Zoekresultaten

Projects, programs and events as potential future-forming city identity assets

By reframing (from a future perspective) projects, programs and events, as deployed over the last decade, the paper aims to provide stimuli to convert them into a coherent strategic line of development. Based on postmodern epistemologies, the authors of this paper propose an analysis of selected lighting manifestations as separated future-forming moments of city identity. The adoption of a futures research matrix as a reflexive framework sees the repurposing of such a framework from its standard generative function within design processes to an analytical function. The ambition is to provide narrative context to existing projects and everyday practices by linking them within given future scenarios. With the final outcome proposed as to coherently connect separate, lighting-related, manifestations to an overarching system of interpretation. The case offered is the city of Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The tool adopted and repurposed is the Urban Futures Matrix from city.people.light. The specific manifestations, as presented, pertain both high culture and popular culture. This paper does eminently offer a coherent and consistent reflection on practices in the form of a case study, however, grounded in a theoretical and epistemological solid framework of reference.

Palestine missing assets: archaeology tourism

When do acquirers invest in the R&D assets of acquired science-based firms in cross-border acquisitions?

Drawing on a multiple case study of acquisitions of UK biopharmaceutical firms, we develop an analytical framework that elucidates how key determinants of the knowledge base of science-based firms and their combinations through M&As interact and affect post-acquisition investment in the target's R&D projects. We show that two factors - the complementarity/similarity of the technology, and the complementarity/similarity of the discovery and development capabilities of the target and acquiring firm - interact to produce different outcomes in terms of investment in the acquired firm's R&D assets and for the local science and technology system.

Time to sweat the assets?

Identifying Maturity Dimensions for Smart Maintenance Management of Constructed Assets: A Multiple Case Study

While smart maintenance is gaining popularity in professional engineering and construction management practice, little is known about the dimensions of its maturity. It is assumed that the complex networked environment of maintenance and the rise of data-driven methodologies require a different perspective on maintenance. This paper identifies maturity dimensions for smart maintenance of constructed assets that can be measured. A research design based on two opposite cases is used and data from multiple sources is collected in four embedded case studies in corporate facility management organizations. Through coding data in several cross-case analyses, a maturity framework is designed that is validated through expert consultation. The proposed smart maintenance maturity framework includes technological dimensions (e.g., tracking and tracing) as well as behavioral dimensions (e.g., culture). It presents a new and encompassing theoretical perspective on client leadership in digital construction, integrating innovation in both construction and maintenance supply networks.

Local professionals' perceptions of health assets in a low-SES Dutch neighbourhood

BACKGROUND: Asset-based approaches have become popular in public health. As yet it is not known to what extent health and welfare professionals are able to identify and mobilise individual and community health assets. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand professional's perceptions of health and health assets.METHODS: In a low-SES neighbourhood, 21 health and welfare professionals were interviewed about their definition of health and their perceptions of the residents' health status, assets available in the neighbourhood's environment, and the way residents use these assets. A Nominal Group Technique (NGT) session was conducted for member check. Verbatim transcripts of the semi-structured interviews were coded and analysed using Atlas.ti.RESULTS: The professionals used a broad health concept, emphasizing the social dimension of health as most important. They discussed the poor health of residents, mentioning multiple health problems and unmet health needs. They provided many examples of behaviour that they considered unhealthy, in particular unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Professionals considered the green physical environment, as well as health and social services, including their own services, as important health enhancing factors, whereas social and economic factors were considered as major barriers for good health. Poor housing and litter in public space were considered as barriers as well. According to the professionals, residents underutilized neighbourhood health assets. They emphasised the impact of poverty on the residents and their health. Moreover, they felt that residents were lacking individual capabilities to lead a healthy life. Although committed to the wellbeing of the residents, some professionals seemed almost discouraged by the (perceived) situation. They looked for practical solutions by developing group-based approaches and supporting residents' self-organisation.CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows, firstly, that professionals in the priority district Slotermeer rated the health of the residents as poor and their health behaviour as inadequate. They considered poverty and lack of education as important causes of this situation. Secondly, the professionals tended to talk about barriers in the neighbourhood rather than about neighbourhood health assets. As such, it seems challenging to implement asset-based approaches. However, the professionals, based on their own experiences, did perceive the development of collective approaches as a promising direction for future community health development.