Search results

11 – 16 of 16
Article
Publication date: 26 October 2012

David Barnes, Fintan Clear, Romano Dyerson, G. Harindranath, Lisa Harris and Alan Rae

The paper aims to report on an exploratory study into how small businesses use Web 2.0 information and communication technologies (ICT) to work collaboratively with other small…

11321

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to report on an exploratory study into how small businesses use Web 2.0 information and communication technologies (ICT) to work collaboratively with other small businesses. The study had two aims: to investigate the benefits available from the use of Web 2.0 in small business collaborations, and to characterize the different types of such online collaborations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a qualitative case study methodology based on semi‐structured interviews with the owner‐managers of 12 UK‐based small companies in the business services sector who are early adopters of Web 2.0 technologies.

Findings

Benefits from the use of Web 2.0 are categorized as lifestyle benefits, internal operational efficiency, enhanced capability, external communications and enhanced service offerings. A 2×2 framework is developed to categorize small business collaborations using the dimensions of the basis for inter‐organizational collaboration (control vs cooperation) and the level of Web 2.0 ICT use (simple vs sophisticated).

Research limitations/implications

A small number of firms of similar size, sector and location were studied, which limits generalizability. Nonetheless, the results offer a pointer to the likely future use of Web 2.0 tools by other small businesses.

Practical implications

The research provides evidence of the attraction and potential of Web 2.0 for collaborations between small businesses.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to report on use of Web 2.0 ICT in collaborative working between small businesses. It will be of interest to those seeking a better understanding of the potential of Web 2.0 in the small business community.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2015

Iryna Susha, Åke Grönlund and Marijn Janssen

This paper aims to investigate which organizational measures can facilitate the use of open data. Implementation of open government data initiatives is commonly supply-driven, as…

1583

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate which organizational measures can facilitate the use of open data. Implementation of open government data initiatives is commonly supply-driven, as it is difficult to predict the possible uses and users of data. Nonetheless, the value of open data materializes only upon its use – either to achieve societal benefits or economic value.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a list of organizational measures to facilitate open data use from the literature is collated. Then, four case studies to examine the challenges faced in practice when implementing them are carried out. The case sample includes two types of organizations (statistical agency and municipality) in two country settings (Sweden and The Netherlands).

Findings

Public organizations find it challenging to set up support for open data users having various requirements and skills. Most public organizations have no or limited interaction with data users and are often selective with regards to with whom and how to communicate.

Research limitations/implications

Given the fragmented and emerging state of research on open data use and engagement, to date no systematic framework existed which would be dedicated to user engagement strategies. The authors systematized the literature and identified the themes pertaining to this issue. Their contribution is a list of measures for public organizations to improve open data use.

Practical implications

An important deliverable of this research is the list of possible organizational measures, which can be used by public managers to plan their open data engagement strategies. The authors suggest that data publishers adopt a problem-oriented approach for selecting which data to publish and put more efforts into stimulating stakeholder participation.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in the fact that it addresses a previously overlooked area of open data research, namely, the use of open data and ways to stimulate it.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2020

Gallus Bischof, Nikolaus Lange, Hans Juergen Rumpf and Ulrich W. Preuss

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the scientific evidence for reduced drinking in alcohol use disorders. While the aim of alcohol use disorders (AUD) treatment…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the scientific evidence for reduced drinking in alcohol use disorders. While the aim of alcohol use disorders (AUD) treatment usually focuses on abstinence, only a minority of individuals with AUD enter treatment. Lack of alternative treatment goals, including reduced drinking instead of abstinence, have been identified as a potential barrier for treatment entry. Epidemiological and treatment outcome studies reveal that a large proportion of individuals with AUD are able to substantially reduce their alcohol intake for a prolonged duration of time.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review of the literature on prevalence rates and health effects as well as evidence-based approaches fostering reduced drinking in individuals with AUD is presented.

Findings

Reduced drinking is associated with improvements in both morbidity and mortality. Research has identified evidence-based psychosocial and pharmacological treatment approaches; however, implementation is still scarce.

Originality/value

Target groups for interventions fostering drinking reduction instead of abstinence are defined and desiderata for further research are outlined.

Details

Drugs and Alcohol Today, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1745-9265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2020

Sungkon Moon, Namhyuk Ham, Sungjin Kim, Lei Hou, Ju-Hyung Kim and Jae-Jun Kim

This study, a research project, aims to examine the distinct characteristics of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), with a focus on construction. Following this examination…

Abstract

Purpose

This study, a research project, aims to examine the distinct characteristics of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), with a focus on construction. Following this examination, the paper presents a field study to evaluate the impact of the 4IR on the construction process.

Design/methodology/approach

The first half of this project is dedicated to defining the 4IR by reviewing existing literature. The other half of the project presents a case study to demonstrate the concept of the 4IR and measure the effect of its application. To validate the defined concept of the 4IR, the study focuses on the following: autonomous system for producing drawings and robotics in construction.

Findings

The intensive literature review revealed three unequivocal features of the 4IR: defined tasks, undefined tasks and improvement possibilities. The following case study showed that the incorporation of the three 4IR features resulted in improved productivity and efficiency during the construction of the podium for the Lotte World Tower. For example, the macro-based autonomous system achieved 5.52 shop drawings per hour, highlighting the potential impact of independent, autonomous machinery.

Originality/value

The originality of this project stems from its attempt to quantify the effectiveness of applying autonomous technologies to a practical project. While previous works in this field have focused on system development and improvement, this paper presents an autonomous system at work in an actual project, in which junior engineers were able to be entirely replaced. The system was successful in independently creating numerous required shop drawings. The value of this analysis is to generate scientific evidence to evaluate the efficacy of the adoption of 4IR-oriented technologies.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2023

Caroline Heiniger, Joan-Carles Suris and Yara Barrense-Dias

Three years after the COVID epidemic and the measures put in place by governments, the authors still cannot measure the full impact of them on the well-being and mental health of…

Abstract

Purpose

Three years after the COVID epidemic and the measures put in place by governments, the authors still cannot measure the full impact of them on the well-being and mental health of adolescents. This population was particularly impacted by this crisis, and some subgroups of young people, such as those from migration backgrounds, have been confronted with additional challenges. This paper aims to explore and describe the perspective and experience of migrant adolescents during the lockdown period

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed 13 semi-structured interviews with migrant adolescents (nine females, median age 16) at the pediatric policlinic of Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland between November 2020 and January 2021. Participants had been living in Switzerland for an average of 2.3 years. Three of them were staying in a refugee reception centre. A thematic content analysis was carried out to extract themes and topics.

Findings

Participants had difficulty understanding information about COVID-19 in general. Remote learning was described as stressful due to various factors and lockdown had an impact on their future plans, such as finding an apprenticeship. Some young people were already socially isolated, but families were generally supportive. They expressed particular concerns, such as the family’s financial situation and the difficulty of living in refugee reception centres.

Practical implications

In the event of further lockdown, special attention must be paid to these adolescents to ensure their proper development and integration. Comprehensive follow-up of this population during and after the pandemic is essential.

Originality/value

This study provides a better understanding of the pandemic experience of migrant adolescents and underlines their difficulties.

Details

International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, vol. 19 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-9894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Mai Anh Thi Lê and Carl Brønn

The ability to learn is an important organisational resource. The purpose of this paper is to identify issues involved in achieving transfer learning across large construction…

1180

Abstract

Purpose

The ability to learn is an important organisational resource. The purpose of this paper is to identify issues involved in achieving transfer learning across large construction projects in the building sector. The focus is on linking experiences gained in the operation and maintenance phase of one project to the earlier construction phases in subsequent projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presented is conceptual in nature.

Findings

Evidence from the construction industry clearly indicates that significant economic benefits can be realized by improving the experience transfer learning process across projects. Despite the industry's significant investments in computer‐based management systems, experience and research shows there are other factors that have a significant impact on this learning process. A framework for diagnosing an organisation's learning characteristics is identified. This framework includes both the structural dimension of the formal organisation and the cultural dimension of the social relationships within the organisation.

Originality/value

Improved feedback from the operative and maintenance phase has the potential to reduce total life cycle costs for future construction projects. Using Kim's OADI‐SMM model of organisational learning, this paper applies a diagnostic instrument that focuses on the organisation's structural and cultural characteristics to identify breakdowns in experience transfer and learning. Awareness of the factors that inhibit experience transfer and learning can contribute to improving industry performance.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

11 – 16 of 16