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1 – 10 of 43This study proposes a new agenda for research and practice on pro-environmental behaviours in organisational settings by exploring the intersection between technology…
Abstract
Purpose
This study proposes a new agenda for research and practice on pro-environmental behaviours in organisational settings by exploring the intersection between technology innovations and pro-environmental initiatives. The goal is to demonstrate the utility of digital technology in promoting and achieving sustainability by addressing the complexity and inconsistency in pro-environmental behaviours.
Design/methodology/approach
Using relevant literature on pro-environmental behaviours, this study explores the possibility of embedding technology innovations in pro-environmental initiatives to promote and enhance sustainability in organisational settings.
Findings
This study argues that the recent technological advancement and open innovation provide new insights into understanding and implementing pro-environmental initiatives in organisational settings. While pro-environmental behaviours studies have advanced over the past decades, this study shows that many pro-environmental activities do not require employees to change behaviour. According to this study, psychology and technology innovations offer various opportunities for businesses to effectively and pragmatically embed sustainability into their operations without necessarily changing employees' behaviour.
Research limitations/implications
This conceptual study offers opportunities to empirically explore the collaborative nexus between “psychology-based pro-environmental behaviour research and technology innovation”. Despite the plethora of studies on pro-environmental behaviours, results are mixed and inconclusive, raising questions about the dominant practice used for promoting pro-environmental initiatives and behaviours at the corporate level. This study, therefore, provides a new pathway for businesses to address their environmental aspects, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to resolving the complexity of pro-environmental behaviours.
Originality/value
This study allows social investigators, policymakers, and technology developers to re-assess, revive and further investigate how they can collaborate to address practical environmental and social issues.
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Adekunle Oke, Jasmina Ladas and Moira Bailey
This study aims to explore the motivation as well as barriers for ethical food consumption behaviour by focussing on the food consumption pattern of young adults in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the motivation as well as barriers for ethical food consumption behaviour by focussing on the food consumption pattern of young adults in the North East of Scotland. Considering the recent involvement of young adults in environmental activism, consumption behaviour of young adults in the North East of Scotland, an oil-based community, presents essential research interest to understand whether young adults often contemplate the consequences of their lifestyle.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors explored the perceptions of ten purposive recruited young adults using semi-structured interviews to understand factors underpinning consumer's decision-making towards ethical food products.
Findings
The study reveals three key factors influencing ethical food consumption behaviour among young adults. The findings show that personal health and well-being are the main reasons why consumers engage in ethical food consumption. Also, it is observed that information facilitates decision-making by raising awareness regarding the social, environmental and health consequences of food production and consumption. Further, the findings show that situational attributes, such as product price and product availability, are creating dissonance when engaging in ethical food consumption.
Originality/value
This study contributes to sustainability research and the ongoing debate on consumerism by exploring ethical food consumption behaviour and highlights the need to address situational challenges, such as product price and availability. The study suggests that interventions to address current consumption patterns should also emphasise the social and personal benefits of food consumption rather than the environmental benefits that have been the focus of prior research.
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Temitope Seun Omotayo, Prince Boateng, Oluyomi Osobajo, Adekunle Oke and Loveline Ifeoma Obi
The purpose of this paper is to present a capability maturity model (CMM) developed to implement continuous improvement in small and medium scale construction companies…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a capability maturity model (CMM) developed to implement continuous improvement in small and medium scale construction companies (SMSCC) in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-strategy approach involving qualitative studies of SMSCC in Nigeria was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected construction experts in Nigeria to identify variables essential for continuous improvement in SMSCC. Data collected were thematically analysed using NVIVO. Subsequently, a system thinking approach is employed to design and develop the CMM for implementing continuous improvement SMSCC, by exploring possible relationships between the variables established.
Findings
CMM provided a five-level approach for the inclusion of investigated variables such as team performance; culture; structure; post-project reviews, financial risk management, waste management policy and cost control. These variables are factors leading to continuous improvement in SMSCC, implementable within a six to seven and a half years’ timeline.
Practical implications
The system thinking model revealed cogent archetypes in the form of reinforcing loops that can be applied in developing the performance of SMSCC. Continuous improvement is feasible. However, it takes time to implement. Further longitudinal studies on the cost of implementing continuous improvement through CMM a knowledge transfer project can be initiated.
Originality/value
A methodical strategy for enhancing the effectiveness and operations of SMSCC in developing countries can be extracted from the causal loop diagram and the CMM.
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Oluyomi A. Osobajo, Adekunle Oke, Temitope Omotayo and Lovelin Ifeoma Obi
While circular economy (CE) is fast becoming a political and economic agenda for global urban development, there are still substantial knowledge gaps in possible…
Abstract
Purpose
While circular economy (CE) is fast becoming a political and economic agenda for global urban development, there are still substantial knowledge gaps in possible strategies to speed up such transition, especially in the construction industry. This study analyses literature surrounding CE to unpack current trends possible future research directions to foster CE implementation in the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The study undertakes a systematic review of CE literature published between 1990 and 2019. It adopts a five-stage procedure as a methodological approach for the review: formulation of the research question(s), locating and identifying relevant studies, selection and evaluation of studies, analysis or synthesis and results reporting.
Findings
The findings on CE research in the construction industry show extensive focus on resource use and waste management. There are limited investigations in other areas of construction such as supply chain integration, building designs, policy, energy efficiency, land use, offsite manufacturing, whole life costing, and risk, cost reduction, cost management, health and safety management. The study findings provide evidence that current CE practice fails to incorporate other areas that would facilitate the network of true circular construction industry.
Originality/value
This research provides a comprehensive overview of research efforts on CE in the construction context, identifying areas of extensive and limited coverage over three decades. Besides, it identifies possible pathways for future research directions on CE implementation, towards the accelerated transition to a true circular construction industry for the benefit of funding bodies and researchers.
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Seonaidh McDonald, Bee Ching Gan, Simon S Fraser, Adekunle Oke and Alistair R. Anderson
The purpose of this paper is to address the research questions: which methodologies and data gathering methods are employed by researchers publishing in top…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the research questions: which methodologies and data gathering methods are employed by researchers publishing in top entrepreneurship journals, and how has this changed over time?
Design/methodology/approach
The data gathering methods of research published in five top entrepreneurship journals between 1985 and 2013, a period of nearly three decades, were recorded.
Findings
The data demonstrate that entrepreneurship research is dominated by positivist approaches and data gathering methods, but that this picture is changing over time. The data also reveal differences in methods used in research published in North American and European journals.
Research limitations/implications
It is argued that increased discussion of the limitations, benefits and implications of research methods is needed across the field as a whole. It is concluded that although there is some methodological reflexivity in the field of a macro, abstract nature, there is little at the micro level of individual research designs.
Originality/value
There is a number of existing reviews of methods in the field but none over such a long time period that include such a large corpus of papers. Of particular value to scholars engaged in debates about the proportions and merits of different research methods is the identification of long-term trends away from primary data gathering in general and survey approaches in particular. Debates surrounding the existence of different regional “schools” of entrepreneurship will be informed by the differing patterns of methods found in the five outlets included in the study.
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John Aliu, Douglas Aghimien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Andrew Ebekozien, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, Opeoluwa Akinradewo and Olushola Akinshipe
As the world experiences a rapid rise in technological advances, the engineering profession will be required to become even more socially responsible and emotionally…
Abstract
Purpose
As the world experiences a rapid rise in technological advances, the engineering profession will be required to become even more socially responsible and emotionally stable to be able to display higher levels of empathy towards the society they serve. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the key emotional competencies (ECs) that engineers need to possess to thrive in the construction industry after graduation.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was conducted with close-ended questionnaires developed and administered to built environment professionals such as architects, construction managers, construction project managers, engineers and quantity surveyors.
Findings
The results showed that the ability to display a positive outlook on life, understand one's emotional triggers, ability to display resilience in hard times, control one's emotions and ability to show compassion to others were the highest-ranked ECs. Further analysis revealed four clusters such as self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation and self-motivation.
Practical implications
Practical guidance for higher education institutions is offered in terms of revamping and revisiting their engineering education curricula to develop these ECs to produce emotionally sound engineers for the ever-changing world of work.
Originality/value
As the world of work becomes increasingly dynamic and diverse, engineers will be required to possess empathy, social skills and high levels of ECs to be able to seamlessly interact with fellow professionals as well as the society they serve.
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Matthew Ikuabe, Clinton Aigbavboa, Chimay Anumba, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke and Samuel Adekunle
Incorporating digital technologies such cyber-physical systems (CPS) for facilities management (FM) functions is fast gaining attention. However, the rudiments for the…
Abstract
Purpose
Incorporating digital technologies such cyber-physical systems (CPS) for facilities management (FM) functions is fast gaining attention. However, the rudiments for the effective espousal of such an innovative technology for the delivery of FM tasks have not received scholarly attention. In FM, the business environment is a vital component in achieving organisations’ stipulated objectives. Hence, this study aims to assess the influence of business environment factors in the adoption of CPS for FM activities.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted for the study using the Delphi technique. Experts were selected through a well-defined process that involved certain criteria. The opinions of the selected experts were gotten in two iterations that were subjected to analysis using statistics of measure for central tendency, and interquartile deviation to ascertain consensus among the experts, while Mann–Whitney U test was deployed in checking the difference in the views of the experts.
Findings
The results from the study indicated that eight business environment factors were of very high significance in determining the espousal of CPS for FM, while the other eight factors proved to be high significance. Also, there was no significant difference in the opinions of experts from academic institutions and professional practice.
Practical implications
The findings from the study would provide insight to organisations saddled with FM activities on the prevailing business environment factors that would be influential in adopting a digital technology such as CPS.
Originality/value
The study contributes immensely to the body of knowledge in the quest for digital transformation in FM delivery. It unveils the significant business environment factors that are influential in the drive for incorporating new innovations such as CPS for FM functions.
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Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, John Aliu, Solomon Onajite and Michael Simeon
As the construction sector constantly seeks ways to address ever-growing societal demands, the need to embrace innovation and digital technologies (DTs) cannot be…
Abstract
Purpose
As the construction sector constantly seeks ways to address ever-growing societal demands, the need to embrace innovation and digital technologies (DTs) cannot be overstated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the success factors influencing the adoption of DTs to achieve sustainable construction in a developing economy such as Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was conducted with close-ended questionnaires developed and administered to construction professionals based in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data obtained was analyzed using percentages, frequency, mean item score and exploratory factor analysis.
Findings
The findings from the mean scores revealed the leading influential success factors which were education and training, methodology of model constructions, organization development, customer satisfaction and profitability and new revenue. Factor analysis revealed three clusters of success factors which were management needs, construction methodology and effective communication.
Practical implications
To adequately integrate DTs into construction industry activities and processes, awareness about the technologies must be created and enhanced if already in play. This study posits that the construction sector must accept and implement this new paradigm of innovation to benefit from this disruptive era.
Originality/value
This study serves as a foundation for other related studies that are aimed at advocating the efficacy of DTs in the effective and efficient execution of construction activities. The assessment of the success factors influencing the adoption of DTs would help construction organizations and stakeholders to understand the need to embrace and implement smart technologies into the activities, operations and processes of the construction industry.
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Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, John Aliu, Patience Tunji-Olayeni and Timilehin Abayomi
This paper aims to identify and evaluate the challenges affecting the adoption of gamification practices in developing countries through the lens of the Nigerian…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify and evaluate the challenges affecting the adoption of gamification practices in developing countries through the lens of the Nigerian construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping literature review was conducted through which challenges to the adoption of gamification practices were identified, which helped in the formulation of a questionnaire survey. Data was obtained from construction professionals including architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors. Retrieved data were analyzed using several statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies, mean item scores (MIS) and exploratory factor analyses.
Findings
Based on the MIS ranking results, the top five significant challenges to the adoption of gamification were lack of capacity and expertise, lack of budgeting for innovation, lack of technical infrastructure, hesitation to adopt and limited internet connectivity. Through factor analysis, the challenges identified were categorized into five principal clusters, namely, organizational challenges, technical-related challenges, human-related challenges, data security challenges and economic challenges.
Practical implications
The identification and evaluation of the key challenges hindering the adoption of gamification practices would help construction organizations and stakeholders to understand the need to embrace and implement the concept into their activities, operations and processes to improve the engagement and motivation levels of employees.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in the study area to identify and evaluate the challenges affecting the adoption of gamification practices using a structured quantitative approach.
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I.M. Adekunle, O. Olorundare and C. Nwange
The aim of this paper is to assess the safety of commonly consumed green leafy vegetables in southwest Nigeria in relation to lead (Pb) contamination.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to assess the safety of commonly consumed green leafy vegetables in southwest Nigeria in relation to lead (Pb) contamination.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 585 samples of five species of commonly consumed green leafy vegetable samples were procured from 15 outdoor markets and selected farms in three major cities (Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos) in the region. Samples were fragmented to two portions (water‐washed and unwashed) and subjected to acid digestion. The Pb in the digests was measured using a flame atomic spectrophotometer. Relevant information was elicited from traders by the administration of a structured questionnaire. Acceptable daily intakes of the metal from the vegetables were estimated using the FAO/WHO total diet study.
Findings
Lead concentrations in all the vegetable samples (6.35‐20.85 mg/kg) exceeded the recommended value of 0.3 mg/kg for green leafy vegetables. The estimated daily intakes of the metal (1.11×10−2 to 2.02×10−2 mg/kg bw) were also higher than the FAO/WHO safety threshold of 3.0×10−3 to 4.0×10−3 mg/kg bw for Pb. Washing the vegetables with water reduced Pb concentrations and EDIs by 11.36 to 43.52 per cent but did not bring the values below the recommended limit.
Research limitations/implications
It was impossible to evaluate the effect of distance from highways on metal concentration because traders were not restricted to a particular location in the outdoor markets in the country.
Originality/value
The study constitutes an evaluative probe into the degree of exposure of commonly consumed vegetables to Pb contamination, contributing to the database of knowledge on toxic metal daily intake from Nigerian foods and environmental contamination.
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