Showing papers by "Peter E.D. Love published in 2008"

Learning lessons from evaluating eGovernment: Reflective case experiences that support transformational government

Abstract: Central Government strategy of e-inclusion is being manifested in the form of eGovernment. Given that it is the public purse that funds such investments, there is increasingly attention being paid to the evaluation of these investments, such that value for money and organisation learning can be realised. In this paper the authors report the findings from three interpretive in-depth organisational case studies that explore eGovernment evaluation within a UK public sector setting. The paper elicits insights to organisational and managerial aspects with the purpose of improving knowledge and understanding of eGovernment evaluation. The findings that are extrapolated from the case study analysis are presented in terms of lessons that gravitate around social factors, evaluation, adoption, ownership, prioritisation sponsorship and, responsibility. These lessons are extrapolated from the empirical enquiry to improve eGovernment evaluation practice. The paper concludes that eGovernment evaluation is an under developed area, with most work being developmental in nature and as a result calls for decision makers to engage with the eGovernment agenda and commission eGovernment evaluation exercises to improve evaluation practice such that transformational Government can realise its full potential. The paper ends by highlighting political, economic, technical and social issues as the drivers of the evaluation cycle.

Forensic Project Management: An Exploratory Examination of the Causal Behavior of Design-Induced Rework

Abstract: The determination as to why projects fail to meet planned schedule, cost, and quality parameters is a leitmotiv within the construction, engineering, and project management literature. Yet, the interrelatedness and behavior of key factors that influence these project performance indicators, particularly regarding design-error-induced rework, have received limited academic examination. Design-induced rework has been reported to contribute more than 70% of the total amount of rework experienced in construction and engineering projects. To address this situation, a forensic management approach to determining how and why rework occurred in a commercial construction project is undertaken. Using findings from this case study along with knowledge from the literature, a systemic causal model for design-error-induced rework is developed. Underlying behavioral dynamics that contributed to design errors (principally related to the management of the design documentation process) were modeled and simulated using system dynamics. The results of such an analysis yield insights about architectural and engineering professionalspsila decision-making and work practices that can influence the occurrence of design errors. The mitigation of design-induced errors would significantly reduce the amount of rework that architectural and engineering firms experience. This would bring with it greater profitability for such firms and improved project performance parameters (schedule, cost, and quality).

Evaluating Information Systems: Public and Private Sector

Abstract: The adoption of Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) represents significant financial investments, with alternative perspectives to the evaluation domain coming from both the public and private sectors.As a result of increasing IT/IS budgets and their growing significance within the development of an organizational infrastructure, the evaluation and performance measurement of new technology remains a perennial issue for management. This book offers a refreshing and updated insight into the social fabric and technical dimensions of IT/IS evaluation together with insights into approaches used to measure the impact of information systems on its stakeholders. In doing so, it describes the portfolio of appraisal techniques that support the justification of IT/IS investments. Evaluating Information Systems explores the concept of evaluation as an evolutionary and dynamic process that takes into account the ability of enterprise technologies to integrate information systems within and between organisations. In particular, when set against a backdrop of organisational learning. It examines the changing portfolio of benefits, costs and risks associated with the adoption and diffusion of technology in today's global marketplace. Finally approaches to impact assessment through performance management and benchmarking is discussed. * A unique reference work and examination of the IS evaluation 'life-cycle' * An holistic treatment of the subject beyond the normal prescriptive 'investment appraisal' approaches that reflects recent developments in the field* Essential text for students on business information systems courses and an insightful resource for professionals engaged in justifying IT/IS expenditure

Uncertainty avoidance: public sector clients and procurement selection

Abstract: Purpose – Choosing the appropriate procurement system for construction projects is a complex and challenging task for clients particularly when professional advice has not been sought. To assist with the decision‐making process, a range of procurement selection tools and techniques have been developed by both academic and industry bodies. Public sector clients in Western Australia (WA) remain uncertain about the pairing of procurement method to bespoke construction project and how this decision will ultimately impact upon project success. This paper seeks to examine “how and why” a public sector agency selected particular procurement methods.Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of two focus group workshops (with 18 senior project and policy managers involved with procurement selection) is reported upon.Findings – The traditional lump sum (TLS) method is still the preferred procurement path even though alternative forms such as design and construct, public‐private‐partnerships could optimize the proje...

Mapping rework causes and effects using artificial neural networks

Abstract: Rework can have adverse effects on the performance and productivity of construction projects. Techniques such as artificial neural networks (ANN) are widely used for prediction and classification problems and thus can be used to map the causes and effects of rework. The traditional back propagation neural network and general regression neural network data from 112 Hong Kong construction projects are used to examine the influence of rework causes on the various project performance indicators such as cost overrun, time overrun, and contractual claims. The results from this research could be used to develop forecasting systems and appropriate intelligent decision support frameworks for enhancing performance in construction projects. Furthermore, analysis of the neural network results indicates that the general regression neural network architecture is better suited for modelling rework causes and their impacts on project performance. Les travaux de reprise peuvent avoir des effets nefastes sur les performanc...

Procurement selection in the public sector : a tale of two states.

Abstract: The decision as to which procurement system to adopt is a complex and challenging task for clients of construction projects. Despite a plethora of tools and techniques available for selecting a procurement method, clients are still uncertain about what method to adopt for a given construction project to achieve success. This paper examines ‘how and why’ procurement methods are selected by public sector clients in Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WA). Findings from workshops with senior managers in procurement selection revealed that traditional lump sum methods (TLS) are preferred even though alternative forms could be better suited for a given project. Participants of the workshops agreed that alternative procurement forms should be considered for projects but an embedded culture of uncertainty avoidance meant the selection of TLS methods. It was perceived that only a limited number of contractors operating in the marketplace have the resources and experience to deliver projects using the non-traditional methods.

Causal modelling of construction disputes

Abstract: Disputes have become an inherent feature of the construction industry. A plethora of studies have been undertaken to identify the causes of disputes so as to determine the most appropriate prevention and resolution strategies. While it is widely known what the main causes of dispute are, they still remain prevalent in the Australian construction industry. This is because there is a need to better understand the complexity and interplay between causal variables. Using data derived from the literature a conceptual causal model of construction disputes is developed. The model identifies the key causal variables and pathogens that can contribute to disputes.

Key decision‐making attributes for project inception

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the intense research activity with regard to the project inception stage. The need to establish the project parameters and performance requirements is crucial to the success of any construction project. Many organizations have been developing approaches to assist everyone involved in this process. This study aims to provide some data on one approach used by the authors during these early stages.Design/methodology/approach – One approach to these early stages of the project is the use of a workshop‐based technique termed “strategic needs analysis”. Strategic needs analysis assists in these critical inception stages in the development of a project. Six action research studies based on these workshops were organized and analyzed by the authors. This has resulted in the development of a series of decision‐making attributes that capture the key characteristics relevant to the project inception stages.Findings – This paper analyzes and identifies on a two‐dimen...

A review of research on e-marketplaces 1997-2007

Abstract: Electronic marketplaces are an important theme of research on the information systems landscape. In this paper we examine eleven years of research on electronic marketplaces in leading journals. The research articles are classified according to whether they focus on electronic markets theory; whether they take a system perspective and focus on the technology or functionality of the system; whether they investigate adoption and implementation issues, or organisational issues. The analysis of the literature highlights two distinct issues that researchers in the discipline need to address. The first is the lack of research on the fundamental questions on the nature of electronic markets and their efficiency. If information systems research does not address this question then it will not be seen as tackling critical issues by those outside of the discipline. The second is the relative lack of papers on the organisational implications of adopting and managing electronic marketplaces. These include, the organisational benefits, costs and risks of trading through e-marketplaces and strategies and methodologies for managing organisational participation. Both issues can be addressed by increasing the number of macro studies examining efficiencies in electronic markets.

CRM Technology and Building Material Suppliers

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) is a comprehensive business and marketing strategy that integrates technology, process and business activities around the customer. CRM is assumed to lead to bottom line benefits for the organization. Advances in information and communication technologies have provided an effective platform to deliver electronic CRM functions. Despite widespread agreement that CRM can have a direct and indirect impact on customer satisfaction, loyalty, sales and profit, the significance of CRM and its features in influencing customer satisfaction has not been well researched in construction. This paper examines the critical success factors of CRM implementation by using a questionnaire survey to obtain data from 68 building material suppliers. Using a structural model and the evaluation technique of partial least squares the analysis revealed that CRM technological initiatives are successful when adequate top management support and accurate knowledge management capabilities, supported by a suitable information technology structure, measured by technological readiness are in place. Construction organizations who are considering the implementation of CRM strategy can utilize these results to become better acquainted with CRM technological initiatives.

It's Not Just About Bricks and Mortar: Procedural Failures in Construction

Abstract: Construction and engineering projects are typically complex in nature and are prone to cost and schedule overruns A significant factor that often contributes to these overruns is rework Omissions errors, in particular, have been found to account for as much as 38% of the total rework costs experienced To date there has been limited research that has sought to determine the underlying factors that contribute to omission errors in construction and engineering projects Using data derived from 59 in-depth interviews undertaken with various project participants, a generic systemic causal model of the key factors that contributed to omission errors is presented The developed causal model can improve understanding of the archetypal nature and underlying dynamics of omission errors

Nature of defects : ratio legis

Abstract: Defective work is a perennial problem within the Australian residential building industry. The cost of rectifying defective work has been found to be 4% of contract value. Such costs would be higher if they included the intangible, but real costs of disruption caused by schedule delays, litigation, and dysfunctional contract relationships. From a legal perspective, the issues surrounding defective work that materializes into a contractual dispute and subsequently litigation are complex and varied. Bearing this in mind, this paper the standards imposed on the builder, the resultant action that is appropriate when a defective work arises, and the principals relating to the award of damages are examined