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Article
Publication date: 19 March 2021

Jyoti Maheshwari, Pramod Paliwal and Amit Garg

Energy-efficient retrofitting of existing buildings is an inexpensive way of reducing energy consumption and mitigating climate change impacts. The purpose of this study is to…

Abstract

Purpose

Energy-efficient retrofitting of existing buildings is an inexpensive way of reducing energy consumption and mitigating climate change impacts. The purpose of this study is to examine electricity savings and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction potentials of energy-efficient retrofit measures for surveyed two large shopping malls in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A techno-economic model was developed to estimate the electricity savings achieved due to energy-efficient retrofit measures in shopping malls that were surveyed in 2017. Alternative scenarios were constructed based on capital cost and cost of conserved energy (CCE) value for retrofit measures: cheapest replacement, best available technology and best value for money. The life-cycle electricity and CO2 emission savings and payback period for end-use retrofit measures were evaluated.

Findings

The estimated average electricity savings were around 39–56% for various retrofit measures across all three scenarios while the average CO2 emission reductions were around 50–125 kt-CO2. Retrofits to light-emitting diode lights and air conditioners with inverter technology offered more life-cycle electricity savings. Paybacks for most lighting end-use measures were estimated to be within 1.5 years while for most space conditioning end-use measures were between 1 and 4 years.

Originality/value

The primary survey-based comprehensive research makes an exclusive contribution by estimating life-cycle electricity savings and CO2 emission reductions for energy-efficient retrofit measures of lighting and space cooling end-use appliances for existing shopping malls. The present research methodology can also be deployed in other types of commercial buildings and in residential buildings to estimate electricity savings from energy-efficient retrofit measures.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2023

Huiying (Cynthia) Hou, Daniel C.W. Ho and Yung Yau

Facilities management (FM) activities affect citizens’ health and safety, long-term urban environmental sustainability and the relationships between the built and natural…

Abstract

Purpose

Facilities management (FM) activities affect citizens’ health and safety, long-term urban environmental sustainability and the relationships between the built and natural environments of cities. This study aims to comprehend the status of smart FM tools application, how they are used to improve the delivery of FM services and the barriers to their implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the current smart solutions that leverage the quality of FM service, a case study based on the FM practice in Hong Kong was carried out. The case study was conducted in two phases of data acquisition based on a qualitative research methodology. After conducting in-depth interviews to determine the application of smart FM tools in different types of properties and to identify the initiatives and barriers to smart FM tool application, three workshops were conducted to validate the findings and further investigate the influence of FM professionals on smart FM tools application in Hong Kong.

Findings

The findings of the case study revealed, firstly, that four types of smart FM tools – user-centric, safety and hygiene, maintenance and sustainability-oriented – are used to assist the delivery of FM services. Secondly, smart FM tools are shown to be useful in assisting FM activities. Thirdly, the existing barriers to smart FM tool application manifest differently in shopping malls, office buildings and residential buildings. Fourthly, smart FM tools are used to address the four attributes of user needs: comfort, health and wellbeing, convenience and information to occupants.

Originality/value

The value of this study lies in its focus on the industry level (FM industry) and the application process of smart FM tools in different types of property, revealing the benefits, initiatives and barriers to their future application. This study provides a comprehensive picture of the current status and elaborates the barriers to smart FM tool application, which will help FM practitioners to make strategic decisions on selecting and developing smart FM tools. Also, this study will facilitate smart FM tool application policy development.

Details

Facilities , vol. 42 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2017

Kittipong Suweero, Wutthipong Moungnoi and Chotchai Charoenngam

Building operation and maintenance (BOM) services are important activities for highly competitive businesses. In addition, outsourcing decision factors are key to the…

1097

Abstract

Purpose

Building operation and maintenance (BOM) services are important activities for highly competitive businesses. In addition, outsourcing decision factors are key to the effectiveness of BOM. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize the decision factors that affect outsourcing decision factors for BOM services, to elicit the different perceptions of each managerial group (shopping centers, hotels, and hospitals), and to categorize the important outsourced BOM decision factors.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the literature review, the authors observed that there are 56 outsourcing decision factors in six groups. The survey included 105 of the largest and most competitive companies in Bangkok, Thailand. The statistical methods applied were the relative importance index (RII), t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and factor analysis (FA).

Findings

The findings show that the three participant groups are different in some respects, as shown by their RII values. After ranking the RII values, the top 15 factors for each participant group were used to compare the participant groups using the t-test and one-way ANOVA, which confirmed their respective similarities and differences. Through an FA, the top reasons that each business outsourced BOM services were grouped into major categories.

Originality/value

The results of this research will not only facilitate an understanding of the related decision factors used by each particular business in the commercial sector but will also assist outsourcing companies in identifying and improving support services for businesses.

Details

Property Management, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1980

Danica Ognjenovic

Central Milton Keynes may be a fitting title for the shopping development which lies in the midst of this new town; unlike many shopping centre projects which claim to be central…

Abstract

Central Milton Keynes may be a fitting title for the shopping development which lies in the midst of this new town; unlike many shopping centre projects which claim to be central to a community or to improve facilities and the environment, but which in fact do nothing of the sort, Central Milton Keynes provides interest, shops (including two of the largest department stores outside Birmingham and London), a pleasant environment and some eating facilities and a pub, too. RDM spoke to David Harbord, Dip Arch (Nott'm) RIBA, from the Development Corporation.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 8 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2017

Ferdous Farhana Huq, Rabeya Akter, Roxana Hafiz, Abdullah Al Mamun and Mashrekur Rahman

Built heritage is a unique resource, an irreplaceable expression of the richness and diversity of our past and of the generations who have gone before us. Old Dhaka has an…

Abstract

Purpose

Built heritage is a unique resource, an irreplaceable expression of the richness and diversity of our past and of the generations who have gone before us. Old Dhaka has an outstanding built heritage that is of significance not only in the local, but also in a national and regional context. But senseless urbanization and ignorance of such an important issue in the existing detailed area plan is destroying the built heritages of Dhaka. As a result, many heritage buildings of Dhaka have been destroyed and the destruction is going on unabated. Therefore, there is a need to re-examine how such destruction can be prevented. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This research aims at the identification of heritages, their assessment and classification which is utterly significant for preserving the invaluable heritages. Heritages are classified according to their present condition which will show which type of heritage needs which type of attention.

Findings

The research indicates the way how a conservation planning for heritages can be done in a systematic and logical way. It reveals the present condition of the heritage buildings which will point out the way of preservation. There is no such document available which will tell general people about the most important or rare or significant heritages, the location of these heritages, or their background information. This research addresses these all issues.

Originality/value

To date, no conservation plans were implemented for Dhaka and there are no attempts to improve Old Dhaka through an urban design. The methodological approach in this research is new and effective for conserving heritages.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1994

Andrew Baum

Quality and profit are often considered to be connected. The propertymarket is one in which the concept often arises. For example, thedefinition of prime property is a quality…

2156

Abstract

Quality and profit are often considered to be connected. The property market is one in which the concept often arises. For example, the definition of prime property is a quality judgement. In property development, the production of high‐quality property may be thought to improve returns, or to reduce risk. Considers the question whether (and if so, how) quality in property development (excluding site factors) is likely to lead to high returns. Recently published work defines quality as resistance to depreciation, where depreciation is defined in purely financial (return) terms. Fully considers this work, which concentrates on offices and industrials. Extends this work, describing new research which considers the application of the relevant concepts and quality definitions to shopping centres. Quality and cost are also considered to be connected. In property development, high construction costs may be expected to produce quality. This produces a complex subsidiary question concerning this relationship, which is also addressed here.

Details

Journal of Property Valuation and Investment, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-2712

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1992

Roy Larke

The Japanese retail environment is of interest to businessmen,politicians and academics. Different observers tend to base their viewson their own vested interests and national…

Abstract

The Japanese retail environment is of interest to businessmen, politicians and academics. Different observers tend to base their views on their own vested interests and national expectations, Japanese observers included. There is a need for more objective, unbiased research into Japanese retailing, consumer behaviour and marketing. Presents an overview of Japanese retailing employing predominantly Japanese language sources. Outlines briefly the general structure of the retail industry, emphasizing the large number of outlets overall. Considers the independent retail sector, notably the existence of street associations, and the corporate retail sector, putting emphasis on the latter owing to the lack of information available in English. Considers three forms of corporate retailing in detail, namely department stores, general merchandise stores and groups, and speciality shopping centres – commonly known as “fashion buildings”. In conclusion, notes that there is great scope for further research into Japanese retailing, and three general sectors are suggested.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Abbas Ali Elmualim

To evaluate the control strategy for a hybrid natural ventilation wind catchers and air‐conditioning system and to assess the contribution of wind catchers to indoor air…

1294

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the control strategy for a hybrid natural ventilation wind catchers and air‐conditioning system and to assess the contribution of wind catchers to indoor air environments and energy savings if any.

Design/methodology/approach

Most of the modeling techniques for assessing wind catchers performance are theoretical. Post‐occupancy evaluation studies of buildings will provide an insight into the operation of these building components and help to inform facilities managers. A case study for POE was presented in this paper.

Findings

The monitoring of the summer and winter month operations showed that the indoor air quality parameters were kept within the design target range. The design control strategy failed to record data regarding the operation, opening time and position of wind catchers system. Though the implemented control strategy was working effectively in monitoring the operation of mechanical ventilation systems, i.e. AHU, did not integrate the wind catchers with the mechanical ventilation system.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to short‐falls in the control strategy implemented in this project, it was found difficult to quantify and verify the contribution of the wind catchers to the internal conditions and, hence, energy savings.

Practical implications

Controlling the operation of the wind catchers via the AHU will lead to isolation of the wind catchers in the event of malfunctioning of the AHU. Wind catchers will contribute to the ventilation of space, particularly in the summer months.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the value of POE as indispensable tool for FM professionals. It further provides insight into the application of natural ventilation systems in building for healthier indoor environments at lower energy cost. The design of the control strategy for natural ventilation and air‐conditioning should be considered at the design stage involving the FM personnel.

Details

Facilities, vol. 24 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Mamoun N. Akroush and Mutaz M. Al-Debei

The purpose of this paper is to examine an integrated model of factors affecting attitudes toward online shopping in Jordan. The paper introduces an integrated model of the roles…

17703

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine an integrated model of factors affecting attitudes toward online shopping in Jordan. The paper introduces an integrated model of the roles of perceived website reputation, relative advantage, perceived website image, and trust that affect attitudes toward online shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured and self-administered online survey was employed targeting online shoppers of a reputable online retailer in Jordan; MarkaVIP. A sample of 273 of online shoppers was involved in the online survey. A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess the research constructs, unidimensionality, validity, and composite reliability (CR). Structural path model analysis was also used to test the proposed research model and hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical findings of this study indicate that perceived website reputation, relative advantage, perceived website image, and trust have directly and indirectly affected consumers’ attitudes toward online shopping. Online consumers’ shopping attitudes are mainly affected by perceived relative advantage and trust. Trust is a product of relative advantage and that the later is a function of perceived website reputation. Relative advantage and perceived website reputation are key predictors of perceived website image. Perceived website image was found to be a direct predictor of trust. Also, the authors found that 26 percent of variation in online shopping attitudes was directly caused by relative advantage, trust, and perceived website image.

Research limitations/implications

The research examined online consumers’ attitudes toward one website only therefore the generalizability of the research finding is limited to the local Jordanian website; MarkaVIP. Future research is encouraged to conduct comparative studies between local websites and international ones, e.g., Amazon and e-bay in order to shed lights on consumers’ attitudes toward both websites. The findings are limited to online shoppers in Jordan. A fruitful area of research is to conduct a comparative analysis between online and offline attitudes toward online shopping behavior. Also, replications of the current study’s model in different countries would most likely strengthen and validate its findings. The design of the study is quantitative using an online survey to measure online consumers’ attitudes through a cross-sectional design. Future research is encouraged to use qualitative research design and methodology to provide a deeper understanding of consumers’ attitudes and behaviors toward online and offline shopping in Jordan and elsewhere.

Practical implications

The paper supports the importance of perceived website reputation, relative advantage, trust, and perceived web image as keys drivers of attitudes toward online shopping. It further underlines the importance of relative advantage and trust as major contributors to building positive attitudes toward online shopping. In developing countries (e.g. Jordan) where individuals are generally described as risk averse, the level of trust is critical in determining the attitude of individuals toward online shopping. Moreover and given the modest economic situation in Jordan, relative advantage is another significant factor affecting consumers’ attitudes toward online shopping. Indeed, if online shopping would not add a significant value and benefits to consumers, they would have negative attitude toward this technology. This is at the heart of marketing theory and relationship marketing practice. Further, relative advantage is a key predictor of both perceived website image and trust and the later is a major driver of attitudes toward online shopping. Online retailers’ executives and managers can benefit from such findings for future e-marketing strategies and retaining customers to achieve long-term performance objectives.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the early empirical endeavors that examined factors affecting attitudes toward online shopping in Jordan. This study provides evidence on the factors that determine online shoppers’ attitudes as an antecedent to consumers purchase decisions. From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by revealing the sort of cause and effect relationships among relative advantage, perceived website reputation, perceived website image, in addition to trust, and their effect on consumers’ attitudes toward online shopping. Moreover, this paper is one of handful research that has distinguished between perceived website image and perceived website reputation along with their relationships and more specifically in the context of online shopping. From an international e-marketing perspective, online retailers planning to expand their operations to include Jordan or the MENA Region have now valuable empirical evidence concerning the predictors of online shopping attitudes and online shoppers’ behavior upon which e-marketing strategies are formulated and implemented.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1981

Sue Sharples

As the International Year of Disabled People draws to an end what has been happening in the high street? What changes have been made in attitudes and design policies to…

Abstract

As the International Year of Disabled People draws to an end what has been happening in the high street? What changes have been made in attitudes and design policies to accommodate the needs of so‐called disabled people? In a wide‐ranging review RDM discovered that there's little or no legislation to tie the hands of the planners, developers, designers and shop owners, and that while there was an air of optimism among disabled groups, only in exceptional cases was there contact between such groups and shop owners.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 9 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

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