural members if several structural members collapse. This advantage minimises the possibility of progressive collapse. The ability of double‐layer space structures to visually and physically integrate with architectural components and aspects like façade, interior space and building geometry in various ways is also explored. In terms of construction, simple connections and construction methods can be applied to double‐layer space structures leading to competitive construction costs.  The research concludes by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of double‐layer space structures for super‐tall buildings and concludes that double‐layer space structures are indeed suitable for this application within the scope of this research. However, the study also recommends future research to address issues that are not covered in this research.</p>


2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mobin Fatma ◽  
Zillur Rahman

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present a taxonomical classification of literature on consumer perspectives toward corporate social responsibility (CSR) along with a comprehensive bibliography and future research agenda. Design/methodology/approach A range of online database was searched to collect research papers from various journals. Hundred articles were identified from the source of 61 journals that have been reviewed thoroughly. The papers were classified under different categories. Findings The results show that most of the studies in this context have been conducted in developed countries, and there is a dearth of studies that have been done in a developing economy. This study reveals a growth pattern of research during the time studied and has identified major gaps in the existing literature, and they may be exploited for further research. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to full-text articles in English that are available in the selected database. The findings are generalized only to the specific population of selected databases for a given time period. This paper will be useful for academicians to analyze the current nature of academic research in this area and will provide an added advantage to managers for understanding the impact of CSR activities on consumer behavior. Originality/value This is the first academic literature review on consumer perspectives toward CSR, and it provides a bibliography of academic literature from 1997 to 2013, covering 61 journals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 637-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Papadopoulos

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to comment on the article “Consumer cultural identity: Local and global cultural identities and measurement implications” by Yuliya Strizhakova and Robin Coulter. Design/methodology/approach The commentary summarizes the main characteristics of the authors’ study, positions it in the context of globalization, and suggests additional directions for potential future research. Findings The article by Strizhakova and Coulter has many strengths and provides a good base for new studies on consumer cultural identities and their global, local or glocal orientations. Originality/value This paper adds four points on the theme of “what else” might additional research in this area contribute: The need for further investigations into the cultural orientations of consumers in less developed countries; whether and how practitioners use the findings of academic research; the difficulties in absorbing and using the existing voluminous literature when designing new studies; and the benefits to be gained by introducing more granular perspectives in research about consumers’ cultural identities and their effects on their marketplace behaviour.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (26) ◽  
pp. 3096-3104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuai Deng ◽  
Yige Sun ◽  
Tianyi Zhao ◽  
Yang Hu ◽  
Tianyi Zang

Drug side effects have become an important indicator for evaluating the safety of drugs. There are two main factors in the frequent occurrence of drug safety problems; on the one hand, the clinical understanding of drug side effects is insufficient, leading to frequent adverse drug reactions, while on the other hand, due to the long-term period and complexity of clinical trials, side effects of approved drugs on the market cannot be reported in a timely manner. Therefore, many researchers have focused on developing methods to identify drug side effects. In this review, we summarize the methods of identifying drug side effects and common databases in this field. We classified methods of identifying side effects into four categories: biological experimental, machine learning, text mining and network methods. We point out the key points of each kind of method. In addition, we also explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Finally, we propose future research directions.


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