bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to assess the impact of an electronic document? And what does impact mean anyway?
Authors: Herb Ulrich , Kranz Eva , Leidinger Tobias , Mittelsdorf Björn
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Usually the impact of research and researchers is quantified by using citation data: either by journal‐centered citation data as in the case of the journal impact factor (JIF) or by author‐centered citation data as in the case of the Hirsch‐ or h‐index. This paper aims to discuss a range of impact measures, especially usage‐based metrics, and to report the results of two surveys.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the article analyzes both citation‐based and usage‐based metrics. The second part is based on the findings of the surveys: one in the form of a brainstorming session with information professionals and scientists at the OAI6 conference in Geneva, the second in the form of expert interviews, mainly with scientists.

Findings

The results of the surveys indicate an interest in the social aspects of science, like visualizations of social graphs both for persons and their publications. Furthermore, usage data are considered an appropriate measure to describe quality and coverage of scientific documents; admittedly, the consistence of usage information among repositories has to be kept in mind. The scientists who took part in the survey also asked for community services, assuming these might help to identify relevant scientific information more easily. Some of the other topics of interest were personalization or easy submission procedures.

Originality/value

This paper delineates current discussions about citation‐based and usage‐based metrics. Based on the results of the surveys, it depicts which functionalities could enhance repositories, what features are required by scientists and information professionals, and whether usage‐based services are considered valuable. These results also outline some elements of future repository research.
ILL and iPad: reflections on the fast and furious
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The aim of this article is to describe the burgeoning business of interlibrary loan and the nature of information awareness. It also aims to review Apple's iPad tablet computer.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is designed to provoke thought regarding Apple's entry into the e‐reader market.

Findings

The findings suggest that the iPad is not the killer device that will displace laptops.

Originality/value

The article should provide basic information about the features and limitations of the iPad, and how the product could grow into a more useful device in the future.
The global recession
Authors: Sakbani Michael
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the evolution of the crisis, its causes and the corrective policy actions with the aim of drawing up from that a set of economics policy and substantive implications and conclusions.

Design/methodology/approach

To throw into sharp relief the causes and particular features of the financial crisis, the paper traces the combined evolution of financial innovations and globalization which underscores the eruption of the crisis. It then analyzes the recession and the ensuing policy actions. The US actions are examined in detail by analyzing the pertinent technical, macroeconomics, and political issues. Thereafter, elements of reforms are outlined, which in part draw on the work of the Bank of International Settlements. This leads into substantive and policy conclusions of great significance.

Findings

The paper elucidates the major historic changes observed in monetary policy design and execution. It also brings out the changes in the empirical size of the various fiscal policy lags as compared with the received literature. It is argued that if the policy actions succeed the empirical relevance of the modern quantity theory and new classical macroeconomics would be thrown into question. Other set of conclusions involves setting up an internationally coordinated of financial regulations and bank supervision. It is argued that reforming the international monetary system has become unavoidable. There are also a host of specific other conclusions.

Originality/value

The conclusions and analysis contained in this paper are totally new. Given their comprehensiveness and global orientation, they will presage in future work, an overdue revision in received macroeconomic theory and financial supervision not seen since the 1960s.
Greed, financial innovation or laxity of regulation?
Authors: Imtiaz Mazumder M. , Ahmad Nazneen
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the causes of the 2007‐2009 mortgage crisis, liquidity crisis, stock market volatility in the USA and their spillover effects on the global economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically reviews the 2007‐2009 financial crisis from both academic and practitioners' viewpoints.

Findings

The paper explores how the liquidity crisis has evolved with the advent of poorly supervised financial products, especially the credit default swaps and subprime mortgage loans. Further, it analyzes the laxity in regulations that encouraged high financial leverages, shadow banking system and excessive stock market volatility and worsened the recent financial crisis.

Originality/value

The implication of this paper is to understand numerous policy reforms that will help the global capital markets to be more transparent and less vulnerable to systematic risks; the suggested policy reforms may also help to prevent such financial calamities in the future.
Supporting learning processes with collaboration technologies: A brief look at past research and challenges that lie ahead
Authors: Kock Ned , Hilmer Kelly , Standing Craig , Clark Stanley
Published: June 2010

This article is based on a position paper for the “Collaboration Technologies Support of Learning Process” track of the 2000 Americas Conference on Information Systems. In it, the track chairs examine past research and future challenges related to the topic of the conference track. The paper builds on published empirical and theoretical research on the use of collaboration technologies to support learning processes. Its focus is on a key element of learning, namely knowledge communication. Key empirical studies and relevant theories are reviewed. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.
The role of creativity in business improvement paradigms: US versus Japanese firms
Authors: Paper David , Chang Ray , Rodger James A.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of the research is to explore the role of creativity (in business process improvement paradigms) among Japanese organizations and US organizations. Although US and Japanese organizations may use differently terminology, the general idea of process improvement (to add value to products and/or services that exceed customer expectations) is embraced by both. What is not clear is the way in which organizations in the two countries implement change. Eight organizations participated in the study: four organizations from Japan and four from the US. Results of the study revealed that US organizations tend to desire faster change to improve performance. They want to adopt state‐of‐the‐art methodologies and invest heavily in technology to transform their organizations quickly. In contrast, Japanese organizations prefer incremental change as it conforms to their culture and way of life. However, US organizations are beginning to realize that process improvement is greatly enhanced by changing the culture of the work place. Moreover, Japanese organizations are realizing that individual creativity is very important for future competitiveness in the world marketplace.
Training methods and user characteristics in end user computing
Authors: Blakey Peter , Phillips Chris , Bunnell Julie
Published: June 2010

Training is a critical factor in enabling users to make effective use of their computers. A variety of training methods have been proposed in the literature. These training methods will be considered within the framework of procedural and conceptual training, with special reference to their application in the training of novice end users in the use of applications software. The impact of learning styles and other user characteristics on the selection of training methods for use in this area is discussed. Finally, a current research programme to explore the effectiveness of training methods for novice end users is briefly described.
The cost of email interruption
Authors: Jackson Thomas , Dawson Ray , Wilson Darren
Published: June 2010

The use of email by employees at the Danwood Group was studied and it was found that the interrupt effect from emails is more than generally believed. Employees allowed themselves to be interrupted almost as frequently as telephone calls and the common reaction to the arrival of an email is to react almost as quickly as they would respond to telephone calls. This means the interrupt effect is comparable with that of a telephone call. The recovery time from an email interruption was found to be significantly less than the published recovery time for telephone calls. It is to be concluded, therefore, that while Email is still less disruptive than the telephone, the way the majority of users handle their incoming email has been shown to give far more interruption than expected. By analysing the data captured the authors have been able to create recommendations for a set of guidelines for email usage within the workplace that will increase employee efficiency by reducing the prominence of interruptions, restricting the use of email‐to‐all messages, setting‐up the email application to display three lines of the email and to check for email less frequently. It is recommended that training should be given to staff on how to use email more effectively to increase employee productivity.
Mobile e‐services: Creating added value for working mothers
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Carlsson Joanna , Nummila Sirpa
Published: June 2010

Mothers, especially working mothers, take an active role in many activities. They manage the family’s daily lives. They take care of children. They work or study. And they also strive to take care of themselves. Working mothers are normally overloaded with all kinds of tasks ‐ almost on a daily basis, year after year. Although there are many many kinds of useful information and services available over the Internet that could be a big help to mothers, working mothers or mothers with children around them at home are often so occupied that they cannot afford the luxury of sitting in front of a computer to access those services. So, what kind of services could help to make their lives a bit easier? Readily accessible mobile services over the wireless network seem to be exactly what they need. But what mobile e‐services do working mothers need? What is the specific added value offered by such services? These form the issues that we will address in this paper.
E‐commerce in the aerial mapping industry: A New Zealand case study
Authors: Al‐Qirim Nabeel A. Y.
Published: June 2010

This research describes the adoption and the usage of Internet commerce technologies (EC) in a small to medium‐sized business (SME) in New Zealand. The case study is part of the aerial mapping industry. By relying on the technological innovation theories in the context of small business, this research looks at determinants of EC adoption and success in this SME. The findings in this research highlight the importance of the technological factors in general and the relative advantage characteristic specifically in driving the EC phenomenon in the case study. The individual context has further endorsed the central role of the CEO and his characteristics in adopting new technological innovations. However, EC usage in business in the case study was limited and its success expected to happen in the long terms projections only. The research addresses both theoretical as well as professional contributions and highlights implications in EC research in the case study.
Internet banking systems: An exploration of contemporary issues
Authors: O’Reilly Philip , Finnegan Pat
Published: June 2010

Since 1995, Internet banking has allowed consumers to utilise the Internet as a platform to interact with their bank. Initially, the hype surrounding Internet banking was immense. However, more realistic expectations about the value of Internet channels and changes in the financial services sector are affecting opinions of Internet banking systems. This study examines contemporary Internet banking systems in five leading ‘clicks and mortar’ banks operating in the North‐Eastern part of the United States. The findings reveal a move towards viewing Internet banking as an operational rather than a competitive instrument, with consequential changes in how banks evaluate their Internet banking systems. The paper concludes by proposing some changes to expectations on how Internet banking is likely to develop.
A framework for evaluating the impact of the internet on business‐to‐business e‐commerce value delivery options
Authors: Young Leslie W. , Johnston Robert B.
Published: June 2010

There are a number of traditional business strategy theories that have been used to discuss business‐to‐business (B2B) e‐commerce strategy: Transaction Cost Economics, Resource‐Based View, Porter’s Market Forces Theory, and Channel Theory. However, there currently exists no comprehensive framework linking these theories into a method to rigorously assess value delivery strategies, and in particular to determine how to maximise the impact of the Internet as a value delivery channel. This paper answers this shortcoming by introducing a framework that draws together the main theories of strategic choice in a systematic fashion. In particular, the paper examines how different ways of delivering the same form of value (rather than particular products) from producer to customer may allow exploitation of the desirable features of the Internet to different degrees. By using a novel distribution business model from a real‐life case study to illustrate this framework, the paper uncovers several novel ways the Internet can enhance B2B strategy. The main contribution of the paper is the development of a formal, semi‐quantitative model of value delivery strategy evaluation, which can be used as a starting point for practical evaluation of strategy choices in particular settings, and also as a theoretical tool for discussing the role of the Internet in B2B e‐commerce in a more rigorous way.
Artificial hygiene: Non‐proliferation of viruses in cellular networks
Authors: Talukder Asoke K , Das Debabrata
Published: June 2010

Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spywares have been effective for quite sometime in the domain of digital computers. These malicious software cause millions of dollars of loss in assets, revenue, opportunity, cleanup cost, and lost productivity. To stop virus attacks, organizations frame up different security policies. These policies work only within the limited domain of the organization’s network. However, the emergence of wireless technologies, and the seamless mobility features of the wireless devices from one network to the other have created a challenge to uphold the security policies of a particular network. Hence, in this digital society, while mobile devices roam in foreign networks, they get infected through viruses in the foreign network. Anti‐virus software is not so effective for novel viruses. There have been no reports of mobile‐phone viruses in the wild as yet. However, with the emergence of execution environments on mobile phones, it will be possible to write viruses and worms for mobile devices in cellular networks. We should be prepared to fight against viruses in the cellular networks. All the technologies available to fight against viruses are specific to virus signatures. We propose that this fight needs to be multilayered. In this paper the authors have proposed a novel philosophy in cellular network called Artificial Hygiene (AH), which is virus neutral and will work at the class level. With this process a device and the network will take the necessary steps to keep the digital environment safe.
On‐line learning and the issue of service quality
Authors: Standing S. , Vasudavan T.
Published: June 2010

Many academics are being asked to develop virtual learning environments as part of their workload. It could be suggested that they are ill‐prepared to do so and hence are opening themselves up to criticism from students. This paper examines the concept of service quality which is used in the business world and explores its relevance for assessing on‐line learning environments. A framework of issues is presented to highlight issues and provide suggestions for improving the perception of service quality. The intangibility of the service and the service delivery channel create obstacles in the design and support of virtual learning environments. However, if instructors clearly define the service they are offering, effectively manage student expectations and use a range of methods to improve service quality they can go a long way in delivering service quality in their courses.
The corporate data model: A study of organisational practice
Authors: Beynon‐Davies Paul
Published: June 2010

In this paper we discuss an area of information systems management and development that appears to have been practised by many major European and US organisations: the area of corporate data modelling. However, rather suprisingly perhaps, it is clear that there is little theoretical or empirical literature devoted to this important issue. There is little empirical evidence to indicate the actual scale of adoption of this practice, and there is certainly little analytical material devoted to questions of the efficacy of this activity or considerations of good practice in this area. The main aim of this paper is to begin to offer some early empirical and analytical material on corporate data modelling. We have been conducting a study of a number of organisation’s experience of corporate data modelling in the UK. We would hope that an examination of the current corporate experience of corporate data modelling will stimulate a clearer discussion of the purposes and practices of this important area of modern information systems planning.
A framework for interpreting decision support system use in organisations
Authors: Doolin Bill
Published: June 2010

Traditional definitions of decision support systems emphasise their support role in individual decision making and utilise notions of rational choice. By considering decisions as an organisational activity, the interpretation of decision support systems use in organisations can move beyond this technical rational understanding, to include potential political and legitimating roles for these systems. These three possible interpretations are discussed in relation to the implementation of a large decision support system in a local government context described by Dutton (1981). In its technical role, the system was used as part of a rational planning agenda. However, the system was clearly also used politically, to promote particular interests and as a lever in negotiations between various groups. Part of the appeal of the decision support system was the appearance of rationality and technical neutrality that it gave to the planning and decision making process, and the legitimation it provided with external constituents. The paper concludes that an unquestioning acceptance of the technical received view of decision support system use is limiting, and that a more reflective approach to their development, implementation and use is required.
Identifying process support requirements to facilitate distributed group work: A longitudinal study
Authors: Nosek John , Mandviwalla Munir , Kock Ned
Published: June 2010

Mobile technology research focuses on supporting the individual mobile worker. CCSW research has primarily focused on supporting distributed, but fixed‐site workers. This research bridges both research foci by expanding to include mobile, anytime, anyplace support. The VLab (Virtual laboratory) provides anytime, anyplace process support for mobile software development teams. A longitudinal evaluation of group interactions in multiple extant teams establishes a baseline that helps to identify process support requirements. This baseline can be used to judge the effect of introducing process support technology that addresses specific context variables in group interactions.
Contribution by participants in face‐to‐face business meetings: Implications for collaborative technology
Authors: McQueen Robert J. , Rayner Karen , Kock Ned
Published: June 2010

Face‐to‐face business meetings are a widely used method of group interaction, and a rich source of data on what actually happens in group discussions. Active participation in a meeting is usually perceived to be making an oral contribution of some kind to the discussion. This paper describes a field study of ten face‐to‐face business meetings which were videotaped and subsequently analysed. Participant contributions were coded, and the data summarized. The mean contribution was approximately 12 seconds and 18 words. The most common contribution type was information giving. The highest single contributor in each meeting captured, on average, about 30% of the available airtime, while the two highest, combined, captured over half of the airtime. These findings are discussed within the context of requirements for designers of collaborative technology systems to support group interpersonal communication through the use of computing and data communication technologies.
Factors affecting entry‐level internet technology adoption by small business in Australia ‐ evidence from three cases
Authors: van Akkeren Jeanette K. , Cavaye Angèle L.M.
Published: June 2010

The adoption of Internet technologies by the small business sector is important to their on‐going survival. Yet, given the opportunities and benefits that Internet technologies can provide it has been shown that Australian small businesses are relatively slow in adopting them. This paper develops a model from recent literature on the facilitators and inhibitors to the adoption of Internet technologies by small business. Cross‐case analysis of findings from three case studies are presented. Findings indicate that perceived lack of business benefit, mistrust of the IT industry and lack of understanding of Internet technologies are major inhibitors to Internet adoption by small business.
Proportional hazards modeling of engine failures in military vehicles
Authors: Lorna Wong E. , Jefferis Timothy , Montgomery Neil
Published: June 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present a case study where proportional hazards modeling software is used to evaluate the potential benefits of a condition‐based maintenance policy for military vehicle diesel engines.

Design/methodology/approach

Maintenance records for diesel engines were supplied by the UK Ministry of Defence. A proportional hazards model based on these data was created using EXAKT software. Covariate parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood method and transition probabilities were established using a Markov Chain model. Finally, decision parameters were entered to create an optimal decision model.

Findings

Two significant covariates were identified as influencing the hazard rate of the engines. In addition, the optimal decision model indicated a potential economic saving of up to 30 per cent.

Practical implications

A model of this nature is particularly useful to predict failures, improve maintenance policies, and possibly reduce maintenance costs. In addition, the cost of implementing maintenance policies based on this model should be balanced with the potential to reduce the risk of danger to personnel.

Originality/value

The model presented provides military personnel with a decision tool that optimizes the maintenance policy for diesel engines installed in military vehicles.
Maintenance management in Italian manufacturing firms
Authors: Chinese Damiana , Ghirardo Gianni
Published: June 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to give a picture of maintenance management in Italian manufacturing firms supported by empirical evidence. The purpose is also to highlight how far maintenance performance and strategies are influenced by context and which measures and goals are within reach of small‐sized firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Frameworks for describing maintenance management and strategies derived from literature were reviewed and used to develop a questionnaire. A survey‐based empirical research involving a sample of 100 manufacturing firms was performed. Non‐parametric statistics are applied to highlight correlations and dependencies between contextual variables, maintenance strategies and performance.

Findings

Maintenance performance hardly seems a matter of size, while many elements of strategy certainly are. Some elements of strategy, in particular planning and control elements, seem to have little impact on performance. By contrast, an enhanced use of preventive maintenance and, above all, of condition‐based maintenance is demonstrated to be a highly effective action for maintenance improvement applicable to firms of all size.

Practical implications

The research may help managers to decide on maintenance strategic variables by deducing from the experience of many different firms whether, and how, strategies affect maintenance performance.

Originality/value

Besides giving a country's portrait, the empirical research addresses the links between strategies, context and performance, thereby understanding strategy in a broad sense and not just in terms of maintenance policies and concepts. In particular, the maintenance practices of small enterprises with fewer than 50 employees are studied, which has rarely been done in the literature.
Bayesian analysis of system availability with geometric failure law in life testing
Authors: Islam H.M. , Khan Maroof A.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to consider the problem of a system amenable to maintenance and to provide to posterior analysis, Bayesian point estimators and Bayesian availability analysis of a k− out of −m system with geometric failure as well as repair time distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The study considers a Bayesian approach, treats these population models as random quantities and makes good use of old information to construct a prior distribution model for these parameters, and then make use of current data to revise this starting assessment in the form of a posterior distribution model for the population model parameters, while the primary motivation to use a Bayesian reliability method is typically a desire to save on test time and materials cost.

Findings

The study clearly demonstrates that, when inspections are performed at specific intervals, time is not continuous and is measured on a discrete scale. It considers the number of successful cycles or operations before failure, then the repair process helps to improve the system reliability.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology represents an efficient way to evaluate the maintenance performance when time is not continuous and measured on a discrete scale.
Risk management within the electrical distribution supply industry in South East Queensland
Authors: Francis A , Skitmore M
Published: June 2010

The electrical distribution industry in South‐East Queensland is currently experiencing a period of rapid change as growth in the region far exceeds what could have been reasonably forecasted 10 years ago. It is due to this growth and the capacity requirements of customers that all distribution entities are significantly building up their program of works to meet this demand. Whilst this increased work is providing supply to the public, there is some uncertainty over the effects of this on the quality of the associated management involved due to the correspondingly increased amount of time and attention needed. Of especial concern is the extent to which effective project risk management is currently conducted or even possible under these circumstances. The research reported in this paper aimed to shed some light in this situation by capturing the ‘real world’ experiences, with respect to the risk management skills and application of those managers involved, and identify any deficiencies in current practice. This involved a questionnaire survey in 2004 of a sample of forty‐six project managers, representing a thirty‐one percent response rate, within the electrical distribution industry in South‐East Queensland. Surprisingly, in view of the supposed unusual local circumstances involved, the results agree substantially with previous studies of actual risk management practices generally in that there is an underutilisation of risk management due to manager’s concerns about the time and resources needed, together with a desire for a more thorough assessment of risks by means of a formal risk management process.
A benefits analysis of partnering: A case study of a community primary school
Authors: Emsley M
Published: June 2010

Partnering, which involves all members of the project team working together to improve performance through agreeing mutual objectives, is a construct; on procurement strategy encouraged by the UK Government, as it believed that such a strategy will provide best value, which is an aspect especially critical for public clients. Partnering may be strategic or applied to a specific project only. A regionally based main contractor (MC) constructed the Community Primary School (CPS) for a Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC) using a project partnering arrangement; such an arrangement was also in place between the main contractor and its key sub‐contractors. The overall conclusion, derived from the analysis of a case study carried out on the project, is that the CPS project has been a very successful project. Broadly, it was completed ahead of schedule, an achievement which undoubtedly would not have been possible without the use of partnering which allowed an overlap of the design and construction activities, there was a slight overspend above budget, the health and safety of people involved in its construction was not compromised and the finished product is of a high quality, fit for purpose.
Subcontractors’ liability for project delay
Authors: Greenwood David , Hogg Keith , Kan Stanley
Published: June 2010

The normal way of dealing with damages for delay in a construction contract is to use a Liquidated and Ascertained Damages clause. Such clauses specify a preset sum to be due to the client for every day, week or month by which the contractor fails to meet the works completion date. However, the greater part of the value of construction work is actually carried out by subcontractors, and there is little or no published evidence as to how their contractual responsibilities for delays are determined and pursued. Theoretically, there are a number of possibilities (none of which is entirely satisfactory to both parties) and the logic and implications of each is discussed. A survey was conducted to discover the methods that are actually used, their incidence, and whether it was possible to relate the different approaches to the attributes of particular subcontractors or to specific situations. The most commonly encountered approach was for subcontract damages to be based upon a proportion of those set under the main contract. Interestingly, this is neither the approach incorporated within industry‐standard subcontract conditions, nor is it the one preferred by subcontractors. Furthermore, this method places considerable risks on the main contractor due to the possibilities of under‐recovery and the creation of secondary risks. This method, indeed all the methods that were encountered, seems to be the result of a rather uneasy compromise between the parties, the outcome of which may be related to their relative bargaining power.
An evaluation of contractors’ satisfaction with payment terms influencing construction cash flow
Authors: Odeyinka Henry A. , Kaka Ammar
Published: June 2010

Construction cash flow models developed in previous researches demonstrated that cash flow profiles vary for differing procurement methods. However, the issue of whether contractors are satisfied or dissatisfied with payment terms impacting cash flows in differing procurement methods is yet to be investigated. This is the concern of this study. The study identified from literature, payment terms potentially thought to impact construction cash flow. Using a 6‐point Likert‐type scale, a questionnaire survey was administered to UK construction contractors in order to assess their level of satisfaction with identified payment terms influencing construction cash flow. Responses from the survey, which focused on traditional and design and build procurement methods were analysed using mean response analysis and one‐way analysis of variance. Results showed that while contractors were satisfied with most of the contractual factors investigated under both procurement systems, they were dissatisfied with two of the factors, namely, time lag between entitlement to receive and actually receiving cash payment and percentage of contract sum retained. This dissatisfaction calls for action to consider devising alternative means of dealing with retention and delay payments.
Vandalism: a product of environmental design?
Authors: Heron Elizabeth , Bowen Paul , Lincoln David
Published: June 2010

This study presents findings on the spatial distribution of vandalism and the nature and extent of vandalism within Manenberg, a residential township in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The focus of the study is on the impact of the design of the built environment on vandalism. Design factors of the built environment, most notably, the distribution and type of buildings and open spaces are examined as possible influences on the incidence of vandalism, and population density, type and size of household, and property ownership are considered as relevant demographic variables. The methodology adopted for the study involves the collection and interpretation of official police statistics of vandalism over a seven‐year period (1992‐1999). The statistical data are combined with the 1996 population census for the area. The statistical data are examined and presented in three focus areas: the frequency of vandalism, the nature of vandalism, and the location of vandalism. The study then examines the association between the design of the built environment and vandalism levels. In conclusion, the likely cost implications of vandalism are discussed.
Factors affecting cost and time performance on highway construction projects: Evidence from Thailand
Authors: Meeampol S , Ogunlan S O
Published: June 2010

This study investigates the cost and time performance of highway projects from the viewpoint of the public owner. It differs from previous studies which focused on the contractor’s perspective on project performance. A total of 13 success factors were identified from literature and the opinions of experienced engineers. Data was collected from 99 projects handled by the Department of Highways (DOH) in Thailand Discriminant analysis was used in this study to build the cost and time predictive models, which were generated from samples of cases, which had already been grouped and known as successful and unsuccessful projects. The models were then applied to new cases with measurements for the predictor variables, to predict that the projects were either successful or unsuccessful. The results show that success in cost performance depends on the management of construction resources, budget management, construction method, and communication. By contrast, schedule management and human resource management inhibit cost performance. Success in time performance depends on choice of construction method, management of construction resources, schedule management, supervision and control, and communication. Quality management, budget management, human resource management, owner involvement, and team relationships impede time performance
A model for contractors’ selection in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunsemi D R , Aje I O
Published: June 2010

Construction projects in Nigeria are generally characterized by cost and time overrun, substandard work, disputes and abandonment; emanating from several factors of which the wrong choice of contractors is a key factor. This study evaluated the criteria adopted by clients and consultants in contractors’ selection in Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of questionnaire administered on clients and consultants within the Nigerian construction industry. Also prequalification/bid evaluation scores for eighty contractors were collected based on the criteria used in assessing them. The data collected were analysed with the aid of mean score and regression analysis. The result showed that past performance; contractors’ experience; workmanship quality; tender sum; and plant and equipment were the most important criteria for contractors’ prequalification/bid evaluation in Nigeria. A contractors’ selection model was eventually derived based on some of the identified factors. The goodness of fit of the model as defined by the value of r2 was found to be 99%. This therefore implies that only 1% is explained by other independent variables not included in the regression equation; hence the suitability of the model for contractors’ selection in Nigeria.
A model for integrating cost management and production planning and control in construction
Authors: Kern Andrea P. , Formoso Carlos T.
Published: June 2010

Traditional cost management systems adopted by construction firms have many problems, which are widely discussed in the literature: the information provided by them is usually too late, and tends to be too aggregated and too distorted to be relevant for production management. The main objective of this research work is to propose a project cost planning and control model for construction firms. This model aims to support the development of production management systems, in which cost management and production planning and control can be gradually integrated, in order to overcome the existing limitations of cost accounting systems. The scope of the model was limited to building projects carried out by small and medium sized companies, involved in both product development and production. The development of the model was based on the literature review and also on the results of nine empirical studies conducted in four different Brazilian construction firms. The model suggests the integrated application of three fairly well known cost management techniques: operational cost estimating, S‐curves and target costing. By using this set of tools, it is expected that cost management will become more proactive, and able to deal with the dynamic, uncertain and complex construction environment that exists in most projects. The model was partially tested in two case studies, in which it provided key information for supporting decision making related to design, production planning and contracts with suppliers.
Intra‐urban residential mobility and property markets: Theory and evidence
Authors: Hui Eddie C.M.
Published: June 2010

Mobility has wide‐range impacts on the financial management of property issues, such as consumption and investment. In the literature of residential mobility, household life cycle is widely acknowledged as an important concept. An array of household demographic factors such as age has been repeatedly found to be significant in influencing mobility. Many previous researches offer few verifi able hypotheses or propositions and their results are conflicting. Some of them also suffer methodological inadequacies. This paper is an attempt to rectify this situation. There are two important contributions by the current research. One is a methodology that employs multivariate methods, which fills the gap of previous research. The second contribution is the large census dataset of Hong Kong which is rare in previous studies. The research is conducted under the framework of life cycle models with emphasis on economic and demographic variables of households. Demographic determinants are found to be more important in explaining population mobility among rental households while economic factors are more pertinent for owners. This may be explained by the different strategies adopted by renters and owners in satisfying their housing needs. Renters are envisaged to base their mobility decisions more on demographic factors. Owners, on the other hand, tend to view home buying as an investment as well and hence put more emphasis on economic factors. It is hoped that this research can shed more light on the topic of residential mobility by drawing on the experience of a large population residing in a small place, Hong Kong
Developing general indicator cost indices for the Egyptian construction industry
Authors: Hassanein AMR A G , Khalil Bahaee N L
Published: June 2010

The main objective of this study is to initiate general building cost indicators to serve as cost indicators for the construction industry in Egypt. The two models (Egypt 1 and Egypt 2 Indices) developed for building the indices in this paper have been derived based on the “Engineering News Record” (ENR) Indices model with modifications to better suit the Egyptian market. Egypt 1 Indices is comprised of three indices which serve as a general cost indicator for the construction industry price movement in Egypt. Egypt 2 Indices is comprised of two indices which serve as a construction cost indicator for the reinforced concrete structures price movement in Egypt. The period analyzed in this research is 11 years (1988 through to 1998). The validation of index numbers produced showed that each index does indeed represent the respective type of building for which it was computed. Further, the analysis of Egypt Indices compared to the ENR Indices revealed that both indices exhibited trends that are generally similar from the year 1992 up to 1998.
Relationships between total construction cost and design related variables
Authors: Lowe David J , Emsley Margaret W , Harding Anthony
Published: June 2010

This paper seeks to redress the omission in recent literature on the influence of project strategic, site related and design related variables on the cost of construction. It presents, in part, the results of an investigation into the influence of 41 independent variables on both construction cost and client cost, concentrating on design related variables. Data were collected from 286 construction projects in the United Kingdom and correlation and test for differences were used to determine the relationships that exist between the dependent and independent variables. The analysis ascertains the cost ranking of many design related variables and establishes other relationships which exist within the data, confirming many of the relationships that had been anticipated from the literature. It also established the ordinal sequence of several nominal variables. These data, therefore, can be confidently used to develop models of the total cost of construction as verified by the development of both regression analysis and neural network cost models
Management of change order claims in the Egyptian industrial construction sector
Authors: Hassanein AMR A G , El Nemr Waleed
Published: June 2010

The term claim has become of paramount significance in construction projects worldwide. This research is targeted at providing a deeper insight of the status of claims management in general and change order claims in particular with respect to the Egyptian industrial construction sector, as change orders have proven to be the main cause of claims in this sector. A questionnaire focusing on persistent issues noted in construction management literature within the past fifteen years was addressed to a selected sample of Egyptian construction industrial projects. The results furnished by the sampled projects demonstrated clearly that claims management in the Egyptian industrial construction sector has been suffering from a variety of impediments, including lack of proper notification procedures in public contracts and poor documentation management. The results indicated that oral change orders were present in nearly 76% of the sample projects and that half of these oral changes resulted in loss of rights due to improper documentation, which could be attributed to the lack of the contract awareness of the site team and to the “fear of consultant” phenomenon. The main cause of change orders was categorised by approximately 67% of the respondents as the additional scope of work, which was largely attributed to the fast track nature of the industrial sector. The research also identified several factors associated with time and cost increases of the sampled projects, among which were: private ownership and unit rate contracts. Finally, several recommendations for improving claims management are put forward. They included: the formation of a unified form of general contract condition for all the Egyptian industrial sector; the use of information technology systems in lieu of traditional filing procedures and the inclusion of a float‐sharing provision in contracts.
Impact of firm characteristics on the value of resources for Malaysian private housing developers
Authors: Abdul‐Aziz Abul‐Rashid , Shiew Yi Ho , Jaafar Mastura
Published: June 2010

Using the resource‐based view, a study was conducted to identify resources required to successfully compete in the Malaysian housing development industry. Data was collected using postal questionnaires and interviews. From the statistical tests done on the data, it was found that variation in certain firm characteristics influenced the value the respondents attached to certain resources. In addition, the more housing segments the developers operated, the more emphasis are given to organisational strategy and policies. There is an inverted‐U relationship between product diversification and trade secrets and innovation, with the maximum value at four housing segments. The housing developers that practise strategic management emphasised significantly more on management expertise and experience than those that did not. No variation in the value attached to resources was found when the other two firm characteristics, i.e. legal status and geographical diversification, were examined. Given the small number of companies that participated in the study, the results should be treated with circumspect. What the study provided though are grounds for more in‐depth study to be conducted.
The impact of flood insurance on residential property prices: Towards a new theoretical framework for the United Kingdom market
Authors: Lamond Jessica , Proverbs David , Antwi Adarkwah
Published: June 2010

The supposition that the availability and cost of insurance will have an effect on house prices is often accepted as fact. However the mechanism for this supposed impact has not been clearly articulated and the hypothesis is far from proven in the UK market. Measurement of the effect of insurance is complicated by the fact that the parties are acting in the presence of incomplete information and that insurance costs can act as a proxy for other value drivers such as flood risk. Models useful in other countries cannot be applied sensibly to the UK market because of the unique properties of the UK insurance regime. Novel hypotheses are suggested for the three principal ways in which the availability and cost of insurance might influence the prospective property transfer. A method for testing one of these hypotheses is proposed using a quasi‐experimental approach with the aim of determining whether a relationship between insurance cost and house price does indeed exist.