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1 – 10 of 29Abdelhamid Ads, Santosh Murlidhar Pingale and Deepak Khare
This study’s fundamental objective is to assess climate change impact on reference evapotranspiration (ETo) patterns in Egypt under the latest shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs…
Abstract
Purpose
This study’s fundamental objective is to assess climate change impact on reference evapotranspiration (ETo) patterns in Egypt under the latest shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) of climate change scenarios. Additionally, the study considered the change in the future solar radiation and actual vapor pressure and predicted them from historical data, as these factors significantly impact changes in the ETo.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models to analyze reference ETo. Six models are used, and an ArcGIS tool is created to calculate the monthly average ETo for historical and future periods. The tool considers changes in actual vapor pressure and solar radiation, which are the primary factors influencing ETo.
Findings
The research reveals that monthly reference ETo in Egypt follows a distinct pattern, with the highest values concentrated in the southern region during summer and the lowest values in the northern part during winter. This disparity is primarily driven by mean air temperature, which is significantly higher in the southern areas. Looking ahead to the near future (2020–2040), the data shows that Aswan, in the south, continues to have the highest annual ETo, while Kafr ash Shaykh, in the north, maintains the lowest. This pattern remains consistent in the subsequent period (2040–2060). Additionally, the study identifies variations in ETo , with the most significant variability occurring in Shamal Sina under the SSP585 scenario and the least variability in Aswan under the SSP370 scenario for the 2020–2040 time frame.
Originality/value
This study’s originality lies in its focused analysis of climate change effects on ETo, incorporating crucial factors like actual vapor pressure and solar radiation. Its significance becomes evident as it projects ETo patterns into the near and distant future, providing indispensable insights for long-term planning and tailored adaptation strategies. As a result, this research serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers in need of in-depth, region-specific climate change impact assessments.
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Islamic science was originally viewed as mere translator and transmitter of Greek, Indian and pre‐Islamic Persian science. Recent research has shifted our understanding of Islam's…
Abstract
Islamic science was originally viewed as mere translator and transmitter of Greek, Indian and pre‐Islamic Persian science. Recent research has shifted our understanding of Islam's contribution to what is now called “the exact sciences.” We now know that Islamic science “was even richer and more profound than we had previously thought.” A substantial amount of genuine science was done in Islam, it predated similar discoveries in the West, and it also impacted upon the Renaissance. For example, in the late 1950apos;s, E. S. Kennedy and his students at the American University of Beirut discovered an important work of a fourteenth century Muslim astronomer by the name of Ibn al‐Shatir. This discovery showed that Ibn al‐Shatir's astronomical inventions were the same type of mechanism used by Copernicus a few centuries later,” and may have played a key role in the Copernican revolution. Consequently, an unprecedented acceleration of research into Islamic science started from the 1950s onwards. Recently, historian of Islamic science George Saliba was able to show that one of Copernicus's Muslim contemporaries — Kliafri — was a “brilliant astronomer, whose ability to work with the mathematics of his time is unsurpassed, including that of Copernicus,” and that he could use mathematics much more fluently, and much more competently, than Copernicus could do.
Construction, demolition, refurbishment and material supply processes are responsible for a significant amount of waste; whilst estimates vary, the UK Government uses the figure…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction, demolition, refurbishment and material supply processes are responsible for a significant amount of waste; whilst estimates vary, the UK Government uses the figure of 70 million tonnes. The construction industry accounts for some 17 per cent of the total waste produced in the UK. How much of this is produced by refurbishment activities in the registered social landlord (RSL) sector is unknown, but there is little doubt that refurbishing housing offers opportunities for significant waste generation. RSL housing is maintained and refurbished by a number of triggers when a dwelling is left vacant after a tenant departs. Such a property is known as a “Void”. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the type of maintenance works undertaken to properties in the RSL sector and consider the potential for the application of lean thinking to those maintenance processes.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review and interviews with RSL maintenance personnel are used to inform the discussion contained in this paper.
Findings
The main conclusion from this paper is that properties located in estates and built post‐1980 are those most likely to benefit from lean principles.
Originality/value
The RSL sector is changing from pseudo local government concerns to “social businesses”; therefore, the opportunity to apply lessons learned in other business sectors to the maintenance of RSLs' main assets (i.e. their properties) should be of interest to the sector as a whole.
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Marsela Thanasi-Boçe, Indri Dyrmishi and Selma Kurtishi-Kastrati
This chapter critically examines the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family-owned startups in emerging economies, a topic that has received limited attention in…
Abstract
This chapter critically examines the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family-owned startups in emerging economies, a topic that has received limited attention in existing literature. Recognizing the high failure rate of startups, particularly in family firms, this study seeks to understand the factors contributing to their success or failure. Employing a qualitative analysis, the chapter explores various economic, legal, and cultural dimensions that influence these businesses. It provides a comparative perspective, drawing insights from various emerging economies to identify patterns and differences in the experiences of family-owned startups. The chapter aims to fill the knowledge gap by offering a comprehensive view of the success and failure dynamics in family-owned startups, with a focus on strategic, managerial, and operational aspects. This approach offers valuable insights for both academics and practitioners, aiming to guide future research and practical interventions to support the sustainability and growth of family firms in these dynamic markets.
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Zoha Rahman, Sedigheh Moghavvemmi, Kumaran Suberamanaian, Hasmah Zanuddin and Hairul Nizam Bin Md Nasir
The purpose of this paper is to identify the mediating effect of fan-page followers’ engagement activities and moderating role of followers’ demographic profile and trust level on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the mediating effect of fan-page followers’ engagement activities and moderating role of followers’ demographic profile and trust level on their purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilised the customer engagement behaviour and consumer involvement theory as a foundation to explore the impact of variables. Structural equation modelling was utilised to test the model with the data collected from 307 Facebook fan pages’ followers of five Malaysian companies.
Findings
It was shown that following fan pages will influence fan page engagement, which in turn affects purchase intention and social media connectedness. Further analysis indicated that the impact of “follow” and “engagement” on purchase intention differs between genders, ages, level of trust and income.
Research limitations/implications
The study serves as a basic fundamental guideline for academics and researchers to interpret the concept of following fan pages and engagement actions and its effects on purchase intention and social media connectivity, as well as opening a vast area of unexplored researches on the subject of social media.
Practical implications
The research provides information for business-to-consumer companies in utilising fan page based on user categories.
Originality/value
This study proposes the application of an empirically tested framework to the fan-page follow actions. The authors argue that this framework can provide a useful foundation for future social commerce research. The results would help academics be aware of fan page and its user’s engagement actions, which will provide a new avenue of research.
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Douglas Alleman and Eul-Bum Lee
The publication presents an analysis of the cost and schedule performance of incentive/disincentive projects and case studies toward developing a systematic disincentive valuation…
Abstract
Purpose
The publication presents an analysis of the cost and schedule performance of incentive/disincentive projects and case studies toward developing a systematic disincentive valuation process, with Construction Analysis for Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies (CA4PRS) software integration that aids agencies in minimizing the likelihood of court challenges of disincentives.
Design/methodology/approach
From a California transportation database, the authors performed cost and schedule analyses of 43 incentive/disincentive (I/D) projects and case studies on four of those I/D projects. Interviewees included subject matter experts from transportation organizations to ensure applicability and maximum value-adding, and the process was implemented on ten California transportation projects and monitored for performance.
Findings
The presented process mitigates the contractor's ability to claim disincentives as penalties in a court of law through the following: (1) all calculations are performed using project-specific bases, backed by estimations of actual incurred costs; (2) the CA4PRS software allows for estimation transparency and (3) the clarity of cost inclusions reduces any chances of “double-dipping” between disincentives and liquidated damages.
Practical implications
Transportation agencies have historically faced legal challenges to their enforcements of disincentives. As agencies continue to apply disincentives on more megaprojects, contractors will likely attempt to pursue legal challenges more frequently. The presented process mitigates the likelihood of these challenges going to court and increases the accuracy and efficiency of disincentives.
Originality/value
While there have been publications that discuss the legal challenges of imposing disincentives, they mainly provide guidelines and lack applicable processes. Existing literature that does present incentive/disincentive valuation process focuses on incentive valuations and neglects the disincentives' legal challenges. The following publication fills this gap by presenting an applicable disincentive valuation process for transportation projects which incorporates the guidelines for legal mitigation.
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Zakaria Dakhli, Zoubeir Lafhaj and Antoine Bos
Compared to the manufacturing industry, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) lacks a clear methodology for its application in the tertiary service. One reason is the difficulties to assess…
Abstract
Purpose
Compared to the manufacturing industry, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) lacks a clear methodology for its application in the tertiary service. One reason is the difficulties to assess information flow compared to physical flow. Indeed, the use of information flow as a process entry in the LSS method is not well investigated, mainly due to the difficulties in collecting adequate and sufficient data. The purpose of this research study is to investigate the application of LSS in the tertiary service, in particular, real estate development.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on an action research methodology where LSS methodology is applied to solve client-dissatisfaction issue. One of its main causes is found to be the late delivery time. The work describes how the method was applied.
Findings
LSS is an adequate approach for making well-thought-out improvement in real estate development.
Practical implications
The work provides an implementation of LSS in real estate development. It also gives new insights into the LSS application in the tertiary service. The work also suggests practical recommendations and solutions to address the main challenges faced by real estate development.
Originality/value
Construction is governed by many processes that are difficult to identify and, even more, to assess. LSS helps identifying those which create real value for the client.
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Jemima Antwiwaa Ottou, Bernard Kofi Baiden and Gabriel Nani
Project management tools and techniques have been widely adopted in the construction industry; however, its combination with Six Sigma and application in construction procurement…
Abstract
Purpose
Project management tools and techniques have been widely adopted in the construction industry; however, its combination with Six Sigma and application in construction procurement has not been widely researched. This paper explores the use of Six Sigma Project Procurement (SSPP) and its potential applications in public sector construction procurement.
Design/methodology/approach
The role of Six Sigma and project management in construction is critically evaluated using three case studies to demonstrate their application in public procurement.
Findings
The use of SSPP by public sector organisations creates efficient and effective construction procurement processes by addressing delays. The proposed timelines for competitive tendering in the Ghanaian Public Procurement Manual are not realistic.
Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes to and broadens the limited body of evidence and knowledge of applying SSPP to public procurement processes and identifies areas for further research.
Practical implications
Project management will continue to expand in the global construction industry. However, what will eventually determine if SSPP is embraced by public sector construction depends on the leadership and success of its execution. The application of SSPP to public construction procurement will address delays and lead to significant time reduction of the process. This will eliminate the major issue (delay) accounting for deficiencies in the process.
Originality/value
The paper yields immense value to construction project management researchers and practitioners, especially in the public sector. It recommends the inclusion of Six Sigma to promote focus on actual instead of perceived problems and advocates for decisions-making based on facts which will ensure continuous improvement.
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