Ehsan Saghatforoush

Bio: Ehsan Saghatforoush is an academic researcher from University of the Witwatersrand. The author has contributed to research in topics: Constructability & Integrated project delivery. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 39 publications receiving 226 citations. Previous affiliations of Ehsan Saghatforoush include Queensland University of Technology.

Constructability implementation among Malaysian building contractors

Abstract: The basic researches about constructability issue done in different countries demonstrate the potential power of this concept to affect the total goals of the construction projects which can lead to significant cost saving, time saving and better quality via considering the contractors’ construction experience in earlier construction project phases. The present research assesses the familiarity of Malaysian building contractors with constructability concept and activities; then it tests their general opinions on its implementation in different construction phases and projects. As the result, some descriptive studies are done on amount of contractors’ familiarity with this term among various kinds of contractors, projects and contracts which can illustrate constructability implementation level among Malaysian contractors. The results of this study show that Malaysian contractors are not all familiar enough with this term and there are still some barriers that prevent them from taking part in its activities completely. The differences in amount of familiarity with constructability matter and its terms of implementation are quite obvious among various types of participants.

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Research Trends.

Abstract: Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is introduced as a vibrant approach to enhance project implementation, having particular position in recent studies among construction researchers. This study analyzes the research trends on the field of IPD to provide an appropriate vision for future researchers in this specialized field. While so far no comprehensive research has been done in this field, this study provides a comprehensive review of existing studies through in-depth literature review method. This research evaluates studies conducted in the field of IPD, which is a basis for future researchers to improve conditions of IPD implementation in different countries. For that this study Using library studies, the trend of researches conducted on various concepts and domains during various years, has been investigated. Future studies can simply use the outputs of this research to shape their research flow on establishing continuing progress of IPD. The data obtained from descriptive analyses are illustrated quantitatively, followed by comprehensive analyses and discussion of the results. Moreover, this study concluded that during recent years, the trend of studies conducted about IPD has increased, particularly articles examined challenges. In the next step, more studies have been performed in the field of construction. Those articles are preferred that have evaluated principles, challenges, and solutions for resolving barriers. Proper IPD implementation facilitates enhanced share of information and early identification of stakeholders through a proper timing as vital keys to realize objectives of the construction projects, reduce risks, and increase the chance of project success.

An FCM-Based Dynamic Modelling of Integrated Project Delivery Implementation Challenges in Construction Projects

Abstract: Question: What are the Integrated Project Delivery Implementation challenges in construction projects, their interrelationships and their effects on the project time, cost and quality? Purpose: The Purpose of this study is applying an efficient method to determine the most important challenges to IPD implementation in construction industry, and also to evaluate the interrelationships among these challenges and their effects on the project time, cost, and quality. Research Method: This study models available Integrated Project Delivery challenges using a real case data, through applying Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping technique. Findings: Results show that contractual factors have the major influence compared with others. This shows the significance of paying attention to why project stakeholders must be integrated throughout the project life cycle since early contract documentation stage. Limitations/Implications: This study is limited to the case selected from Tehran of Iran. Value for authors: This study is significant due to identifying, classifying and determining the intensity of effects of IPD implementation challenges on cost, time, and quality of construction projects. It results in planning, resolving the challenges, enhancing the quality of constructions and lastly saving the construction cost and time.

Assessment of Operability and Maintainability Success Factors in Provision of Extended Constructability Principles

Abstract: The concept of constructability integrates individual construction functions and experiences through suitable and timely inputs into early stages of project planning and design. It aims to ease construction processes for a more effective and efficient achievement of overall project objectives. Similarly, the concepts of operability and maintainability integrate the functions and experiences of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) into project planning and design. Various studies suggested that these concepts have been implemented in isolation of each other and thus preventing optimum result in delivering infrastructure projects. This paper explores the integration of these three concepts in order to maximize the benefits of their implementation. It reviews the literature to identify the main O&M concerns, and assesses their association with constructability principles. This provides a structure to develop an extended constructability model that includes O&M concerns. It is anticipated that an extended constructability model that include O&M considerations can lead to a more efficient and effective delivery of infrastructure projects.

Constructability obstacles: an exploratory factor analysis approach

Abstract: Constructability is a concept with relative and not absolute value to increase optimization capacity of resources such as workforce, time, cost, quality, and working environment conditions. Given the growing complexity of projects and the increased number of failed and abandoned projects, the necessity to implement constructability in projects has become more tangible. Although the effects of lack of quantitative definition of constructability role in the traditional construction approaches are evident and have led to lack of coordination in performance of construction projects, so far no comprehensive quantitative approach has been considered to analyze the obstacles to constructability implementation. This study aims to identify and categorize the obstacles to facilitating the presence of contractors in the early stages of planning and design to implement constructability. In this study a comprehensive list of obstacles to constructability implementation is developed as a questionnaire. This questionnaire was presented to the experts, active in the field of construction. Finally, its results were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis method. Totally, 63 obstacles were questioned, then they were categorized by some of the experts of this industry into five categories of macro factors, including contractual, environmental, managerial, technical, and organizational. The significance of this study is due to this fact that identifying and categorizing the key obstacles to constructability implementation provides a useful reference for managers and owners of the construction industry to identify and develop solutions to resolve them. Identifying the obstacles to the presence of contractors in the planning and design stage and having a quantitative view toward this issue affects project implementability. In this regard, one can present more effective solutions to facilitate the presence of contractors in the early stages of design and also improves the effectiveness of constructability.

Out of the Crisis

Abstract: According to W. Edwards Deming, American companies require nothing less than a transformation of management style and of governmental relations with industry. In Out of the Crisis, originally published in 1982, Deming offers a theory of management based on his famous 14 Points for Management. Management's failure to plan for the future, he claims, brings about loss of market, which brings about loss of jobs. Management must be judged not only by the quarterly dividend, but by innovative plans to stay in business, protect investment, ensure future dividends, and provide more jobs through improved product and service. In simple, direct language, he explains the principles of management transformation and how to apply them.

Assessing the Impact

Abstract: This section offers suggestions related to helping a student deal with bullying in schools, as well as creating an environment where that individual can easily return to the school community. It also mentions the significance of the method 'Shared Responsibility' in dealing with the situation.

Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity in Kuwait

Abstract: Construction labor productivity has become such a buzz word and one of the most frequently researched topics. In most countries, labor cost comprises 30 to 50% of the overall project’s cost, and thus is regarded as a true reflection of the economic success of the operation. There are many challenges facing the construction industry in the state of Kuwait but one of the most important is low productivity. The objective of this research, therefore, is to identify and rank the relative importance of factors perceived to affect labor productivity on construction sites in Kuwait. To achieve this objective, a statistically representative sample of contractors was invited to participate in a structured questionnaire survey, comprising 45 productivity factors, classified under the following four primary groups: (1) management; (2) technological; (3) human/labor; and (4) external. Among the factors explored, the subsequent 10 are discerned to be the most significant in their effects on labor productivity: ...

On-Site Labour Productivity of New Zealand Construction Industry: Key Constraints and Improvement Measures

Abstract: Productivity is key to the survival and growth of any organisation, industry or nation. Some factors constrain the achievement of the set project objectives in the New Zealand building and construction industry and are responsible for the reported steady decline of productivity and performance. This study aims to identify the key constraints to on-site labour productivity and improvement measures. Using the descriptive survey method, views of some project managers, contractors and subcontractors in New Zealand were canvassed via pilot interviews and questionnaire surveys at the qualitative and quantity data gathering stages, respectively. Multi-attribute technique was used to analyse the quantitative data. Results showed that the key external constraints to on-site labour productivity comprise, in order of decreasing impact, statutory compliance, unforeseen events and wider external dynamics. The internal constraints, which contribute 67 percent of the onsite productivity issues, comprise reworks, level of skill and experience of the workforce, adequacy of method of construction, buildability issues, and inadequate supervision and coordination. . The factors underlying each broad category of external and internal constraints are reported. The relative levels of impact of the identified constraints are expected to guide the project team in addressing the constraints in a cost-effective manner.