bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the culture of a construction project organisation
Authors: Ankrah N.A. , Proverbs D. , Debrah Y. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeIt 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/approachA 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.FindingsFactor 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/valueThe 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

PurposeGiven 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/approachRelevant 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.FindingsThe 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/implicationsThese findings are a useful comparative reference for other countries, where the study methodology may be replicated to generate region‐specific findings.Originality/valueBy 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

PurposeDevelopment 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/approachTwenty‐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.FindingsEight 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 implicationsKnowledge 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/valueConstruction 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

PurposeThe 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/approachFollowing 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.FindingsThe 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/valueThe 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

PurposeDifferent 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/approachThe 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.FindingsThe outcome results in designing payment mechanisms and cash flows that satisfy all supply chain members.Originality/valueThe 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

PurposeThe 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/approachTests 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.FindingsThe 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 implicationsNo 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 implicationsThe 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/valueResearch 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

PurposeThe 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/approachDrawing 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)FindingsOf 64 competencies operationalised, seven are perceived to be important.Originality/valueThe 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

PurposeDespite 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/approachThe 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.FindingsThis 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 implicationsThe 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/valueThe 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

PurposeMany 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/approachA 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.FindingsA 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 implicationsTo 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/valueThe 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

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop models to forecast final budget and duration of a highway construction project during construction stage.Design/methodology/approachHighway 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.FindingsFactors 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/implicationsFactors 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 implicationsThe 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/valueThe 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.
The education of innovative engineers
Authors: MacLeod Iain A. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeTraditional engineering education in the UK, as established in the nineteenth century, is based on the principle that a degree in engineering should be focused on engineering science and not on the practice of engineering. This has proved to be seriously negative to the development of engineering ability in general and innovative engineering in particular. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the reasons for this situation.Design/methodology/approachFeatures of innovative engineering are outlined and a structure for learning which has potential to promote innovation is proposed.FindingsBecause of principles based on misplaced academic elitism established in the nineteenth century, traditional engineering curricula tend to develop an academic mindset rather than an engineering mindset in students. They do little to support innovative engineering. As a result, the large amount of money spent on engineering education in the UK does not represent a good investment. The academic mindset does not well support any professional context.Originality/valueThe paper provides a challenge to universities and professional engineering institutions which should be addressed.
Concrete prefabricated housing via advances in systems technologies
Authors: Blismas Nick , Wakefield Ron , Hauser Brian 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the roadmapping methodology and its application to concrete prefabricated housing in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the concrete and housing industries of Australia collaboration in a project to develop a technology and innovation roadmap that will advance the concrete industry's supply chain capabilities by identifying and mapping innovation necessary for prefabricated concrete house construction. The roadmap lays out what is necessary for an off‐site systems‐based approach to housing construction in Australia. The systems‐based approach to prefabricated concrete products is a relatively new and developing extension of the concrete industry supply chain in Australia. New manufacturing technologies and innovations, which are emerging locally and from overseas, make these potential extensions possible. For the long‐term sustainability of the concrete industry, it is critical that it better understands how to adopt cooperative innovations in prefabrication to realise these benefits in the housing industry and advance Australia's competitiveness. The first phase of the mapping involved the development of an industry‐maturity model that determined the current state of the industry, and plotted this against the desired route for the future. Numerous industry‐based workshops and interviews gathered the views of the industry towards existing concrete housing systems, and where their main difficulties are in relation to adoption. Using these data, a technology roadmap is developed, together with three options on how these might be realised using the roadmap. The options offered through the roadmapping process form the basis for ongoing experimental trials of concrete houses in the major cities of Australia.FindingsThe system‐based approach to prefabrication is seen as innovative and the industry needs to understand how to adopt cooperative innovations in prefabrication in order to be competitive.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into the technology roadmapping process in Australia, offering an exciting prospect for moving the industry into a new model of delivery.
Business innovations and structure of corporate ownership in Ukraine
Authors: Kostyuk Alexander 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test a link between the type of corporate ownership and business innovation activities, with application to Ukrainian joint stock companies.Design/methodology/approachThe objective of the paper is achieved through conducting a series of observations of 42 of the largest companies of metallurgy and machine‐building industries for the years 1998‐2001. The theoretical scope of the paper is to identify the motives of owners in Ukraine which affect their views on innovation policy in companies which they own.FindingsThe research found that approaches of various groups of owners to the innovation policy differ and depend on the motives of their behavior at the market for corporate control. Thus, executives who owe companies, try to keep the control in their hands in order to set an abnormally high remuneration. This leads to the lack of funds to finance innovation projects because of cash flows reduction and absence of intentions to issue equity.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is that it explains an impact of ownership structure on market opportunities of companies via an impact on the business innovation parameters.