bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using public‐private partnerships (PPPs) to procure social infrastructure in Australia
Authors: Jefferies Marcus , McGeorge W.D. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeOwing to increasing demands for new infrastructure and a reduction in public sector investment, Australian governments are increasingly turning to the private sector to form partnerships in the design, construction, ownership and operation of public sector projects. This paper aims to focus on the use of public‐private partnerships (PPPs) to procure “social infrastructure projects”, such as schools, hospitals and prisons. The research seeks to map the current extent of PPPs and to present some preliminary findings on the cost of bidding.Design/methodology/approachThe research traces the origins of social infrastructure PPPs in Australia and gives an up‐to‐date account by mapping projects that are either completed to date or in the pipeline. The research also describes preliminary findings on additional costs likely to be incurred in bidding for social infrastructure PPPs. A semi‐structured interview process involving senior managers from private sector PPP stakeholders was used in conjunction with a review of project documentation.FindingsSocial infrastructure projects are characterised as generally being smaller in scale than economic infrastructure projects (motorways, bridges, tunnels, etc.) and, by their very nature, also tend to be complex, particularly in terms of ongoing involvement with the community. Thus, private‐sector bidders for social infrastructure PPP projects are often presented with a situation where the financial rewards are less and the operational demands are more complex than for hard economic PPP projects. The private sector would welcome increased risk transfer from the public sector and subsequently greater involvement in the operational stages of social infrastructure PPPs.Originality/valueThe outcome of the research project is of assistance to decision takers in both the public and private sectors by making explicit factors which are currently accepted as being implicit in PPP bidding and project evaluation. Ongoing research into PPPs is vital to ensure the development of sustainable procurements methods, the continued funding of a nation's infrastructure, successful operational viability, fair risk distribution and subsequent financial success and that greater rewards are provided for all stakeholders, particularly the community at large.
Data acquisition from construction sites for tracking purposes
Authors: El‐Omari Samir , Moselhi Osama 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to develop a tracking and control system that automates the process of data collection from construction sites for fast and accurate measurement of work progress.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed system integrates different data acquisition hardware and software technologies including barcoding, radio frequency identification (RFID), laser distance and ranging (LADAR), digital images, and a tablet PC as integrating media.FindingsThe paper briefly highlights the advantages and limitations associated with each technology, and presents a methodology that best utilizes these technologies in an integrated system. At the core of the developed system is its database, which is designed to organize and store data collected from construction sites in a way that supports the developed methodology in progress reporting.Practical implicationsThe accuracy and timeliness of these reports are crucial for management teams to take corrective actions, if needed, so as to assist in delivering projects on time and within budget.Originality/valueThe paper presents the layout of an IT platform designed to facilitate automated data acquisition from construction sites to support efficient time and cost tracking and control of construction projects. The system presented is capable of capturing text, numerical and graphical data to report efficiently on the progress of a project.
Evaluation of key practices under the Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) initiative for UK healthcare facilities
Authors: Ibrahim A.D. , Price A.D.F. , Dainty A.R.J. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine whether the UK Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) procurement strategy supports the delivery of facilities for improved primary and social care services that meet local needs while providing value for money.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a qualitative approach (case study), involving semi‐structured interviews with senior managers involved in three LIFT schemes.FindingsThe investigations revealed significant differences in the maturity levels of the schemes evaluated in terms of systems, processes and structures used in the planning and implementation of the schemes. Although there is potential for further improvements, the pattern of progress made generally confirmed an evolving system, with considerable evidence of performance improvement from project‐to‐project.Research limitations/implicationsThis evaluation involved only three LIFT schemes and thus utmost caution should be taken in generalising the results. In addition, the evaluations were limited to project management perspectives related to the built environment component and did not delve into clinical aspects.Practical implicationsThe paper identified both good practices (that could be transferred across schemes and between projects) and poor practices (that require improvements) from the schemes evaluated.Originality/valueAlthough potential ways for securing further long‐term improvements and sustained value for money were highlighted, this paper provides prima facie evidence that the LIFT initiative is delivering the expected economies of scale in providing modern facilities for the provision of integrated primary and social care services.
Commercial reviews in the tender process of contractors
Authors: Laryea Samuel , Hughes Will 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the extent to which clients amend standard form contracts in practice, the locus of the amendments, and how contractors respond to the amendments when putting together a bid.Design/methodology/approachFour live observational case studies were carried out in two of the top 20 UK construction firms. The whole process used to review the proposed terms and conditions of the contract was shadowed using participant observation, interview and documentary analysis.FindingsAll four cases showed strong evidence of amendments relating mostly to payment and contractual aspects: 83 amendments in Case Study 1 (CS1), 80 in CS2, 15 in CS3 and 29 in CS4. This comprised clauses that were modified (37 per cent), substituted (23 per cent), deleted (7 per cent) and new additions (33 per cent). Risks inherent in the amendments were mostly addressed through contractual rather than price mechanisms, to reflect commercial imperatives. “Qualifications” and “clarifications” were included in the tender submissions for post‐tender negotiations. Thus, the amendments did not necessarily influence price. There was no evidence of a “standard‐form contract“ being used as such, although clients may draw on published “standard‐form contracts” to derive the forms of contract actually used in practice.Practical implicationsContractors should pay attention to clauses relating to contractual and financial aspects when reviewing tender documents. Clients should draft equitable payment and contractual terms and conditions to reduce risk of dispute. Indeed, it is prudent for clients not to pass on inestimable risks.Originality/valueA better understanding of the extent and locus of amendments in standard form contracts, and how contractors respond, is provided.
A macroeconomic regression analysis of the European construction industry
Authors: Pellicer Teresa M. , Pellicer Eugenio , Eaton David 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the international construction sector from a macroeconomic point of view through production functions. The aim is to contribute additional knowledge on the European construction sector, highlighting differences in the industry among European countriesDesign/methodology/approachIn order to analyse the sector panel, data from 1996‐2005 for nine European countries were used. Raw data were obtained from Eurostat (Bach Project). Variables for the production functions were chosen after a correlation analysis. Annual turnover was taken as the dependent variable, whereas total assets and personnel costs were the independent variables. The econometric regression models considered were linear (bivariate and multivariate) and logarithmic (Cobb‐Douglas).FindingsIn spite of the limitations stated, there are some factors that can explain the results obtained, such as the diverse preponderance of small and medium enterprises and the different roles played by informal economy, migration and subcontracting in each of the countries.Research limitations/implicationsData collected by Eurostat are provided by the enterprises voluntarily. This implies a bias in the representativeness of the data. Thus, the discrepancies and inconsistencies in the results obtained are a direct consequence of the data limitations. Furthermore, the regression models obtained should be tested using future data to predict the behaviour of the construction industry in each one of the countries.Originality/valueThe use of production functions in the construction industry is a novel approach that should be further developed to gather more precise information on the behaviour of the sector.
Road testing a health and safety worker engagement tool‐kit in the construction industry
Authors: Meldrum A. , Hare B. , Cameron Iain 
Published: January 2010

PurposeWorker engagement in health and safety (H & S) is a means to reduce risks in construction projects. A measure for worker engagement in H & S is a first step in ensuring improvement and maintenance of worker engagement in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of worker engagement in construction by testing a management instrument (WISH) developed to measure it during a construction project.Design/methodology/approachA stratified sample of workers in a construction project organisation was studied to test the effectiveness of a site‐wide engagement programme (IIF) run by the main contractor. The measurement was repeated 13 months after the first phase to check engagement at that stage of the project and to reduce bias in scoring.FindingsFour key factors emerged as the independent variables on which worker engagement depends. These are: knowledge and capability to engage, perceptions, attitudes and behaviours and actual involvement in H & S risk management. The IIF gave a check on the validity (face, construct and content) of the instrument as a measure of worker engagement. Reliability of the measure was tested by peer scoring at the second measurement phase. The Spearman‐Brown R showed a high degree of inter‐rater reliability in scores, supporting the reliability of the WISH measure.Originality/valueThe study provides a valid and reliable measure of worker engagement in H & S management for construction. The use of this instrument within the construction industry should help managements to improve the effectiveness of their worker engagement programmes.
What empowers individuals and teams in project settings? A critical incident analysis
Authors: Morgan Tuuli Martin , Rowlinson Steve 
Published: January 2010

PurposeEmpowerment is a concept that means different things to different individuals. The factors that engender feelings of empowerment are thus multifarious. The purpose of this paper is to focus on to the factors that empower individuals and teams in projects settings.Design/methodology/approachUsing the critical incident technique (CIT), 122 critical incidents comprising 69 empowering and 53 disempowering experiences of 30 purposively selected construction professionals are elicited and analysed.FindingsAdopting a broad frame of reference on the premise that empowerment of individuals and teams in project settings is associated with drivers and barriers related to: the individual; the team context; the organisation; and the project – mutually exclusive and exhaustive contextual influences within each frame of reference are identified. At the individual‐level, cultural values and factors related to the quality of relationships with leaders and colleagues emerged. At the team‐level, team context and leadership style are the key factors. At the organisation‐level, factors related to structure and culture emerged. At the project‐level, project characteristics, organisation, environment and technology‐related factors impacted the empowerment of individuals and teams.Practical implicationsPractically, the paper provides targets of concrete interventions by leaders and organisations desirous of fostering empowerment in project teams.Originality/valueThis paper adds to previous research in demonstrating the practicality of the CIT in construction specific research and the credibility and trustworthiness checks employed are exemplary of measures researchers using qualitative methodologies can take to assert the credibility of their findings and conclusions.
Innovations from the Halcrow‐Cardiff University strategic collaboration
Authors: Martin J.C. , Akande K. , Falconer R.A. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeInnovation process may be characterised by three separate actions: the creation of ideas; their development; and subsequent application for the benefit of industry and society. In water engineering consultancy, the processes that stimulate and manage innovation are not well established. Other organisations are capable of establishing dedicated product or commodity facilities, but the make‐up of the construction industry and its consultancy service organisations, requires a different approach. Conventional models tend to focus on product innovation in a manufacturing environment but it is also necessary to consider innovation from the perspective of the service industries. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the case of Halcrow, an international civil and environmental engineering consultancy. In 2001, Halcrow Group Ltd and Cardiff University cooperated with each other to research and innovate via a strategic collaboration which involved the sponsorship of a chair and a research team in the School of Engineering. The collaboration, whose aim is to underpin a strategic relationship between university research in various aspects of water engineering and management consultancy, is structured around five related topics, which when combined provide a collaborative framework that promotes innovation and exploitation of industry relevant research. The topics are: networking, research exploitation, skills development, knowledge transfer and dissemination. Through the collaboration, a number of activities have been promoted and these have resulted in a number of innovations, valuable in developing business. Insights from the Halcrow‐Cardiff collaboration activities and highlights of the resulting innovations are described in this paper.FindingsThe paper highlights the contribution that research work through the collaboration has made to the water industry and the anticipated benefits to society in the long term. The paper in turn describes how it has been possible to accommodate variations related to the likes of climate change and renewable energy efficiency, looking ahead to the medium and long terms.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight into an innovative partnership providing a framework for the creation of ideas.
Study of light‐multi‐layered façades
Authors: Ruiz Letzai , Gómez Eva , García Santos Alfonso , Vega Sergio 
Published: January 2010

PurposeTraditional façade systems are at the point where the minimum comfort guarantees have peaked, showing hygrothermic performance deficiencies which result in higher heating consumption, which is why it is necessary to make improvements in design and building construction, especially in envelopes, for which efficient building enclosures should be used, generating notable benefits. For these reasons, the study of new façade construction systems is essential, particularly light multi‐layers, which offer favorable characteristics for energy consumption savings. With this background, the main aim of this study is to generate knowledge to find out to what extent light multi‐layered façades are better, determining which façades are the most efficient and guarantee the comfort conditions of a building, contributing in this way to energy consumption savings.Design/methodology/approachTo carry out this study, a methodology of analysis was used, signifying that in the first phase a theoretical study has been made, analyzing different configurations of the sample façades, to obtain their thermal performance, using two different methods, thermographic and thermal, obtaining in the thermographic study: surface temperatures of the façades, while in the thermal simulation, generating isotherms, heat flows, data on thermal coupling coefficients to calculate the value of the thermal transmittance and surface conditions, among others.FindingsUsing these data, the conclusion has been reached that comparing a traditional enclosure to a light multi‐layered one of equal thickness, an improvement of 65 percent can be achieved in the thermal transmittance, which signifies a saving in energy consumption, exceeding the Technical Building Code.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates great advancement over traditional systems.
Strategies for managing innovation in UK housebuilding
Authors: Pan Wei 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe UK Government's housing agenda, coupled with the current market conditions, has provided the housebuilding industry with a challenge to build more new homes while improving business efficiency to survive. Although innovation has been claimed as the key to meeting the challenge, the level of its usage has been reported low. This paper aims to reveal an insight into the success, inertia and failure of innovations and improve innovation management for housebuilding firms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports on a two‐year case study of a large UK housebuilding company. It investigates the lifecycle of two product innovations, i.e. photovoltaic and air source heat pumps, and two process innovations, i.e. development efficiency plan and glossary of terms.FindingsFive key stages of managing innovation are identified which represent the thematic consistency among the innovation processes, i.e. the creation of ideas, development of innovation, utilisation, review and improvement or abandonment. The organisational construct of the company for managing innovation is complicated and appeared difficult to manipulate, which constitutes a cultural and administrative obstacle. Whilst the adoption of the innovations from the market seems more straightforward than those created and developed in the company, the success or failure of innovation is driven by the combination of external and internal contextual issues. Strategies are developed which should improve the effectiveness of managing innovation in housebuilding and contribute to relevant future debate.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight into managing innovation in UK housebuilding.
Why corporate governance in the Russian oil and gas industry is improving
Authors: Heinrich Andreas 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis research paper aims to examine global factors influencing business behaviour in the Russian oil and natural gas sector. The aspect of corporate governance will serve as an indicator for the business behaviour processes under review. It will be investigated whether global factors in the form of internationalization result in the adoption of international norms, standards and business practices, thereby bringing about a change in a company's corporate governance.Design/methodology/approachTwo indices were developed to measure the degree of internationalization and the quality of corporate governance in the individual companies. The correlation between these two factors was tested statistically.FindingsThe study indicates that in 1997 there was no statistical correlation between the degree of internationalization and the quality of corporate governance. In 1999 and 2001, however, there was a statistical correlation of 0.75 and 0.90 respectively between both variables, corroborating the hypothesis that since 1999, i.e. since the financial crises, the extent of a company's internationalization has heavily influenced its corporate governance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study should encourage future research on this topic. A comparative international research project on global and national factors influencing business behaviour is already planned to test and extend the hypotheses in a broader context.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is the linkage of global influences to firm‐level corporate governance. It can be concluded that global influences affect the business behaviour, i.e. the quality of corporate governance, of Russian oil and gas companies. The greater the extent of a company's internationalization, the greater the pressure to adopt international standards. Thus a high level of internationalization will result in corporate governance conforming with international standards.
Corporate governance as a determinant of corporate values
Authors: Thomsen Steen 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to test the impact of corporate governance structure on corporate values.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs factor analysis and three‐stage least squares to identify and explain variance in corporate values.FindingsIn accordance with the proposed theoretical framework ownership, board and stakeholder structure are found to influence corporate values. When value determinants are taken into account there is no significant relationship between values and profitability.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a pilot study of 71 Danish firms. Further research needs to address measurement of corporate values and to test hypotheses on larger datasets.Practical implicationsOne practical implication is that corporate values should be grounded in the company's ownership, board and stakeholder structure. Real changes in corporate values may require real changes in governance structure.Originality/valueThe paper tests a new approach to the study of corporate values which connects values to governance. It thereby establishes empirical foundations for current discussions about corporate values. This should be important both to practical work on company missions, values and responsibilities and to academics who search for an operational approach to the study of corporate values.