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Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Ross Jones and Briony Birdi

Social media (SM) has been heavily criticised in recent years for its damaging effects on societies globally. Tasked with empowering those same societies, libraries’ continued use…

Abstract

Purpose

Social media (SM) has been heavily criticised in recent years for its damaging effects on societies globally. Tasked with empowering those same societies, libraries’ continued use of SM is considered ethically contentious. This study presents the findings of a University of Sheffield study that investigated the ethical tension between libraries and their use of SM by aiming to establish whether: (1) libraries’ use of SM is ethically motivated; (2) ethically informed; (3) and compatible with codes of ethics in the Library and Information Science (LIS) sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenographic approach was employed to gather and analyse the data for this study, which is drawn from the transcripts of seven online interviews with Bodleian Libraries staff who used Twitter, now X, in a professional capacity.

Findings

Three categories of description were identified among participants: (1) Collectivist conception; (2) Settled conception; (3) Questioning conception. The categories are bound by a shared context of conceptualisation made up of a small set of internal and external influences discussed in the interviews which affected all participants to varying degrees.

Originality/value

The findings were used to support the following determinations: (1) Libraries’ use of SM is ethically motivated. (2) Libraries’ use of SM is ethically informed, in part. Due to lack of evidence, no determination was made about whether libraries’ use of SM is compatible with codes of ethics in the LIS sector. Recommendations for LIS professions and professional bodies are offered based on these determinations.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 March 2023

Joao Alencastro, Alba Fuertes and Pieter de Wilde

Despite the number of quality management procedures being currently applied, construction defects in the domestic sector are acknowledged to contribute to the energy performance…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the number of quality management procedures being currently applied, construction defects in the domestic sector are acknowledged to contribute to the energy performance gap of buildings. This paper investigates the limitations and challenges to the implementation of project quality plans (PQPs) and their impact on the achievement of expected thermal performance in the UK social housing projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach, guided by grounded theory, was used in this research. This methodology provided the structure for systematic data analysis iterations, enabling cross-case analysis. An analytic induction process was designed to seek the explanation of the targeted phenomenon and required data collection until no new ideas and concepts emerged from the research iterations. This study collected data from five social housing projects through interviews, site observations and project documentation.

Findings

Multiple limitations and challenges were identified in the implementation of PQP to deliver thermal efficient social housing. Generally, there is the need for more objective quality compliance procedures based on required evidence. When investigating the root of the challenges, it was concluded that the adoption of statutory approval as the main quality compliance procedure led to the dilution of the responsibility for prevention and appraisal of defects that compromised the effectiveness of PQP devised by housing associations (HA) and contractors.

Originality/value

This study identifies the shortcomings of PQP in addressing quality issues with potential to undermine the thermal performance of social housing projects. The findings could be used by HA, contractors and policymakers as steppingstones to improve the energy efficiency in the domestic sector.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 February 2023

Yi Tong Kum, Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap, Yoke-Lian Lew and Wah Peng Lee

This study aims to investigate technology-based health and safety (H&S) management to control the spread of disease on construction sites using a partial least squares structural…

501

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate technology-based health and safety (H&S) management to control the spread of disease on construction sites using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review is conducted to develop a conceptual framework. The variables identified from the literature review are included in a cross-sectional survey which gathered a total of 203 valid feedback. The variables for challenges are grouped under their relevant construct using exploratory factor analysis. Then, a hypothesized model is developed for PLS-SEM analysis using Smart PLS software. Later, the outcome of the model is further validated by nine construction experts using a semi-structured questionnaire survey.

Findings

The results rationalized the relationships between the COVID-19 H&S measures, challenges in implementing COVID-19 H&S measures on construction sites and the innovative technologies in transforming construction H&S management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The possible challenges that obstruct the implementation of H&S measures are highlighted. The potential technologies which can significantly transform H&S management by reducing the impact of challenges are presented.

Practical implications

The findings benefited the industry practitioners who are suffering disruption in construction operations due to the pneumonic plague.

Originality/value

By developing a conceptual model, this study reveals the contribution of technology-based H&S management for construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains under-studied, especially in the context of the developing world.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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