scholarly journals Causes of Payment Problems in the New Zealand Construction Industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanuja Ramachandra ◽  
James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Financial Status ◽  
Research Article ◽  
Financial Strength ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Ultimate Objective ◽  
Survey Approach

Payment delays and losses persist in the construction industry and continue to be a key concern to industry practitioners. Therefore an exploration of the key causes of payment delays and losses is undertaken in this study with the ultimate objective of seeking mitigating solutions. The study adopted a survey approach using an online questionnaire, administered to practitioners from the New Zealand construction industry, comprising consultants, head contractors and subcontractors. The data obtained was analysed using inferential statistical techniques, including comparing means and factor analysis. Factor analysis enabled clustering of the inter-related causes of payment delays and losses in order to find reduced number of causes. Accordingly, the study found that payment problems mainly relate to contractual issues, financial strength of industry players, disputes, short-comings of payment processes and ‘domino effects’. Among them, the financial strength of critical industry players was considered central to payment problems. The study concludes that any solution to these problems must address these primary causes, as a rational starting point. Thus procuring a feasible form of financial security at the outset of a project, and the pre-qualification of the financial status of critical project participants, were found to be significant in the mitigation of construction payment risks.Paper Type: Research article

scholarly journals Benefits and barriers in uptake of mobile apps in New Zealand construction industry

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 254-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tong Liu ◽  
Anuradha Mathrani ◽  
Jasper Mbachu
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Equal Opportunity ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Minimum Requirement

Purpose Mobile apps offer construction workers a quick, affordable and user-friendly platform for meeting their information, communication and computing needs, with nearly 13,000 construction apps currently available in the market. This study aims to report construction managers’ perspectives on the uptake of mobile apps in the New Zealand construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory research methods were used in two stages. First stage involved interviews with 14 construction managers who were registered with the New Zealand Registered Master Builders Association, followed by an online questionnaire in the second stage. The link of online questionnaire was sent to all members of participating professional organisations by their administrators. In total, 228 responses were received, of which 60 per cent participants completed the entire questionnaire. Findings Results show an overall positive attitude towards the use of apps. Perceptions of top management personnel differed slightly from those of middle managers; the former expressed interest in apps usage at strategic level such as improving long-term client relationship management and satisfaction; while the latter were more interested in the apps use at operational and tactical levels such as task- or project-level productivity improvement. Research limitations/implications Though bias has been minimised by giving equal opportunity to each member of trade and professional organisations to participate in this survey, of the 228 responses received, only 60 per cent participants completed the entire questionnaire. This is below the minimum requirement for a holistic representation of views. As a result, the findings might not be generalised beyond the study’s scope. Originality/value The study provides new insights on the uptake of smartphone apps in New Zealand’s construction sector from the perspective of construction managers who make strategic decisions. The findings have implications for policy formulation and implementation in regards to the use of mobile apps for productivity improvement in the sector. Mobile apps developers could also gain understanding on functional needs and preferences of the construction workforce, which will help in development of more relevant apps.

Issue Dimensions and Cleavages: How the Russian Experience Helps Us to Look for Cross-Points

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-235
Author(s):  
Yury Korgunyuk
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
The Political ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Issue Salience ◽  
Empirical Base ◽  
Party Positions ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Weak Points ◽  
Alternative Methodology ◽  
Election Results

Abstract The article analyzes the weak points of the Manifesto Project’s methodology, such as its emphasis on issue salience, instead of issue positions; bringing the content of manifestos under too broad categories formulated at the beginning of the project; not quite the appropriate technique of factor analysis etc. An alternative methodology is proposed that focuses on party positions on issues which generate the largest polarization in the political space. It also enriches the empirical base of the studies and adjusts the technique of factor analysis. In order to reveal political cleavages inside these dimensions, the so called electoral cleavages (factors of territorial differences in voting for various parties) are taken as a starting point: factor loadings of parties in the electoral and political spaces are compared through correlation and regression analyses. The proposed methodology is applied to an analysis of election results in Russia (2016) and Germany (2017).

Cyber Peacekeeping: Critical Evaluation of Digital Blue Helmets Program

2020 ◽  
pp. 17-27
Author(s):  
Fahad Nabeel
Keyword(s):  
United Nations ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Threat Detection ◽  
Information And Communications Technologies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Article ◽  
Un Peacekeeping ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Communications Technologies ◽  
Future Potential

In 2016, the United Nations (UN) launched the Digital Blue Helmets (DBH) program under its Office of Information and Communications Technologies (OICT). The launching of DBH was a continuation of a series of steps that the UN and its related agencies and departments have undertaken over the past decade to incorporate cyberspace within their working methodologies. At the time of inception, DBH was envisioned as a team capacitated to act as a replica of a physical peacekeeping force but for the sole purpose of overseeing cyberspace(s). Several research studies have been published in the past few years, which have conceptualized cyber peacekeeping in various ways. Some scholars have mentioned DBH as a starting point of cyber peacekeeping while some have proposed models for integration of cyber peacekeeping within the current UN peacekeeping architecture. However, no significant study has attempted to look at how DBH has evolved since its inception. This research article aims to examine the progress of DBH since its formation. It argues that despite four years since its formation, DBH is still far away from materializing its declared objectives. The article also discusses the future potential roles of DBH, including its collaboration with UN Global Pulse for cyber threat detection and prevention, and embedding the team along with physical peacekeepers.

scholarly journals Zero Carbon Building Practices in Aotearoa New Zealand

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4455
Author(s):  
Thao Thi Phuong Bui ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson ◽  
Niluka Domingo ◽  
Casimir MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Zero Carbon

In the light of climate change, the drive for zero carbon buildings is known as one response to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Within New Zealand, research on climate change mitigation and environmental impacts of buildings has received renewed attention. However, there has been no detailed investigation of zero carbon building practices. This paper undertakes an exploratory study through the use of semi-structured interviews with government representatives and construction industry experts to examine how the New Zealand construction industry plans and implements zero carbon buildings. The results show that New Zealand’s construction industry is in the early stage of transiting to a net-zero carbon built environment. Key actions to date are focused on devising a way for the industry to develop and deliver zero carbon building projects. Central and local governments play a leading role in driving zero carbon initiatives. Leading construction firms intend to maximise the carbon reduction in building projects by developing a roadmap to achieve the carbon target by 2050 and rethinking the way of designing and constructing buildings. The research results provide an insight into the initial practices and policy implications for the uptake of zero carbon buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand.

scholarly journals New Zealand community mental healthcare provider experience in schizophrenia management with 3-monthly paliperidone palmitate

2020 ◽  
pp. 103985622092886
Author(s):  
Cathal Cassidy ◽  
Wayne Miles
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Relapse Prevention ◽  
Patient Management ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Paliperidone Palmitate ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Provider Experience ◽  
Management Changes ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: To understand the impact of 3-monthly treatment with paliperidone palmitate on patient management, including non-adherence and relapse, from a psychiatrist and nurse perspective for 73 patients enrolled in a patient familiarisation programme (PFP) in New Zealand. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to clinicians with at least 6 months of regular interaction with PFP patients. Questions addressed treatment effectiveness and patient management changes. Analyses are descriptive only and do not represent patient or carer perspectives. Results: Seven psychiatrists, representing 58 of 73 (79.5%) of patients, and 17 nurses responded to the survey. Psychiatrists were satisfied with efficacy and tolerability and relapse prevention. Treatment goals were either ‘met’ (2/7; 28.6%) or ‘exceeded’ (5/7; 71.4%). The focus on adherence issues decreased and the focus on life areas and recovery goals increased. Conclusions: From the clinician perspective, 3-monthly paliperidone palmitate offers patients the potential to remain adherent and improve social functioning.

scholarly journals Motivating Information Technology Professionals: The case of New Zealand

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoaib Ahmed ◽  
Nazim Taskin ◽  
David J. Pauleen ◽  
Jane Parker
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
It Professionals ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
The Impact

IT professionals play a critical role in organizations. Research indicates that they may be unique in their attitudes toward motivation and job satisfaction. In New Zealand, a shortage of skilled professionals may contribute to or impact on motivation. Using a modified model of Herzberg’s two-factor theory by Smerek and Peterson (2007), this research seeks to answer the question: what motivates New Zealand IT professionals? In response, an online questionnaire was distributed to a population of New Zealand IT professionals and the data analysed using Partial Least Squares to understand the relationship between the various dimensions of job satisfaction, the impact of personal and job characteristics, and turnover intention. The findings show that the New Zealand IT professional is primarily motivated by the nature of his or her work, followed by perceptions of responsibility, and how supervisors encourage an environment for such. Satisfaction with salary is a predictor to a lesser degree. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, professional growth opportunities, career advancement, and recognition do not have a statistically-significant positive association with motivation. We conclude that, to motivate their IT workforce, organizations should: 1) focus on the nature of the jobs that IT professionals undertake; 2) train supervisors to provide an empowering environment; 3) offer competitive salaries to retain top talent; 4) not hesitate to employ IT professionals born outside New Zealand; and 5) take account of the singularities of the New Zealand labour market in seeking to attract, recruit and retain IT professionals. Implications for policy, practice and theory are discussed.

Stigma, decriminalisation, and violence against street-based sex workers: Changing the narrative

Sexualities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 1288-1308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynzi Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Sex Work ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Worker Rights ◽  
Sex Worker ◽  
Multiple Risks ◽  
Ongoing Work ◽  
Starting Point

It is well documented that sex workers manage risks in their work – such as the potential for violence and the multiple risks associated with stigma. While sex workers are commonly understood to be a stigmatised population, few studies have considered in depth how stigma operates in different legislative contexts, how it relates to sex-worker safety, and how it may be reduced. Stigma is understood to be exacerbated by the criminalisation of sex work, which defines sex workers as deviant others and consequently renders them more vulnerable to violence. However, as full decriminalisation of sex work is still relatively rare, there has been little in-depth exploration into the relationship between this legislative approach, risks of violence, and stigma. Drawing on the findings of in-depth interviews with street-based sex workers and sex-worker rights advocates, in this article I explore the links between stigma and violence, and discuss the challenges of reducing stigma associated with sex work in New Zealand, post-decriminalisation. I argue that while decriminalisation has undoubtedly benefited sex workers in New Zealand, stigma continues to have a negative impact – particularly for street-based sex workers. Decriminalisation should therefore be considered an essential starting point. However, ongoing work must focus on countering stigmatising narratives, to enable a safer society for all sex workers.

scholarly journals What is associated with increased side effects and lower perceived efficacy following switching to a generic medicine? A New Zealand cross-sectional patient survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e023667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate MacKrill ◽  
Keith J Petrie
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Generic Version ◽  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Patient Survey ◽  
Generic Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Efficacy

ObjectiveFollowing a switch from either a generic or branded antidepressant (venlafaxine) to a new generic, we investigated the factors associated with a preference for branded medicines, side effects reported following switching and efficacy ratings of the new generic drug.DesignA cross-sectional survey of patients switched to a new generic.SettingPatients accessing venlafaxine information online from the New Zealand government pharmaceuticals funding website.Participants310 patients, comprising 205 originally on branded venlafaxine and 105 previously taking a generic version.Main outcome measuresAn online questionnaire assessing demographic factors, perceived sensitivity to medicines, trust in pharmaceutical agencies, sources of switch information, preference for branded medicine, new medicine perceptions, side effects and efficacy ratings.ResultsPreference for branded medicine was significantly stronger in older patients (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05), those taking branded venlafaxine (OR=2.02, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.64) and patients with a higher perceived sensitivity to medicine (OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.19). Different factors predicted side effects in those switching from the branded and those switching from the generic venlafaxine. Trust in pharmaceutical agencies and the number of side effects were significant predictors of efficacy ratings of the new generic in both patients switching from a branded and those switching from a generic version of venlafaxine.ConclusionsIn patients switching from a branded medicine and those already taking a generic, different demographic and psychological factors are associated with preference for branded medicine, side effect reporting and perceived efficacy of the new drug. When switching to new generic, there appears to be a close bidirectional relationship between the experience of side effects and perceived drug efficacy. Trust in pharmaceutical agencies impacts directly on perceived efficacy and increasing such trust could reduce the nocebo response following a generic switch.

scholarly journals Integrated Project Delivery Implementation Challenges in the Construction Industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 1672-1683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Kahvandi ◽  
Ehsan Saghatforoush ◽  
Ahad ZareRavasan ◽  
Christopher Preece
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Integrated Project Delivery ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
The World ◽  
Integrated Project

Huge financial resources are spent in the construction industry all over the world, which are frequently wasted largely due to a lack of proper planning. In recent decades, in an attempt to overcome challenges, various contractual and administrative systems have been used by construction owners/clients. One such system has been Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Its implementation has, however, experienced drawbacks. Identifying such drawbacks is an initial step in attempting to resolve them, and this paper aims to identify and prioritize the IPD implementation drawbacks in the context of the Iranian construction industry. A comprehensive list of IPD implementation drawbacks is prepared using a questionnaire survey. An in-depth literature review of the IPD concept has been combined with a review of various case studies applying the IPD system. The results were analyzed using the Robust Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method. 22 drawbacks in the Construction Industry were categorized under four themes; contractual, environmental, managerial, and technical. Results show that contractual drawbacks are the most significant. The implication of this research is that identifying and classifying IPD implementation drawbacks provides a useful reference to managers and owners of the construction industry, for identifying and codifying solutions to overcome them.

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