bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Success Factors in Mega Infrastructure Projects (MIPs): Developing Nations Perspectives
Authors: Seidu R D , Ayinla K , Shady A , Young B E , Ofori G , Ebohon O J 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is a common understanding that megaprojects are important drivers of societal change. Their impact is an important phenomenon because of the influence on both society and economy. Despite the best practices all around the globe, numerous challenges can move a megaproject from a programmed success to a failure scenario. It can create an uncertainty over the result, impact as well as over the justification of the enormous amount of resources spent. Despite much research done so far, it is still not clear what are the causes of megaproject success. However, there seems to be no clear understanding as to what are the major success factors on which a project is judged in developing nation. Hence, this study aims to analyse the most vital success factors that would label a megaproject as being a complete accomplishment. The research was conducted using quantitative survey. The questionnaires were distributed to different stakeholders who have participated in previous megaproject. The questions were based on a Likert’s scale rating and analysed using relative important index (RII). The result from the analysis was then used in establishing the main success factors in mega project whilst focusing on what is regarded as the most important success factors as projects are unique with certain needs. The key finding from the study is the Project Managers experience and co existence with other stakeholders which was found as vital factor for the successful delivery of MIPs. Therefore, the research demonstrates the implication of the role of the project managers in terms of coordination of other parties in achieving stakeholders goal..
A dialectical system framework for adopting modular integrated construction
Authors: Kolugala L M B N , Pan Wei , Kumaraswamy Mohan M 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) has emerged as an innovative technological approach in the high-rise, high-density city of Hong Kong to address the shortages of housing, skilled labour and to boost productivity and quality in the built environment. The current context of MiC in Hong Kong is mainly driven by the significant government instigation accompanied by policies, regulations, financial incentives, and government-initiated MiC projects. Despite such governmental support and its known benefits, the adoption of MiC is still at an ‘infancy’ stage of development in terms of industry-wide uptake, due to its complex nature. Therefore, it is vital to boost the collaboration of construction industry participants to accelerate MiC adoption in Hong Kong at the industry level. This requires a joint focus on a consolidated new direction of MiC uptake and adoption. To underpin and justify this new direction, a dialectical system framework is developed in this paper to review and synthesize the apposite systematic literature, to conceptualize the industry uptake of MiC in Hong Kong. Thereby, the focus was widened towards the technical, social, and co-evolved economic and political aspects and geographical boundaries. Subsequently, the system framework was developed to indicate significant components of policy and regulations (regulatory context), technology uptake, stakeholder collaboration and economic and financial inducement, research and development and their inter-relations.
Study on Effective Long-Term Space Optimization Design Regarding Existing Campus Buildings in China
Authors: Wu J , Fan L , Zhang M , Wu Z , Chen H , Zou Y 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The past century has seen a pronounced development of higher education in China. Notably, the gross enrollment rate has risen from 0.1% in 1970 to 48.4% in 2016. Existing campus buildings in colleges and universities that hold great value because of their historical, cultural and environmental resources, have attracted an increasing amount of attention. Unfortunately, in many cases, campus buildings have to face issues concerning uniformity of spaces and poor adaptability to accommodate changing academic needs. These issues greatly impact not only the comfort of faculty and students but also the effectiveness of teaching & research. This paper focuses on the effective long-term space optimization regarding existing campus buildings in China, inspired by the concepts of Open Building and applying the detailed research of Southwest Building in Nanjing University, Gulou Campus as an example. The process consisting of investigation and space optimization design is introduced. By the design principles of “fixed space” and “variable space”, this paper demonstrates that the application of effective long-term space optimization design can greatly enhance the long-term utility of existing buildings. Numerical simulations of natural daylighting and ventilation by Ecotect and CFD also show an enhancement in building performance after the space optimization design. This research is beneficial to realizing the effective long-term utilization of campus buildings in universities and colleges. It can also be referred to for the renovation design of other kinds of existing buildings in China.
Business sustenance strategies in the competitive construction industry: Emerging contractor’s perspective
Authors: Amoah Christopher , Bikitsha Linda 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Emerging construction companies often liquidate due to the stiff competition among their rank in the construction market. This study investigated the skills and strategies adopted by emerging contractors to make their businesses sustainable within the highly competitive construction markets. A qualitative research approach was used to solicit information from Grade one to four emerging contractors in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify the main themes. The study’s findings indicate that emerging contractors face stiff competition among their ranks due to lack of work, significantly impacting their ability to remain in the construction business. Thus for an emerging contractor to stay competitive and sustainable in the construction industry, various skills and strategies need to be applied, including; improving the quality of work, delivering projects on time, willingness to adapt, keeping updated on the happenings in the construction industry, building good relationships with more prominent companies, reducing waste in the value chain to minimise cost, improving business cash flow, exploring joint ventures strategies, better investment decisions, among others. This study gives insight to emerging contractors on the strategies to adopt for business sustenance in the highly competitive construction market.
Generation of Phenomenal Interior Quality from Refurbishment of Commercial Spaces in Residential Areas
Authors: Jia B 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Commercial buildings in the residential districts are under rapid redevelopment because retail shopping activities are being replaced by community service, education, eating and dinning and experiential activities in China. This paper revealed three interior refurbishment projects aiming to recreating interior public spaces. Interior fitting has rapidly grown in the building industry. Product suppliers provide strong support for construction quality and intervene in architectural design decisions. Interior design, as independent work, promotes effective dialogue with clients, users and suppliers in the design process. It is a platform for quality by understanding the texture, lighting and atmosphere as the key area of control in design. The interior design of three projects of Baumschlager Eberle Architekten (BEA) Hong Kong Ltd, transforms the common areas of shopping centres in residential areas into interior public spaces. The paper introduces and evaluates the design methods of BEA architects to present and control design quality, especially for interior public spaces. The territory, material, visibility, rhythms and use and overall interior atmosphere are analysed with case studies based on the literature review on outdoor public spaces. The paper concludes that interior refurbishment is an independent level of design in the recreating ―publicness‖ in existing building structure. Only when conceptually free from the constraints of structure and façade can unique atmospheres be achieved through design, opening up further intervention in future.
Study of the Hierarchical Relationships and Renovation of Support Systems in Existing Residential Areas in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Chen Shan , Zhang Qiong , Fan Yue 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The existing residential area in Shenzhen, China mainly refers to a specific multi-story brick and concrete residential area built in the 1980s-1990s. After 30-40 years of use, the structures in these settlements have experienced different degrees of deterioration. As a megacity in southern China, Shenzhen has engaged in a diversified transformation to maintain and renew existing residential area, including comprehensive environmental improvements, facade and roof transformations, elevator installations, and pipeline replacements. However, there has been a lack of systematic reviews of different renovation practices and their effects on existing residential areas. Based on concept of “ level ” from open buildings, this study reviews the hierarchical relationships in existing residential areas in Shenzhen, dividing the residential building support systems into four parts: the enclosed structures, components attached to facades, the public space in a building, and public pipelines. The study reviewed nine typical case settlements using field investigations and analysis, and summarized the mode and degree of the renovation or transformation, the rights and responsibilities of the subjects involved, and the purpose of the current support system elements. This facilitates a systematic review of the problems emerging during a renovation. This study provides a new perspective and theoretical basis for reviewing the renovation of existing residential areas in China.
Transaction Cost of Offsite Construction (OSC): A New Zealand Study
Authors: Ramesh S , Shahzad W , Sutrisna M 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Offsite construction (OSC) has been put forward as a solution to many prevailing challenges facing the construction industry, including but not limited to low productivity, housing shortage, lack of innovation, and poor-quality outputs. The uptake of OSC is relatively slow in the New Zealand construction industry. With only 10% of all the new builds using the OSC approach, it is evident that the potential of this construction approach is under-utilised. Many barriers have been identified as responsible for low uptake, including cost-related barriers. This study investigates the transaction cost of OSC, which is an extra cost to the project development cost and is generally overlooked in the project planning and development stage. This study aims to identify the factors that contribute to the transaction cost of OSC in New Zealand, alongside investigating the impact of transaction cost on overall project delivery and factors that can minimise the transaction cost. A questionnaire survey was conducted involving OSC practitioners in New Zealand. It was noted that consultation with building consent authority, the complexity of interface design, limited capacity of offsite manufacturers, and highly skilled workforce requirements contribute to transition cost during concept design, technical design and procurement, manufacturing, and on-site assembly stages. Consequently, disputes between stakeholders, uncertainty, an overall increase in project cost, and reluctance to use OSC may occur. It is noted that the use of innovation like automation, building information modeling, design for manufacturing and assembly, and consenting process to suit OSC holds the potential to reduce the transaction cost.
The perception of commercial construction companies on using technology to review contracts in New Zealand
Authors: Sweet C , Paes D 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
A lack of understanding of project risks and the use of unnecessarily complex contracts have been identified as weaknesses in construction procurement. Contract reviews are often rushed, and risks are not assessed and allowed for appropriately. This process can be improved using digital technology solutions. This research investigated the NZ commercial construction practitioners’ views about adopting computational tools to review construction contracts. A mixed-methods study using a survey questionnaire was undertaken and accompanied by descriptive statistical analysis. The sample consisted of 66 participants from different groups within NZ’s commercial construction industry. The study found a strong positive response towards digital technology adoption, and the overall perception is that there are benefits to using computational tools for contract review. Findings confirmed that these have not been widely adopted for contract review, mainly due to the lack of familiarity with existing solutions. Further research is recommended to investigate how a small portion of the population is currently using computational solutions. The benefits of manual contract reviews may also be explored to enhance software systems for easier adoption.
Forensic Delay Analysis as Evidence of Transaction Costs in Construction Projects
Authors: Atanasov V A , Greenwood D J , Ross H , Sanchez D E 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Construction projects are characterised by supply chains with multiple contracts and significant transaction costs. An example of these costs is to be found in the management of project delays. The operationalisation and measurement of transaction costs, especially in the construction context, has hitherto proved difficult. The work reported here is concerned with defining and measuring the resources required for the management of contractual disputes relating to project delays. Its main argument is that concepts from transaction cost economics (TCE) theory (bounded rationality, uncertainty, information asymmetry, and opportunistic behaviour) present serious problems for transaction efficiency. This is exemplified in forensic analysis of construction project delays. Data from twelve case studies are analysed, to reveal that up to 90% of time spent on delay analysis was concerned with searching for and validating information which could, ostensibly, be automatically and reliably captured using digital technologies. This research forms part of a wider study that considers the implications of the identified inefficiencies and makes a case for the exploitation of advances in information technology on the more efficient resolution (or even avoidance) of contractual disputes. It concludes that there is a prima facie case for this, and therefore for the reduction in the transaction costs that relate to the management of construction project delays.
To be or not to be: why do transaction partners in construction industry avoid formulating agreements into contract documents?
Authors: Chen Y , Wu Y , Hajikazemi S , Yao H , Ebohon O J 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Designing the construction contracts efficiently and effectively is vital for project success since contracts can not only motivate and regulate behaviours in projects, but also plays a crucial part in managing interfirm relationship. In practice, however, transaction partners in construction industry sometimes avoid formulating all the agreements into contract documents, which is contradictory to common logic. The aim of this research is to prove the existence of such phenomenon and to investigate the reasons for why it happens. Both questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were conducted in construction industry in China for data collection since China provides fertile context to explore the research questions. The questionnaire was used to prove the existence of such phenomenon and the interviews were used to explore the logic behind. The results show that in nearly 50% of the construction projects in China, the phenomenon of the transaction partners deliberately avoid formulating some agreements into contract documents exist. Given explanations as for why this happens include: 1) showing trust towards the other partner, 2) reducing risks in transaction, 3) increasing the possibility of further collaboration in the future, 4) bypassing the contract check in their own legal departments, and 5) preventing other competitor companies in the market from stealing technology through the contract documents. A comprehensive understanding for designing contract documents is generated in this research, which will not only help project managers for project success but also provides insights into drafting contract terms.
Preferences for medium density housing in New Zealand
Authors: Gjerde M , Kiddle R 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Medium density housing (MDH) typologies are not widely used in New Zealand in comparison with other places. With current pressures to build housing in the places people want to live, interest in these forms of housing has surged. Government regulators and housing agencies, as well as many private developers, understand that MDH can help use land and infrastructures more efficiently and create liveable neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, there are still strong preferences amongst housing consumers for standalone dwellings. In an increasingly diverse society, little seems to have changed in the forms of MDH that housing providers create. The study reported in this paper interrogates the needs and preferences of people who have previous experience of living in MDH as well as those who may be considering it. Interview respondents were selected around four demographic dimensions; gender, ethnicity, whether they are property owners or renters and their prior experience of living in MDH. The interviewees were invited to provide their preferences around eight different MDH characteristics, first unconstrained by financial costs and then a second time, where costs were limited. As a pilot study, the number of respondents is small. Nevertheless, the results can be seen to illuminate the most important MDH characteristics across the diverse respondent group as well as areas where they differ. The findings will be of interest to other housing researchers and housing providers.
Transportation Infrastructure as Catalyst: Evolving Urban Structure in the In-Between Space of Railway Stations
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhu Yuan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Struggling to cope with the pandemic, people are seeking for a more convenient and short-distance community lifestyle. The fourth industrial revolution has also given rise to more convenient transportation and information-based lifestyles. Around railway stations, the traditional circular planning method based on 5-10-15 min walking distance forms the centralized urban structure. When focus on the in-between space of multiple stations, sometimes there is still a vacuum of space that difficult to access by walking. Taking material transportation infrastructure (railway and connecting traffic modes such as buses and bicycles) as catalyst, this study explores the networked coordination of immaterial infrastructure (space, function, place, urban structure, etc.). The station area is redefined by different speeds of various connecting traffic modes, which improves the radiation and integration capacity of stations. Meanwhile, the multiplying of multiple isochrones is applied as another criteria for accessibility and land value, guiding the evolution of multi-centralized urban structure. It contributes to a more convenient community lifestyle as an urban design pandemic response. Furthermore, a definition method and quantitative analysis of 3D Station Realm is proposed relying on Urban Network Analysis (UNA), with practical exploration of Feixi Road Station urban design taken as an example based on the idea.
The Disparity in Greenspace Quality Between Low and High SES Settings: A Case Study in Victoria
Authors: Ghanem Ali , Edirisinghe Ruwini 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The presence of greenspace, its profound impact and association with physical and mental health, biodiversity, and aesthetical pleasure has been delineated abundantly. Contrarily, there is a concerning disparity in the accessibility and proximity between affluent and deprived areas in urbanised localities. Existing literature prioritised distribution and proximity domains when assessing inequitable greenspace and consequently has catalysed a research gap in greenspace quality domains. This paper endeavours to fill this gap through a case study in Melbourne, Australia using a quantitative method to extract findings and policy analysis to generate recommendations. Socioeconomic data from deprivation indexes systematically defined low and high SES (socioeconomic status). A GIS (Geographical Information System) observation of greenspaces scored spaces according to a scoring criterion contingent on safety/security, environmental elements, accessibility, maintenance/cleanliness, facilities/amenities, and aesthetic facets. Statistics were then synthesised to produce a Cohen effect score highlighting disparities in each facet between the two contrasting SES groups. Findings affirmed an existent disparity between the high and low SES spaces and contributed to existing strands of literature surrounding unjust quality distribution. Ultimately, findings will serve as invaluable evidence regarding policy implications, current opportunities under the ‘Plan Melbourne’ policy, and the need to facilitate intervention in those underprivileged settings.
Effects of air change rate and moisture load related to moisture index and the expected moisture performance of a wall assembly
Authors: Xiao Zhe , Defo Maurice , Lacasse Michael A. , Dragomirescu Elena 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Mould may grow in wood frame wall assemblies when subjected to excessive moisture load over prolonged periods of time. To permit estimating the moisture risk in wood-frame wall assemblies, one approach is to use hygrothermal simulations. This process requires access to relevant climate data and as well, knowledge and experience regarding the use of hygrothermal simulation tools. As well, it may not be practical to undertake such an analysis for each different type of wall being considered for a given location and use. In this regard, the moisture index is usually considered when designing measures for protection from precipitation as it is a useful indicator that reflects the intensity and duration of moisture loads to which a building envelope may be subjected over time. Hence, in the study described in this paper, consideration was given to determining the correlation between mould growth index and moisture index as this would be beneficial to building practitioners in determining the level of protection to mould growth as may be achieved in different climate regions having a particular value for moisture index. The mould growth indices were generated for Oriented Strand Board (OSB) incorporated within a wood-frame vinyl-clad wall assembly located in selected Canadian cities from which moisture indices were derived. Effects of moisture load and air change rate were also taken into account when assessing the correlation between the two indices. The results indicate that when the air change rate and moisture load are favourable to maintain a humid environment, strong correlations were observed between the two indices, vice versa.