bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the state of the building industry after the GFC and the Euro crisis
Authors: De Valence Gerard , Runeson Göran
Published: October 2014

There has been an intense debate in the media and among academics on how the great financial crisis has affected the global economy, and how the effects have differed in different regions of the world. This survey was designed to establish to what extent the building industry has been affected by the GFC and the Euro crisis. Over the last months we have asked senior academics and executives in construction businesses what has happened up to now in their region, what will most likely happen in the near future and in the long term. The answer is that in developed economies the effect has been a substantial downturn as finances have dried up while in developing economies in most regions, demand has been sustained due to population growth with ever increasing needs for residential building and infrastructure. While there is some apprehension about the potential effects of the Euro crisis deepening, no-one seems really worried. In the long term there is an agreement, in developed and developing countries alike, that current business models do not work and that the industry has to reinvent itself to be sustainable.
Econometric modelling of risk adverse behaviours of entrepreneurs in the provision of house fittings in China
Authors: Li Rita Yi Man
Published: October 2014

Entrepreneurs have always born the risk of running their business. They reap a profit in return for their risk taking and work. Housing developers are no different. In many countries, such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, they interpret the tastes of the buyers and provide the dwellings they develop with basic fittings such as floor and wall coverings, bathroom fittings and kitchen cupboards. In mainland China, however, in most of the developments, units or houses are sold without floor or wall coverings, kitchen  or bathroom fittings. What is the motive behind this choice? This paper analyses the factors affecting housing developers’ decisions to provide fittings based on 1701 housing developments in Hangzhou, Chongqing and Hangzhou using a Probit model. The results show that developers build a higher proportion of bare units in mainland China when: 1) there is shortage of housing; 2) land costs are high so that the comparative costs of providing fittings become relatively low.
Writing a built environment dissertation: Practical guidance and examples
Authors: Wilkinson Sara
Published: October 2014

Peter Farrell, John Wiley & Sons, 2011, 256 pages, ISBN 9781405198516, Price AUD 44.95, NZD 49.99, USD 37.95, GBP 22.95 EUR 27.60, as eBook USD 30.95 AUD 35.99
Construction item pricing for more profit and less risk
Authors: Stevens Matt
Published: October 2014

David Cattell, UCT Press, 2012, 150 pages includes CD Rom, ISBN 9781919895697. Price USD 34.95, ZAR 265.00
A BIM-based approach to reusing construction firm’s management information
Authors: Ma Zhiliang
Published: October 2014

Nowadays most construction firms have begun to use information management systems in their business to work more efficiently. At the same time, a lot of management information is being accumulated and some of the information can be reused to support the decision-making. Up to now, the information has not been reused so effectively in construction firms as expected. This paper introduces a new approach to reusing construction firm’s management information, which is based on BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology. In the paper, the current approaches are reviewed at first, and then the framework of the new approach is described. Next, the key issues of the new approach are clarified. Finally, a use case of the new approach is demonstrated. It is concluded that the new approach can be used in construction firms to better reuse the accumulated management information.
The use of cloud enabled building information models – an expert analysis
Authors: Redmond Alan , West Roger
Published: October 2014

The dependency of today’s construction professionals to use singular commercial applications for design possibilities creates the risk of being dictated by the language-tools they use. This unknowingly approach to converting to the constraints of a particular computer application’s style, reduces one’s association with cutting-edge design as no single computer application can support all of the tasks associated with building-design and production. Interoperability depicts the need to pass data between applications, allowing multiple types of experts and applications to contribute to the work at hand. Cloud computing is a centralized heterogeneous platform that enables different applications to be connected to each other through using remote data servers. However, the possibility of providing an interoperable process based on binding several construction applications through a single repository platform ‘cloud computing’ required further analysis. The following Delphi questionnaires analysed the exchanging information opportunities of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as the possible solution for the integration of applications on a cloud platform. The survey structure is modelled to; (i) identify the most appropriate applications for advancing interoperability at the early design stage, (ii) detect the most severe barriers of BIM implementation from a business and legal viewpoint, (iii) examine the need for standards to address information exchange between design team, and (iv) explore the use of the most common interfaces for exchanging information. The anticipated findings will assist in identifying a model that will enhance the standardized passing of information between systems at the feasibility design stage of a construction project.
Level of satisfaction and issues with procurement systems used in the Malaysian public sector
Authors: Jaafar Mastura , Mohd Radzi Nurhidayah
Published: October 2014

Since the declaration of Malaysian independence, the public sector has significantly contributed to the country’s development. In the 1990s, a new procurement system was developed due to CIBD various changes in the construction industry. Since that period, the poor quality of public sector projects has started to attract public attention. This paper describes a study that was conducted to identify the dominant public procurement systems in place, the problems associated with these systems, and the satisfaction level of the industry players in the Malaysian construction industry. The results were drawn from 84 survey responses and interviews with industry players. The public sector is using a traditional system inherited from the British, with an intention to adopt new procurement systems. Aside from the disputes that are present in most systems, the public sector seems to encounter particular problems in relation to capabilities, time, and cost of the major procurement systems used. Traditional work culture and the industry environment influence public sector practice, which accounts for the modifications of each procurement system used. Thus, the full advantages of using an alternative procurement system may not be realised in public sector organizations. This produces an average level of satisfaction gained from the procurement system adopted. As a developing country, Malaysia needs to exert significant efforts to improve the public procurement system.
Comparison of time adjustment clauses between DZ3910, AS4000 and STCC
Authors: Finnie David
Published: October 2014

This article examines time adjustment clauses, as they relate to time adjustment between standard terms of construction contracts. DZ3910, AS4000 and STCC were compared on the basis of how risks are allocated, how this may impact on the contractor’s pricing, and ease of understanding for each clause. ASTCC was found to be the most easily interpreted contract, followed by AS4000 and then NZS3910. These assessments were based on the following: a) whether each contract contains words with multiple meanings, b) the number of words used per sentence, c) the amount of internal cross-referencing, and d) the clarity of the contract structure. The allowable pre-conditions for the contractor to claim a time adjustment are similar for all three contracts, and none of them expressly state which party is to bare the risk of buildability, or address the risk of a designer’s disclaimer clause. All of the contracts adopt the principle of contra preferentum which means that the employer bares the risk of variance if there are any ambiguities in the design documentation. Due to their similarities of risk allocation, all of the contracts provide the employer with a similar amount of price surety. AS4000 is the only contract to contain a stringent time-bar clause, limiting a contractor’s time adjustment claim. ASTCC requires the contractor to apply ‘immediately’ and DZ3910 provides a time-bar of 20 working days or as soon as practicable. None of the contracts clarify whether their timing requirements take precedence over the prevention principle, or over any other ground for claiming a time adjustment. The effect of DZ3910’s pre-notification clause 5.19.3 is discussed, and an alternative contents structure is recommended for DZ3910, using a project management method.
Overcoming inadvertent barriers to entry in large infrastructure projects
Authors: Livesey Peter Vincent , Bold Justin
Published: October 2014

The history behind the award of Brisbane City Council’s Legacy Way project is discussed and the possible impact of cognitive bias in the Expression of Interest  (EOI) process together with the steps that were taken during the EOI development and evaluation phase to reduce the impact that this may have had on the selection of Contractors from their EOI submissions.  The paper concludes that Cognitive Bias may have created a greater barrier to entry to Contractors attempting to enter the Australian PPP market than has been previously realised and makes suggestions as to how this effect could be minimised in the future.
A new approach for modelling variability in residential construction projects
Authors: Arashpour Mehrdad , Wakefield Ron , Blismas Nick , Lee EWM
Published: October 2014

The construction industry is plagued by long cycle times caused by variability in the supply chain. Variations or undesirable situations are the result of factors such as non-standard practices, work site accidents, inclement weather conditions and faults in design. This paper uses a new approach for modelling variability in construction by linking relative variability indicators to processes. Mass homebuilding sector was chosen as the scope of the analysis because data is readily available. Numerous simulation experiments were designed by varying size of capacity buffers in front of trade contractors, availability of trade contractors, and level of variability in homebuilding processes. The measurements were shown to lead to an accurate determination of relationships between these factors and production parameters. The variability indicator was found to dramatically affect the tangible performance measures such as home completion rates. This study provides for future analysis of the production homebuilding sector, which may lead to improvements in performance and a faster product delivery to homebuyers.
Relationship between degree of risk, cost and level of compliance to occupational health and safety regulations in construction
Authors: Windapo Abimbola Olukemi
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates the role of statutory health and safety (H&S) regulations in managing construction project risks. The study examines whether the decision made by contractors to comply with the regulations, the cost of compliance and savings of H&S regulatory requirements is influenced by the degree or level of risk, which the regulations are trying to prevent. The rationale for the examination stems from previous studies which establish that building designers and contractors perceive the cost of complying with regulations as additional burdens, which they have to conform to, and which are in some cases unnecessary, and also the fact that construction related injuries and fatalities are on the increase. Qualitative and quantitative data obtained from a descriptive survey and H&S site audit by the Master Builder Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC) were used as the measurements of risk, level of compliance to regulations, cost of compliance and savings. By correlating the quantitative and qualitative data, there is empirical evidence to support a negative relationship between the degree of risk, level and cost of compliance and cost savings. Based on the study’s findings, this paper concludes that the decision made by contractors to comply with H&S regulatory requirements is influenced by the perceived cost saving on account of compliance and that cost savings are influenced by the probability of accident occurrence which is an element of the degree of risk which the regulation is trying to prevent or control.
Two Degrees: The Built Environment and Our Changing Climate
Authors: Harfield Steve
Published: October 2014

McGregor, Alisdair, Roberts, Cole & Cousins, Fiona, Abingdon: Routledge, 2013, ISBN 978-00415-69300-4 (paperback, i – xviii, 1- 258 pages), USD 54.95 (hard cover 170.00, e-Book 54.95), GBP 34.99 (hard cover 105.00, e-Book 34.99)
Revamping occupational safety and health training: Integrating andragogical principles for the adult learner
Authors: Albert Alex , Hallowel Matthew R
Published: October 2014

Despite attempts to improve safety performance, the construction industry continues to account for a disproportionate rate of injuries. A large proportion of these injuries occur because workers are unable to recognize and respond to hazards in dynamic and unpredictable environments. Unrecognized hazards expose workers to unanticipated risks and can lead to catastrophic accidents. In order to enhance hazard recognition skills, employers often put new and experienced workers through formal hazard recognition training programs. Unfortunately, current training programs primarily rely on instructor-centric pedagogical approaches, which are insensitive to the adult learning process. In order to ensure effective adult learning, training programs must integrate learner-centric andragogical principles to improve engagement and retention in adult trainees. This paper aims to discuss training program elements that can potentially accelerate the adult learning process while improving safety knowledge retention. To this end, the researchers reviewed relevant literature on the cognitive processes of adult learning, essential components of effectual training programs and developed a reliable framework for the training and transfer of safety knowledge. A case example of successfully using the framework is also presented. The results of the study will provide safety trainers and construction professionals with valuable information on developing effective hazard recognition and receptor training programs, with the goal of improving construction safety performance.
Forecasting the manpower demand for quantity surveyors in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Paul H K
Published: October 2014

Recently, there has been a massive infrastructure development and an increasing demand for public and private housing, resulting in a shortage of qualified quantity surveyors. This study aims to forecast the demand for qualified quantity surveyors in Hong Kong from 2013 to 2015. Literature review indicates that the demand for quantity surveyors is a function of the gross values of building, civil engineering and maintenance works. The proposed forecasting method consists of two steps. The first step is to estimate the gross values of building, civil engineering and maintenance works by time series methods and the second step is to forecast the manpower demand for quantity surveyors by causal methods. The data for quantity surveyors and construction outputs are based on the ‘manpower survey reports of the building and civil engineering industry’ and the ‘gross value of construction works performed by main contractors’ respectively. The forecasted manpower demand for quantity surveyors in 2013, 2014 and 2015 are 2,480, 2,632 and 2,804 respectively. Due to the low passing rate of the assessment of professional competence (APC) and the increasing number of retired qualified members, there will be a serious shortage of qualified quantity surveyors in the coming three years.
The relevance of the ISO26000 social responsibility issues to the Hong Kong construction industry
Authors: Barnes Lisa Robyn , Croker Norman
Published: October 2014

CorporateSocial Responsibility (CSR), the responsibility of a corporation for theimpacts of its decisions on society and the environment, originated as a termin the 1950’s (Carroll 1999). However, ISO 26000 (ISO 2010)“Guidance on Social Responsibility” published in November 2010, redefines “SocialResponsibility” (“SR”) broadly, by reference to SR principles, core subjectsand issues. The Hong Kong Construction Industry (“HKCI”) sector is critical to Hong Kong’s economy, accounting for5.6% of the GDP and 9.2% of employment in 1999 (Tang 2001). In 2011, the gross value of constructionwork by main contractors amounted to HK$128.53 billion and contributed HK$65.4 billion (HKGov 2013)to the total GDP of HK$1,823.2 billion (3.6%) (HKTDC 2013).The aim of this research is toinvestigate which ISO 26000 CSR issues are relevantto HKCI firms. Theprinciple findings are that: the reported level of HKCI CSR activity relativeto the 7 core subject of ISO 26000 is a function of company size; many SME’sconsider that many of the ISO 26000 SR issues are irrelevant to them; but forthe large construction contractors, reputation, legislation and or regulation andcorporate culture are drivers of improvements in CSR in the HKCI.
The roles of emotional intelligence, interpersonal skill, and transformational leadership on improving construction safety performance
Authors: Sunindijo Riza Yosia , Zou Patrick X. W.
Published: October 2014

Due to the characteristics of the constructionindustry, human skills are essential for working with and through others inmanaging safety. Research has shown that emotional intelligence, interpersonalskill, and transformational leadership are human skill components that generatesuperior performance in today’s workplace. The aim of this research is toinvestigate the influence of project management personnel’s human skills on theimplementation of safety management tasks and development of safety climate inconstruction projects. The structural equation modelling (SEM) method wasapplied to analyse the quantitative data collected and establishinterrelationship among the research variables. The results indicate thatemotional intelligence is a key factor for developing interpersonal skill andtransformational leadership, and for implementing safety management tasks whichleads to the development of safety climate. This research also found thatinterpersonal skill is needed for becoming transformational leaders whocontribute to the development of safety climate.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Teo Evelyn Ai Lin
Published: October 2014

This section contains upgraded papers originally published at The CIB W099 International Conference on "Modelling and Building Health and Safety”, which was organised and hosted by the Department of Building, National University of Singapore (NUS). It was held on 10 -11 September 2012 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, Singapore.  The focal objectives of this section are to explore the integration and application of new techniques, technologies and strategies towards attaining verifiable improvements in occupational safety and health in construction.
Rethinking the contractual context for Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Australian built environment industry
Authors: Kuiper Ilsa , Holzer Dominik
Published: October 2014

Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be defined as a process of generating and managing information of a building or infrastructure during its life cycle. Whilst the 3D visualisation or dimensional functions of BIM are not necessarily new, it is the usage and integration of this information related to project delivery, management and performance analysis that are challenging current construction industry practices.  Industry has called for the development of more collaborative and integrated contractual arrangements to facilitate the use of BIM. Such recommendations appeal to the ideal use of BIM, but also provide a potential opportunity to seek improvement within the construction industry. This paper proposes a procurement approach to BIM to establish the applicable contractual context to address the potential legal risks and commercial considerations, relative to current practices in Australia. It als ooutlines why BIM, with other enabling technologies, will drive the evolution of contract delivery methodologies.
The role of effective communication in the construction Industry: a guide for education and health clients
Authors: Aulich Terry
Published: October 2014

The construction industry operates primarily as a system of sub-contracting and purpose built alliances. There is a wide spread of stakeholders involved in conceiving a building project through typical stages such as design, finance, build,  manage, upgrade and, ultimately, replacement and a corresponding need for communication and cooperation. Specialists who can prevent bridges falling down or who build 20 storey buildings are seen as the hard-nosed, action people who have helped bring us into the modern era. However, there are intuitive activities and disciplines which help us to achieve the type of construction achievements that have been the hallmarks of the 19th, 20th and now the 21st centuries. Most of these so called soft disciplines are about how one helps people, often highly skilled, achieve those construction and engineering goals. The key components are consultation and communication. Communication strategies should be based on a thorough understanding of the ways that humans co-operate in joint undertakings, the key principles of social dynamics and learning theory plus the ways in which people deliver, accept and understand words and pictures. The disciplines of organisational and environmental psychology have become a basic fundamental of modern business activities from management and organisational strategy to marketing and customer relations and to the improvement of working, recreational and living environments. However it is rare for a mature industry such as construction to adopt or examine those disciplines for guidance about either strategies or operations. This is despite the fact that the construction industry is almost entirely based on the principle of sub-contracting, business and professional alliances, all of which require understanding of environmental psychology and social dynamics in order to build trust, reputation, teamwork and client satisfaction. There is therefore a major need for communications to be systematic, understood by all stakeholders and intelligently applied. This paper concentrates on the need for the client to become a more confident and better informed stakeholder in the construction project, and seeks to provide high level management guidance for traditional centralized systems. The ultimate goal of the paper is to provide a systematic guideline for stakeholders to address early in the life of a project to ensure that industry professionals, clients and sub-clients are “working from the same page”
Urban and environmental economics: an introduction
Authors: Runeson Göran
Published: October 2014

Graham Squires, Routledge, London, 2013, 214 pp. ISBN 978-0-415-61991-2 (pbk), ISBN 978-0-415-61990-5 (hbk), ISBN 978-0-203-82599-0 (ebk), GBP29.99 (pbk) GBP 105.00 (hbk), USD49.95 (pbk), USD170.00 (hbk).
Maturity and maturity models in lean construction
Authors: Nesensohn Claus , Bryde David James , Ochieng Edward , Fearon Damian
Published: October 2014

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in maturity models in management-related disciplines; which reflects a growing recognition that becoming more mature and having a model to guide the route to maturity can help organisations in managing major transformational change. Lean Construction (LC) is an increasingly important improvement approach that organisations seek to embed. This study explores how to apply the maturity models to LC. Hence the attitudes, opinions and experiences of key industry informants with high levels of knowledge of LC were investigated. To achieve this, a review of maturity models was conducted, and data for the analysis was collected through a sequential process involving three methods. First a group interview with seven key informants. Second a follow up discussion with the same individuals to investigate some of the issues raised in more depth. Third an online discussion held via LinkedIn in which members shared their views on some of the results. Overall, we found that there is a lack of common understanding as to what maturity means in LC, though there is general agreement that the concept of maturity is a suitable one to reflect the path of evolution for LC within organisations.
Applying total interpretive structural modeling to study factors affecting construction labour productivity
Authors: Sandbhor Sayali Shrikrishna , Botre Rohan P.
Published: October 2014

Construction sector has always been dependent on manpower. Most of the activities carried out on any construction site are labour intensive. Since productivity of any project depends directly on productivity of labour, it is a prime responsibility of the employer to enhance labour productivity. Measures to improve the same depend on analysis of positive and negative factors affecting productivity. Major attention should be given to factors that decrease the productivity of labour. Factor analysis thus is an integral part of any study aiming to improve productivity.  Interpretive structural modeling is a methodology for identifying and summarizing relationships among factors which define an issue or problem. It provides a means to arrange the factors in an order as per their complexity. This study attempts to use the latest version of interpretive structural modeling i.e. total interpretive structural modeling to analyze factors negatively affecting construction labour productivity. It establishes interpretive relationship among these factors facilitating improvement in the overall productivity of construction site.
Review on the fundamental usage of Bills of Quantities (BQ) by contracting organisations
Authors: Bin Bandi Shamsulhadi , Abdullah Fadhlin , Amiruddin Roslan
Published: October 2014

Detail literature review indicates a growing concern over the purpose of the BQ to the practice and needs of contracting organisations. However, the number of studies dedicated to comprehensively review how BQ is used by these organisations is limited. This review is conducted with the aim to identify the fundamental usage of BQ to contracting organisations; especially within the parameter of a project period and management functions. The main three objectives are: (1) to comprehensively identify relevant literature concerning the usage of BQ to contracting organisations, (2) to review the literature in order to identify the usage of BQ to contracting organisations, and (3) to systematically synthesize the outcome of the review in order to identify the fundamental usage of BQ to contracting organisations. Various literature findings are reviewed and validated to support the study’s outcome. As a result, this study manage to identify thirty fundamental usage of BQ arranged according to the parameter of interest. The significance of this study supports the evident usage of BQ by contracting organisations. It further enhances the current knowledge pertaining to its application in the industry and advancing further research pertaining on the application of BQ in the construction industry.
Sustainability: Its adaptation and relevance in remote area housing
Authors: Rusch Rosemarie , Best Rick
Published: October 2014

Little consideration has been given to the context of housing in remote areas.  It is important for the economic survival of many remote communities that appropriate and sustainable housing solutions are decided and implemented.This report examines housing at St Pauls, Moa Island in the Torres Strait, using site information, historical research and a review of cultural and geo-political factors to compare the current model with similar studies in self-build housing undertaken in the region between 1986 and 1992. It not only demonstrates tangible economic benefits, but also evaluates the environmental and social improvements which can be achieved with a re-examination of the existing model.  It is important to consider the value of investing in policies and practices of sustainable development that can play a pivotal role in potential capacity building within such communities.Current land tenure policy means that families wishing to own their own homes must leave St Pauls, or build illegally.  Economically they cannot establish businesses so must leave the island or remain on welfare.  The result of this is an exponential increase in the cost of providing community housing and the associated increase in social and health stresses.  Acknowledgement at a policy level of the links between social and emotional well-being, and ‘Closing the Gap’ initiatives, have the potential to offer a wide range of funding opportunities and innovative approaches to solving the housing crisis in remote Australia, if they can be implemented in an open and effective manner.
Effect of the Building Act 2011 on compliance costs in Western Australia
Authors: Bazen Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

The Building Act 2011 commenced in Western Australia on 2 April 2012. It introduced private certification for design and construction compliance, and reduced fees and timeframes for local governments to issue permits. This research project assessed the effect of the Act on the time and cost of building approvals in WA, using an internet-based, self-completion survey to obtain feedback from people on their experience of the new building approvals process.   This research compared the cost of approval for 16 building projects under the new and old approvals processes. The research concluded that the new approvals process appears to be cost-neutral for the building industry as a whole. However, the cost of approval for the 11 building projects studied valued up to $1 million, particularly alterations to existing buildings, is an average of 4.0 times greater under the new approvals process.
Construction contractors involvement in disaster management planning
Authors: Stringfellow Peter
Published: October 2014

Disasters, both natural and man-made, cause major damage and loss of life. Because of this, governments around the world are looking at building resilience to ensure communities can recover quickly and have minimal impact from a disaster. Part of building resilience is to plan for disaster management and recovery. Literature reveals that construction contractors can play a critical role within this process as they have control of resource supply chains and key knowledge and skills they are well suited to assist in disaster planning. However, as literature also reveals there is currently little involvement of construction contractors in the disaster planning process. This gap between what should be done and what is currently done is investigated. Representatives from industry bodies are interviewed to determine their understanding of the industry’s involvement in disaster planning and what capacity the industry might have to be involved. The interviewee’s responses agree with current literature that there is currently little or no involvement with disaster planning however there is interest in being involved with disaster management planning if there was a forum for this to occur. Based on the responses the researcher has proposed a model to engage construction contractors within state government disaster management planning.
Problems and problem attention in the construction sector – understanding the influence of human factors
Authors: Sunding Lars , Ekholm Anders
Published: October 2014

Problems concerning quality and productivity in the construction sector have been a recurrent issue for many years and seem to remain in spite of various initiatives for resolving them. This situation is a result of human action. From social sciences we know that psychological factors crucially influence action design. Knowledge of this influence seems however to be underestimated in the construction sector, and could represent a missing link between strategies, plans and instructions, and the actions carried out.In order to prospect for new problem solving approaches we undertook a questionnaire-based survey to investigate how individuals in the sector perceive the importance and occurrence of, and attention directed to, different proposed causes of inadequate performance. The design of the questionnaire enabled comparisons of different answers to look beyond the respondents’ overt answers.      The result suggests that (1) the whole problem solving situation, including individual, relational and contextual problem components should be addressed as ‘the problem’; (2) the workforce has the ambition and courage to do what is expected but does not always have adequate information and the ability or resources to do it; (3) mental information distortion might be responsible for affecting the way the world is understood.
Prioritising Project Scope Definition Elements in Public Building Projects
Authors: Fageha Mohammed K , Aibinu Ajibade A
Published: October 2014

A complete definition of the scope of a project upfront during early stages ensures smooth and successful implementation during the project execution. This research identifies and prioritises project scope definition elements for public buildings in Saudi Arabia. Elements that could significantly contribute to complete project scope definition package at pre-project planning stage are identified and their interrelationship determined and prioritised. Using the Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) as a basis, the study uses analytical network process (ANP) technique based on data obtained from project managers who have been involved in public sector projects in Saudi Arabia. Data collection and analysis was conducted in three steps. The first step involved identification of scope definition elements while the second involved an investigation into interrelationships among the elements. In the third step, ANP was used to determine the weight of the elements’ importance in terms of contribution to project scope definition completeness. Finally, Pareto analysis was used to prioritise and assess the distribution pattern of the elements. The outcome from this research is the prioritisation of project scope definition elements for public building projects in Saudi Arabia. The prioritised list developed indicates the importance of project scope definition elements. It should help project management teams identify elements to consider when evaluating project scope definition for completeness at the pre-project planning stage. Keywords: Project scope definition, pre-project planning, prioritising, public building projects, Saudi Arabia, Analytical Network Process (ANP)
Design and Build: Views from some Major Public Clients in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Albert P C , Ho Denny K C , Tam C M
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the views of clients in public sector on design and build(D&B) procurement method. Specifically, their reasons of adopting D&B and refusing to adopt it were explored. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with ten senior staff from four major public organisations in Hong Kong. The findings indicate that public clients held different views on D&B methods based on different grounds. Apart from functional requirements such as project completion time, cost certainty, etc., internal resources and political force would also influence client's adoption of D&B method in the public sector.
Defining an Industry: What is the Size and Scope of the Australian Building and Construction Industry
Authors: De Valence Gerard
Published: October 2014

The analysis and understanding of the conduct and performance of an industry beginswith a study of its structure. However, before analysing an industry's structure it isnecessary to define the industry and identify its size, scope and scale to establish itstrue economic contribution. This paper discusses the size and scope of the Australianbuilding and construction industry, firstly, from a traditional industry economics approachby firm size and business characteristics using data from three construction industrysurveys done over 15 years by the ABS. Secondly, data from an industry 'cluster'perspective is shown. The objective of the paper is to compare the differences found inindustry size and scope in the structure-conduct-performance approach and thealternative industry cluster approach. Each model reveals different characteristics of theindustry. The conclusion finds that the building and construction industry is a casewhere the traditional structure-conduct-performance model cannot be easily applied.53
Infrastructure Policy and Economic Growth: Case of Hong Kong
Authors: Tse R Y C , Raftery John
Published: October 2014

The article argues that in most infrastructure projects, the government has to take up aleading role in managing the development of strategic infrastructure. This article alsodiscusses the value of an integrated approach linking the public and private sectors ininfrastructure investment. Such an integrated approach reflects both the need to buildagreement between various interested parties, and also the strength of the privatesector, whose forces may be effectively combined with foreign ventures. By so doingthe investment risk can be minimised and maximum market efficiency can be achieved
Factors Affecting the Performance of Small Indigenous Contractors in Papau New Guinea
Authors: Wasi Daniel , Skitmore Martin
Published: October 2014

Contractors’ performance, amongst other things, has been associated with the high costof public housing in Papua New Guinea. Given that small indigenous contractorsundertake construction of all public housing, this paper investigates the performance ofsmall indigenous contractors.Eight likely factors that affect small indigenous contractors' performance are identifiedfrom the literature. An empirical study is then described aimed at determining how80Page (iv) The Australian Journal of Construction Economics and Buildingthese factors affect project cost, time and quality. This comprised a survey conducted inPort Moresby by personally administered questionnaires to a sample of smallindigenous contractors to assess the level of factors associated with the problem of lackof performance. Additionally, the view of each firm concerning the effect of each factoron performance was also obtained. The results show that, with the exception of culture,all the factors are perceived to have an effect of construction performance. It is alsoshown that the incidence of these factors, within the firms surveyed, are quite low. Ofparticular concern is the level of cash flow.
Demand and Supply Trends and Construction Industry Development: A Case Study in the Sri Lankan Construction Industry
Authors: Weddikkara Citra , Devapriya Kapila
Published: October 2014

The construction sectors in the developing countries (DCs) have recently demonstratednumerous trends towards globalisation, raising considerable concern in the field.However, the nature of the effect of demand on supply characteristics of the domesticindustry has not been sufficiently discussed with respect to what development measuresare needed in the context of constraints that originate locally to accommodate the globaltrends in DCs. This paper therefore analyses reasons for these trends and attempts toidentify the necessary industry developments to benefit from them locally. For thispurpose, the Sri Lankan construction industry has been taken as a case study and ademand and supply framework is being used to analyse the case. The analysis revealsthat while government policies contribute intrusively in stimulating demand side trends,the role of the contracting firms together with project delivery process and projectprocurement process are also subject to change as a result of these demanddeterminants. In this context, the main focus is concentrated on corporatedevelopments, while wider industry development is also necessary to support them. Asa consequence, both institutional reforms and capacity building are required to enhancefirms’ technological and managerial capacity. The necessity for these developmentmeasures reflects in partly the underdeveloped framework of the construction industry inDCs. Nevertheless, they could still foster indigenous construction capacity within thecontext of global trends.91
Optimisation of Construction Process Inspection Rates using a Learning Approach
Authors: Saha Swapan , Greville Colin , Mullins Trevor
Published: October 2014

In the construction industry, the determination of the number of inspections/tests to be performed for a repetitive task is an important issue. The quality of a completed task depends on a number of factors including the cost of inspection, the cost of failure, the average proportion defective (error rate) and the inspection rate. To achieve a higher quality level, 100% inspection can be performed, however, this is unlikely to be cost effective. To determine the optimum inspection rate, this paper suggests a probabilistic approach incorporating the acceptance-sampling plan and minimum cost method. The limitation of various sampling plans including the attribute proportional sampling plan and the double sampling plan are outlined. An example is presented in this paper to demonstrate the calculation of the optimum number of inspections/tests per lot.
Aspects of Market Differentiation in the Building Industry
Authors: Teo Ai-Lin , Runeson Goran
Published: October 2014

This paper deals with different aspects of differentiation as a strategy to maintain growth and profitability in a rapidly changing environment. The specific aim of the study was to establish constraints in the use of product differentiation as a survivor technique in the building industry. The study shows that firms in the building industry perceive the structure and operation of different markets in the building industry as substantially different. If firms are to improve their market positions by differentiating their output, they need therefore to adjust the way they operate, their resources and their skills base.The survey result also showed that a substantial proportion of all firms are not prepared to be involved in diversification but elect to operate in one market only, despite the obvious advantages of diversification. It would therefore seem likely that the changes in the way a firm operates and the resources it employs when it moves into new markets are substantial.
The Role of E-Commerce Systems for the Construction Industry
Authors: Stewart Peter
Published: October 2014

The use of e-commerce systems has increased substantially in the past five years, and now a number of companies in the construction industry have joined consortiums to develop e-commerce portals. These new systems encourage companies to review the way in which existing processes are undertaken, and often re-engineered process are introduced. It is important to understand the difference between the terms e-commerce and e-business, e-commerce refers to buying and seeling transactions which use some24The Australian Journal of Construction Economics & Building Page (iii)form of electronic media, while e-business suggests a review and redefinition of business models linked to the greater use of IT. It is argued that the greater use of the internet and e-commerce, and the move towards the integration of applications will compel construction companies to re-engineer processes and introduce e-commerce systems. A series of business drivers and business designs are discussed in later sections of this paper.There are many benefits associated with the introduction of e-commerce systems, and these include increases in GDP, real wages and employment together with reduced transaction costs. It has been forecast that there will be more than 400,000 companies in Australia using e-commerce systems by 2005 (NOIE 2000). For the construction industry, the benefits will include increased project efficiencies, communications, control, and reduced design and construction times as well as reduced costs (BuildOnline 2000). In the past year, two local consortiums have been formed to develop and offer e-commerce applications, and this heightens the need for all companies to reflect on how they might engage with these new technologies.
The Fee Sensitive Risk Exposures of Project Authorized Person in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Sai-On , Lam Ka-Chi , Wong Schek-Sau , Wong Sik-Hung
Published: October 2014

Authorized Persons (AP) play a critical role in the design and construction of building works in Hong Kong. Under the Building Ordinance, design and construction of building works need to be coordinated and monitored by an AP registered with the Buildings Department. Professionally qualified Architects, Engineers and Surveyors are eligible to register as AP after completing the prescribed assessment. In addition, the project AP is often appointed by the project owner to be the project team leader. In these capacities, a project AP is exposed to various risks. This paper seeks to identify the fee sensitive risk exposures of project APs. Through an ANOVA study, these risks exposures are those due to liabilities under the Building Ordinance at the construction stage, those towards the third parties and the clients.
Issues for the Global Construction Market
Authors: Najjir George , Love Philip , Runeson Goran
Published: October 2014

This paper examines issues of the global construction environment. The core theses developed is that globalization will create a new construction industry. A conceptual framework initiates discussion in relation to four selected perspectives vis. neo-classic theory; a comparison with manufacturing; construction industry development; and ownership structure. Conclusions drawn indicate that analysis is only just emerging, and that future examination will require a shift in current understanding so as to consider the global firm as operating in a new and totally separate market.
Integrated Manufacturing-Services Businesses in the Australian Building and Construction Sector
Authors: Manley Karen , Marceau Jane
Published: October 2014

This paper establishes that the emergence of integrated manufacturing-service businessesis a key trademark of innovative industries and ‘the new economy’. Having establishedthe benefits of such integration, the phenomenon is reviewed in relation to theAustralian building and construction (B&C) sector. It is hypothesised that manufacturerssupplying building and construction work are adding value to their own activity, and that ofthe sector, by enhancing their product offerings via the provision of services. A small surveyis undertaken, with the findings revealing the nature of service provision by manufacturersin the Australian B&C sector. It appears that the ‘bundling’ of products and servicesby these manufacturers is a key competitive strategy yielding significant benefits for themand the sector as a whole.