1,438 research outputs found
BIM Investment: Understanding value, return and models of assessment
No full textAs adoption of the BIM methodology (building information modelling) grows, so too do levels of investment in new technologies, processes and organisational change. However due to complexity at the project level, where BIM implementation (and integration) occurs, it can be difficult for firms to evaluate the benefits, costs and risks of investment. This paper reviews existing research surrounding BIM, its value, the return on investment (ROI) and models of assessment. The author draws on information systems (IS) and construction information technology (IT) research so as to explore the requirements of a BIM investment evaluation methodology. Difficulties in applying existing models are identified, revealing the need for a value chain approach that accounts for the project lifecycle. The paper describes the salient outcomes of interest linked to firm level adoption and project based implementation of BIM and discusses the implications relative to measuring their return
Behavioral transition: A framework for the construction conflict - Tension relationship
Full text link“© 20XX IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.”Conflicts are inevitable in construction projects. One of the reasons is that all construction projects involve complex human interactions. Previous studies have shown that behavioral states can respond dynamically as the magnitude of a conflict increases. This has been empirically demonstrated using a catastrophe-theory-based, three-variable system involving the level of construction conflict, the level of tension, and the amount of behavioral flexibility (Yiu and Cheung, 2006). This paper reports on a study that builds on the above-mentioned study by Yiu and Cheung, and examines the application of moderated multiple regression (MMR) to the three-variable system. It was found that not all MMR models display a significant moderating effect. Two out of six MMR models were found to be significant in their effect. These models affirm that the nature of the relationship between the degree of uncertainty and adversarial attitudes (or mistrust level) varies, depending on the behavioral flexibility of the parties. Disordinal interactions were also found, suggesting that the interaction between behavioral flexibility and the conflict-tension relationship can change radically. Critical points for the degree of uncertainty were also able to be calculated. Beyond these points, even a flexible individual may find difficulty in minimizing or resolving construction conflicts. As such, it is suggested that such radical changes could be prevented by minimizing the degree of uncertainty in construction projects. © 2007 IEEE.Publishe
Risk-contingency fund in the design stage elemental cost planning function: a theoretical exploration
No full textEffectiveness of contingency fund management can strongly influence project success as contingency is proportional to the risk present in a project. However, the traditional allocation of a contingency fund in construction projects using lump sum or percentage addition method to cover risks in elemental cost plans and tenders has been challenged and criticized leading to the evolution of analytical and scientific methods. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to signify design stage elemental cost planning as a function of risk-contingency fund. The work presented in this paper is a literature-based theoretical exploration, and a preliminary stage of an on-going doctoral research on the budgetary reliability of design stage elemental cost plan. As a first step, a detailed review of related literature was made to establish the risks inherent in preparing the design stage elemental cost plan. Secondly, various contingency fund estimation methods available for application in construction practice were identified by demonstrating the theoretical context. The insights gained from the foregoing steps then helped in devising theoretical concepts for securing elemental cost plan as a reliable budgetary tool for construction projects through risk-contingency analysis that guarantees cost certainty
International Construction: From Transnational to Global
No full textGlobalisation has transformed the world and national economies and had a profound impact on the way we live. The construction industry has been part of this transformation, driven by a number of factors. The development of the concept of globalisation in construction is divided into three chronological periods. The first starts with the work of Strassman and Wells (1988) and includes Hawk on the formation of the new construction industry (1991) and Abdul-Aziz's (1994) comparison of Japanese and American international construction firms. These writers document the change from the transnational firm discussed by Strassman and Wells within a conventional trade theory to Hawks and Abdul-Azizs work on the characteristics of the global firm operating in a globalised market. The second period runs from 1994 to about 2007 and the review identifies issues thought to be important in international construction at the time: competitiveness, technology and technology transfer, procurement and mergers and acquisitions. They draw surprisingly little from the previous discussion of globalisation, treating each issue in isolation. The third period starts about 2007 and brings together the different strands of thinking into a new, more mature, but equally footloose concept of globalisation. The review finds that there has been little progress in the appreciation of the effects of globalisation on the construction industry, which is surprising given the importance of the topic. The review concludes that there are a number of mega projects that call for firms with global outlooks, capabilities and strategies, but there is no global market in terms of how global manufacturing firms compete against each other. However, globalisation has created a new type of firms that in effect represent the development of a new industry that is changing our concept of construction
Unintended Consequences of Management Strategies and Practices for Improving Labour Productivity on Safety in the New Zealand Construction Industry
No full textEmbargoed until 21 June 201
Sustainable Maintenance of Office Buildings: The Current Practice in Sydney, Australia
Full text linkIn Australia, approximately 2% of the demand for office buildings is satisfied annually by new construction which means that it will take 50-100 years to replace the current stock and its contribution to the environmental problem. The argument for upgrading existing buildings through sustainable maintenance is strong as it is relatively cheaper and less environmentally costly to upgrade than to rebuild. The upgrading will not only turn old buildings environmentally-friendly but also enhance their market values and competitiveness. This paper examines the role, current practices and limitations of sustainable maintenance of existing office buildings in Sydney, Australia. The paper presents the results of an industry survey conducted in November 2012 on strategies to improve current practices. The survey revealed that the most crucial aspects of sustainable maintenance for existing office buildings are efficient energy and water management; the use of environmentally-friendly materials; improved waste management; education and knowledge of sustainable methods and Government incentives to compensate for any additional costs of sustainable practices. The research found that most existing office buildings in the industry are currently maintained by non-sustainable practices. Sustainability is a relatively new concept but one that professionals are keen to introduce into mainstream practices
Green BIM and Green Star certification practices: Case studies in commercial high-rise office design
No full textWith the goal of reducing a building's environmental footprint, environmental sustainable design (ESD) and green building certification (GBC) is having an increasing influence on design practice. The application of building information modelling (BIM) is also affecting traditional ways of working. Whilst sustainability is a key underpinning of both initiatives, the consequences to design practices of their combined implementation are not well understood. Projects looking to realise the value of their collective benefit persist against an array of implementation challenges and unspecified management requirements. Using a qualitative case study approach, the authors explore the application of BIM from the point of view of ESD consultants and a GBC certification authority. Case study interviews reveal a range of new design workflow and management requirements relating to the communication and coordination of model datasets. The paper closes with a discussion of these management requirements and presents a strategy for future work
Impact of organisational structure and strategies on construction organisations' performance
No full textThere is an age long interest that the strategic management literature requires a better understanding of how the structure and strategy of an organisation influence its corporate performance. This standing interest increases the number of studies on structure-strategy-performance trilogy, but yet the outcomes are inconclusive. This paper examines how organisational structure and strategies influence organisation’s corporate performance, and investigate whether organisational structure has a moderating impact on the association between organisational performance and strategy. This is achieved by undertaking a Meta-analysis of literature on strategic management and explores the elements of organisational structure with respect to strategies and corporate performance. Based on the identified dimensions in literature, a questionnaire survey approach was adopted to obtain quantitative data from large construction organisations in South Africa. The data were analysed using correlation and regression analysis. The results revealed that organisational structure has an explanatory effect on the relationship between strategy and organisational corporate performance. The study provides a better understanding of the relationship between organisational structure, strategies and performance. It will also contribute to current discuss on the strategic planning practices in the global construction environment
Best procurement selection: development of a conceptual model based on transaction costs
No full textProcurement is a major improvement area and a crucial element contributing to project success and the selection of optimal procurement system is an important and difficult step in project execution. The criteria for choosing a suitable procurement method are based on client’s objectives and priorities and influenced by project constraints. Procurement path determination chart has largely dominated research in procurement selection process in construction. Eight factors need to be considered by the client when developing procurement selection criteria. At the procurement strategy the focus should be on factors such as cost, quality, and time, while at the procurement route the consideration should focus on complexity, certainty, risk, responsibility, and degree of control by the client. However, including certain criteria and ignoring the magnitude of transaction costs (TCs) associated with the environmental factors simplifies this process. This study addresses this shortcoming by combining evaluation criteria with TCs incurred because of external and internal environmental factors in a theoretical model on procurement selection. This is achieved by developing a conceptual framework model based on TCs. Uncertainties inherent in the transaction environment have a positive or negative impact on the magnitude of TCs such as information, procurement, administration, and enforcement. The model represents an analytical form of a suitable combination of factors influencing procurement system and which guide procurement decisions. The model will increase understanding of how efficient procurement selection of construction projects can be achieved through appropriate procurement procedures, which could positively impact project performance
Supply chain collaboration in New Zealand house construction
No full textConcurrent with the development of interest in supply chain management (SCM) in the broad manufacturing sector, there has been increasing interest and research in SCM in relation to construction. The construction
supply chain comprises a network of project parties connected upstream and downstream to produce what the end consumer wants – much like in any production process. However in construction there is little by way of
aggregation or integration in the supply chain. Indeed historically disintegration has been the default state in the construction supply chain.
The key to achieving project success within a defined timeframe is based on collaborative interactions within the supply chain. Collaboration is the key to solving issues in on-going construction. The study collects the
views of construction materials manufacturers, suppliers, architects, and homeowners on the significance of collaboration in the New Zealand residential construction sector. The study collated data from 30 ssemi-
structured interviews. Thematic analysis of the responses identified the significance of collaborative materials supply chain practices in the residential building construction sector.
The study found that collaboration is appreciated by all the parties in the construction supply chain in order to find appropriate building materials for use on projects. Further, good communication across the supply chain
was identified as a key driving factor to strengthening existing collaborative efforts
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