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Article
Publication date: 21 September 2012

Roma Mitra Debnath and Ravi Shankar

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relevant enablers and barriers related to technical education. It seeks to critically analyze the relationship amongst them so that…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relevant enablers and barriers related to technical education. It seeks to critically analyze the relationship amongst them so that policy makers can focus on relevant parameters to improve the service quality of technical education.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study employs the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach to model the crucial parameters of technical education. The parameters discussed are categorized under “enablers” and “barriers”. The enablers would help policy makers to improve and develop the curriculum of the technical education and the identifying barriers would help the decision maker to improve upon those variables.

Findings

The major findings of this study are to prioritize the strategic parameters in reducing the risks associated with technical education. The model also proposes a hierarchical structure classifying the parameters as drivers and enablers.

Research limitations/implications

The study proposes a scientific way to model the enablers and barriers to become a progressive institution in the emerging era of globalization and modernization. This would help to prioritize the issues as the enablers and barriers are hierarchically structured and categorized.

Practical implications

The paper maps out a course of action and the adoption of the proposed framework would provide a competitive edge for India over others. Also, the various stakeholders would be satisfied, which would be beneficial for the system as a whole.

Originality/value

The application of ISM to the decision making process is the unique feature in the field of technical education in India. The integrated framework of policy related parameters would contribute towards overall growth and development.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2012

Suhazimah Dzazali and Ali Hussein Zolait

The purpose of this paper is to examine the basis factors involved in the information security management systems of Malaysian public service (MPS) organizations. Therefore, it…

1700

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the basis factors involved in the information security management systems of Malaysian public service (MPS) organizations. Therefore, it proposes an empirical analysis which was conducted to identify the antecedents of the information security maturity (ISM) of an organization; and to clarify the relationship between ISM and the social and technical factors identified.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative approach, convenience sampling and the required data collected from 970 key players' managers in information security, in a total of 722 government agencies, through a self‐administrated survey. Research adopted the Wallace et al. process to develop and validate the study's instrument.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights and reveals a number of underlying dimensions of social factors and one technical factor. The risk management was found to be the formal coping mechanism adopted in the MPS organizations and is the leading factor towards ISM. The social factors have the most influence on MPS organizations' ISM. Findings demonstrate that two independent variables, risk management and individual perception, discriminate between those organizations that have high and low ISM.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may lack generalization; therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further in a different context.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of a powerful instrument in explaining the ISM. Moreover, it helps internal stakeholders of an organization to formulate a more appropriate policy or give a more effective focus on issues that are really relevant to MPS information security management.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the identified need to explore determinants of information security maturity.

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Henrik Pålsson and Ola Johansson

The purpose of this paper is to examine the intention of companies to reduce transportation emissions by 2020 and the barriers and the discriminating factors that affect the…

2513

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the intention of companies to reduce transportation emissions by 2020 and the barriers and the discriminating factors that affect the reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review identified potential logistical and technical actions and their barriers, and discriminating factors for reducing transportation emissions. A survey of freight transport-intensive industries in Sweden examined the effects of, intention for implementation of and barriers to 12 actions to reduce CO2 emissions from freight transportation. In total, 172 logistics managers responded, representing a response rate of 40.3 per cent.

Findings

Logistics service providers (LSPs) and freight owners are likely to reduce a considerable amount of CO2 emissions from freight transportation by 2020 using a combination of actions. The lowest level of confidence was for reducing CO2 emissions by changing logistics structures, while there was greater confidence by means of operational changes. The actions have few barriers, but there is often a combination of barriers to overcome. Three discriminating factors influence the intention of a firm to reduce transportation emissions: perceived potential, company size and LSP/freight owner. The industrial sector of a freight owner has minor influence. Companies that are particularly likely to reduce emissions are LSPs, large companies, and those that perceive a large reduction potential.

Research limitations/implications

Logistical and technical barriers appear to hinder companies from implementing actions, while organisational barriers and external prerequisites do not. Barriers cannot be used to predict companies’ intentions to reduce transportation emissions. The authors examined the impact of three discriminating factors on reduction of transportation emissions. The research is based on perceptions of well-informed managers and on companies in Sweden.

Practical implications

The findings can be used by managers to identify firms for benchmarking initiatives and emissions-reducing strategies.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into intended CO2 reductions in transportation by 2020. It presents new knowledge regarding barriers and discriminating factors for implementing actions to reduce transportation emissions.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 May 2022

Laxmi Gupta and Ravi Shankar

Battery integration with renewable energy and conventional power grid is common practice in smart grid systems and provides higher operational flexibility. Abundant issues and…

Abstract

Purpose

Battery integration with renewable energy and conventional power grid is common practice in smart grid systems and provides higher operational flexibility. Abundant issues and challenges to the Indian smart grid while integrating renewable energy and storage technology will give timely emphasis to grasp uninterrupted power supply in forthcoming trend. Hence, this paper aims to acknowledge different barriers of battery integration and evaluate them to develop approaches for restricting their influence.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-model approach is used to illustrate how these challenges are interrelated by systematically handling expert views and helps to chronologically assemble various issues from the greatest severe to the slightest severe ones. Further, these barriers are grouped using the cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to the classification analysis (MICMAC) study grounded on their driving and dependence power. Also, hypothesis testing was done to validate the obtained model.

Findings

It provides a complete thoughtful on directional interrelationships between the barriers and delivers the best possible solution for the active operation of the smart grid and its performance.

Research limitations/implications

There is a significant requirement for high-tech inventions outside the transmission grid to function for the integration of renewables and storage systems.

Practical implications

The model will support policymakers in building knowledgeable decisions while chronologically rejecting the challenges of battery integration in smart grid systems to improve power grid performance.

Originality/value

Based on author’s best knowledge, there is hardly any research that explicitly explains the framework for the barriers of battery integration in grid for developing countries like India. It is one of the first attempts to understand the fundamental barriers for battery integration. This study adds significantly to the literature on the energy sector by capturing the perspective of various stakeholders.

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Shuyang Li, Guo Chao Peng and Fei Xing

Big data is a key component to realise the vision of smart factories, but the implementation and usage of big data analytical tools in the smart factory context can be fraught…

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Abstract

Purpose

Big data is a key component to realise the vision of smart factories, but the implementation and usage of big data analytical tools in the smart factory context can be fraught with challenges and difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to identify potential barriers that hinder organisations from applying big data solutions in their smart factory initiatives, as well as to explore causal relationships between these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed an inductive and exploratory nature. Ten in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a group of highly experienced SAP consultants and project managers. The qualitative data collected were then systematically analysed by using a thematic analysis approach.

Findings

A comprehensive set of barriers affecting the implementation of big data solutions in smart factories had been identified and divided into individual, organisational and technological categories. An empirical framework was also developed to highlight the emerged inter-relationships between these barriers.

Originality/value

This study built on and extended existing knowledge and theories on smart factory, big data and information systems research. Its findings can also raise awareness of business managers regarding the complexity and difficulties for embedding big data tools in smart factories, and so assist them in strategic planning and decision making.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 119 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2009

Ömür Y. Saatçıoğlu

The purpose of this paper is to identify the effects of benefits, barriers and risks on user satisfaction in ERP projects.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the effects of benefits, barriers and risks on user satisfaction in ERP projects.

Design/methodology/approach

ERP systems are costly and complex systems. They require heavy investments. ERP systems provide a lot of benefits. However, there are some barriers that need to be solved during implementation if maximum of benefits is aimed. If barriers are not solved adequately, they become drivers of risks. Benefits, barriers and risks have important effects on user satisfaction. Post implementation reviews are important tools to gain insights about the effect of benefits, barriers and risks on user satisfaction. However, post implementation reviews of ERP projects are not commonly realized. First, a literature review on ERP benefits, barriers and risks is conducted. Second, benefits, barriers and risks are checked with their effects on user satisfaction in ERP projects. The research is conducted in a branch of a multinational firm. A questionnaire consisting of statements related with benefits, barriers, risks and user satisfaction is used. The questionnaire is given to 32 individuals; 25 of whom respond to the questionnaire.

Findings

The findings suggest that in this case study benefits are more effective on user satisfaction in ERP projects.

Originality/value

This research puts forward an example for a post implementation review. However, the results show that firms aiming to succeed in ERP projects should emphasize benefits.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 22 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2022

Anchal Gupta and Rajesh Kumar Singh

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing major difficulties with working capital, need of digitalisation and lack of skilled workforce during this crisis situation…

Abstract

Purpose

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing major difficulties with working capital, need of digitalisation and lack of skilled workforce during this crisis situation. Managing resilience post pandemic is again a huge challenge for MSMEs. Therefore, the main objective of the study is to identify the critical barriers for recovery of MSMEs from the pandemic outbreak and recommending potential solutions for avoiding vulnerabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The most significant barriers, which will impact MSMEs resilience issues are extracted from vast literature review, discussed with nine experts from MSMEs and further categorised into organisational, operational and technical barriers. Best–worst method (BWM) has been used to find the importance rating of barriers for developing resilience in MSMEs.

Findings

It can be observed that the organisational barriers (0.507) are the most significant, followed by operational barriers (0.300) and then, technological barriers (0.192). Liquidity crunch and inadequate technical skills of employees are the most significant barriers for MSMEs resilience during COVID-19, whereas fluctuation in input cost, unavailability of containers on time and decreased process efficiency are the least significant barriers for recovering MSMEs post COVID-19.

Practical implications

Findings imply that MSMEs should try to overcome major barriers such as resource constraints, lack of skills and knowledge and inefficient inventory planning.

Originality/value

Findings of study will be of immense use for MSMEs in efficient management of operations and in developing resilience during uncertain business environment.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2021

Andrew Ebekozien, Solomon Oisasoje Ayo-Odifiri, Angeline Ngozika Chibuike Nwaole, Aginah Lawrence Ibeabuchi and Felix Ebholo Uwadia

The high consumption of energy by buildings may have enhanced land degradation, flooding, air pollution and many other hazardous environmental issues. However, green practices in…

Abstract

Purpose

The high consumption of energy by buildings may have enhanced land degradation, flooding, air pollution and many other hazardous environmental issues. However, green practices in buildings have been proved as one of the successful technologies to mitigate these issues. Past studies have shown lax green practices in Nigerian buildings. Concerning public hospital buildings, this is yet to be explored. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the barriers to green practices and proffer possible policy solutions to promote hospital green buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

In attaining these objectives, the view of hospital building contractors, design team, hospital management and policymakers in the relevant ministries/agencies was engaged via virtual interviews. The collated data were analysed and presented in the thematic pattern.

Findings

Findings show that green building construction is extremely low in Nigeria, but the worst hit is the health-care buildings across the states. Government/policy-related, organisational/leadership-related, financial-related, technical-related, design team-related and stakeholders’ behaviour-related barriers emerged as the main six themes of barriers affecting public hospital green buildings implementation initiatives. Findings show that proffering possible policies to addressing these barriers may improve public hospital green construction across the states.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to barriers to green buildings implementation in public hospitals in Nigeria, and data collection was through virtual interviews but does not affect the strength of the findings. Thus, this paper suggests that the sub-themes and variables/items that emerged from the collated data as presented in Figure 1 can be further developed quantitatively via questionnaire survey to validate and improve the reliability of results from this paper.

Practical implications

As part of this study’s implications, suggestions from this paper will stir up policymakers’ decisions, to be tailored towards achieving green buildings implementation initiatives in Nigerian public hospitals.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is probably the first that attempted to investigate the barriers to green buildings implementation in public hospitals in Nigeria.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 December 2019

M.F.F. Fasna and Sachie Gunatilake

Despite the pressures around the world to retrofit existing buildings to have higher energy performance, still the level of adoption and implementation of Building Energy…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the pressures around the world to retrofit existing buildings to have higher energy performance, still the level of adoption and implementation of Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits (BEER) appear comparatively low. The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers that affect the successful implementation of BEER in actual project level executions and identify strategies to overcome such barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, two case studies were conducted in selected hotel buildings to explore the barriers that hamper the adoption and implementation of BEER in the local context and in turn identify the strategies to overcome them. Altogether 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with respondents involved in different phases of these BEER projects. The data were analysed using code-based content analysis.

Findings

Altogether 38 barriers were identified under the three main project phases. Furthermore, the study revealed 77 strategies to overcome the identified barriers, classified as individual, organisational and national level strategies.

Originality/value

This paper has made a unique contribution to the field by identifying the barriers in each phase of BEER projects and proposing strategies to be taken at different levels to overcome them. The findings of this study will provide a basis for setting up country-wide and organisation-wide strategies for successfully improving the energy efficiency of existing hotel buildings.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 July 2021

Shiyamini Ratnasabapathy, Ali Alashwal and Srinath Perera

The construction industry is a major generator of waste, which has a high potential to yield a substantial amount of waste into the economy as a valuable resource. Waste trading…

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Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry is a major generator of waste, which has a high potential to yield a substantial amount of waste into the economy as a valuable resource. Waste trading (WT) is a sustainable strategy for improving resource utilisation and transitioning the construction industry towards the circular economy. However, resource recovery through WT is greatly impeded by several barriers which have not been highlighted in previous research. This paper aims to determine the barriers for implementing effective WT practices in the Australian construction and demolition (C&D) sector.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the aim of this research, a triangulation approach of quantitative and qualitative methods has been used. This mixed-method approach combines a comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire survey using an expert forum and semi-structured interviews with industry experts.

Findings

This study has explored a wide range of barriers to the practices of WT in the C&D sector, which have been categorised based on six perspectives. From a collective perspective, the technical barriers were found to be most important among other categories. The key individual barriers found in this study include the following: the high cost associated with sorting and processing of waste on-site, lack of consistent waste data and reporting system at project, industry and national level, insufficient secured and established market for reusable/recycled waste materials, lack of communication and coordination among stakeholders, lack of user-friendly and active web-based waste exchange systems (with reliable waste information) and lack of incentives from the government to encourage market development. Overcoming these barriers collectively would enable the wide application of WT, which in turn, would have a positive impact on the economy, environment and efficiency of the industry.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes of this study are based on the data collected only in the state of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia which is considered as the limitation of this study.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge of C&D waste management (WM) by providing the theoretical and practical implications of closing the loop material cycle by highlighting the importance of economic and environmental benefits of WT. In this study, WT has been recognised as a sustainable strategy to manage waste by identifying the barriers impeding the wider application of effective trading practices in the C&D sector. The findings are useful to WM businesses engaged to establish new circular business models and to government/regulatory bodies in developing initiatives and incentives aiming to promote WT strategies and market platforms. Further research is suggested to test and validate the findings from other jurisdictions of Australia.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

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