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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

Adnan Enshassi, Sherif Mohamed and Ibrahim Madi

Estimating is a fundamental part of the construction industry. The success or failure of a project is dependent on the accuracy of several estimates through‐out the course of the…

1744

Abstract

Estimating is a fundamental part of the construction industry. The success or failure of a project is dependent on the accuracy of several estimates through‐out the course of the project. Construction estimating is the compilation and analysis of many items that influence and contribute to the cost of a project. Estimating which is done before the physical performance of the work requires a detailed study and careful analysis of the bidding documents, in order to achieve the most accurate estimate possible of the probable cost consistent with the bidding time available and the accuracy and completeness of the information submitted. Overestimated or underestimated cost has the potential to cause loss to local contracting companies. The objective of this paper is to identify the essential factors and their relative importance that affect accuracy of cost estimation of building contracts in the Gaza strip. The results of analyzing fifty one factors considered in a questionnaire survey concluded that the main factors are: location of the project, segmentation of the Gaza strip and limitation of movements between areas, political situation, and financial status of the owner.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2021

Ibrahim A. Amar, Jawaher O. Asser, Amina S. Mady, Mabroukah S. Abdulqadir, Fatima A. Altohami, Abubaker A. Sharif and Ihssin A. Abdalsamed

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the adsorption properties of CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4 magnetic nanoparticles (CFMo MNPs) using, anionic dye “congo red (CR)” as a model of…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the adsorption properties of CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4 magnetic nanoparticles (CFMo MNPs) using, anionic dye “congo red (CR)” as a model of water pollutants.

Design/methodology/approach

The magnetic nano-adsorbent was synthesized via sol-gel process. Different techniques including; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, point of zero charge, scanning electron microscope and X-ray powder diffraction were used to characterize the prepared adsorbent. Adsorption experiments were conducted in batch mode under various conditions (contact time, shaking speed, initial dye concentration, initial solution pH, solution temperature and adsorbent amount) to investigate the adsorption capability of CFMo MNPs for CR.

Findings

The results showed that, CFMo MNPs could successfully remove more than 90% of CR dye within 20 min. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were better described using pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Langmuir models, respectively. The maximum adsorbed amount (qmax) of CR dye was 135.14 mg/g. The adsorption process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous in nature as demonstrated by the thermodynamics ( ΔGo, ΔHoand ΔSo).

Practical implications

This study provided a good example of using an easily separated magnetic nano-adsorbent for fast removal of a very toxic organic pollutant, congo red, from the aquatic environment

Originality/value

The employment of Mo-doped cobalt ferrite for the first time for removing hazardous anionic dyes such as congo red from their aqueous solutions.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 50 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2019

Ahmad Ibrahim Said Karajeh

This study aims to investigate the relationship between earnings quality and corporate voluntary disclosure among Malaysian listed companies. Moreover, it examines the moderating…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between earnings quality and corporate voluntary disclosure among Malaysian listed companies. Moreover, it examines the moderating effect of the ownership structure on the relationship between earnings quality and corporate voluntary disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study covers 300 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. It has used strategic, financial and non-financial information to measure voluntary disclosure; earnings management, persistence and smoothness to measure earnings quality; and institutional and managerial shareholders to measure ownership structure. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to investigate if ownership structure moderates the relationship between earnings quality and corporate voluntary disclosure.

Findings

The results in this work imply that companies with high earnings quality are more likely to disclose voluntary information to help stakeholders. Furthermore, this study provides original evidence that institutional ownership and managerial ownership play a main role as moderating variables that influence management motives toward practices of voluntary disclosure and earnings quality.

Originality/value

Because of the limited number of empirical studies on the relationship between voluntary disclosure and earnings quality, this study fills a gap in the literature by investigating the relationship between them. In addition, a lack of research exists on the effects of ownership structure on the relationship between voluntary disclosure and the earnings quality. Therefore, this study makes an original contribution to the literature by using institutional and managerial ownership as moderating variables to investigate the effects of the ownership structure on the relationship between voluntary disclosure and earnings quality in Malaysian companies.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2022

Corina Joseph, Mariam Rahmat, Sharifah Norzehan Syed Yusuf, Jennifer Tunga Janang and Nero Madi

This paper aims to describe the development of the ethical values disclosure index (EVDi) for Malaysian companies using the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 and isomorphism…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of the ethical values disclosure index (EVDi) for Malaysian companies using the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 and isomorphism perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports an inclusive examination of international and national guidelines in relation to the code of ethics and ethical values in making the disclosure.

Findings

The final 10 categories and 40 items under review have been developed in an instrument, the proposed EVDi, for measuring the commitment undertaken by companies in communicating ethical values information to stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The EVDi may fulfil the function of good governance to inculcate ethical work culture throughout companies.

Social implications

Effective ethical values in communication may reduce the likelihood of illegal activities and cost of acting unethically in organisations.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is its approach of using the isomorphism concept from the institutional theory to address the SDG 16 by developing the EVDi. The new index incorporates core elements of moral values adapted mainly from the professional bodies that regulate the accounting profession and other related organisations. The index is an initiative used to measure companies' commitment to promoting ethical values through disclosure. The efforts to measure the level of commitment supporting the SDG 16 promote effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

Details

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9369

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 17 January 2023

Helen M. Dah, Robert J. Blomme, Arie Kil and Ben Q. Honyenuga

This chapter investigates the effect of customer orientation and CRM organization on hotel financial performance. A model of enhancing hotel financial performance through customer…

Abstract

This chapter investigates the effect of customer orientation and CRM organization on hotel financial performance. A model of enhancing hotel financial performance through customer satisfaction practices was tested. Customer satisfaction was hypothesized to be a mediator in the relationships between customer orientation and CRM organization and the result being financial performance. The sample consisted of 54 hotels that was made up of three 5-star, fifteen 4-star, and thirty-six 3-star hotels in Ghana. A quantitative deductive approach was employed to gather data using cross-sectional survey, which was analyzed using PLS-SEM to check the validity, reliability and factor loading of the data. The findings revealed that, CRM organization enhances customer satisfaction and financial performance of hotels. Also, customer orientation showed significant positively related to customer satisfaction in the hotels. Surprisingly, the effects of CRM organization and customer orientation on financial performance through customer satisfaction were insignificant. Thus, customer satisfaction failed to mediate the effect of CRM organization and customer orientation on the financial performance of hotels. This suggests that though an effective CRM organization enhances customer satisfaction, it directly affects the financial performance of hotels. The outcomes have useful implications for CRM implementation on hotel financial performance in Ghana.

Details

Advances in Hospitality and Leisure
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-816-9

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2016

Abdulfattah Yaghi

The purpose of this paper is to examine the multi-dimensionality of women managers’ turnover in the United Arab Emirates. The study argues that several factors besides public…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the multi-dimensionality of women managers’ turnover in the United Arab Emirates. The study argues that several factors besides public policy influence turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

A special survey was developed and administered to a convenience sample of 298 local women managers in both sectors. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson and multiple regression analyses were used.

Findings

The empirical analyses provided support to the multidimensionality of turnover. In addition, turnover was predicted by a model of eight factors (adjusted R2 = 0.456), namely, economic needs, quality of work life, leadership type and practices, social needs, marital status, organisational satisfaction, organisational commitment and public policy.

Research limitations/implications

The study was rich, empirical data were gathered and analysed along with qualitative literature. Gender remains salient in organisations as human resource policies alone are incapable of retaining women in leadership. Limited sample size and convenience sampling method may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Workplace conditions complement human resource policies; hence, the success of the latter relies on the success of the former. Economic incentives remain significant to motivating managers and retaining women in leadership jobs.

Social implications

Human resource management policies, such as Emiratisation, cannot be successful without empowering women.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is drawn from using first-hand data to examine the multi-dimensionality argument of turnover in addition to the advancement of gender studies in leadership and management. The study also provided evidence that rationality (i.e. economic means) remains important to retain women managers.

Details

Gender in Management: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2413

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2021

Marwa Ghanem, Ibrahim Elshaer and Samar Saad

This study aims to address the absence of a thorough understanding of commitment in tourism public-private partnerships (PPP) by exploring antecedents of PPP commitment and their…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address the absence of a thorough understanding of commitment in tourism public-private partnerships (PPP) by exploring antecedents of PPP commitment and their underpinning relationships in regard to the destination management system (DMS).

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical investigation of the case of the Egyptian DMS, a PPP which was forsaken by the government partner and which subsequently failed. Qualitative and quantitative approaches are used for a comprehensive overview of the researched phenomena pertaining to external and internal stakeholders.

Findings

The results indicated that stakeholder management, relational capital, perceived benefits and stakeholder capabilities could influence intentions to commit to a tourism PPP project. Also, the latter three factors were found to mediate the relationship between stakeholder management and long-term PPP commitment. The results also shed light on the important aspects of non-contractual, interpersonal relationships between internal and external PPP stakeholders.

Originality/value

This research pioneers inquiries on the commitment of Tourism PPP/DMS projects and its possible drivers in a non-Western context. Also, this study contributes to knowledge by exploring the relationship within and between internal (partners) and external (e.g. local service providers) stakeholder groups and provided evidence on the crucial role of both on long-term PPP commitment and success. The current study has a few significant contributions to the PPP literature regarding the commitment and success of PPP in the complicated environments in which tourism PPP projects are operated. Moreover, this study offers essential information and practices for improving partner relationships with external stakeholders.

目的

本研究通过探讨PPP承诺的前因及其相互关系, 解决了对旅游公私合作伙伴关系(PPP)中的承诺缺乏透彻了解的问题。

设计/方法/方法

经验证据来自埃及目的地管理系统(DMS)的经验, 在这种情况下, 旅游PPP由于公共部门放弃了该项目而失败。采用混合方法来全面理解主题, 分析内部(合作伙伴)和外部(例如旅游提供商)利益相关者的观点。

结果

结果表明, 利益相关者的管理, 关系资本, 可感知的收益和利益相关者的能力可能会影响致力于旅游PPP项目的意图。另外, 发现后三个因素可以调解利益相关者管理与长期PPP承诺之间的关系。结果还阐明了内部和外部PPP利益相关者之间非合同, 人际关系的重要方面。

原创性/价值

这是第一个研究旅游PPP/DMS项目的承诺及其在非西方背景下的驱动力的研究。此外, 这项研究还通过探索内部(合作伙伴)与外部(例如本地服务提供商)利益相关者群体之间以及两者之间的关系, 为知识做出了贡献, 并提供了证据证明两者在长期PPP承诺和成功中都发挥着关键作用。当前的研究对PPP文献在PPP在旅游PPP项目运行的复杂环境中的承诺和成功做出了重要贡献。此外, 这项研究提供了必要的信息和实践, 以改善与外部利益相关者的合作伙伴关系。

Propósito

este estudio aborda la ausencia de una comprensión profunda del compromiso en las asociaciones público-privadas (APP) de turismo al explorar los antecedentes del compromiso de las APP y sus relaciones subyacentes.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

la evidencia empírica se deriva de la experiencia del sistema de gestión de destinos (DMS) egipcio, un caso en el que una APP de turismo fracasó debido al abandono del proyecto por parte del sector público. Se adopta un enfoque de métodos mixtos para comprender de manera integral el tema, analizando las perspectivas de los interesados internos (socios) y externos (por ejemplo, proveedores de turismo).

Hallazgos

los resultados indicaron que la gestión de las partes interesadas, el capital relacional, los beneficios percibidos y las capacidades de las partes interesadas podrían influir en las intenciones de comprometerse con un proyecto de APP de turismo. Además, se encontró que los últimos tres factores median la relación entre la gestión de las partes interesadas y el compromiso de APP a largo plazo. Los resultados también arrojaron luz sobre los aspectos importantes de las relaciones interpersonales no contractuales entre las partes interesadas internas y externas de las APP.

Originalidad/valor

este es el primer estudio que investiga el compromiso de los proyectos de PPP/DMS de turismo y sus posibles impulsores en un contexto no occidental. Además, este estudio contribuye al conocimiento al explorar la relación dentro y entre los grupos de partes interesadas internos (socios) y externos (por ejemplo, proveedores de servicios locales), y proporcionó evidencia sobre el papel crucial de ambos en el compromiso y el éxito de las APP a largo plazo. El presente estudio tiene algunas contribuciones significativas a la literatura sobre APP con respecto al compromiso y el éxito de las APP en los entornos complicados en los que se operan los proyectos de APP de turismo. Además, este estudio ofrece información y prácticas esenciales para mejorar las relaciones de los socios con las partes interesadas externas.

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2019

Tala Hassan Dandan, Ghaleb Sweis, Lilana Salem Sukkari and Rateb J. Sweis

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors affecting cost estimate accuracy in each of five design stages preceding building construction: order of magnitude…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors affecting cost estimate accuracy in each of five design stages preceding building construction: order of magnitude, conceptual/schematic, detailed design, construction document and bid phase.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an online survey completed by 138 respondents who work in design consultancy firms in Jordan, including project managers, architects and quantity surveyors (QSs). Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Confirmatory interviews and case study comparisons were used to confirm the statistical analysis results.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that each design stage’s cost estimate was affected by several factors. Two significant factors were common across four of the five design stages: client experience and project team experience. In addition, a high level of agreement was observed among the project managers, architects and QSs regarding the factors affecting cost estimate accuracy.

Originality/value

Accurately estimating building construction costs during the design process has posed a challenge for designers and their clients in Jordan. Despite the care and effort involved in preparing cost estimates in each of the five design stages, deviations are commonly observed. Because the accuracy of building construction cost estimates directly affect the success or failure of a project, the results of this study can be used to reduce uncertainties in building construction cost estimation and subsequently increase the likelihood of project success

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2022

Hani Alkayed and Bilal Fayiz Omar

This study aims to investigate the determinants of the extent and quality of corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) in Jordan. The study examines a number of factors…

1151

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of the extent and quality of corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) in Jordan. The study examines a number of factors that influence the extent and quality of CSR disclosure, such as corporate characteristics, corporate governance and ownership structure.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach and a content analysis technique is used to measure the extent and quality of CSRD from annual reports. The sample is drawn from the annual reports of 118 Jordanian companies between 2010 and 2015. A CSRD index is constructed, which includes the disclosures of the following categories: environmental, human resources, product and consumers, and community involvement. This is the first study that presents a new measurement for CSR disclosure quality by using images and charts in a seven-point scale measurement.

Findings

The result reveals that the extent of CSRD is higher than quality in Jordan. Regarding the determinants of CSR disclosures, the following factors were found to have a significant relationship with both the extent and quality of CSRD: board size, non-executive directors, age of firm, foreign members on the board, number of boards meetings, the presence of audit committees, big 4, government ownership, size of firm and industry type. Non-executive directors was found to have a significant correlation with the extent of CSRD.

Research limitations/implications

The current study has some limitations; first, the study findings are limited to the Jordanian environment. Second, the study adopted a purely quantitative method, and future research could include interviews and questionnaires to gather data from financial managers and chief executive officers (CEOs). Third, the potential influences on the level and quality of CSR are not limited to the variables tested in this study. Future research can be done on new determinants, such as CEO interlocking and profitability. Finally, the sample included companies from two main sectors – the services and industrial sectors; thus, this limited the results to these two main sectors.

Practical implications

Practitioners, as firms, should develop new strategies and ensure that CSR is included in their reports. Thus, companies can achieve legitimacy for their products and activities. Policymakers must consider introducing new laws that mandate CSRDs since it has many advantages for companies and society. In addition, this research suggests amending the law to require companies to have 33% of their directors be non-executives since this will remove the negative effect on CSR disclosure. Investors must pay attention to the social activities of the companies they invest in, as CSR could have a positive effect on their market value.

Social implications

The study has indicated that Jordanian companies became increasingly more involved in CSR activities, as this growth in CSRD is linked with global increases in CSR. Moreover, the study has revealed that the highest category of CSR disclosures is related to products or services and employee information. On the other hand, the lowest category of CSR disclosures is related to community and other disclosures (extent) and environmental disclosures (quality). Furthermore, the results show that the services sector was found to have more disclosures regarding employees and community, whereas the industrial sector was more concerned about environmental and product information.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that presents a new measurement for CSR disclosure quality by using images and charts in a seven-point scale measurement. This new seven-point scale will be adopted to distinguish between poor and excellent disclosures. In addition, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in Jordan which examines the determinants of the extent and the quality of CSR for three categories, namely, corporate characteristics, corporate governance and ownership structure.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

Ahmed Elhafiz Ibrahim

This study has the aim of evaluating the compliance of bilingual Arabic scripts web‐based catalogues in the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC). It also seeks to highlight some of the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study has the aim of evaluating the compliance of bilingual Arabic scripts web‐based catalogues in the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC). It also seeks to highlight some of the challenges facing the exchange of bibliographic records and resource sharing among Arabic script online public access catalogues (OPACs).

Design/methodology/approach

Ten OPACs in the GCC countries accessible via the internet were surveyed. Modified guidelines of OPAC displays published in the literature were used for evaluating the Arabic script display in the surveyed web‐based OPACs. The study emphasizes the absence of a dominant model for the display of bibliographic data in the surveyed OPACs. There is inconsistency in label wording, access points provided in record default display, hyperlink to bibliographic elements, and data sequence. MARC format is not utilized in over two thirds of the surveyed catalogues, as well as the Z39.50 protocol. The study argues that the web‐based OPAC could play a landmark role in networking the catalogues of the GCC University libraries as a web‐based e‐union catalogue.

Findings

OPACs have broadened the capacity of the academic library in recording, indexing, archiving, and organising its growth‐oriented collections. The advent of the internet into the library setting has also provided OPACs with powerful searching and retrieval capabilities at a one‐stop portal. Meanwhile, great efforts are currently being done to design and operate an Arabic version of OPAC to be compatible with agreed‐upon MARC standards. This challenge sparked strong interest in evaluating the compliance of the bilingual (Arabic/English) web‐based OPAC operated particularly by some GCC University libraries.

Originality/value

Provides an evaluation of the compliance of bilingual Arabic scripts web‐based catalogues in the GCC.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

1 – 10 of 43