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1 – 10 of over 1000Amir Naser Ghanbaripour, Craig Langston, Roksana Jahan Tumpa and Greg Skulmoski
Despite considerable research on the subject, there is still some misunderstanding about what characterizes successful project delivery in construction projects. Evaluating…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite considerable research on the subject, there is still some misunderstanding about what characterizes successful project delivery in construction projects. Evaluating project delivery success is crucial for organizations since it enables them to prepare for future growth through more effective project management mechanisms and rank the organization's projects for continuous improvement. There is considerable disagreement over a set of success criteria that can be applied to all kinds of projects when evaluating project delivery success, making it a complicated procedure for practitioners and scholars. This research seeks to alleviate the problem by validating and testing a systematic project delivery success model (3D integration model) in the Australian construction industry. The aim is to establish a dependable approach built upon prior research and reliable in evaluating delivery success for any project type.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a novel project delivery success model, this research applies a case study methodology to analyse 40 construction projects undertaken by a single Australian project management consultancy. The research utilizes a mixed-method research approach and triangulates three sets of data. First, the project delivery success (PDS) scores of the projects are calculated by the model. Second, a qualitative analysis targeting the performance of the same projects using a different system called the performance assessment review (PAR) scores was obtained. These culminate in two sets of ranking. The third step seeks validation of results from the head of the partnering organization that has undertaken the projects.
Findings
The findings of this study indicate that the 3D integration model is accurate and reliable in measuring the success of project delivery in construction projects of various sizes, locations and durations. While the model uses six key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure delivery success, it is evident that three of these may significantly improve the likelihood of PDS: value, speed and impact. Project managers should focus on these priority aspects of performance to generate better results.
Research limitations/implications
Restrictions inherent to the case study approach are identified for this mixed-method multiple-case study research. There is a limitation on the sample size in this study. Despite the researcher's best efforts, no other firm was willing to share such essential data; therefore, only 40 case studies could be analysed. Nonetheless, the number of case studies met the literature's requirements for adequate units for multiple-case research. This research only looked at Australian construction projects. Thus, the conclusions may not seem applicable to other countries or industries. The authors investigated testing the PDS in the construction sector. It can assist in improving efficiency and resource optimization in this area. Nonetheless, the same technique may be used to analyse and rank the success of non-construction projects.
Originality/value
Despite the research conducted previously on the PDS of construction projects, there is still confusion among researchers and practitioners about what constitutes a successful project delivery. Although several studies have attempted to address this confusion, no consensus on consistent performance metrics or a practical project success model has been formed. More importantly, (1) the ability to measure success across multiple project types, (2) the use of triple bottom line (TBL) to incorporate sustainability in evaluating delivery success and (3) the use of a complexity measurement tool to adjust delivery success scores set the 3D integration model apart from others.
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Şenay Sabah and Sonyel Oflazoğlu
This paper aims to identify the primary motivations for clothing donations to the immediate social environment. Furthermore, a model that describes the relationship between these…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the primary motivations for clothing donations to the immediate social environment. Furthermore, a model that describes the relationship between these motivations, donation tendency and meaning in life is developed and tested.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed method is applied. In the first study, interviews were conducted with 11 people determined with maximum diversity. With the factors that evolved in the first study, a survey method was applied in the second study, and 346 data were collected by convenience sampling.
Findings
Individual (independent and interdependent self-construals) and religious motivations for donating clothes to the immediate social surroundings emerge from the interview results. The second study focuses on the relationship between the concept of meaning in life and donation and the possible drivers of donation identified in the first study. A positive relationship was hypothesised between independent self-construal/ intrinsic religiosity/donation tendency and life meaning, as well as between interdependent self-construal and donation tendency. The research results validated all of the hypotheses. The relationship between independent self-construal/intrinsic religiosity and donating behaviour was statistically insignificant.
Originality/value
The current study's findings contain three features that support and enrich previous literature. The first thing is to identify the motivations for the donation tendency. The second issue is considering the meaning of life in terms of its motivations. The final point is to think about donating from a mixed-method perspective. This perspective, in particular, has the potential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena under discussion.
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Elizabeth Addy, Isaac Ayitey and Emmanuel S. Adabor
The purpose of the study is to identify barriers to collaboration among female administrators at a Ghanaian technical university (TU), based on the social identity theory (SIT).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to identify barriers to collaboration among female administrators at a Ghanaian technical university (TU), based on the social identity theory (SIT).
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method approach was adopted, integrating qualitative interviews of 15 female administrators and completing structured questionnaires from 117 randomly sampled female administrators. The SIT, as the analytical framework, identified themes emerging from the data on barriers to collaboration among female administrators. While exploratory factor analysis identified measures of factors hindering collaborations, the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) enabled the confirmation of relationships among the barriers to collaboration with female administrators.
Findings
There existed statistically significant relationships between four of the barriers: intergroup relations conflict, trust with stakeholders and among females and structural barriers (SBs). For the quantitative analysis, it was found that SBs, intergroup relations, conflict and trust were statistically significant except for weak cultures. For the qualitative, results showed that SBs, lack of trust with stakeholders and among females and intergroup conflict hinder collaboration.
Research limitations/implications
The study has a limited scope in using only one TU and focusing on a particular gender. The implications of this research will enrich the literature on barriers to female administrative collaboration in technical education based on the SIT.
Practical implications
Promoting administrative collaborations in the TU will ensure sustainability and efficient administrative systems.
Social implications
Institutional policies should include gender inclusivity and equality on networking opportunities and provide mentorship programs for efficient administrative systems.
Originality/value
We used the SIT to determine barriers to collaboration among female administrators in a technical education institution, and the mixed methodology added a unique dimension to the study.
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Mutairu Oyewale Akintunde and Halimah Odunayo Amuda
This study aimed to predict and understand the academic libraries' probability of successful adoption of blockchain within the lens of integrated technology acceptance model (TAM…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to predict and understand the academic libraries' probability of successful adoption of blockchain within the lens of integrated technology acceptance model (TAM) and technology organization and environment theory (TOE) framework.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed approach was employed to gather data from librarians (292) and system analysts (46) totaling 338 respondents. The total enumeration sampling technique was considered. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation model (SEM).
Findings
Perceived usefulness and policy are the important factors that influence academic libraries' blockchain adoption intentions. Unlimited access to both print and electronic resources, security of users' information and easy collaboration between users and library staff were found to be the benefits of blockchain application to academic libraries' operations. Major challenges to the adoption of blockchain in academic libraries include the cost of infrastructure related to blockchain applications, privacy issues and a lack of understanding of blockchain technology among librarians.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies would need to include more relevant items to the observed variables of the independent variables that were found insignificant in this study.
Practical implications
The findings of this study will create a roadmap for government and polytechnic management on the factors that could strengthen the adoption of blockchain in the libraries.
Social implications
The outcome of this study came at a crucial moment when the majority of academic libraries in developing nations like Nigeria were skeptical about the deployment of blockchain technology in their libraries.
Originality/value
The study identified new factors that influence blockchain adoption intention.
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Steve Winer, Leslie Ramos Salazar, Amy M. Anderson and Mike Busch
The purpose of this study is to extend Bippus and Young’s (2005) study and examine the effectiveness of the “I-you,” “I,” “You,” “We,” “But” and Question-based “Why” statements…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to extend Bippus and Young’s (2005) study and examine the effectiveness of the “I-you,” “I,” “You,” “We,” “But” and Question-based “Why” statements from Winer’s (2021) verbal coding program of conflict management using Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory (SLT).
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed methods were used using 175 university students from Texas and New York. A cross-sectional convenience sampling approach was conducted. Survey data was collected using Qualtrics.
Findings
Descriptive results demonstrated that the “We” statement was the most passive, the “I-you” statement was the most assertive and the “But,” “I,” “You” and Question statements were perceived to be aggressive. In addition, assertive “I-You” statements were perceived to be more effective in resolving the conflict and maintaining a relationship, whereas aggressive statements were less likely to resolve the conflict and maintain the relationship. Qualitative themes also support the “I-You” statement as the most assertive, while the “But,” “You” and “I” statements were found to be the most aggressive statements.
Practical implications
Implications and applications are discussed to stimulate future research among researchers and practitioners when addressing conflict. Being aware of the verbal statements that de-escalate conflict may be helpful in solving conflict in interpersonal, family and professional relationships. Future trainings can adopt effective verbal statements to resolve conflict when experiencing anger issues. Future research can continue to investigate verbal communication statements using SLT to help practitioners and managers address conflict in interpersonal relationships.
Originality/value
This study examines verbal statements in relation to communication styles and conflict management.
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Kiranmai Janaswamy, Shulagna Sarkar, Ram Kumar Mishra and Ananda Das Gupta
The word “sustainability” is discussed in several ways since MDGs and SDGs have gained business attention. Sustainability is not just about something’s durability; it also looks…
Abstract
Purpose
The word “sustainability” is discussed in several ways since MDGs and SDGs have gained business attention. Sustainability is not just about something’s durability; it also looks at how to advance development projects without endangering the development of others nearby, both now and in the future (Fink, 2000). It is a drive that weaves together the different facets, including the social, economic, and environmental. World Economic Forum’s has emphasised the need for responsive and responsible leadership. It is in this context, the paper focuses on studying the transformational shift in the role and responsibility of leaders in demonstrating responsible leadership and discusses the ‘Locust and Honeybee Leadership styles’.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature portrays that responsible leaders are recognized by their qualities, competency and skills. One such model is “Locust and Honeybee Leadership,” where the two leadership styles are contrasted. The paper attempts to discuss the varied contexts of these leadership styles and attempts to draw a matrix on the commonalities of both set in an Indian context. A leader should always have openness of thought and integrity.
Findings
Value systems are important for a leader. The major challenge is developing globally responsible leaders and managers who can perform effectively under these conditions of enormous challenge, as they are chronically pushed beyond their capabilities into unexpected roles and unfamiliar domains. Situations compel leaders to make decisions, yet the styles determine the way the decisions are taken. The paper is unique as it discusses the commonalities and contrasting perspectives of the “Locust and Honeybee Leadership.”
Research limitations/implications
The paper is limited to a small number of respondents and is set in Indian context.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is an original piece of work and expresses thoughts of the authors on establishing a sustainable leadership model.
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Mohamed A. Shahat, Sulaiman M. Al-Balushi and Mohammed Al-Amri
The purpose of the current study is to assess Omani teachers’ performance on tasks related to the stages of engineering design. To achieve this, data from an engineering design…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the current study is to assess Omani teachers’ performance on tasks related to the stages of engineering design. To achieve this, data from an engineering design test was used, and demographic variables that are correlated with this performance were identified.
Design/methodology/approach
This descriptive study employed a cross-sectional design and the collection of quantitative data. A sample of preservice science teachers from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) (n = 70) participated in this study.
Findings
Findings showed low and moderate levels of proficiency related to the stages of engineering design. Differences between males and females in terms of performance on engineering design tasks were found, with females scoring higher overall on the assessment. Biology preservice teachers scored higher than teachers from the other two majors (physics and chemistry) in two subscales. There were also differences between teachers studying in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) program and the teacher qualification diploma (TQD) program.
Originality/value
This study provides an overview, in an Arab setting, of preservice science teachers’ proficiency with engineering design process (EDP) tasks. It is hoped that the results may lead to improved instruction in science teacher training programs in similar contexts. Additionally, this research demonstrates how EDP competency relates to preservice teacher gender, major and preparation program. Findings from this study will contribute to the growing body of research investigating the strengths and shortcomings of teacher education programs in relation to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
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Iffat Ali Aksar, Amira Firdaus, Jiankun Gong and Saadia Anwar Pasha
The unstoppable and exponential growth of social media use has given rise to concerns about the consequent effects on users. Among the major concerns are the psychological…
Abstract
Purpose
The unstoppable and exponential growth of social media use has given rise to concerns about the consequent effects on users. Among the major concerns are the psychological consequences, which have received considerable academic attention. The current mixed-methods research aims to examine women's social media use and its effects on their psychological well-being in a patriarchal culture, namely Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a mixed-method research methodology. The quantitative section collected data from 240 women and used structural equation modelling to test the proposed hypotheses. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the in-depth interviews with ten women.
Findings
The integration of the findings revealed increased use of social media by women and its beneficial effects (communication and socialisation, escapism and self-presentation), though qualitative findings revealed the cultural implications and obstacles that women face (online anonymity and digital asylum). The study calls attention to women's social media usage patterns and the resulting effects on women's psychological well-being in a low-income country with a patriarchal social structure.
Originality/value
Most research remains limited to Western societies and young populations. The situation is somewhat different in developing economies with traditionally preserved cultures compared to Western societies. This study uniquely examines the influence of social media on psychological well-being in a developing country with a special cultural context.
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Kevin Östergård, Suvi Kuha and Outi Kanste
The purpose of this study is to identify and synthesise the best evidence on health-care leaders’ and professionals’ experiences and perceptions of compassionate leadership.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify and synthesise the best evidence on health-care leaders’ and professionals’ experiences and perceptions of compassionate leadership.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed-methods systematic reviews using a convergent integrated approach. A systematic search was done in January 2023 in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Medic and MedNar databases. The results were reported based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Ten studies were included in the review (five qualitative and five quantitative). The thematic analysis identified seven analytical themes as follows: treating professionals as individuals with an empathetic and understanding approach; building a culture for open and safe communication; being there for professionals; giving all-encompassing support; showing the way as a leader and as a strong professional; building circumstances for efficient work and better well-being; and growing into a compassionate leader.
Practical implications
Compassionate leadership can possibly address human resource-related challenges, such as health-care professionals’ burnout, turnover and the lack of patient safety. It should be taken into consideration by health-care leaders, their education and health-care organisations when developing their effectiveness.
Originality/value
This review synthesised the knowledge of compassionate leadership in health care and its benefits by providing seven core elements of health-care leaders’ and professionals’ experiences and perceptions of compassionate leadership.
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Ayesha Akter Sumi, Saif Ahmed and Syed Shah Alam
This study aims to examine the impact of Islamic teachings on environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Bangladesh, a country where Islamic principles are…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of Islamic teachings on environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Bangladesh, a country where Islamic principles are profoundly influential.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed-methods research approach (quantitative study with close-ended questionnaire and qualitative study with semistructure interview), this study aims to explore the role of individual characteristics and organizational contexts in environmental CSR practices. The study uses a robust analytical framework encompassing variance inflation factor, orthogonal loading, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability and average variance extracted to assess the reliability and validity of these metrics.
Findings
Thematic analysis reveals the motivations, attitudes and challenges experienced by organizational leaders in aligning Islamic ethics with environmental stewardship, whereas the quantitative results provide empirical support for the relationship between various organizational practices (denoted as M#1 to M#8) and environmental CSR.
Originality/value
The findings of this study illuminate the potential benefits of tailoring CSR policies to fit within specific religious and cultural frameworks, offering both theoretical contributions and practical insights.
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