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1 – 10 of over 7000Handan Kunkcu, Kerim Koc and Asli Pelin Gurgun
Work–family conflict is one of the most challenging stressors for construction industry professionals to cope with emotional problems. This study aims to propose a model linking…
Abstract
Purpose
Work–family conflict is one of the most challenging stressors for construction industry professionals to cope with emotional problems. This study aims to propose a model linking work–family conflict and high-quality relationships among project team members and explore mediating effects of life and job satisfactions.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical framework was established based on the spillover theory and social exchange theory. Data were obtained by a questionnaire survey conducted with 328 respondents working in construction projects. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test interrelationships among work–family conflict, job satisfaction, life satisfaction and high-quality relationship.
Findings
The results indicate that work–family conflict is negatively associated with both job and life satisfactions of construction professionals. In addition, there were direct and positive relationships between satisfaction domains and high-quality relationship capacity. The findings further support that job satisfaction plays a mediating role between work–family conflict and high-quality relationship among construction professionals, while life satisfaction does not mediate the relationship.
Originality/value
The effects of interrole conflicts on the context of satisfaction have been investigated previously; however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its influence on high-quality relationship among project team members. This study extends the body of knowledge on high-quality relationships among project team members to understand how conflict and satisfaction factors influence interpersonal relationships in construction project management.
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Ingela Bäckström, Pernilla Ingelsson, Anna Mårtensson and Kristen M. Snyder
The purpose of this paper is to explore existing and desired methodologies for systematic quality work to promote quality in preschools from the principal’s perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore existing and desired methodologies for systematic quality work to promote quality in preschools from the principal’s perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
A collaborative approach was used in this research project, and principals were asked to complete portfolio assignments. Their answers to those portfolio assignments were analysed by the research team and subsequently compared to total quality management values.
Findings
Existing and desired methodologies for systematic quality work are presented and sorted into 13 and 17 groups, respectively. The principals desire four times more methodologies than they are presently using to promote systematic quality work, and the results show that they must extend their methodologies to support TQM values.
Research limitations/implications
This research is based on answers collected from 18 principals in one municipality in Sweden.
Practical implications
The use of the cornerstone model provides a framework to illustrate the application of TQM in preschools.
Originality/value
Principals struggle to find time for systemic quality work. The presented results can be used to work systematically with quality in preschools and other organizations.
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Pantri Heriyati, Nathanya Chitta, Sekar Prasetyaningtyas, Prita Prasetya and Neeraj Yadav
Interrelationships among some common factors of human resource (HR) management and quality management are still unexplored. Changes in work patterns due to the Covid-19 pandemic…
Abstract
Purpose
Interrelationships among some common factors of human resource (HR) management and quality management are still unexplored. Changes in work patterns due to the Covid-19 pandemic have aroused interest in some of these factors, such as working-hours, work pressure, work–life balance practices, job satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to explore the interrelationships among such factors. Specifically, the influence of work hours, work pressure, job rotation and work–life balance on job satisfaction is evaluated both directly and under the mediating influence of working conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Indonesia among diversified organisations. A total of 432 responses were gathered, and they were examined using hypothesis testing and partial least square based structural equation modelling.
Findings
The study confirms the statistically proven impact of work pressure, job rotations and work–life-balance practices on working conditions. Job rotations, work–life balance practices and working conditions directly influenced job satisfaction. Work pressure did not influence job satisfaction directly, but it significantly influenced working conditions, which eventually affected job satisfaction. Working hours neither affected working conditions nor job satisfaction in a significant manner.
Practical implications
Covid-19 necessitated working from home, which is a peculiar work–life balance situation. The findings are helpful for organisations in planning strategies related to work–life-balance, working hours, multi-skilling, working conditions and other quality of work life factors in both regular working conditions and under Covid-19 conditions.
Social implications
The proven influence of work pressure and work–life-balance practices may result in the formation of informal organisations, social groups and increased social networking. As working hours are not diagnosed as an influencing factor for job satisfaction, organisations may think about increasing them, affecting the social fabric of the working community.
Originality/value
Previously unexplored interrelationships among various quality of work life factors are established. Under Covid-19 circumstances, factors such as working hours, work–life-balance and work pressure are investigated in a novel manner. The factors and their interrelationships are important to both quality management professionals and HR professionals.
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Frank Ato Ghansah and Weisheng Lu
While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction industry, it is still unclear from prior studies about adequately positioning the quality assurance (QA) for the…
Abstract
Purpose
While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction industry, it is still unclear from prior studies about adequately positioning the quality assurance (QA) for the post-pandemic era and future pandemics, especially cross-border construction logistics and supply chain (Cb-CLSC). Thus, this study aims to develop a managerial framework to position the QA of Cb-CLSC during pandemics and post-pandemics by taking lessons from how COVID-19 has impacted the existing QA systems and has been managed successfully.
Design/methodology/approach
This is achieved pragmatically through an embedded mixed-method design involving a literature review, survey and interview from experts within the Hong Kong SAR–Mainland China links, typically known as the world’s factory. The design is further integrated with the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.
Findings
The study revealed 10 critical managerial practices (MPs) to position the QA to be adequate for the post-pandemic and during future pandemics, with the top three including “strict observance of government regulations (MP1)”, “planning ahead the period of quality assurance with the quarantine days in host countries (MP6)” and “modification of contract to cater for uncertainties (MP4)”. This attained a relatively good percentage agreement of 53% between the industry and academia. However, the top four MPs regarded as very effective include “implementing digital collaborative inspections with subcontractors and trades (MP8)”, “implementing a digital centralized document and issue management system (MP7)”, “strict observance to government regulations, including vaccination of workers, social distancing, use of prescribed nose masks, etc. (MP1)” and “planning ahead the period of quality assurance with the quarantine days in host countries (MP6)”. Two underlying components of the MPs were revealed as policy-process (PP)-related practices and people-technology-process (PTP)-related practices, and these can be modelled into a managerial framework capable of effectively positioning the QA to be adequate during pandemics through to the post-pandemic era.
Practical implications
The findings of this study depicted significant theoretical and practical contributions to the proactive management of QA activities during pandemics through to the post-pandemic era. It could empower organisations to pay attention to smartly and innovatively balancing people, processes, pandemic policy and technology to inform decisions to effectively position the QA for the post-pandemic era and survive the risks of future pandemics.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the body of knowledge in that it develops a managerial framework to position the QA of Cb-CLSC during pandemics and post-pandemics by taking lessons from how COVID-19 has impacted the existing QA systems and has been managed successfully. It is original research with invaluable primary data in the form of surveys and interviews from experts within the Hong Kong SAR–Mainland China links, typically known as the world’s factory.
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Khalil Idrissi Gartoumi, Mohamed Aboussaleh and Smail Zaki
This paper aims to explore a framework for implementing Lean Construction (LC) to provide corrective actions for quality defects, customer dissatisfaction and value creation…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore a framework for implementing Lean Construction (LC) to provide corrective actions for quality defects, customer dissatisfaction and value creation during the construction of megaprojects.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a case study involving the construction of the Mohamed VI Tower in Morocco. It is the tallest tower in Africa, with 55 floors and a total height of 250 m. This study of the quality of the work and the involvement of the LC was carried out using the Define–Measure–Analysis–Improve–Control approach from Lean six sigma. It describes the Critical to Quality and analyses the root causes of quality defects, customer dissatisfaction and variation in the quality process.
Findings
Firstly, the results of this study map the causal factors of lack of quality as established in the literature. Secondly, the LC tools have reduced non-value-added sources of quality waste and, consequently, improved critical quality indicators.
Research limitations/implications
This document focuses on one part of the tower’s construction and is limited to a project case in a country where LC is rarely used.
Originality/value
This study reinforces the literature reviews, surveys and the small number of case studies that have validated the potential of LC and further clarifies future directions for the practical emergence of this quality improvement approach, especially for large-scale projects.
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Muhammad Qamar Zia, Muhammad Naveed, Tayyaba Fasih and Abdul Rehman Meero
The increasing ethical misconduct at job place demands to understand the role of ethics in a wide variety of disciplines. This paper aims to empirically investigate the mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing ethical misconduct at job place demands to understand the role of ethics in a wide variety of disciplines. This paper aims to empirically investigate the mediating mechanism of life satisfaction and subjective happiness between Islamic work ethics – innovative work behavior (IWB) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).
Design/methodology/approach
The sample comprised 296 employees and 58 head of departments (HODs) of top 11 business schools in Pakistan. The data of the study were collected in three waves and from two different sources (faculty members and their HODs) through questionnaire. The statistical technique SEM analysis was applied to inspect the proposed direct and mediating hypotheses.
Findings
Taken together, the findings revealed that Islamic work ethics (IWE) improves quality of life and by following IWE at workplace, employees feel pleasure and show satisfaction from life. The results supported the mediating role of both life satisfaction and subjective happiness between IWE-IWB and IWE-OCB.
Practical implications
This study provides practical insight that Islamic business ethics plays an important role at workplace and improves quality of life and individual behavior.
Originality/value
The current research is unique, as it empirically investigates the mechanism quality of life phenomena which connects IWE and individual behavior (innovative and citizenship). The mechanism quality of life is less studied, and therefore this study fills the gap of scant literature.
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T. S. Nanjundeswaraswamy and Vanishree Beloor
The purpose of this study is to identify the level of quality of work life (QWL) of employees working in the Garment industries using a validated scale.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the level of quality of work life (QWL) of employees working in the Garment industries using a validated scale.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey methods were used for this study. A questionnaire was designed to collect the data and information, and it is validated through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis.
Findings
The majority of employees are not satisfied with the present status of QWL in garment units. Followings are the predominant components, which influence the QWL of employees compensation and rewards; job security; grievance handling; work environment; training and development; job nature; satisfaction in job; facilities and relation and cooperation.
Originality/value
The study was conducted in 133 garment industries where sample responses were obtained from 851 workers working in Indian Garment industries. In the competitive business environment, retaining a talented workforce is one of the big challenges to the organization. An unsatisfied employee is the first enemy of the organization, it is the prime task of the employers to keep the workforce at a satisfying level, otherwise, it will lead to employee turnover, performance and productivity. This paper helps to identify and quantify the components of the quality of work-life of employees if employers address these components job satisfaction level of employees will increase; therefore, our results will help the HR managers and policymakers to take appropriate decisions to enhance QWL.
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This paper aims to examine the roles of quality managers at community colleges, their experiences balancing accountability and improvement and their insights into the future of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the roles of quality managers at community colleges, their experiences balancing accountability and improvement and their insights into the future of quality assurance.
Design/methodology/approach
This phenomenological, qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with eight community college quality managers to investigate their roles, experiences and perspectives. A reflexive thematic approach was used to analyze the interview data.
Findings
Four themes were identified from participant responses: quality managers frame and enable program quality, quality managers drive program change, quality managers cultivate a culture of quality and quality managers seek system change. The findings illustrate the roles played by quality managers as they work to improve college education at program, institution and system-wide levels.
Research limitations/implications
The decision of participants to accept the recruitment invitation might reflect particular attitudes, perspectives or experiences.
Practical implications
Quality assurance has emerged as a key mechanism for ensuring postsecondary programs are current, relevant and meeting the evolving needs of students and employers. This study advances the understanding of how quality assurance processes play out at the operational level and explores the experiences of quality managers as they navigate various quality tensions.
Originality/value
Quality managers play key roles in leading, evaluating and influencing quality assurance processes in postsecondary education yet they are underrepresented in the literature. The findings of this study shed new light on the aspirational and influential roles they play in advancing quality assurance.
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Frank Ato Ghansah and Weisheng Lu
While COVID-19 mitigation measures (CMMs) aided in steady recovery during the pandemic, they also impeded movement across economies/borders, affecting quality assurance (QA) of…
Abstract
Purpose
While COVID-19 mitigation measures (CMMs) aided in steady recovery during the pandemic, they also impeded movement across economies/borders, affecting quality assurance (QA) of Cross-border Construction Logistics and Supply Chain (Cb-CLSC). However, prior studies on the pandemic in the construction project industry have not revealed how CMMs have impacted QA. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the impact of the CMMs on the QA of Cb-CLSC.
Design/methodology/approach
This is achieved by adopting an embedded mixed-method approach involving a desk literature review and engaging 150 experts from different economies across the globe using expert surveys, and results verified via semi-structured expert interviews. Structural equation modelling-based multiple regression analysis (SEM-MRA) was integrated to examine the impact of the CMMs on the QA, along with descriptive and content analysis.
Findings
The study confirmed that CMMs have not only impacted the QA negatively but also influenced the positioning of the QA for the post-pandemic era and probably to survive the risks of future pandemics. Among all the identified CMMs, the top three critical measures include “lockdown (CMM2)”, “use of personal protective equipment, such as nose masks, disinfects, etc. (CMM5)”, and “electronic/virtual meetings (CMM7)”. However, CMM5 possesses the highest contributory power to form CMM in impacting the QA, and this can be regarded as largely positive by strengthening health and safety management systems. Its negative impact lies with the project cost increment and the inconveniences of using nose and face masks.
Practical implications
This study provides a better understanding to construction practitioners and policy makers on how the pandemic policies, i.e. CMMs, have impacted QA and can aid in formulating planning and operational decisions to adequately position the QA for the post-pandemic era and to endure the risks of future pandemics.
Originality/value
The study contributes to knowledge in that it provides a better understanding of how the pandemic policies, such as CMMs, have impacted QA and can aid in formulating planning and operational decisions to adequately position the QA for the post-pandemic era and to endure the risks of future pandemics. This area of study has been given limited attention among prior studies during the pandemic.
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Hakem Sharari, Rasha Qawasmeh, Abdullah Helalat and Ashraf Jahmani
This study aims to focus on how the design of an organization influences employee sustainability. It also highlights how top management support can mediate this relationship.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on how the design of an organization influences employee sustainability. It also highlights how top management support can mediate this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to examine the role of employee quality of life on performance sustainability, a quantitative survey approach was adopted. A questionnaire was distributed using simple random sampling to the employees working in the hotel sector.
Findings
Results suggest that organizations can enhance employee sustainability, including performance, commitment, motivation and retention, by investing in values that align with their employees, providing suitable health and wellness initiatives, and adopting in career growth policies. In that, values, health and wellness and human development are confirmed to be core determinants of employee sustainability, with a negligible role of fair compensation and physical artifacts. Top management support is found to mediate the relationship between employee quality of life and sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to a better understanding of how organizational design for quality of life can assist employee sustainability with the mediation role of top management support. The study recommends that the hotel organizations should consider designing their work environments to promote their employee quality of life, which affects their sustainability within the hotel industry.
Practical implications
This study contributes to a better understanding of how organizational design for quality of life can assist employee sustainability with the mediation role of top management support. The study recommends that the hotel organizations should consider designing their work environments to promote their employees’ quality of life, which affects their sustainability within the hotel industry.
Originality/value
While there is ample research in business and management literature on the economic and environmental factors of sustainability, social sustainability has received less concentration. This study gives more attention to how employee social sustainability can be affected by the managerial and organizational factors of ensuring work life balance and top management support.
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