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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 1 April 1983

P.R. Boyce

The functions of lighting Lighting is provided in a building to fulfil three basic functions:

Abstract

The functions of lighting Lighting is provided in a building to fulfil three basic functions:

Details

Property Management, vol. 1 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1979

MALCOLM P. ATKINSON

A survey of current work on database systems is presented. The area is divided into three main sectors: data models, data languages and support for database operations. Data…

Abstract

A survey of current work on database systems is presented. The area is divided into three main sectors: data models, data languages and support for database operations. Data models are presented as the link between the database and the real world. Languages range from formal algebraic languages to attempts to use a dialogue in English to formulate queries. The support includes hardware for content addressing, database machines and software techniques for optimizing and evaluating group expressions. Mathematical models are used to organize this support. Throughout there is a tutorial component and evaluation, which in both cases is related to the application of database ideas to documentation.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2008

Barry P. Haynes

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact that office comfort has on office occupiers' productivity.

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact that office comfort has on office occupiers' productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The author evaluates the literature that claims to make a linkage between the physical comfort of the office environment and the effect on the productivity of the office occupiers. Office comfort will initially be discussed as a generic concept and subsequently be broken down into sub‐components.

Findings

The review of the literature reveals that the evaluation of office comfort is a complex one. There appears to be no universally accepted definition of office comfort, and there is a clear lack of agreement as to how office comfort should be measured. This paper establishes that, there is enough evidence to support the claim that office comfort can affect productivity.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the debate by identifying the need for a common and universally accepted measurement of office comfort. It is proposed that this can largely be achieved by evaluating office comfort with a multi‐item scale, and adopting an office occupier perspective to any future research.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 May 2009

Patricia A. Rowe and Rosalie A. Boyce

The purpose of this paper is to apply an allied health subculture model to clarify key contextual factors that can emerge in the evolution of an allied health subculture as a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply an allied health subculture model to clarify key contextual factors that can emerge in the evolution of an allied health subculture as a consequence of deutero‐learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies are compared to illustrate these two extreme variations in deutero‐learning.

Findings

The first case – characterised by pathological deutero‐learning – operated within the classical medical model. A learning pathology that developed in this situation was a fractured, divisive, self absorbed work culture. A second case – characterised by positive deutero‐learning – operated within a divisional structure characterized by integrated decentralization. What was learned as a result of operating within this alternative organisational structure is that effective management of allied health recognizes two governance arenas: governance required for managing professionals and governing principles for delivering clinical services. Positive deutero‐learning occurred in this situation rather than the reinforcement of existing learning pathologies.

Research limitations/implications

There are clearly implications of the two structural models for self‐fulfilling prophecies, interpersonal interaction, climate formation and learning pathologies.

Practical implications

During a period of major reform differing outcomes in deutero‐learning in these two cases emphasize the importance of the evolution of appropriate organisational structures in developing a leadership‐driven learning process and creating an environment in which learning can occur.

Originality/value

The added value of this application of deuteron learning is that it unpacks the nature of variations in deutoro learning that can emerge during a period of major reform in the evolution of an allied health subculture.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 November 2022

Bouke Boegheim, Rianne Appel-Meulenbroek, Dujuan Yang and Marcel Loomans

This paper aims to study employee mental health in relation to workplace design and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) when working from home, which has received little attention…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study employee mental health in relation to workplace design and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) when working from home, which has received little attention. The trend toward hybrid working urges for more knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a mixed data collection method, this study analyzed potential relationships (between mental health, workplace design and IEQ) from information obtained through a cross-sectional survey, repeated point-in-time surveys and desk-based IEQ sensors at home. Data were collected in April 2020 during a national COVID-19 lockdown in The Netherlands amongst 36 subjects. They all worked full time from home in this period and together completed 321 point-in-time surveys. The three data sets were combined and analyzed using bivariate and path analysis.

Findings

Outcomes indicate that subjective and objective IEQ conditions, workplace suitability and distraction affect employee mental health in the home workplace in a similar way as in the office. Being satisfied with the noise level increases concentration, self-reported well-being and engagement. High sound pressure levels (>58 dB) increased tension or nervous feelings.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to explore employee mental health in relation to simultaneously assessed (perceived and measured) multiple IEQ parameters in the home workplace.

Details

Facilities , vol. 40 no. 15/16
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 December 2022

Eziaku Onyeizu Rasheed and James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi

Achieving an appropriate indoor environment quality (IEQ) is crucial to a green office environment. Whilst much research has been carried out across the globe on the ideal IEQ for…

Abstract

Purpose

Achieving an appropriate indoor environment quality (IEQ) is crucial to a green office environment. Whilst much research has been carried out across the globe on the ideal IEQ for green offices, little is known about which indoor environment New Zealand office workers prefer and regard as most appropriate. This study investigated New Zealand office workers' preference for a green environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Workers were conveniently selected for a questionnaire survey study from two major cities in the country – Wellington and Auckland. The perception of 149 workers was analysed and discussed based on the workers' demographics. The responses to each question were analysed based on the mean, standard deviation, frequency of responses and difference in opinion.

Findings

The results showed that workers' preferences for an ideal IEQ in green work environments depend largely on demographics. New Zealand office workers prefer work environments to have more fresh air and rely on mixed-mode ventilation and lighting systems. Also New Zealand office workers like to have better acoustic quality with less distraction and background noise. Regarding temperature, workers prefer workspaces to be neither cooler nor warmer. Unique to New Zealand workers, the workers prefer to have some (not complete) individual control over the IEQ in offices.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in the summer season, which could have impacted the responses received. Also the sample size was limited to two major cities in the country. Further studies should be conducted in other regions and during different seasons.

Practical implications

This study provides the opportunity for more studies in this area of research and highlights significant findings worthy of critical investigations. The results of this study benefit various stakeholders, such as facilities managers and workplace designers, and support proactive response approaches to achieving building occupants' preferences for an ideal work environment.

Originality/value

This study is the first research in New Zealand to explore worker preferences of IEQ that is not limited to a particular building, expanding the body of knowledge on workers' perception of the ideal work environment in the country.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2008

Edwin H.W. Chan, K.S. Lam and W.S. Wong

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the indoor environmental quality among residential buildings in dense urban living environment, after the outbreak of Severe Acute…

1613

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the indoor environmental quality among residential buildings in dense urban living environment, after the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which called for a review on the relationship between health issues and the authors' built facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Environmental tests include thermal comfort, noise, daylight and air quality inside the residence of typical housing units were carried out. Based on inferences drawn from test results, the paper developed systematic conclusions.

Findings

It was observed that most of the occupants (over 70 per cent of 125 households) were tolerating the higher air temperature and dimmer daylight inside their residence, which was proven to fall behind Hong Kong Standard. On the contrary, people reflected that they were also trying to abate noise and dust concentration in their daily life.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the flat occupants' exclusive property rights in law, there were limited access to the residents' flats and only 32 occupants out of 125 allowed us to conduct the survey. Yet, the data set was justified.

Practical implications

The results provides practical guidance for the design of future housing to enhance health and comfort of occupants.

Originality/value

Originality of the findings is based on on‐site data collected in dense urban housing condition. Rating data were also collected from the occupants concerned about their habituation conditions in Hong Kong after the outbreak of SARS, which was a major crisis that called for fundamental review of the authors' built facilities.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2014

Iris De Been and Marion Beijer

– The aim of this research is to determine whether the type of office environment has an impact on satisfaction with the office environment and productivity support.

7070

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this research is to determine whether the type of office environment has an impact on satisfaction with the office environment and productivity support.

Design/methodology/approach

Three office types that are most common in The Netherlands were distinguished: individual and shared room offices, combi offices and flex offices. 11,799 respondents filled out a questionnaire measuring satisfaction with the work environment and its contribution to productivity.

Findings

Regression analysis was used to investigate whether these factors were influenced by office type. Results show that office type is a significant predictor. While in combi and flex offices people can choose to work at diverse workspaces, people evaluate productivity support, concentration and privacy less positive than people working in individual and shared room offices. In combi offices, but not in flex offices, people are more satisfied with communication than in individual and shared room offices.

Practical implications

Nevertheless, satisfaction with the organization explains the most variance with regard to satisfaction with the office environment and productivity support.

Originality/value

In The Netherlands, there are a lot of office buildings with a combi or flexible office concept. The large dataset on which the comparison is based, is a real plus for the research.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 November 2021

Amit Kaushik, Mohammed Arif, Obas John Ebohon, Hord Arsalan, Muhammad Qasim Rana and Lovelin Obi

The Purpose of this paper is to identify statistical relationships between visual environment and occupant productivity. Visual environment is one of the most important indoor…

Abstract

Purpose

The Purpose of this paper is to identify statistical relationships between visual environment and occupant productivity. Visual environment is one of the most important indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters, and it directly impacts occupant productivity in offices. The literature outlines the significance of the impact. Still, there is a lack of investigation, statistical analysis and inter-relationships between the independent variables (IEQ factors), especially in the hot and arid climate.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a research study investigating the effects and shows statistical relationships between IEQ on occupant comfort and productivity. The study was conducted in the Middle East, and data was collected for 12 months. It used the response surface analysis to perform analysis.

Findings

This study outlined seven unique relationships highlighting the recommended range, inter-dependencies. Results include that illumination has maximum effect on visual comfort and temperature, daylight having direct influence and relative humidity, wall type next to the seat and kind of workspace also impact visual comfort and productivity. These findings would help to improve occupant comfort and productivity in office buildings. It is recommended to include results and recommendations on design guidelines for office buildings.

Originality/value

This study presents the unique effects of non-visual IEQ parameters on visual comfort and productivity. This investigation also provides a unique method to develop the statistical relationship between various indoor environmental factors and productivity in different contexts and buildings.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2020

Kemal Yildirim, Aysen Ozkan, Elif Gunes and Ahmet Mestan

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of window proximity on perceptions of employees in the call center offices.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of window proximity on perceptions of employees in the call center offices.

Design/methodology/approach

A semantic differential scale composed of nine bipolar adjectives, four of which dealt with “planning,” three of “privacy,” while the rest measured “lighting” was applied for evaluation. In total, 92 employees at the TEPE Call Center in the Bilkent District, Ankara, Turkey participated in the research.

Findings

The results showed that window proximity directly affected the call center employees’ perceptions. In addition, a positive approach was even less affected when the location of the workstation was more at the inner part of the workspace. On the contrary, workstations in front of the window were evaluated more positively, presumably because the employees were happy at feeling roomy and by giving them a higher level of privacy, while also minimizing distractions and interruptions. It was also found that call center employees with secondary education responded more positively than higher educated employees.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to examining the effects of window proximity in a call center on employees’ perceptions of an open-plan office. The study supports the results of planning, privacy and lighting, as well as the study on physical environmental factors, such as design, ambient and social, which are thought to be realized in the future.

Originality/value

This study presents suggestions that would be useful for increasing the working and solution-focused perceptual performance values in call center environments from the new generation of work areas. They should be appropriate for the psychological and physical needs of employees in twenty-first-century communication environments, especially in spatial environments and for the suitability of the technological equipment used.

Details

Facilities , vol. 38 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000