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Article
Publication date: 4 June 2020

Anas Moussa Al Refaie, Ali M. Alashwal, Zulkiflee Abdul-Samad and Hafez Salleh

Climate change and global warming have increased concerns over the influence of weather on workers' health and productivity in construction projects. A significant number of…

Abstract

Purpose

Climate change and global warming have increased concerns over the influence of weather on workers' health and productivity in construction projects. A significant number of studies can be found in the weather and productivity interplay area. The purpose of this paper is to review the recently published papers in this area to explore the trends of research and topics discussed and to determine knowledge gaps and directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent papers published between 2014 and 2019 were synthesized, reviewed and analyzed using bibliometric and text mining analysis.

Findings

The results revealed the trends of publications, the main authors contributed to this area and countries that attracted most of the research papers. Based on the review, this study presented a taxonomy of studies consisting of seven clusters, namely productivity management, seasons, weather factors, participants' conditions, uniform and clothing, work time and health and safety.

Originality/value

This review paper sheds a light into the topics discussed in this area, the interrelationship between the topics and the significant topics that should be continued in the future. Global warming concerns necessitate the need for more studies in tropical countries and countries that are expected to expose to high temperatures and heat stress, which greatly impact labor productivity. The paper highlighted the need to understand how weather influences workers' psychological conditions and subsequently their productivity.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 70 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2023

Abdul Samad Kakar, Aervina Misron, Rauza, Natanya Meyer and Dilawar Khan Durrani

The fear of COVID-19 has been identified as a significant predictor of adverse work-related outcomes. Grounded on conservation of resource theory, this study examines the impact…

Abstract

Purpose

The fear of COVID-19 has been identified as a significant predictor of adverse work-related outcomes. Grounded on conservation of resource theory, this study examines the impact of fear of COVID-19 on faculty members' job turnover intention (TI) and job insecurity, as well as the relationship between job insecurity and TI. Additionally, the authors investigate job insecurity as a potential mediating variable between the fear of COVID-19 and TI.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from faculty members (n = 226) working in Pakistan's public sector universities and analysed through PLS-SEM using SmartPLS software.

Findings

The results indicated that fear of COVID-19 was positively and significantly associated with both TI and job insecurity. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that job insecurity has a positive correlation with TI. In addition, the study's findings endorsed the mediating role of job insecurity between fear of COVID-19 and TI.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of addressing the fear of COVID-19 and job insecurity among faculty members, as they are significant predictors of TI. The findings suggest employers should prioritise providing a safe work environment and reducing uncertainty to retain their workforce during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature as it conceptualises the indirect mechanism that links fear of COVID-19 to TI and job insecurity and provides practical implications that may reduce faculty members' TI.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2021

A.O. Zubair, Mohd Alsaleh and Abdul Samad Abdul-Rahim

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the profit efficiency of bioenergy industry and its determinants in EU28 region roadmaps for the transition towards energy efficiency…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the profit efficiency of bioenergy industry and its determinants in EU28 region roadmaps for the transition towards energy efficiency which is increasingly perceived by stakeholders, researchers and the public as a pathway to bring dependency on fossil resources to a significant reduction. Many studies overlooked the importance of profit efficiency as a factor for bioenergy industry business improvement. More so, external environmental variables can play a key role in achieving profit efficiency in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper seeks to answer the questions on the following: (1) the profit efficiency level using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach in the EU28 region during the period between 1990 and 2018; and (2) to explore the impacts of external environmental variables on the profit efficiency level using panel regression model in the EU28 region during the period between 1990 and 2018.

Findings

Results revealed that gross domestic product, size of biomass and investment are essential for the development of the bioenergy industry and positively influence on profit efficiency level. The increase in temperature change decreased the profit efficiency level during 1990–2018.

Research limitations/implications

For those profit-inefficient bioenergy industries in countries such as Cyprus and Ireland, participation in innovative programs, expanding a knowledge-based economic system and implementation of support policy for bioenergy technologies, by investing in biomass sources that are suitable for their respective renewable energy development will enhance specialization, resource efficiency and improved profitability can be expected in future.

Originality/value

Unlike other previous studies, this study investigated the profit efficiency by applying the DEA statistical method. Moreover, the authors have applied a second regression analysis to estimate the impacts of macroeconomic and microeconomic variables on the profit efficiency level. This study has focused on the EU28 region, including both developed and developing countries, to compare the level of profit efficiency levels in the selected sample. The authors have applied data panel analysis for the period from 1990 to 2018. No previous study has applied the methods, samples and periods as those used in this study. Therefore, this study contributes significantly to the bioenergy industry specifically and the renewable energy industry in general and to the associated extant research.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2023

Shufeng Cong, Lee Chin and Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between tourism development and urban housing prices in Chinese cities. Specifically, the study aimed to explore…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between tourism development and urban housing prices in Chinese cities. Specifically, the study aimed to explore whether there is a relationship between the two variables in tourist and non-tourist cities and whether there is a non-linear relationship between them.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the entropy method was used to construct the China City Tourism Development Index, which provides a more comprehensive measure of the level of tourism development in different cities. In total, 45 major cities in China were studied using the panel data approach for the period of 2011 to 2019.

Findings

The empirical analysis conducted for this study found that tourism development affects urban house prices, and that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship. However, this varies across cities, with house prices in tourist cities tending to be more influenced by tourism development than non-tourist cities. Also, foreign direct investment, population size, fixed asset investment and disposable income per capita were found to have an impact on house prices in both tourism and non-tourism cities.

Originality/value

There are significant differences in tourism development and urban house prices in different cities in China. This study considers these differences when examining the impact of tourism on house prices in 45 major cities in China by dividing the sample cities into tourist and non-tourist cities.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2023

Razeena Mohammed-Siitah and Abdul-Samad Siddique

Spatial planning is globally identified as an effective strategy for providing climate change adaptation needs. However, there is a dearth of literature on how spatial planning…

Abstract

Purpose

Spatial planning is globally identified as an effective strategy for providing climate change adaptation needs. However, there is a dearth of literature on how spatial planning relates to climate change control in Ghana, particularly at the local level. Hence, this paper aims to investigate whether spatial planning plays a significant role in the control of climate change and the adaptive capacities at the local level.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a mixed-method approach, where both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained using an interview guide and survey, respectively. The authors analyze the data using a qualitative content analysis method and descriptive statistics.

Findings

The results show that spatial planning plays an important role in climate change adaptation, though in a limited way. The physical planning department at the municipal level has varying amounts of capacities across various determinants, but there are opportunities for improving the capacity of the department.

Originality/value

The authors provide empirical evidence to support the need to prioritize spatial planning as a strategy for dealing with the impacts of climate change and the building of capacities at the national and community levels for improved adaptive capacity.

Details

Journal of Property, Planning and Environmental Law, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9407

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2022

Caryn Khye Lyn Tan and Zulkiflee Abdul-Samad

This paper aims to study the reaction of construction project managers in coping with workforce productivity challenges that arise from the COVID-19 pandemic.

1493

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the reaction of construction project managers in coping with workforce productivity challenges that arise from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research via questionnaires targeting the project managers from G7 contractor companies in Malaysia was carried out in the data collection process. In total, 182 responses have been analysed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS software.

Findings

The research discovers that most of the construction projects and their workforce productivity were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, the strategies adopted by project managers in Malaysia and the ranking of strategies based on their effectiveness were indicated.

Originality/value

The findings of this research have contributed to a new understanding of the construction workforce productivity during the COVID-19 era from the perspective of project managers in Malaysia. A guideline established from the ranking of strategies would be useful to ensure the survival of the industry in Malaysia aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2024

Abdul Samad Rafique, Adnan Munir, Numan Ghazali, Muhammad Naveed Ahsan and Aqeel Ahsan Khurram

The purpose of this study was to develop a correlation between the properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene parts 3D printed by material extrusion (MEX) process.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a correlation between the properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene parts 3D printed by material extrusion (MEX) process.

Design/methodology/approach

The two MEX parameters and their values have been selected by design of experiment method. Three properties of MEX parts, i.e. strength (tensile and three-point bending), surface roughness and the dimensional accuracy, are studied at different build speeds (35 mm/s, 45 mm/s and 55 mm/s) and the layer heights (0.06 mm, 0.10 mm and 0.15 mm).

Findings

The results show that tensile strength and three-point bending strength both increase with the decrease in build speed and the layer height. The artifact selected for dimensional accuracy test shows higher accuracy of the features when 3D printed with 0.06 mm layer height at 35 mm/s build speed as compared to those of higher layer heights and build speeds. The optical images of the 3D-printed specimen reveal that lower build speed and the layer height promote higher inter-layer diffusion that has the effect of strong bonding between the layers and, as a result, higher strength of the specimen. The surface roughness values also have direct relation with the build speed and the layer height.

Originality/value

The whole experiments demonstrate that the part quality, surface roughness and the mechanical strength are correlated and depend on the build speed and the layer height.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2020

Syed Ali Raza, Amna Umer, Muhammad Asif Qureshi and Abdul Samad Dahri

This study explores the service quality dimensions in Internet banking and their impact on e-customer’s satisfaction and e-customer’s loyalty. This study tries to inspect the…

17604

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the service quality dimensions in Internet banking and their impact on e-customer’s satisfaction and e-customer’s loyalty. This study tries to inspect the structural association between Internet banking service quality, electronic customer satisfaction and electronic customer loyalty based on separate constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

In this present research, quantitative approach is applied. The data is gathered from 500 bank clients in Pakistan by using structured questionnaires, and the theoretical model is tested by partial least square structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Moreover, convergent validity and discriminant validity were assessed.

Findings

Results show that all the dimensions are found to have a positive and significant influence on customer satisfaction while customer’s satisfaction has a significant and positive impact on customer’s loyalty. Findings indicate that service quality plays a very important role in every society, as it has become the basis for how customers interpret online banking and, in the end, how it interacts and operates with online services.

Practical implications

This research adds up considerably to the literature of bank marketing, and it is also fruitful for the academicians since it demonstrates the way Internet banking service quality determinants predict e-satisfaction of clients which ultimately raises the e-loyalty of clients. This study is useful for those E-retailers and managers who want to grab e-retailing market.

Originality/value

This research suggests a model which ultimately enhances customer loyalty towards Internet banking service quality through customer satisfaction in Pakistan. It involves modified model of E-SERVQUAL (user friendliness, efficiency of websites, personal need, and site organization) which connects it to electronic customer satisfaction and electronic customer loyalty. Therefore, it will assist the Internet banking sector in building effective marketing tactics, establishing long lasting relationships with clients and acquiring the competitive edge in the market.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 17 July 2014

Hasnah Kamardin

The main purpose of the study is to examine the influence of family directors on the firm performance of public listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia. This study provides empirical…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of the study is to examine the influence of family directors on the firm performance of public listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia. This study provides empirical evidence on the agency problems between controlling shareholders and minority interests in the concentrated ownership setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples of the study are 112 PLCs in year 2006. Two measures of firm performance are used: return on assets (ROA) and Tobin’s Q. Managerial ownership refers to the percentage shareholdings of executive directors with direct and indirect holdings. It was further categorized into family ownership and non-family ownership.

Findings

In relation to ROA, managerial ownership is found positively significant. The results also show that the positive relationship between managerial ownership is contributed by the managerial-non-family ownership. In relation to Tobin’s Q, the results show a U-shape with turning point at 31.38% for managerial ownership and 28.29% for the managerial-family ownership. The results found significant and positive relationships between managerial ownership and both measures of firm performance which indicates that managerial ownership and family ownership yield greater efficiency.

Research implications

The study highlights the effects of corporate governance on ROA and Tobin’s Q are somewhat different. It provides some evidence on the need to use appropriate measure of firm performance. The significant relationship supports the argument of Chami (1999), Fama and Jensen (1983), and DeAngelo and DeAngelo (1985) and empirical evidence of Lee (2004) that family ownership enhances monitoring activities.

Originality/value

Differentiating the types of managerial ownership into family and non-family categories enriches our knowledge about who actually contributes to the improved performance.

Details

Ethics, Governance and Corporate Crime: Challenges and Consequences
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78350-674-3

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2022

Anas Al-Refaie, Ali Alashwal, Zulkiflee Abdul-Samad, Hafez Salleh and Ahmed Elshafie

Weather is one of the main factors affecting labour productivity. Existing weather-productivity models focussed on hot and cold climates paying less attention to the tropics. Many…

Abstract

Purpose

Weather is one of the main factors affecting labour productivity. Existing weather-productivity models focussed on hot and cold climates paying less attention to the tropics. Many tropical countries are expected to be the most areas affected by accelerated climate change and global warming, which may have a severe impact on labour health and productivity. The purpose of this paper is to assess whether the existing models can be used to predict labour productivity based on weather conditions in the tropics.

Design/methodology/approach

Five models are identified from the literature for evaluation. Using real labour productivity data of a high-rise building project in Malaysia, the actual productivity rate was compared with predicted productivity rates generated using the five models. The predicted productivity rates were generated using weather variables collected from an adjusting weather station to the project.

Findings

Compared with other models evaluated in this paper, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was found to be the best model to predict productivity based on the case study data. However, the result shows only a 57% accuracy level of the USACE model indicating the need to develop a new model for the tropics for more accurate prediction.

Originality/value

The result of this study is perhaps the first to apply meteorological variables to predict productivity rates and validate them using actual productivity data in the tropics. This study is the first step to developing a more accurate productivity model, which will be useful for project planning and more accurate productivity rate estimation.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

1 – 10 of 290