Search results

1 – 10 of 59
Article
Publication date: 30 July 2024

Ayda Rastiemadabadi, Joaquín Sabaté Bel and Melisa Pesoa Marcilla

This study aims to explore the relationship between contemporary cities and traditional urban forms. The central focus lies in identifying the key factors that facilitate the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between contemporary cities and traditional urban forms. The central focus lies in identifying the key factors that facilitate the harmonious coexistence of these contrasting sides of the city.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes Iranian bazaars as exemplars of traditional urban forms. To assess their current status, a comprehensive examination of their general evolution is conducted, tracing the transition of these urban complexes up to the present day. Subsequently, morphological analysis and exploration of spatial arrangements across numerous cases are employed to unveil the factors contributing to their disappearance or adaptation within the framework of Iran’s contemporary urban era.

Findings

The evolution process of the Iranian bazaar shows that the encounter between traditional bazaars and modernity occurred swiftly and blindly, resulting in adverse effects on traditional urban forms, notably bazaars. In recent years, contemporary urban planning has undertaken corrective measures, adopting a more nuanced approach. This shift significantly strides in restoring the symbiotic relationship between cities and their traditional bazaars. Morphologically, certain bazaars have preserved their vitality in contemporary cities through their natural development patterns, adept integration with new urban textures and the implementation of ingenious adaptive strategies.

Originality/value

This study employs a comprehensive and equitable approach to examining a distinct category of traditional urban forms. It initiates the inquiry by meticulously considering historical continuity in conjunction with detailed contemporary circumstances, subsequently scrutinising their losses, damages and developmental aspects. An extensive collection of cases is assembled and subjected to a consistent analytical framework for comparative evaluation to obtain the most accurate result. Consequently, the outcomes of this research may help the present urban planners engaged in projects concerning the restoration, preservation, revitalisation and development of traditional urban forms.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Muhammed Temitayo Bolomope, Amarachukwu Nnadozie Nwadike and Itohan Esther Aigwi

This study aimed to explore the institutional theory as a lens for investigating how construction firms adapt to supply chain disruptions. Specifically, the paper evaluates the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the institutional theory as a lens for investigating how construction firms adapt to supply chain disruptions. Specifically, the paper evaluates the interactions and interdependencies amongst various organizations, participants and institutions in the construction industry as a basis for a holistic, adaptive response strategy for managing supply chain disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the tenets of relativist philosophy and qualitative research methodology, this study explores the lived experiences of senior-level managers across major construction firms in New Zealand through in-depth semi-structured interviews, as a basis for understanding how their respective organizations adapt to supply chain disruptions.

Findings

The research findings suggest that aside from the formal rules that guide the conduct of construction firms as they adapt to supply chain disruptions, informal interactions that exist amongst various organizations and players in the construction industry could also enhance the development of innovative and practical response strategies to supply chain disruptions.

Originality/value

This study makes original empirical contributions to the supply chain management literature by providing insights into how construction firms demonstrate normative, coercive and mimetic isomorphic tendencies amidst the complexity of supply chain disruptions. Insights from this study could enhance the adaptive response of construction firms to supply chain disruptions while also improving the overall resilience of the built environment.

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: 27 December 2022

John Aliu, Douglas Aghimien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Andrew Ebekozien, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, Opeoluwa Akinradewo and Olushola Akinshipe

As the world experiences a rapid rise in technological advances, the engineering profession will be required to become even more socially responsible and emotionally stable to be…

Abstract

Purpose

As the world experiences a rapid rise in technological advances, the engineering profession will be required to become even more socially responsible and emotionally stable to be able to display higher levels of empathy towards the society they serve. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the key emotional competencies (ECs) that engineers need to possess to thrive in the construction industry after graduation.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was conducted with close-ended questionnaires developed and administered to built environment professionals such as architects, construction managers, construction project managers, engineers and quantity surveyors.

Findings

The results showed that the ability to display a positive outlook on life, understand one's emotional triggers, ability to display resilience in hard times, control one's emotions and ability to show compassion to others were the highest-ranked ECs. Further analysis revealed four clusters such as self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation and self-motivation.

Practical implications

Practical guidance for higher education institutions is offered in terms of revamping and revisiting their engineering education curricula to develop these ECs to produce emotionally sound engineers for the ever-changing world of work.

Originality/value

As the world of work becomes increasingly dynamic and diverse, engineers will be required to possess empathy, social skills and high levels of ECs to be able to seamlessly interact with fellow professionals as well as the society they serve.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Paavo Ritala, Mika Ruokonen and Laavanya Ramaul

This paper aims to demonstrate how the new generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT changes knowledge work for individuals and what are the implications of this change…

9327

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how the new generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT changes knowledge work for individuals and what are the implications of this change for companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 22 interviews from informants across different industries, the authors conducted an inductive analysis on the use and utility of ChatGPT in knowledge work. Based on this initial analysis, they discovered different ways in which ChatGPT either augments human agency, makes it redundant or lacks capability in that regard.

Findings

The authors develop a 2 × 2 framework of algorithmic assistance, which demonstrates four ways in which ChatGPT (and generative AI in general) interacts with knowledge workers, depending on the usefulness of ChatGPT in particular tasks and the type of the task (routine vs creative).

Practical implications

Based on the insights from the interviews, the authors propose a set of actionable questions for individual knowledge workers and companies from four viewpoints: skills and capabilities; team structure and workflow coordination; culture and mindset; and business model innovation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to identify and analyze the use of ChatGPT by knowledge workers across different industries.

Details

Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 45 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0275-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2023

Lütfi Sürücü, Halil Yıldız and Murat Sağbaş

This research aims to analyze the factors affecting the people's performance working in the health sector to improve the services the health sector provide to society and increase…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to analyze the factors affecting the people's performance working in the health sector to improve the services the health sector provide to society and increase the efficiency of their institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual model covering paternalistic leadership, employee creativity and psychological safety as an intermediary role has been suggested. A questionnaire was applied to 600 employees of three hospitals in Izmir voluntarily and 531 questionnaire data were obtained to test the proposed model. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences-23 and Amos-18 were the statistical software used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results suggest that paternalistic leadership positively affects employee creativity and psychological safety plays a mediating role in this relationship. While the effects of paternalistic leadership on employee resourcefulness are readily available, paternalistic leadership's mechanisms need elucidation.

Originality/value

Previous studies have addressed issues, such as employees' job satisfaction and organizational commitment, covering Far East countries. Yet, the present research's findings enhance the cultural understanding of the conditions, where the paternalistic leader affects employee creativity. Moreover, leader affects must have managerial contributions to institutions.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2024

George Okello Candiya Bongomin, Frederick Semukono, Pierre Yourougou and Rebecca Balinda

With reference to the global financial crisis and lessons learned, advocacy for distributing suitable financial products by financial intermediaries remain key if consumers…

55

Abstract

Purpose

With reference to the global financial crisis and lessons learned, advocacy for distributing suitable financial products by financial intermediaries remain key if consumers, especially the illiterate in underdeveloped financial markets, are to be absorbed into the formal financial system. Financial intermediaries such as microfinance banks should provide suitable financial products, with full disclosure of information and customer protection relating to distribution of all financial products within the financial market to prevent financial vulnerability. The main purpose of this study is to establish the mediating role of financial product suitability in the relationship between access to microfinance products and survival of women micro-agribusinesses in rural Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

SmartPLS with bootstrap based on 5,000 samples was used to test for the mediating role of financial product suitability in the relationship between access to microfinance products and survival of women micro-agribusinesses in rural Uganda.

Findings

The results revealed that financial product suitability improves access to microfinance products by 29 percentage points to promote survival of women micro-agribusinesses in rural Uganda. In reality, delivering suitable financial products that suit the economic condition of poor women micro-agribusiness borrowers, can allow them to use these products to generate income to meet timely repayment obligations and business demands.

Research limitations/implications

The current study selected samples from only women micro-agribusinesses operating in rural Uganda, with a specific focus on the northern region. Thus, studies involving samples selected from other rural developing countries may be necessary in future. Additionally, while the findings are significant, the data were collected from only women microenterprises who are clients of microfinance banks. Future studies focusing on women microenterprises who are clients of other financial institutions may offer insightful comparative data.

Practical implications

The findings from this study offer strategies for managers of microfinance banks to invent and design financial products that suit the economic status and condition of different microcredit clients, especially the women micro-agribusinesses. This can help them to solve the problem of defaults in loan repayment and delinquency common while lending to the rural poor. In fact, microfinance banks should adopt a customized loan pricing model that can promote the operational sustainability and commercial viability of women micro-agribusinesses in the current situation of mission adrift.

Originality/value

The current study uses the suitability rule and economic theory to elucidate the importance of microfinance product suitability to increase microfinance inclusion of women micro-agribusinesses in rural areas in developing countries. The novelty in this paper is in combining the suitability rule and economic theory with microfinance theory to promote access to microcredit by the women micro-agribusinesses in rural Uganda under the situation of mission adrift. This is limited in the existing microfinance literature and theory, especially in developing countries like Uganda.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2023

Richard Gruss, David Goldberg, Nohel Zaman and Alan Abrahams

The widespread adoption of online purchasing has prompted increasing concerns about product safety, and regulators are beginning to hold e-commerce sites accountable for dangerous…

Abstract

Purpose

The widespread adoption of online purchasing has prompted increasing concerns about product safety, and regulators are beginning to hold e-commerce sites accountable for dangerous product defects. For online consumers, understanding the many inherent safety risks among the extensive array of products they browse is a formidable task. The authors attempt to address this problem via a client-side software artifact that warns shoppers about potential product safety hazards at the point of sale.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors built four candidate designs and assessed their effectiveness by means of a large randomized controlled experiment (n = 466). The authors define effectiveness as significant changes in dependent variables associated with health behaviors and technology adoption.

Findings

The authors find that all of the designs score high on adoption likelihood, that designs incorporating highlighting and scoring are better at increasing safety knowledge and that simpler designs are better at enhancing safety awareness.

Originality/value

These findings will inform the design of safety information dissemination systems and open new areas of safety awareness enhancement research. More generally, the authors introduce a novel method of testing text visualization variations and their impact on behavioral decisions.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Against All Odds: Leadership and the Handmaid's Tale
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-334-3

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Sanchari Bhattacharyya and Reena Sanasam

The visible ill-effects of the developmental enterprises in the ex-colonies and the tendency towards technocratic totalitarianism, in many ways, have altered the way modern humans…

Abstract

Purpose

The visible ill-effects of the developmental enterprises in the ex-colonies and the tendency towards technocratic totalitarianism, in many ways, have altered the way modern humans perceived the idea of “progress” and “development” historically since the Cold War. This paper presents a deconstructive-transdisciplinary critique of the pervasive ideology by focusing on three nodal points in the stages of “development”: (1) the rise of technocratic modern science; (2) the making of the Third World; and (3) de-legitimisation of its indigenous knowledge paradigms.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the first-hand accounts of the researchers, social scientists, activists and environmentalists, this paper presents an extensive critique of the violence involved in the development enterprises and recommends possible ways to move beyond the developmental hegemony. This paper is a theoretical investigation that adopts an interpretative, pluralistic, transdisciplinary approach, in order to deconstruct the development ideology and analyse the ramifications of the developmental propaganda and practice as they unfolded in the Global South.

Findings

This paper highlights the need to decondition the social imaginary from the hegemony of developmentalism and its by-product scientism and “technological rationality” for an inclusive, pluralistic, democratic social order.

Research limitations/implications

The focal area of this work is India in particular and Global South in general. It studies the era between the 1950s and 1980s when the major development enterprises took place and studies the consequences they entailed.

Social implications

The scope of this paper encompasses every socio-economic, ecological and epistemological domain affected by the detrimental effects of the developmental enterprises in the Global South.

Originality/value

The originality of this work lies in its transdisciplinary approach. The scope of this paper is extensive and covers nearly every domain of human existence that has been affected by the development debacle and technocratic totalitarianism in the post-War era.

Details

International Journal of Comparative Education and Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2396-7404

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Laura Nicole Miller

This case study is based on primary data collected through interviews with the company’s founder and CEO. It also includes secondary data collected through the Glassdoor job…

Abstract

Research methodology

This case study is based on primary data collected through interviews with the company’s founder and CEO. It also includes secondary data collected through the Glassdoor job search and career community site. The names of the company and the employees have been disguised. However, the figures included accurately represent the primary data and the quotes are directly from the company representative.

Case overview/synopsis

When it was founded in 2009, employees were excited about the prospect of working at Wombat alongside its founder and CEO Dan Wallace. They had looked forward to making a difference in the lives of college students with the company’s higher ed-focused digital communication platform. But by 2022, Wallace could not ignore the significant change in these employees’ attitudes. Anonymous feedback pointed to employees’ commitment to Wombat having wavered, and employees’ reception of post-COVID organizational changes had become concerningly critical. Though he knew enough to be concerned, Wallace felt unsure of how to move forward based on the anonymous feedback alone. He was left wondering: how should Wombat communicate with employees to boost their attitudes and strengthen their commitment while making the hard decisions that best serve the company?

Complexity academic level

This case study is appropriate for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in organizational communication courses. It can constitute the employee communication module in a class that surveys strategic managerial communication, or it could be used as one of many examples in a course specifically focused on the internal communication component of the discipline. Students will need an understanding of communication theory, specifically interpretive organizational communication theory, to grasp the complexities of the case. While the focus company is in the educational technology industry, the themes presented are faced by companies of all sizes in all sectors.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

1 – 10 of 59