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1 – 10 of over 122000
Article
Publication date: 9 May 2023

Gabriella Arcese, Grazia Chiara Elmo, Fabio Fortuna, Maria Giovina Pasca and Mario Risso

The study investigates how consumers' food purchasing habits changed during the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy. The research aims to understand if traditional aspects, health…

Abstract

Purpose

The study investigates how consumers' food purchasing habits changed during the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy. The research aims to understand if traditional aspects, health consciousness and environmental concerns have influenced and changed the purchases of food products post-pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a theoretical model to understand whether health consciousness, traditional aspects and environmental concerns affect consumers' purchasing intention. The study collects secondary data to analyse state of the art and investigate consumer behaviour in the agri-food system after the pandemic. Thereafter, a survey was conducted via a convenience random sampling procedure. The data (n = 622) were analysed using the formulated research framework and tested through the structural equation modelling procedure.

Findings

The findings reveal that health consciousness and traditional aspects (culinary traditions, ingredients usage from one's territory of origin, products' origin attention) are among the main reasons for purchasing agri-food goods after the pandemic. Instead, environmental concerns negatively affect consumers' purchase intentions.

Originality/value

The study identifies which aspects influenced consumers' purchasing intentions after the Covid-19 pandemic. It also provides insights for food companies and policymakers on the factors to be improved to optimize the agri-food sector following a sustainable perspective and in order to develop effective business strategies.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2022

Nessma A. Q. Al-Hammadi and Kokan Grchev

Adopting Mapping Literature, the purpose of this study is to notice the tendency in defining contextualism through extrinsic aspects neglecting the intrinsic ones generating three…

Abstract

Purpose

Adopting Mapping Literature, the purpose of this study is to notice the tendency in defining contextualism through extrinsic aspects neglecting the intrinsic ones generating three theoretical gaps in understanding contextualism, especially in terms of (1) physical/cultural aspects (P/C); (2) traditional vs contemporary architecture (T/C); and (3) place identity (PI).

Design/methodology/approach

A directed systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to investigate the Web of Science and Google Scholar engines for the related studies, resulting in 66 texts of book chapters, conferences, articles and practitioners’ texts. Using the PRISMA reporting method, the study presented the SLR procedure that narrowed the related studies to 66 texts of book chapters, conferences, articles and practitioners’ texts. Both consensus and debates in understanding the relation between contextualism and (T/C, P/C and PI) were re-visited (see Appendix).

Findings

According to the findings, the studies tend to address contextualism through either extrinsic or intrinsic values. The undefined balance between extrinsic and intrinsic aspects in understanding and creating contextual architecture seems to be the common reason why the three theoretical gaps exist.

Originality/value

This paper did not only conduct an SLR investigation on the topic, which is limited in the field, but it also highlighted the need for further and constant discussions despite the previous one to improve the understanding of contextual architecture.

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

Paula McDonald, Kerry Brown and Lisa Bradley

This mixed‐method study aims to determine the extent to which the career paths of senior managers conform with the traditional versus protean elements described in the careers…

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Abstract

Purpose

This mixed‐method study aims to determine the extent to which the career paths of senior managers conform with the traditional versus protean elements described in the careers literature and whether these paths vary by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 15 senior managers (seven women and eight men) in a large public sector agency in Australia were interviewed about their career trajectories to date. Data were coded according to four major areas which characterise and distinguish between traditional and protean careers: development, orientation of the employee, definition of success, and organisational environment. A total of 81 managers (34 women and 47 men) from the same organisation were also surveyed. Variables of interest were those that could be triangulated with qualitative data such as the availability of career opportunities.

Findings

Results suggest that, contrary to much existing literature which proposes that all careers have been fundamentally altered, the traditional career which relies on length of service, geographic mobility and a steady climb up the corporate ladder, is still the dominant model in some organisations. However, the trend towards protean careers is evident and is more pronounced for women than for men.

Research limitations/implications

The specific nature of the organisation (large, male‐dominated, public sector) may limit the generalisability of results.

Practical implications

The framework used to explore career paths according to traditional/ protean elements in this study may assist human resource practitioners to develop appropriate strategies which maximise the professional development of employees.

Originality/value

The results of this research challenge the universality of change in the nature of careers, particularly in public sector environments.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2014

Simon Tucker, Arosha Gamage and Chitral Wijeyesekera

The aim of this paper is to discuss selected aspects of the design of post-disaster housing building on current guidance in this area. The paper focuses on the use of appropriate…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to discuss selected aspects of the design of post-disaster housing building on current guidance in this area. The paper focuses on the use of appropriate materials and technology to suit the climate and site and draws lessons from traditional housing types and settlement patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a design project is used to illustrate an approach toward sustainable design. The approach is structured and could therefore fit into the wider structures and frameworks of providing such housing.

Findings

A design was generated that meets many of the desired environmental criteria. It was also found that important design resources are required by the design team not mentioned in the existing guidelines.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the paper is that the design is hypothetical and there has been no input from prospective inhabitants or other groups.

Practical implications

The design approach illustrated here may be of use to relief organizations working in the field and also could be used to develop further awareness of sustainability. Organizations that provide for and coordinate post-disaster construction could consider making further design resources available as part of a project.

Social implications

The study addresses the design of housing, which itself is an activity located in society.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the discussion on the design of post-disaster housing and supports the argument that such housing can help to support wider and longer-term development.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2010

Noor Cholis Idham, Ibrahim Numan and Munther Mohd

One of the most important issues arising from the 2006 Java earthquake is that many of the Javanese houses were easily collapsed or badly damaged due to the quake. The failure of…

Abstract

One of the most important issues arising from the 2006 Java earthquake is that many of the Javanese houses were easily collapsed or badly damaged due to the quake. The failure of the vernacular houses was also believed to be a principle factor in causing the casualties. As a replacement, the government built reconstruction houses which differ in form, size and structure to the earlier houses. Intensive campaigns were conducted to encourage and support the construction of compacted dwellings with brick walls and concrete frame systems. In view of the fact that the collapsed houses were comprised of many of the various types of Javanese vernacular structures in the area, including the recent well known reinforced concrete frame type, uncertainty in deciding which house is really fulfill the need of the people has emerged. Even though the new houses are thought to be more stable in respect of earthquake safety, the other values in housing should be examined and reassured.

The comparative study presented in this paper, is based on a housing quality assessment method, which employs using an adaptation of Maslow's theory. Here, an interpretation related to the housing aspects in respect of the specific grading method is proposed. Following the earthquake, all Javanese house types were examined from the old traditional housing to the newly built houses. Aspects of evaluating the quality are considered according to local requirements and needs in respect of how the houses had been built according to the climate, needs, customs, safety, security, utility and comfort. This was done in order to compare the developments and changes in quality of the various types of housing. The result of the assessment applied to the houses shows that the Javanese housing quality is constantly changing over time for particular reasons. Unfortunately, according to this study, the overall quality of Javanese houses is currently, for some reason, in a downward trend.

Details

Open House International, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2020

Mingnan Jiang, Yang Gao, Mingwei Jin and Sitong Liu

The purpose of this study is to explore a sustainable hierarchical framework for the business environment in smart cities. However, this hierarchical framework must consider…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore a sustainable hierarchical framework for the business environment in smart cities. However, this hierarchical framework must consider unnecessary attributes and interrelationships between criteria to capture the difference between smart cities and traditional cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Hence, the fuzzy set theory is used for screening unnecessary attributes, the decision-making and trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is applied to manage the complex interrelationships among the aspects and attributes and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to divide the hierarchy and construct a hierarchical theoretical framework. Ultimately, this research is applied to develop a sustainable hierarchical framework of the business environment in smart cities.

Findings

The results show that traditional social problems are still at the core of business environment development in smart cities, new smart opportunities may be discovered, but they are still limited by traditional social factors, the economy is still the main aspect of the business environment and there are still obstacles to solving social problems with smart technologies.

Originality/value

This theoretical hierarchical framework aims to guide smart cities toward sustainability. This study also proposes creating a predictable business environment by improving administrative efficiency, transparency, social mobility and infrastructure services and cultivating new business opportunities with intelligent technology.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 50 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2022

G.S. Sureshchandar

In this era of Industry 4.0, characterized by disruptive technologies, there is a need to identify and understand the role of the quality function in the excellence journey…

Abstract

Purpose

In this era of Industry 4.0, characterized by disruptive technologies, there is a need to identify and understand the role of the quality function in the excellence journey. Quality 4.0 refers to the digitalization of quality work in the context of Industry 4.0. As Quality 4.0 is a new concept, empirical research on the subject is extremely scant. Therefore, this study aims to identify and understand the criticality of the dimensions of Quality 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research identifies 12 axes (dimensions) of Quality 4.0 based on literature review and inputs from experts. The identified axes have been prioritized using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique.

Findings

The study concludes that the 12 dimensions contribute to outcome indicators such as organizational performance, agility and sustainability. It further adds that though technology is vital for Quality 4.0, elements of traditional quality such as leadership, quality culture, customer focus, quality systems, compliance, competence, analytical thinking, data-driven decision making, etc. are mandatory for the transformation journey. In today's context except for a few matured organizations, others are even struggling to implement the traditional aspects of quality.

Research limitations/implications

Cues to further research are provided which would help in the better understanding of Quality 4.0 and its role in the Industry 4.0 scenario.

Practical implications

This research would help the practitioners understand the determinants of Quality 4.0 system and their effects on organizational performance, agility and sustainability.

Originality/value

The present research work strives to throw light on the criticality of the dimensions of Quality 4.0, thereby contributing to theory building, especially given the paucity of literature in Quality 4.0.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 39 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2021

G.S. Sureshchandar

The disruptions caused by new-age technologies of Industry 4.0 are posing a formidable challenge to researchers, academicians and practitioners alike. Quality 4.0 that depicts the…

Abstract

Purpose

The disruptions caused by new-age technologies of Industry 4.0 are posing a formidable challenge to researchers, academicians and practitioners alike. Quality 4.0 that depicts the role of the quality function in the Industry 4.0 scenario must be comprehended so that the rudiments of Quality 4.0 are understood properly, and interventions can be made to embrace the new normal. As the literature on Quality 4.0 is extremely scarce, empirical studies are mandatory to augment the process of theory building.

Design/methodology/approach

The research work identifies 12 axes of the Quality 4.0 revolution based on literature review and insights from experts. Subsequently, a measurement model is formulated and an instrument to measure the level of Quality 4.0 implementation is developed. The measurement model has been checked for model fit, reliability and validity using the confirmatory factor analysis approach.

Findings

The proposed model was found to be adequate, reliable and valid and concludes that though technology plays a significant role in the development of the Quality 4.0 system, aspects of traditional quality are very much apropos to transform to the next frontier of quality.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for future research are provided which would help to further explore the nascent field of Quality 4.0.

Practical implications

This research would help the practitioners better understand the various requirements and measure the degree of implementation of a Quality 4.0 system.

Originality/value

The present research is perhaps the first of its kind in propounding a measurement model, through empirical analysis, for the betterment of the understanding of Quality 4.0 and its associated constituents.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2020

Marlon Dalmoro, Diego Costa Pinto, Márcia Maurer Herter and Walter Nique

This research aims to develop and test the traditionscapes framework in which consumers appropriate local traditions as a resource to foster cultural identity in emerging markets.

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to develop and test the traditionscapes framework in which consumers appropriate local traditions as a resource to foster cultural identity in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-level research approach with qualitative (n = 38) and quantitative data (n = 600) was employed in the context of gaucho traditions in the southern part of Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state).

Findings

The findings indicate that traditionscapes operate in a fluid process that engenders local culture attachment into tradition value through the consumer identification process. Traditionscapes build a sense of local cultural attachment that functions as a source of social, cultural, and local identification. Findings also support our three-stage traditionscapes framework, emphasizing the identification process that depends on consumers' global culture resistance.

Originality/value

This research provides a novel viewpoint to the well-established relationship between tradition and globalization in consumption studies. We contribute to this debate by shifting the discussion to the fluid process of traditionscapes in which tradition value is engendered through consumer appropriation and identification with local traditions, even in a globalized context. Although recent research suggests that global culture can disrupt local traditions, traditionscapes operate as an extended perspective that coexists with other global cultural flows.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2013

Michael C. Linderman

This article provides background on the historical development of royal hospitality in India before the advent of commercial hospitality in the twentieth century. The aim of the…

Abstract

Purpose

This article provides background on the historical development of royal hospitality in India before the advent of commercial hospitality in the twentieth century. The aim of the paper is to insert into the historiography of commercial hospitality the ancient Indian practice of endowing pilgrim rest houses, or chattrams (choultry) for the temporary housing and feeding of travelers, religious mendicants, and other groups in Indian society. As a case study, the article focuses on the chattrams of the Maratha Kings of Tanjavur (Tanjore) in South India, especially during the reign of Raja Serfoji II (r. 1798‐1832). Serfoji, working from the palette of past practices of his forebears, expanded these practices of traditional Hindu religious hospitality to include more progressive and inclusive charity, education and hospitality during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Serfoji's munificent activities in his chattrams pose a challenge to any characterization that royal elites adapted historically dormant or static institutions to practical usage in the twentieth century.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on archival research into the role of institution building in strategies of indigenous kingship in early colonial India. The primary methodology used is content and descriptive analyses of archival documents in the Tamil language related to chattrams constructed by the Maratha court of Tanjavur between 1739 and 1855 CE.

Findings

The archival data show that the Maratha court of Tanjavur, particularly under Raja Serfoji II (r. 1798‐1832), incorporated through the chattram institution a greater variety of social groups in its charitable mandate by expanding the traditional forms of pious and ceremonial hospitality of the court to include not only religious mendicants and pilgrims, but also students, staff and European guests as well. The article reveals the manner in which such practices could sustain aspects of the traditional relationship between ruler and subject while creating newly responsive forms of social outreach to wider constituencies by an indigenous court that had been reduced to titular status under the rise of the British East India Company after 1798.

Originality/value

As yet, there has been no systematic survey of the evolution of commercial hospitality in India, nor particularly one that includes the practice of charitable rest houses in pre‐modern India. This article focuses attention on the diversified social functions of these institutions in the early colonial period in south India, and introduces these institutions as a potential precedent of later forms of commercial hospitality.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

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