Sustainable development

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Brennan ◽  
Alison J. Cotgrave
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Industry Professionals

Purpose – Despite the surge of interest in construction sustainability and the many Government initiatives encouraging reform in the UK construction industry (CI), the prevalence of sustainable development (SD) in the industry is still largely lagging behind that of other industries. Given the amount of focus and activity identified nationally in this area, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons why this is not being translated into action and to seek counsel from industry professionals as to how they believe change can be achieved with a particular focus on how they believe higher education institutions (HEIs) can contribute. Design/methodology/approach – An explorative, qualitative study using three focus groups was of construction professionals. Findings – Despite a lack of action, many in industry support sustainability and actively attempt to engage in sustainable practices but a number of barriers preclude successful implementation. Government initiatives are having a positive impact, with participants believing that both Government and HEIs are imperative in driving the sustainability agenda forward. Research limitations/implications – Whilst limited in scale, this paper highlights the current state of the CI in relation to SD and evidences that progress is being made albeit slowly. The findings may help both Government and HEIs alongside industry in achieving how this can be overcome. Originality/value – Previous research in this area has generally adopted a quantitative approach. Adopting a qualitative approach provides a more in depth view as to why the status quo remains with regards to SD in the CI.

Debates over Irish unification will gain traction

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Northern Irish ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Status ◽  
Scottish Independence ◽  
The Uk

Significance The differing perspectives of unionists and nationalists on the creation of Northern Ireland as a political entity within the United Kingdom, together with Brexit and tensions over the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP), have brought the contentious issue of Irish reunification onto the political agenda in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Impacts Scottish independence would likely increase momentum for a referendum on Irish unity. Successful implementation of the NIP, giving firms access to EU and UK markets, may support arguments for maintaining the status quo. If the UK government abandons the NIP, the adverse trade impact on Northern Irish firms could increase support for unification.

scholarly journals Framework for continuous agile technology roadmap updating

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Carlos ◽  
Daniel C. Amaral ◽  
Mauro Caetano
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Integrated Planning ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Roadmap ◽  
Information Monitoring ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Agile Teams ◽  
Made In

Purpose Roadmapping has been used as an approach to support market, product and technology-integrated planning, resulting in a document commonly known as a roadmap. Despite the gains made in relation to the technique, recent studies indicate that most users leave or have difficulties in sustaining the process (i.e. maintaining the updated roadmaps). This paper aims to present a framework for continuous roadmap updating that incorporates principles from agile management fields. Design/methodology/approach The framework was developed through action research in a manufacturing firm in the construction industry. Findings The results demonstrate a positive impact on the degree of continuous information monitoring, roadmap credibility and use of the roadmap during innovation strategy decisions. Originality/value The key contribution of this framework is the demonstration of a new strategy for carrying out the maps in which information is internalized by the organization itself, using agile teams, without commissioned specialists and as part of the work standards.

Mainstreaming pre-manufactured offsite processes in construction – are we nearly there?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Kwame Ofori-Kuragu ◽  
Robert Osei-Kyei
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Paper ◽  
Sustainable Systems ◽  
Technology Firms ◽  
Current State ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
The Subject

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the current state of popular modern methods of construction (MMC) and pre-manufactured construction in the construction industry and propose a framework for future implications for practice and future research. Design/methodology/approach This technical paper is based on a narrative review of the extant literature on the subject. First, the Scopus search engine was used to retrieve relevant papers on MMC, offsite and pre-manufactured construction. Second, institutional literature such as reports by industry professional and trade bodies, literature from leading technology firms and contractors with experience of MMC were extracted. These two strands of literature were synthesised and a comprehensive discussion on the topic was provided. Findings Results show that journal publications on MMC and pre-manufactured construction have increased in the past decade. The paper found significant advances in the development of premanufactured and offsite construction approaches with many benefits. Offsite and pre-manufactured construction are viable and sustainable systems currently suitable for wider adoption as the mainstream construction method. Research limitations/implications This technical paper based on an integrative review of relevant literature could have benefitted from interviews of professionals with experience of offsite and pre-manufacture techniques and from wider availability of current academic publications on the subject. Validation of the framework has not been undertaken. Originality/value Not much-published work has been undertaken on the current state of development globally and the viability of these construction approaches. This paper evaluates evidence from academic and industry sources to address this gap. A framework has been developed which can help the industry’s industrialisation drive.

What Library 2.0 has taught libraries in Taiwan about e-learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1121-1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tien-Chi Huang
Keyword(s):  
Educational Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Feedback Model ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Current State ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
The Status ◽  
Library Development ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose – This paper aims to review the four elements of Library 2.0, which represents a major innovation, and adopts several pedagogical concepts to investigate other innovations libraries in Taiwan could implement to become ideal libraries. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents an overview of the essential principles of Library 2.0 and examines the current state of libraries in Taiwan. The authors then present a reciprocal feedback model of Library 2.0+. Findings – A Library 2.0+ model and a concept map of the mutualism between e-learning education and Library 2.0+ were proposed to diminish the gap between the status quo and Library 2.0. Two recommendations are provided: to develop a library learning platform to maximize the education value of the library, and to regard library development as part of the overall community’s development. Users can access library resources anytime/anywhere by visiting the library learning platform without visiting the library. Allowing an individual approach is necessary to realize the social educational value of the library. Moreover, a Library 2.0 library engages more in community development and invites participation with participation in community first. Universities in the community would be good technology partners when developing a Library 2.0 library. Originality/value – Although there has been extensive research of library development in view of Library 2.0, such a topic has never been explored with an educational perspective, especially an e-learning perspective. Given that the definition of Library 2.0 is abstract and fairly broad, the authors take the view of an e-learning platform to make Library 2.0 more figurative. Moreover, through interdisciplinary exploration, concrete suggestions regarding library development are provided to librarians, especially those with similar conditions as those in Taiwan.

scholarly journals Environmental Sustainability in New Zealand Museums: A Case Study of Te Manawa Museum, Gallery and Science Centre

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Nina Helen Finigan
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Current State ◽  
Science Centre ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Many

<p>Environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly essential component of modern life. The contemporary museums’ role as public educators, and as guardians of tangible and intangible culture, places them in a unique position to address the various issues surrounding environmental sustainability, from climate change, to bio-diversity loss, to conservation. There is increasing momentum behind the idea that museums should not only engage with environmental sustainability, but that they indeed have a responsibility to. Although museums throughout New Zealand are addressing environmental sustainability, there is currently no thorough examination of how they are doing this. Therefore, the aim of this dissertation was so find out the current state of environmental sustainability in New Zealand museums, and specifically how staff are approaching it. Through engaging in a case study of Te Manawa Museum, Gallery and Science Centre, Palmerston North, and specifically the environmentally themed exhibition Te Awa/The River: Heart of the Manawatu, this dissertation analyses and discusses the realities of addressing institutional environmental sustainability. While the previous literature surrounding this topic has addressed the many reasons why museums should engage with environmental sustainability, this dissertation has expanded on this by analysing and discussing the realities of addressing environmental sustainability from a staff perspective. Through interviews with five Te Manawa staff members, this dissertation has revealed that while museum professionals agree that engagement with environmental sustainability should become part of bottom line holistic sustainable development, the status of museums as trusted democratic institutions can place them in a conflicted space ‘in-between’ when dealing with polarising issues such as the environment. This is particularly relevant to the discussion around new-museological theory, and the importance of local context and reflexive community engagement, where the community essentially help drive museological direction and content.</p>

The verification of effective leadership style for TQM

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 822-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Sik Cho ◽  
Joo Y. Jung
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Style ◽  
Effective Leadership ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to verify the universal applicability of total quality management (TQM) across national boundaries. Specifically, the authors examined the validity of the isomorphic nature of TQM leadership style by comparing survey samples from both USA-based firms (n=112) and China-based firms (n=121). Design/methodology/approach – The authors collected the primary data through a survey research method. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were adopted to test the hypothesized research model. Findings – The study results did not support the universality of TQM practices. For example, the results reveal that in the USA-based firms, transformational leadership has a more significant positive influence on TQM practices, while in the China-based firms, transactional leadership has a more significant positive impact on TQM practices. Originality/value – Most of the existing literature on TQM assumed that the most effective TQM leadership style would be universal across organizational or international boundaries. However, our findings imply that the effective leadership style for successful implementation of TQM practices could be contingent on the cultural background embedded within the firms. Therefore, the authors anticipate the findings of the study will guide future research on TQM and create a new path to find solutions not only for optimizing the successful implementation of TQM, but also for minimizing the current high level of TQM failures.

Towards the development of a system-wide quality improvement maturity model: a synthesis using systematic review and expert opinion

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeel Akmal ◽  
Nataliya Podgorodnichenko ◽  
Richard Greatbanks ◽  
Jeff Foote ◽  
Tim Stokes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
True Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Full Control

Purpose The various quality improvement (QI) frameworks and maturity models described in the health services literature consider some aspects of QI while excluding others. This paper aims to present a concerted attempt to create a quality improvement maturity model (QIMM) derived from holistic principles underlying the successful implementation of system-wide QI programmes. Design/methodology/approach A hybrid methodology involving a systematic review (Phase 1) of over 270 empirical research articles and books developed the basis for the proposed QIMM. It was followed by expert interviews to refine the core constructs and ground the proposed QIMM in contemporary QI practice (Phase 2). The experts included academics in two academic conferences and 59 QI managers from the New Zealand health-care system. In-depth interviews were conducted with QI managers to ascertain their views on the QIMM and its applicability in their respective health organisations (HOs). Findings The QIMM consists of four dimensions of organisational maturity, namely, strategic, process, supply chain and philosophical maturity. These dimensions progress through six stages, namely, identification, ad-hoc, formal, process-driven, optimised enterprise and finally a way of life. The application of the QIMM by the QI managers revealed that the scope of QI and the breadth of the principles adopted by the QI managers and their HOs in New Zealand is limited. Practical implications The importance of QI in health systems cannot be overstated. The proposed QIMM can help HOs diagnose their current state and provide a guide to action achieving a desirable state of quality improvement maturity. This QIMM avoids reliance on any single QI methodology. HOs – using the QIMM – should retain full control over the process of selecting any QI methodology or may even cherry-pick principles to suit their needs as long as they understand and appreciate the true nature and scope of quality overstated. The proposed QIMM can help HOs diagnose their current state and provide a guide to action achieving a desirable state of quality improvement maturity. This QIMM avoids reliance on any single QI methodology. HOs – using the QIMM – should retain full control over the process of selecting any QI methodology or may even cherry-pick principles to suit their needs as long as they understand and appreciate the true nature and scope of quality. Originality/value This paper contributes new knowledge by presenting a maturity model with an integrated set of quality principles for HOs and their extended supply networks.

Establishing the synergy between the perceptions of construction professionals and the phases of value management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mujahed Thneibat ◽  
Motasem Thneibat ◽  
Bader Al-Tamimi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Value Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
The Status

PurposeThis study aims to lay the groundwork for the potential application of value management (VM) in construction projects. This paper presents a critical review on the status of VM in a developing country and highlights the role of perceptions on critical success factors (CSFs) for the phases of VM studies, as the participants in a VM study should consider CSFs tailored to the local context.Design/methodology/approachA series of interviews and a questionnaire were conducted to understand the drivers, perceptions, barriers, and CSFs of VM in the Jordanian construction industry. Although descriptive statistics were used to analyze the status of VM, a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was adopted to highlight the interrelationships between perceptions and the CSFs of the three phases of VM (i.e. pre-workshop, workshop, and implementation).FindingsThe descriptive analysis revealed conflicting viewpoints for perceptions and drivers. Most practitioners acknowledged little awareness of VM phases, and the SEM results indicated that perceptions of VM, in terms of its capacity in improving the scope and objectives of the project, and reducing overall costs, most strongly influenced the CSFs of the implementation phase in terms of support and clear plan for implementation, and had the least influence on the pre-workshop phase. Further, the perceptions had a moderate effect on the CSFs of the workshop phase and it tended to be positive, highlighting the importance of function analysis in this phase.Originality/valueThis is the first study to reveal the status of VM in Jordan in terms of adoption, drivers, perceptions, barriers and CSFs; no prior studies have investigated how perceptions can affect the CSFs of each phase of VM and the endorsement of VM by the construction industry. The contributions of this study include linking the perceptions of construction professionals with the CSFs of VM.

INNOVATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL PARADIGM OF FORMATION OF SOCIAL SAFETY – PREREQUISITE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2020 ◽  
pp. 103-110
Author(s):  
Vira Kutsenko ◽  
Iryna Kinash ◽  
Hanna Yevtushenko
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The State ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Social Production ◽  
Current State ◽  
Political Events ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Educational Paradigm

The article is devoted to the consideration of the important issue of the implementation of the principles of sustainable development, in the context of the introduction of innovative education and ensuring social safety. It is noted that an important result of the implementation of the process of sustainable development is social safety as a state of protection of vital rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as a system of social and political events that provides this protection. An important role in ensuring social safety and sustainable development belongs to education, which has an innovative basis. Therefore, it is important to form an innovative and educational paradigm that would contribute to the creation of an optimal socio-economic environment for social safety and sustainable development. The article highlights the problematic issues of social safety and sustainable development that are now taking place in Ukraine. Poverty, unemployment, high morbidity, rising crime – all this negatively affects the living standards of the population and the state of social safety of the country. It is noted that the strengthening of social safety largely depends on the state of human capital and the development of the educational sphere. The development of education, raising the educational level of the population acts as a catalyst for socio-economic processes, allows those working in social production to realize the achievements of scientific and technological progress and participate in its development. The innovative educational paradigm aims to provide high quality educational services, create a competitive educational environment and ensure the training of competitive specialists, which implies the establishment of a close relationship between education and business. It is also necessary to actively use the experience of developed countries to ensure the positive impact of education on the achievement of social safety and sustainable development. In this aspect, the article analyzes the current state of the educational sphere in Ukraine. The ways of achieving stability and optimal development of the educational sphere are proposed, which should contribute to ensuring economic growth on the principles of sustainable development.

Electronic Procurement in the Construction Industry

2012 ◽  
pp. 118-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Eadie ◽  
Srinath Perera ◽  
George Heaney
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
The State ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Reference Guide ◽  
Electronic Procurement ◽  
Current State ◽  
Informed Decisions ◽  
The Status ◽  
Insight Into

The benefits of e-business have been widely promoted but the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector has lagged behind other sectors in the adoption of e-procurement. The prospective benefits for the AEC sector are suggested by the proven advantages of general e-procurement where adoption has been faster and deeper. However, several studies indicated that barely 20% of documentation is tendered electronically, suggesting there are barriers to e-procurement. In order to promote adoption of e-procurement in the AEC sector, it is important to establish the status of the industry and identify the drivers as well as barriers to e-procurement. This chapter provides a detailed discussion of the state of the industry and its drivers and barriers while ranking these according to its importance. It acts as a reference guide to allow those implementing e-procurement in construction to make informed decisions as to where to focus their efforts to achieve successful realisation incorporating the benefits and avoiding the pitfalls in the process. The chapter also provides some insight into the current state, trends, and future directions of e-procurement in the construction industry.

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