Search results

1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 6 October 2023

Ali Katebi, Amirhossein Mohammadhosseini, Mohammad Najmeddin and Peyman Homami

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the cost of concrete component prefabrication using the moderating role of organizational readiness…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the cost of concrete component prefabrication using the moderating role of organizational readiness, compatibility and competitive pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

The information collected in this study was obtained from 188 questionnaires filled out online by civil engineers active in the Iranian construction industry. Data analysis was performed by partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results reveal that perceived risk has the greatest impact on cost of using precast concrete components (PCC). Furthermore, the organizational readiness, competitive pressure and compatibility variables have moderating role in the relationship between perceived risk and perceived usefulness. The results can help policymakers and managers to apply the appropriate perspective and strategy to promote this method by illustrating the factors affecting the cost of using PCC in the building construction.

Originality/value

Using the variables of perceived risk, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use to predict factors affecting the cost of using PCC is considered as an innovation in this research. In addition to identifying the most important factors affecting the cost of PCC prefabrication in the construction industry, this research tries to identify the impact of environmental factors on the model by examining the moderating role of organizational readiness, competitive pressure and compatibility.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2023

Yang Liu, Qian Zhang, Jialing Wang, Yawei Shao, Zhengyi Xu, Yanqiu Wang and Junyi Wang

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the compatibility of titanium dioxide in epoxy resins and thus the corrosion resistance of the coatings.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the compatibility of titanium dioxide in epoxy resins and thus the corrosion resistance of the coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, TiO2 was modified by the mechanochemistry method where mechanical energy was combined with thermal energy to complete the modification. The stability of modified TiO2 in epoxy was analyzed by sedimentation experiment. The modified TiO2-epoxy coating was prepared, and the corrosion resistance of the coating was analyzed by open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and neutral salt spray test.

Findings

High-temperature mechanical modification can improve the compatibility of TiO2 in epoxy resin. At the same time, the modified TiO2-epoxy coating showed better corrosion resistance. Compared to the unmodified TiO2-epoxy coating, the coating improved the dry adhesion force by 61.7% and the adhesion drop by 33.3%. After 2,300 h of immersion in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution, the coating resistance of the modified TiO2 coating was enhanced by nearly two orders of magnitude compared to the unmodified coating.

Originality/value

The authors have grafted epoxy molecules onto TiO2 surfaces using a high-temperature mechanical force modification method. The compatibility of TiO2 with epoxy resin is enhanced, resulting in improved adhesion of the coating to the substrate and corrosion resistance of the coating.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 70 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Alireza Khalili-Fard, Reza Tavakkoli-Moghaddam, Nasser Abdali, Mohammad Alipour-Vaezi and Ali Bozorgi-Amiri

In recent decades, the student population in dormitories has increased notably, primarily attributed to the growing number of international students. Dormitories serve as pivotal…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent decades, the student population in dormitories has increased notably, primarily attributed to the growing number of international students. Dormitories serve as pivotal environments for student development. The coordination and compatibility among students can significantly influence their overall success. This study aims to introduce an innovative method for roommate selection and room allocation within dormitory settings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, initially, using multi-attribute decision-making methods including the Bayesian best-worst method and weighted aggregated sum product assessment, the incompatibility rate among pairs of students is calculated. Subsequently, using a linear mathematical model, roommates are selected and allocated to dormitory rooms pursuing the twin objectives of minimizing the total incompatibility rate and costs. Finally, the grasshopper optimization algorithm is applied to solve large-sized instances.

Findings

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to two common alternatives, i.e. random allocation and preference-based allocation. Moreover, the proposed method’s applicability extends beyond its current context, making it suitable for addressing various matching problems, including crew pairing and classmate pairing.

Originality/value

This novel method for roommate selection and room allocation enhances decision-making for optimal dormitory arrangements. Inspired by a real-world problem faced by the authors, this study strives to offer a robust solution to this problem.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Janya Chanchaichujit, Sreejith Balasubramanian and Vinaya Shukla

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the barriers associated with the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in agricultural supply chains.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the barriers associated with the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in agricultural supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The study initially identified thirteen barriers by conducting a literature review and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Subsequently, these barriers were validated and modeled using an integrated Fuzzy Delphi-ISM approach. Finally, MICMAC analysis was employed to categorize the barriers into distinct clusters.

Findings

The results provide considerable insights into the hierarchical structure and complex interrelationships between the barriers as well the driving and dependence power of barriers. Lack of information about technologies and lack of compatibility with traditional methods emerged as the two main barriers which directly and indirectly influence the other ones.

Research limitations/implications

The robust hybrid Fuzzy Delphi and ISM techniques used in this study can serve as a useful model and benchmark for similar studies probing the barriers to Industry 4.0 adoption. From a theoretical standpoint, this study expands the scope of institutional theory in explaining Industry 4.0 adoption barriers.

Practical implications

The study is timely for the post-COVID-19 recovery and growth of the agricultural sector. The findings are helpful for policymakers and agriculture supply chain stakeholders in devising new strategies and policy interventions to prioritize and address Industry 4.0 adoption barriers.

Originality/value

It is the first comprehensive, multi-country and multi-method empirical study to comprehensively identify and model barriers to Industry 4.0 adoption in agricultural supply chains in emerging economies.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2024

Yahan Xiong and Xiaodong Fu

Users often struggle to select choosing among similar online services. To help them make informed decisions, it is important to establish a service reputation measurement…

Abstract

Purpose

Users often struggle to select choosing among similar online services. To help them make informed decisions, it is important to establish a service reputation measurement mechanism. User-provided feedback ratings serve as a primary source of information for this mechanism, and ensuring the credibility of user feedback is crucial for a reliable reputation measurement. Most of the previous studies use passive detection to identify false feedback without creating incentives for honest reporting. Therefore, this study aims to develop a reputation measure for online services that can provide incentives for users to report honestly.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors present a method that uses a peer prediction mechanism to evaluate user credibility, which evaluates users’ credibility with their reports by applying the strictly proper scoring rule. Considering the heterogeneity among users, the authors measure user similarity, identify similar users as peers to assess credibility and calculate service reputation using an improved expectation-maximization algorithm based on user credibility.

Findings

Theoretical analysis and experimental results verify that the proposed method motivates truthful reporting, effectively identifies malicious users and achieves high service rating accuracy.

Originality/value

The proposed method has significant practical value in evaluating the authenticity of user feedback and promoting honest reporting.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2024

Qing Wang, Xiaoli Zhang, Jiafu Su and Na Zhang

Platform-based enterprises, as micro-entities in the platform economy, have the potential to effectively promote the low-carbon development of both supply and demand sides in the…

Abstract

Purpose

Platform-based enterprises, as micro-entities in the platform economy, have the potential to effectively promote the low-carbon development of both supply and demand sides in the supply chain. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a multi-criteria decision-making method in a probabilistic hesitant fuzzy environment to assist platform-type companies in selecting cooperative suppliers for carbon reduction in green supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combines the advantages of probabilistic hesitant fuzzy sets (PHFS) to address uncertainty issues and proposes an improved multi-criteria decision-making method called PHFS-DNMEREC-MABAC for aiding platform-based enterprises in selecting carbon emission reduction collaboration suppliers in green supply chains. Within this decision-making method, we enhance the standardization process of both the DNMEREC and MABAC methods by directly standardizing probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements. Additionally, a probability splitting algorithm is introduced to handle probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements of varying lengths, mitigating information bias that traditional approaches tend to introduce when adding values based on risk preferences.

Findings

In this paper, we apply the proposed method to a case study involving the selection of carbon emission reduction collaboration suppliers for Tmall Mart and compare it with the latest existing decision-making methods. The results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method and the effectiveness of the introduced probability splitting algorithm in avoiding information bias.

Originality/value

Firstly, this paper proposes a new multi-criteria decision making method for aiding platform-based enterprises in selecting carbon emission reduction collaboration suppliers in green supply chains. Secondly, in this method, we provided a new standard method to process probability hesitant fuzzy decision making information. Finally, the probability splitting algorithm was introduced to avoid information bias in the process of dealing with inconsistent lengths of probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2024

Tamer Refaat and Marwa El-Zoklah

This study aims to formulate a user-friendly pre-design model that could be a decision support tool for green wall systems to assist designers in selecting an optimal green wall…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to formulate a user-friendly pre-design model that could be a decision support tool for green wall systems to assist designers in selecting an optimal green wall system aligned with specified performance criteria while concurrently addressing project requirements linked to social and economic parameters. This approach seeks to enhance overall project satisfaction for the designer and the owner.

Design/methodology/approach

A correlation between the green wall context and design requirements and its performance on the buildings have been defined by considering its social and economic parameters, which represented the owner preferences to ensure the most satisfaction from installation as it achieves the required performance that is defined by the designer such as maximizing thermal insulation, improving indoor air quality, reducing the needed heating and cooling loads, etc. and also to achieve the satisfaction in social and economic requirements defined by the owner such as system installation cost, system maintenance cost, adding beauty value, etc.

Findings

The research developed an easy pre-design model to be a tool for green wall system decision-making for the most suitable system, which contains three main steps: the first one is defining the required performance of the green wall (designer requirements), the second step is limiting the context of the project which is made by designer and the owner requirements and finally the third step is choosing the system components that ensures achieving the requirements of both owners and designer, related to the building and climate context.

Originality/value

The added value lies in developing a green wall decision-making tool, essentially a pre-design model. This model considers the correlation between the project’s context, encompassing climate and building conditions. It provides a structured approach for decision-making in the early stages of green wall design. It offers valuable insights into the optimal choices related to system type, installation methods and plant characteristics. This enhanced decision-making tool contributes to more informed and efficient design processes, considering each project’s specific needs and conditions.

Details

Open House International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 December 2023

Abdulrahman Adel A. Fridan and Bassem E. Maamari

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of both positive and negative corporate cultures on employee performance in Saudi Arabia, in the presence of performance…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of both positive and negative corporate cultures on employee performance in Saudi Arabia, in the presence of performance reviews and factors leading to positive work culture, in an environment that underwent serious modification with COVID-19. The changing work methods (online, remote, etc.) have left their mark necessitating revisiting the needs and capabilities of employees in the work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study uses primary data from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations, and transnational organizations, in their transient role and influence on organizational culture change. The data set includes 311 usable responses from 50 randomly selected organizations and is analysed using structural equation modelling to test the proposed model.

Findings

A healthy corporate culture serves as the basis for increased employee performance in the workplace. The three independent variables, availability of negative culture, availability of positive culture and employee perceived performance, have a positive impact on the dependent variable employee perceived effectiveness of performance reviews; however, factors leading to the development of a positive organizational has a negative influence.

Research limitations/implications

This study faced a limitation with the potential similarity of responses due to the large number of same-background respondents (engineers). However, the results are indicative of a trend. Moreover, the responses did not allow for cross comparison between responding organizational types (SMEs, non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations) as was planned.

Practical implications

Managers should motivate their respective employees, through ensuring the diffusion and sustainability of the right culture work environment. This should allow their teams to complete tasks with little or no supervision. Moreover, as the Saudi economy is gearing up for global competitiveness, this performance culture becomes a key for the success of the strategic plans, thus the high importance of the positive culture at work today.

Social implications

Understanding the importance of positive and negative culture at the managerial level would affect the relationship with employees and improve work environment and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study pinpoints the need to revisit a dimming topic, proving that with the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, managers need to go back to square one. The introduction of the many novel work systems, online, remote work, etc. have changed the work setting and environment. This is requiring a new look at the employees’ perceptions on factors influencing corporate culture and performance.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 23 October 2023

Glenn W. Harrison and J. Todd Swarthout

We take Cumulative Prospect Theory (CPT) seriously by rigorously estimating structural models using the full set of CPT parameters. Much of the literature only estimates a subset…

Abstract

We take Cumulative Prospect Theory (CPT) seriously by rigorously estimating structural models using the full set of CPT parameters. Much of the literature only estimates a subset of CPT parameters, or more simply assumes CPT parameter values from prior studies. Our data are from laboratory experiments with undergraduate students and MBA students facing substantial real incentives and losses. We also estimate structural models from Expected Utility Theory (EUT), Dual Theory (DT), Rank-Dependent Utility (RDU), and Disappointment Aversion (DA) for comparison. Our major finding is that a majority of individuals in our sample locally asset integrate. That is, they see a loss frame for what it is, a frame, and behave as if they evaluate the net payment rather than the gross loss when one is presented to them. This finding is devastating to the direct application of CPT to these data for those subjects. Support for CPT is greater when losses are covered out of an earned endowment rather than house money, but RDU is still the best single characterization of individual and pooled choices. Defenders of the CPT model claim, correctly, that the CPT model exists “because the data says it should.” In other words, the CPT model was borne from a wide range of stylized facts culled from parts of the cognitive psychology literature. If one is to take the CPT model seriously and rigorously then it needs to do a much better job of explaining the data than we see here.

Details

Models of Risk Preferences: Descriptive and Normative Challenges
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-269-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2023

Amir Emami, Zeinab Taheri and Rasim Zuferi

This paper aims to investigate the interactive relationship between learning styles and cognitive biases as two essential factors affecting information processing in online…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the interactive relationship between learning styles and cognitive biases as two essential factors affecting information processing in online purchases.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is applied in nature but extends the knowledge in the area of consumer behavior. By using the correlational research method, the present study uncovers the relationship between various sorts of decision biases and learning styles among online buyers.

Findings

According to the results, the most affected learning style among all is reflective observation. Several biases influence people with this learning style, namely, risky framing, attribute framing and aggregated/segregated framing. In the case of active experimentation, online customers can undo its effect. Therefore, online sellers should be aware of their target customers with such a learning style. In addition, online purchasers with the reflective observation learning style are more prone to aggregation and segregation of sales information.

Originality/value

The findings enhance the understanding of consumer buying behavior and the extent to which learning styles impact cognitive biases and framing effects in online shopping.

Details

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6204

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000