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11 – 20 of over 1000Shawn Hezron Charles, Alice Yan Chang-Richards and Tak Wing Yiu
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the literature on resilience factors applied to post-disaster reconstruction projects and to develop a guiding framework to assist in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the literature on resilience factors applied to post-disaster reconstruction projects and to develop a guiding framework to assist in their strategic selection and application.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review was undertaken on the literature’s account in four major bibliographic databases to elicit resilience factors contributing to improving post-disaster reconstruction projects' robustness. Through summative content analysis and open-coding of research outputs over the past decade, the factors identified informed the development of a conceptual framework that can significantly impact the built environment’s resilience development process.
Findings
The review found 24 resilience factors open-coded into five criteria groups: governance, innovations, reconstruction approaches, resource management and stakeholder expectations. While these factors have influenced reconstruction projects, the recently increased participation of clients and end-users in construction management accentuates their strategic selection and applications.
Research limitations/implications
The research focused on English language articles; therefore, any claim to a comprehensive resilience factors listing can be amiss. The framework provides a platform for developing clear measurement indicators for allocating project resources and determining resilience deficiencies.
Practical implications
Results confirm the designs and assessment of a resilient built environment extends beyond the traditional structural characteristics, but includes the ability of the integrated network of buildings and infrastructure to support the continuous delivery of the community’s social and economic services in normal and post-disaster settings.
Originality/value
The review is very specific as it attempts to develop a novel conceptual framework for guiding developers and practitioners in the application of resiliency to post-disaster reconstruction projects.
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There are three purposes to this article: first, to offer a training approach to employee learning and performance improvement that makes use of a step‐by‐step process of…
Abstract
Purpose
There are three purposes to this article: first, to offer a training approach to employee learning and performance improvement that makes use of a step‐by‐step process of skill/knowledge creation. The process offers follow‐up opportunities for skill maintenance and improvement; second, to explain the conceptual bases of the approach; and third, to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach as it is applied in the field.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology consists of two major features: the explication of how the template approach is applied, in general; and then the performance of two groups of employees is compared following training. One group was trained in the template approach while the other group was trained using more traditional methods. Conventional performance measures were used to assess group differences.
Findings
Following training the two employee groups were compared. The hypotheses stated that there would be no differences in performance on these measures: gross sales attained; manager rating of employee performance; and customer satisfaction with regard to sales representative's; product knowledge; helpfulness in the business context; and overall performance. Significant differences were noted for manager rating, product knowledge, and overall performance.
Research limitations/implications
This study was exploratory in nature with a limited range of performance measures. The sample sizes were not large. The use of different pairs of trainers for the sub‐samples helps to dampen trainer bias but helps create differences in training conditions that could influence employee learning and performance.
Practical implications
Study results demonstrate that the training approach has merit and warrants further study. The study depicts how a partnership among trainers, managers, and employees can lead to successful training outcomes.
Originality/value
The training approach has substantial implications for management development regarding learning and change. The template approach adds to the repertoire of training methods. It also helps to reinforce the growing body of research that bases learning and performance improvement on script‐based methods.
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Based on the reasoning that work means more than just material rewards, the purpose of this paper is to propose the broadening of internal marketing concept (IMC) role through…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the reasoning that work means more than just material rewards, the purpose of this paper is to propose the broadening of internal marketing concept (IMC) role through incorporation of happiness in the workplace (HWP) construct.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual approach is outlined.
Findings
This paper provides a theoretical foundation and conceptual framework – based on internal marketing (IM) variables – explaining how goals related to HWP could be achieved.
Practical implications
Given that happiness in life is a goal that everyone pursues, and HWP is one of its dimensions, it is suggested that firms could employ it as a strategy to maintain and motivate their best assets (i.e. their employees). It also suggests that work is far beyond a simple exchange process between employers and employees. Thus, given the nature and meaning of work for human beings, it should be treated as a channel whereby people could improve their self‐esteem and could fulfill themselves through their tasks on the job and feel happy.
Originality/value
Regarding IMC managerial approach and features, it is sustained that it could more aptly address the issue of HWP. To some degree, the desire of HWP brings about the need of changing the current management mindset that puts people on a secondary role.
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The performance analysis of top 50 management institutions of India is conducted to understand their efficiency in utilizing available resources. The importance of different…
Abstract
Purpose
The performance analysis of top 50 management institutions of India is conducted to understand their efficiency in utilizing available resources. The importance of different indicators is investigated to identify most preferred strategies of top management institutions in the country in order to meet the expectations of all stakeholders. Artificial neural networks models are applied for pattern recognition and classification purpose using self-organized map algorithms. A huge reservoir of young generation is being trained every year to meet the demand of business in different sectors of economies. It becomes a matter of concern to know the performance of the management institutes to ensure the overall national progress, which can be done by enabling organizations to improve their efficiency and effectiveness, provided the right information and skills are served. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and self-organizing maps are utilized together to take advantages of optimization and prediction capabilities inherent in each method, and they may be beneficial to assess institution’s competitive position and design their own strategies in order to improve. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The DEA is used to understand the utilization of resources by institutions on the bases of efficiency scores. Due to a greater flexibility and adaptability, neural technique, i.e. self-organized map, which is an artificial intelligence-based technique, a popular unsupervised learning model with a capability to capture patterns from data sets, is used. In this study, various parameters like qualification of faculty, research output of faculty members, expenditure made for functioning of the institution, etc., are considered. These academic and operational indicators are investigated in relation to the rank score and the efficiency score of top management institutions, and different strategies as a combination of input as well as output indicators are identified.
Findings
In the analysis, three types of strategies are identified. At present, the focus on salary packages of graduates seems the most utilized strategy. It is also observed that the strategy of having good performance, in terms of consultancy, peer and employer perception, has the highest success rate (in terms of score used for ranking). Results obtained using both techniques shows that due to high deviation and less explored research publications and sponsored research project is an opportunity that institutions can work upon to have maximum output. But to maintain consistency in terms of the high rank score and efficiency score, management institutions need to focus on consultancy, peer and employer perception.
Practical implications
This research identifies the different parameters categorized into various inputs and outputs for the management institutions in India for the benchmarking. It studies the importance of identified parameters in terms of success (rank score and efficiency score). Further investigation of relationship between parameters and success is conducted. Different strategies as a combination of parameters are identified. The current choice of top management institutions is revealed in terms of their preference and effectiveness of strategy. This research also provides some insight about long-term and short-term strategies, which may be beneficial to education managers or decision makers.
Originality/value
It is one of the rare papers in terms of performance measurement through data envelopment method and identification of strategy using artificial intelligence. This paper utilized a hybrid methodology that integrates these two data analytic methods to capture an innovative performance and strategies prediction in education system.
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International business endeavors require people to communicate across cultural and national boundaries. For the past 20 years scholars have explored the ways in which culture…
Abstract
International business endeavors require people to communicate across cultural and national boundaries. For the past 20 years scholars have explored the ways in which culture influences work, habits and values, communication styles, and business practices. Along with the trend toward a global economy, there is today a greater recognition among specialists that cultural differences affect all facets of international business. Because of this, librarians serving practitioners and scholars of international business are challenged to provide information aimed at making the business professional more productive in culturally diverse environments. Provides a brief overview of the topic of cultural diversity in business literature. Follows this with an extensive bibliography of current English‐language works offering theoretical and applied approaches to this theme. Includes an annotated list of organizations involved in the cultural aspects of international business.
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Philip C. Wright and Frederick K.C. Tao
Using the example of a “successful” managerial training programme as a starting point, this article illustrates how training addresses only the routine, or core aspects of the…
Abstract
Using the example of a “successful” managerial training programme as a starting point, this article illustrates how training addresses only the routine, or core aspects of the small business manager’s job. Thus, training is discussed in terms of where this activity should fit into the developmental paradigm. Then, utilizing recent advances in executive coaching techniques, a different learning model is created, one that builds on traditional training, but focuses on behavioural change.
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Ivan Soukal, Jan Mačí, Gabriela Trnková, Libuse Svobodova, Martina Hedvičáková, Eva Hamplova, Petra Maresova and Frank Lefley
The primary purpose of this paper is to identify the so-called core authors and their publications according to pre-defined criteria and thereby direct the users to the fastest…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of this paper is to identify the so-called core authors and their publications according to pre-defined criteria and thereby direct the users to the fastest and easiest way to get a picture of the otherwise pervasive field of bankruptcy prediction models. The authors aim to present state-of-the-art bankruptcy prediction models assembled by the field's core authors and critically examine the approaches and methods adopted.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a literature search in November 2022 through scientific databases Scopus, ScienceDirect and the Web of Science, focussing on a publication period from 2010 to 2022. The database search query was formulated as “Bankruptcy Prediction” and “Model or Tool”. However, the authors intentionally did not specify any model or tool to make the search non-discriminatory. The authors reviewed over 7,300 articles.
Findings
This paper has addressed the research questions: (1) What are the most important publications of the core authors in terms of the target country, size of the sample, sector of the economy and specialization in SME? (2) What are the most used methods for deriving or adjusting models appearing in the articles of the core authors? (3) To what extent do the core authors include accounting-based variables, non-financial or macroeconomic indicators, in their prediction models? Despite the advantages of new-age methods, based on the information in the articles analyzed, it can be deduced that conventional methods will continue to be beneficial, mainly due to the higher degree of ease of use and the transferability of the derived model.
Research limitations/implications
The authors identify several gaps in the literature which this research does not address but could be the focus of future research.
Practical implications
The authors provide practitioners and academics with an extract from a wide range of studies, available in scientific databases, on bankruptcy prediction models or tools, resulting in a large number of records being reviewed. This research will interest shareholders, corporations, and financial institutions interested in models of financial distress prediction or bankruptcy prediction to help identify troubled firms in the early stages of distress.
Social implications
Bankruptcy is a major concern for society in general, especially in today's economic environment. Therefore, being able to predict possible business failure at an early stage will give an organization time to address the issue and maybe avoid bankruptcy.
Originality/value
To the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to identify the core authors in the bankruptcy prediction model and methods field. The primary value of the study is the current overview and analysis of the theoretical and practical development of knowledge in this field in the form of the construction of new models using classical or new-age methods. Also, the paper adds value by critically examining existing models and their modifications, including a discussion of the benefits of non-accounting variables usage.
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Daniel S. Evans and Stéphanie Vergnaud
Based on actual cases, this paper asserts the factors necessary for successful development and implementation of educational programmes in intercultural teams. The findings, based…
Abstract
Based on actual cases, this paper asserts the factors necessary for successful development and implementation of educational programmes in intercultural teams. The findings, based on the authors’ several years of experience in the field, suggest that international course development is a resource‐intense activity that must take into consideration the cultural differences and core competencies of the institutions involved if the course development is to be successful.
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Hamed Khatibi, Suzanne Wilkinson, Mostafa Baghersad, Heiman Dianat, Hidayati Ramli, Meldi Suhatril, Ahad Javanmardi and Khaled Ghaedi
This paper aims to develop a framework that could establish and further the terminology of smart city/resilient city discourse in that resilience could support urban “smartness”…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a framework that could establish and further the terminology of smart city/resilient city discourse in that resilience could support urban “smartness”, a term that is widely argued being not easily measured nor quantifiably assessed.
Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative approach was employed, and based on selected keywords, a systematic literature review was carried out to understand the main themes within the smart city and resilient city concepts databases. Upon screening, 86 papers were used and synthesised through the meta-synthesis method using both synthesis approach, meta-aggregation and meta-ethnography that systematically identifies both properties and characteristics, to build an innovative framework as an indicator-based smart/resilience quantification model.
Findings
Two novel frameworks are proposed, smart resilient city (SRC) and resilient smart city (RSC), as guidelines regulatory that establish a city's smartness and resilience.
Research limitations/implications
The quantitative research phase is not provided as the framework builds on the exploratory approach in which the model is proposed through the postulation of data definitions.
Practical implications
Although the study's scope was limited to the city, proposed frameworks may be interpreted for other contexts that deal with the topic of resilience and smart.
Originality/value
The established framework proposal would encourage further exploration in context, serving as an inspiration for other scholars, decision-makers, as well as municipalities to keep strengthening smart city through resilience factors.
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Abdulaziz M. Jarkas and Theodore C. Haupt
The purpose of this paper is to identify, explore, rank the relative importance and determine the prevalent allocation response trends of the major construction risk factors…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify, explore, rank the relative importance and determine the prevalent allocation response trends of the major construction risk factors considered by general contractors operating in the State of Qatar.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire survey comprising 37 potential risk factors was distributed to a statistically representative sample of contractors. The influence ranks of the factors explored were determined using the “Relative Importance Index (RII)” technique, whereas the prevalent trend of contractors’ attitudes toward risk allocation of each factor investigated was quantified and expressed as a percentage, based on the number of respondents who selected a specific option, in relation to the total number of respondents.
Findings
The results obtained indicate that risks related to the “client” group are perceived as most critical, followed by the “consultant”, “contractor” and “exogenous” group-related factors, respectively. The outcomes further show that the “transfer” option is the contractors’ prevalent response to “client” and “consultant”-related risks, while the “retention” decision is the principal pattern linked to “contractor” and “exogenous” group-related risk factors.
Research limitations/implications
The dominant respondents’ perception that the crucial construction risks are related to clients and consultants suggests that these two parties have an essential role in controlling the negative ramifications of the associated factors.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that increasing designers’ awareness of the significant effect of applying the constructability concept can considerably help reducing the risks concomitant of the construction operation. Policy makers may contribute, moreover, in alleviating the risk of incompetent technical staff and operatives’ employment by controlling the migration of inexperienced and unskilled construction workforce into the State.
Originality/value
Given the knowledge gap for the major construction risk factors considered by general contractors in Qatar, the results reported in this study can provide clients, industry practitioners and policy makers with guidance to effectively manage the significant risks determined, which can further assist in achieving a reasonable level of competitiveness and cost-effective operation.
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