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1 – 10 of over 28000Ana Chadburn, Judy Smith and Joshua Milan
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the drivers that allow for enhanced personal productivity of knowledge-based workers in Central London focusing on the physical and social…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the drivers that allow for enhanced personal productivity of knowledge-based workers in Central London focusing on the physical and social environment as well as worker’s individual preferences.
Design/methodology/approach
A closed-ended questionnaire was sent to employees of eight professional companies (Consultancy, Financial and Media Services) based in Central London. Of the 500 questionnaires sent, 213 were successfully completed and returned, representing a response rate of 42.6 per cent.
Findings
The findings from this trial study show that comfort, convenience, IT connectivity, good design and working to a specific time scale were strong drivers of personal productivity. Knowledge workers prefer a flexible range of office settings that enable both a stimulating open and connected work environment, knowledge sharing, collaboration, as well as quiet concentration locations, free of distractions and noise. It was also found that moves of knowledge workers into open-plan office space (and especially fee earners) is normally met with initial resistance. However, there is normally greater acceptance of open space after experiencing an actual move into open-plan, with benefits improving teamwork and communication being highlighted. The research also stresses that office design considerations need to be closer aligned with knowledge worker’s overall well-being and individual psychological needs.
Research limitations/implications
Limited to Central London offices and self-assessed evaluation of productivity drivers within the knowledge worker’s office environment.
Practical implications
Corporate real estate managers and office occupiers, designers and facilities managers can use the findings as part of their workplace strategy by providing a range of flexible workplaces that allow the knowledge worker a place for greater personal productivity through the provision of a well-designed collaborative office environment alongside private and quiet working spaces. Developers and landlords should also be aware of these requirements when taking their decisions.
Originality/value
This paper focuses specifically on the high-productivity knowledge-based work environment, demonstrating that there is a need to consider the collaborative physical and social environment and the individual preferences of knowledge workers to ensure enhanced personal productivity and well-being within the office. This can be achieved through the provision of a well-designed office space that allows for open, connected and comfortable work environments, as well as opportunities to use dedicated concentration spaces that are free of distraction. It was also shown that hot-desking was unanimously disliked by knowledge workers.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate gender differences in motivations to use flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in Korea.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate gender differences in motivations to use flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in Korea.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a literature review on theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study considers four motivational factors that influence the intention to use FWA: motivation for personal life, motivation for productivity, peer behaviour and concerns about career disadvantages. Survey response data drawn from 92 male and 105 female Korean workers were used to analyse differences by gender.
Findings
As for the male respondents, all four motivational factors have a significant effect on the intention to use FWA. However, in the female respondents, the effects of concerns about career disadvantages on the intention to use FWA are not significant. The results of gender differences analysis show that significant difference was not found in the effect of motivation for personal life on the intention to use FWA while the other three motivational factors have significant differences by gender.
Research limitations/implications
In this research, basing its conceptual background on TPB, a novel approach is taken by introducing motivational factors as the antecedents of intention to use FWA. This is a more systematic view on individuals’ behavioural mechanism relating to the intention to choose FWA. It is also meaningful in that this study looks at the intention to use FWA from a broader perspective by suggesting gender differences as critical analysis criteria given the uniqueness of Korean labour market.
Practical implications
For an effective operation of FWA, it is important not only to launch a flexible working programme itself, but also to ensure that the users are properly understood and fairly evaluated.
Originality/value
Considering the motivations of utilising FWA from various angles will contribute to coming up with various measures to raise the use and effectiveness of FWA.
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Russell Jaffe, Robert A. Nash, Richard Ash, Norm Schwartz, Robert Corish, Tammy Born, James P. Carter and Harold Lazarus
Healthcare is both the largest (17 + percent) and the most rapidly growing (three plus times the consumer product index (measure of inflation) and half a percent of gross domestic…
Abstract
Purpose
Healthcare is both the largest (17 + percent) and the most rapidly growing (three plus times the consumer product index (measure of inflation) and half a percent of gross domestic product each year) segment of the US economy. The purpose of this paper is to focus on outcome successes that illustrate application of a previously reported health equation. The health equation allows an organized and more transparent assessment of healthcare outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach includes “end use/least cost” techniques that identifies healthful care as a big unmet need (BUN) and equally attractive business opportunity in identifying health promotion that improves outcome at lower net costs.
Findings
Opportunity exists to reduce costs while also reducing adverse events, healthcare morbidity and morality. Transparency is essential to find what works more effectively to yield desired outcomes. Metrics and measures, particularly more precise tools to assess true outcome in promoting health or managing ill health, are given priority as they allow quantified and, often econometric, outcome opportunities in the midst of current uncertainties.
Practical implications
This paper is for consumers and businesses, managers and administrators, professionals and allied health professionals. The successes described herein illustrate fundamental opportunities driving change and innovation within healthcare and in our society.
Originality/value
Attention is called to opportunity areas that can fund out of savings the transition from the authors' current “sickness care” system to a healthful care, proactive prevention approach to delivering care. Novel application of transparency and end use/least cost can help guide choices to achieve healthier outcomes.
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For many years, facility and real estate executives have focused on reducing workplace costs as the primary way to add value to their organisations. They have implemented a…
Abstract
For many years, facility and real estate executives have focused on reducing workplace costs as the primary way to add value to their organisations. They have implemented a variety of measures over time to improve traditional facility metrics such as cost per person, cost per seat and area per person. As global businesses contend with a bewildering array of challenges such as the uncertain world economy, unstable and often plunging stock market values, terrorism and war, however, the search for leverage in every aspect of the organisation is relentless. More is being demanded, especially from workplace assets. The good news is that much more is possible. The concept of ‘workplace’ is being redefined to keep pace with changes in organisations, employees, technology, environmental sensitivity, culture and the nature of work itself. As the approach to workplace becomes more people‐centric and less place‐centric, what emerges is a new possibility for the workplace to be utilised as a strategic business tool. People are the key to business performance; the workplace can enable and catalyse people and the work they do. This paper deals with the process for linking workplace to business performance, key tools, innovative ways of measuring this linkage, and examples of the value a variety of organisations are achieving through their innovative workplace strategies. The paper is intended to provide real estate executives and facility managers with greater perspective on the contribution that the workplace can make to achieving business objectives. It will also explore ways of incorporating adaptability and flexibility into the design aspect of workplace strategies to achieve maximum velocity and return on investment. As organisations struggle to adapt to current business conditions, a high‐performance workplace is no longer simply a desirable long‐term goal; it may well be a key to survival.
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Camille Kapoor and Nicole Solomon
The modern workplace now consists of four different generations for the first time in history. Each generation, Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y, has…
Abstract
Purpose
The modern workplace now consists of four different generations for the first time in history. Each generation, Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y, has been heavily influenced by the events of their time; this creates a new challenge for employers. Companies must make workplace adjustments in order to create a productive environment for all employees, regardless of their generation. This paper aims to address these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The findings of researchers interested in generational differences, workplace communication, management, diversity in the workplace, and many other topics were studied in the production of this piece.
Findings
This research shows that employers must identify the separate characteristics of each generation present in their workplace. Further, employers must foster a work environment that aids productivity for every generation; they must give their employees the information and skills needed to understand the generational characteristics of their co‐workers to create understanding among employees. Other steps that managers can take include mentor programs, generational diversity training, and enhanced communication methods designed to cater to each generation's preferences.
Originality/value
This literature review takes into account the findings of researchers who have studied the characteristics of each generation and the application of these characteristics in the workplace. The problem of a generationally diverse workplace is present in most companies today.
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Eric Zimmerman and Judit Bar‐Ilan
The purpose of this paper is to look at measures of e‐mail use and e‐mail management among academic faculty in relation to research productivity. The aim is to report only on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to look at measures of e‐mail use and e‐mail management among academic faculty in relation to research productivity. The aim is to report only on e‐mail use and management.
Design/methodology/approach
For this quantitative study, productivity data were gathered from information management systems of Bar‐Ilan University in Israel and a survey questionnaire was distributed in order to measure e‐mail use. The scholarly community of Bar‐Ilan University was surveyed via a web‐form – of the 781 survey copies disseminated, 412 (52.8 per cent of the total) were received and the final usable number was 390 (49.9 per cent of the total).
Findings
With younger biological and/or professional age, there are correspondingly higher levels of e‐mail usage. It is clear that the younger a user is, the higher the perceived skill level and quantitative measures of e‐mail use, as well as a higher perception of one's capacity to use e‐mail. It would also seem that with older professional age, there is less perceived benefit to using e‐mail. With increased levels of perception as to the benefit of e‐mail to productivity, there is increased use of e‐mail.
Originality/value
This paper provides a depth of study (in its range of disciplines covered, in a single location, with a broad population) with a range of e‐mail measures not previously seen in this decade. While Israel is small in size, it accounts for 1 per cent of global scientific journal articles, emanating mainly from the universities and its achievements are such that the global community can indeed learn from the behaviour patterns of Israel's scholars, represented by the findings at one of the largest research universities.
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Recent supply chain literature are mainly concentrated on the quality of conventional supply chain information systems, the study on the e‐fulfillment has not been visibly…
Abstract
Recent supply chain literature are mainly concentrated on the quality of conventional supply chain information systems, the study on the e‐fulfillment has not been visibly noticeable. This paper uses factor analysis to determine four e‐fulfillment success factors: information quality, service quality, system quality, and work performance quality. Later, this paper uses discriminant analysis method to identify the key e‐fulfillment practices that the high satisfaction group would emphasize more than the low satisfaction group. A critical analysis of areas that require the improvement is also discussed.
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Jonathan Liu, Ashok Srivastava and Hong Seng Woo
This paper presents the findings of a literature review and survey conducted on sport sponsorship in the UK. The paper seeks to establish relevant material published that…
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of a literature review and survey conducted on sport sponsorship in the UK. The paper seeks to establish relevant material published that addresses the issue of the transferability of techniques and skills from sports to business. The findings of the literature review highlighted the close relationship between the two mediums. The results of the sponsorship questionnaire showed evidence of the transference of mutually beneficial skills between the organisations offering the assistance, and the sporting organisation receiving the funding. The survey indicated that a majority of sports sponsoring organisations offered more than just monetary assistance to their beneficiaries. Sponsors also assisted with the management of specific events, and operated the complicated software and computer equipment required for the smooth running of the sporting activity. These organisations supplied the sports with key personnel, and highly skilled staff who were experts in their respective fields in marketing, public relations, corporate hospitality, and management.
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Fiona Leverick, Dale Littler, Dominic Wilson and Margaret Bruce
There would appear to be a view in common currency that IT is revolutionizing marketing, offering the possibilities of enhanced operational efficiency, the facilitation of the…
Abstract
There would appear to be a view in common currency that IT is revolutionizing marketing, offering the possibilities of enhanced operational efficiency, the facilitation of the development of innovative products and services as well as the potential for reconfiguring marketing in the organization. Addresses the manner in which IT has affected and may significantly affect marketing by references to an empirical study of the existing and projected impact of IT on marketing activities, as well as analysing the factors which are likely to facilitate or impede the process. IT can be the handmaiden to the erosion of marketing as a major organizational function, with many of the traditional customer oriented activities being more widely diffused throughout the organization. On the other hand, it may be that marketing retains its position by adopting the role of guardian of the customer orientation, taking responsibility for defining the form and content of information that is an acceptable basis for organizational discourse.
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Yusuf Arayici, Onur Behzat Tokdemir and Mohamad Kassem
This research aims to identify and measure the correlations between building information modelling (BIM) and lean construction (LC) principles at the design and construction…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to identify and measure the correlations between building information modelling (BIM) and lean construction (LC) principles at the design and construction phases.
Design/methodology/approach
The study investigates BIM-LC principles correlations using the Istanbul Grant Airport (IGA) as a case study. The Delphi technique, performed quantitatively, contributes to the identification and quantification of a set of correlations between 11 selected BIM uses and 13 LC principles, which are supported with practical examples from the case study.
Findings
Together, the two research methods provide an evidence-based approach to understand the correlations between BIM and LC. The correlation analysis results in 46 correlations, and the correlations between the LC principles and BIM uses are intensified with the LC principles.
Practical implications
A quantitative understanding BIM use and LC principles correlations and appreciation of their specific uses can guide the practical implementation of BIM and LC, especially in large and mega projects.
Originality/value
BIM and LC practices represent approaches to improve performance in construction projects. While BIM has both information technology (IT) and process perspectives, the LC approach is mainly a process and product-oriented philosophy for project efficiency, effectiveness and the elimination of non-value-adding activities and waste. Many studies have investigated how the two approaches complement each other and concluded that their combined implementation in projects can improve efficiency and effectiveness. However, to date an analytical and granular investigation identifying and measuring correlations between BIM and LC based on empirical data is lacking. This paper fills that gap with an evidence-based analysis of the tightness of coupling and correlations between BIM uses and LC principles.
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