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1 – 10 of over 10000Richard Kadan, Temitope Seun Omotayo, Prince Boateng, Gabriel Nani and Mark Wilson
This study aimed to address a gap in subcontractor management by focusing on previously unexplored complexities surrounding subcontractor management in developing countries. While…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to address a gap in subcontractor management by focusing on previously unexplored complexities surrounding subcontractor management in developing countries. While past studies concentrated on selection and relationships, this study delved into how effective subcontractor management impacts project success.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used the Bayesian Network analysis approach, through a meticulously developed questionnaire survey refined through a piloting stage involving experienced industry professionals. The survey was ultimately distributed among participants based in Accra, Ghana, resulting in a response rate of approximately 63%.
Findings
The research identified diverse components contributing to subcontractor disruptions, highlighted the necessity of a clear regulatory framework, emphasized the impact of financial and leadership assessments on performance, and underscored the crucial role of main contractors in Integrated Project and Labour Cost Management with Subcontractor Oversight and Coordination.
Originality/value
Previous studies have not considered the challenges subcontractors face in projects. This investigation bridges this gap from multiple perspectives, using Bayesian network analysis to enhance subcontractor management, thereby contributing to the successful completion of construction projects.
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Arshdeep Singh, Kashish Arora and Suresh Chandra Babu
Climate change-related weather events significantly affect rice production. In this paper, we investigate the impact of and interrelationships between agriculture inputs, climate…
Abstract
Purpose
Climate change-related weather events significantly affect rice production. In this paper, we investigate the impact of and interrelationships between agriculture inputs, climate change factors and financial variables on rice production in India from 1970–2021.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the time series analysis; the unit root test has been employed to unveil the integration order. Further, the study used various econometric techniques, including vector autoregression estimates (VAR), cointegration test, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and diagnostic test for ARDL, fully modified least squares (FMOLS), canonical cointegrating regression (CCR), impulse response functions (IRF) and the variance decomposition method (VDM) to validate the long- and short-term impacts of climate change on rice production in India of the scrutinized variables.
Findings
The study's findings revealed that the rice area, precipitation and maximum temperature have a significant and positive impact on rice production in the short run. In the long run, rice area (ß = 1.162), pesticide consumption (ß = 0.089) and domestic credit to private sector (ß = 0.068) have a positive and significant impact on rice production. The results show that minimum temperature and direct institutional credit for agriculture have a significant but negative impact on rice production in the short run. Minimum temperature, pesticide consumption, domestic credit to the private sector and direct institutional credit for agriculture have a negative and significant impact on rice production in the long run.
Originality/value
The present study makes valuable and original contributions to the literature by examining the short- and long-term impacts of climate change on rice production in India over 1970–2021. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, The majority of the studies examined the impact of climate change on rice production with the consideration of only “mean temperature” as one of the climatic variables, while in the present study, the authors have considered both minimum as well as maximum temperature. Furthermore, the authors also considered the financial variables in the model.
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In demand-driven markets, customer value, sometimes called perceived use value or consumer surplus, is defined by the customer rather than the firm. The value a firm can…
Abstract
Purpose
In demand-driven markets, customer value, sometimes called perceived use value or consumer surplus, is defined by the customer rather than the firm. The value a firm can appropriate, its profits, is driven by the customer’s willingness to pay for the value they receive, adjusted by costs. This paper introduces a conceptual framework that helps understand value creation and appropriation in demand-driven markets and shows how to influence them through strategic decision-making.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses an axiomatic approach combined with an extended analytical formulation of the jobs-to-be-done framework to contextualise demand-driven markets. It mathematically derives implications for managerial decision-making concerning selecting customer segments, optimising customer value creation and maximising firm value appropriation in a competitive environment.
Findings
Rooting strategic decision-making in the jobs-to-be-done framework allows distinguishing between what customers want to achieve (goal), what product attributes need to be satisfied (opportunity space/constraints) and what value creation criteria related to features are important (utility function). This paper shows that starting from a job-to-be-done, the problem of identifying which customer segments to serve, what product to offer and what price to charge, can be formulated as an optimisation problem that simultaneously (rather than sequentially) solves for the three decision variables, customer segments, product features and price, by maximising the value that a firm can appropriate, subject to maximising customer value creation and constrained by the competitive environment.
Practical implications
Applying the derived results to simultaneously deciding which customer segments to target, what product features to offer and what price to charge, given a set of competing products, allows managers to increase their chances of winning the competitive game.
Originality/value
This paper shows that starting from a job-to-be-done and simultaneously focusing on customers, product features, price and competitors enhances firm profitability. Strategic decision-making is formulated as an optimisation problem based on an axiomatic approach contextualising demand-driven markets.
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Kryzelle M. Atienza, Apollo E. Malabanan, Ariel Miguel M. Aragoncillo, Carmina B. Borja, Marish S. Madlangbayan and Emel Ken D. Benito
Existing deterministic models that predict the capacity of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams have limited applicability because they were based on accelerated tests that…
Abstract
Purpose
Existing deterministic models that predict the capacity of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams have limited applicability because they were based on accelerated tests that induce general corrosion. This research gap was addressed by performing a combined numerical and statistical analysis on RC beams, subjected to natural corrosion, to achieve a much better forecast.
Design/methodology/approach
Data of 42 naturally corroded beams were collected from the literature and analyzed numerically. Four constitutive models and their combinations were considered: the elastic-semi-plastic and elastic-perfectly-plastic models for steel, and two tensile models for concrete with and without the post-cracking stresses. Meanwhile, Popovics’ model was used to describe the behavior of concrete under compression. Corrosion coefficients were developed as functions of corrosion degree and beam parameters through linear regression analysis to fit the theoretical moment capacities with test data. The performance of the coefficients derived from different combinations of constitutive laws was then compared and validated.
Findings
The results showed that the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.90) was achieved when the tensile response of concrete was modeled without the residual stresses after cracking and the steel was analyzed as an elastic-perfectly-plastic material. The proposed procedure and regression model also showed reasonable agreement with experimental data, even performing better than the current models derived from accelerated tests and traditional procedures.
Originality/value
This study presents a simple but reliable approach for quantifying the capacity of RC beams under more realistic conditions than previously reported. This method is simple and requires only a few variables to be employed. Civil engineers can use it to obtain a quick and rough estimate of the structural condition of corroding RC beams.
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Ziyan Lu, Feng Qiu, Hui Song and Xianguo Hu
This paper aims to solve the problems molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets suffer from inadequate dispersion stability and form a weak lubricating film on the friction surface…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to solve the problems molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets suffer from inadequate dispersion stability and form a weak lubricating film on the friction surface, which severely limits their application as lubricant additives.
Design/methodology/approach
MoS2/C60 nanocomposites were prepared by synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets on the surface of hydrochloric acid-activated fullerenes (C60) by in situ hydrothermal method. The composition, structure and morphology of MoS2/C60 nanocomposites were characterized. Through the high-frequency reciprocating tribology test, its potential as a lubricant additive was evaluated.
Findings
MoS2/C60 nanocomposites that were prepared showed good dispersion in dioctyl sebacate (DOS). When 0.5 Wt.% MoS2/C60 was added, the friction reduction performance and wear resistance improved by 54.5% and 62.7%, respectively.
Originality/value
MoS2/C60 composite nanoparticles were prepared by in-situ formation of MoS2 nanosheets on the surface of C60 activated by HCl through hydrothermal method and were used as potential lubricating oil additives.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2023-0321/
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Weiting Wang, Yi Liao and Jiacan Li
The purpose of this study to improve the efficiency of customer acquisition and retention through the design of salary information disclosure mechanism.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study to improve the efficiency of customer acquisition and retention through the design of salary information disclosure mechanism.
Design/methodology/approach
This study develops a stylized game-theoretic model of delegating customer acquisition and retention, focusing on how firms choose delegation and wage information disclosure strategy.
Findings
The results confirm the necessity for enterprises to disclose salary information. When sales agents are risk neutral, firms should choose multi-agent (MA) delegation and disclose their wages. However, when agents are risk averse, firms may disclose the wages of acquisition agents or both agents in MA delegation, depending on the uncertainty of the retention market.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature on delegation of customer acquisition and retention and demonstrates that salary disclosure can be used as a supplement to the incentive mechanism.
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Wei Chen, Zhuzhang Yang, Hang Yan and Ying Zhao
The construction industry is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous sectors in the world. Despite extensive research on safety management, a critical issue remains that…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous sectors in the world. Despite extensive research on safety management, a critical issue remains that insufficient attention is devoted to safety practices in rural areas. Notably, accidents frequently occur during the construction of rural self-built houses (RSH) in China. Safety management tends to be overlooked due to the perceived simplicity of the construction process. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that China currently lacks comprehensive laws and regulations governing safety management in RSH construction. This paper aims to analyze the behavior of key stakeholders (including households, workmen, rural village committee and the government) and propose recommendations to mitigate safety risks associated with RSH construction.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper applies evolutionary game theory to analyze the symbiotic evolution among households, workmen and rural village committee, in situations with or without government participation. Additionally, numerical simulation is utilized to examine the outcomes of various strategies implemented by the government.
Findings
Without government participation, households, workmen, and rural village committee tend to prioritize maximizing apparent benefits, often overlooking the potential safety risks. Numerical simulations reveal that while government involvement can guide these parties towards safer decisions, achieving the desired outcomes necessitates the adoption of reasonable and effective strategies. Thus, the government needs to offer targeted subsidies to these stakeholders.
Originality/value
Considering that during the construction phase, stakeholders are the main administrators accountable for safety management. However, there exists insufficient research examining the impact of stakeholder behavior on RSH construction safety. This study aims to analyze the behavior of stakeholders about how to reduce the safety risks in building RSH. Thus, the authors intend to contribute to knowledge in this area by establishing evolutionary game model. Firstly, this study carried out a theoretical by using tripartite evolutionary game to reveal the reasons for the high safety risk during building RSH. Practically, this research points out the important role of households, workmen and rural village committee in improving safety management in rural areas. Besides, some suggestions are proposed to the government about how to reduce construction safety risks in rural areas.
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Richard Tarpey, Jinfeng Yue, Yong Zha and Jiahong Zhang
The importance of service firms cooperating with digital platforms is widely acknowledged. The authors study three contractual relationships (fixed-cost, cost-sharing, and…
Abstract
Purpose
The importance of service firms cooperating with digital platforms is widely acknowledged. The authors study three contractual relationships (fixed-cost, cost-sharing, and profit-sharing) between service firms (specifically hotels) and digital platforms in a highly fragmented service supply chain to examine which of these contract types optimizes profits.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors extend prior models analyzing the optimal expected total profit from the travel service firm (hotel)–digital platform relationship, providing new insights into each contract type’s ability to coordinate decentralized systems and optimize profits for both parties.
Findings
This study finds that fixed cost contracts cannot coordinate the decentralized system. Cost-sharing contracts can coordinate the decentralized system but only allow one channel profit split. In contrast, profit-sharing contracts may not always perfectly coordinate the decentralized system but support alternative profit allocations. Practically, both profit-sharing and cost-sharing contracts are preferable to fixed-cost contracts.
Practical implications
The paper includes implications for travel service firm managers to consider when structuring contracts with digital platforms to focus on profit optimization. Profit-sharing contracts are most preferable when cost and revenue data are fully shared between parties, while cost-sharing contracts are preferable over fixed-cost contracts.
Originality/value
This study extends prior investigations into the utility of different contract types on the optimal profit of a travel service firm (hotel)-digital platform provider relationship. The research fills a gap in the literature concerning the contracts used in these relationship types.
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Dong Li, Yu Zhou, Zhan-Wei Cao, Xin Chen and Jia-Peng Dai
This paper aims to establish a lattice Boltzmann (LB) method for solid-liquid phase transition (SLPT) from the pore scale to the representative elementary volume (REV) scale. By…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to establish a lattice Boltzmann (LB) method for solid-liquid phase transition (SLPT) from the pore scale to the representative elementary volume (REV) scale. By applying this method, detailed information about heat transfer and phase change processes within the pores can be obtained, while also enabling the calculation of larger-scale SLPT problems, such as shell-and-tube phase change heat storage systems.
Design/methodology/approach
Three-dimensional (3D) pore-scale enthalpy-based LB model is developed. The computational input parameters at the REV scale are derived from calculations at the pore scale, ensuring consistency between the two scales. The approaches to reconstruct the 3D porous structure and determine the REV of metal foam were discussed. The implementation of conjugate heat transfer between the solid matrix and the solid−liquid phase change material (SLPCM) for the proposed model is developed. A simple REV-scale LB model under the local thermal nonequilibrium condition is presented. The method of bridging the gap between the pore-scale and REV-scale enthalpy-based LB models by the REV is given.
Findings
This coupled method facilitates detailed simulations of flow, heat transfer and phase change within pores. The approach holds promise for multiscale calculations in latent heat storage devices with porous structures. The SLPT of the heat sinks for electronic device thermal control was simulated as a case, demonstrating the efficiency of the present models in designing and optimizing SLPT devices.
Originality/value
A coupled pore-scale and REV-scale LB method as a numerical tool for investigating phase change in porous materials was developed. This innovative approach allows for the capture of details within pores while addressing computations over a large domain. The LB method for simulating SLPT from the pore scale to the REV scale was given. The proposed method addresses the conjugate heat transfer between the SLPCM and the solid matrix in the enthalpy-based LB model.
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Shalini Aggarwal, Lata Bajpai Singh and Shalini Srivastava
The study, grounded on the social cognitive career theory, seeks to analyze the upshot of psychological empowerment on career satisfaction via affective commitment. The study also…
Abstract
Purpose
The study, grounded on the social cognitive career theory, seeks to analyze the upshot of psychological empowerment on career satisfaction via affective commitment. The study also aims to examine the impact of the interplay among affective commitment and resilience on the career satisfaction of Indian service industry professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the data has been collected from 277 employees using standardized measures from the North Indian service industry. To test the proposed model, Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) (Hayes, 2013) was utilized.
Findings
The outcomes of the study offered substantial support for the theorized link between psychological empowerment, affective commitment, resilience and career satisfaction. The outcomes confirmed an affirmative association concerning psychological empowerment and career satisfaction through affective commitment as a mediator and resilience as a moderator. The study concludes that the workforce with extraordinary resilience will perceive a stronger influence of psychological empowerment on career satisfaction.
Practical implications
The study offers a few pertinent inputs for the organizations operating in high-power distance culture to comprehend the role of psychological empowerment and “resilient attributes” of personality in developing a sense of career satisfaction amongst Indian service sector employees.
Originality/value
The present research examines the association between psychological empowerment, affective commitment, resilience and career satisfaction for the first time as mediated moderation model and the same has neither been examined theoretically or empirically.
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