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1 – 10 of 16Kofi Agyekum, Judith Amudjie, Hayford Pittri, Annabel Morkporkpor Ami Dompey and Edward Ayebeng Botchway
Circular economy (CE) is guided by principles, the key being the R-framework. All R-frameworks have a hierarchy. Although several studies have prioritized these principles, there…
Abstract
Purpose
Circular economy (CE) is guided by principles, the key being the R-framework. All R-frameworks have a hierarchy. Although several studies have prioritized these principles, there is still an urgent call for country-specific prioritization. This study prioritized circular economy (CE) principles among Ghana's built environment (BE) professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted. Six principles of CE were identified through a review of related literature and incorporated into a questionnaire. In total, 162 questionnaire responses were received. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential analyses. The data were further validated via semi-structured interviews with eight interviewees of different professional backgrounds in the BE.
Findings
The findings revealed that BE professionals in Ghana highly perceived CE principles as important. The findings further revealed the order of prioritization of the CE principles as follows: (1) recycle, (2) reuse, (3) repair/remanufacture, (4) renewable energy usage, (5) redesign and (6) reduce. To further elaborate on these prioritized principles via the qualitative phase, the interviewees agreed to and confirmed the importance of the identified principles through their verbatim comments.
Originality/value
Although there is a growing interest in research regarding CE in the Ghanaian construction industry, its principles have yet to be prioritized and ranked by professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry. This study unearths why, in terms of prioritization of the CE principles, the construction industry in Ghana does not follow the well-known hierarchy (i.e. reduce, reuse and recycle) in the order of high to low level of circularity.
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Siraj Ahmed, Jukka Majava and Kirsi Aaltonen
The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits and challenges of implementing circular economy (CE), as well as shed light on the influence of procurement strategy in CE…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits and challenges of implementing circular economy (CE), as well as shed light on the influence of procurement strategy in CE implementation in construction projects.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research approach with abductive reasoning was adopted. The empirical data were collected from the construction industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Findings
The results reveal that clients, consultants and contractors have limited awareness, knowledge and motivation to implement CE in construction projects. The absence of incentives to design projects following CE principles, lack of involvement of contractors and suppliers, non-use of materials that use CE principles and current procurement strategies are the main challenges for the implementation of CE in the UAE.
Originality/value
Previous research offers limited knowledge on CE and its implementation in construction projects particularly from a procurement strategy perspective. The findings of the study provide new knowledge of the benefits, challenges and role of procurement strategy for implementing CE. It is suggested that collaborative and partnering-based procurement methods are needed to facilitate the effective implementation of CE.
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Vitiana L'Abate, Benedetta Esposito, Nicola Raimo, Daniela Sica and Filippo Vitolla
Although there is a growing body of literature on circular economy disclosure (CED), certain sectors, including the airline industry, remain underexplored despite the particular…
Abstract
Purpose
Although there is a growing body of literature on circular economy disclosure (CED), certain sectors, including the airline industry, remain underexplored despite the particular relevance of circular models in this field. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the dissemination of circular economy (CE) information by airlines through their website and investigating the factors influencing the level of CED. Specifically, this study focuses on the characteristics of the board of directors, given its central role in shaping disclosure practices.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs manual content analysis to measure the extent of CE information disclosed by 105 international airlines through their website. It then conducts a regression analysis to examine the influence of board characteristics on the level of online CED.
Findings
The results suggest that airlines with larger, more active and more independent boards of directors tend to be more inclined to disseminate CE information through their website. Furthermore, they demonstrate that board gender diversity does not significantly affect the extent of CE information disseminated.
Originality/value
The study offers valuable contributions by extending CED research to the airline industry and exploring new channels for CE information dissemination. Additionally, it highlights the role of the board of directors in shaping CED practices and confirms the effectiveness of the stakeholder-agency theory in explaining this relationship.
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Abdulkabir Opeyemi Bello, Rasheed Babatunde Isa, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Suhaib Arogundade and Joyce Mdananebari Obuso Lewis
This study examines the barriers impeding the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices in the Nigerian architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the barriers impeding the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices in the Nigerian architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry across diverse regions of Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a quantitative approach using a five-Likert scale questionnaire (Google Forms), utilizing various analytical tools, encompassing descriptive and inferential statistics. This methodological approach allows for a multifaceted exploration of the intricacies surrounding the barriers to circular CE.
Findings
The study identifies and examines 24 CE barriers which are determined to be significant to the implementation of CE. These barriers were categorized into four categories: “Economic”, “Market and Information”, “Policy and Operational” and “ product development”.
Research limitations/implications
The adopted sampling technique may restrict the generalizability of the findings within and beyond the selected regions. Furthermore, while the analytical methods offer a comprehensive analysis, they may not capture the nuanced intricacies that qualitative methodology could provide. However, the findings can be applied to other developing countries with characteristics similar to those of the Nigerian construction industry.
Practical implications
The study’s findings are significant for stakeholders such as policymakers, industry and academia. By elucidating CE-specific barriers, the research facilitates the formulation of targeted and tailored strategies, fostering the integration of CE principles in the Nigerian construction industry.
Originality/value
This study presents novel insights into the barriers hindering the implementation of CE in the Nigerian construction industry. Offering tailored strategies and categorizing barriers into clusters adds a unique perspective to CE literature, particularly in developing countries.
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Vishwas Yadav, Vimal Kumar, Pardeep Gahlot, Ankesh Mittal, Mahender Singh Kaswan, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Rajeev Rathi, Jiju Antony, Abhinav Kumar and Ali Al Owad
The study aims to identify Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) barriers in the context of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and prioritize them for executing the GLSS approach.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to identify Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) barriers in the context of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and prioritize them for executing the GLSS approach.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review (SLR) was used to identify a total of 14 barriers, which were then verified for greater relevance by the professional judgments of industrial personnel. Moreover, many removal measures strategies are also recommended in this study. Furthermore, this work also utilizes Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) to prioritize the identified GLSS barriers.
Findings
The study reveals that training and education, continuous assessment of SDG, organizational culture, resources and skills to facilitate implementation, and assessment of satisfaction and welfare of the employee are the most significant barriers to implementing this approach.
Research limitations/implications
The present study provides an impetus for practitioners and managers to embrace the GLSS strategy through a wide-ranging understanding and exploring these barriers. In this case, the outcomes of this research, and in particular the GRA technique presented by this work, can be used by managers and professionals to rank the GLSS barriers and take appropriate action to eliminate them.
Practical implications
The ranking of GLSS barriers gives top officials of HEIs a very clear view to effectively and efficiently implementing GLSS initiatives. The outcomes also show training and education, sustainable development goals and organizational culture as critical barriers. The findings of this study provide an impetus for managers, policymakers and consultants to embrace the GLSS strategy through a wide-ranging understanding and exploring these barriers.
Social implications
The GLSS barriers in HEIs may significantly affect the society. HEIs can lessen their environmental effect by using GLSS practices, which can support sustainability initiatives and foster social responsibility. Taking steps to reduce environmental effect can benefit society as a whole. GLSS techniques in HEIs can also result in increased operational effectiveness and cost savings, which can free up resources to be employed in other areas, like boosting student services and improving educational programs. However, failing to implement GLSS procedures in HEIs could have societal repercussions as well. As a result, it is critical for HEIs to identify and remove GLSS barriers in order to advance sustainability, social responsibility and operational effectiveness.
Originality/value
GLSS is a comprehensive methodology that facilitates the optimum utilization of resources, reduces waste and provides the pathway for sustainable development so, the novelty of this study stands in the inclusion of its barriers and HEIs to prioritize them for effective implementation.
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Huaxia Yang, Jinlong Cheng, Allen D. Schaefer and Shion Kojo
The authors examined the influence of perceived value on consumer attitude and purchase intention (PI) and the relationship between attitude and PI towards sustainable luxury…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors examined the influence of perceived value on consumer attitude and purchase intention (PI) and the relationship between attitude and PI towards sustainable luxury products (SLP) in China.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted with 935 consumers of luxury fashion in mainland China. Structural equation modelling was applied to measure and analyse the relationship between values (i.e. hedonic values, social values, and value for money) and consumer attitude and PI.
Findings
Consumers' multidimensional values positively affected their attitude. Social values and value for money had a significant positive effect on PI towards SLP. However, hedonic values had no effect on PI.
Research limitations/implications
The sample was drawn from first-tier cities in China, and the results cannot be generalised. The authors examined three dimensions of consumption values. Future research should consider additional markets, values, and influencing factors.
Practical implications
Luxury companies should understand Chinese consumers' diverse values and develop sustainable products that meet consumers' principles. These principles increase the perceived value of the products and thereby guide luxury brands to make marketing strategies to increase sales.
Originality/value
This is the first empirical study to use the theory of perceived value scale (PERVAL) to understand consumer behaviour regarding SLP in China.
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Babatunde Abiodun Salami, Muizz Oladapo Sanni-Anibire and Joy Otibhor Olurin
The construction industry in emerging economies have suffered from productivity issues related to poor resource management as a result of theft. Therefore, this study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry in emerging economies have suffered from productivity issues related to poor resource management as a result of theft. Therefore, this study aims to carry out an exploratory factor analysis of the key causes of theft in the construction industry in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology entailed a review of the literature which identified 58 causes of construction theft. The causes were operationalized through a Likert-scale questionnaire survey, which was revised in a pilot study with ten industry experts. The questionnaire was further distributed to experienced construction professionals in Nigeria. A total of 63 respondents participated in the study, and the results were analyzed through an exploratory factor analysis.
Findings
A Kruskal–Wallis test showed no difference in perception of the various group of respondents, while Cronbach alpha test indicated an acceptable level of internal consistency and reliability. The top causes from the literature review were determined through descriptive statistics. However, a Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measurement resulted in the exclusion of ten causes, and exploratory factor analysis yielded twenty causes in six dominant factors that together account for 55.7% of the variance. The six dominant factors were general theft prevention measures, site security measures, site layout planning, management of materials and equipment, construction project management and policy and safety management.
Originality/value
The limited amount of research on construction site theft in emerging construction environments such as Nigeria contributes to poor construction productivity. This study advances our knowledge of construction site theft and is of significant value to construction stakeholders in effective material and resource management through theft mitigation measures.
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Vasilii Erokhin and Tianming Gao
Sustainable development is inseparable from rational and responsible use of resources and promotion of green entrepreneurship. The contemporary green development agenda…
Abstract
Sustainable development is inseparable from rational and responsible use of resources and promotion of green entrepreneurship. The contemporary green development agenda encompasses climate, economic, technical, social, cultural, and political dimensions. International efforts to greening the global development are conducted by the major economies, including China as the world’s largest consumer of energy and the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. China is aware of its environmental problems, as well as of its part of the overall responsibility for the accomplishment of the sustainable development goals. By means of the decarbonization efforts, the latter are integrated both into the national development agenda (the concept of ecological civilization) and China’s international initiatives (the greening narrative within the Belt and Road Initiative). Over the past decade, China has made a breakthrough on the way to promoting green entrepreneurship and greening of its development (better quality of air and water, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and organic farming). On the other hand, emissions remain high, agricultural land loses productivity, and freshwater resources degrade due to climate change. In conventional industries (oil, coal mining, and electric and thermal energy), decarbonization faces an array of impediments. In this chapter, the authors summarize fundamental provisions of China’s approach to building an ecological civilization and measures to reduce emissions and achieve the carbon neutrality status within the nearest decades. The analysis of obstacles to the decarbonization of the economy and possible prospects for the development of green entrepreneurship summarizes China’s practices for possible use in other countries.
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