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Article
Publication date: 29 March 2022

Yonggang Zhao, Xiaodong Yang, Changhai Zhai and Weiping Wen

The purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships of urban seismic resilience assessment indicators.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships of urban seismic resilience assessment indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, construction of the urban seismic resilience assessment indicators system was conducted and 20 indicators covering five dimensions, namely building and lifeline infrastructure, environment, society, economy and institution were identified. Following this, this study used evidence fusion theory and intuitionistic fuzzy sets to process the information from experts then developed the fuzzy total interpretive structure model.

Findings

A total of 20 urban seismic resilience assessment indicators are reconstructed into a hierarchical and visual system structure including five levels. Indicators in the bottom level including debris flow risk, landslide risk, earthquake experience and demographic characteristics are fundamental indicators that significantly impact other indicators. Indicators in the top level including open space, gas system and public security are direct indicators influenced more by other indicators. Other indicators are in middle levels. Results of MICMAC analysis visually categorize these indicators into independent indicators, linkage indicators, autonomous indicators and dependent indicators according to driving power and dependence.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to explore relationships of urban seismic resilience assessment indicators with the interpretive structural model method. Additionally, Fuzzy total interpretive structure model is developed combined with evidence fusion theory and intuitionistic fuzzy sets, which is the extension of total interpretive structure model. Research results can assist the analytic network process method in assessing urban seismic resilience in future research.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2022

Nur Mardhiyah Aziz and Nurshuhada Zainon

The synergy of lean construction and building information modelling (BIM) is an important change and transformation driver in the construction industry. It adds value and…

Abstract

Purpose

The synergy of lean construction and building information modelling (BIM) is an important change and transformation driver in the construction industry. It adds value and increases the productivity of construction processes. However, the implementation of lean-BIM in Malaysia is still lacking despite the accelerating BIM adoption rate. This study, therefore, aims to explore factors that potentially drive construction players to adopt lean-BIM for construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory interviews were conducted with five construction players knowledgeable in lean and BIM to identify the driving factors for them to implement lean-BIM. Respondents were obtained through the snowball sampling technique, initiated by approaching a government agency that oversees Malaysia's construction industry. Findings were then analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Findings have shown that four driving factors for construction players initiating the use of lean-BIM in construction projects are (1) top management support, (2) standardisation (3) comprehensive training and (4) financial support.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the exploratory nature of this study and the chosen research design, the conclusions cannot be generalised but can become the indicators for lean-BIM future works in Malaysia or any other developing countries.

Practical implications

The insights from this study provide preliminary indicators for driving the adoption of lean-BIM. This discovery may also help construction companies and policymakers plan appropriate initiatives or strategies to present the need for lean-BIM further development in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The findings are expected to contribute to the lean-BIM research in terms of the demographic context, particularly in Malaysia and possibly assist lean and BIM researchers, practitioners and policymakers in developing countries' perspective.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2023

Yaru Huang, Yaojun Ye and Mengling Zhou

This paper aims to build an improved grey panel clustering evaluation model and evaluate the comprehensive development potential of industrial economy, society and ecological…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to build an improved grey panel clustering evaluation model and evaluate the comprehensive development potential of industrial economy, society and ecological environment in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China. The purpose of this study is to provide some theoretical basis and tool support for management departments and relevant researchers engaged in industrial sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the driving force pressure state impact response analysis framework to build a comprehensive evaluation index system. Based on the center point triangle whitening weight function, it classifies the panel grey clustering of improvement time and index weight.

Findings

The results show that there are great differences in the level of industrial ecological development in different regions of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, which further illustrates the scientificity and rationality of the evaluation method proposed in this paper.

Practical implications

Due to the industrial ecological development is in a constantly changing state, and the information is uncertain. Whitening weight function is introduced to represent the complete information of relevant data. The industrial ecological evaluation involves a comprehensive complex system, which belongs to the panel data analysis problem. The improved grey panel clustering evaluation model is applied to grade the industrial ecological development level of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The results have important guiding significance for the balanced development of industrial ecology in the region.

Social implications

Due to the industrial ecological development is in a constantly changing state, and the information is uncertain. Whitening weight function is introduced to represent the complete information of relevant data. The industrial ecological evaluation involves a comprehensive complex system, which belongs to the panel data analysis problem. In order to improve the effectiveness of industrial ecological evaluation, the improved grey panel clustering evaluation model is applied to grade the industrial ecological development level of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The results have important guiding significance for the balanced development of industrial ecology in the region.

Originality/value

the new model proposed in this paper complements and improves the grey clustering analysis theory of panel data, that is, aiming at the subjective limitation of using time degree to determine time weight in panel grey clustering, a comprehensive theoretical method for determining time weight is creatively proposed. Combining the DPSIR (Driving force-Pressure-State-Influence-Response) model model with ecological development, a comprehensive evaluation model is constructed to make the evaluation results more authentic and comprehensive.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2022

Ahmed Mohammed, Tarek Zayed, Fuzhan Nasiri and Ashutosh Bagchi

This paper extends the authors’ previous research work investigating resilience for municipal infrastructure from an asset management perspective. Therefore, this paper aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper extends the authors’ previous research work investigating resilience for municipal infrastructure from an asset management perspective. Therefore, this paper aims to formulate a pavement resilience index while incorporating asset management and the associated resilience indicators from the authors’ previous research work.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces a set of holistic-based key indicators that reflect municipal infrastructure resiliency. Thenceforth, the indicators were integrated using the weighted sum mean method to form the proposed resilience index. Resilience indicators weights were determined using principal components analysis (PCA) via IBM SPSS®. The developed framework for the PCA was built based on an optimization model output to generate the required weights for the desired resilience index. The output optimization data were adjusted using the standardization method before performing PCA.

Findings

This paper offers a mathematical approach to generating a resilience index for municipal infrastructure. The statistical tests conducted throughout the study showed a high significance level. Therefore, using PCA was proper for the resilience indicators data. The proposed framework is beneficial for asset management experts, where introducing the proposed index will provide ease of use to decision-makers regarding pavement network maintenance planning.

Research limitations/implications

The resilience indicators used need to be updated beyond what is mentioned in this paper to include asset redundancy and structural asset capacity. Using clustering as a validation tool is an excellent opportunity for other researchers to examine the resilience index for each pavement corridor individually pertaining to the resulting clusters.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique example of integrating resilience and asset management concepts and serves as a vital step toward a comprehensive integration approach between the two concepts. The used PCA framework offers dynamic resilience indicators weights and, therefore, a dynamic resilience index. Resiliency is a dynamic feature for infrastructure systems. It differs during their life cycle with the change in maintenance and rehabilitation plans, systems retrofit and the occurring disruptive events throughout their life cycle. Therefore, the PCA technique was the preferred method used where it is data-based oriented and eliminates the subjectivity while driving indicators weights.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2022

Xiaoxiao Zhang, Guoliang Shi and Qiupan Jin

The purpose is to explore the essential reasons for the differences between book awakening phenomena, to develop the critical factors in awakening the slumbering collections and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose is to explore the essential reasons for the differences between book awakening phenomena, to develop the critical factors in awakening the slumbering collections and to provide a reliable basis for maximizing book value and optimizing collection allocation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs the integrated learning algorithm XGBoost to measure driving factors. In the process of book circulation, the characteristics of collections and readers are worthy of attention. Therefore, this study also carries out feature selection and model construction from the two dimensions of books and readers.

Findings

The results show that reader features have a stronger impetus for the collection awakening phenomenon than collection features. Among reader features, education level, gender and major subject are the main factors, which are followed closely by the activity level; among collection features, publication date and price are the main driving factors. The indicators of book popularity are not significant, whose effect on the phenomenon of collection awakening is almost negligible.

Originality/value

This study aims to augment the theory of zero circulation from the theoretical level and, for the first time, seeks to define the phenomenon of collection awakening. This study attempts to present novel ideas for research in the field of libraries and to provide references for optimizing collection and maximizing the value of books.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 75 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2022

Abdullahi B. Saka, Daniel W.M. Chan and Saheed O. Ajayi

Although there has been a surge in the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) in the construction industry, the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still…

Abstract

Purpose

Although there has been a surge in the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) in the construction industry, the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still struggling and perceive its adoption as risky. The SMEs in developing economies are especially on the disadvantaged side of the digital divide. Extant studies have focused on large firms and there are scanty studies on the influence of the external environments on BIM adoption in SMEs. Thus, this study espouses institutional theory (INT) to examine the influence of coercive, mimetic, and normative pressures on BIM awareness and adoption in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was employed, and data were collected from the Nigerian construction SMEs via an empirical questionnaire survey using a sequential stratified and convenient sampling method. Hypothesized relationships between the coercive, mimetic, and normative pressure and BIM in SMEs were empirically tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique and the model was validated with the “PLSpredict” procedure.

Findings

The results revealed that coercive and mimetic pressures significantly influence BIM adoption in SMEs while normative pressures have the strongest influence on BIM in SMEs. Also, BIM awareness is an important predictor of BIM adoption. The findings also shed light on the influence of firmographics on BIM awareness and adoption in Nigerian SMEs.

Originality/value

The study empirically validates the applicability of INT and highlights that BIM adoption is not only influenced by internal responses to the need for efficiency but also by external pressures. It implies a clear need for intentional isomorphic pressures in driving BIM adoption in SMEs. The study employs the INT to explain a phenomenon that has not been theoretically explored in the context of SMEs in developing economies. Lastly, the study provided valuable insights into driving BIM adoption, together with the effective practical implications for implementation and potential research areas for further studies.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2022

Hui Guo and Weisheng Lu

Defining and measuring competitiveness has been a major focus in the business and competition literature over the past decades. The paper aims to use data-driven principal…

Abstract

Purpose

Defining and measuring competitiveness has been a major focus in the business and competition literature over the past decades. The paper aims to use data-driven principal component analysis (PCA) to measure firm competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A “3Ps” (performance, potential, and process) firm competitiveness indicator system is structured for indicator selection. Data-driven PCA is proposed to measure competitiveness by reducing the dimensionality of indicators and assigning weights according to the endogenous structure of a dataset. To illustrate and validate the method, a case study applying to Chinese international construction companies (CICCs) was conducted.

Findings

In the case study, 4 principal components were derived from 11 indicators through PCA. The principal components were labeled as “performance” and “capability” under the two respective super-components of “profitability” and “solvency” of a company. Weights of 11 indicators were then generated and competitiveness of CICCs was finally calculated by composite indexes.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers a systematic indicator framework for firm competitiveness. The study also provides an alternative approach to better solve the problem of firm competitiveness measurement that has long plagued researchers.

Originality/value

The data-driven PCA approach alleviates the difficulties of dimensionality and subjectivity in measuring firm competitiveness and offers an alternative choice for companies and researchers to evaluate business success in future studies.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 June 2023

Amer Jazairy, Timo Pohjosenperä, Jaakko Sassali, Jari Juga and Robin von Haartman

This research examines what motivates professional truck drivers to engage in eco-driving by linking their self-reports with objective driving scores.

1675

Abstract

Purpose

This research examines what motivates professional truck drivers to engage in eco-driving by linking their self-reports with objective driving scores.

Design/methodology/approach

Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is illustrated in an embedded, single-case study of a Finnish carrier with 17 of its truck drivers. Data are obtained through in-depth interviews with drivers, their fuel-efficiency scores generated by fleet telematics and a focus group session with the management.

Findings

Discrepancies between drivers’ intentions and eco-driving behaviors are illustrated in a two-by-two matrix that classifies drivers into four categories: ideal eco-drivers, wildcards, wannabes and non-eco-drivers. Attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are examined for drivers within each category, revealing that drivers’ perceptions did not always align with the reality of their driving.

Research limitations/implications

This study strengthens the utility of TPB through data triangulation while also revealing the theory’s inherent limitations in elucidating the underlying causes of its three antecedents and their impact on the variance in driving behaviors.

Practical implications

Managerial insights are offered to fleet managers and eco-driving solution providers to stipulate the right conditions for drivers to enhance fuel-efficiency outcomes of transport fleets.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to give a voice to professional truck drivers about their daily eco-driving practice.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 53 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2023

Patrik Vaněk

This paper aims to explore the ambiguity and limitations of measuring firm-level multinationality (FLM) using theoretical and empirical comparisons of existing methods. The paper…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the ambiguity and limitations of measuring firm-level multinationality (FLM) using theoretical and empirical comparisons of existing methods. The paper puts forward a list of five key aspects that collectively serve as a tool for researchers to select the most appropriate method for future research and as a basis for the future development of methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the author reviews existing methods of measuring FLM and consolidates findings into five key aspects. Secondly, the author uses the aspects to compare existing methods theoretically, and subsequently, the author groups them into three distinct streams. Thirdly, the author compares existing methods across a sample of the 35 largest European MNEs by sales in 2020 to identify and demonstrate the ambiguity and limitations of these methods.

Findings

The author identifies the five key aspects of measuring FLM: framework, aggregation, segmentation, metrics and indicators. Using empirical comparison, the author empirically confirms the limitations highlighted in the literature and shows the differences and inconsistencies among methods, which cause confusion rather than clarity in the extant literature. Additionally, the author emphasises that three distinct streams further drive the debate on the regional/global nature and present further limitations of methods not mentioned in the literature to date.

Originality/value

This paper provides the most comprehensive review of the existing literature on FLM, resulting in five novel aspects of measuring FLM. The analysis of a sample of 35 European firms demonstrates and identifies the ambiguity and limitations of FLM-measuring methods.

Article
Publication date: 29 December 2023

Younghwan Kim and Hyunseung Lee

This study aims to develop a safe, wearable clothing system that combines visibility-enhancing and emergency–accident-responding functions for two-wheeled vehicle (TWV) users'…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a safe, wearable clothing system that combines visibility-enhancing and emergency–accident-responding functions for two-wheeled vehicle (TWV) users' safety assistance.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the wearable system (WS) allowing users to control turn signals, brake lights and emergency flasher only with head movements was developed. Second, multiconnected systems were developed between WSs and a smartphone application (AS), providing accident occurrence recognition, driving photo capture–storage and emergency notification functions. Third, usability testing in each function was performed to assess the operability of the systems.

Findings

The intuitive interface, which uses head movement as gesture commands, was effectively operated for controlling turn signals, brake lights and emergency flasher when driving, despite differences in user physique and boarding structure among TWVs. In addition, using Bluetooth low energy and Wi-Fi protocols simultaneously can establish automatic accident recognition–notification and driving photo capture–storage–display functions by linking two WSs with one AS.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents a case using relatively accessible technologies within the fashion industry to improve users' safety and provide fundamental data for convergence education for smart fashion products, highlighting the significance of this study in this convergence era.

Originality/value

The WSs and the AS of a TWV user visually evoke the attention of other drivers and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents; social contribution regarding public safety will be possible by allowing the system to autonomously inform emergencies and receive emergency medical treatment quickly when the accident occurred.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

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