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1 – 10 of 151
Article
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Elizabeth D. Wilhoit, Patricia Gettings, Parul Malik, Lauren B. Hearit, Patrice M. Buzzanell and Brad Ludwig

The purpose of this paper is to use an affordance approach to understand how university faculty use and value their workspace and respond to proposed spatial changes.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use an affordance approach to understand how university faculty use and value their workspace and respond to proposed spatial changes.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method survey was given to faculty in the college of engineering at a large public American university. Data were analyzed using an affordance lens.

Findings

The analysis indicates that the majority of engineering faculty highly value private offices and appears resistant to non-traditional workspace arrangements.

Research limitations/implications

The authors performed the analysis with a relatively small sample (n=46).

Practical implications

University administrators need to communicate with faculty and take their opinions on spatial changes seriously. Changes to space may affect STEM faculty retention.

Social implications

This paper could affect the quality of work life for university faculty.

Originality/value

The paper provide needed research on how faculty use and value their workspace while discussing the implications of alternative workspaces within the academy. Theoretically, the authors contribute to ongoing research on relationship between material and social aspects of organizational spaces.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2022

Shirley Jin Lin Chua, Nik Elyna Myeda and Yuan Xi Teo

This study aims to examine the key components to facilitate flexible work arrangement (FWA) and the issues and challenges arisen in preparing the workplace for FWA during…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the key components to facilitate flexible work arrangement (FWA) and the issues and challenges arisen in preparing the workplace for FWA during Covid-19, and to recommend better approach of FWA implementation in workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted extensive literature review and case studies approach using interviews and observations to determine the key components to facilitate FWA and the issues and challenges arisen in preparing the workplace for FWA during Covid-19, and to recommend better approach of FWA implementation in workplace. Three offices that owning FWA experience during Covid-19 and featuring flexible workspace concepts, elements and layouts in Klang Valley, Malaysia were chosen as case studies.

Findings

Findings have suggested that there are four components required to form flexible workspace for FWA adoption, such as open plan workspace design, task-oriented space, hot desking policy and IT infrastructure. Interestingly, the interview findings do not support the idea that the flexible furniture can facilitate FWA; instead, they believe that versatile, acoustical and aesthetical furniture may be installed when necessary. Among the issues and challenges faced were rearranging and designing open office plan layout, hot desk relocation and reconfiguration of spaces where people may congregate. Lastly, this research recommends that innovative planning software and tools, smart technology and apps, modern IT technology and infrastructure, and digital apps can be introduced to the workplace to help FM manage and monitor the facilities operations, workplace situations and occupancy rates.

Originality/value

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, FWA such as “Work From Home” and remote working have become the mainstream in the workplace, affecting how the workplace looks and feels as flexible working is fundamentally related to the flexible workspace. From Facilities Management (FM) perspective, FWA is the biggest consequence of Covid-19, but it also presents opportunities and certain challenges to incorporate a new office environment and employees’ needs in terms of FWA into the corporate culture.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2011

Susan S. Harmeling

This paper aims to explore the ways in which entrepreneurship education may serve as an identity workspace.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the ways in which entrepreneurship education may serve as an identity workspace.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual/theoretical paper based on previously completed empirical work.

Findings

The paper makes the connection between worldmaking, experience, action and identity.

Practical implications

The paper furthers understanding of entrepreneurship education and its potential effect on the identity of participants. It stresses the importance of offering entrepreneurship education participants the opportunity to take entrepreneurial action. It has implications for the existing state of entrepreneurship education, e.g. the focus on business plans in the absence of an exploration of the identity of participants.

Originality/value

The paper is an original exploration of the linkage between entrepreneurship education and identity and has implications for both pedagogy and practice.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 53 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 October 2019

Eunhwa Yang, Catherine Bisson and Bonnie Eaton Sanborn

This paper aims to review the concept and characteristics of coworking space, especially physical and operational characteristics and its objectives. The authors propose three…

3090

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the concept and characteristics of coworking space, especially physical and operational characteristics and its objectives. The authors propose three models of coworking spaces, such as revenue, synergistic and customer contact, which organizations can use as a part of their corporate real estate strategies to build workplace flexibility and resiliency. This paper also addresses research gaps and a research agenda for future research.

Methodology

This paper is a literature review of academic research focusing on coworking spaces. Because of the relatively limited existing academic literature on the topic, industry sources and white papers are also reviewed.

Findings

The authors categorized common threads of the existing literature on coworking spaces to emergence and growth trends, the types of users, the type of work to be completed in these spaces, characteristics of coworking spaces and the desired outcomes of coworking space models. Coworking spaces are expected to grow worldwide because of the increase in knowledge-based economy, the “digital nomad” lifestyle and mobile technologies, however, there is limited research on the relationship between spatial and operational characteristics of coworking spaces and users’ collaboration, social well-being and creativity. No research identified fully articulated the nuanced differences between the types of coworking spaces now found in the real estate ecosystem.

Research limitations

There is limited academic, empirical research focusing on coworking spaces. Thus, the search for literature itself is limited to a small number of papers. Although the authors extended the search to non-academic sources, the conclusion of this study is tentative because of the prematurity of the topic.

Originality/value

This paper urges the identification of research questions, considering the fast growth of coworking spaces and suggests future research directions based on newly proposed models. Industry practitioners, including building owners, managers, coworking space providers and corporate real estate practitioners, can consider using variations of coworking space concepts and characteristics, as they understand the importance of social needs and connectivity among users. By addressing the history of the coworking space as a concept and business model, and updating the types of models to include new coworking spaces, the authors provide further options to industry practitioners as to how to integrate coworking into their real estate.

Details

Journal of Corporate Real Estate , vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-001X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2002

Crystal Fulton

Provides the foundation for work accomplished by information professionals. As telework, or working regularly from home using telecommunications technology, is increasingly…

1173

Abstract

Provides the foundation for work accomplished by information professionals. As telework, or working regularly from home using telecommunications technology, is increasingly adopted in the workplace, employees are challenged to maintain the same level of connectivity in their network of information sources. Teleworkers experience a variety of changes in their work situations, as not only is their physical work location altered, but also their means of working changes. Examines ways in which library and information science professionals can facilitate teleworkers’ information access. The information environments of 20 teleworkers and 20 at‐office information professionals with similar jobs are discussed. Researchers have predicted a restructuring of organizations and of information into electronic formats to accommodate work done from home results and reveal that teleworkers still relied heavily on print sources of information. Teleworkers adopted specific strategies for ensuring availability of information in their at‐home work environments, including asking colleagues to send information to them at home. Suggests that library and information science professionals have a vital role to play in teleworkers’ interaction with information. Ways of training library and information science professionals are discussed.

Details

New Library World, vol. 103 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2016

Erich Purpur, Tara Radniecki, Patrick Tod Colegrove and Chrissy Klenke

The purpose of this paper is to uninitiate new and non-traditional library resources, such as those commonly found in a makerspace, can often seem abstract, intimidating, or even…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uninitiate new and non-traditional library resources, such as those commonly found in a makerspace, can often seem abstract, intimidating, or even unrelated to the library mission. The University of Nevada’s DeLaMare Science and Engineering Library set out to engage its on-campus library colleagues to increase awareness and understanding of the new technologies being offered in support of active learning and discovery.

Design/methodology/approach

The science and engineering library is experimenting with an ongoing series of inreach/outreach workshops that enable other library faculty and staff from across the greater library organization to experience their non-traditional services and resources. A first pop-up maker technology workshop took place in June 2015 and was composed of three sessions including an introduction to 3D printing and modeling, digital design literacies, and lendable technologies. A survey was distributed to attendees for feedback.

Findings

Anecdotal evidence suggest the event was successful, offering a potentially powerful mechanism for engaging and informing library staff about non-traditional resources and technology.

Originality/value

This outreach approach may prove valuable for other academic libraries to similarly create awareness of non-traditional resources and technologies among its colleagues.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 July 2007

Camille Venezia and Verna Allee

To better understand mobile work and the lives of mobile workers from the employee perspective and to identify aspects of mobile work that are working well or could be improved.

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Abstract

Purpose

To better understand mobile work and the lives of mobile workers from the employee perspective and to identify aspects of mobile work that are working well or could be improved.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 557 respondents involved in mobile work, including managers and workers. Questions focused on how mobile workers identify roles and communicate socially/professionally; how they use space, technology, and collaborative tools; and how they feel about mobile working.

Findings

Identifies the workplace needs of mobile workers. Gaps in mobile workers' stated activities and work patterns are revealed in relation to current thinking about workspace utilisation. Considerable employee disenchantment suggests that office design is not supporting the new roles mobile workers are asked to fulfill.

Research limitations/implications

This report summarises the findings of the first phase of a multi‐year research study which included 557 mobile worker respondents representing 84 world‐wide organisations.

Practical implications

Demonstrates the need to reconfigure physical infrastructure to support the rapid changes in business practices, such as mobile, flexible, and collaborative work. Results are useful to managers under pressure to make better use of existing resources, free up space, or grow without adding space.

Originality/value

The first multi‐year study of global mobile workers. Research has rarely examined the roles mobile workers play, the professional interactions they need to conduct, and differences in their output. Recent applications of network analysis in organisational settings have revealed that different roles can have very different needs for support of mobile work. Providing the necessary infrastructure by evaluating mobile worker roles creates new business opportunities and transforms the provision of space and services.

Details

Journal of Corporate Real Estate, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-001X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 October 2017

Iryna Prus, Raoul C.D. Nacamulli and Alessandra Lazazzara

The purpose of this paper is to consolidate the state of extant academic research on workplace innovation (WI) by proposing a comprehensive conceptual framework and outlining…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consolidate the state of extant academic research on workplace innovation (WI) by proposing a comprehensive conceptual framework and outlining research traditions on the phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviewed the literature published over the past 20 years, basing on a predefined research protocol. The dimensions of WI were explored with the help of thematic synthesis, while the research perspectives were studied by means of textual narrative synthesis.

Findings

The analysis suggests that there exist four research traditions on WI – built container, humanized landscape, socio-material macro-actor, and polyadic network – and each of them comprises its own set of assumptions, foci of study, and ontological bases. The findings suggest that WI is a heterogeneous process of renovation occurring in eight different dimensions, namely work system, workplace democracy, high-tech application, workplace boundaries, workspaces, people practices, workplace experience, and workplace culture. The analysis showed that over years the meaning of innovation within these dimensions changed, therefore it is argued that research should account for the variability of these categories.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for developing and implementing WI programs. Moreover, it discusses the role of HR in the WI process.

Originality/value

This paper for the first time systematically reviews literature on the topic of WI, clarifies the concept and discusses directions and implications for the future research.

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2016

Xiaohong Lu, Xiaochen Hu, Hua Wang, Likun Si, Yongyun Liu and Lusi Gao

– The purpose of this paper is to establish a roughness prediction model of micro-milling Inconel718 with high precision.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a roughness prediction model of micro-milling Inconel718 with high precision.

Design/methodology/approach

A prediction model of micro-milling surface roughness of Inconel718 is established by SVM (support vector machine) in this paper. Three cutting parameters are involved in the model (spindle speed, cutting depth and feed speed). Experiments are carried out to verify the accuracy of the model.

Findings

The results show that the built SVM prediction model has high prediction accuracy and can predict the surface roughness value and variation law of micro-milling Inconel718.

Practical implication

Inconel718 with high strength and high hardness under high temperature is the suitable material for manufacturing micro parts which need a high strength at high temperature. Surface roughness is an important performance indication for micro-milling processing. Establishing a roughness prediction model with high precision is helpful to select the cutting parameters for micro-milling Inconel718.

Originality/value

The built SVM prediction model of micro-milling surface roughness of Inconel718 is verified by experiment for the first time. The test results show that the surface roughness prediction model can be used to predict the surface roughness during micro-milling Inconel718, and to provide a reference for selection of cutting parameters of micro-milling Inconel718.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 68 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2016

Xiaohong Lu, Zhenyuan Jia, Hua Wang, Likun Si, Yongyun Liu and Wenyi Wu

– The paper aims to study the wear and breakage characteristics of coated carbide cutting tools through micro-milling slot experiments on superalloy Inconel 718.

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to study the wear and breakage characteristics of coated carbide cutting tools through micro-milling slot experiments on superalloy Inconel 718.

Design/methodology/approach

During the micro-milling process, the wear and breakage appearance on the rake face and flank face of the cutting tools, as well as the failure mechanism, have been studied. Furthermore, the wear and breakage characteristics of the micro-cutting tools have been compared with the traditional milling on Inconel 718.

Findings

The main failure forms of the micro tool when micro-milling Inconel 718 were tool tip breakage and coating shed on the rake and flank faces of the cutting tool and micro-crack blade. The main causes of tool wear were synthetic action of adhesive abrasion, diffusion wear and oxidation wear, while the causes of abrasive wear were not obvious.

Practical implications

The changing trend in tool wear during the micro-milling process and the main reasons of the tool wear are studied. The findings will facilitate slowing down the tool wear and prolonging the tool life during micro-milling Inconel718.

Originality/value

The results of this paper can help slow down the tool wear and realize high efficiency, high precision and economical processing of small workpiece or structure of the nickel-based superalloy.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 68 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

1 – 10 of 151