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Article
Publication date: 22 August 2023

Nor Salwani Hashim and Fatimah De'nan

Castellated and cellular beams achieved the same strength as solid I-beams with the same depth, resulting in significantly lighter and more economical structures. The purpose of…

Abstract

Purpose

Castellated and cellular beams achieved the same strength as solid I-beams with the same depth, resulting in significantly lighter and more economical structures. The purpose of this study is to analyse the bending behaviour of I-beam steel sections with certain web openings by finite element analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The accuracy of finite element results allows extensive numerical analysis of sections with web openings, concentrating on the web opening sizes and web opening positions. These assumptions can increase the induced section load with various shapes of web opening depth and web opening shapes of c-hexagon, hexagon, octagon, circular and square. This also includes spacing distances, with a 50-mm edge and 150-mm centre-to-centre distance and a section with a 100-mm edge and 200-mm centre-to-centre distance. Generally, the adjustment of the opening geometry (by reducing the angle of web pitch or reducing the opening depth depending on analysed parameters) may influence the bending behaviour.

Findings

Additionally, Model 2 was found to be the optimum model compared to Model 1, mainly in terms of bending. Moreover, the I-beam with a c-hexagon shape opening exhibited the lowest displacement compared to other sections with other web opening shapes. Section with a different arrangement of web opening, Type E shows the lower displacement while higher displacement is observed for Type A and also higher displacement considered for Type G. The optimum model is associated with Type E, followed by Type D, compared to other types of certain web opening and I-beam.

Originality/value

The use of sections with different arrangements of web opening improved the performance of the perforated section in terms of structural behaviour, compared to typical I-beam, thus leading to economic design.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2023

Fatimah De’nan, Chong Shek Wai and Nor Salwani Hashim

Various designs of corrugated webs include trapezoidal, sinusoidal, triangular and rectangular profiles. The increasing use of curved plates has prompted the creation of…

Abstract

Purpose

Various designs of corrugated webs include trapezoidal, sinusoidal, triangular and rectangular profiles. The increasing use of curved plates has prompted the creation of I-sections made of steel with a corrugated web design. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an I-beam steel section that features a perforated-triangular web profile.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, finite element analysis was conducted on corrugated-perforated steel I-sections using ANSYS software. The study focused on inspecting the design of the perforations, including their shape (circle, square, hexagon, diamond and octagon), size of perforations (80 mm, 100 mm and 120 mm) and layout (the position of web perforation), as well as examining the geometric properties of the section in term of bending, lateral torsional buckling, torsion and shear behavior.

Findings

The study revealed that perforations with diamond, circle and hexagon shapes exhibit good performance, whereas the square shape performs poorly. Moreover, the steel section’s performance decreases with an increase in perforation size, regardless of loading conditions. In addition, the shape of the web perforations can also influence its stress distribution. For example, diamond-shaped perforations have been found to perform better than square-shaped perforations in terms of stress distribution and overall performance. This was because of their ability to distribute stress more evenly and provide greater support to the surrounding material. The diagonal alignment of the diamond shape aligns with principal stress directions, allowing for efficient load transfer and reduced stress concentrations. Additionally, diamond-shaped perforations offer a larger effective area, better shear transfer and improved strain redistribution, resulting in enhanced structural integrity and increased load-carrying capacity.

Originality/value

Hence, the presence of lateral-torsional buckling and torsional loading conditions significantly impacts the performance of corrugated-perforated steel I-sections.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 August 2024

Lauri Vuorinen, Jere Lehtinen and Matias Ståhle

Citizen engagement can promote value creation in urban development projects. This potential stems from the granting of decision-making authority to citizens, labeled citizen…

Abstract

Purpose

Citizen engagement can promote value creation in urban development projects. This potential stems from the granting of decision-making authority to citizens, labeled citizen enfranchisement in this study. Citizens are focal stakeholders of urban development projects and enfranchisement grants them an explicit say on such projects. Despite this potential for enhanced value creation, there remains limited understanding about how project organizations enfranchise stakeholders in the front end of urban development projects.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, we designed a multiple-case study to analyze two novel citizen engagement processes in Northern-European cities. In these processes, citizens were enfranchised in ideating, designing, and making selections on urban development projects. We followed a multimethod approach to data collection. The collected datasets include document data, interview data and observation data.

Findings

Our findings demonstrated a distribution and redistribution of decision-making authority throughout the phases of the citizen engagement processes. Citizens’ voices were amplified throughout the project front end, although episodes of decision-making authority held by the cities took place periodically as well. By granting explicit decision-making authority to citizens, citizen enfranchisement facilitated a more democratic urban development process, promoting value creation.

Originality/value

In contrast to the earlier research, the findings of our study illustrate citizen engagement taking place at so-called higher levels of stakeholder engagement. In particular, our study reveals a granting of de facto decision-making authority to citizens, also known as citizen enfranchisement. These findings contribute to the earlier research on stakeholder engagement in projects, where the influence of stakeholder engagement has often been considered symbolic or limited.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 17 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Leon Gooberman, Marco Hauptmeier and Edmund Heery

A key meta-narrative of Employment Relations in the UK over recent decades has been that of labour market deregulation. However, governments have simultaneously introduced…

Abstract

Purpose

A key meta-narrative of Employment Relations in the UK over recent decades has been that of labour market deregulation. However, governments have simultaneously introduced workplace rights legislation that juridified individual employment relationships. Within this process, employers and their representatives, Employers’ Organizations (EOs), are generally depicted as opposing the introduction of employment law or attempting to weaken its application. Contrary to this belief, our research identified a range of other responses to ask: how and why have EO responses varied?

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on primary qualitative and quantitative data from three projects; one examined the totality of EOs in the UK while the others examined topic-specific behaviour of EOs and other actors. The main source is the first project and its 98 interviews with representatives of EOs and related organisations between 2013 and 2017.

Findings

We demonstrate that opposition is not the only EO response to individual employment law by identifying three others: compliance, advocating for law and going beyond legally stipulated requirements by promoting voluntary standards/best practice. The article argues that there are two explanations for this pattern. One is that individual EOs possess different sets of member interests, the other relates to differences in their organizational characteristics.

Originality/value

The article makes two contributions to the literature. One is that our identification of varying responses challenges more unitary accounts emphasising neoliberal and deregulatory patterns. The other lies in our identification of causal forces not previously identified. Both combine to illustrate how the neo-liberal order is not characterised by employer consensus as to regulation.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2024

Anil Verma, Khanindra Ch. Das and Pooja Misra

The impact of digitalisation on smaller firms remains sparsely studied across emerging economies. The paper aims to examine the relationship between digital adoption and multiple…

Abstract

Purpose

The impact of digitalisation on smaller firms remains sparsely studied across emerging economies. The paper aims to examine the relationship between digital adoption and multiple performance parameters of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in a prominent emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) 2022, capturing 9,024 Indian MSME firms spread across the country. Performance indicators are derived from growth in sales, employment and labour productivity (LPROD). Multiple regression estimates are derived that also correct for sample selection bias using Heckman’s two-step process.

Findings

Digital proliferation is found to increase as firms mature up in terms of age, size and constitution. A significant difference could also be observed in business performance across digital and non-digital businesses, with sales growth (SG) and productivity higher for digital firms. Digital financial variables are found to have a significant impact on SG but not as much in the case of employment growth and LPROD. The results are robust to correction for sample selection bias in digital adoption using inverse mills ratio (IMR).

Practical implications

The study highlights digital adoption gaps across various strata of MSMEs, highlighting lower adoption when firms are younger, smaller and lacking formal constitutional setup. Digital variables indicating positive association with SG highlight the need for concerted efforts at the public policy level for building appropriate skills and infrastructure for micro and small enterprises to boost their digital adoption to promote growth.

Originality/value

There is a lack of micro-level empirical evidence measuring the impact of advanced digital technology usage on multiple aspects of enterprise performance amongst micro and small firms. The study deploys unique digital variables including TReDS and use of online credit applications to assess the impact on business performance. The findings provide insights for practice and public policy, besides making the case for a higher focus on launching digital initiatives for smaller enterprises.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Titus Ebenezer Kwofie, Michael Nii Addy, Alexander Boakye Marful, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Samuel Amos-Abanyie and Ayisha Ida Baffoe-Ashun

The adaptive performance of architects as a key professional in project delivery teams has become important for developing strategies, skills and cognitive behaviours for…

Abstract

Purpose

The adaptive performance of architects as a key professional in project delivery teams has become important for developing strategies, skills and cognitive behaviours for sustainability of working systems. However, the understanding and knowledge of adaptive performance of architects is lacking in the current literature. Thus, this study fills this gap by primarily assessing the adaptive performance of architects in project teams in project delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting the widely used eight-dimension attributes of adaptive performance, a questionnaire survey was conducted among team participants and stakeholders who directly or indirectly work on projects with architects in the public and private sectors project delivery supply chain in Ghana. A total of 42 responses were subsequently used in a fuzzy set theory analysis being facilitated by a set of linguistic terms.

Findings

From the assessment, the overall adaptive performance of architects from the eight-dimension attributes emerged to be fairly high. Additionally, the architects’ performance in the individual eight-dimensions showed varied results. High performance was registered in architects’ ability to handling work stress and cultural adaptability. Also, architects demonstrated a fairly high performance in dealing with uncertain or unpredictable work situations. However, in the cases of learning work tasks, technologies and procedures, interpersonal adaptability and handling crisis and emergency situations, architects were deemed to have low and fairly low adaptive performance among project teams.

Originality/value

Given the vagueness and complexities in understanding adaptability among teams and its assessment, through the use of fuzzy set theory based on a suitable set of linguistics terms, the study presents a novel understanding of the level of architects’ adaptive performance in project teams in project delivery. The findings are extremely useful in helping architects adapt and cope with changing competitive work environment by developing the right cognitive behaviours for task functions and organizational roles, disruptions and aiding their ability to self-regulate.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 May 2024

Yuhui Gao and Elaine Huber

This study has two objectives: (1) to identify gaps in the citizen scholar framework by comparing and synthesizing the relevant pedagogical literature and (2) to illustrate how…

Abstract

Purpose

This study has two objectives: (1) to identify gaps in the citizen scholar framework by comparing and synthesizing the relevant pedagogical literature and (2) to illustrate how 21st century graduate capabilities can be cultivated through teaching practices using the citizen scholar framework.

Design/methodology/approach

We briefly synthesize the relevant citizen scholar pedagogical frameworks and approaches. We use two case studies in two large classroom settings in Ireland and Australia to demonstrate how the citizen scholar attributes can be developed through curriculum design and multiple forms of assessment.

Findings

We identify that there is a need for digital literacy to be placed as a fifth attribution cluster in the citizen scholar framework. We also demonstrate that these graduate competencies can be developed at scale by embedding the citizen scholar framework in teaching practices.

Practical implications

We offer a practical implementation mechanism for cultivating 21st century graduate competencies, which will help further embed citizen scholar in pedagogy strategies, thus empowering learning at scale in business education.

Originality/value

The current study makes the first attempt to identify significant attribution gaps in the citizen scholar framework by synthesizing and mapping the relevant approaches. Detailed examples of curriculum design from the two countries also offer new insights into the implementation of a citizen scholar framework.

Details

Journal of Work-Applied Management, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2205-2062

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2024

Monika Bauer and Gertrud E. Morlock

School kiosk offerings play a crucial role in the dietary behavior of students. The importance of healthy meals in schools is emphasized again and again, but there is a lack of…

Abstract

Purpose

School kiosk offerings play a crucial role in the dietary behavior of students. The importance of healthy meals in schools is emphasized again and again, but there is a lack of practical implementation and literature data on kiosk offers and acceptance. This study aimed to analyze the reasons and improve the situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual nutrition knowledge and behavior as well as purchasing behavior at a typical kiosk scenario at schools were collected. Based on the outcome, a concept for improving the school kiosk offerings according to the quality standard of the German Nutrition Society was developed. Many obstacles and challenges had to be overcome in the transition to healthier offerings and their implementation. In the course of these changes, the creation of a new feel-good cafeteria lounge was deemed necessary and finally realized.

Findings

A large percentage of the school kiosk offerings did not meet the desires of the school community. Opportunities to improve the school kiosk service were identified. The skillful planning of structural changes towards healthy food offers and warm meals on two weekdays made it possible to implement the official nutrition standards for healthier meals at school kiosks, despite long-term challenges for food providers.

Originality/value

After a critical analysis of the reasons for the lack of politically desired standards for healthier meals at school kiosks, a new implementation culture is presented and was successfully applied to overcome barriers and challenges through an incremental-dynamic concept strategy with iterative cooperation between the actors of food service providers, school administration, school management, teachers and students.

Article
Publication date: 26 August 2024

B. Avinash and George Joseph

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively explore the impact of digitalization on healthcare supply chains (HcSCs). It seeks to understand how digital technologies enhance…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively explore the impact of digitalization on healthcare supply chains (HcSCs). It seeks to understand how digital technologies enhance efficiency, transparency and responsiveness within these complex logistical systems. The study aims to provide a holistic view of the transformative potential of digitalization in the healthcare sector, with a particular focus on improving patient care and streamlining operational processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs a systematic review methodology, carefully curating a selection of 45 relevant articles from 66 articles rigorously screened using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to provide a holistic view. It follows established systematic review protocols, incorporating a meticulous search strategy and precise keyword selection. The chosen research design enables a comprehensive examination of the existing body of knowledge concerning digital platforms, real-time tracking technologies, transparency and responsiveness in the context of HcSCs.

Findings

The findings of this study emphasize the pivotal role of digital technologies in reshaping HcSCs. Digital platforms, real-time tracking systems and technological integrations substantially enhance efficiency, transparency and responsiveness. Data-driven decision-making, improved communication and agile responses to dynamic demands are key aspects. These findings underscore the transformative impact of digitalization on healthcare logistics, emphasizing the potential for streamlined operations, enhanced patient care and more efficient resource allocation.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the systematic methodology, this study is subject to certain limitations. It relies on existing literature, which may not cover the most recent developments in the rapidly evolving field of digital HcSCs. Furthermore, the study may be influenced by publication bias. The implications suggest the need for continued research to explore emerging digital technologies and their effects on healthcare logistics, ensuring that supply chains remain agile and responsive.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research are significant for HcSC managers with insights into digital technologies to enhance transparency and collaboration and improve resource visibility. The integration of data analytics can lead to more effective inventory management and demand forecasting. Blockchain (BC) technology can ensure transparent and secure transactions, fostering trust among stakeholders. For practitioners, this research offers actionable guidance for navigating the digital age, promoting operational efficiency and ensuring a consistent supply of essential medical products. Researchers can use these insights as a foundation for further exploration into the potential of digitalization in HcSCs.

Social implications

The social implications of digitalization in HcSCs are far-reaching. They encompass improved patient care, as digital technologies enhance the efficiency, transparency and responsiveness of supply chains. This translates to better access to critical medical supplies, potentially reducing healthcare disparities and benefiting underserved populations. Enhanced patient safety is a significant social outcome, as transparent and secure transactions enabled by technologies like BC mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit medications. Furthermore, digitalization builds trust among stakeholders, promotes accountability and fosters resilient healthcare systems, which are capable of responding effectively to crises. It also has the potential to make healthcare more affordable, contributing to increased healthcare access and transparency in decision-making.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this study lie in its comprehensive synthesis of diverse findings related to digitalization in HcSCs. While prior studies have examined isolated facets of digital technology adoption, this research provides a comprehensive overview. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of digitalization within the healthcare sector, offering practical approaches to enhance patient care and streamline operations.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2024

Pankaj Misra

This study aims to examine consumer purchase behavior towards E-pharmacy from a consumption value perspective. For this purpose, the influence of consumption values on consumer…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine consumer purchase behavior towards E-pharmacy from a consumption value perspective. For this purpose, the influence of consumption values on consumer purchase intention is evaluated. Further, the role of consumer involvement in online purchase setup in the context of E-pharmacy is observed using moderation analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional survey design, wherein the respondents in the Delhi-National Capital Region of India were approached using a purposive sampling method. Responses received through the structured questionnaire were subjected to analysis using Smart PLS Version 4.0.9.6.

Findings

Results indicate a significant influence of functional (partial), emotional, social and conditional values on consumers’ purchase intention. Moreover, the moderation effect of consumer online involvement is seen in functional value (partial) and emotional value–purchase intention relationships.

Research limitations/implications

This study reinforces the use of the consumption value perspective to explain consumer purchase behavior toward information system (IS)-based platforms such as E-pharmacy. Some of the results, in this context, that did not establish significant relationships between a given form of consumption values and purchase intention, open up the possibilities of retesting the said relationships in the future. The researchers would realize the benefit of such examinations, as the E-pharmacy sector further evolves and matures in the future. Further, the successful establishment of a significant moderating role of consumer online involvement in certain consumption value-purchase intention relationships such as safety, perceived convenience and comfort value paves the way for future researchers to explore consumer online involvement for a similar role in IS research.

Practical implications

This study provides cues for E-pharmacy marketers to focus on enhancing product safety, usage comfort, users’ social image and awareness toward health consciousness that will help build purchase intention and assist in overcoming the challenges in the long run. It further suggests that marketers should have a strong re-look at forming price value perceptions and they must enhance the interactive features of the company’s mobile apps/websites with the help of the emerging artificial intelligence tools to re-orient the epistemic value and perceived convenience value toward E-pharmacy services. Furthermore, this study recommends following digital marketing practices to increase consumer online involvement, which would help strengthen perceived convenience formation that would otherwise be difficult to attain for E-pharmacy consumers.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insight into consumer purchase intention evaluation through the consumption value perspective in an emerging E-pharmacy market. The consumption value frame of reference helps to understand consumers’ buying rationale that affects their buying behavior beyond the initial adoption. Further, the moderation analysis of consumer online involvement provides an additional dimension to understanding consumer buying behavior concerning E-pharmacy.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

Keywords

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