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1 – 6 of 6Heap-Yih Chong, Yufan Zhang, Cen Ying Lee, Fei Wang and Yubin Zhang
Audit trail cost management is crucial for ensuring accountability and enhancing quality assurance in construction management. Despite limited practical studies on audit trail…
Abstract
Purpose
Audit trail cost management is crucial for ensuring accountability and enhancing quality assurance in construction management. Despite limited practical studies on audit trail management from a cost perspective; this study developed a lifecycle-based audit trail cost management framework. It used synchronized Building Information Modeling (BIM) cost models and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) to address the existing gap.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a descriptive case study approach of a real-life hospital project in China. Data triangulation was achieved through interviews, observations, documents, and relevant artifacts.
Findings
The study identified three key factors contributing to cost variances between BIM cost models and BoQs: differences in measurement rules, model precision, and professional errors, particularly evident during the preliminary estimate stage. Notably, significant cost savings of approximately RMB 5.811 million were achieved during the detailed estimate stage. During the construction phase, a synchronized approach was deployed to improve precise payment verification and modifications to the BIM model. In the post-construction phase, the synchronized as-built BIM models and BoQs served as primary references to facilitate the resolution of operational discrepancies.
Practical implications
The research contributes to the literature by proposing a synchronized approach of BIM cost models and BoQs. This approach enhances traceability and accountability of project information, catering to the digitalization needs of the construction industry.
Originality/value
This study unveils a pragmatic approach to enhancing transparency and accountability in audit-trail cost management by synchronizing BIM cost models and BoQs at various project stages. The synchronized approach offers a promising direction for future research and implementation of audit trail frameworks to enhance cost management in construction.
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The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual model, ProvKOS, for tracking the provenance of change activities in a knowledge organization system (KOS). By extending…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual model, ProvKOS, for tracking the provenance of change activities in a knowledge organization system (KOS). By extending current provenance practices, this model represents dynamic changes in a KOS more effectively.
Design/methodology/approach
We take a five-step approach to develop the conceptual model, including content analysis of KOS editorial data, environmental scan of existing provenance models, development of persona-specific provenance questions and a participatory design with stakeholders to ensure the model’s utility.
Findings
We introduce (1) a taxonomy of editorial activities for a KOS; (2) a conceptual model ProvKOS, which extends existing models PROV and Simple Knowledge Organization Systems (SKOS). We also provide detailed data dictionaries for the entities, activities and warrants classes proposed in the model. A use case on “gender dysphoria” in Dewey Decimal Classifications (DDCs) is provided to illustrate the implementation of ProvKOS. This shows ProvKOS’s ability to capture KOS changes effectively and to link external resources relating to the changes.
Research limitations/implications
Further validation may be needed to implement the ProvKOS model across various types of KOSs.
Practical implications
ProvKOS can help improve machine readability, querying and analysis of a KOS. Especially within the linked data environment, the enhanced provenance documentation through ProvKOS can enable a network of KOSs, which will then inform better linked data or knowledge graph designs.
Social implications
By facilitating better tracking of changes within a KOS and across KOSs, ProvKOS can enhance the accessibility and usability of knowledge bases across different cultural and social contexts, thus better supporting inclusive information practices.
Originality/value
The proposed model is novel in two ways: one, its ability to represent dynamic change activities in a KOS, which has not been discussed anywhere else; two, it supports the interconnectivity across KOSs by providing a “warrant” class to substantiate the context of changes.
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Harun Turkoglu, Emel Sadikoglu, Sevilay Demirkesen, Atilla Damci and Serra Acar
The successful completion of linear infrastructure construction projects such as railroads, roads, tunnels, and pipelines relies heavily on decision-making processes during…
Abstract
Purpose
The successful completion of linear infrastructure construction projects such as railroads, roads, tunnels, and pipelines relies heavily on decision-making processes during planning phase. Professionals in the construction industry emphasize that determining the starting point of a linear infrastructure construction project is one of the most important decisions to be made in the planning phase. However, the existing literature does not specifically focus on selection of the starting point of the segments to be constructed. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to develop a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to support selection of the starting point of the segments to be constructed in linear infrastructure construction projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the characteristics of the railroad projects and insights gathered from expert interviews, the appropriate criteria for the model were determined. Once the criteria were determined, a decision hierarchy was developed and the weights of the criteria (w_i) were calculated using DEcision MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Then, Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), COmplex PRoportional Assessment (COPRAS), and evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) methods were used. The alternatives were ranked in terms of their priority with TOPSIS method based on relative closeness (Ci) of each alternative to the ideal solution, COPRAS method based on quantitative utility (Ui) for each alternative and EDAS method based on evaluation score (ASi) for all alternatives. The results were compared with each other.
Findings
The study reveals the effects of all criteria on the proposed model. The results of DEMATEL method indicated that quantity of aggregate (w_i = 0.075), ballast (w_i = 0.071), and sub-ballast (w_i = 0.069) are the most important criteria in starting location selection for railroads, where earthquake (w_i = 0.046), excavation cost (w_i = 0.054), and longest distance from borrow pit (w_i = 0.055) were found to be less important criteria. The starting location alternatives were ranked based on TOPSIS, COPRAS and EDAS methods. The A-1 alternative was selected as the most appropriate alternative (Ci = 0.64; Ui = 100%; ASi = 0.81), followed by A-6 alternative (Ci = 0.61; Ui = 97%; ASi = 0.73) and A-7 alternative (Ci = 0.59; Ui = 94%; ASi = 0.60). Even tough different methods were used, they provided compatible results where the same ranking was achieved except three alternatives.
Originality/value
This study identifies novel criteria for the starting location selection of railroad construction based on the data of a railroad project. This study uses different methods for selecting the starting location. Considering the project type and its scope, the model can be used by decision-makers in linear infrastructure projects for which efficient planning and effective location selection are critical for successful operations.
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Gaoming Zheng, Mee Joo Kim, Jing Qi, Melina Aarnikoivu, Saule Bekova, Charity Meki-Kombe, Baktygul Shabdan and Lifutso Tsephe
In this chapter, we delve into our journey of establishing and nurturing a global network comprising early- and mid-career women researchers in the realm of doctoral education…
Abstract
In this chapter, we delve into our journey of establishing and nurturing a global network comprising early- and mid-career women researchers in the realm of doctoral education. Formed and sustained amid the backdrop of the pandemic since 2020, our endeavours of community building have acquired unique attributes, rewards and trials. We begin by tracing the evolution of our collective journey and the collaborative process that has shaped this network. This, in turn, will spotlight the driving forces and expectations that underpinned the birth of this international alliance tailored for aspiring mid-career women researchers. We also delve into the fundamental characteristics of the network and consider the benefits it offers to its members. Lastly, we will address the challenges the network faces, particularly regarding its sustainable development in the context of competitive, academic work environments.
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Amanda Jane Davies, Antony Stephenson, Belinda Briggs and Douglas Allan
Literature and research are emerging in an effort to contribute to strategy development and implementation to address these challenges. Currently, there is no readily identified…
Abstract
Purpose
Literature and research are emerging in an effort to contribute to strategy development and implementation to address these challenges. Currently, there is no readily identified study that combines examination of both academic and grey (i.e. media, government, and non-government reports) literature in a recent time frame (2019–2023) focused specifically on identification of the factors that influence attrition and retention rates; or detailed studies that have evaluated the implementation of strategies to address these challenges within the law enforcement and policing employment field. The study presented in this article seeks to add to the body of knowledge informed by recent (2019–2023) literature and in parallel offer insight into the critical areas of influence to be considered by police and law enforcement decision-makers.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilised the PRISMA-P concept for systematic reviews as a general guide for identifying appropriate literature which revealed a total of 37 academic peer-reviewed articles and 21 grey literature documents contributing to identification of five overarching areas influencing attrition and retention.
Findings
The study identified the following factors contributing to attrition and retention: Job satisfaction and organisational factors; Supervision; Work-life balance; Recruitment, Training and Officer expectations; Financial compensation and job alternatives. There are differences in factors between this study and previous studies, i.e. recruitment strategies related to officer expectations was identified as a contributing factor. These additional factors offer a further contribution to future policy and strategy deliberations and implementations to address the workforce levels within police agencies.
Research limitations/implications
Future research endeavours may include examining the outcomes of strategic endeavours addressing the five core influencing factors for retention of law enforcement and police officers.
Practical implications
The identification of these five factors drawn from the literature review offers potential direction/areas of concentration for law enforcement and policing agencies to direct their efforts in addressing retention and attrition of staff.
Originality/value
Currently, there is no readily identified study that (a) combines examination of both academic and grey (i.e. media, government and non-government reports) literature in a recent time frame (2019–2023) focused specifically on identification of the factors that influence attrition and retention rates; or detailed studies for addressing these challenges within the law enforcement and policing employment field. The study presented in this article seeks to address this gap in the literature and in parallel offer insight into the critical areas of influence to be considered by police and law enforcement decision-makers.
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Skilled migrant (SM) women play a key role in developed countries especially in healthcare and education in easing staffing shortages and migrate expecting to gain…
Abstract
Purpose
Skilled migrant (SM) women play a key role in developed countries especially in healthcare and education in easing staffing shortages and migrate expecting to gain qualification-matched employment (QME). The aim of this review is to assess whether SM women gain the anticipated QME, equitably compared to their skilled counterparts and to examine why and how they do so.
Design/methodology/approach
I conducted a systematic literature review to derive empirical studies to assess if, why and how SM women achieve QME (1) using SM women-only samples and comparative samples including SM women, and (2) examining whether they gain QME directly on or soon after migration or indirectly over time through undertaking alternative, contingent paths.
Findings
Only a minority of SM women achieve the anticipated QME directly soon after migration and less often than their skilled counterparts. Explaining the mechanism for achieving QME, other women, especially due to having young families, indirectly undertake alternative, lower-level contingent paths enabling them to ascend later to QME.
Originality/value
The SM literature gains new knowledge from revealing how SM women can gain positions post-migration comparable to their pre-migration qualifications through undertaking the alternative, contingent paths of steppingstone jobs and academic study, especially as part of agreed familial strategies. This review results in a theoretical mechanism (mediation by a developmental contingency path) to provide an alternative mechanism by which SM women achieve QME.
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