bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ethics of corporate governance
Authors: Koslowski Peter
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The 1990s brought a strong dominance of the US model of corporate governance, setting the continental European model at a disadvantage. Due to the financial crisis, the shareholder dominated Anglo‐American model has lost much of its evidence. The purpose of this paper is to try to come to terms with this development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares the American model of corporate governance shaped by the idea of the capital market as the market for corporate control and the Continental European model shaped by the idea of consensual decisions and co‐determination of stakeholder groups. The paper uses as the main parameters the dominant features of both models, the capital market orientation in the case of the American and the consensus orientation in the case of the Continental European model and demonstrates the strengths and shortcomings of both models. It analyses the idea of the purpose of the firm and its impact on the formation of the legal and ethical rules of the corporation.

Findings

The paper finds that different concepts of the firm's purpose lead to different concepts of the firm, to a shareholder or a stakeholder concept of the firm. Basic models of philosophical theory like purpose, agency and consensus are used to describe foundational ideas of the theory of the firm.

Originality/value

The philosophical foundational concepts of the firm discussed in the paper add new insight to the discussion about corporate governance and allow a better understanding of the underlying models of corporate governance. They make the differences and the common features of the American and European models visible.
The ethics of corporate governance
Authors: Rossouw G.J.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether there is a global divergence or convergence with regard to the ethics of corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Regional perspectives on the ethics of corporate governance from four regions, namely, Africa, Asia, Continental Europe and North America are first briefly introduced and characterized in terms of distinctions between the ethics of governance and the governance of ethics, internal and external corporate governance, and shareholder and stakeholder orientations to corporate governance. Thereafter these regional perspectives are compared in order to determine whether there is a global divergence or convergence with regard to the ethics of corporate governance amongst these four regions of the world.

Findings

There are four factors that potentially may have an impact on the ethics of corporate governance, namely, patterns of ownership, the prevailing view of the role of the firm in a society, cultural and societal norms, and socio‐political priorities. The influence of these factors makes a global convergence on the ethics of corporate governance neither likely nor desirable.

Research limitations/implications

Not all regions of the world were included in this comparative study. Regions that need to be included in future studies are Latin America, Central Asia and the Middle East.

Practical implications

The main finding, namely, that a global convergence on the ethics of corporate governance is neither likely nor desirable, should be taken into consideration by promoters of global corporate governance standards.

Originality/value

Based on regional perspectives from Africa, Asia, Continental Europe and North America, the paper provides a global perspective on the question of whether there is global divergence or convergence with regard to the ethics of corporate governance amongst these four regions of the world.
Analysis of the functions of supervisory board system in modern Chinese companies
Authors: Tian Xiangang
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The supervisory system of modern Chinese companies has basically adopted the supervisory board system of countries of continental law system. Certain disadvantages, however, exist in the system and the purpose of this paper is to identify those disadvantages and suggest changes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon a consideration of the policy objectives and assesses the practical gaps in implementation through a consideration of case‐studies.

Findings

There are many functions and manifest functions of the supervisory board system of modern Chinese companies. Certain disadvantages, however, exist in this system: the postmortem nature of supervision causes the failure of timely supervision, and the externality of supervision leads to information asymmetry. Meanwhile, the functions of supervisory board are weakened by the fact that the law does not impose positive qualification requirements for supervisors and that the law has not laid down specific regulations for the effective deliverance of the company's financial and business information to the supervisors and the supervisory board. In order to guarantee the realization of the functions of the company's supervisory board, we should perfect in legislation the supervisory board system of our country, and at the same time strengthen the construction of company supervisory board system in our country and other relevant supervisory mechanism and supporting systems. Originality/value – This paper presents an analysis of “gaps” in policy implementation and might influence reform in this area.
Europeanization, globalization and domestication: financial services regulation in the UK
Authors: Howell Kerry E.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate conceptualizations of Europeanization, the difficulties this creates when assessing the impacts of the European Union (EU) on member states and the influence member states have on the EU policy‐making processes. There are also problems when considering questions regarding the basis of Europeanization in terms of its relationships with globalization, governance, institutionalization, polity, politics and policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Different conceptualizations of Europeanization concentrate on distinct methodological positions and whether Europeanization may best be understood as “situation” or “process”. Indeed, difficulties are further exacerbated when identifying the extent that drivers for change at the EU and domestic level involved Europeanization, domestication, globalization and/or European integration. Meso theory identifies “process” and substantive theory “situation” in terms of downloading (En1), up‐loading (En2) and cross‐loading (En3). Each of these conceptualizations allow “situations” where empirical reliability could be made explicit from a particular perspective.

Findings

This paper investigates and assesses the Europeanization of UK financial services and provides a conceptualization of Europeanization as both meso (middle range) and substantive theory. By breaking down meso theory into substantive theories (up‐loading, downloading and cross‐loading) the analysis attempts to clarify the interaction between Europeanization, globalization and domestication in relation to impacts on UK financial services regulation. Following an assessment of UK financial services in general, this paper concentrates on the concept of “competent authority” and how the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) displays attributes outlined in the directives. Through an analysis of the Third Life Assurance Directive, Second Banking Directive and FSA this paper identifies a number of issues relating to how the EU responded to sector demands and how Europeanization is actualized through domestic response.

Originality/value

Europeanization indicates a continual interaction or dialectic between the uniformity of the EU and the diversity of the individual member states. The process involves interaction between global, domestic and European variables with the European dimension in relation to domestic interpretation providing a mechanism whereby dominant economic global factors can be diminished or enabled.
A consideration of the impact of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (1990) and the Insurance Act (2003) on the board of insurance companies in Nigeria – part 2
Authors: Ogbuozobe Fidelis
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to answer the question of whether the incorporation of corporate governance into the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and Insurance Act enhance the effectiveness of the boards of insurance companies in Nigeria?

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher's approach is the deductive approach in which a theory and hypothesis have been developed and a research strategy to test the hypothesis.

Findings

Arguably, most of the companies implementing the code are public companies, probably because it is a listing requirement or it is fashionable to do so, but this study has shown that implementation for both private and public companies is on the upward trend albeit, at a slow pace which is the area the government and regulatory authorities need to do more work. While acknowledging the effort of regulators like the SEC and CBN (Thisday), the result is still not encouraging.

Originality/value

From the results of this study, one of the most respected provisions of the code is the audit committee requirement, of which companies in Nigeria, both private and public, ensure strict compliance because it is a provision of the law and no company will want to infringe this stringently enforced requirement. Therefore, if other provisions were to be part of the CAMA (1990) or any other statute it means such provision will enjoy the same level of compliance, assuming the same level of enforcement.
When the pursuit of quality risks innovation
Authors: Cole Robert E. , Matsumiya Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possible impediments to radical innovation created by the pursuit of quality improvement in the dynamic hi‐tech sector.

Design/methodology/approach

First examines contributions and limitations of extant literature. Then analyzes three cases from the Japanese hi‐tech sector, dynamic random access memory chips , network equipment, and system integration, to understand the conditions under which the pursuit of quality creates impediments for radical innovation.

Findings

Identifies a number of mechanisms, beyond the existing literature, through which the quality culture of Japanese hi‐tech firms can inhibit innovation. Particular attention is paid to the risk averse culture that may be created, thereby damaging the potential to develop radical innovation. Some exploratory strategies are offered through which firms might minimize these problems.

Originality/value

The ways in which the quality culture of Japanese hi‐tech firms poses a challenge for innovation are explored and some exploratory views on how Japanese firms might meet this challenge are offered. Above all, the paper calls for firms to think more strategically and flexibly about the role of quality at the early stages of the product cycle for hi‐tech products.
Perceptions and reality in quality and environmental management systems
Authors: Craig John H.S. , Lemon Mark
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The aim of the original and recent research in this study is to determine why, in these rapidly developing economies, management systems such as TQM, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 fail to realize continuing improvement and remediation methodologies capable of improving technical performance and enhancing economic profit.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses cultural frameworks to analyze the mechanisms which are preventing a greater realization of opportunities in the improvement of management systems, going on to suggest interventions. Within this approach there were three modes of data collection, an administered Likert questionnaire (developed from prior research in Poland, and pre‐tested in Lithuania, Greece and the UK) comprising every manager in the management levels of 12 heavy industrial factories in China and Poland, interviews with the senior managers, and the determination of the empirical (true) reality for environmental performance in each factory. Analysis of these data sets supported an evaluation of the alignment between perceived and actual environmental performance, and a comparison within and between countries.

Findings

The interactions between management levels were influenced by socio‐cultural factors, which in turn determined the means of communicating knowledge between these levels. This might have affected the perceptions and mind‐sets of employees in the management chain, and hence the practical effects of any decisions based on concomitant mind‐sets “on the ground”. New management systems might not be properly understood owing to these factors.

Research limitations/implications

While the specific environmental impacts of culture were particular to each factory and cannot be generalized, the socio‐cultural phenomena on which they were based can be used for comparative purposes. There was a practical constraint, despite promises of confidentiality, on how questions were answered owing to a prevailing fear and punishment practice; in a process of remediation the constraint will be the reluctance of managers to step outside of this practice.

Practical implications

The practical outcomes of the study lie mainly in the re‐alignment of management perceptions subject to hierarchical constraints and cultures of dubious value.

Originality/value

The methodology, which included an assessment of the actual and potential risk to the environment for each factory (empirical reality), matched against cultural indicators is quite new. The paper has three areas of potential value: to researchers who wish to use a combination of soft and hard interpretations for environmental and quality performance; to management practitioners who can better interpret how the nature of communication between management interfaces affects the ability to take remedial action; and to academic researchers in a better understanding of socio‐cultural group dynamics.
An investigation on the factors influencing passengers' loyalty in the North Cyprus national airline
Authors: Nadiri Halil , Hussain Kashif , Haktan Ekiz Erdoğan , Erdoğan Şamil
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The aim of this study is twofold: first to diagnose service quality perceptions of airline passengers and then links these perceptions to their satisfaction and repurchase intentions, specifically in a new emerging market in the Mediterranean region, North Cyprus. Airline transportation is a major and the most extensively used way to reach North Cyprus, as it is an island state; thus it is important to know passengers' quality perception regarding any quality improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A recently developed, industry‐specific, 43‐item scale (AIRQUAL) based on eight distinct dimensions: airline tangibles, terminal tangibles, personnel, empathy, image, customer satisfaction, repurchase intention, and word‐of‐mouth communication fit well in this study, maintaining its reliability, validity and dimensionality issues. The sample of the study consisted of customers using the national airline company of North Cyprus, who were selected through the non‐probability judgmental sampling technique. A total of 583 questionnaires were found to be useful and data from these questionnaires were tested through SPSS and LISREL statistical software.

Findings

A rigorous statistical test indicates a reasonable fit of the eight‐factor model to the data on the basis of a number of fit statistics. Results revealed that, among the quality dimensions, “airline tangibles” was found to be the most significant to affect both customer satisfaction and repurchase intention. Findings also showed that customer satisfaction is positively related to repurchase and word‐of‐mouth intensions.

Originality/value

Since airline transportation is a major and the most important way of reaching North Cyprus, the results of this study provide important insights to practitioners and the tourism ministry about how marketing strategies can be designed to manage service quality perceptions and how the airline industry can use the service quality concept to formulate marketing strategies effectively.
Affective design of waiting areas in primary healthcare
Authors: Ayas Ebru , Eklund Jörgen , Ishihara Shigekazu
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to deal with affective design of waiting areas (servicescapes) and has twofold aims. The first, is to explore affective values for waiting areas. The second, is to identify interactions between physical design attributes and affective values.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included a free association method for data collection, applying Kansei engineering methodology to extract design solutions relating to specific feelings. The study was undertaken at six primary health centres in Östergötland County, Sweden. In total, 88 participants (60 patients and 28 staff) were interviewed.

Findings

The selected waiting areas show significant differences for their perceived affective qualities. The most desired feeling for creating affective values is found to be “calm”. The core design attributes contributing to this feeling are privacy, colours, child play‐areas and green plants. Good design of lighting, seating arrangements and a low sound level are also important design attributes to give a more complete design solution.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides useful insights for understanding affective needs in servicescapes, and it provides design suggestions. The results have not been analysed separately for gender or different age groups.

Practical implications

The paper proposes a framework model to be applied when dealing with affective values in servicescapes.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to understand affective values towards the physical environment in servicescape design. It offers a methodology to study complex environments with many alternative design solutions using limited resources. Moreover, this study uses a combination of a free association method and Rough Sets theory in affective design.
The quality of life as attribute of sustainability
Authors: Lepage Alain
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The quality of life (QoL) index is a well‐known measurement schedule to compare citizens' life facilities across countries of the world. Based on rational and factual parameters such as gross national product and gender equity, it has to be reinforced with psychological aspects like those observed in customer satisfaction and total quality management. This paper aims to document a QoL study on health area that focused on validating its theoretical role as an attribute of sustainability, itself one of the two Makovian reverse processes in the political system.

Design/methodology/approach

The different attributes of the QoL were studied from the research literature, elaborating a structure of these elements. For a second approach, citizens were interviewed about their QoL perception, with the “voice of the customer” method, as was done in quality practice from companies to catch customer needs and expectations.

Findings

The application shows confusions between QoL, wellbeing, health, happiness and liberty, inducing the research to analyse its effects in the sustainability and the policy definitions. This paper presents the place of sustainability and safety in political systems with a Markov model description.

Practical implications

The impact of QoL's variability perception in the instability of political systems incites politicians to better understand sustainability and safety processes functioning, in order to improve the political system, and avoid spending time on designing short term answers to citizens' dissatisfaction with a lack of mastery.

Originality/value

Learning from technology and industry history allows us to understand that growing complexity in these systems and conduces to abandon linear models and adopt cross reverse differential ones such as Markov. By analogy with human beings, in the paper the aggregation method and Markov model describe QoL's place in sustainability and political systems.
Lean‐kaizen public service: an empirical approach in Spanish local governments
Authors: Suarez Barraza Manuel F. , Smith Tricia , Mi Dahlgaard‐Park Su
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Recently, the operations management academic literature has seen articles focusing on the transfer of “lean” thinking or kaizen concept from the private to the public sector. In Spain, during the last 15 years, some local councils have also followed similar improvement initiatives sometimes under the umbrella of “global quality programmes” trying to support continuous process and service improvement. The research question for this article is: How is lean‐kaizen applied in local councils in Spain? The aim is to shed light on how lean thinking is applied in order to improve those services provided to the public by local councils by describing empirical studies in specific Spanish contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study approach was adopted in this research. The research design conducted was of the longitudinal and retrospective type.

Findings

The results of the empirical evidence show that three techniques related to lean‐kaizen have a direct effect on the processes and management systems in local councils. The three techniques are: 5S, gemba kaizen workshops and process mapping. These techniques improved the processes and quality of public services provided by the councils. These results suggest the first indications of documented lean‐kaizen public service.

Originality/value

A review of the academic literature of lean thinking and kaizen concept indicates that the managerial application of the techniques in the public sector are few and far between and have been barely explored at the empirical level. The paper makes a contribution to the deeper understanding of the usefulness of applying lean‐kaizen in local government in order to improve the processes and services provided to the public – the emergence of lean‐kaizen public service.
Establishment and application of performance measure indicators for universities
Authors: Chen Shun‐Hsing , Wang Hui‐Hua , Yang King‐Jang
Published: January 2010

Purpose

To promote university education quality, performance measure indicators (PMIs) must be established. These indicators ensure the maintenance of university operating standards, encourage individual universities to work on inadequacies, and promote university competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature analysis was conducted and European, American and Taiwanese education evaluation indicators were used to develop the PMIs. Data were collected from the following sources: US‐MBNAQ; US News & World Report; two renowned US education journals; UK University Committee Reports; UK‐CVCP/UGC; three renowned UK education evaluation newspapers, opinions from the Ministry of Education and submissions from scholars in Australia and Taiwan. A total of 13 scholars were invited to participate in the literature review and analysis, which employed Delphi methods.

Findings

These indicators included 18 measurement dimensions, and 78 PMIs were developed. Applying these PMIs resulted in the creation of key performance indicators and a balanced scorecard (BSC) of performance measures. In addition, BSC represented a self‐evaluation performance indicator that universities could use to achieve the objective of performance management.

Originality/value

The PMI by means of their integration into the BSC, allow management by objectives, a method to build the performance of each department and organization.
Professionals freaking out: the case of accreditation in Dutch higher education
Authors: van Kemenade Everard , Hardjono Teun W.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define what factors cause willingness and/or resistance among lecturers in universities towards external evaluation systems, especially accreditation.

Design/methodology/approach

A model has been designed to describe possible factors of willingness and/or resistance towards accreditation based on Ajzen and Metselaar. A literature review has been undertaken on the effects of external evaluation like ISO 9000 as well as accreditation systems such as Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and European Quality Improvement System. A questionnaire has been administered to a group of 63 lecturers from three departments at Fontys University in The Netherlands. The results of this preliminary survey have been presented to 1,500 academics in The Netherlands and Flanders to collect empirical data.

Findings

Resistance to accreditation can be found in the consequences of accreditation for the work of the lecturer (workload), negative emotions (stress and insecurity); the lack of knowledge and experience (help from specialists is needed); and lack of acceptance (other paradigm).

Originality/value

The paper provides more insight into the difficulties that organizations, especially universities, have to commit their employees to external evaluation. It might be possible to generalize the findings to other professionals in other organizations. Little research in this field has been undertaken so far.
Organizational culture and total quality management practices: a Sri Lankan case
Authors: Kaluarachchi K.A.S.P.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the effect of organizational culture (OC) on the total quality management (TQM) practices of a Sri Lankan public sector hospital, which practices Japanese 5‐S based TQM and has won several national quality awards.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are gathered through direct observations, short‐time interviews, participative observations, in‐depth interviews, and obtaining relevant documentary evidence by the employment of grounded theory. The director, divisional heads, doctors, nursing sisters and nurses, paramedical staff, midwifery staff, clerical staff, and support staff of the hospital are appropriately considered as the informants during the employment of the above data gathering techniques. The data are analyzed qualitatively in line with the research variables.

Findings

As cultural characteristics of the hospital, the study identified low power distance, low uncertainty avoidance, low individualism, and low masculinity. The study identified high senior management commitment, high staff commitment, high stakeholder focus, high integration of continuous improvement, high quality culture, high measurement and feedback, and high learning organization characteristics as TQM practices of the hospital. Moreover, the study found that the supportive culture of the hospital has positively impacted on its TQM practices.

Research limitations/implications

To overcome the limitations of the OC framework adopted in the present study, the paper invites future studies to examine the issue from a broader and new culture perspective.

Originality/value

Recently, many organizations in Sri Lanka irrespective of their category and industry have been practicing TQM in order to stay competitive in both domestic and international markets. But empirical studies on the topic are very limited in the Sri Lankan context. This study as a case of a Sri Lankan public sector hospital aims to fill that gap.
Improvements of public library service quality
Authors: Hallberg Anette , Sipos‐Zackrisson Katarina
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the improvement of library service quality in public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on two complementary studies and includes 58 interviews with managers, librarians and adult educators in Sweden and England. Together, they cover public libraries, study centres and adult education on an arena defined by stakeholders of the local municipality, county library, customer, governmental control systems and regional development council.

Findings

Suggested improvements show that the potential for improving service quality of the Swedish library sector is related to the strength of its market orientation and to its ability to change the librarian's role. A change in the librarian role to a service‐oriented and retail‐experienced librarian, is reflected by the ability of the librarian to adapt to the process‐oriented roles of the contact creator, the mentor/coach and the inspirer.

Originality/value

The market orientation of the library services, customer orientation, together with a change to a retail‐experienced librarian role, are actions identified for improving library customer value. The combination of market orientation including new customer groups and a new librarian role contribute to the improvement of library service quality.
Safety — behaviour and culture in construction
Authors: DESTER WILLIAM S. , BLOCKLEY DAVID I.
Published: January 2010

The construction industry has a poor safety record. There is a common perception that this is because it is an inherently dangerous industry. It is suggested that the industry would be better characterized as one with a poor safety culture and that attempts to improve the safety record will not be fully effective until the safety culture is improved. The relationship between unsafe behaviour and safety culture is discussed together with the difficulties of assessing and managing safety culture. Some of the influences on safety culture in construction are described. The initiative to develop an improvement in the safety culture of construction needs to come from within the industry through a genuine commitment to safety.
Buildability as a design concept for architects: a case study of laboratory buildings
Authors: HYDE RICHARD
Published: January 2010

The concept of buildability is an approach to architectural design which relates to the awareness of the designer for the method of construction of the building. It is the taking into consideration of the process of construction to a high degree in the construction of the building. The opposite of this approach could be loosely called an ‘artistic’ method, where the designer hands a concept drawing to somebody else and says ‘build that’, with little concern for how the design should be built (definition contributed by James Harrison, Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore). In addition to this design orientation, buildability, as viewed by the building industry, is the ease with which the building can be built. Yet these definitions seem to lack precision when placed into operation in the design environment. To understand the notion of buildability further, a study of concrete construction techniques, pre‐cast or in situ, were used to evaluate the extent to which buildability techniques were employed by the designers and the effectiveness of the approaches. The methodology used followed existing approaches to studying buildability but expanded and focused on two case study buildings. In this way, a more holistic picture of the influence of the construction system and its buildability could be gained.
Use of the New Engineering Contract in Hong Kong
Authors: HALLIDAY JOHN
Published: January 2010

The introduction of the New Engineering Contract (NEC) in the United Kingdom came at a time when the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club were embarking on major contract works. This new contract provided the type of simple, flexible document ideal for our organization, which seeks to enter into co‐operative joint ventures with contractors. This, however, has not been an example followed by other Employers in Hong Kong and this paper gives the author's views on the reasons for this and the prospects of a change in the future. The paper then summarises presentations by members of the Jockey Club's professional consultants and one of the Contractors at the Hong Kong NEC Conference. The Club's projects are described in detail, however, the timing of the paper in advance of completion of the two major projects prevents a final assessment of the use of NEC in Hong Kong.
Improving the constructability of design solutions through an integrated system
Authors: ALSHAWI MUSTAFA , UNDERWOOD JASON
Published: January 2010

This study aims at improving the constructability of design solutions by inte grating site construction problems, which are related to the design, with the design's main functions. A full process analysis was carried out on the design functions of concrete framed office buildings whereby site problems were traced back to the relevant design stages. Design processes that significantly contribute to these problems were highlighted, along with their data flows. An object‐oriented analysis (OOA) method was then applied to model those processes. Proceedings through the five major activities of Coad & Yourdon's OOA method, a complete OOA model was developed. This technique has proved to be very effective in producing a well structured data model with the consequence of being easily mapped into an object‐oriented development environment. An integrated object‐oriented system was also developed, which attempts to use essential design information, at an early stage of the design process, to improve the constructability of the design.
Cost estimating practices in Australian construction
Authors: UHER THOMAS E.
Published: January 2010

The aim of the paper is to examine attitudes of general contractors operating in the Sydney region to the potential use of probability estimating and databases in cost estimating. A sample of 10 large general contractors with a turnover over $100m was selected for the study, which took place in 1993. Responses of the contractors to a standard questionnaire were obtained using face to face interviews. The research described in this paper confirmed the popularity of traditional single value estimating and highlighted the lack of use of probability cost estimating by the general contractors surveyed. The limited availability of client‐prepared bills of quantities for tendering has neither diminished their popularity among bidding contractors nor increased the use of elemental cost planning. Although databases are generally available, subjective judgements of estimators are of greater value in cost estimating. The research has concluded that a change in the estimating paradigm towards probability cost estimating, and the use of databases, are unlikely to occur in the near future.
Effect of different procurement routes on contractors' cash flows
Authors: KAKA AMMAR P. , KHOSROWSHAHI FARZAD
Published: January 2010

This paper addresses the effect of different procurement methods (traditional, design and build and management contracting) on project cash flow. Historical data relating to the periodic cost of 150 construction projects were collected. Four criteria were identified to classify the projects: type of project, size, company and type of procurement. The effect of these criteria on the S‐curves was then examined using ANOVA. Results confirmed that differently procured projects with different sizes produce different patterns. The company and type of project did not significantly affect the shape of the S‐curve. Standard S‐curves were then modelled for the three aforementioned procurement routes. These curves were used to calculate the relevant cash flows using a computer based cash flow forecasting model. A series of simulation tests were conducted to evaluate the extent of variation in cash flow, given different contract conditions. Results revealed that, in some cases, the variation in procurement routes has a significant effect on contract cash flows.
Do site managers and the head office perceive productivity factors differently?
Authors: NAOUM SHAMIL , HACKMAN JON
Published: January 2010

This paper is based on a review of the literature on construction productivity and findings from a survey investigating, first, whether there are significant differences in opinions between head office personnel and site managers on factors that influence construction productivity and, second, to determine groups of factors that mostly influence site productivity. A critical discussion is structured under three general headings: (1) management factors; (2) employee motivation; and (3) experience and training. Twenty‐nine factors were extracted from the above headings and were assessed by 19 head office personnel and 17 site managers. The survey indicated that both samples regard ‘ineffective project planning’ and ‘constraints on a worker's performance’ as the most crucial factors influencing productivity. Other highly ranked factors by both samples are ‘difficulties with material procurement’, ‘lack of integration of project information’, ‘disruption of site programme’, ‘lack of experience and training’ and ‘exclusion of site management from contract meetings’. Ultimately, when the factor analysis technique was applied on the 29 factors, the result shows that Resource Management Effectiveness appeared to be the most dominant group of factors influencing construction productivity.
The assessment of applications for the house renovation grant system (HRGS) — A multistrategy knowledge‐based framework
Authors: BRANDON PETER S. , LOFORTE RIBEIRO FRANCISCO
Published: January 2010

This paper describes a multistrategy knowledge‐based framework for supporting human experts in assessing applications for the house renovation grant system (HRGS). This framework integrates different problem solving strategies as set up by the task analysis. The task analysis carried out in the context of the HRGS domain decomposed the overall task into a number of subtasks and problem solving methods for performing each subtask. The framework modularises the knowledge required to solve each subtask into historical cases, objects, procedures and domain models. The framework was implemented as a computer system using Kappa‐PC which is a shell designed for implementing knowledge‐based systems. The implementation followed the client centred approach (CCA) method. This computer application has been successful in demonstrating that a multistrategy knowledge base can be used to support human experts in assessing applications for the HRGS. Therefore, the application has proved to perform as accurately as human experts do for all of the subtasks set up by the task analysis.
Construction management contracts: law and practice
Authors: HUGHES WILL
Published: January 2010

The context of construction management (CM) reveals that this method of procurement is as much a management philosophy as a contract structure. It is important to consider legal and contractual issues in this context. The interplay between management and law is complex and often misunderstood. Before considering specific issues, the use of contractual remedies in business agreements is discussed. In addition, the extent to which standardising a form of contract detracts or contributes to the success of projects is also considered. The dearth of judicial decisions, and the lack of a standard form, render it difficult to be specific about legal issues. Therefore, the main discussion of legal issues is centred around a recently completed research project which involved eliciting the views of a cross‐section of experienced construction management clients, consultants and trade contractors. These interviews are used as the basis for highlighting some of the most important legal points to consider when setting up CM projects. The interviews revealed that the advantage of CM is the proximity of the client to the trade contractors and the disadvantage is that it depends on a high degree of professionalism and experience; qualities which are unfortunately difficult to find in the UK construction industry.
Conflicts, claims and disputes in construction
Authors: KUMARASWAMY MOHAN M.
Published: January 2010

It is necessary and useful to differentiate destructive from constructive conflict and avoidable from necessary claims; and also to minimize disputes arising from unresolved conflict and claims in construction projects. This paper analyses such needs and proposes means of meeting them through an appropriate classification of construction claims; an estimation of their relative significance in terms of magnitude and frequency; and an identification of the proximate and root causes of the significant claims. A hierarchy of such claims, proximate and root causes is presented, based mainly on data collected from 61 projects and on 46 responses to questionnaires in Hong Kong. Measures of the relative significance of the claims categories are also presented. The results are reinforced by observations from parallel studies in Hong Kong and elsewhere, as well as from the literature. Strategies are suggested to avoid the avoidable and mitigate the unavoidable or unavoided claims, through controlling the controllable causes. Management focus is also recommended on controlling the causes of those categories of claims and disputes that are seen to be significant in terms of higher impact and/or probability of occurrence.
The Private Finance Initiative
Authors: OWEN G. , MERNA A.
Published: January 2010

This paper outlines the concept of the Private Finance Initiative. It covers some of the basic PFI mechanisms and provides the reader with a general understanding of PFI and the purpose it serves. The paper will look at how the policy has been received specifically within the construction industry and the problems highlighted to date.
Aspects of funding for BOO projects
Authors: SAUNDERS ALASDAIR
Published: January 2010

This paper comments on the attitude of Banks to the HM Guidelines, for PFI as well as analysing the cost of finance obtained under the Guidelines and comparing it with finance from other sources. This analysis is extended, by way of example, to t he Dalmuir sewage treatment works project, as capital expenditure under EU Directives in Scotland.
The contribution of the client representative to the creation and maintenance of good project inter‐team relationships
Authors: WALKER DEREK H.T.
Published: January 2010

Conclusions flowing from an investigation of the literature together with the results of two recent research studies suggest that the relationship quality between the client representative (CR), the design team and the team undertaking construction management activities is a major factor governing construction time performance (CTP). While the managerial performance of the manager of the construction team was found to be a pivotal factor, the interaction between the CR and the construction management team was found to be crucial in facilitating good CTP, i.e. achieving a fast build rate. One interesting and valuable insight gained from the research studies reviewed in the present paper suggests that selection of a CR should be based on the capacity of the CR to gain the confidence of the project team. The CR characteristics which are significantly associated with good CTP are also discussed. It is proposed that these provide useful selection guidelines for appointing the appropriate person or team to represent the client's interests within the project coalition.
Causes of delays in the construction industry in Lebanon
Authors: MEZHER TOUFIC M. , TAWIL WISSAM
Published: January 2010

The present paper presents the major causes of delays in the construction industry in Lebanon and the relative importance of these postponements. A survey of a randomly selected sample of 11 owners, 15 contractors and 10 architectural/engineering (A/E) firms from Lebanon was undertaken. The survey included 64 causes of delay, grouped into 10 major groups, in which the participants were asked to indicate their level of importance of each delay. The level of importance of the causes and the groups were measured and ranked by the importance index for owners, contractors and A/E firms. It was found that all three parties generally agreed on the ranking of the major categories of delay factors. Owners had more concerns with regard to financial issues, while contractors ranked contractual relationships highest, and finally, A/E firms ranked project management highest.
ICT tools for improving the competitiveness of the LSE industry
Authors: HANNUS M. , LUITEN G.T. , WATSON A.S. , DEGUINE M. , SAUCE G. , VAN RIJN T.P.J.
Published: January 2010

This paper describes an analysis of Product Data and Information Technologies (PDIT) which are available to support processes in Large Scale Engineering (LSE), particularly those which are construction related. Three main areas are addressed: supporting environment; systems and technologies; and application software. On‐going and future developments in these areas are considered. The findings from each of the PDIT areas examined are presented, together with their potential opportunities for exploitation within LSE in construction. The perceived barriers to the adoption of such technologies are also addressed. Considerations are given to the most significant emerging technologies within the IT industry and the potential impact these may have on the business needs within LSE. The work was undertaken within the User Reference Project ESPRIT 20876—eLSEwise—European Large Scale Engineering Wide Integration Support Effort.
Management errors in construction
Authors: WANTANAKORN D. , MAWDESLEY M.J. , ASKEW W.H.
Published: January 2010

Errors occur everywhere and research into inaccuracy has become an important area of study. Managers make errors, and the effects include poor safety, reduced quality, increased cost and decreased profit. Despite this, management errors have received almost no study. The present paper contains a review of the definition and causes of human errors, and discusses the applicability of these factors to managers and the effect of time pressure on decision making. The concept of management errors is proposed and a network‐based project model is developed. This approach is used to simulate the occurrence of activity‐based errors, and to determine the influence of pressure on management and the effects of inaccuracies on the project duration.
Using genetic algorithms to solve optimization problems in construction
Authors: AL‐TABTABAI HASHEM , ALEX ALEX P.
Published: January 2010

Genetic algorithm (GA) is a model of machine learning. The algorithm can be used to find sub‐optimum, if not optimum, solution(s) to a particular problem. It explores the solution space in an intelligent manner to evolve better solutions. The algorithm does not need any specific programming efforts but requires encoding the solution as strings of parameters. The field of application of genetic algorithms has increased dramatically in the last few years. A large variety of possible GA application tools now exist for non‐computer specialists. Complicated problems in a specific optimization domain can be tackled effectively with a very modest knowledge of the theory behind genetic algorithms. This paper reviews the technique briefly and applies it to solve some of the optimization problems addressed in construction management literature. The lessons learned from the application of GA to these problems are discussed. The result of this review is an indication of how the GA can contribute in solving construction‐related optimization problems. A summary of general guidelines to develop solutions using this optimization technique concludes the paper.
A survey of CAD and virtual reality within the house building industry
Authors: WHYTE J. , BOUCHLAGHEM N. , THORPE ANTONY , MCCAFFER RON
Published: January 2010

A survey of computer use in the British house building industry was conducted by means of a postal questionnaire to 100 house builders followed‐up by in‐depth interviews. The research shows widely variant levels of computer use and expertise in different house building companies amongst both regional developers and the nationwide volume builders. Some housing developers have sophisticated information technology strategies and are well placed to successfully implement advanced techniques whilst many have very little or no computer use for design and visualization and rely more on traditional competitive strategies.