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1 – 10 of over 113000Phuoc Luong Le, Thien-My Dao and Amin Chaabane
This paper aims to propose an innovative building information modelling (BIM)-based framework for multi-objective and dynamic temporary construction site layout design (SLD)…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose an innovative building information modelling (BIM)-based framework for multi-objective and dynamic temporary construction site layout design (SLD), which uses a hybrid approach of systematic layout planning (SLP) and mathematical modelling.
Design/methodology/approach
The hybrid approach, which follows a step-by-step process for site layout planning, is designed to facilitate both qualitative and quantitative data collection and processing. BIM platform is usedto facilitate the determination of the required quantitative data, while the qualitative data are generated through knowledge-based rules.
Findings
The multi-objective layout model represents two important aspects: layout cost and adjacency score. The result shows that the model meets construction managers’ requirements in not only saving cost but also assuring the preferences of temporary facility relationships. This implies that the integration of SLP and mathematical layout modelling is an appropriate approach to deliver practical multi-objective SLD solutions.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed framework is expected to serve as a solution, for practical application, which takes the advantage of technologies in data collection and processing. Besides, this paper demonstrates, by using numerical experimentation and applying Microsoft Excel Solver for site layout optimisation, how to reduce the complexity in mathematical programming for construction managers.
Originality/value
The original contribution of this paper is the attempt of developing a framework in which all data used for the site layout modelling are collected and processed using a systematic approach, instead of being predetermined, as in many previous studies.
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Juho Ylimäki and Jukka Vesalainen
The purpose of this study is to build a generic model for relational development of a value proposition for a service concept. The study seeks to answer two questions: First, what…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to build a generic model for relational development of a value proposition for a service concept. The study seeks to answer two questions: First, what kind of process is practical for joint development of a service concept in customer–service provider collaboration? Second, what are the functional principles for such collaboration?
Design/methodology/approach
A participative, design science approach was used to develop the model for a joint-development process. Researchers developed and analyzed joint activities between a provider of industrial maintenance service solutions and its customer during the process of co-developing a service concept for factory maintenance.
Findings
The study suggests that a co-development process has to integrate service blueprinting, a stage-gate philosophy, dialogical interaction principles and elements of joint learning to meet the requirement for both efficiency and relationality.
Research limitations/implications
The study develops a generic model for collaborative development of value propositions that integrates the aforementioned elements of separate streams of research. Applying the developed model to different contexts would further verify and enhance it.
Practical implications
The model can be applied to the development of a value proposition in different collaborative development situations to enhance interplay between efficiency and relationality.
Originality/value
The study illustrates a generic model for joint service concept development and proposes a solution balancing contradictory requirements in such a collaboration.
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Project management (PM) is a diverse discipline which covers the study of management practices. Different research approaches have been used in the study of PM but not much…
Abstract
Purpose
Project management (PM) is a diverse discipline which covers the study of management practices. Different research approaches have been used in the study of PM but not much emphasis has been given to the constructive approach which is implicitly applied in most cases through managerial constructions. The purpose of this paper is to support the application of the constructive research approach to the construction PM discipline. It is also aimed at showing the rigour of the constructive research approach that satisfies the requirements of applied studies research.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is carried out via extensive literature review and a demonstrative example of the development of the Specialist Task Organisation procurement approach through the six stages of the constructive research approach.
Findings
The paper shows the applicability of the constructive research approach to construction and PM. The paper also highlights some criticisms that the constructive approach has not been firmly rooted in PM research and suggests some solutions.
Research limitations/implications
The constructive research approach is applicable to the PM discipline because most research in this field is applied and practical. The paper specifically scrutinises and promotes the constructive research approach.
Originality/value
The paper will provide an additional research tool in the PM discipline that produces innovative solutions which are grounded by valid research instruments. The impact of this paper will increase the popularity of this research methodology, generate and stimulate a debate to further explore its application and the development in the PM discipline.
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Jiju Antony, Michael Sony, Bart Lameijer, Shreeranga Bhat, Raja Jayaraman and Leopoldo Gutierrez
Design science research (DSR) is a structured approach for solving complex ill-structured problems in organizations through the development of an artefact followed by its…
Abstract
Purpose
Design science research (DSR) is a structured approach for solving complex ill-structured problems in organizations through the development of an artefact followed by its validation. This paper aims to evaluate existing DSR methodology and propose specific accents to promote DSR for environmental, social and governance (ESG)-oriented operational excellence (OPEX) initiatives within organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
This commentary paper is based on an abductive reasoning approach to evaluate and understand DSR and assess its effectiveness for developing solutions to typical ESG-oriented OPEX-based problems within organizations.
Findings
Existing literature on DSR is reviewed, after which it is evaluated on its ability to contribute to the implementation of sustainable solutions for ESG-oriented OPEX-based problems. Based on the review, specific DSR methodological accents are proposed for the development of ESG-oriented OPEX-based solutions in organizations.
Research limitations/implications
This conceptual paper contributes to the conceptual understanding of the applicability, limitations and contextual preconditions for applying DSR. This paper proposes an explicit and, in some ways, alternative view on DSR research for OPEX researchers to apply and further the body of knowledge on matters of sustainability (ESG) in operations management.
Practical implications
Currently, there is limited understanding and application of the DSR methodology for OPEX-based problem-solving initiatives, as appears in the scant literature on DSR applied for the implementation of OPEX based initiatives for ESG purposes. This paper aims to challenge and provide accents for DSR applied to OPEX-related problems by means of a DSR framework and thereby promotes intervention-based studies among researchers.
Originality/value
The proposed step-by-step methodology contains novel elements and is expected to be of help for OPEX-oriented academicians and practitioners in implementing DSR methodology for practical related problems which need research interventions from academics from Higher Education Institutions.
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Chamil Dilhan Erik Ramanayaka, Oluwole Alfred Olatunji and Asiri U. Weerasuriya
Beyond a mandated use, rationales behind executive choice to accept or reject building information modelling (BIM) are ambiguous. BIM acceptance is complex for organisations, and…
Abstract
Purpose
Beyond a mandated use, rationales behind executive choice to accept or reject building information modelling (BIM) are ambiguous. BIM acceptance is complex for organisations, and existing decision-making models are impractical to make realistic choices. A practical solution must assist a holistic reflection of internal and external BIM success factors. Nevertheless, extant literature is largely focused on software use and awareness. Thus, this paper aims to suggest a novel framework for assessing firm readiness, aimed at facilitating BIM uptake.
Design/methodology/approach
Extant explanatory studies are inadequate in assessing the soft nature of BIM uptake. Thus, a design science research was employed as an alternative methodology. A means-end analysis was utilised for solution incubation, and cross-disciplinary reasoning, the strategy to establish valid solutions on firm readiness. Previous studies were reviewed on BIM, technology acceptance (generally) and complexity.
Findings
“Technology attitude” is presented as involving more holistic variables than a simplistic reliance on software use to mirror BIM acceptance. Technology acceptance model (TAM) is appropriate to explain BIM attitude attributes, but its current use is sub-optimal. Selective information processing and unconscious thought theory were integrated into TAM to explain attitude formation from multiple perspectives, resulting in a novel BIM attitude scale (BIMAS). Upon verification, the proposed framework will facilitate an objective authentication of biases that associate with BIM acceptance.
Originality/value
Whilst BIM readiness is assessed largely with a primary focus on theory building, practical relevance must be at the forefront of BIM development. This study articulates that design science research can enhance the practical relevance of BIM adoption models. BIM acceptance attitude must be assessed through a verified scale contrary to the assessment of self-biases of executives in literature. BIMAS suggests a testable solution for this. Theory building research must be the future focus to enhance the relevance of this initial solution.
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Sogand Soghrati Ghasbeh, Nadia Pourmohammadzia and Masoud Rabbani
This paper aims to address a location-distribution-routing problem for distributing relief commodities during a disaster under uncertainty by creating a multi-stage model that can…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address a location-distribution-routing problem for distributing relief commodities during a disaster under uncertainty by creating a multi-stage model that can consider information updates during the disaster. This model aims to create a relief network that chooses distribution centers with the highest value while maximizing equity and minimizing response time.
Design/methodology/approach
A hybrid algorithm of adaptive large neighborhood search (ALNS) and multi-dimensional local search (MDLS) is introduced to solve the problem. Its results are compared to ALNS and an augmented epsilon constraint (AUGMECON) method.
Findings
The results show that the hybrid algorithm can obtain high-quality solutions within reasonable computation time compared to the exact solution. However, while it yields better solutions compared to ALNS, the solution is obtained in a little longer amount of time.
Research limitations/implications
In this paper, the uncertain nature of some key features of the relief operations problem is not discussed. Moreover, some assumptions assumed to simplify the proposed model should be verified in future studies.
Practical implications
In order to verify the effectiveness of the designed model, a case study of the Sarpol Zahab earthquake in 2017 is illustrated and based on the results and the sensitivity analyses, some managerial insights are listed to help disaster managers make better decisions during disasters.
Originality/value
A novel robust multi-stage linear programming model is designed to address the location-distribution-routing problem during a disaster and to solve this model an efficient hybrid meta-heuristic model is developed.
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This paper proposes to rethink the concepts of relevance and usefulness and their relation to the theory–practice gap in management research.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes to rethink the concepts of relevance and usefulness and their relation to the theory–practice gap in management research.
Methodology/approach
On the basis of the cognitive-linguistic relevance theory or inferential pragmatics, supplemented by insights from information science, we define relevance as a general conceptual category, while reserving usefulness for the instrumental application in a particular case.
Findings
There is no reason to hold onto the difference between theoretical and practical relevance, nor to distinguish between instrumental and conceptual relevance.
Originality/value
This novel approach will help to clarify the confusion in the field and contribute to a better understanding of the added value of management research.
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The primary driver of future aviation has recently been sustainability. The rapid development of radically new, disruptive technologies and solutions should be regularly evaluated…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary driver of future aviation has recently been sustainability. The rapid development of radically new, disruptive technologies and solutions should be regularly evaluated to maintain the desired trends in sustainable aviation. The purpose of this research can be listed as follows: (i) to propose a sustainable performance index and methodology (ii) to evaluate the new technologies and solutions, and (iii) apply them to evaluate the effect of technologies and solutions under development.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces a total sustainable performance index for evaluating the sustainability; demonstrates its applicability to future development processes; recognizes the supporting new technologies and solutions by implementing their identification, evaluation and selection processes; and defines the major trends and drivers maintaining the sustainability of the future aviation.
Findings
This study has resulted in a proposed new “total sustainable performance index,” and methodology of identifying key drivers that allow defining the technology and solution-driven trends, and defines the major trends and listed technologies and solutions that may have a determining role in given trends.
Research limitations/implications
There are dilemmas on taking into account the positive effects of aviation on the economy and society that may overwrite the costs and limited information about the foresight on new technologies and solutions.
Practical implications
It depends on access to required inputs.
Social implications
Two-way effects of solid expectations of society on the possible greening of aviation can be listed as the social implication of this research.
Originality/value
The proposed “total sustainability performance index” totally evaluates sustainability, including a penalty, considering the policy (regulation) and interest of future generations.
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E. Ilie Zudor and J. Holmstrom
The objective of this paper is to propose a solution framework for better project delivery control.
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to propose a solution framework for better project delivery control.
Design/methodology/approach
Three emerging technologies that may offer practical solutions are reviewed. These are: automatic product identification, merge‐in‐transit (MIT), and agent based control systems.
Findings
Combining project site level and shipment specific control makes it possible to implement MIT in the project delivery chain. This basic functionality of merging deliveries is needed to react to project delays, and improve rescheduling project resources.
Research limitations/implications
Systems design and trials are needed for further development of the proposed solution framework.
Practical implications
Organizations responsible for coordinating project deliveries need to think about the incentives and costs for logistics service providers, and other business partners to participate in MIT solutions.
Originality/value
The proposed framework is based on an open identification scheme. This makes it possible for new project delivery partners and service providers to locate and start using the controlling software applications without prior notification and arrangement.
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Vijay Chawla, Sanjeev Ahuja and Varsha Rani
The purpose of this paper is to study the fundamental solution in transversely isotropic micropolar thermoelastic media. With this objective, the two-dimensional general solution…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the fundamental solution in transversely isotropic micropolar thermoelastic media. With this objective, the two-dimensional general solution in transversely isotropic thermoelastic media is derived.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of the general solution, the fundamental solution for a steady point heat source on the surface of a semi-infinite transversely isotropic micropolar thermoelastic material is constructed by six newly introduced harmonic functions.
Findings
The components of displacement, stress, temperature distribution and couple stress are expressed in terms of elementary functions. From the present investigation, a special case of interest is also deduced and compared with the previous results obtained.
Practical implications
Fundamental solutions can be used to construct many analytical solutions of practical problems when boundary conditions are imposed. They are essential in the boundary element method as well as the study of cracks, defects and inclusions.
Originality/value
Fundamental solutions for a steady point heat source acting on the surface of a micropolar thermoelastic material is obtained by seven newly introduced harmonic functions. From the present investigation, some special cases of interest are also deduced.
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