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Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Robert Osei-Kyei, Vivian Tam, Ursa Komac and Godslove Ampratwum

Urban communities can be faced with many destructive events that can disrupt the daily functioning of activities and livelihood of people living in the communities. In this…

Abstract

Purpose

Urban communities can be faced with many destructive events that can disrupt the daily functioning of activities and livelihood of people living in the communities. In this regard, during the last couple of years, many governments have put a lot of efforts into building resilient urban communities. Essentially, a resilient urban community has the capacity to anticipate future disasters, prepare for and recover timely from adverse effects of disasters and unexpected circumstances. Considering this, it is therefore important for the need to continuously review the existing urban community resilience indicators, in order to identify emerging ones to enable comprehensive evaluation of urban communities in the future against unexpected events. This study therefore aims to conduct a systematic review to develop and critically analyse the emerging and leading urban community resilience indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRSIMA) protocol, 53 journal articles were selected using Scopus. The selected papers were subjected to thorough content analysis.

Findings

From the review, 45 urban community resilience indicators were identified. These indicators were grouped into eight broad categories namely, Socio-demographic, Economic, Institutional Resilience, Infrastructure and Housing Resilience, Collaboration, Community Capital, Risk Data Accumulation and Geographical and Spatial characteristics of community. Further, the results indicated that the U.S had the highest number of publications, followed by Australia, China, New Zealand and Taiwan. In fact, very few studies emanated from developing economies.

Originality/value

The outputs of this study will inform policymakers, practitioners and researchers on the new and emerging indicators that should be considered when evaluating the resilience level of urban communities. The findings will also serve as a theoretical foundation for further detailed empirical investigation.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 March 2024

Margarida P. Santos, Fernando A. F. Ferreira, Neuza C. M. Q. F. Ferreira, João J. M. Ferreira and Ieva Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė

Gazelle companies are characterized by rapid growth in a short time. Identifying the determinants of this exponential expansion is important as these firms have a significant…

Abstract

Purpose

Gazelle companies are characterized by rapid growth in a short time. Identifying the determinants of this exponential expansion is important as these firms have a significant impact on the economy. They generate increased employment and investment by investors interested in new opportunities. Previous studies have failed to reach a consensus about what fosters high growth in gazelle companies as each firm’s geographical, political and economic context is different. The present research uses cognitive mapping and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to overcome the limitations of prior investigations and identify factors that can potentially accelerate growth in gazelle companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Two sessions were held with an expert panel with knowledge about and experience with these firms. In the first session, data were collected to create a group cognitive map, while the second meeting comprised ISM-based analyses of the high-growth determinants identified and the causal relationships between them. A final consolidation session was held to discuss the results with two members of the Committee for Central Region Coordination and Development (i.e. Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Centro – a public entity that grants gazelle awards in Portugal).

Findings

The analysis system created was tested, and the results demonstrate that the dual methodology used can increase our understanding of the dynamics of high-growth determinants and lead to more informed and potentially better evaluations of gazelle companies. Indeed, once high-growth determinants in gazelle companies are understood, this information can help other firms implement the same business model to achieve similarly rapid growth. The strengths and shortcomings of this new structured analysis model are also analyzed.

Originality/value

The authors know of no prior work reporting the integrated use of cognitive mapping and ISM in this study context.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2021

Liané van Wyk, Kahilu Kajimo-Shakantu and Akintayo Opawole

The South African construction industry appears to be lagging behind other industries in the country in terms of implementation and adoption of innovative technologies. Moreover…

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Abstract

Purpose

The South African construction industry appears to be lagging behind other industries in the country in terms of implementation and adoption of innovative technologies. Moreover, sufficient empirical data on the adoption of innovative technologies, especially, in developing countries are not readily available. The aim of this study is therefore to assess the adoption and implementation of innovative technologies in the South African construction industry with a view to improving the industry's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was undertaken using a questionnaire, administered to construction professionals primarily in project management, quantity surveying and architectural firms.

Findings

The key findings show that there are some innovative technologies such as building information modelling, 3-dimensional mapping, drones, 3-dimensional printing and virtual reality that have been deployed. However, limited adoption of innovative technologies within the industry and low levels of knowledge of its benefits among the respondents were reported. This low implementation of innovative technologies was due to critical barriers such as high cost, limited knowledge, time requirement, fear of change, lack of interest, nature of construction processes and lack of team dynamics. Key drivers of innovation were found to include globalization and competition.

Practical implications

The current level of implementation of innovative technologies indicated that they are not yet optimized in the South African construction industry and suggests implications for change, adaptation and growth. The study recommends that firms should consider investing in research and development in order to exploit the potential of innovation for organizations and the industry at large.

Originality/value

The drivers and barriers indicated will help to prioritize the direction of adoption and growth which could help to improve the industry.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi, Khairul Firdaus Anuar, Nurhaizan Mohd Zainudin, Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad and Walton Wider

This study evaluates the knowledge structure of building information modeling (BIM) in green buildings. Buildings are one of the main contributors to carbon emissions, and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study evaluates the knowledge structure of building information modeling (BIM) in green buildings. Buildings are one of the main contributors to carbon emissions, and implementing BIM in green buildings is seen as an indispensable approach to mitigate environmental and climate change issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a bibliometric analysis, 297 publications retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) were analyzed to explore their intellectual structure.

Findings

Bibliographic coupling analysis produced four clusters on current and emerging trends, while co-word analysis produced four clusters on future BIM and green building trends. Current and emerging trends revolve around BIM adoption in green and existing buildings, life cycle analysis (LCA) and sustainable rating tools. Future trends related to BIM and performance analysis and optimization, the BIM framework for green building design and construction, overcoming barriers and maximizing benefits in BIM adoption.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this study are relevant to all BIM and green building stakeholders, including developers, engineers, architects, occupants, tenants and the whole community.

Originality/value

This study examines the crucial integration of BIM and green building within the more extensive construction and building field scope.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Sharaf AlKheder, Hajar Al Otaibi, Zahra Al Baghli, Shaikhah Al Ajmi and Mohammad Alkhedher

Megaproject's construction is essential for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in the developing world. In Kuwait, megaprojects are facing many…

Abstract

Purpose

Megaproject's construction is essential for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in the developing world. In Kuwait, megaprojects are facing many restrictions that discourage their execution causing a significant delay in bidding, design, construction and operation phases with the execution quality being affected. The objective of this study is to develop a complexity measurement model using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for megaprojects in Kuwait, with a focus on the New Kuwait University multi-billion campus Shadadiyah (College of Social Science, Sharia and Law (CSSL)) as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method to compare the results with those obtained using the conventional AHP method. This can facilitate the project management activities during the different stages of construction. Data were collected based on the results of a two-round Delphi questionnaire completed by seniors and experts of the selected project.

Findings

It was found that project modeling methodology was responsible for complexity. It was grouped under several categories that include technological, goal, organizational, environmental and cultural complexities. The study compares complexity degrees assessed by AHP and FAHP methods. “Technological Complexity” scores highest in both methods, with FAHP reaching 7.46. “Goal Complexity” follows closely behind, with FAHP. “Cultural Complexity” ranks third, differing between methods, while “Organizational” and “Environmental Complexity” consistently score lower, with FAHP values slightly higher. These results show varying complexity levels across dimensions. Assessing and understanding such complexities were essential toward the completion of such megaprojects.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is on providing the empirical evidential knowledge for the priority over construction complexities in a developing country (Kuwait) in the Middle East.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2023

Vipul V. Patel, Richa Pandit and Ramzan Sama

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between conumers' emotional attachment towards fashion apps and positive behavioral outcomes, such as e-WoM and…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between conumers' emotional attachment towards fashion apps and positive behavioral outcomes, such as e-WoM and repurchase intention. The study also aims to explore how e-servicescape, customer experience and perceived value of online shopping influence this relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has used quantitative research methods to collect data from a sample of 484 consumers who had previous experience of purchasing using fashion apps. Data were collected from university students enrolled in university in Gujarat, India using an online self-administered questionnaire. The data are analyzed using structure equation modeling to determine the relationships between the variables under investigation.

Findings

The results demonstrate relationships between e-servicescape, customer experience and perceived value of online shopping, emotional attachment and the two consumer outcomes: repurchase intention and e-WoM. The study found support for hypotheses 1, 2 and 3, highlighting the influence of e-servicescape, customer experience and perceived value of online shopping in developing emotional attachment with fashion apps. The study also confirmed hypotheses 5 and 6, which suggest that consumers who have a stronger emotional attachment to fashion apps are more likely to intend to repurchase fashion products and engage in positive electronic word-of-mouth behavior for fashion brands.

Originality/value

In today's digital age, fashion apps are vital for fashion retailers to remain competitive and offer their customers a smooth and immersive shopping experience . Given the potential impact of fashion apps on the customer behavior, it is essential to investigate the relationship relationships between e-servicescape, customer experience and perceived value of online shopping, emotional attachment and the two consumer outcomes: repurchase intention and e-WoM in the context of fashion apps. The findings of the study are expected to contribute to the understanding of consumer behavior in the context of fashion apps and e-commerce more broadly. The results may also provide insights into how fashion retailers can improve their online presence and customer experiences to increase emotional attachment and positive behavioral outcomes.

Practical implications

The results of this study have several implications for online retail managers and fashion app developers. The study provides strong support for the idea that the extent to which online customers feel emotionally attached to fashion apps is strongly related to their e-WoM and repurchase intention. Moreover, the results of the study suggest that online retailers who are looking to cultivate emotional connections with consumers through fashion apps should prioritize three key areas: e-servicescape, customer experience and perceived value of online shopping.

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2023

S.M.A.H. Senanayake, Pamal Akila Manamperi Gunawardana, B.A.K.S. Perera and Dilakshan Rajaratnam

Construction cost management is one of the important processes that should be achieved effectively and accurately for successful project delivery. Modern-day construction cost…

Abstract

Purpose

Construction cost management is one of the important processes that should be achieved effectively and accurately for successful project delivery. Modern-day construction cost management demands a high level of spatial skills. Augmented reality (AR) can potentially increase the stakeholders’ spatial skills as a supportive technology to traditional cost management tools and techniques. AR is a breakthrough technology that could considerably ease execution in various industries, but AR applicability in cost management has not been studied extensively. Thus, this study aims to explore the use of AR in construction cost management tools and techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a qualitative approach consisting of two rounds of the Delphi technique. A total of 22 experts in the construction and information technology fields were interviewed using a purposive sampling technique. The manual content analysis helped analyse data.

Findings

The study identified AR features with the potential to increase the usage of cost management tools and techniques. AR can enable spatial skills (abilities, thinking and tasks) in most cost management tools and techniques. However, technical, cultural and technical and cultural barriers obstruct the use of AR in the construction industry.

Originality/value

The usage of AR in construction cost management tools and techniques has not been examined in detail until now. Thus, the study was developed to meet the industry needs and fill the literature gap to investigate the potential use of AR in construction cost management tools and techniques.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2023

Yiran Dan and Guiwen Liu

Production and transportation of precast components, as two continuous service stages of a precast plant, play an important role in meeting customer needs and controlling costs…

Abstract

Purpose

Production and transportation of precast components, as two continuous service stages of a precast plant, play an important role in meeting customer needs and controlling costs. However, there is still a lack of production and transportation scheduling methods that comprehensively consider delivery timeliness and transportation economy. This article aims to study the integrated scheduling optimization problem of in-plant flowshop production and off-plant transportation under the consideration of practical constraints of customer order delivery time window, and seek an optimal scheduling method that balances delivery timeliness and transportation economy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an integrated scheduling optimization model of flowshop production and transportation for precast components with delivery time windows is established, which describes the relationship between production and transportation and handles transportation constraints under the premise of balancing delivery timeliness and transportation economy. Then a genetic algorithm is designed to solve this model. It realizes the integrated scheduling of production and transportation through double-layer chromosome coding. A program is designed to realize the solution process. Finally, the validity of the model is proved by the calculation of actual enterprise data.

Findings

The optimized scheduling scheme can not only meet the on-time delivery, but also improve the truck loading rate and reduce the total cost, composed of early cost in plant, delivery penalty cost and transportation cost. In the model validation, the optimal scheduling scheme uses one less truck than the traditional EDD scheme (saving 20% of the transportation cost), and the total cost can be saved by 17.22%.

Originality/value

This study clarifies the relationship between the production and transportation of precast components and establishes the integrated scheduling optimization model and its solution algorithm. Different from previous studies, the proposed optimization model can balance the timeliness and economy of production and transportation for precast components.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2023

Sanmugam Annamalah, Pradeep Paraman, Selim Ahmed, Thillai Raja Pertheban, Anbalagan Marimuthu, Kumara Rajah Venkatachalam and Ramayah T.

This study aims to analyse the resilience strategy utilized by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling these businesses to effectively adapt their operations in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the resilience strategy utilized by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling these businesses to effectively adapt their operations in response to varying conditions by providing them with essential resources. SMEs operate in marketplaces that are both dynamic and frequently tumultuous. These markets provide SMEs with a variety of obstacles, including economic ups and downs, advances in technology, evolving customer tastes and new regulatory requirements. SMEs need to create a strategic strategy to survive and grow in such situations. This strategy ought to help strengthen their resiliency and make it possible for them to make the most of emerging opportunities while simultaneously lowering the dangers.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaires adopted and adapted from previous research served as the basis for gathering the data. The manufacturing industry was polled through the use of questionnaires. To test the hypothesis, the data were analysed using Smart PLS. Through the use of closed-ended questions directed to the proprietors, managers or senior executives of SMEs, data were collected from each and every institution in the sample. Following the examination of the data by means of descriptive analysis and the presentation of several scenarios using information relating to SMEs, the findings were presented.

Findings

The ambidextrous strategies that are used by SMEs have a propensity to offer a constructive contribution to SMEs. In this study, it was discovered that ambidexterity, which is defined as the capacity to both seek and capitalise on possibilities, has a significant bearing on the organisational effectiveness of SMEs. The results showed that ambidextrous strategies have a propensity to work as mediators in interactions involving proactive resilience tactics and performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research expands our understanding of how SMEs in the manufacturing sector may improve their performance by concentrating on growing their ambidextrous strategies.

Practical implications

This study provides a plausible explanation of two crucial management mechanisms for enhancing the sustainability of organisational effectiveness. The relationships between ambidextrous capabilities and firm effectiveness are malleable, and this study suggests that nurturing formal and informal relationships may be the key to SMEs' long-term sustainable performance. Improving the knowledge and performance of supply chain systems for SMEs in the manufacturing sector and boosting their competitiveness in domestic and international markets are the practical contributions of this study.

Social implications

Our comprehension of monitoring, cooperation and innovation within social management was deepened as a result of these facts. In addition, the study conducted in the sector uncovered four essential connections that outline how managers should actively work towards lowering social risks, developing new possibilities and increasing business performance. These capacities and links, when taken as a whole, provide the foundation upon which an integrated framework and five research propositions are built.

Originality/value

This research offers a convincing explanation of fundamental management processes for enhancing the sustainability of organisational effectiveness. This research implies that developing formal and informal interactions may be the key to the sustainable performance of SMEs over the long run. The relationships between ambidextrous capabilities, methods and organisational effectiveness are flexible, and this study also suggests that these relationships may be shaped. The practical contributions made by this research include boosting the understanding and performance of supply chain systems for SMEs as well as the competitive power of these businesses in both local and international markets.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2023

Edward Ayebeng Botchway, Kofi Agyekum, Jenefailus Nikoi Kotei-Martin and Samuel Owusu Afram

This study explores the utilization of simulation tools for building performance assessments among design professionals in Ghana.

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the utilization of simulation tools for building performance assessments among design professionals in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used to obtain responses from 104 design professionals in Ghana through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was generated through a critical review of the related literature on the subject matter. Data from respondents were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

Results from the analysis indicated that design professionals in Ghana possessed a low level of awareness of the simulation tools used for building performance assessments. Subsequently, the findings also revealed that the design professionals' level of usage of the simulation tools was low.

Practical implications

Practically, the establishment of this study informs design stakeholders, educational institutions and researchers in Ghana. For design professionals, these findings will focus on enhancing their use of simulation tools for evaluating building performance in Ghana. For educational institutions, these findings will enable them to implement the necessary strategies for incorporating the concept of building performance simulation into their curriculum in order to boost awareness and utilization. Finally, researchers will also use the study's findings to identify any research gaps for future studies.

Originality/value

The findings from this study pioneer knowledge on an under-investigated topic within the Ghanaian construction industry. It also provides insight into the developing state-of-the-art technology employed in the built environment.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

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