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From Competency Mapping to Digital Twin Integration: Developing a Next-Gen Digital Project Manager Model for Smart Construction
No full textThe digital transformation of the construction industry has outpaced the evolution of traditional project management competency frameworks, leaving many Project Managers (PMs) underprepared to meet the demands of emerging technologies such as Digital Twins (DTs). This study develops and validates a Next-Gen Digital PM Competency List tailored to the Smart Built Environment (SBE) through a structured two-stage methodology. Stage 1 applied a three-phase process comprising (1) a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), (2) NVivo-based thematic analysis, and (3) Large Language Model (LLM)-driven synthesis. These phases identified, categorised, and defined 55 digital PM competencies, systematically organised into Skills, Knowledge, and Core Personality Traits. Stage 2 evaluates the practical relevance of these competencies by mapping them against six thematic functional requirements of DTs, including interoperability and integration, real-time data management, simulation and predictive modelling, cybersecurity and data governance, stakeholder collaboration, and scalability and lifecycle continuity. DTs were selected as an exemplar because they integrate multiple digital technologies, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud computing, making them a representative test case for evaluating competency alignment in digital transformation. The mapping confirmed strong alignment in digital integration and collaboration while exposing gaps in cybersecurity readiness and lifecycle resilience. The resulting framework provides a validated reference for competency benchmarking, targeted training, and digital leadership development. By equipping PMs with the competencies to lead, manage, and support digitally enabled projects, this research contributes directly to advancing smart and sustainable construction practices in the digital built environment.fals
Evaluating consumer affective thresholds in high protein beverages using different approaches : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Food Technology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 27 September 2028.
No full textUnderstanding how sensory attributes influence consumer rejection is critical for guiding the development of functional foods, such as high-protein dairy beverages. This study compared three consumer affective threshold methodologies: paired preference, liking, and binary rejection to determine thresholds for three sensory attributes in protein beverages. Consumers (N=142) performed 2-AFC preference tests and evaluated four sample series: a control and four samples with decreasing sweetness (sucralose at 0–5% sugar equivalence), four with increasing thickness (50– 350 cP), and four with increasing powdery mouthfeel from added whey protein (0–10%). Seven additional samples completed a central composite rotational design to examine sweetness and thickness thresholds simultaneously. Sensory panel descriptive analysis, instrumental characterisation, and ingredient composition were used as stimulus intensity measures. Thresholds varied significantly by methodology, with sweetness thresholds ranging from 1.7% to 4.2% sugar equivalence, thickness thresholds from 245 cP to beyond the tested range, and powderiness thresholds from 3.6% to 8.7% WPC. Consumer segmentation greatly influenced threshold positioning, highlighting individual differences. Sweetness was the strongest driver of rejection, both individually and in combination with thickness. Methodological comparisons demonstrated distinct strengths and limitations, reinforcing the need to tailor threshold methodology selection to research objectives. Paired preference was effective for detecting small changes relative to a control, whereas liking and binary rejection provided greater flexibility in assessing broader acceptability. Integrating consumer reasoning behind acceptability added insights; sensory properties were the primary drivers of acceptability, but factors such as ease of drinking, expected purchase satisfaction, and product expectations also influenced consumer decisions
Effect of Water Restriction and Supplementary Nitrogen on the Growth Dynamics of Bromus valdivianus Phil
No full textDecreasing summer precipitation is negatively affecting global productivity of grassland plant species. This study evaluated the effect of three levels of soil plant available water [80–90% PAW-H (high), 50–60% PAW-M (medium), and 20–30% PAW-L (low), which were soil water restriction (SWR) equivalent to (v/v%) 10–20%, 40–50%, and 70–80%, respectively] and nitrogen (N 0 and 110 kg ha−1) on growth and nutritional quality of Bromus valdivianus Phil. (Bv) mini-swards (MS; 125 L containers), arranged in three blocks. Total lamina length (TLL), leaf expansion rate (LER; cm d−1), phyllochron (Phy) expressed as “days” and “°C day”, tiller mass (TM, g tiller−1), number of live leaves (NLL), number of dead leaves (NDL), and accumulated herbage mass [AHM, g DM (dry mass) m2] were measured. Defoliation events, leaving 5 cm residual height, were carried out every 320 GDD (using a base growth temperature of 5 °C), and foliage samples for nutritive quality [DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and metabolic energy (ME)] were collected. Reducing PAW to 20–30% decreased the AHM by 60.7%, TLL by 52.7%, LER by 50%, and TM by 50%, with significant interaction between the main effects for AHM, TLL, and LER. The addition of N increased the AHM by 31.6%, LER by 21.6%, and TLL by 19.6%. The Phy remained undisturbed by decreasing PAW and increasing the N rate. Nutritive quality was generally not statistically different for the interaction or between N levels. However, low PAW levels resulted in statistically (p < 0.05) lower ME and higher concentrations of NDF. In general, growth, AHM, and nutritional quality of Bv during the summer period were driven by PAW levels and by the availability of N. Plant available water levels of 50% to 60% at 20 cm soil depth, with the addition of N, allowed Bv to reach its highest production.fals
Age-related changes in intestinal permeability and absorptive capacity in the domestic cat (Felis catus) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
No full textAgeing reduces fat and protein digestibility in the domestic cat which might have implications for their health and wellbeing. Reasons for the reduction in digestibility are unknown, but could be related to changes in the structure and/or function of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including increased permeability. Increased intestinal permeability may affect nutrient absorption, promote inflammatory responses, and allow pathogens to be absorbed. Currently, the literature that describes the relationship between intestinal permeability and age is conflicting, with limited studies undertaken in the domestic cat. This thesis compiled the first literature review of intestinal permeability and absorptive capacity, focusing on the lack of meaningful information and a standardised methodology regarding these GIT parameters in cats. It is hypothesised that intestinal permeability is negatively affected by age, and that interventions, such as probiotics, can reverse this. In Chapter 2, the differential sugar absorption test (SAT), using lactulose, rhamnose, xylose, and 3-O methylglucose (3-OMG) as markers of intestinal permeability and absorptive capacity, was developed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). By using this method in Chapter 3, a group of young cats were compared to a group of senior cats. The results supported the hypothesis that intestinal permeability increased in senior cats. There was no age-related change in absorptive capacity, but there was a trend where males tended to have higher absorptive capacity values than females. To further understand GIT health in ageing cats and test possible interventions to strengthen the weakened intestinal barrier, probiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (S. boulardii) was supplemented to midlife – senior aged cats in a crossover trial in Chapter 4. S. boulardii supplementation did not affect the GIT health parameters measured. Secondary analysis showed that with increasing age, the cats faced reduced fat digestion and increased intestinal permeability. This study highlighted the variation in data sets obtained in senior cats which should be accounted for in future research. Additionally, future research should focus on the mechanism by which altered intestinal permeability decreases nutrient digestibility to promote better nutrition for senior cats
Reasons for admission and post-release survival of UK rehabilitated herring gulls (Larus argentatus) from 1999 to 2024
No full textGlobally, millions of animals transition through wildlife rehabilitation facilities annually. Data recorded at these facilities can be used to quantitatively assess factors which result in the animals’ admittance, treatment, release, and survival, and how impacts such as high pathogen avian influenza (HPAI) has altered these parameters. Twenty-five years of records of herring gull (Larus argentatus) admittances into RSPCA Mallydams Wood Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Hastings, UK (between 1999 and 2024) were reviewed to determine admission factors and their impacts on the number of days in care and the likelihood of release. Additionally, for the years 1999 to 2010, data were collected on days of post-release survival and distances from the centre travelled from ringed and released birds. During that 25-year period, 17,334 herring gulls were admitted into the Mallydams Centre with 9,013 released, and 2,796 ringed and released between 1999 and 2010. Release rates varied significantly with the category of problem identified at admission. Wild nesting herring gulls, even without the impact of HPAI, have been declining throughout the UK, and the additional anthropogenic pressures on urban gull populations have resulted in a documented national decline in the species. Rehabilitating and returning birds to the wild has shown to be important both for their animal welfare and population, as well as helping identify the impact of HPAI on local urban populations of all relevant species. Results from this research can be utilised to adapt training and resources at rehabilitation centres and determine euthanasia protocols to optimise animal welfare along with release and survival success.fals
Environmental Concerns and Water Conservation Behavior in Desert Tourism: Applying the Extended Norm Activation Theory for Gen Z Tourists
No full textThis study examines the influence of environmental concerns on water conservation behaviors among Gen Z tourists in Iranian desert regions by extending the Norm Activation Theory (NAT). Adopting a quantitative approach, data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 330 Gen Z tourists (born between 1997 and 2012) who visited four Iranian desert villages (Qale Bala, Mesr, Abyaneh, and Rezaabad) between April and July 2023. Using systematic sampling, every fifth Gen Z tourist was selected. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results show that environmental concerns, situational responsibility, and personal norms positively impact water conservation behaviors, while denial of responsibility negatively affects them. Personal norms positively influence pride and guilt emotions, which in turn promote water conservation behaviors. The extended model, incorporating environmental concerns, demonstrated improved explanatory power over the original NAT. This research contributes to sustainable tourism literature by integrating environmental concerns and moral emotions into the NAT framework, offering insights into psychological mechanisms driving pro-environmental behaviors among Gen Z tourists in desert environments.fals
Seasonal rhythms in practice : relating localised experiences of seasons to organised responses to changing climates : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
No full textWith seasons providing important temporal references to ongoing processes of social-environmental change the world over, this thesis considers local experiences of seasonality as a basis to effecting adaptive responses to changing climates within resilient communities of place. Here, adaptation is construed as a practical attunement to the shifting temporal patterns of places, involving dynamic intersections of rhythmic human-environment relations across scales. Engaging with multiple bodies of scholarship, from critical institutional-organisational theories to geographies of time-space, the research tenders enhanced understandings of the local conditions under which seasonal adaptations and associated social-ecological resilience are implicated in the wider transitions of politicised social-ecological systems.
Focusing on coastal conservation networks operating on the Coromandel’s Kūaotunu Peninsula, in Aotearoa – New Zealand, the qualitative ethnographic inquiry probes the dynamic relations of organised groups with place by engaging phenomenological methods alongside rhythmanalysis to reveal a strong seasonality to Kūaotunu’s contemporary rural lifestyles. Manifest in unique forms of contemporary stewardship, including that of indigenous Māori, the findings suggest that the familiarity bred through a practical rhythmic engagement with local beach environments – according to a shared seasonal framework – is associated with distinctive capacities for navigating social-environmental shifts. Not least in their practical accommodation of coastal restoration activities around the fluxes of seasonal tourism on the Kūaotunu Peninsula, the organised activities of resident voluntary conservation groups are seen to adjust to incrementally changing conditions, from one year to the next, through ongoing processes of seasonal acclimatisation.
Alongside an intrinsic fostering of social resilience, the inherently adaptive processes of acclimatisation observed in organised conservation practices at Kūaotunu are contrasted with remotely modelled projections of retreating coastlines as the basis to district-wide strategic adaptation pathways being developed for its coastal communities by local Council. With grassroot conservation initiatives already responding practically to ongoing change from within their means, one bay and one season at a time, they are vitally contributing local wisdoms and innovations to uncertain futures. With clear imperatives to integrate ‘seasoned’ environmental governance approaches within deliberative adaptation planning initiatives, new forums are required to strategically align with the multiple temporalities of divergent communities of place as formative to process
The Effects of BIM Maturity Levels on Modularization and Standardization in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Literature Review and Case Studies
No full textThe increasing demand for efficient, sustainable, and coordinated construction practices has intensified interest in the integration of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) with modularization and standardization strategies. This study aims to examine the relationship among BIM maturity levels, modularization grades, and standardization levels, and to assess their combined impact on construction project outcomes. A mixed-methods approach, including a systematic literature review and New Zealand-based case studies, is used to develop and validate an evaluative framework. The SLR identifies key themes and determinants, while the case studies provide empirical evidence on the interactions between BIM maturity levels, modularization grades, and standardization levels. The study identifies that higher BIM maturity levels significantly enhance modularization and standardization practices. Advanced BIM capabilities foster improved design coordination, collaboration, and data management, leading to more efficient construction processes. A guideline for mapping BIM maturity against standardization levels is proposed to assist stakeholders in evaluating and optimizing project outcomes. This research offers a novel perspective on integrating BIM maturity with modularization and standardization practices. While it is applied in the New Zealand context, the proposed framework and methodology are designed to be transferable to international settings. It provides actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to refine standards, promote BIM adoption, and enhance construction project efficiency worldwide.fals
Place, provenance, protection : alignments, challenges, and opportunities for Māori future foods : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Food Technology at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Massey University, Manawatū o Turitea, Palmerston North
No full textListed in 2025 Dean's List of Exceptional ThesesThis thesis examines key alignments, challenges, and opportunities for Māori future foods, conceptualised as food production processes and outcomes that positively impact Māori and kinship networks. Beginning with a focus on plant-based future foods, a scoping interview study with Māori enterprise revealed strong alignment with Māori aspirations, including fulfilling kinship responsibilities, bringing together multiple forms of value, advancing collective wellbeing, and protecting and expressing Māori rights and interests - particularly in cultural and intellectual property. Participants identified place branding as a promising avenue to protect and develop cultural landscapes and enable future foods. The second study developed a content analysis protocol to explore the branding of Māori food and beverage packaging, with a focus on the prevalence and potential functions of place elements. Findings show that place branding is widely used by Māori enterprises, affirming its relevance to Māori future foods, while also highlighting a need to understand perceptions of Indigenous place elements. The third study used means-end chain laddering interviews to examine how critical consumers in Aotearoa New Zealand and Singapore perceive Māori place elements. It found a range of positive and negative perceptions across both contexts, which suggest viable approaches to place branding by Māori food enterprise. The thesis presents three key messages: plant-based future foods are relevant to Māori on multiple levels; Māori future foods can be enabled through place branding; and Māori place branding can support enterprise development and the protection of Māori rights and cultural property. These findings have implications for advancing Māori future foods and for growing the research and practice of decolonial Māori and Indigenous place branding. By exploring these interconnections, the thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of how Māori aspirations can shape and benefit from future food systems. It also critiques the ongoing appropriation of Māori culture by government and industry to advance broader agricultural and economic agendas. This research offers a transdisciplinary approach, addressing gaps at the intersection of Māori enterprise, future foods, Indigenous place branding, and consumption studies
Exploring the drivers of Gen Z tourists’ buycott behaviour: a lifestyle politics perspective
No full textGeneration Z (Gen Z) is the largest cohort of generational consumers worldwide and is perceived to show greater connectivity with political consumerism compared to older age cohorts. Nonetheless, there is a notable absence of empirical knowledge on key antecedents of Gen Z’s engagement in tourism-related buycotting. Grounded in political and ethical consumerism literature and guided by lifestyle politics theory, this study aims to illuminate the drivers underpinning buycott behaviour of Gen Z in a developing country context. The qualitative findings demonstrate that Gen Z’ buycott behaviour has two categories of drivers: individual (fulfilment, constructing self-identity and frugality) and prosocial (altruism, trust and the pursuit of social justice). Exposure to social media information, peer persuasion and past experience are also key influencers in Gen Z’ buycott participation. Overall, the research extends the understanding of tourist sustainable consumption in terms of generational behaviours, notably Gen Z’s buycott behaviour. The study provides novel insights to a stream of the political consumerism literature, which is only at a nascent stage in tourism studies. While adding value theoretically, the study also provides useful managerial implications for businesses to stimulate tourists’ political and ethical consumption.fals