bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anton de Kom, historiographe. La construction d’un passé national pour les esclaves du Surinam
Authors: Andringa Kim 
Published: October 2014

Anton de Kom (1898-1945), descendant d’esclaves, est l’auteur d’une histoire du Surinam, par laquelle il a voulu amorcer une décolonisation des esprits et donner à la population créole surinamienne ce que B. Ashcroft appelle « a sense of self ». Considérant avec D. Maingueneau et dans le prolongement du Mal d’archive de J. Derrida, l’archive comme un ensemble d’« énoncés relevant d’un même positionnement socio-historique », « inséparables d’une mémoire et d’institutions qui leur confèrent leur autorité tout en se légitimant à travers eux », cet article étudie les procédés par lesquels Anton de Kom se réapproprie l’archive coloniale pour en détourner le discours par une pratique subversive de la citation, opérant ce que Geert Oostindie a appelé un « renversement idéologique » de la littérature coloniale. Deux sources historiques occidentales en particulier servent son but : Geschiedenis van Suriname (1861) de Julien Wolbers, pasteur abolitionniste, et le célèbre récit Voyage à Surinam et dans l’intérieur de la Guiane (1798) de John Gabriel Stedman, aventurier écossais. Notre analyse des principaux procédés de réécriture (identité, omission, ajout, paraphrase) fait ressortir la dévalorisation des autorités coloniales et la revalorisation des populations noires opérées par De Kom dans une volonté de création d’une archive et une identité postcoloniales.
D’Alger à Damas, des auteurs en mal d’archives ?
Authors: Horchani Ines 
Published: October 2014

D’Alger à Damas, la colonisation n’a pas eu les mêmes effets sur les productions littéraires postcoloniales. Le rapport au passé a varié selon les formes de colonisation (ancienne colonie de peuplement, ancien protectorat, ou ancien mandat), selon les périodes (avec deux temps forts, les années 80, et les années 2000), selon les personnalités et les parcours des auteurs. Nous nous intéresserons aux pratiques d’auteurs héritiers de l’histoire coloniale algérienne (Didier Daeninckx, Taos Amrouche, Assia Djebar, Maïssa Bey, Kamel Daoud), tunisienne (Fadhila Chabbi, Léa-Véra Tahar), libanaise (Amin Maalouf, Wajdi Mouawad) et syrienne (Rabee Jaber). Chez certains, le passé colonial est si refoulé qu’il en devient explosif ; pour d’autres, ce passé est simplement inexploré, sans être obsessionnel ; pour d’autres enfin, le passé colonial semble dépassé par des événements plus récents, comme la guerre civile. Dans tous les cas, les traces du passé colonial sont tangibles, et peuvent s’apparenter à des trous noirs, à des cicatrices, à des failles, ou à des strates… Nous montrerons que ces auteurs issus d’un Monde arabe non encore tout à fait remis de la colonisation font un usage très variable des archives réelles (académiques ou non-académiques) et recourent aussi à la création d’archives imaginaires.
De l’archive au roman, ou les enjeux d’une réécriture : Le Roi de Kahel de Tierno Monénembo
Authors: Paravy Florence 
Published: October 2014

En écrivant Le Roi de Kahel (2008), Tierno Monénembo choisit de s’intéresser à une figure marginale de la conquête coloniale, peu connue en France mais célèbre en Guinée, Aimé Victor Olivier de Sanderval. Autorisé par les héritiers de l’explorateur à consulter les archives familiales, le romancier s’est très largement inspiré des écrits de Sanderval, notamment ses carnets de voyage ; il ne prétend pourtant pas à l’exactitude historique, ni à une parfaite fidélité à l’égard de ses sources. L’étude des relations intertextuelles entre archives et roman, notamment l’usage des citations, révèle la façon dont l’écrivain exploite l’hypotexte colonial par un jeu complexe entre réalité et fiction, ce qui permet de mieux saisir les enjeux sous-jacents de cette réécriture postcoloniale.
The Marginal Damage Costs of Different Greenhouse Gases: An Application of FUND
Authors: Waldhoff Stephanie , Anthoff David , Rose Steven , Tol Richard S. J. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The authors use FUND 3.9 to estimate the social cost of four greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and sulphur hexafluoride—with sensitivity tests for carbon dioxide fertilization, terrestrial feedbacks, climate sensitivity, discounting, equity weighting, and socioeconomic and emissions assumptions. They also estimate the global damage potential for each gas—the ratio of the social cost of the non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gas to the social cost of carbon dioxide. For all gases, they find the social costs and damage potentials sensitive to alternative assumptions. The global damage potentials are compared to global warming potentials (GWPs), a key metric used to compare gases. The authors find that global damage potentials are higher than GWPs in nearly all sensitivities. This finding suggests that previous papers using GWPs may be underestimating the relative importance of reducing noncarbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions from a climate damage perspective. Of particular interest is the sensitivity of results to carbon dioxide fertilization, which notably reduces the social cost of carbon dioxide, but only has a small effect on the other gases. As a result, the global damage potentials for methane and nitrous oxide are much higher with carbon dioxide fertilization included, and higher than many previous estimates.
Labour Productivity in the New Zealand Construction Industry: A Thorough Investigation
Authors: Tran Van Dai , Tookey John E 
Published: October 2014

Productivity growth is strongly correlated to economic growth and increases in welfare. This fact also holds true at the industry level and is particularly true in the NZ construction industry, since productivity growth in this sector may have significant effects on the affordability of housing in the country. In recent years construction in NZ has been subjected to a series of reports that have either highlighted ‘failure’ to grow productivity or have exhorted the industry to improve its ‘poor performance’. However thus far little by way of analysis has gone into the productivity figures that have been quoted, nor has much been done to explain and justify if or why these figures are correct or incorrect.This research seeks to deconstruct construction productivity figures in NZ and explain the patterns over recent years of ‘poor performance’ in comparison with other industries. As such it will examine the nature of the NZ construction industry and analyse the historic statistics related to its labour productivity. This will provide an overall understanding of the sector as well as those extraneous factors that may have significant influences on the NZ construction sector.The research found that while factors influencing inputs of labour productivity measure such as labour and material costs remained stable, factors impacting the corresponding outputs such as house and land prices, value of work in Non-residential and Infrastructure construction grew significantly between 1997 and 2007. Given the positive skewing effect of standard economic indicators (inflation etc) on construction labour productivity figures, the relatively poor performance of construction is worrying for the industry. The paper concludes by demonstrating labour productivity in construction is significantly worse performing than previously suspected.
Criteria in consultant selection: public procurement of architectural and engineering services
Authors: Sporrong Josefin 
Published: October 2014

The competence, commitment and attitudes of design consultants strongly influence the quality and costs of built facilities. However, in the selection of professional services it is often difficult to specify and assess non-price criteria related to both firms and individual consultants. Therefore, clients traditionally rely on long term relations or recommendations from clients or colleagues. Public procurement regulation, however, restricts the use of such informal data. This study seeks to understand how procurers act to reconcile these conflicting demands.An explorative questionnaire survey distributed to Swedish municipalities investigates which selection criteria and information sources are used, as well as perceived difficulties and shortcomings related to consultancy procurement. Results show a high focus on price or more easily measured non-price criteria. This might limit the ability of municipal officials to evaluate consultant competence, especially aspects related to design and execution of projects. Furthermore, personal information sources are widely used, indicating a conflict between procurement practice and existing regulation. Unexpectedly, procurement officials were generally satisfied with their procurement practice. However, managers and more experienced procurers tend to be more satisfied than other officials. Satisfaction also appears to be connected to the existence of a procurement policy and more advanced selection methods. Keywords: public procurement, selection, consultants, Sweden
Factors influencing the adoption of information technology in a construction business
Authors: Sargent Kimberley , Hyland Paul , Sawang Sukanlaya 
Published: October 2014

Construction firms are increasingly utilizing information technologies to better manage geographically dispersed projects. Often these technologies involve changes to existing working practices and processes and are viewed as disruptive by members of the organization. Understanding the factors that can influence individuals’ intention to utilize technology can assist managers to implement strategies to increase and improve the uptake of technologies and improve the innovation adoption process. Using a case study organization, factors identified in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) are examined and the UTAUT is extended and by including resistance to change and top management support. The findings indicate effort expectancy, internal facilitating conditions and top management support all influence individuals’ intention to use information technology. The results also show that resistance to change or fear of change does not always play a role in innovation adoption. The findings reinforce the need to support new technologies from both a managerial and technical perspective.
Managing giga projects: advice from those who’ve been there, done that
Authors: Stevens Matt 
Published: October 2014

Galloway, P. D .,Kris, P. E., Nielsen, R., and Dignum, j. L., ASCE Press, Reston, Virginia, 2013, ISBN 978-0-7844-1238-1 (Hard cover) USD 120, E-book (Forthcoming) ISBN 978-0-7844-7693-2 USD120.00 (PDF) .
Artificial neural networks incorporating cost significant Items towards enhancing estimation for (life-cycle) costing of construction projects
Authors: Alqahtani Ayedh , Whyte Andrew 
Published: October 2014

Industrial application of life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is somewhat limited, with techniques deemed overly theoretical, resulting in a reluctance to realise (and pass onto the client) the advantages to be gained from objective (LCCA) comparison of (sub)component material specifications. To address the need for a user-friendly structured approach to facilitate complex processing, the work described here develops a new, accessible framework for LCCA of construction projects; it acknowledges Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to compute the whole-cost(s) of construction and uses the concept of cost significant items (CSI) to identify the main cost factors affecting the accuracy of estimation. ANNs is a powerful means to handle non-linear problems and subsequently map between complex input/output data, address uncertainties. A case study documenting 20 building projects was used to test the framework and estimate total running costs accurately. Two methods were used to develop a neural network model; firstly a back-propagation method was adopted (using MATLAB SOFTWARE); and secondly, spread-sheet optimisation was conducted (using Microsoft Excel Solver). The best network was established as consisting of 19 hidden nodes, with the tangent sigmoid used as a transfer function of NNs model for both methods. The results find that in both neural network models, the accuracy of the developed NNs model is 1% (via Excel-solver) and 2% (via back-propagation) respectively.
Developing a strategic perspective for construction industry of Botswana
Authors: Ssegawa Joseph 
Published: October 2014

The paper discusses the outcome of a study conducted to formulate the strategic perspective of the construction industry in Botswana. The study was sanctioned by the two influential entities namely the Ministry of Infrastructure and BOCCIM Construction Sector. The two entities not only represent the demand and supply side of the construction industry but also represent key professions, trades and interests of the industry. A focus group approach was used based on workshops to formulate the strategic perspective. Workshop participants were drawn from various organisations that play a role in the delivery of construction projects. Individually they also represented the various professions, trades, occupations and interests relating to the construction processes in Botswana. Specific statements for industry’s vision, mission, values and goals were formulated through constructive discussions and debates to describe the future desired state of the construction industry. These are to serve as guiding tools for the industry’s reform process. The paper provides a step by step approach that integrates several scholastic frameworks for developing a strategic perspective for the industry.
Safety awareness educational topics for the construction of power transmission systems with smart grid technologies
Authors: Hubbard Bryan , Huang Qian , Caskey Patrtick , Wang Yang 
Published: October 2014

Power transmission facilities in the U.S. are undergoing a transformation due to the increased use of distributed generation sources such as wind and solar power. The current power grid system is also antiquated and in need of substantial retrofits to make it more efficient and reliable. The new energy transmission system being designed and built to optimize power delivery is known as “Smart Grid”. The increased activity in the construction of power transmission facilities and installation of new technologies into the current power system raises potential safety concerns. Existing construction management curriculum may include general information about safety training, but does not typically include information about this specialized sector. The objective of this study was to work with industry to identify key safety topics appropriate for inclusion in an introductory industrial construction course. Results of interviews with industry identified numerous hazards that are not typically covered in typical construction curricula. A joint undergraduate and graduate course in industrial construction was created to address these and additional concepts. A survey of the students was performed to determine the effectiveness of the course and also to determine their thoughts about the smart grid technologies and safety training. Information on electrical system hazards is presented along with results of the student surveys.
Perceived benefits of adopting Standard – Based pricing mechanism for mechanical and electrical services installations
Authors: Amuda Yusuf Ganiyu , Mohamed Sarajul Fikri 
Published: October 2014

Cost is an important measure of project success and clients will expect a reliable forecast at the early stage of construction projects to inform their business decision. This study was undertaken to investigate the current practices in managing cost of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services in buildings. The perceptions of practitioners on the benefits of adopting Standard – Based Pricing Mechanism for M&E services as used for building fabrics and finishes was ascertained. The methodology adopted for the study was semi – structure interview and questionnaire survey. Inferential statistics technique was used to analyse the data collected. The results revealed that, M&E services tender documents are often based on lump sum contract. Practitioners are of the opinion that the adoption of Standard – Based Pricing Mechanism (SBPM) could enhance the quality of M&E services price forecast; ensure active post contract cost monitoring and control; encourage collaborative working relationship; enhance efficient whole life cycle cost management; improve risk management and facilitate efficient tendering process. The study suggested the development of local Standard Method of Measurement for M&E services and proposed strategies to facilitate the adoption of SBPM as basis for forecasting contract price of mechanical and electrical services in buildings.
Boosting project outcomes through goal alignment: a case study of Vietnam
Authors: Ling Florence Yean Yng , Hien Mai Bich Tram 
Published: October 2014

Goal alignment among members of a project team is important so that individual team members can work towards common project outcomes. This study aims to identify effective goal alignment practices to improve construction project outcomes in Vietnam. With the aid of a survey questionnaire, data were collected from practitioners in Vietnam’s construction industry. The overall results show that although there is significant schedule overrun, projects in Vietnam are generally completed within budget. These projects also have significantly good quality and client satisfaction. The results show that goal alignment practices relating to having shared objectives, effective communication, flexibility, and fairness are significantly correlated with schedule performance, quality, and client satisfaction. It is recommended that project team members share, align and adjust their goals and objectives in order to achieve a better schedule outcome. Effective communication of problems pertaining to delivery and quality may lead to better client satisfaction. It is also recommended that consultants and contractors make adjustments and customize their products to derive higher quality and client satisfaction. Clients should also be fair in sharing project benefits and valuing variations.
Human resource management in the construction industry – Sustainability competencies
Authors: Siew Renard Yung Jhien 
Published: October 2014

While environmental sustainability has been the subject of much debate in the last decade, it was not until recently that attention started to shift towards human resource management as an enabler for sustainability. Yet, this is still a relatively under researched area. Much is still unknown about the role of an individual worker in contributing towards sustainable development. This paper addresses the gap by proposing a framework to measure sustainability competencies of employees within the construction industry sector. As part of the framework, four proficiency levels together with relevant descriptions are defined for a total of eight sustainability competencies. Suggested proficiency levels are then mapped to main construction related jobs based on the framework. An example is also given to illustrate the manner in which competencies should be assessed. This framework is original and of practical use to construction managers and human resource practitioners.
Policies to Avoid Cost Overruns in Infrastructure Projects: Critical Evaluation and Recommendations
Authors: Lind Hans , Brunes Fredrik 
Published: October 2014

Many infrastructure projects have cost overruns and there has been a lot of research both on why these cost overruns occur and what can be done to reduce hem. Bent Flyvbjerg is the leading researcher in the area and in this article his proposals are used as the starting point. Besides a literature review, a questionnaire was sent out to experienced Swedish project managers to find out what they thought could reduce cost overruns. The literature review and the questionnaire were the foundation for the proposals formulated in this article. Proposals concerned three areas: (1). Organisational macro-structure, e.g. using more PPP projects but also decentralisation of budgets where cost overruns in one project in a region lead to less alternative projects in the specific region. (2). Organisational quality: It should be easy to see when and where cost overruns occur and who was responsible. There should be a well-developed knowledge management system in the organisation and an organisation culture of openness with a focus on improvements. (3). Organisational processes, e.g. a systematic use of external reviewers in different stages of a project. Keywords: Cost overruns, Infrastructure projects, Policy measures
Stimulating Learning with Integrated Assessments in Construction Education
Authors: Kamardeen Imriyas 
Published: October 2014

Quality of learning students experience is heavily dependent on the effectiveness of course design. Assessments are a key component in course design and students determine their level of involvement in a learning activity based on whether it is assessed or not. Assessments are therefore a powerful tool that lecturers can utilise to drive learning. However, designing effective assessments to stimulate learning is challenging in the presence of disciplinary, contextual dimensions. A case study approach is adopted to demonstrate how effective integrated assessment schemes may be developed and implemented for construction education. The scheme in the case study amalgamated case-based learning, online quizzes and adaptive eTests to provide a variety of assessments, aligned with lecture topics and contemporary real-word scenarios. It was found that the presence of both formative and summative tasks in the assessment scheme complemented each other, kept students constantly motivated and engaged in learning, and resulted in a good learning experience for them. The study provide evidence, and valuable insights and tips for lecturers in similar degree programs as to how they could modify pedagogical styles in their courses for better learning experiences for students and improved teaching ratings for themselves. Keywords: Pedagogy, Integrated assessment, Case-based learning, Online quiz, Adaptive eLearning
Entry Location and Entry Timing (ELET) Decision Model for International Construction Firms
Authors: Mat Isa Che Maznah , Mohd Saman Hamidah , Preece Christopher Nigel 
Published: October 2014

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