Search results

1 – 10 of over 50000
Article
Publication date: 14 February 2019

Cristian Roberto Valle, Elli Verhulst, Ida Nilstad Pettersen, Antje Junghans and Thomas Berker

This paper aims to apply frame analysis to explore the mental models by which building managers interpret the impact of building occupants on energy use and rationalize their…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to apply frame analysis to explore the mental models by which building managers interpret the impact of building occupants on energy use and rationalize their approach to occupant engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings from four energy-efficient buildings (two schools and two office buildings) in Norway are presented. The methodology includes individual semi-structured interviews with both operational and strategic facilities managers

Findings

Concepts and theoretical perspectives with the potential to shape the building managers’ perceptions include technical knowledge and expertise, management responsibilities, familiarity with occupant routines and understanding of energy-efficient technologies. No significant impact was attributed to the actions of occupants in the areas of comfort, core function and behavior. Significant impact was attributed to their movement and presence. Perceptions of impact were found to influence, yet not determine, the building managers’ choices of practice.

Practical implications

Factors with the potential to affect the adoption of occupant engagement initiatives were highlighted. This study pointed to the role that automation and centralization can play in influencing facilities managers to rescind from their management responsibilities.

Originality/value

To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study to use framings in thoughts to investigate the process by which facilities managers rationalize occupant engagement, in relation to their perception of occupant impact on energy use.

Details

Facilities , vol. 37 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2007

Anand Balakrishnan, John M. Clark and Sean P. Salter

Many energy firms currently compensate their risk managers with bonuses based on their ability to outperform a budget benchmark. This creates the incentive for a manager to “let…

Abstract

Purpose

Many energy firms currently compensate their risk managers with bonuses based on their ability to outperform a budget benchmark. This creates the incentive for a manager to “let it ride” (LIR) when prices move adversely to the benchmark, thus exposing the firm to further adverse movements. The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative compensation model based on the adherence to a risk control system utilizing value at risk (VaR). The model is designed to reward the risk manager for staying within the prescribed risk limits, which effectively rewards the manager for taking actions that decrease the deviation from the budget benchmark.Design/methodology/approach – The days within limits (DWL) compensation model is developed with a demonstration of how it works through an illustrative example.Findings – The DWL method of measuring risk and compensating risk managers effectively reduces the potential conflicts of interest from the LIR mentality by establishing strict rules for the risk manager and providing a compensation structure that rewards the manager's ability to stay within the prescribed risk limits.Practical implications – These results should be of great interest to the managers of energy traders as well as to investors in firms participating in energy risk management. Clearly, it is important for energy firms to structure the compensation incentives of its traders such that they act in the best interests of the firm and its investors.Originality/value – This paper develops a compensation model for energy risk managers based on the number of days their DWL remains below their prescribed VR limit.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2017

Christian Busse, Alexander Regelmann, Hariganesh Chithambaram and Stephan M. Wagner

Because of the major contribution of logistics to the greenhouse gas effect, logistics research has begun to address the topic of energy, but it has not yet targeted the role of…

1340

Abstract

Purpose

Because of the major contribution of logistics to the greenhouse gas effect, logistics research has begun to address the topic of energy, but it has not yet targeted the role of energy within logistical decision-making processes. To facilitate such endeavors, the purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of energy which managers in logistics organizations portray.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation is based on interviews with 17 managers. The findings are embedded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and stakeholder theory (SHT).

Findings

The study depicts initial insights on which energy-related perceptions exist, how they can be categorized into attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls (PBCs), and how different stakeholders seem to affect them.

Research limitations/implications

This research suggests a tentative comprehensive conceptual framework that describes the role of energy in logistical decision-making processes. The findings on attitudes and subjective norms appear to be unspecific to the logistics domain, whereas some of the PBCs are presumably unique to the logistics context. Future logistics research should hence focus its efforts on the PBCs. Generalizability and completeness of the managerial perceptions must be validated by future research.

Practical implications

The findings help logistics organizations in scrutinizing managerial perspectives on energy and in developing awareness-raising measures.

Originality/value

The behavioral perspective applied in this study can complement extant, more technically oriented views. The conceptual framework that integrates the TPB and SHT may also be useful for organizational research beyond the logistics domain.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 47 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Developing Leaders for Positive Organizing
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-241-1

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2022

Achini Shanika Weerasinghe, Eziaku Onyeizu Rasheed and James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi

This paper aims to investigate building managers’ approach towards occupant energy behaviours and rationalises organisational energy culture concerning their strategy to address…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate building managers’ approach towards occupant energy behaviours and rationalises organisational energy culture concerning their strategy to address occupants’ preferences in New Zealand tertiary office buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used grounded theory analysis by interviewing a purposive sample of 25 participants from a university. Also, semi-structured interviews were conducted with facilities managers, sustainability managers and building occupants.

Findings

The study results revealed that building managers oversimplify the multi-domain discomfort, energy impacts from occupant behaviours and the influence of social-psychology aspects on occupants’ actions. The organisational energy culture can be further improved by increasing occupants’ knowledge and awareness of energy, sharing energy feedback with occupants to make energy conscious occupants and giving them responsibilities to achieve the organisation’s energy targets.

Originality/value

This study enables opportunities to promote collaboration between building managers and occupants by comparing perspectives on occupant energy impacts.

Details

Facilities , vol. 40 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 January 2021

Jayaraman Chillayil, M. Suresh, Viswanathan P.K. and Sasi K. Kottayil

Energy-efficiency leads to productivity gains as it can lower operating and maintenance costs, increase production yields per unit of manufacturing input and improve staff…

Abstract

Purpose

Energy-efficiency leads to productivity gains as it can lower operating and maintenance costs, increase production yields per unit of manufacturing input and improve staff accountability. Implementation of energy-efficient technologies amongst industries, the factors influencing them and the barriers to their adoption have been the subject of several studies during the past three to four decades. Though energy-use behaviours of individuals or households are sufficiently explored, industrial energy conservation behaviour is scarcely studied. This study identifies the relationship between the different behavioural elements to open up a door for behaviourally informed intervention research.

Design/methodology/approach

Total interpretive structural modelling technique was used to determine the relationship between different elements of the behaviour of energy managers. Expert responses were collected to understand the relationship between the behavioural elements, through telephone interviews.

Findings

The study identified the relationship between the behavioural elements and found imperfect evaluation as the key element with the highest driving power to influence other elements.

Research limitations/implications

The authors postulate that a behaviourally informed intervention strategy that looks into the elements with high driving power such as imperfect evaluation, lack of focus on energy-saving measures and the lack of sharing energy-saving objectives can lead to: an increase in the adoption of energy efficiency measures and thereby a reduction in the energy efficiency gap; greater productivity gains and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; Preparation of M&V protocol that incorporates behavioural, organisational and informational barriers.

Social implications

Various policy level interventions and regulatory measures in the energy field which did not address the behavioural barriers are found unsuccessful in narrowing the energy-efficiency gap, reducing the GHG gas emissions and global warming. Understanding the key driving factor of behaviour can help to design an effective intervention strategy to address the barriers to energy efficiency improvement.

Originality/value

Understanding the key driving factor of behaviour can help to design an effective intervention strategy to address the barriers to energy efficiency improvement. This study argues that through the systematic analysis of the imperfect evaluation of energy audit recommendations, it is possible to increase the adoption of energy efficiency measures that can lead to greater productivity gains and reduced GHG emissions.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2005

Majid Haji‐Sapar and Siew Eang Lee

To establish national energy performance benchmarks and an energy efficiency classification system for commercial office buildings from whole building to sub‐systems level for…

3471

Abstract

Purpose

To establish national energy performance benchmarks and an energy efficiency classification system for commercial office buildings from whole building to sub‐systems level for building professionals including facility managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Issuing of survey form and questionnaires to 16 building owners before field interview. Building physical data and systems nameplate, quantities and types were verified on site. The past 24 months electricity consumption bills were also collected from building owners. Physical environmental conditions and short‐term power measurement on building systems were done to determine the level of energy consumption and performance.

Research limitations/implications

The classification and benchmarking methodology developed is useful for the regions to establish their own database and tools.

Practical implications

The building energy performance assessment and auditing methodology are useful to both building owner/manager and energy services companies (ESCOs) in carrying out systematic assessment and analysis on building energy characteristics. The benchmark system established will also serve as a reference to building professionals to adopt a more holistic approach in designing an energy efficient building. Useful also for building owners who are considering carrying out retrofitting works on their existing building or systems.

Originality/value

The study provides detailed whole building and systems benchmarks for Singapore. The results provide an objective evaluation system of commercial office building energy performance.

Details

Facilities, vol. 23 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2022

Bryan Pieterse, Kofi Agyekum, Patrick Manu, Saeed Reza Mohandes, Clara Cheung and Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo

Major maintenance projects are often regarded as maintenance activities regardless of the projects' complexity and scale. Consequently, very scarce research attention has hitherto…

Abstract

Purpose

Major maintenance projects are often regarded as maintenance activities regardless of the projects' complexity and scale. Consequently, very scarce research attention has hitherto been paid to the critical skills required when undertaking these projects. More specifically, the body of relevant knowledge is deprived of a study focusing on maintenance projects within the energy sector. In view of this shortcoming, this research aims to examine the critical project management (PM) skills required to deliver major maintenance projects within the energy sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a quantitative research strategy, this study addressed the knowledge gap through a cross-sectional survey of professionals involved in the delivery of major maintenance projects in the United Kingdom's (UK) energy sector. Data obtained were analyzed via descriptive (e.g. frequencies, mean and standard deviation [SD]) and inferential statistical analyses (One sample t-test and exploratory factor analysis (EFA)).

Findings

Out of the 45 PM skills identified in the literature and examined by the respondents, the results obtained from the One sample t-test (based on p (1-tailed) = 0.05) showed that 37 were considered to be at least “important,” accounting for 80.4% of all the skills identified. EFA revealed a clustering of the PM skills items into seven components: “skills related to work scheduling and coordination”; “communication, risk, safety and stakeholder management skills”; “quality assurance skills”; “people management skills”; “skills related to forecasting scope and duration of outage”; “implementation of processes and time management skills” and “technical/engineering skills and experience pertaining to the outage and local site knowledge.”

Originality/value

This study has identified and contributed to the limited state-of-the-art skills project managers must possess to manage major maintenance projects in the energy sector successfully. The findings would be useful to organizations within the energy sector in ensuring that the organizations have suitable personnel in place to deliver major maintenance projects on the organizations' assets.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 November 2019

Marcelo Berbone Furlan Alves, Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour and Enzo Barberio Mariano

The purpose of this paper is to address the perceptions of managers in large companies located in Brazil regarding the long-term and short-term benefits of adopting strategic…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the perceptions of managers in large companies located in Brazil regarding the long-term and short-term benefits of adopting strategic actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an empirical analytical method, this paper examines interviews conducted with senior managers of leading companies located in Brazil to identify their perceptions of adopting strategic actions toward mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Findings

The key results are as follows: the most commonly perceived long-term benefit was operational improvement, based on the improved energy efficiency of operations; strategic management of aspects affected by climate change can make managers more aware of the benefits derived from the decisions taken; and a short-term view and aversion to uncertainty can lead to failures in strategic management, limiting the effectiveness of actions for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on the topic of climate change by presenting evidence that adaptation and mitigation measures can increase organizational managers’ perception of long-term benefits, and that climate change management structures guide managers to make the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 32 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2019

Baabak Ashuri, Jun Wang, Mohsen Shahandashti and Minsoo Baek

Building energy benchmarking is required for adopting an energy certification scheme, promoting energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. It demonstrates the current…

Abstract

Purpose

Building energy benchmarking is required for adopting an energy certification scheme, promoting energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. It demonstrates the current level of energy consumption, the value of potential energy improvement and the prospects for additional savings. This paper aims to create a new data envelopment analysis (DEA) model that overcomes the limitations of existing models for building energy benchmarking.

Design/methodology/approach

Data preparation: the findings of the literature search and subject matter experts’ inputs are used to construct the DEA model. Particularly, it is ensured that the included variables would not violate the fundamental assumption of DEA modeling, DEA convexity axiom. New DEA formulation: controllable and non-controllable variables, e.g. weather conditions, are differentiated in the new formulation. A new approach is used to identify outliers to avoid skewing the efficiency scores for the rest of the buildings under consideration. Efficiency analysis: three distinct efficiencies are computed and analyzed in benchmarking building energy: overall, pure technical, and scale efficiency.

Findings

The proposed DEA approach is successfully applied to a data set provided by a utility management and energy services company that is active in the multifamily housing industry. Building characteristics and energy consumption of 124 multifamily properties in 15 different states in the USA are found in the data set. Buildings in this data set are benchmarked using the new DEA energy benchmarking formulation. Building energy benchmarking is also conducted in a time series manner showing how a particular building performs across the period of 12 months compared with its peers.

Originality/value

The proposed research contributes to the body of knowledge in building energy benchmarking through developing a new outlier detection method to mitigate the impact of super-efficient and super-inefficient buildings on skewing the efficiency scores of the other buildings; avoiding ratio variables in the DEA formulation to adhere to the convexity assumption that existing DEA methods do not follow; and distinguishing between controllable and non-controllable variables in the DEA formulation. This research contributes to the state of practice through providing a new energy benchmarking tool for facility managers and building owners that strive to relatively rank the energy-efficiency of their properties and identify low-performing properties as investment targets to enhance energy efficiency.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 50000