bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case studies on knowledge sharing across cultural boundaries
Authors: Dulaimi Mohammed F. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is investigate using case studies, how knowledge is shared across cultural barriers in the context of construction projects executed as international joint ventures. The paper focused on the socio‐technical perspective to develop a clear understanding of how knowledge is shared.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted the case study approach to collect its data. Data was collected through face‐to‐face interviews with key people on four construction projects executed as joint ventures in Singapore.FindingsThe case studies showed weaknesses on all levels of the adopted knowledge‐sharing model. The main reason seems to be the lack of clear commitment and intent to create an environment that is conducive to knowledge sharing. Another major barrier to effective knowledge sharing was the incompatibility between the foreign and local cultures.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalisation of the findings may be limited due to the impact of differing national cultures on knowledge sharing and the fact that in three out of four case studies the foreign firm was Japanese in partnership with a local Singaporean firm.Practical implicationsFirms involved in international joint ventures who aim to share knowledge with a foreign partner can use the findings of this research to create opportunities to achieving their aim.Originality/valueThe research adapted a research model and provided a research method that can aid researchers examine knowledge management and knowledge sharing in construction projects. The paper provides construction firms with a framework for action to enhance their knowledge sharing.
Collaborative relationships in construction: the UK contractors' perception
Authors: Akintoye Akintola , Main Jamie 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe UK contractors' perceptions of collaborative relationships in construction.Design/methodology/approachBased on a UK wide postal questionnaire survey, the opinions of contractors were assessed on reasons for collaborative relationships and the factors that are responsible for the success and failure of collaborative relationships in construction development. The respondents were split into two groups (SME's and large) based on their number of employees, to determine whether their responses varied with size as part of the analysis. Statistical analyses, based on Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and factor analysis technique were used to investigate the cluster of relationships.FindingsThe research shows that UK contractors are positive about collaboration and are engaged in collaborative relationships for construction developments. Factor analysis shows that the principal reasons why contractors are involved in collaborative relationships are for risk sharing, access to innovation and technology, response to market, resource efficiency and client requirements. The principal success factors are commitment of adequate resources from the partners, equity of relationship, recognition of the importance of non‐financial benefits and clarity of objectives while the principal failure factors are lack of trust and consolation and lack of experience and business fit.Practical implicationsDrawing from the findings, the study confirms that construction collaborative relationships are customer driven with very little consideration for competitors, suppliers and subcontractors although a a true collaborative relationship should take into account all the parties involved in construction development supply and demand chains to reap the full benefits.Originality/valueThe paper makes an original contribution of exploring the area of relationships in construction in the UK from the contractors point‐of‐view. The contents within the paper will be of interest to those working within the field.
Using mobile computing for construction site information management
Authors: Chen Yuan , Kamara John M. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a model for the use of mobile computing in the management of on‐site construction information and communication.Design/methodology/approachThe research strategy contains three steps: a pilot study for the first stage, a survey that investigated the information needs of particular users and the nature of on‐site information, and finally the development of a model and the validation and evaluation by operational scenarios.FindingsThe developed model explores how mobile computing can be used on construction sites to manage on‐site information. This model, firstly, identifies the key factors of mobile computer, wireless network, mobile application, construction personnel, construction information, and construction site; secondly it describes the relationships and interactions among these factors. Based on the model, the selection process for mobile computing strategy includes the clarification of information management process, the creations of overview for mobile computing solution, the identification of mobile computing strategy, and the selection of appropriate mobile computing technology.Originality/valueThe developed model explores the general concepts and the internal relationships at the two areas of mobile computing and construction site information management. The application of the model can help users to select mobile computing strategies for managing on‐site construction information based on the characteristics of their projects.
New approaches to solving the skills shortages in the New Zealand construction industry
Authors: Lobo Yadeed B. , Wilkinson Suzanne 
Published: January 2010

PurposeIn the light of international skills shortages at different levels of the construction industry, this research assesses solutions to skills shortages in the construction industry drawing on research from New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachThe way in which the research objectives were achieved was a mix of qualitative and quantitative research. Grounded theory technique was used in the research.FindingsNew Zealand currently uses a variety of techniques to tackle construction industry skills shortages, such as increased wages, overseas recruitment and reformatting training requirements, but still there is a shortage of skilled and semi‐skilled workers for the construction industry. The results of the in‐depth interviews of leading practitioners in New Zealand show how different sectors – government, education and industry – provide different solutions but that ultimately a joint focus on education and training will have the biggest long‐term impact on skills shortages.Practical implicationsThe paper serves as an illustration to other countries on how New Zealand is solving the construction industry skills shortages. These solutions have practical implications for other countries.Originality/valueThe research provides an original assessment of the types of shortages faced in New Zealand and the ways in which they can be solved.
A building material evaluation and selection model for the Turkish construction sector
Authors: Tas Elcin , Yaman Hakan , Tanacan Leyla 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe research project called “Designing a building material relational database management system for Turkish construction sector”, aims to join “supply side” and “demand side” in the same environment that works on the subject of building material information in the Turkish construction sector. The paper aims to discuss the project findings.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from the information supplied and demanded from the points of sources, levels and frequency of updating by the help of the questionnaires conducted. The data gathered were integrated into the pre‐construction stage and used in the analysis of the process as to how this information was used by the “demand side” for building material information. IDEF‐0, a structured methodology for functional process analysis, is used to figure out building material evaluation and selection processes in the pre‐construction stage.FindingsMaterial evaluation and selection process for the pre‐construction stage is figured out. Behaviors and requirements of demand‐side and supply‐side in building material information is studied. Difficulties in supplying and presenting building material information in Turkey are evaluated.Originality/valueAlthough the subject of the paper is well‐known, Turkish practices and problems are evaluated, and an alternative model is suggested for the Turkish construction sector.
Performance and leadership outcome correlates of leadership styles and subordinate commitment
Authors: Limsila Kedsuda , Ogunlana Stephen O. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis study aims to examine how project managers' leadership styles and subordinates' organisational commitment correlates with leadership outcomes and work performance of subordinates on construction projects. It provides significant value for both practitioners and academics. On the practical side, it seeks to inform project managers that they can adapt their leadership behaviours in order to enhance subordinates' organizational commitment, improve work performance, and consequently increase a positive working atmosphere. Academically, the study aims to provide additional insights into the leadership field by contributing to the future development of this study area.Design/methodology/approachLeadership styles and leadership outcomes were measured using Bass and Avolio's multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ). Porter et al.'s organizational commitment questionnaire (OCQ) was used to measure organizational commitment of subordinates. A total of 156 respondents (project managers, engineers and architects) working in construction projects in Thailand participated in the study.FindingsThe transformational leadership style has a positive association with work performance and organizational commitment of subordinates more than the transactional style. Transformational leaders produce higher leadership outcomes as well.Practical implicationsBy applying the results in practice, project managers can adjust their leadership behaviours to support subordinates in producing high work performance and increasing leadership outcomes, whereas the human resource management function of construction companies can also utilize these results for the leadership development effort in their organization.Originality/valueThis paper is the first attempt to understand the influence of transformational, transactional and laissez‐faire leadership factors on leadership outcomes and work performance from subordinates in the construction industry in Thailand.
Job satisfaction of South African quantity surveyors
Authors: Bowen Paul , Cattell Keith 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the significance of the relationship between job satisfaction experienced by South African quantity surveyors and demographic factors, workplace characteristics, choice of career, and instances of harassment and discrimination at work.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained via a web‐based national questionnaire survey of the registered quantity surveyors. The results were analysed in order to establish the degree of significance between perceived levels of job satisfaction and the identified factors.FindingsDemographic factors found to have a significant relationship with job satisfaction are gender and race. Workplace characteristics such as feelings of personal satisfaction, recognition, the opportunity to undertake challenging work and non‐repetitive work, the degree of supervision, participation in decision making, and the opportunity for social interaction at work were found to be significantly associated with job satisfaction. Significant career choice factors include the fulfilment of career expectations, a willingness to choose the same career again, and a willingness to recommend the career to others. Discrimination on the basis of gender and religious affiliation were found to have a significant relationship with job satisfaction.Originality/valueLittle is known about the job satisfaction of design team professionals, particularly quantity surveyors. The findings provide indicators for managers of quantity surveying practices to facilitate improved job satisfaction amongst professional staff.
Selecting an architecture‐engineering team by using fuzzy set theory
Authors: Nguyen T.H. , Shehab T. , Gao Z. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeSelecting the most appropriate architecture‐engineering (AE) team, one of the most significant decisions leading to the successful completion of a construction project, is usually conducted in a multi‐criteria environment, which is mostly dependent on the subjective judgment of decision makers and is influenced by the uncertainty and vagueness of each individual construction project. This paper aims to present an assessment method to evaluate the capability of an AE team with respect to the criteria defined by decision makers.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to a proposed tender price, the evaluation of potential AE teams should be also based on other criteria such as its financial soundness, experience, expertise, availability, and compatibility of personality. A selection model is developed, in which different decision criteria and its subcriteria, and their combinations are simultaneously taken into account by using the concept of fuzzy set theory. An illustrative example is also provided in the paper to demonstrate the application of the model and its assessment method in selecting the most appropriate AE team for a construction project.FindingsThe study results show that the proposed evaluation model allows decision makers to express their opinions about the performances of AE bidders using more realistic qualitative and linguistic terms and the fuzzy decision making method is an appropriate tool that can assist decision makers to better evaluate AE bidders' qualifications and select the best firm so that the risk to the project failure is minimized.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the proposed method is a useful tool for selection of the most appropriate AE team for construction projects, it should be simply used as a guide in reviewing the qualifications of different AE candidate firms and the final decision should be made in accordance with the ultimate goal of the project owner.Originality/valueThe model is proven suitable for quantifying imprecise information, reasoning, and making decisions based on vague and incomplete data.
Health and safety issues relating to construction excavators and their attachments
Authors: Edwards David J. , Holt Gary D. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeIn striving to minimise downtime and optimise the productivity of construction excavators, very often, they employ a “quick‐hitch” (Qh) as a means of changing attachments (like buckets) more quickly. Health and safety issues can relate to Qh use. The purpose of this paper is to observe these health and safety issues and consider their implications for stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachTriangulation, embracing a literature review; case studies; and the researchers' experiential knowledge, is employed to examine the nature and prevalence of Qh health and safety incidents.FindingsIt is confirmed that significant risks are associated with (inappropriate) Qh use, especially relating to “manual” and “semi‐automatic” types. The main causes of Qh incidents are observed to be due to workers' acts or omissions, particularly, failure to properly implement safety mechanisms.Practical implicationsAn identified emphasis on “people” and their actions, suggest a need for changes in construction working methods and management practice, as ways to help remove Qh risks. Accordingly, proffered solutions relate predominantly to improved worker training, combined with stricter site management. Mechanical solutions may involve possible changes to Qh design.Originality/valueThis specific area of academic plant management study is novel.
ToolSHeDTM
Authors: Cooke Tracy , Lingard Helen , Blismas Nick , Stranieri Andrew 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an innovative information and decision support tool (ToolSHeD™) developed to help construction designers to integrate the management of OHS risk into the design process. The underlying structure of the prototype web‐based system and the process of knowledge acquisition and modelling are described.Design/methodology/approachThe ToolSHeD™ research and development project involved the capture of expert reasoning regarding design impacts upon occupational health and safety (OHS) risk. This knowledge was structured using an innovative method well‐suited to modelling knowledge in the context of uncertainty and discretionary decision‐making. Example “argument trees” are presented, representing the reasoning used by a panel of experts to assess the risk of falling from height during roof maintenance work. The advantage of using this method for modelling OHS knowledge, compared to the use of simplistic rules, is discussedFindingsThe ToolSHeD™ prototype development and testing reveals that argument trees can represent design safety risk knowledge effectively.Practical implicationsThe translation of argument trees into a web‐based decision support tool is described and the potential impact of this tool in providing construction designers (architects and engineers) with easy and inexpensive access to expert OHS knowledge is discussed.Originality/valueThe paper describes a new computer application, currently undergoing testing in the Australian building and construction industry. Its originality lies in the fact that ToolSHeD™ deploys argument trees to represent expert OHS reasoning, overcoming inherent limitations in rule‐based expert systems.
Taking leadership research into future
Authors: Toor Shamas‐ur‐Rehman , Ofori George 
Published: January 2010

PurposeResearchers have traditionally focused on the technical and managerial features of construction projects and have tended to ignore the subject of leadership. However, recent interest in the subject has resulted in global research initiatives that aspire to provide an understanding of leadership in a holistic manner. To further the research on the subject, it is important to review the existing body of knowledge and draft a road map for the future. For this purpose, a review of empirical works on leadership in the construction industry was carried out.Design/methodology/approachA total of 49 studies were selected through a rigorous process. To summarize the findings, coding was done according to publication outlet, authors, nature of study, country of publication, target population, methodology, and key findings.FindingsIt was found that most of the empirical studies have focused on behavioral dimensions of leadership while paying less attention to several other important dimensions, particularly leadership development. Most studies were cross‐sectional in nature and used quantitative methods of analysis. It was also noted that these studies focused on a limited range theories presented in the mainstream.Originality/valueThe review presented here summarizes the empirical research on leadership in the construction industry. The paper details various past trends, predicts some future trends, and suggests certain areas in which future research on leadership in the construction industry could focus.Research limitations/implicationsIt is suggested that leadership studies need to be improved in terms of methodological approach, level of analysis, developmental perspective of leadership, and objective measurement of leadership outcomes.Originality/valueThe paper predicts some future trends and suggests certain areas in which future research on leadership in the construction industry could focus.
Trends of skills and productivity in the UK construction industry
Authors: Abdel‐Wahab Mohamed S. , Dainty Andrew R.J. , Ison Stephen G. , Bowen Patrick , Hazlehurst Guy 
Published: January 2010

PurposeUK government policy has emphasised the role of skills development and training as a means of improving productivity performance across all sectors of the economy. The purpose of this paper is to assess the appropriateness of this policy within the context of the construction industry, in light of the recently published statistics.Design/methodology/approachA trend analysis of construction productivity (measured by Gross Value Added/worker) and skills indicators (qualification attainment and training) was conducted over the period 1995‐2006.FindingsThere is inconsistency in the industry's productivity performance, despite the overall increase in qualification attainment levels and participation rates in training over the same period. However, the year‐on‐year change in the participation rate of training was not consistently associated with an improvement in productivity performance.Originality/valueIt is argued that the effective utilisation of skills rather than mere increase in the supply of skills is a key to bringing about productivity improvements. Indeed future policy makers decisions should focus on addressing other influences on productivity performance such as work organisation and management practice to support further development and progression of the UK construction industry.
Lost in transition: the transfer of lean manufacturing to construction
Authors: Jørgensen Bo , Emmitt Stephen 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the transfer of lean manufacturing/production from the Japanese manufacturing industry to the construction sector in the west.Design/methodology/approachResearch literature from the fields of lean manufacturing/production and lean construction was reviewed. This revealed a number of characteristics that are specific to lean construction, most notably the recognition that critical research findings have been slow to emerge but appear to be gaining momentum.FindingsIn the transition from manufacturing to construction the process losses appear to be related to critical aspects and the challenges surrounding practical application to a different context. Lean is highly interpretive and there is no shared definition or understanding of what is meant by lean, lean production, and lean construction. The focus has been mainly on production system design, planning and management, and implementation. This narrow focus has meant that some important issues concerning the wider aspects of lean have been overlooked. There is a need for a “back to basics” discussion on many other aspects of the approach, such as whole‐life value and waste identification.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is limited to an extensive literature review.Originality/valueThe extensive literature review makes an original contribution to the lean construction field and provides a valuable resource for researchers.