bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture change through the use of appropriate pricing systems
Authors: Kaka Ammar , Wong Chee , Fortune Chris , Langford David
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how practitioners have not fully responded to calls for change in culture. Given that construction teams are motivated by several key factors including money, payment systems may play a major role in facilitating this change. Traditional pricing methods are still found to be the most popular system but often criticised for their contribution to the adversarial culture witnessed in the industry. Alternative pricing systems aimed at aligning constructors' behaviour with clients' objectives are emerging. As a result, the choice of an appropriate pricing system must be based on the circumstances surrounding the project and the likelihood that the system is to influence behaviour positively. This paper aims to propose an analytical hierarchic process (AHP) to help the industry do that.

Design/methodology/approach

The AHP consists of a MCDM hierarchy structure, pair‐wise comparisons, and the calculation of the relative priorities of MCDM attributes. The attributes used have been identified through a series of interviews followed by postal questionnaires.

Findings

The paper results in the development of a decision aid tool for use by the industry to select appropriate pricing systems. This tool identifies seven project objectives as being important for deciding on what pricing system to adopt.

Originality/value

There has been limited research on how pricing systems are being selected, or should be selected. The novelty of this paper stems from the subject area being addressed, rather than the methodologies being adopted.
Collaborative project information management in a semantic web environment
Authors: Anumba C.J. , Pan J. , Issa R.R.A. , Mutis I.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The advent of web services and the semantic web have opened up opportunities for a new generation of interoperable systems on the web. The purpose of this paper is to show the importance of semantics in design and construction, and how this has long been recognised and addressed to varying extents by researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

There is now the potential for designs to be developed through a system of collaborating design services and for input by the construction team members. The potential also extends to the construction phase where the designers can provide more timely responses to problems encountered in the field. Within this environment, there is the need for effective mechanisms for design and construction information management, in addition to an ontology that facilitates the sharing of design and construction information and the underlying semantics. This paper explores these trends in collaborative design and construction, and presents an ontology‐based approach to project information management in a semantic web environment.

Findings

The findings include a framework for semantic web‐based information management (SWIMS), which provides for effective collaborative information management. Examples, based on design and construction information, are presented to illustrate the key concepts.

Originality/value

This paper presents an innovative approach to overcoming the limitations of conventional information management approaches in construction. The proposed approach is expected to enhance collaboration, and avoid information loss, overload and misunderstanding,
Structural equation model of construction safety culture
Authors: Chinda Thanwadee , Mohamed Sherif
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper sets out to describe the development and empirical testing of a structural equation model of construction safety culture. A key contribution of the model is providing insights into the interactions among safety culture enablers, and the relation between those enablers (what the organisation is doing) and safety culture goals (what the organisation aims to achieve) in the context of the Thai construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the internationally recognised EFQM Excellence model, this paper empirically examines the interactions and causal relationships between five enablers (i.e. Leadership, Policy and strategy, People, Partnerships and resources and Processes) and safety outcome (i.e. Goals). The paper utilises the structural equation modelling technique to test the hypothesised positive inter‐relationships between the enablers and goals. A questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of construction contracting organisations operating in Thailand to elicit opinions on the different attributes in the context of their current safety practices and performance.

Findings

Supported by empirical evidence, this study established that firstly, the Leadership enabler directly influences the implementation of Policy and Strategy, however, its effect on Partnerships and Resources appears to be an indirect one; secondly, Partnerships and Resources was found to indirectly affect Processes through Policy and Strategy, which likewise appears to be indirectly influenced by the People enabler.

Originality/value

This study provides a greater understanding of the interactions between the key elements of safety culture (enablers and goals), and among the enablers themselves.
The contractor's use of life cycle costing on PFI projects
Authors: Swaffield L.M. , McDonald A.M.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate attitudes and opinions of quantity surveyors working for design and construction contractors regarding the importance and use of life cycle costing within private finance initiative (PFI) projects, and the subsequent effects on the maintenance budgets of the facilities management contractor within the PFI consortium.

Design/methodology/approach

This research includes a literature review, a questionnaire survey, four semi‐structured interviews and a case study of a facilities management contractor that operated on a completed PFI project.

Findings

The research identified that contractors' quantity surveyors generally did consider life cycle costs when procuring new products/elements for PFI projects, but in certain circumstances, such as during exceptionally busy times or when working within tight construction budgets, life cycle costs were not considered and procurement decisions for some products/elements were made on the basis of lowest capital cost. The research found that the occasional failure of contractors' quantity surveyors to consider life cycle costs had significant financial risk implications for the facilities management contractors, as there were likely to be increased maintenance costs in the future, compared to the original budget for maintenance costs.

Originality/value

This research will be of interest to industry professionals working on PFI projects, particularly quantity surveyors and facilities management contractors. Academic researchers with an interest in life cycle costing will benefit from the information on the practicalities of managing costs on a PFI project.
Implementation of innovation by manufacturers subcontracting to construction projects
Authors: Manley Karen
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role played by manufacturers of patented products on construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Four projects are reviewed to investigate the research question “How can manufacturers ensure the successful implementation of their product innovations on construction projects?”

Findings

Using a framework comprising six key innovation determinants, case‐study analysis demonstrates the critical role played by relationships and knowledge‐flows in creating conditions that support project‐based innovation by manufacturers. Such conditions comprise: advanced procurement systems, robust internal firm competencies, performance‐based regulations, effective technical support providers, and project‐imbedded manufacturers.

Research limitations/implications

The study was designed to meet industry needs and hence does not emphasise theoretical aspects.

Practical implications

Manufacturers can improve the diffusion of their product innovations on construction projects by using relationship networks to promote the above conditions, or to locate contexts where such conditions prevail, or to leverage those conditions that are most favourable.

Originality/value

The paper addresses four gaps in the construction management literature: there is very little literature on the role of manufacturers in innovation on construction projects; the literature on subcontractors tends to assume easily substitutable supplies; there is a focus in the literature on large projects, and the literature is dominated by quantitative studies. By undertaking a qualitative analysis of manufacturers of patented products subcontracting to small projects, this paper addresses the above shortcomings.
Claims management in the Egyptian industrial construction sector
Authors: Hassanein Amr A.G. , El Nemr Waleed
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This research aims to provide a better insight into the status of claims management in general, and change order claims in particular, from the contractor's perspective with respect to the Egyptian industrial construction sector, as they proved to be the main cause of claims in this sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey discussing the most persistent issues of claims management in general, and change order claims in particular, was conducted on a selected sample of construction industrial companies.

Findings

The results demonstrated that claims management in the Egyptian industrial sector has been suffering from a variety of obstacles, including lack of proper notification procedures in public contracts and poor documentation management. Change orders had been actually lost due to poor documentation. Oral change orders were present in approximately 76 percent of the projects; half of which resulted in loss of rights due to improper documentation, which was largely attributed to the lack of contract awareness of the site team, and to the “fear of consultant phenomenon”.

Practical implications

The paper presents several recommendations for improving claims management including: the formation of a standard form of contract general conditions for the Egyptian industrial sector, and applying a methodological approach for change orders quantification.

Originality/value

The increasing number of international companies contemplating construction projects in Egypt, and the significant problems with regards to claims propagation and management, addressed the need to conduct such a study, which targets one of the most challenging areas in the Egyptian construction industry.
The ethics of conservation: some dilemmas in cultural built heritage projects in England
Authors: Mansfield John R.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to offer a contribution to the development of conservation scheme management by examining some of the ethical dilemmas that are commonly encountered in conservation projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a detailed and critical review of existing literature and recent policy direction.

Findings

A practitioner's response to the various dilemmas will not only need to be conditioned by the codes of conduct of the various professional institutions but also through the explicit recognition of the very different set of ethical dilemmas that are encountered in conservation projects.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the broader appreciation of the ethical dilemmas that may be encountered in contemporary conservation practice. The paper can inform conservation consultants, administrators, specialist trades, educators and the non‐specialist reader.
Analysis of the quality attributes used in establishing best value tenders in the UK social housing sector
Authors: Phillips Steve , Martin Jim , Dainty Andrew , Price Andrew
Published: January 2010

Purpose

A number of studies have highlighted the problems and challenges that have been encountered with the analysis of best value and partnering tenders carried out in the UK public sector. One of the principal issues is that client organisations and decision makers have to assess numerous diverse quality attributes as part of the contractor selection process. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of research, which aimed to identify the core factors, which could be used to differentiate bids in the context of social housing.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was sent to a cross‐section of stakeholders within the social housing sector asking the respondents to rank the importance of 35 attributes with respect to selecting a successful contractor. The responses were subjected to principal component analysis to detect a structure in the relationship between the attributes and classify the attributes into a set of factors.

Findings

The results indicate that the 35 attributes could be grouped together and reduced to ten core factors.

Practical implications

Application of the results could enable the stakeholders to streamline the tender analysis procedure allowing the high volume of tenders to be dealt with more effectively and efficiently.

Originality/value

It is not expected that client organisations would limit their tender analysis to the ten core factors only. They are not intended to be prescriptive and the paper only provides a starting point in using them in the choice of contractor selection quality attributes.
The role of climate for innovation in enhancing business performance
Authors: Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Stewart Rodney A. , Mohamed Sherif
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Innovation and the process of diffusion have been widely acknowledged as hinging upon the complex social psychological process. Invariably, such a process manifests itself in the form of “climate” in an organisation, which influences people's behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the roles of a facet‐specific climate, namely “climate for innovation” in determining innovation‐related outcomes. In particular, this paper focuses on interrelationships and roles of specific constructs forming such climate. Additionally, this paper attempts to determine the efficacy of innovation by examining the relationship between outcomes of innovation diffusion and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model incorporating three climate for innovation constructs including leadership, team, and organisational culture along with two constructs addressing innovation diffusion outcomes and business performance was developed. Statistical analyses, specifically exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM), were conducted based on the data collected from a questionnaire survey of 181 design professionals employed in Australian architecture and engineering design (AED) firms. EFA was employed as a preliminary step to ascertain the factors underlying each construct, and SEM was sequentially utilised to determine the factor structure of the model and to assess the relationships between model constructs.

Findings

The results revealed that perceived organisational culture functions as a gateway to the diffusion of innovation, by mediating the relationships between leadership and team climate, and innovation diffusion outcomes. More importantly, it was found that all pathways to innovation diffusion outcomes originated from the leadership construct, highlighting its critical role in creating a supportive culture that fosters and nurtures innovation. Finally, the findings warranted the benefits of innovation by demonstrating its significant contribution to business performance in AED firms.

Originality/value

The study presents an empirically developed model depicting pathways that explain the mechanisms of climate for innovation constructs in determining the degree of innovation diffusion outcomes and business performance. The model can potentially form the foundations of a framework for firms seeking to diagnose their existing condition and use such findings to enhance the diffusion of innovation that could, in turn, strengthen their business performance.
Flow modelling of construction site materials and waste logistics
Authors: Shakantu Winston , Muya Mundia , Tookey John , Bowen Paul
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the nature and extent of the current practice of logistics in the construction industry and to investigate the utility of reverse logistics in a construction context.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot study was utilised to devise a method for the identification and measurement of parameters for incorporation within a process of construction site logistics optimisation. Data on vehicular movements were collected from seven sites in Cape Town. The data were used to design a flow model of material delivery and waste removal vehicular movements.

Findings

The results showed that in terms of transport distribution, of all vehicle movements observed, 62.6 per cent were classified as material delivery and 26.3 per cent as construction and demolition (C&D) waste removal. This ratio approximates to 2.4 materials delivery journeys to one waste removal journey. An optimised integrated materials delivery and waste removal logistics model is presented.

Practical implications

The research has highlighted the potential for integration of building materials and C&D waste logistics. Based on the ratio of 2.4:1, up to 26.3 per cent of vehicular movements transiting sites could be eliminated by allowing material delivery vehicles to back‐haul waste to points of disposal, reuse or reclamation.

Originality/value

The potential use of “reverse logistics” in a construction context is demonstrated, as is the scope for the utilisation of spare capacity through the application of the reverse logistics concept and the possible reduction in unit costs and numbers of empty vehicular movements.
Claimants' view of the performance of adjudication in new South Wales
Authors: Uher T.E. , Brand M.C.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper forms part of on‐going research project being undertaken by the authors into performance of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) (hereafter referred to as “the act”), which commenced in amended form on 3 March 2003. The aim of the research was to examine the performance of the act and observe what trends, if any, have emerged in the adjudication process in New South Wales from a claimants' viewpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional survey of claimants was undertaken using a comprehensive multiple‐choice questionnaire administered by post. In answering the questions, the sampled claimants were required to draw on their experience with the adjudication process in their “most recent” payment claim dispute case. Crosstabs were used to determine a frequency distribution of selected variables. The Chi‐square test of independence was performed for the data collected to measure a degree of independence between the selected variables. The nil hypothesis (H0) tested is whether variables are independent. Where appropriate, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated.

Findings

The research reveals that: subcontractors' payment claims are generally smaller in value than those made by general contractors; that degree of lawyer involvement in the adjudication process is substantial in terms of document preparation; that the higher the amount of payment claim, the greater the time input on part of claimants in the preparation of an adjudication application; that a positive correlation exists between the actual value of payment claim and its adjudicated amount and the amount of adjudication fees and the adjudicated amount, and that filing of an adjudication certificate in a court is the most successful means of payment recovery.

Originality/value

It is generally accepted that the parties in the construction industry who carry out construction work, or supply goods and services under a construction contract are afforded little or no security of payment. The object of act is to ensure that any person who undertakes to carry out construction work (or who undertakes to supply related goods and services) under a construction contract is entitled to receive, and is able to recover, progress payments in relation to the carrying out of that work and the supplying of those goods and services. Thus, the research looks to contribute to existing knowledge for the purpose of concluding whether or not the Act produces the expected result of increasing security of payment, and whether the results are consistent with the reason for the act.
Modelling customer perceived service quality in housing construction
Authors: Forsythe Perry
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a theoretical model concerning the way service quality impacts on the perceptions of customers in housing construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on marketing theory merged with construction concepts. The Australian housing industry is used as a basis for creating a generalised market scenario. Parasuraman et al.'s “gap model” is adapted to suit the design and construction process by merging it with elements of Winch et al.'s model of service quality in construction projects.

Findings

The model arising from the research shows a structured and contextualised view of how service quality theoretically occurs in housing construction. It differs from previous models in so far as recognising that customers make service quality judgements progressively during the design and construction process, rather than waiting for the end product to emerge. Such judgements may influence the direction and dynamics of the project.

Originality/value

The paper fosters interdisciplinary research and the resulting model has the potential to facilitate the development of customer profiles so that housing contractors can improve management techniques and use service quality as a means of seeking competitive advantage in the market place.
Construction management strategy and developer performance
Authors: Anikeeff Michael A. , Sriram Ven
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Construction and development firms are going through major reorganizations in trying to define a profitable structure – including deciding whether to include construction operations as part of the firm or to outsource it. This paper aims to analyze the relationship between firm size, construction management strategy and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews relevant strategic management literature and reports the results of an empirical survey research study of 80 US real estate developers.

Findings

The results showed that there was no significant performance difference between firms that performed construction activities in‐house as opposed to those that outsourced it. However, the impact of construction strategy on performance may occur through its effect on size and size was negatively associated with performance. In addition, among the smaller firms, the ones that outsourced construction outperformed those that did construction in‐house.

Research limitations/implications

The results are in line with the findings of similar studies from other industries. In order to add to the generalizability of these findings, future studies should include larger samples and non‐US firms.

Originality/value

The study links the general strategic management literature to organizational issues of construction and development firms. Findings suggest that the scale of operation of the industry is such that even large development firms have too small a market share to take advantage of vertical integration of construction.
Pre‐construction evaluation practices of sustainable housing projects in the UK
Authors: Essa Ranya , Fortune Chris
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Considering sustainability during the cost estimating process is vital for the successful integration of sustainable features within a construction project. The UK Government has adopted the principles of sustainable development, and social housing projects now have to achieve the EcoHomes “very good” rating as a prerequisite to Government grant funding. This policy has important implications for all those organisations involved in new social housing building projects and it will place sustainability and its assessments at the heart of housing procurement practice. The purpose of this paper is to examine the pre‐construction evaluation practices of sustainable housing projects in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was undertaken to capture data regarding the importance and the cost significance of sustainable factors from a randomised sample of 600 quantity surveying, housing associations, and architectural organisations based in the UK. An initial and follow‐up administration of the postal survey generated an overall response of 41.5 per cent. Relative rankings for EcoHomes factors according to their perceived importance and their cost impact on the price of housing projects are established, and the work identifies the factors that should be considered in order to develop a model that links the project price forecasting and the evaluation of sustainability together at the feasibility stage of social housing projects.

Findings

EcoHomes factors were ranked in this survey according to their importance as follows: “energy”, “materials”, “pollution”, “water”, “health and well being”, “ecology and land use”, and finally “transport”. These results revealed that the environmental aspects of sustainability continue to be the most common aspect of sustainability to be considered, as compared to the economic or social benefits of the potential project irrespective of organisational type responding to the survey. As a result the work identified a need to develop an aid for practitioners to use when involved in the early stage evaluation of sustainable social housing projects.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information on the pre‐construction evaluation practices of sustainable housing projects in the UK.
An exploration of the adaptive strategies of working families in the Australian construction industry
Authors: Lingard Helen , Francis Valerie
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify the adaptive strategies of couples in which at least one spouse/partner is employed in a professional role in the Australian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Most studies of work‐family balance identify the determinants and outcomes of work‐family conflict for individual employees. However, there is a growing recognition that analyses or work hours and coping strategies require a couple‐level analysis. The reason for this is that couples lead “linked lives” in which the work circumstances and experiences of one spouse/partner inevitably impact on the other spouse/partner. Quantitative and qualitative data are combined to reveal the adaptive strategies used by workers in the Australian construction industry in juggling their work and non‐work lives.

Findings

The results reveal that standard construction industry work practices present significant challenges for dual earner couples. Adaptive strategies are highly gendered, most frequently involving wives or female domestic partners reducing their involvement in paid work.

Practical implications

The intensification of work and demographic shifts have created a “time squeeze” for many families who juggle two paid jobs with their family goals and responsibilities. Failure to provide regular (and reasonable) hours of employment in the construction industry is likely to discourage the entry of young male and female employees, particularly those who desire a more “hands on” experience of parenting.

Originality/value

The analysis of “within‐couple” adaptive strategies builds on previous individual level analyses of work‐life balance in construction and suggests that long and inflexible work hours promote adaptive strategies based upon a gendered “breadwinner‐home‐maker” model.
Measuring organisational learning through project reviews
Authors: Keeble Kululanga Grant , Shaibu Kuotcha Witness
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Some of the vital lessons that could have been learned from project reviews are lost by contractors because of lack of a structured framework for undertaking them. Even though the construction business environment has moved toward modernising some of its business processes, unnecessary loss of lessons still characterise the industry. This paper aims to report a study that explores the development of a structured tool for measuring the constructs of the project review process in order to ensure organisational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

To ascertain the significance of the project review process, a study was undertaken in Malawi. A questionnaire survey was employed to elicit data on the constructs of the project review process that was distributed to Malawian registered construction contractors. Of the 84 sampled construction contractors, 60 completed questionnaires were received.

Findings

The results suggest that size and experience play a significant role in the way that construction contractors appropriate lessons from the various constructs of project reviews. Furthermore, the enablers of project review were significantly correlated to lessons learned, shared and planned for implementation at p <0.01 for a correlation coefficient of 0.875. However, implementation plans and application of total quality management tools in conducting project reviews had by far the least mean scores.

Research limitations/implications

The study forms the basis for further research; replication of this study to other parts of world could yield rich lessons for construction industry.

Originality/value

The constructs of project review process employed in this study can be used to design intervention frameworks for capturing lessons learned.
Factors influencing the culture of a construction project organisation
Authors: Ankrah N.A. , Proverbs D. , Debrah Y.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

It is widely recognised that improving project delivery in construction requires a consideration of the culture within the project organisation that is often associated with fragmentation, antagonism, mistrust, poor communication, finger‐pointing, machismo, and sexism. Many have thus called for cultural change on construction projects. However, change can only take place when there is an understanding of the drivers of culture within the construction project organisation (CPO). Given the argument in cultural theory that culture reflects distinct adaptations to the environments in which people operate, this research seeks to look for empirical evidence that the culture of the CPO is associated with particular features of construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodology approach was employed with qualitative data collected through semi‐structured interviews, and quantitative data on project features and cultural orientations collected through a questionnaire survey of UK contractors.

Findings

Factor analysis revealed five principal cultural dimensions: workforce orientation, performance orientation, team orientation, client orientation, and project orientation. It was found that these five dimensions are associated with a number of key project features, in particular project size, complexity, influence of participants like the quantity surveyor, client and main contractor, the level of importance of cost and health and safety (H&S), location, and the number of variations. Significantly, no evidence was found to confirm that the procurement approach adopted influenced culture.

Originality/value

The findings provide some insight into the cultural consequences of project features, awareness of which is essential if appropriate strategies are to be developed to mitigate the negative impacts of culture.
Industrial management approaches for improving material control in building services works
Authors: Wan Sammy K.M. , Kumaraswamy Mohan M.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Given increasing user aspirations for comfort, connectivity, health, safety and security, the building services subsector now plays an even greater role in construction. It also contributes heavily to construction debris. Hypothesising that improved materials control can help reduce construction debris considerably, this paper aims to investigate relevant critical production shortcomings that generate construction debris in building services works.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant previous research studies on main causes of waste are first reviewed. Findings from a brainstorming exercise at a focus group meeting provide the basis for a series of structured face‐to‐face interviews with experienced site supervisors. Subsequent analysis of the interview findings, together with deductive reasoning, leads to the development of the proposed improvement strategies.

Findings

The most significant causes of production shortcomings identified in the study are poor coordination of processes or trades, inappropriate site storage and inadequate protection of materials. Industrial management principles help to develop suitable building services storage principles and to propose an industrial flow pattern incorporating barcoding and RFID tracking technologies.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are a useful comparative reference for other countries, where the study methodology may be replicated to generate region‐specific findings.

Originality/value

By applying the suggested proposals at the material control stage, this important but little studied subsector can both reduce production shortcomings and help lessen the burden on local landfills by reducing “conflicts” between competing resources and storage areas, and by the early mobilisation of specialist contractors to resolve uncertainties and reduce rework.
Exploratory factors influencing design practice learning within a Thai context
Authors: Peansupap Vachara , Walker Derek H.T.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Development of staff learning enhances work productivity and sustains organizational development. In particular, design practitioners require both theoretical knowledge and mentoring with their practical experience. Without extensive knowledge, designers may produce design work errors that produce poor quality of work and this leads to project cost and time overruns. This paper aims to explore staff's perception of the factors that influence learning in construction design companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty‐six variables are reviewed from literature, and evaluated by 70 designers from construction design and consulting firms in Thailand. A factor analysis technique is applied to the group of identified variables.

Findings

Eight factors that affect staff learning are identified: organizational support for learning; group learning; individual learning and sharing; absorptive capability; personal relationships; characteristics of the knowledge source; learning equilibrium; and work characteristics.

Practical implications

Knowledge of these factors can help senior managers deal with learning within these kinds of organizations. In addition, these factors can be used to assess the level of support that facilitates learning within an organization.

Originality/value

Construction designers have had scant attention paid to them by researchers regarding how they develop their learning. Moreover, recent work on knowledge transfer in the construction industry has tended to focus on countries such as the UK and Australia, with little work done in Asian countries. This paper attempts to help bridge that gap within a design context using data from Thai construction design companies.
The use of formalised risk management approaches by UK design consultants in conservation refurbishment projects
Authors: Mansfield John R.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent and nature of use of formalised risk management tools and techniques by UK design consultants – chartered architects and chartered building surveyors – in conservation refurbishment projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of risk management literature, a detailed questionnaire is prepared and considered by a focus group. Post‐revision, nearly 700 postal questionnaires are distributed to chartered architects and chartered building surveyors specialising in conservation work in the UK. The questionnaire contains Likert‐scale and closed‐end questions. Response data is analysed using SPSS software.

Findings

The results highlight the divergent approaches employed by UK chartered architects and chartered building surveyors specialising in conservation refurbishment work, suggesting that a harmonised risk model would be appropriate and should be developed.

Originality/value

The results make an important contribution to understanding the dynamics within this under‐researched area of professional activity.
Modelling payment mechanisms for supply chain in construction
Authors: Motawa Ibrahim , Kaka Ammar
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Different direct/indirect managerial and contractual links throughout the supply chain have been researched to improve project performance. These links are undoubtedly influencing payment and cash flow mechanisms. As different members of the supply chains are affected differently by the factors influencing cash flow, payment mechanisms have to be designed in such a way that this uneven sensitivity to cash flow factors is addressed and linked to value and utility. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an IT system developed to model different payment mechanisms to enable the supply chain members to decide on the most appropriate payment mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted methodology to select the appropriate payment mechanism is first illustrated. The mathematical model is then developed. The IT system to automate the developed methodology is then presented. The system considers alternative payment terms and conditions across the supply chain in a transparent and negotiated manner.

Findings

The outcome results in designing payment mechanisms and cash flows that satisfy all supply chain members.

Originality/value

The value of this research to the construction industry has been the clear identification of the benefit of applying appropriate and innovative payment mechanisms. This will encourage organisations to engage in these mechanisms and hence improve the effectiveness of how projects are managed and executed.
New stability field tests for construction excavators
Authors: Edwards David J. , Holt Gary D.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The extensive use of mini‐excavators in construction presents a significant health and safety risk from their tendency to become unstable, or in the extreme to roll‐over, under certain working conditions. No standard exists to specifically assess excavator stability, so the purpose of this paper is to document the development and trial of a series of practical field tests designed to achieve this.

Design/methodology/approach

Tests were designed in collaboration with a group of plant experts and competent operators. The tests were subsequently trialled by applying them to four mini‐excavators, the aim being to see if these plant items could be reliably assessed in terms of their stability characteristics. Results of the study were presented to H&S experts for comment.

Findings

The tests were able to assess mini‐excavator stability. For each machine, five “stability criteria” were scored thereby producing an overall score, by which mini‐excavator stability could be conveniently represented.

Research implications

No previous field test research has been identified in this area. The results produced here may go some way towards developing an international standard for on‐site stability tests.

Practical implications

The tests are easy to apply at the work site so long as performed by competent persons under appropriately risk‐assessed and risk controlled conditions; and if disseminated to industry, could act as a means of standardising mini‐excavator stability tests until such time an International Standard becomes available.

Originality/value

Research in this area is entirely novel.
Competencies required by project managers for housing construction in Ghana
Authors: Ahadzie D.K. , Proverbs D.G. , Olomolaiye P.O. , Ankrah N.A.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to delineate “senior managers'” perception of the competencies required by project managers (PMs) in Ghana for mass house building projects (MHBPs) and to discuss the implication of the findings for professional training and development.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a well‐acclaimed organizational psychology theory of job performance, a structured questionnaire survey was used to elicit data from managing directors (MDs) of homebuilders belonging to the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA). The data were analyzed using multiple regression techniques (stepwise)

Findings

Of 64 competencies operationalised, seven are perceived to be important.

Originality/value

The findings provide PMs in Ghana an understanding of the competency profile their superiors (i.e. MDs) use in judging their performance. This should therefore help the PMs to align their professional development towards improving their skills on these competencies. Homebuilders can also apply the findings to make an informed and objective judgement in the profiling, recruitment and maintenance of PMs who have the appropriate skills and competencies. The implication of the findings for developing a continuing professional development (CPD) agenda in the Ghanaian mass house building industry is discussed. The discourse provides useful lessons for the construction industry in developing countries such as those in the sub‐Saharan African (SSA) Region.
Development of 4D based performance indicators in construction industry
Authors: Dawood Nashwan , Sikka Sushant
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Despite its benefits, the uptake of 4D planning in the construction industry is slow and therefore there is a need to demonstrate its value over traditional planning technologies. The aim of this paper is to develop a novel approach that demonstrates the value of 4D tools to the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research strategy utilised draws on several social science research methods. The data collection methods employed included a literature review, an open‐ended questionnaire, surveys, semi‐structured interviews and the analysis of historical site records. The data collected were analysed using qualitative and quantitative techniques in order to identify, develop and quantify 4D‐based key performance indicators.

Findings

This paper identifies and quantifies 4D‐based key performance indicators using case study analysis. In the case studies it was found that, on average, a 17 per cent increase in planning efficiency were achieved by the use of 4D technology, while the communication efficiency measure illustrated that, on average, a 30 per cent reduction in the time used for meetings was achieved by the use of 4D planning.

Practical implications

The complexity and rapid pace of development in today's construction projects are challenging the industry to find new innovative approaches to delivering projects. 4D tools are emerging as a construction planning technology that addresses some of these challenges. 4D planning has the potential to improve the visualisation of building design and construction, but its implementation in the industry has yet to reach maturity.

Originality/value

The paper highlights technology that enables clients, contractors, planners and sub‐contractors to visualise and understand design and scheduling issues at the early stages of a project.
Beyond the Red Queen syndrome: CRM technology and building material suppliers
Authors: Love Peter , Edwards David John , Standing Craig , Irani Zahir
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Many businesses operating in the construction and engineering sector have been trying to respond to the demands being imposed on them by utilising information technology applications such as CRM and ERP, but immediate benefits and improvements in business performance have not been forthcoming. This paper aims to provide building material suppliers with the underlying knowledge to improve their business performance and customer relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural model that examines the following critical success factors of implementing CRM was constructed: operational and strategic benefits, knowledge top management support, technological readiness, and management capabilities. The model was tested using a questionnaire survey and randomly distributed to 150 building material suppliers.

Findings

A sample 72 building material suppliers was obtained. Using the evaluation technique of partial least squares the analysis fundamentally revealed that CRM technological initiatives are successful when adequate top management support and accurate knowledge management capabilities, supported by a suitable IT structure, (measured by technological readiness) are in place. Material suppliers, as well as other organisations operating in the construction and engineering sector, considering the implementation of a CRM strategy can utilise these results to become better acquainted with CRM applications.

Practical implications

To reap the rewards of CRM technological initiatives material suppliers need to develop a strategy for its implementation. Part of this strategy should be determining the factors that will influence its successful implementation and then develop a plan to address these issues. The results provide valuable insights into the critical success factors of CRM technological initiatives.

Originality/value

The paper shows that managers should develop strategies based upon critical success factors to maximise the benefits of their CRM application.
Forecasting final budget and duration of highway construction projects
Authors: Pewdum Wichan , Rujirayanyong Thammasak , Sooksatra Vanee
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop models to forecast final budget and duration of a highway construction project during construction stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Highway construction project data are collected and analyzed to find out factors affecting project final budget and duration before developing the forecasting models, research for which is based on the principle of Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The forecasting results obtained from the proposed method are compared with those obtained from the current method based on earned value.

Findings

Factors affecting final budget and duration are presented. The forecasting results obtained from the proposed method based on ANN application are more accurate and stable than those obtained from the current method based on earned value.

Research limitations/implications

Factors affecting final budget and duration may differ if applied in other countries, since the project data were collected in the Kingdom of Thailand. The forecasting models, therefore, must be reconsidered for better outcomes.

Practical implications

The study presents a useful tool for the highway construction project manager to predict project final budget and duration. The results can potentially provide early warning of over‐budget and schedule delay.

Originality/value

The ANN models to forecast final budget and duration of highway construction projects during the construction stage, developed by using project data reflecting continual and seasonal cycle data, can provide better predicting results.