Helen Dion

Bio: Helen Dion is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Business & Integrated project delivery. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 2 citations.

Barriers to integrating lean construction and integrated project delivery (IPD) on construction megaprojects towards the global integrated delivery (GID) in multinational organisations: lean IPD&GID transformative initiatives

Abstract: Purpose: The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry encounter substantial risks and challenges in its evolution towards sustainable development. International businesses, multinational AEC organisations, technical professionals, project and portfolio management organisations face global connectivity challenges between business units, especially during the outbreak of novel coronavirus pandemic, to manage construction megaprojects (CMPs). That raises the need to manage global connectivity as a main strategic goal of global organisations. This paper aims to investigate barriers to integrating lean construction (LC) practices and integrated project delivery (IPD) on CMPs towards the global integrated delivery (GID) transformative initiatives and develop future of work (FOW) global initiatives in contemporary multinational AEC organisations. Design/methodology/approach: A two-stage quantitative and qualitative research approach is adopted. The qualitative research methodology consists of a literature review to appraise barriers to integrating LeanIPDGthe second is still taking its first steps, whilst IPD has little implementation. LeanBIM is slightly integrated, whilst LeanIPD integration is almost not present. Originality/value: The research findings, conclusion and recommendation and proposed GID strategy placements for LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives to integrating LeanIPD&GID on CMPs. This will allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on tackling LeanIPD&GID barriers identified in this research and commence GID strategies. The study has provided effective practical strategies for enhancing the integration of LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives on CMPs. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Competency framework to integrate lean construction and integrated project delivery on construction megaprojects: towards a future of work global initiatives in multinational engineering organisations

Abstract: Purpose: Built environment organisations face global challenges between business units, especially since the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has profoundly disrupted the construction industry worldwide, including the management of construction megaprojects (CMPs). This research aims to develop a competency framework, for global integrated delivery (GID) transformative initiatives and future of work (FOW) global initiatives, to manage integration between lean construction (LC) practices and integrated project delivery (IPD) on CMPs in contemporary multinational engineering organisations. Design/methodology/approach: “Mixed research methods” involves a two-stage quantitative and qualitative research approach. In the context of CMPs, stage one consisted of a qualitative research methodology comprising a literature review to examine competencies, COVID-19 impacts, responses and key drivers (KDs) to integrate LeanIPDGstage one outcomes propose a conceptualisation of LeanIPDGanalysis adopted structural equation modelling (SEM), descriptive and inferential statistics, percentage scoring analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and eigenvalues. Findings: In the context of CMPs, stage one outcomes delivered a conceptualisation of LeanIPDGthe second is still taking its first steps, while IPD has little implementation. LeanBIM is slightly integrated, while LeanIPD integration is almost not present. Originality/value: The research findings, conceptualised LeanIPDGthe study has provided a competency framework and FOW global initiatives for effective practical strategies for enhancing integration of LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives on CMPs and will allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on boosting LeanIPD&GID KDs. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Hospitals management transformative initiatives; towards energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in healthcare facilities

Abstract: Purpose Energy-saving is a growing challenge worldwide because of population growth, economic activity and high consumption rates that are unsustainable in the long term. Health-care facilities and hospitals face the challenge of increases in operational costs. This paper aims to appraise challenges to adopting energy-saving policies and proposes a roadmap for sustainability and energy efficiency management in hospitals and health-care facilities. Design/methodology/approach Eight hospitals were examined as case studies through qualitative interviews with hospital senior management, executives and health-care facilities managers in addition to collecting relevant data from the literature; there is critical appraisal and content analysis of this data. Findings This study established factors influencing implementation and challenges to energy-saving strategies. This study proposed guidelines for efficient energy management in hospitals and health-care facilities. This study concluded that the best performance is secured by integrating the proposed guidelines with the adoption of ISO 50001 energy management systems to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goal – SDG 7 “affordable and clean energy”. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the initiatives/experiences of the hospitals studied in the Middle East and North Africa region. Originality/value This study’s findings, conclusions, recommendations and proposed guidelines enrich the body of knowledge. This will allow industry key stakeholders, hospitals and health-care facilities managers to overcome challenges of implementing energy management. In addition, adopting the proposed guidelines will improve energy efficiency and help hospitals in green initiatives as they seek to demonstrate their support for United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

Strategic frameworks for sustainability and corporate governance in healthcare facilities; approaches to energy-efficient hospital management

Abstract: PurposeThe issue of energy efficiency is becoming increasingly prevalent globally due to factors such as the expansion of the population, economic growth and excessive consumption that is not sustainable in the long run. Additionally, healthcare facilities and hospitals are facing challenges as their operational costs continue to rise. The research aim is to develop strategic frameworks for managing green hospitals, towards energy efficiency and corporate governance in hospitals and healthcare facilities.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a qualitative case study approach, with a sample of ten hospitals examined through interviews with senior management, executives and healthcare facilities managers. Relevant data was also collected from literature and analysed through critical appraisal and content analysis. The research methodology is based on the use of grounded theory research methodologies to build theories from case studies.FindingsThe research developed three integrated conceptual strategic frameworks for managing hospitals and healthcare facilities towards energy efficiency, green hospital initiatives and corporate governance. The research also outlined the concepts of green hospitals and energy efficiency management systems and best practices based on the conclusions drawn from the investigated case studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to the initiatives and experiences of the healthcare facilities studied in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Originality/valueThe research findings, conclusions, recommendations and proposed frameworks and concepts contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge. This research also provides recommendations for hospital managers and policymakers on how to effectively implement and manage energy efficiency initiatives in healthcare facilities.

Competency framework to integrate lean construction and integrated project delivery on construction megaprojects: towards a future of work global initiatives in multinational engineering organisations

Abstract: Purpose: Built environment organisations face global challenges between business units, especially since the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has profoundly disrupted the construction industry worldwide, including the management of construction megaprojects (CMPs). This research aims to develop a competency framework, for global integrated delivery (GID) transformative initiatives and future of work (FOW) global initiatives, to manage integration between lean construction (LC) practices and integrated project delivery (IPD) on CMPs in contemporary multinational engineering organisations. Design/methodology/approach: “Mixed research methods” involves a two-stage quantitative and qualitative research approach. In the context of CMPs, stage one consisted of a qualitative research methodology comprising a literature review to examine competencies, COVID-19 impacts, responses and key drivers (KDs) to integrate LeanIPDGstage one outcomes propose a conceptualisation of LeanIPDGanalysis adopted structural equation modelling (SEM), descriptive and inferential statistics, percentage scoring analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and eigenvalues. Findings: In the context of CMPs, stage one outcomes delivered a conceptualisation of LeanIPDGthe second is still taking its first steps, while IPD has little implementation. LeanBIM is slightly integrated, while LeanIPD integration is almost not present. Originality/value: The research findings, conceptualised LeanIPDGthe study has provided a competency framework and FOW global initiatives for effective practical strategies for enhancing integration of LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives on CMPs and will allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on boosting LeanIPD&GID KDs. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Feasibility of implementing IPD approach for infrastructure projects in developing countries

Abstract: Alternative project delivery approaches have been proposed to overcome the inefficiencies of conventional delivery methods such as design-bid-build. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) has recently emerged as a feasible substitute to traditional project delivery approaches. Despite widespread awareness of the benefits of IPD in integration with information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance the delivery of construction projects, IPD implementation has so far been sluggish in developing countries such as India. The feasibility of implementing IPD approach and applying its principles is investigated in this study. It assesses the maturity of delivery techniques, and the potential benefits and limitations of using IPD for infrastructure projects in developing countries, using India as a case study. This study has been carried out using an in-depth investigation of the literature in combination with a qualitative method involving interviews with ten highly experienced BIM professionals from the Indian AEC sector. The findings of this study have revealed that adopting integrated project delivery while leveraging the BIM process in conjunction with ICT has the potential to effectively deliver mega infrastructure projects in developing countries. The resistance to change, lack of experience and skills, and lack of awareness among project owners are recognized as the primary obstacles to IPD adoption. The main benefits for practice following adoption could include enhanced project delivery, more effective coordination among stakeholders, and greater transparency with cost and time savings through all stages of the project. It is recommended that the regulatory bodies establish governing standards and frameworks, amend regulations to accept IPD concepts, and upskill the workforce through training and knowledge transfer for its successful adoption. One novel aspect of this study may be recognized since most previous research has focused on limitations, benefits, and adoption frameworks for IPD whereas there has been no definitive study on the practicality of IPD combined with BIM and the use of ICT for successful infrastructure project delivery in developing countries. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by serving as an exemplary paper for future studies on the adoption of BIM and ICT approaches such as cloud computing, blockchain, IoT, and mixed realities to deliver projects with integrated project delivery. Furthermore, it provides a deeper understanding of the future of this delivery approach in developing nations.

Organisational Factors of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in the South African Construction Industry

Abstract: The innovation of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), has rapidly changed the world. It is currently at a nascent stage worldwide in the construction industry throughout the lifecycle of projects. However, construction organisations of developing countries such as South Africa are still lagging in recognising the need to adopt emerging digital innovations such as AI to improve the built sector’s performance. This study aims to identify organisational factors imperative to driving the adoption of AI in construction organisations. The study uses a quantitative survey approach to collect data through snowball sampling of industry experts on factors associated with AI adoption. With data from 169 respondents, exploratory factor analysis was adopted to identify critical organisational factors to ease AI adoption in the industry. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analysis was employed to demonstrate the relationship among the constructs. The study proposes 17 factors to drive organisational AI, categorised into four components; innovative organisational culture, competence-based development, collaborative decision-making, and strategic analysis. However, previous studies have identified organisational factors of AI in the construction and allied industries. This study presented the organisational factors of AI in the construction industry using EFA and CFA, a method not used in articles presented in the SLR identified. The use of CFA improves the measurement of the constructs. It thus enhances understanding of the underlying components of a construct and its relationship with AI in the construction industry.

A strategic framework managing challenges of integrating lean construction and integrated project delivery on construction megaprojects, towards global integrated delivery transformative initiatives in multinational organisations

Abstract: Purpose Built environment encounters substantial risks and challenges in its evolution towards sustainable development. International businesses and multinational engineering organisations face global connectivity challenges between business units, especially during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), which has profoundly disrupted the construction industry throughout the world. That raises the need to manage global connectivity as a main strategic goal of multinational architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) organisations. This study aims to develop a strategic framework managing challenges of integrating lean construction (LC) and integrated project delivery (IPD) on construction megaprojects (CMPs) towards global integrated delivery (GID) transformative initiatives in multinational AEC organisations. Design/methodology/approach “Mixed research methods” involving a two-stage quantitative and qualitative research approach is adopted. The qualitative research methodology consists of a literature review to assess challenges to integrate LeanIPD&GID on CMPs. There is an assessment of conceptualisation of LeanIPD&GID and GID strategy placements, development of LeanIPD&GID integration framework and future of work (FOW) global initiatives with multiple validations. The analysis involved semi-structured interviews and focus group techniques. Stage 2 consisted of an empirical questionnaire survey that shaped the foundation of analysis and findings of 190 respondents from 23 countries with an extensive cosmopolitan experience of megaprojects in construction. The survey examined a set of 20 challenges to integrate LeanIPD&GID on CMPs resulting from a detailed analysis of extant literature after validation. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were exploited for data analysis and percentage score analysis. Findings The research conceptualised LeanIPD&GID principles, proposed GID strategy placements, a framework for managing challenges of LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives, FOW global initiatives and key performance indicators (KPIs). It concluded that the most significant challenges to integrate of LeanIPD&GID on CMPs are “lack of governmental incentives, policies, regulations or legal frameworks”, “lack of client’s awareness and IPD experience amongst key stakeholders”, “lack of organisation’s senior-management and client’s commitment to IPD approaches”, “resistance of industry to change from traditional procurement to IPD” and “lack of integrated synergies between LC, IPD working towards LeanIPD&GID”. Awareness of building information modelling (BIM) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is higher than LC, and LC awareness is higher than IPD knowledge. While BIM adoption in the MENA region is higher than LC, LC is still taking its first steps, and IPD has little implementation. LeanBIM is slightly integrated, while LeanIPD integration is almost not present. Originality/value The research findings, conclusions and recommendations provide a proposed framework for implementation, KPIs and GID strategy placements for LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives to integrate LeanIPD&GID on CMPs and FOW global initiatives. This will allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on managing LeanIPD&GID challenges identified in this research and commence GID strategies. The study has provided effective practical strategies for enhancing integration of LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives on CMPs.

Building Information Modelling, Integrated Project Delivery, and Lean Construction Maturity Attributes: A Delphi Study

Abstract: The benefits of adopting collaborative approaches in the construction industry, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Lean Construction (LC), in an integrated manner are widely acknowledged in academia and industry. Once organizations have embraced BIM, IPD, and LC integration (BIL), a measurement method for evaluating their progress and planning for continuous improvement is required. However, there is no widely accepted capability assessment model, such as Maturity Models (MMs), to effectively assess productivity improvements in organizations adopting all three approaches based on the interdependencies between them. The first step in the process of BIL MM development is identifying the critical attributes of BIM, IPD, and LC integration. This research investigates the interrelationships of BIM, IPD, and LC for use in the maturity models, determining how BIM and IPD can support the application of LC principles. The mixed methods approach was adopted, and a literature review and a two-round Delphi survey were conducted for the data collection. The findings revealed a number of complementarities between BIM, IPD, and LC. The panel of experts agreed upon the five major attributes and 24 sub-attributes of BIM, IPD, and LC, which formed the structure of the presented integrated BIL framework. The significance of this study is to provide the basis for organizations that intend to implement BIM, IPD, and LC in an integrated manner. Interrelating these attributes in a maturity framework also supports the planning and evaluation of organizations’ progress towards realistic goals for continuous improvement.