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1 – 10 of over 138000S. Tai, Y. Wang and C.J. Anumba
The purpose of this paper is to show how effective project team communications is one of the major challenges to a construction project's success. The success of large‐scale…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show how effective project team communications is one of the major challenges to a construction project's success. The success of large‐scale construction projects is critical to Chinese economy. The purposes of the research are to grasp the current status of communications in large‐scale construction projects in China and lay a basis for further research on project communications.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted by postal questionnaire and telephone.
Findings
Through analyzing the data obtained from the survey, the communication problems in large‐scale construction projects in China are exposed. The roots of the problems are summarized as lack of good communication mechanism, weak organizational structures of construction teams, lack of uniform standards for construction information, and lack of support for advanced communication technologies.
Originality/value
The paper presents the directions for further research to improve communications in large‐scale construction projects in China.
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Yaser Gamil and Ismail Abd Rahman
The purpose of this paper is to develop a structural relationship model to study the relationship between causes and effects of poor communication and information exchange in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a structural relationship model to study the relationship between causes and effects of poor communication and information exchange in construction projects using Smart-PLS.
Design/methodology/approach
The first method of this research is to identify the causes and effects factors of poor communication in construction projects from the extant of literature. The data used to develop the model was collected using a questionnaire survey, which targeted construction practitioners in the Malaysian construction industry. A five-point Likert type scale was used to rate the significance of the factors. The factors were classified under their relevant construct/group using exploratory factor analysis. A hypothetical model was developed and then transformed into Smart-PLS in which the hypothetical model suggested that each group of the cause factors has a direct impact on the effect groups. The hypothesis was tested using t-values and p-values. The model was assessed for its inner and outer components and achieved the threshold criterion. Further, the model was verified by engaging 14 construction experts to verify its applicability in the construction project setting.
Findings
The study developed a structural equation model to clarify the relationships between causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects. The model explained the degree of relationships among causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects.
Originality/value
The published academic and non-academic literature introduced many studies on the issue of communication including the definitions, importance, barriers to effective communication and means of poor communication. However, these studies ended up only on the general issue of communication lacking an in-depth investigation of the causes and effects of poor communication in the construction industry. The study implemented advanced structural modeling to study the causes and effects. The questionnaire, the data and concluding results fill the identified research gap of this study. The addressed issue is also of interest because communication is considered one of the main knowledge areas in construction management.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore communication management in information technology (IT) projects and to identify barriers to communication, from both individual and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore communication management in information technology (IT) projects and to identify barriers to communication, from both individual and organisational standpoints, and from distinctive stakeholders' points of view (project management office (PMO), project manager, IT and business personnel).
Design/methodology/approach
A case-based research in a large IT service provider was conducted, mixing qualitative and quantitative data. A literature review shed light on different epistemological fields, and different aspects of communication in IT projects were analysed and different perspectives were brought together in a communication integrated framework (CIF). Several data collection methods were combined. Structured and unstructured interviews of 78 participants (PMO, IT and business personnel), PMO archival data, and survey-based research were performed in order to achieve triangulation.
Findings
The contribution of the CIF to project communication management theory can be summarized as follows. First, the framework considers different perspectives, from the individual to the organisational, which affect communication during IT projects in the form of an integrated system approach. Second, the contingency perspective of different stakeholders are explored, particularly as regards the PMO, IT and business personnel. The case revealed an inconsistency: on the one hand, the importance of communication is exalted by all the analysed stakeholders, and on the other hand, the communication processes and practices proposed by the PMO and formalised in the company's project management (PM) methodology are neither followed nor prioritised by project managers.
Research limitations/implications
This study was dependent on self-reported perceptions. It embraced IT projects, and new studies should be done for other types of projects. The focus is within a specific organisation and its characteristics conditioned the findings.
Practical implications
CIF allows improving the assessment of the communication area in projects. An important managerial implication of this study is that the adoption of a standardised PM framework is not sufficient for the elimination of barriers to communication. The study suggests that firms should consider manners of developing the communication management process, as well as increasing the efficient use of performance report and communication tools to reduce detrimental conflict.
Originality/value
The paper proposes a framework. CIF allows to considering different perspectives, from the individual to the organisational level that affect communication in IT projects.
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Elisabet M. Nilsson, Jörgen Lundälv and Magnus Eriksson
The purpose is to firstly, provide an example of how voices of people with various disabilities (motor, visual, hearing, and neuropsychiatric impairments) can be listened to and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose is to firstly, provide an example of how voices of people with various disabilities (motor, visual, hearing, and neuropsychiatric impairments) can be listened to and involved in the initial phases of a co-design process (Discover, Define). Secondly, to present the outcome of the joint explorations as design opportunities pointing out directions for future development of crisis communication technologies supporting people with disabilities in building crisis preparedness. The study was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
The study assumes a design research approach including a literature review, focus group interviews, a national online survey and collaborative (co-)design workshops involving crisis communicators and representatives of disability organisations in Sweden. The research- and design process was organised in line with the Double Diamond design process model consisting of the four phases: Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver, whereof the two first phases are addressed in this paper.
Findings
The analysis of the survey data resulted in a series of challenges, which were presented to and evaluated by crisis communicators and representatives from the disability organisations at the workshops. Seven crisis communication challenges were identified, for example, the lack of understanding and knowledge of needs, conditions and what it means to build crisis preparedness for people with disabilities, the lack of and/or inability to develop digital competencies and the lack of social crisis preparedness. The challenges were translated into design opportunities to be used in the next step of the co-design process (Develop, Deliver).
Originality/value
This research paper offers both a conceptual approach and empirical perspectives of design opportunities in crisis communication. To translate identified challenges into design opportunities starting with a “How Might We”, creates conditions for both researchers, designers and people with disabilities to jointly turn something complex, such as a crisis communication challenge, into something concrete to act upon. That is, their joint explorations do not stop by “knowing”, but also enable them to in the next step take action by developing potential solutions for crisis communication technologies for facing these challenges.
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Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some…
Abstract
Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.
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In this day of internationalization and electronic information, communication competency is truly required for global managers. Japanese global managers, however, are often…
Abstract
In this day of internationalization and electronic information, communication competency is truly required for global managers. Japanese global managers, however, are often criticized as lacking the power of expression. It is said that they are very poor at communicating with their foreign counterparts because they are not good at English. Is it really so? The discussion will be focused on the author’s research on Japanese managers’ use of English as a means of business communication with local businesses in Singapore. The research was to see if the cause of their communication blunders is related to English or to fundamental differences in communication patterns. The results support the author’s claim that their problem is not because of a lack of English grammar but is due to the lack of communication competency irrelevant to grammar. Japanese global managers should understand that English alone cannot be a panacea for communication blunders.
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Omar Al-Araidah, Nader Al Theeb, Mariam Bader and Nabeel Mandahawi
The purpose of this paper is to present the deficiencies in teamwork skills at Jordan hospitals as seen by team members. The study aims to identify training needs to improve…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the deficiencies in teamwork skills at Jordan hospitals as seen by team members. The study aims to identify training needs to improve teamwork-related soft skills of caregivers to enhance staff satisfaction and improve quality of care. Moreover, the paper provides a methodology to identify the training needs in any healthcare workplace by repeating the same questionnaire.
Design/methodology/approach
A self-administrated questionnaire was designed to study deficiencies in teamwork and team leadership at Jordan hospitals as seen by team members. Surveyed care providers included physicians, nursing and anesthesiologists operating in emergency departments, surgical operating rooms and intensive care units from various hospitals.
Findings
With a response rate of 78.8 percent, statistical analysis of collected data of opposing staff members revealed low levels of satisfaction (40.7-48 percent opposing), lack of awareness on the impact of teamwork on quality of care (15.6-22.1 percent opposing), low levels of involvement of top management (27.1-57.3 percent opposing), lack of training (52.5-69.8 percent opposing), lack of leadership skills (29.8-60 percent opposing), lack of communication (22.3-62.1 percent opposing), lack of employee involvement (37.6-50.8 percent opposing) and lack of collaboration among team members (28.6-50 percent opposing). Among the many, results illustrate the need for improving leadership skills of team leaders, improving communication and involving team members in decision making.
Originality/value
Several studies investigated relationships between teamwork skills and quality of care in many countries. To the authors’ knowledge, no local study investigated the deficiencies of teamwork skills among Jordan caregivers and its impact on quality of care. The study provides the ground for management at Jordan hospitals and to healthcare academic departments to tailor training courses to improve teamwork skills of caregivers. Data of this study are collected from the society who is working in the field of healthcare. As the results of this are produced from a real data, it is expected that applying the recommendations will impact the society positively by enhancing the patients’ satisfaction.
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