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1 – 10 of over 1000Ravichandran Joghee and Reesa Varghese
The purpose of this article is to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the analysis of variance (ANOVA…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the analysis of variance (ANOVA) application after the preliminary test on the model specification.
Design/methodology/approach
A new approach is proposed to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the ANOVA application. First, we determine this relationship from the general perspective of Six Sigma methodology under the normality assumption. Then, the approach is extended to a balanced two-stage nested design with a random effects model in which a preliminary test is used to fix the main test statistic.
Findings
The features of mean-shifted and inflated (but centred) processes with the same specification limits from the perspective of Six Sigma are studied. The shift and inflation coefficients are derived for the two-stage balanced ANOVA model. We obtained good predictions for the process shift, given the inflation coefficient, which has been demonstrated using numerical results and applied to case studies. It is understood that the proposed method may be used as a tool to obtain an efficient variance estimator under mean shift.
Research limitations/implications
In this work, as a new research approach, we studied the link between mean shift and inflation coefficients when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the ANOVA. Derivations for these coefficients are presented. The results when the null hypothesis is accepted are also studied. This needs the help of preliminary tests to decide on the model assumptions, and hence the researchers are expected to be familiar with the application of preliminary tests.
Practical implications
After studying the proposed approach with extensive numerical results, we have provided two practical examples that demonstrate the significance of the approach for real-time practitioners. The practitioners are expected to take additional care before deciding on the model assumptions by applying preliminary tests.
Originality/value
The proposed approach is original in the sense that there have been no similar approaches existing in the literature that combine Six Sigma and preliminary tests in ANOVA applications.
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Niveen Badra, Hosam Hegazy, Mohamed Mousa, Jiansong Zhang, Sharifah Akmam Syed Zakaria, Said Aboul Haggag and Ibrahim Abdul-Rashied
This research aims to create a methodology that integrates optimization techniques into preliminary cost estimates and predicts the impacts of design alternatives of steel…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to create a methodology that integrates optimization techniques into preliminary cost estimates and predicts the impacts of design alternatives of steel pedestrian bridges (SPBs). The cost estimation process uses two main parameters, but the main goal is to create a cost estimation model.
Design/methodology/approach
This study explores a flexible model design that uses computing capabilities for decision-making. Using cost optimization techniques, the model can select an optimal pedestrian bridge system based on multiple criteria that may change independently. This research focuses on four types of SPB systems prevalent in Egypt and worldwide. The study also suggests developing a computerized cost and weight optimization model that enables decision-makers to select the optimal system for SPBs in keeping up with the criteria established for that system.
Findings
In this paper, the authors developed an optimization model for cost estimates of SPBs. The model considers two main parameters: weight and cost. The main contribution of this study based on a parametric study is to propose an approach that enables structural engineers and designers to select the optimum system for SPBs.
Practical implications
The implications of this research from a practical perspective are that the study outlines a feasible approach to develop a computerized model that utilizes the capabilities of computing for quick cost optimization that enables decision-makers to select the optimal system for four common SPBs based on multiple criteria that may change independently and in concert with cost optimization during the preliminary design stage.
Social implications
The model can choose an optimal system for SPBs based on multiple criteria that may change independently and in concert with cost optimization. The resulting optimization model can forecast the optimum cost of the SPBs for different structural spans and road spans based on local unit costs of materials cost of steel structures, fabrication, erection and painting works.
Originality/value
The authors developed a computerized model that uses spreadsheet software's capabilities for cost optimization, enabling decision-makers to select the optimal system for SPBs meeting the criteria established for such a system. Based on structural characteristics and material unit costs, this study shows that using the optimization model for estimating the total direct cost of SPB systems, the project cost can be accurately predicted based on the conceptual design status, and positive prediction outcomes are achieved.
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This investigation serves a dual purpose: providing preliminary results and serving as a pilot study to confirm the viability of the hypotheses advanced towards a full-scale…
Abstract
Purpose
This investigation serves a dual purpose: providing preliminary results and serving as a pilot study to confirm the viability of the hypotheses advanced towards a full-scale study. This paper aims to present the preliminary findings of an investigation that explored the constructs of personality traits and situational crime prevention theory (SCPT) as antecedents to social cognitive determinants (attitude, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms using the theory of planned behaviour [TPB] framing) and how these elements subsequently estimate compliant information security behaviour. Moreover, this paper delves into the contrasting influences of light and dark personality traits on insider information security compliance.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to study SCPT measures and the personality factors dyad using a diverse but limited sample (n = 82).
Findings
There were ten significant direct relationships between SCPT factors and personality traits related to the components of the TPB. Seventeen hypotheses were not supported. However, these findings highlight the complexity of the topic under study.
Practical implications
Understanding individual differences within the compliance model could be used for custom training protocols, employee selection, assignment and specific types of information security interventions.
Originality/value
There is a scarcity of studies considering the effects of situational and personality factors, specifically the dark versus light triad of personality traits within the information security domain. Therefore, this preliminary result provides early insight that could guide further studies. This research could have important implications for organisations at risk of insider attacks.
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This study aims to investigate ground-related design deficiencies as potential avenues of avoidable cost overruns, discernible from the geotechnical practices of highway agencies…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate ground-related design deficiencies as potential avenues of avoidable cost overruns, discernible from the geotechnical practices of highway agencies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
The study deploys an interpretivist qualitative methodology to provide a detailed descriptive analysis of the design-related geotechnical practices of highway agencies during the pre-contract phase of highway projects. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with in-house professionals, consultants and contractors affiliated with the three highway agencies in the Niger Delta and thematically analysed to identify significant deviations from geotechnical best practices.
Findings
The study outcome shows that during the pre-contract phase, a chain of design-related geotechnical shortcomings has plagued highway projects executed in the Niger Delta. This view of practice uncovered in this study demonstrates a culture of significant deviation from best practice recommendations, which could plausibly contribute to the history of significant project cost overruns recorded in the region.
Originality/value
The study qualitatively spotlights gaps in the practice of highway agencies and reinforces the need for a re-orientation of the attitude to risk management, to give geotechnical concerns a priority in the financial management of highway projects executed in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
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Steven Barnes, Jerome Carson and Kevin Gournay
Evidence suggests supported living can improve functioning and reduce need. However, its lack of a clear definition has presented significant challenges to establishing a…
Abstract
Purpose
Evidence suggests supported living can improve functioning and reduce need. However, its lack of a clear definition has presented significant challenges to establishing a definitive evaluation of its efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a defined model of supported living using in terms of reductions made to aspects of clinical and social recovery.
Design/methodology/approach
A naturalistic, non-controlled assessment was conducting using using the Camberwell Assessment of Need Clinical Scale with a sample of adults with severe and enduring mental illness residing with a UK-based mental health company at 1 of 12 UK locations.
Findings
Analysis regarding preliminary outcomes relating to health and social need is presented with comparison between admission and six-months post-admission (N = 90). Additional analysis relating to outcomes at 12 months is also provided (N = 39). Significant outcomes are noted at both timepoints in terms of reducing unmet need and levels of formal and informal help given/required during tenancy.
Practical implications
The findings support that, even in the absence of clinical recovery, opportunities exist to make meaningful and valuable improvements to unmet need and functional independence, with implications for clinical practice in the context of supported living.
Originality/value
The findings provide encouraging early indications of the benefits of the model in making meaningful reductions to functional and psychological needs in individuals with severe and enduring mental illness.
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Lina Zhong, Xiaonan Li, Sunny Sun, Rob Law and Mengyao Zhu
Existing tourism review articles have limited review topics and cover a relatively short period. This review paper aims to extend the coverage of the previous literature and…
Abstract
Purpose
Existing tourism review articles have limited review topics and cover a relatively short period. This review paper aims to extend the coverage of the previous literature and enhances the completeness of tourism-related studies to provide comprehensive tourism-related literature from 1945 (World War II onward) to 2022. Specifically, this paper reveals the major research themes present in published tourism research during this time period and highlights the evolution of tourism research from the preliminary phase, the transversal phase, to the growth phase.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study visualizes tourism research through networks of coauthors and their countries and regions, cocitation analysis of keywords and explores the thematic evolution of tourism research after the World War II (i.e., 1945–2022) from Web of Science and Google Scholar through bibliometric analysis.
Findings
Findings reveal that the themes of tourism research in the past years can be divided into seven major research themes. The tourism research evolution from World War II to 2022 can be categorized into three stages: preliminary (1945–1970), transversal (1971–2004) and growth (2005–2022). In addition, the research themes of tourism are not static but evolve according to the dynamics of the society and the industry, and that seven main research themes have been formed, namely, “heritage tourism,” “medical tourism,” “adventure tourism,” “dark tourism,” “sustainable tourism,” “rural tourism” and “smart tourism.”
Originality/value
The present study expands and refines the comprehensive literature in tourism research, as well as reveals the trends and dynamics in tourism research through network analysis and thematic evolution research methods.
目的
现有的旅游评论文章在审查主题方面有限, 并且涵盖的时间相对较短。本综述文章扩展了先前文献的涵盖范围, 增强了与旅游相关研究的完整性, 提供了从1945年(第二次世界大战之后)到2022年的全面旅游相关文献。具体而言, 本文揭示了此期间发表的旅游研究中的主要研究主题, 并突出了旅游研究从初步阶段、横向阶段到增长阶段的演变。
设计/方法/途径
本研究通过共同作者及其国家的网络、关键词的共同引用分析, 将旅游研究可视化, 并探索二战后旅游研究的主题演变。本研究通过文献计量学分析, 将 Web of Science (WoS) 和 Google Scholar 中的旅游研究(即 1945–2022 年)可视化。
研究结果
研究结果显示, 过去几年的旅游研究主题可分为七大研究主题。从第二次世界大战到 2022 年的旅游研究演变可分为三个阶段:初步阶段(1945–1970 年)、横向阶段(1971–2004 年)和成长阶段2005–2022 年)。此外, 旅游的研究主题并不是静态的, 而是根据社会和行业的动态而演变, 形成了七个主要研究主题, 即“遗产旅游”、“医疗旅游”、“冒险旅游”、“黑暗旅游”、“可持续旅游”、“乡村旅游”和“智慧旅游”。
原创性
本研究通过网络分析和主题演变研究方法扩展和完善了旅游研究方面的综合文献, 并揭示了旅游研究的趋势和动态。
Objetivo
Los artículos de revisión existentes sobre turismo tienen temas de revisión limitados y cubren un periodo relativamente corto. Este artículo de revisión amplía la cobertura de la bibliografía anterior y mejora la exhaustividad de los estudios relacionados con el turismo para ofrecer una bibliografía exhaustiva sobre el turismo desde 1945 (Segunda Guerra Mundial en adelante) hasta 2022. En concreto, este documento revela los principales temas de investigación presentes en la investigación turística publicada durante este periodo de tiempo y destaca la evolución de la investigación turística desde la fase preliminar, la fase transversal, hasta la fase de crecimiento.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
El presente estudio visualiza la investigación turística a través de redes de coautores y sus países y regiones, análisis de co-citación de palabras clave, y explora la evolución temática de la investigación turística después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial (es decir, 1945–2022) a partir de Web of Science y Google Scholar mediante análisis bibliométricos.
Resultados
Los resultados revelan que los temas de la investigación turística de los últimos años pueden dividirse en siete grandes temas de investigación. La evolución de la investigación turística desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial hasta 2022 puede clasificarse en tres etapas: preliminar (1945–1970), transversal (1971–2004) y de crecimiento (2005–2022). Además, los temas de investigación del turismo no son estáticos, sino que evolucionan según la dinámica de la sociedad y de la industria, y que se han formado siete temas principales de investigación, a saber: “turismo patrimonial”, “turismo médico”, “turismo de aventura”, “turismo oscuro”, “turismo sostenible”, “turismo rural” y “turismo inteligente”.
Originalidad/valor
El presente estudio amplía y perfecciona la amplia bibliografía existente en el campo de la investigación turística, además de revelar las tendencias y la dinámica de la investigación turística mediante el análisis de redes y los métodos de investigación de evolución temática.
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Ramgy Pararajasingam, Anuradha Samarajeewa Waidyasekara and Hasith Chathuranga Victar
Construction material management plays a significant role in achieving successful project delivery of a construction project. However, ineffective material management is a…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction material management plays a significant role in achieving successful project delivery of a construction project. However, ineffective material management is a critical issue in the construction industry, especially in developing economies, of which Sri Lanka is not an exception. Therefore, this study aims to focus on exploring the causes of ineffective material management practices in civil engineering construction projects in Sri Lanka and their impact on successful project delivery.
Design/methodology/approach
Furthermore, the literature findings were validated through the preliminary survey. Subsequently, a quantitative research approach was adopted to pursue the research aim. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 215 construction professionals in civil engineering projects who were selected using the judgemental and snowball sampling techniques. Collected data were analysed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) V26 and Microsoft Excel 2016.
Findings
Moreover, the study revealed that material price fluctuation, shortage of material in the market, delay in material procurement, inadequate planning and delays in material delivery are the most frequent causes of ineffective material management in civil engineering projects. In addition, it was evidenced that most ineffective material management practices cause both time and cost overruns in civil engineering construction projects. Most respondents emphasized inadequate planning, inadequate qualified and experienced staff, lack of supervision and lack of leadership as the causes for both time and cost overruns.
Originality/value
The study was concluded by proposing strategies for effective material management. Education/training/enlightenment of staff in charge of materials management, use of software like Microsoft Project, Primavera and similar software to eliminate manual errors in material management, and providing clear specifications to suppliers were the most agreed strategies for effective material management in civil engineering construction projects.
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Daniel James Acton, Rosalyn Arnold, Gavin Williams, Nicky NG, Kirstyn Mackay and Sujeet Jaydeokar
This preliminary study aims to examine the use of a co-designed immersive virtual reality intervention programme in improving access to health care for people with intellectual…
Abstract
Purpose
This preliminary study aims to examine the use of a co-designed immersive virtual reality intervention programme in improving access to health care for people with intellectual disability.
Design/methodology/approach
A co-production approach was used to design a virtual reality intervention in collaboration with people with intellectual disability, their families and carers. A mixed-method single sample pre-test-post-test design examined using a virtual reality intervention simulating health-care environments to improve access of attending health-care appointments. Qualitative feedback was used to understand participants’ experience and opinions of using the digital technology.
Findings
The study found that the intervention did help people access health-care appointment and reduced their fear. Improvements were also found in quality-of-life post intervention. Positive feedback was provided from participants on using digital technologies indicating the novelty of the approach and potential further applications.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which has used virtual reality to support people with intellectual disability access health care.
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Gender identity assessments (GIAs) have been criticized by practitioners and trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals alike. With the practice of exploring individuals’…
Abstract
Purpose
Gender identity assessments (GIAs) have been criticized by practitioners and trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals alike. With the practice of exploring individuals’ gender identity for treatment pathway purposes being potentially invasive and inappropriate, the current study aims to explore explicit standards.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study used the Delphi methodology to survey practitioners familiar with GIA. Over three rounds, 14 international participants rated their agreement about six areas relating to the assessment: purpose; content; approach; forensic application; psychometric instruments; and wider issues. Statements that reached an 80% cut-off among participants were viewed as a sufficient level of agreement, while the remaining items were fed back for repeated ratings. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to suggest additional items that the group could rate.
Findings
Overall, a consensus across 23 items was achieved. The findings indicate a practice emphasizing collaboration between clinician and client to facilitate an informed decision. Furthermore, participants advocated for a non-pathologizing version of the GIA. This is a departure from diagnoses like gender dysphoria toward an approach which encapsulates also positive aspects of the trans experience, for example, resilience and future plans.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include sampling biases due to participants’ high specialization and challenges in recruiting TGNC individuals. Furthermore, findings appear restricted to adult services.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this pilot is a first step to making current practice transparent and comparable, with the hopes to improve trans care. Furthermore, it is contextualized with the previously suggested application of the power threat meaning framework to GIA.
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This paper aims to examine empirical support for 18 hypotheses specifying relationship between leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates and subordinate work attitudes of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine empirical support for 18 hypotheses specifying relationship between leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates and subordinate work attitudes of job satisfaction, job involvement and affective commitment. It also does concept specification, scale development and a preliminary scale validation for leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a survey design, this study assesses support for 18 hypothesized relationships between leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates and three forms of subordinate work attitudes and also provides preliminary evidence on the construct validity of the new leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates scale.
Findings
The results are mostly supportive of the hypotheses and also demonstrate the validity of leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates scale in terms of an interpretable factor structure, high reliability level and convergent and discriminant validity.
Research limitations/implications
The study provides a scale for leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates. It also outlines meaningful directions for future research.
Practical implications
The positive relationship of leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates with three work attitudes in this study and already established relationship between these work attitudes and employee performance suggest that managers’ practice of leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates can potentially enhance employee performance.
Social implications
The study results suggest that leader spiritual behaviours can enhance positive employee work attitudes and potentially employee performance, and thus can make organizations both spiritual and productive.
Originality/value
This is, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the first study to formally specify the concept and components of leader spiritual behaviours towards subordinates and to demonstrate its positive relationship with three forms of subordinate work attitudes.
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