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Article
Publication date: 16 August 2023

Fan Yang, Yifan Fei, Lin Guo, Xiuxiu Bai and Xiaodong Li

Young construction project management practitioners (CPMPs) have unique, complex, and notable occupational mental health problems. However, there were few studies about the…

Abstract

Purpose

Young construction project management practitioners (CPMPs) have unique, complex, and notable occupational mental health problems. However, there were few studies about the intervention for occupational mental health of CPMPs, and traditional intervention modes often failed to achieve significant effects. Therefore, this study aims to propose a new and effective intervention method.

Design/methodology/approach

Job crafting intervention was used to design an intervention experiment. A total of 72 CPMPs participated in a 10-week randomized controlled trial in China. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to verify the effectiveness of job crafting intervention (JCI) on job crafting behaviors, job burnout, and work engagement with consideration of the impact of time.

Findings

Results showed that the intervention increased social resources, thus effectively reducing job burnout and promoting work engagement. Time also had a significant impact on cynicism, dedication, and social resources.

Practical implications

The authors should promote the habit of job crafting in CPMPs. Furthermore, in order to facilitate their job crafting, the authors should increase structural and social resources for them, and the authors can also encourage them to undertake challenging demands to increase their self-efficacy and the sense of achievement.

Originality/value

The authors bring into light a new psychological intervention approach among CPMPs, which integrates the advantages of the guidance in traditional organized intervention methods and the proactivity in individual spontaneous job crafting. The authors verify the efficacy of the JCI among CPMPs and help propose countermeasures and suggestions to improve the occupational mental health of CPMPs.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2023

Alaeldin Abdalla, Xiaodong Li and Fan Yang

Besides ensuring traditional project objectives, expatriate construction professionals (EXCPs) working on international projects face challenges adapting to unfamiliar…

Abstract

Purpose

Besides ensuring traditional project objectives, expatriate construction professionals (EXCPs) working on international projects face challenges adapting to unfamiliar environments with varying construction standards, work practices and cultural values. This puts them at a high risk of job burnout. Thus, this study aims to investigate the antecedents and outcomes of EXCPs' job burnout in the international construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Job demands-resource model (JD-R), a theoretical framework was developed. Industry-specific stressors and expatriate management practices were identified using a literature review and interviews. The authors then used a questionnaire survey to collect data from Chinese EXCPs. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were then utilized to test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that early-career EXCPs experience the most severe levels of job burnout. The paths analysis proved the direct and indirect mitigating effects of expatriate management practices on job burnout, and EXCP's job burnout was associated with poor job performance and decreased intention to stay in the international assignment.

Originality/value

While prior research has explored job burnout among construction professionals working on domestic projects, little attention has been given to EXCPs and their unique challenges. This study aims to fill this critical gap in the literature by offering a unique perspective on the antecedents and outcomes of job burnout among EXCPs in international contexts and presents a significant contribution to understanding and addressing occupational health issues faced by EXCPs.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2024

Xiaodong Yu, Guangqiang Shi, Hui Jiang, Ruichun Dai, Wentao Jia, Xinyi Yang and Weicheng Gao

This paper aims to study the influence of cylindrical texture parameters on the lubrication performance of static and dynamic pressure thrust bearings (hereinafter referred to as…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence of cylindrical texture parameters on the lubrication performance of static and dynamic pressure thrust bearings (hereinafter referred to as thrust bearings) and to optimize their lubrication performance using multiobjective optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of texture parameters on the lubrication performance of thrust bearings was studied based on the modified Reynolds equation. The objective functions are predicted through the BP neural network, and the texture parameters were optimized using the improved multiobjective ant lion algorithm (MOALA).

Findings

Compared with smooth surface, the introduction of texture can improve the lubrication properties. Under the optimization of the improved algorithm, when the texture diameter, depth, spacing and number are approximately 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 5 mm and 34, respectively, the loading capacity is increased by around 27.7% and the temperature is reduced by around 1.55°C.

Originality/value

This paper studies the effect of texture parameters on the lubrication properties of thrust bearings based on the modified Reynolds equation and performs multiobjective optimization through an improved MOALA.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Jinwei Zhao, Shuolei Feng, Xiaodong Cao and Haopei Zheng

This paper aims to concentrate on recent innovations in flexible wearable sensor technology tailored for monitoring vital signals within the contexts of wearable sensors and…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to concentrate on recent innovations in flexible wearable sensor technology tailored for monitoring vital signals within the contexts of wearable sensors and systems developed specifically for monitoring health and fitness metrics.

Design/methodology/approach

In recent decades, wearable sensors for monitoring vital signals in sports and health have advanced greatly. Vital signals include electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, electromyography, inertial data, body motions, cardiac rate and bodily fluids like blood and sweating, making them a good choice for sensing devices.

Findings

This report reviewed reputable journal articles on wearable sensors for vital signal monitoring, focusing on multimode and integrated multi-dimensional capabilities like structure, accuracy and nature of the devices, which may offer a more versatile and comprehensive solution.

Originality/value

The paper provides essential information on the present obstacles and challenges in this domain and provide a glimpse into the future directions of wearable sensors for the detection of these crucial signals. Importantly, it is evident that the integration of modern fabricating techniques, stretchable electronic devices, the Internet of Things and the application of artificial intelligence algorithms has significantly improved the capacity to efficiently monitor and leverage these signals for human health monitoring, including disease prediction.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2023

Xiaodong Li, Zibing Liu, Yuan Chen and Ai Ren

Message stream advertising (MSA) has become an increasingly popular option for advertising on mobile social media. However, MSA is often avoided by consumers, and this avoidance…

Abstract

Purpose

Message stream advertising (MSA) has become an increasingly popular option for advertising on mobile social media. However, MSA is often avoided by consumers, and this avoidance deserves more research attention. The purpose of this study is therefore to identify the underlying mechanism and key variables that affect consumer avoidance of MSA in the context of mobile social media.

Design/methodology/approach

A face-to-face survey was administered to current mobile users of WeChat (N = 438). Structural equation modeling was conducted to test the relationships in the research model.

Findings

Results revealed that mobile consumers employ mechanical avoidance methods (i.e. zipping, muting and zapping) against MSA. The findings also demonstrated that advertising intrusiveness (stimulus) is directly linked to negative emotions, perceived entertainment and sense of control (organism), which, in turn, relate to MSA avoidance (response).

Originality/value

The study contributes to the MSA avoidance literature by using the stimulus-organism-response model to deepen the understanding of consumers' MSA avoidance on mobile social media, and it suggests important managerial implications for advertising practitioners and platform operators.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2023

Nandun Madhusanka Hewa Welege, Wei Pan and Mohan Kumaraswamy

Despite carbon reduction commitments, many constraints hinder the delivery of low-carbon buildings (LCBs) in high-rise high-density cities. The collaborative commitment of…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite carbon reduction commitments, many constraints hinder the delivery of low-carbon buildings (LCBs) in high-rise high-density cities. The collaborative commitment of relevant stakeholders is vital to effectively address and mitigate these constraints. Hence, this study aims to comprehensively explore the required stakeholder collaboration attributes to address and mitigate the “common” constraints of delivering LCBs by focussing on several high-rise high-density cities.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of 21 “significant and common” constraints was identified through a systematic literature review followed by a questionnaire survey covering five economies (Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Qatar and the UAE). Nineteen influential stakeholders/stakeholder categories were identified through the literature, and their ability to influence the 21 constraints was mapped and identified through a two-round Delphi survey of 15 experienced professionals. The Delphi survey findings were analysed through social network analysis (SNA) methods to assess the stakeholder engagement and collaboration attributes.

Findings

The SNA results revealed the ability of stakeholders to influence the constraints, required collaborative stakeholder networks to address the constraints, significance of stakeholders according to the SNA centrality measures, core and periphery stakeholders and individual co-affiliation networks of core stakeholders.

Originality/value

While achieving the planned primary target of exploring stakeholder collaboration and their significance through SNA, this study also presents a useful sequential methodological approach for future researchers to conduct similar studies in different contexts. The findings also provide a foundation for accelerating the delivery of LCBs by strengthening stakeholder collaboration.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2024

Shichang Liang, Rulan Li, Bin Lan, Yuxuan Chu, Min Zhang and Li Li

This study explores how chatbot gender and symbolic service recovery may improve the satisfaction of angry customers in the context of service failures. It provides a strategy for…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores how chatbot gender and symbolic service recovery may improve the satisfaction of angry customers in the context of service failures. It provides a strategy for companies to deploy chatbots effectively in customer anger.

Design/methodology/approach

This research relies upon a systematic literature review to propose three hypotheses, and we recruit 826 participants to examine the effect of chatbot gender on angry customers through one lab study and one field study.

Findings

This research shows that female chatbots are more likely to increase the satisfaction of angry customers than male chatbots in service failure scenarios. In addition, symbolic recovery (apology vs. appreciation) moderates the effect of chatbot gender on angry customers. Specifically, male (vs. female) chatbots are more effective in increasing the satisfaction of angry customers when using the apology method, whereas female (vs. male) chatbots are more effective when using the appreciation method.

Originality/value

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence technology have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of chatbots as virtual agents in the field of interactive marketing. Previous research has concluded that chatbots can reduce negative customer feedback following a service failure. However, these studies have primarily focused on the level of chatbot anthropomorphism and the design of conversational texts, rather than the gender of chatbots. Therefore, this study aims to bridge that gap by examining the effect of chatbot gender on customer feedback, specifically focusing on angry customers following service failures.

Details

Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7122

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2021

Sathish K. R. and T. Ananthapadmanabha

This paper aims to propose, the multi-objective method for optimal planning and operation of distributed generators (DGs) on distribution system (DS) using hybrid technique is…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose, the multi-objective method for optimal planning and operation of distributed generators (DGs) on distribution system (DS) using hybrid technique is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hybrid technique denotes hybrid wrapper of black widow optimization algorithm (BWOA) and bear smell search algorithm (BSSA). BWOA accelerates the convergence speed with combination of the search strategy of BSSA; hence, it is named as improved black widow-bear smell search algorithm (IBWBSA) technique.

Findings

The multiple-objective operation denotes reducing generation cost, power loss, voltage deviation with optimally planning and operating the DS. For setting up the DG units on DS, IBWBSA technique is equipped to simultaneously reconfigure and find the optimal areas.

Originality/value

In this planning model, the constraints are power balance, obvious power flow limit, bus voltage, distribution substation’s capacity and cost. Then, proposed multiple-objective hybrid method to plan electrical distribution scheme is executed in the MATLAB/Simulink work site.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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