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1 – 10 of 15
Article
Publication date: 15 November 2022

Maria Elisabete Neves, Paulo Castanheira, António Dias, Rui Silva and Beatriz Cancela

The main goal of this paper is to study the specific characteristics of the performance of companies in the metallurgical sector, in the northern region of Portugal.

Abstract

Purpose

The main goal of this paper is to study the specific characteristics of the performance of companies in the metallurgical sector, in the northern region of Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, the authors have used data from 325 companies manufacturing metal products, except machinery and equipment (CAE Rev.3 25) and 27 companies that manufacture machinery and equipment (CAE Rev. 3 28). The models were estimated by using the panel data methodology for the period between 2011 and 2019. Specifically, the estimation method of the generalized method of moments system (GMM system) proposed by Arellano and Bover (1995) and Blundell and Bond (1998) was used.

Findings

The results show that the main decisions on the performance of metallurgical companies in Northern Portugal depend on the dimensions of sales in the domestic market (SDM), sales in the community market (SCM), and sales in the foreign market (SFM) and also highlight that the signal and significance of the specific variables depends on how the different stakeholders understand performance.

Originality/value

As far as the authors know, this is the first study to comparatively analyze the two metallurgical databases in Portugal. Despite the huge difference in the size of the sample, this study’s results show that in an era of paradigm shift about what business objectives should be, stakeholders are still not environmentally aware and the social dimension is only considered by shareholders, but not yet by the manager and the general community.

Details

EuroMed Journal of Business, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1450-2194

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Creative Writing
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-372-5

Book part
Publication date: 21 August 2024

Megan McEwan

In educational settings, intersectional factors such as neurodiversity, structural inequalities and social isolation have resulted in additional complexity in meeting young…

Abstract

In educational settings, intersectional factors such as neurodiversity, structural inequalities and social isolation have resulted in additional complexity in meeting young people’s mental health needs. The specific phenomenon of voice-hearing can be linked to these complexities and stigma has been shown to further marginalise young people following disclosure. Educational staff report a lack of confidence and specialist training in this area. This chapter outlines the current understanding around the experience of voice-hearing and identifies examples of good practice by considering the lived experiences of individuals that have made a disclosure of this nature in school. Barriers to disclosure and what was helpful about the experience are discussed. Developing a trauma-informed ethos and compassion-focussed principles are highlighted as whole-setting approaches to support and benefit both young people with these presentations and education staff. Recommendations of relevant organisations and training initiatives in schools are provided with guidance on developing and implementing best practices.

Details

The BERA Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: Exploring Frontline Support in Educational Research and Practice
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-245-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

Irfan Ahmad, Umar Safdar, Akram Somroo, Ali Raza Qureshi and Abdul Khaliq Alvi

This research is designed to explore the relationship between social media addiction, student engagement and student retention. Social media addiction is dealt with as an…

Abstract

Purpose

This research is designed to explore the relationship between social media addiction, student engagement and student retention. Social media addiction is dealt with as an independent variable student engagement acts as a mediating variable and student retention as a dependent variable.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-sectional and quantitative research. Primary data are collected from 600 respondents (university students) with the help of a structured questionnaire. Multistage sampling techniques, i.e. simple random sampling and judgment sampling, are used for the selection of respondents.

Findings

Results indicate that for direct relationships, social media addiction has a significant positive impact on student engagement and student retention, respectively, while student engagement is partially mediating the relationship between social media addiction with student retention.

Research limitations/implications

In the future, these kinds of research may also be conducted on students of different universities in Pakistan, which are located in other cities of Pakistan besides Lahore. This research provides a practical framework for the higher authorities of the universities of Pakistan and explains how the use of media positively fosters the levels of student retention directly and indirectly through the path of student engagement. It is commonly believed that media addiction is bad but the result of this research indicates that anything is not dangerous but depends upon its use, media addiction itself is not bad but if someone uses this for a good purpose in limitation then it has better outcomes. The result indicates that the media addiction of students has a positive impact on student retention. This means that if someone uses media for a positive purpose then he/she will use it as a supporting tool for success. Longitudinal research on these variables will also help to check the status after a specific interval of time.

Practical implications

The current study will help the practitioners or policymakers (Managers) of higher education institutions by providing practical insights into the positive use of media by students for increasing their knowledge and grades. This research can also help practitioners or policymakers to focus their students on the positive use of social media for fostering the levels of student retention.

Originality/value

To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, no previous study has been done to incorporate social media addiction and student engagement in a single model in the Pakistani cultural context. Similarly, the relationship of variables social media addiction with student engagement is rarely checked empirically because the research of Wang et al. (2011) proposed that social media addiction has a relationship with student engagement so that is why this is the rationale of the research is to check this empirically. Moreover, this study is an initial effort to check the mediating effect of student engagement in the relationship between social media addiction and student retention. This research is also proposing the framework of social media addiction, student engagement and student retention based on the social exchange theory (SET).

Details

Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2054-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Sarika Sharma and Sonica Rautela

This paper aims to present a literature review on the emerging field of employee moonlighting, which refers to holding more than one job at a time. It also attempts to integrate…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a literature review on the emerging field of employee moonlighting, which refers to holding more than one job at a time. It also attempts to integrate the literature on employee moonlighting and present the related research themes.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a systematic literature review (SLR) using the basic guidelines of SLR. A search string is designed, and the prominent database is searched. The results are screened based on self-designed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The qualitative analysis of selected 89 research studies uses inductive thematic analysis and proposes a framework.

Findings

The outcome of the present study consists of a conceptual framework, themes and sub-themes related to employee moonlighting, propositions, and the pictorial representation of the overall outcome. The four key themes that emerged are determinants and traits of moonlighting intentions, the impact of moonlighting on employer and employee, policy, and economic implications, respectively.

Originality/value

The study provides insight into the factors that lead to moonlighting intentions and activity. The managers can understand and analyze these factors and can formulate policies to streamline the moonlighting activity with the organizational goals and for the company’s benefit. Academic scholars can adopt some research ideas from the themes and gaps suggested and can work on them in the near future.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 43 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 7 June 2024

Emma Farrell

Researchers play an essential, and indeed powerful, role in honouring and empowering the voices of people from marginalised communities. This chapter seeks to step beyond the…

Abstract

Researchers play an essential, and indeed powerful, role in honouring and empowering the voices of people from marginalised communities. This chapter seeks to step beyond the already comprehensive ethical and methodological literature on ‘doing’ research by offering a reflection on the less articulated, but no less substantiative, aspects of conducting qualitative research with those for whom that which is most important, as the writer Audrey Lorde suggests, must be spoken. The delicate dance of interest and objectivity, a tolerance of not knowing and uncertainty and the willingness to hold competing truths with equal reverence are discussed and illuminated with examples from my own research with young people with experiences of mental health difficulties. This chapter is offered with the intention of foregrounding some of the more tacit, but no less bruising, aspects of the research interplay. Equally, it is offered in the hope that, in bringing into the open our limitations and vulnerabilities as researchers, we might be better positioned to understand, indeed honour, that which is most important for those in distress.

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2024

Qinghao Zeng and Pardis Pishdad

This research aims to analyze the evolution of sustainable building rating tools in the United States of America over approximately 30 years. It analyzes the shift from addressing…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to analyze the evolution of sustainable building rating tools in the United States of America over approximately 30 years. It analyzes the shift from addressing purely environmental concerns to embracing a holistic approach that includes economic and social considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

By conducting a comprehensive literature review and analysis, this research systematically examines the differences among sustainable building rating tools (SBRTs). It establishes a decision-making support framework for stakeholders based on existing literature, standards and emerging trends.

Findings

Expected findings include insights into the evolution and distinctions among SBRTs. The research is expected to reveal the progression of SBRTs from purely focusing on environmental dimensions to exploring a broader scope that includes economic and social dimensions. The decision-making support framework and forward-looking perspective aim to guide stakeholders in tool selection and offer insights for future developments.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of this research primarily centers on SBRTs, which originated in the United States of America, thereby excluding famous global tools such as BREEAM and CASBEE. Therefore, the research outcomes are particularly appropriate to the context of the United States of America. In addition, specific indicators within the general indicators system are not entirely independent of each other, leading to interrelationships between different indicators during the evaluation process. Moreover, in terms of data availability, the early versions of various SBRTs suffered from information gaps, potentially introducing ambiguity in the description of specific indicators, which could influence the weighting results.

Originality/value

This research contributes original perspectives by offering a nuanced understanding of the dynamic nature of sustainable building practices. The decision-making support framework adds practical value, assisting stakeholders in selecting diverse certification options. It also contributes to the original body of knowledge by providing insights for future developments in sustainable building practices and certifications.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 December 2022

Ram Asra Khural, Shashi, Myriam Ertz and Roberto Cerchione

This study explores the relationships among sustainability implementation barriers (resource, managerial and regulatory barriers), sustainability practices (sustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the relationships among sustainability implementation barriers (resource, managerial and regulatory barriers), sustainability practices (sustainable construction materials, sustainable construction design, modern construction methods and environmental provisions and reporting) and sustainability performance (environmental, economic and social) in hill road construction (HRC).

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from the 313 HRC practitioners with the help of a questionnaire, and research hypotheses were tested employing structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings reveal a mixed effect of sustainability implementation barriers. Resource (managerial) barriers are negatively related to all practices except environmental provisions and reporting (sustainable construction materials), while regulatory barriers only negatively impact modern construction methods. On the other hand, all sustainability practices positively impact environmental performance, whereas economic (social) performance is positively influenced by all practices, except environmental provisions and reporting (modern construction methods), and positively affects economic performance.

Originality/value

In order to transform HRC toward sustainability, the barriers to sustainability implementation, sustainability practices and performance need to be understood by practitioners; however, the relationships have not previously been empirically assessed in extant literature. Besides, past research appears to be predominantly focused on the environmental aspect, thereby neglecting economic and social aspects. This study is a modest attempt to bridge these research gaps.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2023

Stuart Orr and Akshay Jadhav

Construction sustainability (CS) is a strategic reaction to the sustainability expectations of the construction industry's external stakeholders. The extant literature has viewed…

Abstract

Purpose

Construction sustainability (CS) is a strategic reaction to the sustainability expectations of the construction industry's external stakeholders. The extant literature has viewed the environmental, social and economic dimensions of CS as having independent effects on financial performance. Due to the influence of common stakeholders, however, interactions in these dimensions will be present in their effect on financial performance. Accordingly, this study identifies the mechanisms of the interactions between the three CS dimensions and how they jointly affect financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of GRI reports of 60 large construction organisations, followed by a hierarchical regression analysis was used to identify the interactions between environmental, social and economic CS in their effect on financial performance.

Findings

Economic CS was found to indirectly, and not directly, affect financial performance, the effect being mediated by both environmental and social CS. Environmental CS was found to have a strong negative effect on financial performance, whilst social CS was found to have a strongly significant positive effect on financial performance.

Practical implications

The motivation for engaging in CS is that investment in economic CS will have a positive effect on both environmental and social CS outcomes, which, in turn can have a combined effect on financial performance.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies investigating the effect of interactions between the environmental, social and economic CS dimensions on the financial performance of construction organisations. It is also one of the first studies that applies a sociotechnical framework to this relationship.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Gulden Gumusburun Ayalp and Yusuf Berkay Metinal

Considering the construction industry’s vital role in economic development and social consequences, this study seeks to pinpoint critical barriers hindering Turkey’s sustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

Considering the construction industry’s vital role in economic development and social consequences, this study seeks to pinpoint critical barriers hindering Turkey’s sustainable construction (SC). Although several studies highlighted the barriers to SC worldwide, none identified the critical factors. By identifying and understanding these barriers, the research aims to comprehensively understand practices and formulate strategic recommendations to promote sustainable construction.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach is adopted to achieve the research objectives. The study involves identifying potential barriers to SC with a systematic literature review. A questionnaire was organized and distributed via e-mail to architects, civil engineers, and contractors. The criticality of identified barriers was determined with normalized mean value analysis, and critical barrier factors (CBFs) to SC were isolated with exploratory factor analysis. Finally, the effect size of these factors was quantified through structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study identified 32 critical barriers hindering the SC in the Turkish construction industry among 49 barriers. Furthermore, this study revealed six CBFs to SC that are “inadequate supervision and control of SC,” “fear of transition to sustainable construction and disruptions in adoption,” “lack of educational opportunities,” “return on investment and financial bias,” “awareness and knowledge gap about SC,” and “lack of demand from stakeholders.” Among them, “awareness and knowledge gap about SC,” “fear of transition to SC,” “lack of educational opportunities,” “lack of demand from stakeholders,” and “inadequate supervision and control of SC” were determined as the very highly crucial CBFs hindering SC.

Originality/value

Although some studies have identified the barriers to SC qualitatively and quantitatively, studies have yet to provide insights into the critical barrier factors hindering SC. Therefore, this study comprehensively and quantitatively determines the relevant CBFs to SC using exploratory factor analysis and utilizes confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to present a structural model of how critical factors affect the SC.

Details

Open House International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

1 – 10 of 15