bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entry Location and Entry Timing (ELET) Decision Model for International Construction Firms
Authors: Mat Isa Che Maznah , Mohd Saman Hamidah , Preece Christopher Nigel
Published: October 2014

This paper proposes a model for entry location (EL) and entry timing (ET) decisions to guide construction firms in accessing targeted international markets.  Neglecting to properly choose the right combination of the entry location and entry timing (ELET) decisions can lead to poor performance of the firms’ international ventures.  The sampling frame was from the Malaysian construction firms that have undertaken and completed projects abroad.  Survey questionnaires sent to 115 firms registered with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, operating in more than 50 countries, achieved a 39.1 per cent response rate. Based on a comprehensive statistical analysis of survey data it was found that the mutually inclusive significant factors that influenced the firms’ ELET decisions were: the firm’s ability to assess market signals and opportunities, international experience, financial capacity, competencies and capabilities (project management, specialist expertise and technology), resources (level of knowledge based on research and development), experience in similar works, financial support from the home country banks, technical complexities of projects and availability of funds for projects.  Hence, the present research builds on and extends the literature on the ELET decisions in a more integrated way. Keywords: Entry location, entry timing, resource-based view, international markets, Malaysian construction firms.
An Examination of the Structure of Sustainable Facilities Planning Scale for User Satisfaction in Nigerian Universities
Authors: Ibiyemi Abayomi , Mohd Adnan Yasmin , Daud Md Nasir , Adenipekun Martins
Published: October 2014

Universities are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that continuous performance improvement is being delivered for user satisfaction, but the importance of facilities planning as a student-staff focused tool needs to be emphasised. This research sought answers to questions relating to the underlying structure of sustainable facilities planning and user satisfaction, and the number of factors that make up the facilities planning scale. Three universities from the south-western part of Nigeria were selected randomly using ownership structure to define the cases: University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Arakeji, each representing the Federal, State, and Private ownership. A questionnaire survey was used on a random sample of 651 staff and students from the three universities. Six hundred questionnaires were retrieved (response rate of 92.2%). An exploratory factor analysis was used to understand the responses and the interrelationships. The results showed a two-factor solution of ‘locational advantages and user needs’ and ‘adequacy of facilities/functional connection and four core determinants for acceptance. It is concluded that universities should factor student-staff focus points into their facilities planning schemes to optimise their service deliveries. The study contributes to the discussion on factor structure of sustainable facilities planning scale with a focus on students and staff of universities. Keywords: Facilities planning, universities, data structure, factors, Nigeria.
Information Technology and the QS Practice
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: October 2014

The paper examines how Quantity Surveying practices can improve their business performance, market share and profit levels by embracing and evolving with the latest technological developments in electronic business practices and data/information analysis and exchange in the construction industry. Firms in the new millenium will need towork smarterto gain competitive advantage and electronic commerce provides probably the greatest scope for this to be achieved. More importantly, current project procurement trends strongly indicate that firms not able to communicating electronically at all levels with project participants will find it increasingly difficult to secure work. The results of three nationwide surveys of the Australian Quantity Surveying profession spanning from 1995 to 1999 are used to identify current business practices and technology utilisation by Quantity Surveying firms and to analyse whether firms are positioning themselves to meet future industryrequirements. The paper concludes with a range of Information Technology strategies aimed at improving business opportunities and performance for Quantity Surveying firms.
Design Cost Modelling - The Way Forward
Authors: Lawther Peter M , Edwards Peter J
Published: October 2014

Design cost modelling is a fundamental cost management support tool used by construction economists/quantity surveyers. The accuracy of design cost modelling is vital to the success of building developments and the viability of clients, consultants and contractors. This paper reports upon design cost modelling research currentlu being undertaken at the department of Building and Construction Economics at RMIT. The paper positions the research by presenting an overview of design cost modelling techniques, their accuracy, deficiencies and usage. Conclusions are drawn that traditional methods of building procurement stifle attempts to advance the accuracy of current design cost modelling techniques used by consultant quantity surveyors. However, recent shifts in procurement trends provide fresh opportunities to re-invigorate design cost modelling research.
The Role of the Media in South African Construction Health and Safety (H&S)
Authors: Smallwood John , Venter Danie
Published: October 2014

A large number of fatalities and injuries occur in the South African construction industry. Traditionally, the print media have dedicated editorial, published news, articles and letters, and have exposed abusive or non-conforming conditions and practices in terms of H&S. Literature also indicates that the print media can influence and has an impact on H&S.Given the level of fatalities and injuries and the potential role of the print media, a postal survey was conducted among editors of construction and related magazines. Findings indicate that: the print media do contribute to and play a role in construction H&S; industry has the capacity and needs to promote H&S on a wider basis; there is a need to improve construction H&S; to a degree, editors are aware of what constitutes unsafe acts and unsafe conditions, and the print media can play an increased role through the review of articles, advertisements, advertorial, editorial and phototgraphs to prevent the depiction of unhealthy and unsafe practices and conditions
The Influence of Flooding Risk on Infrastructure Development in Western Sydney
Authors: Jeary Alan , Jeary Ian
Published: October 2014

Data relating to flood events in the west Sydney area of Windsor, have been re-analysed using extreme value statistics, and the analysis has shown that the risk of occurrence of the probable maximum flood is greater than previously assumed using conventional statistical methods.The response of the New South Wales Government to the perceived risk is discussed and the efficacy of their strategy of relying on passing information to local residents has been tested by the use of a survey of residents of the area.The survey of Windsor residents showed that a significant percentage of the population had no knowledge of the flood risk. Of the rest of the population there was little or no knowledge of the effects that a severe flood might have, and there was little appreciation of the yearly risk of floods that would affect the town. Overall, it was concluded that the main mitigation strategy of government has been ineffective.
Combating the 'Sick Building Syndrome' by Improving Indoor Air Quality
Authors: Nimcharoenwon Pongchai , Miller Graham
Published: October 2014

Research indicates that many of symptoms attributed to the Sick Building Syndrome in air-conditioned office buildings are a result of considerably reduced negative ions in the internal atmosphere and that replacing the depleted negative ions can improve indoor air quality. This paper describes a method used to develop a formula (DOF-NIL formula) for calculating the amount of negative ions to be added to air-conditioned buildings, to improve air quality. The formula enables estimates to be made based on how negative ions in the air are reduced by three main factors namely, Video Display Terminals (VDT); heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and Building Contents (BC). Calculations for a typical air-conditioned office, are compared with an Air Ion Counter instrument. The results show that the formula, when applied to a typical air-conditioned office, provides an accurate estimate for design purposes. The typical rate of additional negative-ions (ion-generating) for a negative ion condition is found to be approximately 12.0 billion ions/hr for at least 4 hour ion-generating.
Releasing Brownfields
Authors: Jeary Alan
Published: October 2014

Releasing BrownfieldsAuthor Paul SymsProfessor of Urban Land use in the Centre for theBuilt Environment, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom
Modelling Client Satisfaction Levels: The Impact of Contractor Performance
Authors: Soetanto Robby , Proverbs David
Published: October 2014

The performance of contractors is known to be a key determinant of client satisfaction.Here, using factor analysis, clients’ satisfaction is defined in several dimensions. Based onclients’ assessment of contractor performance, a number of satisfaction models developedusing the multiple regression (MR) technique are presented. The models identify arange of variables encompassing contractor performance, project performance and respondent(i.e. client) attributes as useful predictors of satisfaction levels. Contractor performanceattributes were found to be of utmost importance indicating that clientsatisfaction levels are mainly dependent on the performance of the contractor. Furthermore,findings suggest that subjectivity is to some extent prevalent in clients’ performanceassessment. The models demonstrate accurate and reliable predictive power as confirmedby validation tests. Contractors could use the models to help improve their performanceleading to more satisfied clients. This would also promote the development ofharmonious working relationships within the construction project coalition.
Determining the Optimal Fee-Technical Proposal Combination in Two Envelope Fee Bidding
Authors: Drew Derek , Kwong Connie , Zou Patrick , Shen L.Y
Published: October 2014

Two envelope fee bidding is a mechanism used by construction clients to allocate commissionsto willing consultants such as architects, engineers and surveyors. In two envelopefee bidding the client scores the competing consultants’ fees and technical proposals.The fee and technical proposal scores are weighted and aggregated and the consultantobtaining the highest aggregated score normally wins the commission. The consultant’sobjective in bidding, therefore, is to obtain the highest aggregated score possible since thismaximizes the chance of winning the commission. Given that fee and technical proposalscores are to some extent correlated, consultants can submit any one from a number ofdifferent fee—technical proposal combinations, ranging from a low fee—low scored technicalproposal combination to a high fee—high scored technical proposal combination.Only one possible combination will result in the highest aggregated score. Drew et al(2002b) offered consultants a model to determine this optimum fee-technical proposalcombination for any given commission. This paper tests the proposed model using datacollected from a leading Hong Kong consultant. The analysis, based on 51 bidding attempts,indicates that had the consultant adopted the proposed optimization model, theoverall average improvement on the consultant’s original total scores was 7.07%. The optimumstrategy was to aim for an absolute low fee—low scored technical proposal on 20occasions, absolute high scored technical proposal—high fee on 21 occasions and somewherebetween these two extremes on the remaining 10 occasions. The extent to whichfees scores and technical scores vary relative to each other has an important influence onthe optimum fee—technical proposal combination. However, the client’s change from a70/30 to a 50/50 predetermined weighting appears to have little effect on the consultant’soptimum bidding strategy.
Organisational Culture in Construction: An Employee Perspective
Authors: Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Gunarathna Nishanthi
Published: October 2014

A large number of stakeholders in construction projects makes the construction industry prone to disputes. The historical separation between design and construction add to this phenomenon by having a consultant for design and a contractor for construction. Communication breakdown, frequently, is the first sign of problems, notably in the relationship between the Contractor and the Consultant. Therefore, it appears that the split between design and construction has given rise to two separate cultures in the construction industry. This paper attempts to identify whether there is a difference in organisational culture between Consultants and Contractors taken as two groups and determine whether a specific attribute was related to the cultural differences between the two entities. Based on case studies it was found that consultants are biased towards Clan culture while contractors are biased towards Market culture. However, both groups show similar affinity to Adhocracy and Hierarchy cultures.
Web-based Construction Information Management System
Authors: Scott David , Cheong Michael , Li Heng
Published: October 2014

Centralised information systems that are accessible to all parties in a construction project are powerful tools in the quest to improve efficiency and to enhance the flow of information within the construction industry. This report points out the maturity of the necessary IT technology, the availability and the suitability of existing commercial products.Some of these products have been studied and analysed. An evaluation and selection process based on the functions offered in the products and their utility is presented. A survey of local construction personnel has been used to collect typical weighting data and performance criteria used in the evaluation process.
Peer Assessment for Construction Management and Quantity Surveying Students
Authors: McLaughlin Patricia
Published: October 2014

Students undertaking the Bachelor of ConstructionManagement degree course at RMIT University, Melbourne,qualify for registration with the Australian Institute ofQuantity Surveyors (AIQS) and the Australian Institute ofBuilding (AIB) upon graduation. Over the past decade thedegree course has been constantly upgraded and altered inline with recommendations from professional bodies such asthese and other industry partners. In 1994 the Departmentof Building and Construction Economics re-assesseda range of subjects including the first year technologysubjects. Out of the review a problem-based integratedlearning unit was developed and tested. This unit has nowbeen in place for ten years.Quantity surveying and construction management likemost other professions in the construction industryrequire teamwork and advanced consultation skills. Theseskills may be learnt through experience but there isconsiderable evidence that these skills can be taught in theundergraduate years. Therefore in line with team-basedapproaches used in industry and professional constructionsettings, this year a new assessment model - peerassessment - will be applied to the problem-based learningunit. This paper describes the procedures and processesused to introduce the change and examines the theoreticalbase upon which the model was developed.
Book Review
Authors: Sanders Terry
Published: October 2014

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Identifying Risk Factors of Boot Procurement: A Case Study of Stadium Australia
Authors: Jefferies Marcus , Chen Swee Eng
Published: October 2014

Private sector input into the procurement of public works and services is continuing to increase. This has partly arisen out of a requirement for infrastructure development to be undertaken at a rate that maintains and allows growth. This has become a major challange for the construction industry that cannot be met by government alone. The emergence of Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) schemes as a response to this challange provides a means for developing the infrastructure of a country without directly impacting on the governments budgetary constraints. The concepts of BOOT are without doubt extremely complex arrangements, which bring to the construction sector risks not experienced previously. Many of the infrastructure partnerships between public and private sector in the pastare yet to provide evidence of successful completion, since few of the concession periods have expired. This paper provides an identified list of risk factors to a case study of Stadium Australia. The most significant risk associated with Stadium Australia include the bidding process, the high level of public scrutiny, post-Olympic Games facility revenue and the complicated nature of the consortium structure.
Focusing on Best Value from a Source Selection Perspective
Authors: Palaneewaran Ekambaram , Kumaraswamy Mohan , Zhang Xue Quing
Published: October 2014

The emerging focus on "best value" in construction projects entails several crucial and complex decision-making tasks for appropriate selection of capable contractors and consultants. In many ways and thus could be correspondingly achieved at different levels. Although traditional "price based" selection approaches are still preferred on various grounds such as simplicity and/or public accountability, they may well result in some "false economy" or missed opportunities for producing a better value. Furthermore, the lower significance of price as compared to the higher risk transference in project delivery methods such as Design-Build and Build-Operate-Transfer type arrangements render the purely "price based" approaches even less useful. Therefore a structured value focused selection approach is considered as beneficial for meeting the client's goals and projct-specific needs. This paper presents discussions on some useful approaches to best value conceptualizations in "Source selection" perspectives, e.g. starting with the "right" selection of competent constructors in Design-Bid-Build type projects. Furthermore, a conceptualized basic framework for best value selection is also presented.
Low Innovation among Building Material Suppliers: The Natural Level of the Trade
Authors: Sundquist Jan
Published: October 2014

Many studies concerning innovation have been carried out on building contractors, but very few have studied innovation among the suppliers of building materials. In Sweden the cost of building materials is approximately 40% of the total building costs. Some products also need more handeling than others, therefore not only cost but also productivity is affectedby the suppliers of building materials. This article focuses on innovation among building material suppliers which is found to be low. The suppliers are compared to other lines of business to show the level of their innovation processes. The article is based upon slightly over 800 companies of various sizes. Important findings are:A smaller proportion of the Building Material suppliers than of the Other Manufacturers offer new products, invest in R&D, machinery and marketing the introduction of products.The Building Material Suppliers have a greater proportion of their sales from older products and have older equipment than Other Manufacturers.The Building Material Suppliers have poorer production processes and they are not as good at finding new ides as the Other ManufacturersThe study reveals barriers within the trade, where motivation seems to be of great importance.
Value Management in Practice: An Interview Survey
Authors: Daddow Therese , Skitmore Martin
Published: October 2014

Despite its obvious theoretical benefits, there has been some reservations regarding the practical implementation of Value Management (VM) for construction projects. In particular, these concerns the extra time and costs involved in conducting VM in relation to the actual benefits gained as a consequence of its use. This paper provides the result of an interview survey of the experiences and observations of 17 professionals working in the property and construction industry to establish the extent to which this is an issue. The main conclusion is that the process is working well, with VM being popular among those with experience in its use - which has been extended into the area of consultant selection. However, in contrast with the prescriptive literature, much of the participants' experiences appear to be more concerned with VM's contribution to the identification and management of the risks involved in project delivery than the straight value-for-money aspects. This may be due to the higher levels of uncertainty involved in construction work than in VM's original use in construction.
Knowledge Management Practice in Two Australian Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) Companies
Authors: Zou Patrick
Published: October 2014

Knowledge management (KM) could be described as a management system that supports the creation, sharing and retrieving of valued information, expertise and insight within and across communities of people and related organizations using information and communication technologies and hence it is a combination of the effective application of information technlogy and management of human resources. KM is becoming a core competitive factor in construction operations. This paper presents the results of two case studies of KM practices in large AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) companies through desk-top study and semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that implementing KM in AEC companies leads to competitive advantages and improved decision-making, problem solving and business performance. The results also indicateed that while technology plays an important role, top management commitment, total employee involvement, performance assessment and the culture of knowledge-learning and sharing must be considered when implementing KM. Therefore it is suggested that the implementation of KM should incorporate the company's vision, work processes, technology and culture, to improve the ability of knowledge creating, capturing, sharing, retrieving and ultimately, to improve the company's competitive advantage, decision making, problem solving and innovation.
Book Review
Authors: Postmus Gerry
Published: October 2014

A Life-cost approach to building evaluation by Craig Langston Reviewed by by Gerry Postmus
Assessing Project Suitability for Off-site Production
Authors: Blismas Nick , Gibb Alistair , Pasquire Christine
Published: October 2014

Implementation of off-site production on construction projects isoften hindered by a number of specific process and procurementconstraints. These constraints are largely influenced by decisionswithin the control of construction clients, suggesting that theyhave a significant influence over the adoption of off-site productioninto construction projects. However, an appreciation of the effectof these constraints has been lacking. Addressing this need, anoff-site production implementation assessment instrument thatresides within a larger toolkit (IMMPREST) was developed usingquestionnaire survey data and a series of industrial workshops.IMMPREST is an interactive electronic toolkit developed byLoughborough University (UK), in conjunction with eleven industrialpartners, which facilitates the evaluation of benefit arising fromuse of off-site production within construction. It identifies thefactors that need to be considered for an evaluation, the datarequired to assess the effect of these factors, and where therequired data resides within the supply chain. Development ofthe implementation assessment instrument is discussed, whilstalso making reference to the role that clients can play in creatingthe process and procurement conditions that promote rather thanconstrain the adoption of off-site production.
A Systematic Approach to Modelling Change Processes in Construction Projects
Authors: Motawa Ibrahim
Published: October 2014

Modelling change processes within construction projects isessential to implement changes efficiently. Incomplete informationon the project variables at the early stages of projects leads toinadequate knowledge of future states and imprecision arisingfrom ambiguity in project parameters. This lack of knowledge isconsidered among the main source of changes in construction.Change identification and evaluation, in addition to predictingits impacts on project parameters, can help in minimising thedisruptive effects of changes. This paper presents a systematicapproach to modelling change process within construction projectsthat helps improve change identification and evaluation. Theapproach represents the key decisions required to implementchanges. The requirements of an effective change processare presented first. The variables defined for efficient changeassessment and diagnosis are then presented. Assessmentof construction changes requires an analysis for the projectcharacteristics that lead to change and also analysis of therelationship between the change causes and effects. The paperconcludes that, at the early stages of a project, projects with a highlikelihood of change occurrence should have a control mechanismover the project characteristics that have high influence on theproject. It also concludes, for the relationship between changecauses and effects, the multiple causes of change should bemodelled in a way to enable evaluating the change effects moreaccurately. The proposed approach is the framework for tacklingsuch conclusions and can be used for evaluating change casesdepending on the available information at the early stages ofconstruction projects.
Capitalising Experiential Knowledge for Guiding Construction Procurement Selection
Authors: Ng Thomas , Luu Chris , Skitmore Martin
Published: October 2014

Capitalising useful knowledge for construction procurementselection (CPS) decisions would provide a valuable asset to clientorganisations, as the successful/unsuccessful experience wouldhelp decision-makers avoid the occurrence of similar errors andensure the most suitable procurement system is employed fora construction project. As a result, there is a need to examinethe potential for developing a knowledge management model tocapture and reuse experiential knowledge to guide CPS decisions.This paper begins by identifying a suitable approach for managingCPS knowledge. This is followed by a discussion of the knowledgerequired for CPS decision support. A prototype knowledgemanagementmodel is developed, using the case-based reasoning(CBR) approach, and a mechanism for the retrieval and reuse ofknowledge for guiding CPS decisions is elucidated. The resultsindicate that CBR is a suitable tool for formulating the procurementselection parameters and selecting a suitable procurementsystem for a construction project. This is primarily becausethe CBR approach is flexible enough to allow closely matchinghistoric cases to be retrieved as well as enabling the decisionmakerto adapt the proposed solution based on the predominantcharacteristics of the client, project and external environmentpertinent to the current project.
Balancing Study and Paid Work: The Experiences of Construction Undergraduates in an Australian University
Authors: Lingard Helen
Published: October 2014

A questionnaire survey was undertaken among third year studentsenrolled in the University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Property andConstruction (BPC) programme. The survey explored students’experiences in balancing paid work with study. Hours spent in paidemployment were at least as long and, in many cases, were inexcess of hours spent at university. While work was not perceivedby students to pose a difficulty for attending lectures and tutorials,students indicated that their paid work made it difficult for them toengage in independent learning activities, such as using libraryresources or preparing for classes by reading beforehand. Twoscales, previously used in other countries to measure students’burnout and engagement, were tested. Both scales were foundto be valid and reliable in that the factorial structures foundin previous studies were confirmed and acceptable internalconsistency reliability coefficients were generated for each of thescales’ component factors. This opens the way for more in-depthmultivariate analysis to determine the linkages between workhours, work-study conflict and students’ burnout or engagementwith university life.
Factors Influencing Tacit Knowledge in Construction
Authors: Nesan Jawahar
Published: October 2014

Increased complexity of the construction business and consequentuse of new management concepts and technologies ledconstruction organisations to focus more on the transfer of explicitknowledge. However, it is the tacit knowledge that determinesthe construction companies’ competitiveness in a business thatis driven by turbulent market conditions and customers’ everincreasingdemands. This paper highlights the importance of tacitknowledge sharing in construction, explores the challenges andopportunities to efficiently share tacit knowledge, and based on theliterature review identifies some critical factors that influence tacitknowledge in construction. It is argued that employees’ knowledgesharing (learning) behaviours are influenced by work practices thatare borne by respective organisational behaviours. Organisational,cultural, and project characteristics that facilitate knowledgesharing among construction employees are explored and thepractices that influence the construction employee behaviour insharing tacit knowledge are highlighted.
Facilities Economics in Australia
Authors: Langston Craig
Published: October 2014

Facilities Economics in AustraliaAuthor: Bernard Williams with Brian PurdeyPublished by International Facilities & Property Information Ltd, forthcomingReviewed by Professor Craig Langston, Deakin University
CH2 Energy Harvesting Systems: Economic Use and Efficiency
Authors: Cheung Chun
Published: October 2014

This paper looks at the City of Melbourne's new office development CH2 as a case study of world class energy performance. In particular, the integrated design of conventionally independent systems has led to the potential to deliver significant savings to the Council and to deliver better environmental conditions to building occupants that in turn may contribute to satisfaction, well-being and productivity. It is concluded that this project has the potential to be an iconic example of effective implementation of ESD (environmental sustainable design) principles and therefore act as a demonstration project to others. Energy efficiency of more than 50% of current benchmarks for Melbourne is effected. Energy harvesting is defined as arising from squander, waste and nature, which is a new concept introduced in this paper to better describe the design decision process.
An Evaluation of a Proposed Ventilation System for Melbourne's CH2 Building
Authors: Aye Lu , Fuller Robert
Published: October 2014

The understanding of ventilation requirements in commercial buildings has been significantly revised in the last 10-15 years. A link between health, productivity and increased fresh air use has been established by some research and this understanding underpins the ventilation philosophy adopted for the CH2 building. The ventilation system design for CH2 that has been evaluated in this paper envisages a mechanically driven system during the day, using the displacement technique to distribute filtered air. All introduced air will be drawn from outside and no recycling of air will occur. Natural ventilation will be employed at night using the stack effect, enhanced by turbine ventilators. This paper critiques the proposed ventilation system in the light of international experience and the particular conditions of the building's location. The evidence suggests that natural ventilation sometimes may be inadequate to achieve the desired objectives. Minimization of indoor pollutants, adequate filtration and high levels of ventilation should, however, ensure satisfactory air quality during occupied hours.
The Business Case for Sustainable Design - the City of Melbourne CH2 Project
Authors: Stewart Peter , Robinson Jon , Low Sowfun
Published: October 2014

The City of Melbourne's landmark building development project.referred to as Council House 2 (CH2) is to be completed during2006. CH2 is a world leading six star environmental buildingincorporating sustainable technologies and producing financial.environmental and societal benefits. The business case forsustainable design within the context of CH2 is examined . Anoverview is carried out of traditional business case decisionmaking tools used in the context of property development. Thecase for the design and construction of ecologically sustainablebuildings is considered . The CH2 project is reviewed in detail andthe "triple bottom line" business case model developed by the Cityof Melbourne. which underpins the development. is investigated.It is concluded that the CH2 development should deliver diversebenefits to all stakeholders; the Council. staff. business andratepayers. Further. the business case model developed by theCH2 project can be utilized as an exemplar for other developments.
Design-Build: How to Increase Its Usage and Its Impact on Architects and Contractors in Singapore
Authors: Ling Florence
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways to increase the usage of design-build (DB). The scope covers how project managers (local and foreign) can play a role in increasing DB usage in Singapore. It is found that owners would adopt DB if their requirements can be properly met. This is achieved by having clear and comprehensive bid documents, having sketch designs prepared by client appointed consultants, and engaging experienced DB contractors. Clients also need to engage project managers and consultant quantity surveyors to manage the DB projects, but the liability for design rests on DB contractors. Clients want DB contractors to provide warranty for fitness for purpose. The conclusion is that clients welcome the use of DB if some concrete steps are taken to make it meet their needs better. This study also concludes that consulting and contracting companies welcome DB, as this procurement method does not have a significantly negative impact on them.
Industrial Disputes in the Construction Sector
Authors: Perry L.J
Published: October 2014

The Cole Royal Commission enquiry into the building and construction (abbreviated to ‘construction’) sector recommended controversial workplace-relation reforms for that sector. The recommended changes are likely to be enshrined in legislation within the year. The Commission drew on analyses of industrial disputes that focused, in the main, on quite recent experience. This paper attempts to give a broader historical perspective on disputes in that sector by considering the pattern of disputes for the entire post-World War II period. Accordingly, data on disputes and employees during the entire period are gathered from Australian Bureau of Statistics current and archived sources. These data are classified according to sector (construction versus non-construction) and analysed. It is found that the strike rate has, on average, been greater in the construction sector than in the non-construction sector. However, there have been periods during which disputes in the construction sector have been relatively low. The most recent period was during the period of the Accord (1983-96), during which the strike rate in the construction sector fell relatively strongly. The analysis of this relatively broad historical period draws attention, among other things, to the possibility that the sort of strategies employed during the Accord years – strategies of cooperation and consensus building – may provide a more effective means of bringing industrial peace to the workplace relations scene of the construction sector than policies that are relatively confrontational.
Achieving Supply Chain Integration within Construction Industry
Authors: McDermotti Peter , Khalfan Malik
Published: October 2014

The main driver behind the adoption of supply chain management (SCM) philosophy into the construction industry was the successes within other industry sectors. SCM can be defined as network of different organisations, linked upstream and downstream in a chain, aiming to produce quality and value in the services and products for the end consumers through integrated processes and activities. In order to achieve the optimised level of integration of the whole supply chain, the industry has responded in various forms. This paper will discuss different initiatives by the researchers,construction industry,and the UK government in order to achieve optimal level of supply chain integration. This paper will discuss the concept of aggregation,and also look at other supply chain integration related concepts including client-led supply chain, knowledge about the whole supply chain, effects of procurement on integration of supply chain, etc. The paper will give a brief overview and initial findings of a project undertaken by the authors, and also include examples from the UK construction industry on bundling of the supply and demand.
The Effects of Occupational Licensing on Skills Needs in the Building Industry: Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Lobo Yadeed , Wilkinson Suzanne
Published: October 2014

Occupational licensing for the building industry is being introduced in New Zealand. This research assesses whether the licensing regime being put into place in New Zealand would require new skills when voluntary licensing (2007) and compulsory licensing (by 2011) are introduced. The paper develops a deeper understanding of the effects of occupational licensing on an industry, above those of increased quality and training, to determine the effects of licensing on future skills needs in the New Zealand building industry. The results of the in-depth interviews of35 leading practitioners in the New Zealand show how occupational licensing will affect skills in the industry in two main ways: increase professionalism and increased specializa ioin skills. The impact on the New Zealand bU1Id1ng industry willbe to force a change in the working practices, increasing the move to offsite . prefabrication and change the types of sk1lls the industry requires. The paper serves as an . illustration to other countries on how changes 1n legislation, and the introduction of regulation for an industry, alter the working practices of that industry.
Modeling the Design Team as a Temporary Management Structure: Reality versus Theory
Authors: Michell Kathy , Bowen Paul , Cattell Keith
Published: October 2014

The focus of the cost management literature is almost exclusively on technical issues, with scant attention to its social, political and organisational dimensions. In this paper the authors document research examining the design team as a temporary management structure, with emphasis on the efficacy of the cost management system as a vehicle for attaining client objectives with respect to time, cost and quality. Soft systems methodology is used to explore the perceptions of stakeholders to the cost management system, thus developing conceptual models of the theory and practice of cost management. Significant differences were found to exist between the perceptions of individual stakeholders concerning design team participants, participants’ roles, and the very purpose of the cost management system. Recommendations are made for structural, attitudinal and procedural changes to the cost management system in order to facilitate its effective functioning in the achievement of the client’s needs and objectives.
The Significance of Barriers to Entry in the Construction Industry
Authors: De Valence Gerard
Published: October 2014

This research looks at the significance of barriers that firms considering entry into the construction industry might face. Drawing on the microeconomic characteristics of imperfectly competitive and oligopolistic markets the analysis finds that there are a dozen barriers to entry that affect the industry, but their significance depends on the product type. The discussion covers the question of product homogeneity in construction and evidence for the existence of barriers to entry in concentration levels. Barriers to entry specific to construction are then identified, which leads to an analysis of how they operate and their significance (high, medium or low) in different market types, thus increasing our understanding of construction industry dynamics.
Risk Pricing in Construction Tenders - How, Who, What
Authors: Towner Marcus , Baccarini David
Published: October 2014

Construction projects are most commonlyprocured in Australia by means of atraditional design-tender-build model,whereby design is largely completed thencontractors submit tenders in acompetitive environment. Constructioncontractors must consider risks within theirtenders. This paper reports the researchfindings into pricing for risk in competitivetenders by construction contractors. Theresearch is based on structured interviewswith 10 contracting personnel;supplemented by 23 responses ofconstruction personnel from an onlinesurvey. Two common methods to price forrisk are a trade-by-trade basis or anoverall percentage or lump sum addition tothe base estimate. Experience andintuition plays a significant role in pricingfor risk in tenders and the number andtype of people involved varies with projectsize, with greater involvement as projectsize increases. The most significant riskspriced in tenders were: availability ofresources; design or documentation errors;incomplete design; buildability issues; andinclement weather. The most significantproject factors considered by contractorswhen pricing for risk in tenders are: valueof liquidated damages; type ofcontract/procurement; completeness ofdocumentation; project complexity; and. current workload. These risks and projectfactors are primarily those over which thecontractor has limited or no control.
Maintaining Relationship Based Procurement
Authors: Davis Peter
Published: October 2014

Alliance and relationship projects are increasingin number and represent a large pool of work. Tobe successful relationship style contracts dependon soft-dollar factors, particularly the participants'ability to work together within an agreedframework, generally they are not based on lowbid tendering. Participants should be prepared todo business in an open environment based ontrust and mutually agreed governance. Theresearch evaluates relationship maintenance inthe implementation phase of constructionalliances - a particular derivative of relationshipstyle contracts. To determine the factors thatcontribute to relationship maintenance forty-nineexperienced Australian alliance projectmanagers were interviewed. The main findingswere; the development of relationships early inthe project form building blocks of success fromwhich relationships are maintained and projectvalue added; quality facilitation plays animportant part in relationship maintenance and ahybrid organisation created as a result of alliancedevelopment overcomes destructiveorganisational boundaries. Relationshipmaintenance is integral to alliance project controland failure to formalise it and pay attention toprocess and past outcomes will undermine analliance project's potential for success.
Cooperation in the Building Sector between Building Material Manufacturers and Contractors to Develop Products
Authors: Sundqvist Jan , Larsson Bengt , Lindahl Goran
Published: October 2014

The Australian Construction Industry is nowfacing skills shortages in all trades. As anindustry focused on the skill of its workforce,there is now concern the Australian standard inquality, workmanship, and productivity will inhibitboth at national and international level.This research paper addresses the underlying,influential factors concerning skills shortages inthe Australian construction industry. Theinfluential factors addressed include funding,training statistics, employer expectations,financial limitations, Industrial Relations andimmigration. Given the reference to skillsshortages within the industry, and documented inrelated literature, if skills shortages are tocontinue to exist, their effect will impact upon theoverall performance of construction companiesthroughout Australia.
Comparing Contractors' Decision to Bid in Different Market Environments
Authors: Oo Bee-Lan , Drew Derek , Lo Hing-Po
Published: October 2014

The competitive situations within the Australia,Hong Kong and Singapore constructionmarket environments are compared byobserving the contractors’ decision to bidbehaviour according to two extreme marketconditions (i.e. booming and recession) anddifferent number of bidders scenarios (rangingfrom 4 to 30). Data were collected via adesigned experiment so as to make directcomparisons possible. This study providesevidence that contractors’ decision to bidbehaviour varies in different marketenvironments. Inline with decreasingprobability of winning, the ‘bid’ responses ofthe three groups of contractors decrease asthe number of bidders increases. However, allAustralian respondents declined to bid whenthe number of bidders exceeded 10, even inrecession. This is in stark contrast to HongKong and Singapore where about 30% ofrespondents were willing to bid in competitionscontaining 30 bidders, even in boom periods.In addition, the ‘bid’ responses of Australiawere higher in booming than in recessiontimes when the number of bidders, N ≤ 4. TheHong Kong construction market environmentwas found to be the most competitive withconsiderably higher proportions of ‘bid’responses; this was followed by the Singaporeand Australia, respectively.
Risk Identification and Assessment in PPP Infrastructure Projects using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process and Life-Cycle Methodology
Authors: Li Jie , Zou Patrick
Published: October 2014

To fulfil the increasing demands of the public,Public Private Partnership (PPP) has beenincreasingly used to procure infrastructureprojects, such as motor ways, bridges, tunnelsand railways. However, the risks involved inPPP projects are unique and dynamic due tolarge amount of investment and longconcession period. This paper aims to developa risk identification framework from theperspectives of project life cycle, and anassessment framework for risks associatedwith PPP project using fuzzy analyticalhierarchy process (AHP). First the paperreviews the current literature to identifycommon risks in PPP infrastructure projectsand classification methods used. The risksidentified from the literature were classifiedusing project life cycle perspectives. Followingthat, the paper presents the advantages offuzzy AHP. Furthermore, the paper provides aframework for assessment of risks in PPPprojects followed by an illustrative examplewhere the data was obtained from surveyquestionnaires. The paper concludes that risksassociated in PPP infrastructure projects areunique and therefore it is beneficial to classifythem from project life cycle perspectives, andthe proposed fuzzy AHP method is suitable forthe assessment of these risks.