Applicability of drywall technologies for disaster-induced housing reconstruction

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nimasha Dilukshi Hulathdoowage ◽  
Chandanie Hadiwattage
Keyword(s):  
Case Analysis ◽  
Technical Solution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Concrete Frame ◽  
Community Acceptance ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Housing Reconstruction

Purpose The sluggish progression of disaster-induced housing reconstruction (DHR) in Sri Lanka provoked the assessment of drywall technologies as a mode of improving efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of drywall technologies to adopt a technical solution to DHR. Design/methodology/approach The research contextualized a mixed research design via a case-study strategy integrating semi-structured interviews, documentary reviews and observations. Two cases based on the 2016 Samasarakanda landslide were investigated. Within-case-analysis and cross-case-analysis were performed to derive conclusions. Findings Enablers for drywall technologies application are time saving, cost-saving, less water consumption and logistical easiness. Less strength of drywall technologies will not be a critical obstruction owing to the expected disaster resilience from the concrete frame and the subsequent requirement of non-load bearing walls for landslide DHR. Labor source, community acceptance, durability are potential settings of barriers. Observing model houses, researching the resistance of drywall technologies to landslide-induced vibrations and impulsive waves are some further research areas discovered. Research limitations/implications Empirical findings are centered on the 2016 Samasarakanda DHR. Practical implications Because of many issues in updating guidelines, drawings and BOQs, a protocol should be gazetted in the parliament to improve its updating flexibility allowing provisions to apply novel technologies for DHR. Originality/value Being one of the very first of this kind of research, contextually, the research is original. This study provokes insightful investigation of drywall technologies for DHR beyond its overlooked properties. This study reveals many wall construction challenges of the 2016 Samasarakanda DHR which have not yet been explored in research.

The different shades of innovation emergence in smart service systems: the case of Italian cluster for aerospace technology

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Orlando Troisi ◽  
Anna Visvizi ◽  
Mara Grimaldi
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Service Systems ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Rules ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Aerospace Technology ◽  
Smart Service ◽  
Relational Strategies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of innovation in smart service systems to conceptualize how actor’s relationships through technology-enabled interactions can give birth to novel technologies, processes, strategies and value. The objectives of the study are: to detect the different enablers that activate innovation in smart service systems; and to explore how these can lead dynamically to the emergence of different innovation patterns. Design/methodology/approach The empirical research adopts an approach based on constructivist grounded theory, performed through observation and semi-structured interviews to investigate the development of innovation in the Italian CTNA (Italian acronym of National Cluster for Aerospace Technology). Findings The identification and re-elaboration of the novelties that emerged from the analysis of the Cluster allow the elaboration of a diagram that classifies five different shades of innovation, introduced through some related theoretical propositions: technological; process; business model and data-driven; social and eco-sustainable; and practice-based. Originality/value The paper embraces a synthesis view that detects the enabling structural and systems dimensions for innovation (the “what”) and the way in which these can be combined to create new technologies, resources, values and social rules (the “how” dimension). The classification of five different kinds of innovation can contribute to enrich extant research on value co-creation and innovation and can shed light on how given technologies and relational strategies can produce varied innovation outcomes according to the diverse stakeholders engaged.

Post-conflict housing reconstruction in the Gaza Strip

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-330
Author(s):  
Ghassan Elkahlout
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Conflict Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
Housing Reconstruction ◽  
Housing Units

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the feasibility of using the agency-driven housing approach in a post-conflict context. This paper aims to identify the challenges in applying the agency-driven approach within the context of post-conflict housing reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a qualitative research approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and representatives of project beneficiaries. Secondary data drawn from academic papers, articles, technical reports and media reports were also obtained. Findings The findings support doubts in the literature about the feasibility of using the agency-driven approach in post-conflict housing reconstruction. The paper concludes that an agency-driven housing project successfully constructed a few thousand housing units and provided thousands of temporary job opportunities. The project encountered challenges in beneficiary selection; affordability of housing units; access to building materials; governance issues; and delays in implementation. Practical implications This paper offers valuable lessons for decision-makers, planners and architects to build on in future endeavours in Gaza and in similar contexts. Originality/value This paper particularly confirms the challenges of using the agency-driven housing approach in a post-conflict setting. These findings are useful for policy-makers to develop relevant strategies to address housing needs in the Gaza Strip.

Exploring current enablers and barriers for sustainable proximity manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 551-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petchprakai Sirilertsuwan ◽  
Daniel Hjelmgren ◽  
Daniel Ekwall
Keyword(s):  
Case Analysis ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Clothing Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Infrastructure ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Cross Case Analysis

Purpose Amidst offshoring and reshoring trends, the purpose of this paper is to explore why business practitioners, especially from the labour-intensive clothing industry, choose to manufacture some products in proximity to the high-cost European market. Moreover, the rise of sustainability concerns led us to further explore whether these reasons relate to triple bottom line (TBL): business, environment and society. Design/methodology/approach The content analysis was adopted for within-case and cross-case analysis of data from semi-structured interviews of managers from 12 clothing companies. Findings Within-case analysis showed enablers and barriers (factors) of proximity manufacturing within each company’s characteristics under TBL. Cross-case analysis showed the most-mentioned enablers (high-quality suppliers, short lead-time and fast replenishment) and barriers (expensive production cost and lack of industrial set-up and seamstresses). The findings revealed both common and different factors from existing studies. Research limitations/implications Besides being motives for companies to bring manufacturing back to Europe, the results can be used by researchers and companies to develop criteria and performance measures of manufacturing locations for enhancing the TBL sustainability. Future research may explore different locations and industries for possibilities of proximity–manufacturing generalisation. Social implications Findings show that governments could focus on eliminating barriers of proximity manufacturing and creating favourable institutional infrastructure for the European clothing industry and sustainability. Originality/value This paper highlights updated proximity–manufacturing factors from practices in relation to TBL sustainability, including support for proximity manufacturing as a practice for TBL enhancement.

Technical solution or wicked problem?

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 322-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Karanasios ◽  
Paul Parker
Keyword(s):  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Policy Design ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Wicked Problem ◽  
Technical Solution ◽  
Renewable Electricity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Informants

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the issues related to the deployment of renewable electricity technologies (RETs) in remote indigenous communities by examining the views of key informants in a remote northern Ontario community through the lens of a wicked problem approach, with the goal to identify policy direction and strategies for the further development of renewable electricity projects. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses semi-structured interviews with community key informants, informed discussions with community members and energy conference participants and literature reviews of academic, policy and utility documents as complementary data sources for triangulation of results. Findings According to informants, the complexity surrounding the deployment of RETs in remote Canadian indigenous communities is the result of different stakeholder perspectives on the issues that RETs are expected to address. Furthermore, institutional complexity of the electricity generation system and uncertainty over both the choice of off-grid renewable technology and the future of electricity generation systems structure and governance add to this complexity. Research limitations/implications Given the governments’ legal obligation to consult with indigenous people for projects within their territories, community perspectives provide insights for policy design to support both the deployment of RETs and address indigenous communities sustainability goals. Originality/value This paper offers views and opinions of community members from an off-grid Canadian indigenous community. Community members describe how they envision their electricity systems and the desired contribution of community owned renewable electricity generation to increase local control and economic development.

scholarly journals Integrated solutions for total asset management through “RIVANS”

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hedley Smyth ◽  
Aaron M. Anvuur ◽  
Illona Kusuma
Keyword(s):  
Asset Management ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Total Asset ◽  
Technical Solution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Lifecycle ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Examine the extent of integration in delivering value from design and construction (DC) activities for total asset management (TAM) and operations post-completion. DC and operations and management (OM) are both addressed. The problem owners are those in roles and organisations responsible for integrating DC with OM. The purpose of this paper is to show the extent of integration between actors along the project lifecycle. Relationally integrated value networks (RIVANS) provide the conceptual lens for the analysis. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method approach was used. A questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were employed. Findings There is a lack of engagement between DC and OM. The trend is moving counter to integration. BIM is not found to be a technical solution. Research limitations/implications The mixed method helps extend the RIVANS perspective. Further research to understand and support integration is needed, especially qualitative research to provide greater granular understanding. Practical implications The identified trend away from integration poses management challenges in delivery and for sustainability in use. Supply chains engage specialists, yet internal and inter-organisational collaboration require management attention to value creation. This includes the DC-OM interface. Both sides can benefit from increased engagement. Social implications Infrastructure and property provision will continue to fall short of user and environmental functionality without improved integration. Originality/value A contribution to the project and asset management interface is made, showing low integration, disengaged asset management. BIM is unable to plug the gaps. The RIVANS analytical lens provides a perspective for improvement.

Current situation, challenges and future development directions of facilities management in Kosovo

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Visar Hoxha ◽  
Dhurata Hoxha ◽  
Jehona Hoxha
Keyword(s):  
Future Development ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Integration Of Technology ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Purposive Sample

Purpose While facilities management (FM) in Kosovo is a constantly growing discipline, the studies so far in Kosovo have been scarce and too general. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the current situation of FM in Kosovo, identify challenges and recommend new future development directions of the sector with regard to capabilities of facility managers, integration of technology in FM and FM standardization.Design/methodology/approach The present study uses qualitative method by using semi-structured interviews with purposive sample of 20 FM professionals with experience of more than 15 years that cover public, private sector and international organizations.Findings The present study finds that FM in Kosovo is in its infancy stage, and it is mainly perceived as maintenance and cleaning with the low level of outsourcing. Generally, it was agreed that FM industry in Kosovo faces several challenges such as lack of budget, resources and staff; inappropriate FM planning; absence of uniform KPIs and low sensitivity of FM to sustainability. The study finally finds that FM in Kosovo can be enhanced only through integration of novel technologies, development of adaptive capability of facility managers and adequate FM standardization.Research limitations/implications The present study helps researchers and practitioners to understand the current situation of FM in Kosovo in terms of planning, outsourcing and primary purpose of FM in Kosovo. The study also provides an overview of challenges of FM in Kosovo, which can be used by researchers and practitioners to identify future development directions for the sector and profession.Originality/value The study contributes to the current knowledge about the state of development of FM in transitional countries such as Kosovo. The findings will identify future development areas of FM in Kosovo especially with regard to capability and skills of FM professionals and integration of technology in FM, which can be used by other countries facing the same perceptional and developmental challenges in FM.

scholarly journals The influence of the specifics of small businesses on innovation

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-257
Author(s):  
Felipe Ferreira de Lara ◽  
Márcia Regina Neves Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Capital Intensity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Investment ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Strategic Reorganization

Purpose Based on a multi-case analysis of small businesses in the metal-mechanical industry in the region of Sorocaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil, the purpose of this paper is to analyze how small businesses (in terms of the owner, business, and influences exerted by the environment) influence innovation. Design/methodology/approach Six case studies are used to analyze the Brazilian metal-mechanical industry. The data are collected through semi-structured interviews and direct observations. In addition, innovations over the previous five years are evaluated in order to establish a comparative pattern between companies. Findings This study examines how facilitating factors are related to the owners of small businesses. These factors include owners’ personal ambitions, the centralization of decisions, and their confidence in their ability to make effective decisions. Factors related to the organization that favor innovation include a simple and streamlined structure and fewer levels of bureaucracy, whereas low capital intensity limit innovation. While some factors related to the environment favor innovation, others have a limiting effect (e.g. short-term horizons and a lack of formal strategic planning). Originality/value The main contribution of this research is to show that innovation is not synonymous with financial investment. Strategic reorganization and the rationalization of productive resources through competitive priorities may lead to innovation in different spheres, helping to increase the competitiveness and strength of the national economy.

scholarly journals Exploring forensic service users’ experience of participating in a community life skills and work-readiness programme

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Chloe McKenzie ◽  
Emma Tarpey
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Criminal History ◽  
Work Readiness ◽  
Community Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Forensic Service ◽  
Community Programmes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the experiences of individuals with a criminal history of participating in a community life skills and work-readiness programme. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven individuals that have a criminal history who were participating, or had previously participated, in a community life skills and work-readiness programme. This data was analysed by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings Four superordinate themes emerged, these were: “need to change”, “changing identity”, “giving back to the community” and “a sense of belonging”. These themes are discussed in relation to desistance literature and the Good Lives Model. Practical implications This research identifies through the participants’ narratives that engaging with the programme appeared to facilitate the desistance process. The importance of community programmes that provide participants skills and social integration must be acknowledged. Originality/value There is limited research on the experiences of forensic services users’ experiences of community programmes, especially those that are not aimed specifically at ex-offenders. The results of this research can be used to enhance services and identify further research areas.

scholarly journals Collectively innovating; modelling responsible exposure in heterarchical organisations

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-141
Author(s):  
Sarah Schoellhammer ◽  
Stephen Gibb
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Cross ◽  
Collective Innovation ◽  
Innovation Practices ◽  
Cross Case Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to develop a model of collective innovation, with respect to innovation strategy, structure and culture in heterarchies. The enabling of collective innovation in heterarchies is conceptualised as “responsible exposure”. Design/methodology/approach A study adopting cross-case analysis was undertaken with five organisations perceived to have heterarchical characteristics. These included one small company, two medium-sized companies and two larger companies, all were European. Data from semi-structured interviews, a survey of staff and other sources provide evidence of collective innovation practices. Findings The cross-case analysis suggests that the management of collective innovation is different from “classic” innovation management. It is more about enabling “responsible exposure” than the management of “shelter” for collective innovation. Research limitations/implications The strength of cross-case analysis and conceptual framework validation is limited by the cases being all from the European region. Practical implications What strategy, structure and culture for “responsible exposure” may mean can be described. Heterarchies will always be relatively rare, though lessons from how they enable collective innovation can be more widely learned. Lessons for the wider population of organisation that combine hierarchical and heterarchical characteristics and seek greater innovation are identified. Social implications Collective innovation, which requires “responsible exposure” has implications for the capabilities of managers and professionals concerned with innovation. Originality/value The cross-case analysis of innovation in heterarchies is original, leading to the description of a model of “responsible exposure” for collective innovation.

Determining the potential and requirements of transit-oriented development (TOD)

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 394-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Seh Vian Goh
Keyword(s):  
Public Transportation ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Transit Oriented Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generation Cohorts

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of transit-oriented development (TOD), the perceptions of buyers and the establishment of the comfortable walking distance. The literature indicates the requirement of TOD with increasing population in major cities. Design/methodology/approach In this study, exploratory sequential mixed methods research approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted followed by questionnaire survey. The respondents were categorised based on their generation cohorts to further understand their acuities on TOD. Findings The key consideration factors when buying houses in the TOD area are as follows: amenities related to jobs and family for Baby Boomers; time saving for Generation Y; and location for Generation X, i.e. house should be conveniently located in relation to working place, school, etc. Communities in Malaysia are willing to walk for five to ten minutes (approximately 400 to 800 m). Research limitations/implications Future studies can be enlarged to include other major cities in Malaysia and draw comparisons with neighbouring ASEAN countries. Practical implications This paper provides insights to property developers, consultants and government agencies for product development. Ultimately, TOD is the innovative sustainable solution for high-density urban planning and development. Social implications TOD is a sustainable development concept that encourages the use of public transportation system in order to reduce private motor vehicles usage. Originality/value This paper emphasises the potential of TOD, explores the perceptions of different generation cohorts in relation to TOD and establishes the comfortable walking distance for Malaysian communities. It also highlights the key factors of conveniences for TOD.

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