1,721,047 research outputs found
Variants of Swedish lean construction practices reported in research: systematic literature review and critical analysis
No full textIdentifying lean construction (LC) practice variants can facilitate LC benchmarking and adoption, provided that national institutional influences on LC practices are acknowledged. Given that motivation, this study contributes to identifying LC practice variants in Sweden — therefore mapping that context, but also offering a research template to extrapolate in other construction sectors and thus aid in developing a versatile understanding of LC practices. Methodologically, a systematic literature review captures the related empirical studies, and their themes (industrialized or conventional construction), process coverage (design, production, partnering and stakeholder collaboration, planning, strategy, supply chain), paradigms (systems theory, business economics, behaviorism, interpretivism), and content, are analyzed. Through this analysis, the variants of industrialized construction, production processes, production strategy, design, planning, and logistics and supply chain, were derived — largely indicating that Swedish LC practices primarily focus on improving technical process parameters. But aside such improvements, subpar results of Swedish LC practices have also been observed — which can mean that besides processes, the effect of LC on organizational needs, culture, value streams, development, growth, and human interaction, should be further investigated
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No full textLifecycle-based discretization of bridge performance indicators
No full textThe research concerning the performance of large infrastructure, and especially bridges, is extensive. Most prominent topics are those investigating the static, dynamic and seismic performance of bridges and all their constituent parts. The associated performance indicators include mainly the damage degree, bearing structure ductility, fragility frequency, SSI (soil-structure interaction), vulnerability, fragility, and resilience of bridges. Whereas the various indicators can be divided into certain indices groups (cost efficiency, safety, serviceability etc.), a discretization taking into account a holistic approach to lifecycle infrastructure management has not yet taken place. This paper presents such an attempt based on the key bridge performance indicators proposed by researchers in Greece, a country with important experience in this type of infrastructure. Following a targeted literature review, a conceptual schema is presented that showcases the interconnections between fundamental notions of lifecycle project management (namely constructability, sustainability and risk analysis). Then, an integrated discretization of the found grouping performance indices according to the aspects of the schema is depicted. The utility of this discretization is that the key aspects of studied research efforts concerning bridge performance indicators can be incorporated into the interconnection schema, which constitutes the first part of a, currently under development, holistic lifecycle management methodological framework. This incorporation does not only serve as an indicator regularization according to the key aspects of lifecycle project management, but also as a verification test for the schema itself in the case of certain aspects of bridges and large infrastructure in general
Lifecycle-based discretization of bridge performance indicators
Get PDFThe research concerning the performance of large infrastructure, and especially bridges, is extensive. Most prominent topics are those investigating the static, dynamic and seismic performance of bridges and all their constituent parts. The associated performance indicators include mainly the damage degree, bearing structure ductility, fragility frequency, SSI (soil-structure interaction), vulnerability, fragility, and resilience of bridges. Whereas the various indicators can be divided into certain indices groups (cost efficiency, safety, serviceability etc.), a discretization taking into account a holistic approach to lifecycle infrastructure management has not yet taken place. This paper presents such an attempt based on the key bridge performance indicators proposed by researchers in Greece, a country with important experience in this type of infrastructure. Following a targeted literature review, a conceptual schema is presented that showcases the interconnections between fundamental notions of lifecycle project management (namely constructability, sustainability and risk analysis). Then, an integrated discretization of the found grouping performance indices according to the aspects of the schema is depicted. The utility of this discretization is that the key aspects of studied research efforts concerning bridge performance indicators can be incorporated into the interconnection schema, which constitutes the first part of a, currently under development, holistic lifecycle management methodological framework. This incorporation does not only serve as an indicator regularization according to the key aspects of lifecycle project management, but also as a verification test for the schema itself in the case of certain aspects of bridges and large infrastructure in general
The Proof-of-Concept of a Blockchain Solution for Construction Logistics Integrating Flows: Lessons from Sweden
No full textThe economic, information and material flows in construction logistics are usually disintegrated—but blockchain could integrate them into a shared digital ledger supported by smart contracts, thus creating value for the relevant actors (e.g. contractors, suppliers). Therefore, weexplore such a solution’s potential by conceptualizing, developing, implementing, and testing a relevant pilot in the Swedish context. Theoretically, we adopt sociomateriality, thus understanding blockchain as a digital facilitator of transactions, flow integration, social interactions, and trust development. Methodologically, we review the literature on blockchain for construction logistics, and report from our empirical studies in Sweden. The literature review showed that core blockchain properties can generate value for construction logistics (e.g. reduction of accounting rework)—however, there currently exist no use cases beyond concepts and pilots.Moreover, implementation can be challenging due to practical and security constraints—also reflected in our own empirical material. Regardless, the solution was conceptualized as a permissioned private proof-ofauthority blockchain named BlogCHAIN, and developed into an online application based on Hyperledger Besu. Testing BLogCHAIN revealed that the practitioners’ resistance and powerplay required a simplification of our initial concept. Indeed, the flows were integrated, more decentralization and transparency were achieved, and previously time-consuming processes were facilitated—but the main contractor retained control over critical logistics segments. Our lessons-learned showed that several issues can jeopardize the adoption of blockchain, like existing power balances and unrealistic hopes of transparency and accountability beyond established business practices. The solution could be integrated with the IoT and machine learning in the future
Project performance appraisal frameworks as blueprints for bridge quality control
No full textVarious project performance appraisal frameworks (PPAFs) have been established in practice for engineering projects of both the public and private sector. Their aim is to measure the targeted and tangential attributes of project performance and conformance to specified quality standards. In this paper, the following PPAFs are summarily presented: CONQUAS and BDAS of Singapore, PASS and BAM of Hong Kong and SBTool of Portugal, Spain and Italy. Then, the current state of research regarding the key bridge performance indicators (KBPIs) is noted and considerations regarding the possible adaptation of a PPAF-inspired blueprint for a general quality appraising framework for roadway bridges take place. Concluding, the importance of lessons learned and best practices in the establishment of a novel conceptual and computational framework is discussed
Project performance appraisal frameworks as blueprints for bridge quality control
Get PDFVarious project performance appraisal frameworks (PPAFs) have been established in practice for engineering projects of both the public and private sector. Their aim is to measure the targeted and tangential attributes of project performance and conformance to specified quality standards. In this paper, the following PPAFs are summarily presented: CONQUAS and BDAS of Singapore, PASS and BAM of Hong Kong and SBTool of Portugal, Spain and Italy. Then, the current state of research regarding the key bridge performance indicators (KBPIs) is noted and considerations regarding the possible adaptation of a PPAF-inspired blueprint for a general quality appraising framework for roadway bridges take place. Concluding, the importance of lessons learned and best practices in the establishment of a novel conceptual and computational framework is discussed
Addressing minority discrimination in a master’s education program for construction management
No full textIncreasing minorities’ participation in high-tier and managerial positions in the construction sector, can compensate for the shortage of skilled workers faced by the industry even in Sweden. However, relevant initiatives seem to not have achieved substantial results yet. This is also evident in construction management education, which then creates implications for the industry. In this paper, we attest shortcomings in tackling the aforementioned issues, as well as present possible solutions. Theoretically, we adopt diversity management and critical diversity theory, and then conduct a literature review followed by an empirical focus on a master’s education program for construction management in a Swedish university. Our findings show that while methods and policies may exist, they are generally implemented inefficiently. Even more alarmingly, there can be a “diversity washing” through relevant low-budgeted programs, which may serve more as an extraction for underperforming managers rather than serious initiatives. As such, university-proposed solutions may fail, as the organizational structure does not support them, and the responsibility of implementation lies primarily with the teachers. We therefore propose broader initiatives with a strong reflection in praxis – such as following up on students’ behaviour in the classroom, and examining not only the way foreigners can be integrated, but also the way the majority is blindly maintaining and reproducing its privilege. Those could allow construction management education to contribute towards a diverse and equitable development of the Swedish construction sector. In that vein, this paper aims to contribute to SDGs 4, 5, 8, and 10
A conceptual digital business model for construction logistics consultants, featuring a sociomaterial blockchain solution for integrated economic, material and information flows
Get PDFIn this paper, a new digital business model for independent construction logistics consultants, which features the conceptualization of a sociomaterial blockchain solution for integrated information, material and economic flows, is proposed.Theoretically, we offer an understanding of the economic flow, stress the optimization of construction logistics through flow integration, analyse current approaches to understanding blockchain, adopt sociomateriality to envision a suitable blockchain solution, and consider the way blockchain can constitute part of the value proposition of a related digital business model. Methodologically, we systematically reviewed the literature on blockchain-related construction research, and conducted empirical studies on independent logistics consultants in the Swedish context for more than a year. On the one hand, the literature review reveals that core blockchain properties can generate value for construction logistics (e.g. shared ledger structure and reduction of accounting rework) – however, apart from visions and prototypes, there currently exist no use cases, and potential implementational constraints and security issues are limitedly considered. One the other hand, the empirical findings show that independent construction logistics consultants in the sociomaterial Swedish context are suitable candidates for the proposed digital business model. By combining the literature and empirical insights, a permissioned private proof-of-authority blockchain solution integrating the supply chain flows in a generic sociomaterial setting is conceptualized. This solution is then embedded in the value proposition of a digital business model for an independent construction logistics consultant. The proposition includes, among others, improved process management and increased productivity, while the consultants’ competitive advantage through innovation is facilitated. Other business model segments, like key resources, are also updated via the blockchain solution, while some, like channels, are not significantly affected. To not hinder the realization of this digital business model, issues like the lack of blockchain awareness, and the existing power balances within sociomaterial constellations, have to be addressed
Preparing a new conceptualization of building processes – integrating sustainability and resource-economic value production [Elektronisk resurs]
No full textIn this report, we initialize the research on the ongoing transformation of building processes in the context of changing the building projects’ economy into a resource-economic value production. Through this project, financed by CMB, we found concepts and empirical experiences about threats and opportunities emanating from such an ongoing transformation. We therefore support the addressing of central considerations related to sustainability, circular economy, and regeneration in construction, as a focal point in climate policies in Sweden and the EU
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