scholarly journals Mixed-Method Research to Foster Energy Efficiency Investments by Small Private Landlords in Germany

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1702
Author(s):  
Steven März ◽  
Anja Bierwirth ◽  
Ralf Schüle
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Specific Investment ◽  
Framework Conditions

The decarbonisation of the building stock is an important element for the success of the German Energiewende (energy transition). Despite some progress having been made, the rate of energy renovation falls below the level required to meet political commitments. This gives rise to the question: what deters property owners from making energy efficiency investments and how can the policy framework foster such investments? To answer this question, the paper focuses on a widely neglected property owner group: small private landlords (SPL). Although they manage 37% of all residential rental properties in Germany, very little is known about their decision-making processes for energy efficiency investments. We applied a mixed-method design to identify factors that hindered and supported their investments. In an explorative study, we initially conducted 18 problem-centred interviews. Subsequently, we carried out a postal survey and analysed the questionnaires using a hierarchical linear regression model. The results show that energy renovation is a multi-dimensional decision-making process, which can only be adequately addressed by a comprehensive policy package. To develop such a package, the author recommends that the specific investment behaviour of SPL must be better targeted, their knowledge about energy efficiency investments must be improved through exchange and networking, a sense of responsibility for the neighbourhood must be fostered, and greater focus must be placed on improving local framework conditions.

scholarly journals Views of stakeholders on the application of procurement practices for the betterment of the commuter bus industry, Gauteng

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thobeka K.T. Ngcamphalala
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Bus Services

Background: In South Africa (SA), procurement is seen as a strategic tool for socio-economic development, and is guided by the Supply Chain Management Policy Framework developed in 2003. The commuter bus sector is complex and its operations are not in line with the recommended regulations. Procurement in the sector is marred by many challenges, such as the fact that no new contracts have been concluded since 2001.Objectives: This article investigates the perceptions of key stakeholders on the application of the procurement practices within the commuter bus industry in Gauteng to improve the industry’s performance.Method: This article is descriptive and exploratory in nature and employed a mixed-method research approach. The data were collected from a sample of 18 respondents who are key stakeholders directly involved in the procurement of subsidised commuter bus services in Gauteng by means of a face-to-face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire.Results: The findings of the article revealed that there are three procurement practices employed within the commuter bus industry, namely, interim, negotiated and tender contracts and all these are long overdue.Conclusion: The findings of the article recommend that the key stakeholders need to select the most suitable procurement practice(s) to be employed within the industry and it highlights the challenges stemming from the lack of proper implementation of the guiding policies.

scholarly journals The decision-making process towards implementing energy efficiency in a university-built park in southern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 265-279
Author(s):  
Marcos Antonio Leite Frandoloso ◽  
Eduardo Grala da Cunha ◽  
Albert Cuchí i Burgos
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Education For Sustainability ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The University

Sustainability has been increasingly incorporated as an essential life perspective into educational institutions as well as local communities. Universities play an important role into the society by debating theoretical contributions and implementing concrete actions. The present research was developed to evaluate a university’s energy efficiency by using the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain as a reference for University of Passo Fundo, Brazil. The reference values and index ratings obtained for energy performance, in the Universities’ building stock, were evaluated based on positive and negative features. The study identifies and assesses the evolution of incident factors towards energy consumption and its impacts on the hidropower generation, the main energy resource in Brazilian. Hence, the university can promote a reflection about its practices to develop feasible tools that contribute to sustainable measures. As a result, guidelines and strategies were proposed, not only on targeted evaluated buildings but also on the entire building stock. The research indicates the importance to follow well-defined guidelines in the decision-making process by institutions of higher education, in order to consider integrated sustainable practices. The methodology and findings contribute to improve and promote Education for Sustainability, which should encourage other similar universities to put sustainable projects into practice and encourage the whole society to face the inevitable change of paradigms for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

scholarly journals COMPANY MANAGERS’ PROPENSITY FOR PARTICIPATIVE DECISION MAKING—A MIXED-METHOD STUDY AMONG TEXTILE INDUSTRIES IN BANGLADESH

2020 ◽  
pp. 351-360
Author(s):  
Lt Col Md Enamul Islam ◽  
Dr Valiappan Raju
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Textile Industries ◽  
Theory Z

The study intended to identify if the assumptions of the “Theory Z” serve as predictors of the manager’s propensity for participative decision making. Earlier research reports that apart from employee’s intent to join in decision-making forum, the manager’s tendency is equally essential. The seven assumptions of the “Theory Z” were assessed for finding managers penchant for participative decision making. This study follows an explanatory sequential mixed method research approach with an emphasis on quantitative results. The sample comprises managers (strategical, tactical and operational) from thirteen Bangladeshi Textile Industries. Findings suggest that Ouchi’s assertion of the assumptions of the Theory Z (leadership style, trust, and organisational culture) have reliable predictability for manager’s propensity for participative decision making. The study theoretically contributes to the managers’ propensity for participative decision-making study by assessing the assumptions of the “Theory Z”. Practically, the findings present a convincing argument for managers to challenge their employees’ perceptions continually and to analyse objectively how their bias affects their decision-making processes in the least developed countries. KEYWORDS: Theory Z, managers’ propensity for participative decision making, leadership, trust, organisational culture, Bangladesh

Triangulating Area Studies, Not Just Methods

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudra Sil
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Area Studies ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Causal Laws ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

This chapter revisits trade-offs that qualitative researchers face when balancing the different expectations of area studies and disciplinary audiences. One putative solution to such trade-offs, mixed-method research, emphasizes the triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods. CAS, as defined above, essentially encourages a different form of triangulation—the pooling of observations and interpretations across a wider array of cases spanning multiple areas. This kind of triangulation can be facilitated by cross-regional contextualized comparison, a middle-range approach that stands between area-bound qualitative research and (Millean) macro-comparative analysis that brackets out context in search of causal laws. Importantly, this approach relies upon an area specialist’s sensibilities and experience to generate awareness of local complexities and context conditions for less familiar cases. The examples of cross-regional contextualized comparison considered in this chapter collectively demonstrate that engagement with area studies scholarship and the pursuit of disciplinary knowledge can be a positive-sum game.

scholarly journals Experimental Data and Simulations of Performance and Thermal Comfort in a Typical Mediterranean House

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 3311
Author(s):  
Víctor Pérez-Andreu ◽  
Carolina Aparicio-Fernández ◽  
José-Luis Vivancos ◽  
Javier Cárcel-Carrasco
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Thermal Characterization ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Dwelling House ◽  
Account Standard

The number of buildings renovated following the introduction of European energy-efficiency policy represents a small number of buildings in Spain. So, the main Spanish building stock needs an urgent energy renovation. Using passive strategies is essential, and thermal characterization and predictive tests of the energy-efficiency improvements achieving acceptable levels of comfort for their users are urgently necessary. This study analyzes the energy performance and thermal comfort of the users in a typical Mediterranean dwelling house. A transient simulation has been used to acquire the scope of Spanish standards for its energy rehabilitation, taking into account standard comfort conditions. The work is based on thermal monitoring of the building and a numerical validated model developed in TRNSYS. Energy demands for different models have been calculated considering different passive constructive measures combined with real wind site conditions and the behavior of users related to natural ventilation. This methodology has given us the necessary information to decide the best solution in relation to energy demand and facility of implementation. The thermal comfort for different models is not directly related to energy demand and has allowed checking when and where the measures need to be done.

scholarly journals Women’s empowerment for abortion and family planning decision making among marginalized women in Nepal: a mixed method study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heera KC ◽  
Mangala Shrestha ◽  
Nirmala Pokharel ◽  
Surya Raj Niraula ◽  
Prajjwal Pyakurel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Women's Empowerment ◽  
Women’S Empowerment ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Modern Contraceptives ◽  
Marginalized Women ◽  
Planning Decision

Abstract Background Women’s empowerment is multidimensional. Women’s education, employment, income, reproductive healthcare decision making, household level decision making and social status are vital for women’s empowerment. Nepal is committed to achieving women empowerment and gender equality, which directly affects the reproductive health issues. This can be achieved by addressing the issues of the poor and marginalized communities. In this context, we aimed to find the association of women’s empowerment with abortion and family planning decision making among marginalized women in Nepal. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted at selected municipalities of Morang district of Nepal from February 2017 to March 2018. A mixed method approach was used, where 316 married marginalized women of reproductive age (15–49 years) and 15 key informant interviews from representative healthcare providers and local leaders were taken. From key informants, data were analysed using the thematic framework method. Findings obtained from two separate analyses were drawn together and meta inferences were made. Results Women’s empowerment was above average, at 50.6%. Current use of modern contraceptives were more among below average empowerment groups (p 0.041, OR 0.593 C.I. 0.36–0.98). We could not find any statistically significant differences among levels of women’s empowerment, including those women with abortion knowledge (p 0.549); family planning knowledge (p 0.495) and women’s decision for future use of modern contraceptives (p 0.977). Most key informants reported that unsafe abortion was practiced. Conclusions Women’s empowerment has no direct role for family planning and abortion decision making at marginalized communities of Morang district of Nepal. However, different governmental and non-governmental organizations influence woman for seeking health care services and family planning in rural community of Nepal irrespective of empowerment status.

scholarly journals An integrated fuzzy intuitionistic sustainability assessment framework for manufacturing supply chain: a study of UK based firms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alok Choudhary ◽  
Arijit De ◽  
Karim Ahmed ◽  
Ravi Shankar
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Assessment Framework ◽  
Mixed Method Approach ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Intuitionistic Fuzzy ◽  
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Topsis ◽  
Method Approach

AbstractThe increasing importance of sustainability has put pressure on organisations to assess their supply chain sustainability performance, which requires a holistic set of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to strategic, tactical and operational decision making of firms. This paper presents a comprehensive set of KPIs for sustainable supply chain management using a mixed method approach including analysing data from the literature survey, content analysis of sustainability reports of manufacturing firms and expert interviews. A 3-level hierarchical model is developed by classifying the identified KPIs into key sustainability dimensions as well as key supply chain decision-making areas including strategic, tactical and operational. A novel multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) based sustainability assessment framework is proposed. The proposed framework integrates value focussed thinking (VFT), intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and IF Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. The novelty of the research lies in (1) using a rigorous mixed method approach for KPIs identification and industrial validation (2) the development of a novel integrated intuitionistic sustainability assessment framework for decision making and (3) the innovative application of the proposed framework and associated methodologies in the context not explored before. The practical data on the performance ratings of various KPIs were obtained from the experts and a novel intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS was applied to benchmark the organisations for their sustainability performance. Furthermore, the case study shows the applicability of the proposed framework to evaluate and identify the problem areas of the organisations and yield guidance on KPIs by recognising the most significant areas requiring improvement. This research contributes to the practical implication by providing an innovative sustainability assessment framework for supply chain managers to evaluate and manage sustainability performance by making informed decisions related to KPIs.

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