Showing papers in "Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building in 2012"
TL;DR: The paper presents an overview of BIM with focus on its core concepts, applications in the project life cycle and benefits for project stakeholders with the help of case studies and elaborates risks and barriers to BIM implementation and future trends.
Abstract: Building Information Modeling (BIM), also called n-D Modeling or Virtual Prototyping Technology, is a revolutionary development that is quickly reshaping the Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry. BIM is both a technology and a process. The technology component of BIM helps project stakeholders to visualize what is to be built in a simulated environment to identify any potential design, construction or operational issues. The process component enables close collaboration and encourages integration of the roles of all stakeholders on a project. The paper presents an overview of BIM with focus on its core concepts, applications in the project life cycle and benefits for project stakeholders with the help of case studies. The paper also elaborates risks and barriers to BIM implementation and future trends.
546 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed 41 studies around the world which surveyed the delay factors and classified them into groups, and concluded that a separate study is required for identifying the factors causing delay for projects operated in Sabah, East Malaysia.
Abstract: There is an increase in the number of construction projects experiencing extensive delays leading to exceeding initial time and cost budget. This paper reviews 41 studies around the world which surveyed the delay factors and classified them into Groups. The main purpose of this paper is to review literature, each of which have categorized the causes that are responsible for time delays and cost overrun in projects. The collected list has 113 causes for delays categorized in to 18 different groups. Most of the researches have analysed the responses from the Questionnaire survey. The collected data are used to rank the problem. The data are further used to investigate and analyse Important Index, Frequency Index, Severity Index, Relative Important Index, Relative Importance Weight, Weighted Average, Mean, Standard Deviation and Variance. The collective comparison has revealed that the ranking given by all the researchers is not the same. Further each and every study has different rank ratings for the different group of the delays. This review paper attempts to provide an updated compilation of the earlier studies on ranking of the delay causers, which are never similar and constant for universal projects. It is concluded that a separate study is required for identifying the factors causing delay for projects operated in Sabah, East Malaysia.
131 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the factors that can influence individuals' intention to utilize information technology and showed that resistance to change or fear of change does not always play a role in innovation adoption.
Abstract: Construction firms are increasingly utilizing information technologies to better manage geographically dispersed projects. Often these technologies involve changes to existing working practices and processes and are viewed as disruptive by members of the organization. Understanding the factors that can influence individuals’ intention to utilize technology can assist managers to implement strategies to increase and improve the uptake of technologies and improve the innovation adoption process. Using a case study organization, factors identified in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) are examined and the UTAUT is extended and by including resistance to change and top management support. The findings indicate e ffort expectancy, internal facilitating conditions and top management support all influence individuals’ intention to use information technology. The results also show that resistance to change or fear of change does not always play a role in innovation adoption. The findings reinforce the need to support new technologies from both a managerial and technical perspective.
80 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relative importance of the effective management of project time, cost, and quality in the attainment of client objectives, and found that misperceptions exist between clients, contractors, and building professionals regarding the time and cost management associated with building projects.
Abstract: This paper examines the relative intrinsic importance of the effective management of projecttime, cost and quality in the attainment of client objectives. The findings from a questionnairesurvey are presented. The survey explored the perceptions of South Africanclients concerning their objectives and the project time, cost and quality management associatedwith building procurement systems in South Africa. The findings indicate thatmis-perceptions exist between clients, contractors and building professionals regardingthe time, cost and quality management associated with building projects, and the contributionthis makes to the attainment of client objectives.
66 citations
TL;DR: The use of structural equation modelling (SEM) for research studies in construction related field has been on the increase over the years as mentioned in this paper and it was discovered that SEM using AMOS (covariance approach) is the most appropriate method for construction research studies.
Abstract: The use of structural equation modelling (SEM) for research studies in construction related field has been on the increase over the years. The essence of this study is not to compare the level of usage of SEM with other modelling methods, neither is it to examine its extent of adoption in construction management - as this has been researched in previous works - but to arrive at a common ground for future construction related research works, based on the findings and recommendations from existing studies on the subject of SEM. Research materials within and outside the field of construction management were reviewed and it was discovered that SEM using AMOS (covariance approach) is the most appropriate method for construction research studies. This is not just because it is the most available of the software programs, but because of the numerous benefits and advantages highlighted from previous studies. The study also recommended appropriate sample size as well as cut-off value for various required goodness-of-fit tests of SEM model.
66 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a structured questionnaire was administered among quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, builders and clients in Nigeria, where respondents were asked to give rating, on a 5 point Likert scale, on usual skills and competencies required of Quantity Surveyors, including computer literacy, building engineering, information technology, economics, measurement/quantification and knowledge of civil/heavy engineering works.
Abstract: Deployment of appropriate skills and competencies is crucial and germane to the development and continuous relevance of any profession. In the built environment, the science for selecting the required skills and competencies expected of quantity surveyors and understanding the inherent dependencies between them remains a research issue. The purpose of this study was to determine the skill requirements and competencies expected of quantity surveyors. A structured questionnaire was administered among quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, builders and clients in Nigeria. The respondents were asked to give rating, on a 5 point Likert scale, on usual skills and competencies required of quantity surveyors. A secondary objective of the study was to examine the important skills and competencies and categorized them into core skill, basic skill, core competence, optional competence and special competence. The results of the study indicate the important skills as computer literacy, building engineering, information technology, economics, measurement/quantification and knowledge of civil/heavy engineering works. The results also indicate the important competencies as cost planning and control, estimating, construction procurement system, contract documentation, contract administration and project management. It is emphasized that the findings of the research have considerable implications on the training and practice of quantity surveying in Nigeria.
48 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Eastman, P Teicholtz, R Sacks and K Liston discuss the second edition of Eastman's book this article and its impact on the first edition.
Abstract: 2nd EditionC Eastman, P Teicholtz, R Sacks and K Liston ISBN: 978-0-470-54137-1 (Hardcover) 648 pages, 2011, AUD $105.00; NZD $120.00, USD 85.00, GBP57.50, EUR 68.00E-book version ISBN: 978-1-1180-2169-9 544 pages 2011 AUD $84.99 / NZD $99.99, USD69.99, GBP 47.99, EUR 54.99
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of various measures that have been used to gauge the levels of productivity and efficiency in the New Zealand construction industry is presented, as well as some of the results to date.
Abstract: In recent years there has been a rising interest in the level of productivity and efficiency of the New Zealand construction industry. This interest has meant that there has been an increased use of statistical techniques to determine the productivity and efficiency of the overall industry. The purpose of this paper is to review the various measures that have been used to gauge the levels of productivity and efficiency in the New Zealand construction industry; as well as analyse some of the results to date. Finally, it considers potential areas for future research.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the latest employment and manpower estimating methods by examining their rationale, strength and constraints and identify enhancements for further development of manpower forecasting model for the construction industry and compare the reliability and capacity of different forecasting metodologies.
Abstract: Forecasting manpower requirements has been useful for economic planners, policy makers and training providers in order to avoid the imbalance of skills in the labour market. Although reviews of the manpower planning models have been conducted previously, with the accumulated experience and the booming of advanced statistical techniques and computer programs, the study of forecasting practices has undrgone considerable changes and achieved maturity during the past decade. This paper assesses the latest employment and manpower dmand estimating methods by examining their rationale, strength and constraints. It aims to identify enhancements for further development of manpower forecasting model for the construction industry and compare the reliability and capacity of different forecasting metodologies. It is cocluded that the top-down forecasting approach is the dominant methodology to forecast occupational manpower demand. It precedes other methodologies by its dynamic nature and sensitivity to aa variety of factors affecting the level and structure of employment. Given the improvement of the data available, advanced modelling techniques and computer programs, manpower planning is likely to be more accessible with improved accuracy at every level of the society.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify whether there is a difference in organisational culture between consultants and contractors taken as two groups and determine whether a specific attribute was related to the cultural differences between the two entities.
Abstract: A large number of stakeholders in construction projects makes the construction industry prone to disputes. The historical separation between design and construction add to this phenomenon by having a consultant for design and a contractor for construction. Communication breakdown, frequently, is the first sign of problems, notably in the relationship between the Contractor and the Consultant. Therefore, it appears that the split between design and construction has given rise to two separate cultures in the construction industry. This paper attempts to identify whether there is a difference in organisational culture between Consultants and Contractors taken as two groups and determine whether a specific attribute was related to the cultural differences between the two entities. Based on case studies it was found that consultants are biased towards Clan culture while contractors are biased towards Market culture. However, both groups show similar affinity to Adhocracy and Hierarchy cultures.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a cultural analysis framework for studying construction project organizations, based on a synthesis of the culture literature, which includes three synthesised cultural philosophical positions: integration-technical, differentiation-practical and fragmentation-emancipation.
Abstract: Studying the culture of project organisations requires a robust theoretical framework, which provides a platform for generating understanding. It is argued that cultural analysis frameworks are most effectively conceptualised from multiple philosophical and multi-methodological positions. To this end this paper presents a cultural analysis framework for studying construction project organisations, based on a synthesis of the culture literature. Four key aspects underpinning organisational cultural framework are explored: the paradigms used to conceptualise organisational culture, the methods by which individuals represent and assess cultural dimensions, the cultural perspectives assumed by the observer when defining and describing culture, and the managers’ orientation to culture in their organisations. The proposed framework comprises three synthesised cultural philosophical positions: integration-technical, differentiation-practical and fragmentation-emancipation. These philosophical positions span the polar extremes defining the cultural paradigm continuum, which together provide researchers and organisational managers with a sound foundation from which to study the culture of project organisations.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the statistical relationship between actual and estimated cost of road construction projects using data from road construction project awarded in the West Bank in Palestine over the years 2004-2008.
Abstract: This paper investigates the statistical relationship between actual and estimated cost of road construction projects using data from road construction projects awarded in the West Bank in Palestine over the years 2004–2008. The study is based on a sample of 169 road construction projects. Based on this data, regression models are developed. The findings reveal that 100% of projects suffer from cost diverge, it is found that 76% of projects have cost under estimation while 24% have cost over estimation. The discrepancy between estimated and actual cost has an average of 14.6%, ranging from -39% to 98%. The relation between the project size (length and width) and the cost diverge is discussed.
TL;DR: For instance, the authors found that the respondents were satisfied with the relationship with co-workers, nature of work and the supervision they receive Major sources of dissatisfaction are promotion and salaries of the respondents, while the roles of other contextual factors on job satisfaction need to be contemplated for future research.
Abstract: Job satisfaction is the sense of well- being, good feeling and positive mental state that emerge in an incumbent worker when his obtained reward consequent upon his performance is congruent with his equitable rewardThe aim of this study is to ascertain the levels of job satisfaction amongst quantity surveyors in consulting firms in Lagos, Nigeria Biographical and job descriptive index questionnaires (JDI) were administered to gather the data The JDI measures job satisfaction on five facets, namely, pay, promotions, supervision, co-workers and the work itself A total of 100 questionnaires were collected and used for the study The survey covered quantity surveyors in consulting firms in Lagos and the respondents were selected using stratified random sampling technique Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation matrix, t-test and one way anova Findings of the study revealed that the respondents were satisfied with the relationship with co-workers, nature of work and the supervision they receive Major sources of dissatisfaction are promotion and salaries of the respondents This finding is a bold step and necessary benchmark for resolving major sources of dissatisfaction among quantity surveyors in consulting firms The roles of other contextual factors on job satisfaction need to be contemplated for future research
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identified the commonly considered criteria for procurement selection through a qualitative survey in Australia and examined the effect of these criteria on the outcome of procurement selection. But, the results indicated that speed, complexity, flexibility, responsibility, quality level, risk allocation, and price competition cannot be easily gauged by objective means, and a misperception of the degree of fulfilment of any of these requirements could affect the outcome.
Abstract: Employing a suitable construction procurement system is crucial to project success. However,many clients select procurement systems in a cursory manner and some clientseven use a specific procurement system by default without deliberate choice. A systematicmethod for procurement selection would help clients to arrive at more informed decisions.The first step towards a systematic procurement selection method is to identify decisioncriteria pertinent to assessing the alternatives. This paper identifies the commonly consideredcriteria for procurement selection through a qualitative survey in Australia. The subjectivityof the identified criteria is considered and the effects on procurement selectionare examined. The results indicate that speed, complexity, flexibility, responsibility, qualitylevel, risk allocation, and price competition cannot be easily gauged by objective means,and a misperception of the degree of fulfilment of any of these criteria could affect theoutcome of procurement selection.
TL;DR: In this article, a risk identification framework from the perspective of project life cycle is developed and an assessment framework for risks associated with PPP project using fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (AHP).
Abstract: To fulfil the increasing demands of the public,Public Private Partnership (PPP) has beenincreasingly used to procure infrastructureprojects, such as motor ways, bridges, tunnelsand railways. However, the risks involved inPPP projects are unique and dynamic due tolarge amount of investment and longconcession period. This paper aims to developa risk identification framework from theperspectives of project life cycle, and anassessment framework for risks associatedwith PPP project using fuzzy analyticalhierarchy process (AHP). First the paperreviews the current literature to identifycommon risks in PPP infrastructure projectsand classification methods used. The risksidentified from the literature were classifiedusing project life cycle perspectives. Followingthat, the paper presents the advantages offuzzy AHP. Furthermore, the paper provides aframework for assessment of risks in PPPprojects followed by an illustrative examplewhere the data was obtained from surveyquestionnaires. The paper concludes that risksassociated in PPP infrastructure projects areunique and therefore it is beneficial to classifythem from project life cycle perspectives, andthe proposed fuzzy AHP method is suitable forthe assessment of these risks.
TL;DR: The main driver behind the adoption of supply chain management (SCM) philosophy into the construction industry was the successes within other industry sectors as mentioned in this paper, and the industry has responded in various forms.
Abstract: The main driver behind the adoption of supply chain management (SCM) philosophy into the construction industry was the successes within other industry sectors. SCM can be defined as network of different organisations, linked upstream and downstream in a chain, aiming to produce quality and value in the services and products for the end consumers through integrated processes and activities. In order to achieve the optimised level of integration of the whole supply chain, the industry has responded in various forms. This paper will discuss different initiatives by the researchers,construction industry,and the UK government in order to achieve optimal level of supply chain integration. This paper will discuss the concept of aggregation,and also look at other supply chain integration related concepts including client-led supply chain, knowledge about the whole supply chain, effects of procurement on integration of supply chain, etc. The paper will give a brief overview and initial findings of a project undertaken by the authors, and also include examples from the UK construction industry on bundling of the supply and demand.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared the level of project planning on public and private sectors projects and its impact on performance, and found that the performance of private sector projects is higher than that of public sector projects in many of the parameters used.
Abstract: This study compares the level of project planning on public andprivate sectors projects and its impact on performance. Thepurpose is to create awareness of the level and effectivenessof the planning done by public and private clients in the deliveryof construction projects. A questionnaire survey administeredto a sample of 130 client representatives selected by stratifi edrandom sampling from the population of public and private clientsin the Nigerian construction industry is used and analysed usingdescriptive statistics, the t-test and Spearman correlation test. Theresults show that the level of preconstruction planning on privatesector projects is higher than that of public sector projects whilethe level of contract planning done by the latter is higher thanthat of the former. Furthermore, the performance of private sectorprojects is higher than that of public sector projects in many of theparameters used. However, the level of preparation of life-cyclecharts that concern project delivery time in both public and privatesectors projects is low and the level of project planning in the twocategories of projects has a limited impact on project performance.The understanding of how public and private sectors projectsperform in planning and its impact are expected to assist publicand private clients to know the challenges ahead of them in theireffort to improve the planning and performance of their projects.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the importance of tacit knowledge sharing in construction, explore the challenges and opportunities to efficiently share tacit knowledge, and identify some critical factors that influence tacit knowledge in construction.
Abstract: Increased complexity of the construction business and consequentuse of new management concepts and technologies ledconstruction organisations to focus more on the transfer of explicitknowledge. However, it is the tacit knowledge that determinesthe construction companies’ competitiveness in a business thatis driven by turbulent market conditions and customers’ everincreasingdemands. This paper highlights the importance of tacitknowledge sharing in construction, explores the challenges andopportunities to efficiently share tacit knowledge, and based on theliterature review identifies some critical factors that influence tacitknowledge in construction. It is argued that employees’ knowledgesharing (learning) behaviours are influenced by work practices thatare borne by respective organisational behaviours. Organisational,cultural, and project characteristics that facilitate knowledgesharing among construction employees are explored and thepractices that influence the construction employee behaviour insharing tacit knowledge are highlighted.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper analyzed the factors affecting housing developers' decisions to provide fittings based on 1701 housing developments in Hangzhou, Chongqing and Hangzhou using a Probit model.
Abstract: Entrepreneurs have always born the risk of running their business. They reap a profit in return for their risk taking and work. Housing developers are no different. In many countries, such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, they interpret the tastes of the buyers and provide the dwellings they develop with basic fittings such as floor and wall coverings, bathroom fittings and kitchen cupboards. In mainland China, however, in most of the developments, units or houses are sold without floor or wall coverings, kitchen or bathroom fittings. What is the motive behind this choice? This paper analyses the factors affecting housing developers ’ decisions to provide fittings based on 1701 housing developments in Hangzhou, Chongqing and Hangzhou using a Probit model. The results show that developers build a higher proportion of bare units in mainland China when: 1) there is shortage of housing; 2) land costs are high so that the comparative costs of providing fittings become relatively low.
TL;DR: The second edition of Evaluating Sustainable Development in the Built Environment, 2nd Edition, by Peter S Brandon, Patrizia Lombardi, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, 2011, 280 pages, ISBN: 978-1-4051-9258-3 (Hardcover), AUD 125.00 NZD 140.00, USD 96.99, GBP 60.95, EURO 79.90
Abstract: Review(s) of: Evaluating Sustainable Development in the Built Environment, 2nd Edition, by Peter S Brandon, Patrizia Lombardi, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, 2011, 280 pages, ISBN: 978-1-4051-9258-3 (Hardcover), AUD 125.00 NZD 140.00, USD 96.99, GBP 60.95, EURO 79.90
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the major influencing factors in merit-based salary calculation systems for knowledge-oriented engineers so as to more accurately reflect their contribution to construction projects and provide a basis for understanding the key factors in the merit based salary scale formulation through the construction industry.
Abstract: Evidence points to the fact that frequent resignation of project engineers from construction companies is primarily the result of dissatisfaction with the factors that shape the salary scale. This research aims to identify the major influencing factors in merit based salary calculation systems for knowledge-oriented engineers so as to more accurately reflect their contribution to construction projects. Results from a questionnaire sent to managers, engineers and HR professionals throughout the Iranian construction industry revealed that while there was overall agreement on principles to a merit-based approach, engineers in particular identified ‘professional skills’, ‘experience’ and ‘creativity’. Management-oriented parties should take into account engineer perspectives in order to more accurately value the knowledge-oriented contribution of these workers to construction projects. This research provides a basis for understanding the key factors in the merit based salary scale formulation through the construction industry.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the energy and cost performance of thirty recent buildings in Melbourne, Australia, and report on typical values for embodied energy, operating energy, capital cost and operating cost per square metre for a range of building functional types investigated in this research.
Abstract: This study investigates the energy and cost performance of thirty recent buildings in Melbourne, Australia. Commonly, building design decisions are based on issues pertaining to construction cost, and consideration of energy performance is made only within the context of the initial project budget. Even where energy is elevated to more importance, operating energy is seen as the focus and embodied energy is nearly always ignored. For the first time, a large sample of buildings has been assembled and analyzed to improve the understanding of both energy and cost performance over their full life cycle, which formed the basis of a wider doctoral study into the inherent relationship between energy and cost. The aim of this paper is to report on typical values for embodied energy, operating energy, capital cost and operating cost per square metre for a range of building functional types investigated in this research. The conclusion is that energy and cost have quite different profiles across projects, and yet the mean GJ/m 2 or cost/m 2 have relatively low coefficients of variation and therefore may be useful as benchmarks of typical building performance.
TL;DR: This article used a questionnaire survey to determine the perceptions of Chinese contractors about the impact of projectculture on the performance of local construction projects and found that goal orientation and fl exibility, as two dimensions of project culture, have a negative statistical correlation with perceived satisfaction of the process, commercial success, future business opportunities, lessons learnt from the project, satisfaction with the relationships, and overall performance.
Abstract: In recent years culture has become one of the most studied topicsin project management research. Some studies have investigatedthe infl uence of culture at different levels – such as nationalculture, industry culture, organisational culture and professionalculture. As a project-based industry, the construction industryneeds to have more insight concerning cultural issues at theproject level and their infl uence on the performance of constructionprojects. Few studies, however, have focused on culture at theproject level. This paper uses a questionnaire survey to determinethe perceptions of Chinese contractors about the impact of projectculture on the performance of local construction projects. This isaugmented by a series of in-depth interviews with senior executivemanagers in the industry. The fi ndings indicate that specifi c projectculture does contribute signifi cantly towards project outcomes.In particular, goal orientation and fl exibility, as two dimensionsof project culture, have a negative statistical correlation withperceived satisfaction of the process, commercial success, futurebusiness opportunities, lessons learnt from the project, satisfactionwith the relationships, and overall performance. This paper alsoindicates that the affordability of developing an appropriate projectculture is a major concern for industry practitioners.
TL;DR: Despite workers having knowledge of the risks of skin cancer their use of sun protection was less than satisfactory, particularly considering their cumulative exposure.
Abstract: Outdoor workers are at high risk of developing skin cancer. Primary prevention can potentiallyreduce the incidence of skin cancer in this group. This study aimed to determine theknowledge and sun protective behaviour of outdoor workers towards skin cancer. A shortquestionnaire was used to collect data from workers on construction sites during workinghours. Despite workers having knowledge of the risks of skin cancer their use of sun protectionwas less than satisfactory, particularly considering their cumulative exposure.Workplace health education programs for outdoor workers addressing sun protection areindicated, as is further research to increase understanding of issues workers have withsun protection in the workplace.
TL;DR: In this article, a questionnaire survey was undertaken among third year students enrolled in the University of Melbourne's Bachelor of Property andConstruction (BPC) program to explore students' experiences in balancing paid work with study.
Abstract: A questionnaire survey was undertaken among third year studentsenrolled in the University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Property andConstruction (BPC) programme. The survey explored students’experiences in balancing paid work with study. Hours spent in paidemployment were at least as long and, in many cases, were inexcess of hours spent at university. While work was not perceivedby students to pose a difficulty for attending lectures and tutorials,students indicated that their paid work made it difficult for them toengage in independent learning activities, such as using libraryresources or preparing for classes by reading beforehand. Twoscales, previously used in other countries to measure students’burnout and engagement, were tested. Both scales were foundto be valid and reliable in that the factorial structures foundin previous studies were confirmed and acceptable internalconsistency reliability coefficients were generated for each of thescales’ component factors. This opens the way for more in-depthmultivariate analysis to determine the linkages between workhours, work-study conflict and students’ burnout or engagementwith university life.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors address the underlying, influential factors concerning skills shortages in the Australian construction industry, including funding, training statistics, employer expectations, financial limitations, Industrial Relations and immigration.
Abstract: The Australian Construction Industry is now facing skills shortages in all trades. As an industry focused on the skill of its workforce, there is now concern the Australian standard in quality, workmanship, and productivity will inhibit both at national and international level.This research paper addresses the underlying, influential factors concerning skills shortages in the Australian construction industry. The influential factors addressed include funding, training statistics, employer expectations, financial limitations, Industrial Relations and immigration. Given the reference to skills shortages within the industry, and documented in related literature, if skills shortages are to continue to exist, their effect will impact upon the overall performance of construction companies throughout Australia.
TL;DR: In this article, a case-based reasoning (CBR) approach was used for subcontractor selection in a construction project in Australia and the results indicated that CBR can enhance the appropriateness of the selection of subcontractors for construction projects.
Abstract: Obtaining competitive quotations from suitably qualified subcontractors at tender tim n significantly increase the chance of w1nmng a construction project. Amidst an increasingly growing trend to subcontracting in Australia, selecting appropriate subcontractors for a construction project can be a daunting task requiring the analysis of complex and dynamic criteria such as past performance, suitable experience, track record of competitive pricing, financial stability and so on. Subcontractor selection is plagued with uncertainty and vagueness and these conditions are difficul_t o represent in generalised sets of rules. DeciSIOns pertaining to the selection of subcontr:act?s tender time are usually based on the mtu1t1onand past experience of construction estimators. Case-based reasoning (CBR) may be an appropriate method of addressing the chal_lenges of selecting subcontractors because CBR 1s able to harness the experiential knowledge of practitioners. This paper reviews the practicality and suitability of a CBR approach for subcontractor tender selection through the development of a prototype CBR procurement advisory system. In this system, subcontractor selection cases are represented by a set of attributes elicited from experienced construction estimators. The results indicate that CBR can enhance the appropriateness of the selection of subcontractors for construction projects.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the option of internationalisation of services to help the contractors gainfully employ their resources and diversify their markets and found that contractors were motivated to internationalise by need to make the firm a viable one by considering the long-term profitability.
Abstract: Reduced demand for services, lack of finances for projects and idle resources at homehave resulted in loss of business for Malaysian construction contractors. Among the optionsthat are explored in this paper is internationalisation of services to help the contractorsgainfully employ their resources and diversify their markets. Integration of worldmarkets, faster transportation and improved means of communication have made it possiblefor contractors to undertake work in international markets. It was found that contractorswere motivated to internationalise by need to make the firm a viable one byconsidering the long-term profitability. Reputation and size of the firm were found to befactors that help contractors in winning contracts overseas. Most non-exporters were concernedwith provision of market intelligence and export credit finance. It was found thatproviding relevant market information, accessible to both exporter and non-exporters, canhelp firms make informed decisions. Any assistance provided should match the firm to thestage the firm has reached in exporting
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the researchfindings into pricing for risk in competitive tenders by construction contractors and the most significant risks priced in tenders were: availability of resources; design or documentation errors;incomplete design; buildability issues; and inclement weather.
Abstract: Construction projects are most commonlyprocured in Australia by means of atraditional design-tender-build model,whereby design is largely completed thencontractors submit tenders in acompetitive environment. Constructioncontractors must consider risks within theirtenders. This paper reports the researchfindings into pricing for risk in competitivetenders by construction contractors. Theresearch is based on structured interviewswith 10 contracting personnel;supplemented by 23 responses ofconstruction personnel from an onlinesurvey. Two common methods to price forrisk are a trade-by-trade basis or anoverall percentage or lump sum addition tothe base estimate. Experience andintuition plays a significant role in pricingfor risk in tenders and the number andtype of people involved varies with projectsize, with greater involvement as projectsize increases. The most significant riskspriced in tenders were: availability ofresources; design or documentation errors;incomplete design; buildability issues; andinclement weather. The most significantproject factors considered by contractorswhen pricing for risk in tenders are: valueof liquidated damages; type ofcontract/procurement; completeness ofdocumentation; project complexity; and. current workload. These risks and projectfactors are primarily those over which thecontractor has limited or no control.
TL;DR: In this article, a survey was conducted of twenty four consultants and practitioners involved in commercial office building refurbishment project to determine the state of current practice with respect to WMPs and to elicit suggestions withregard to ways of making the process moreeffective.
Abstract: Renovation and refurbishment of the existingcommercial building stock is a growing area oftotal construction activity and a significantgenerator of waste sent to landfill in Australia. Awritten waste management plan (WMP) is awidespread regulatory requirement forcommercial office redevelopment projects. Thereis little evidence, however, that WMPs actuallyincrease the quantity of waste that is ultimatelydiverted from landfill. Some reports indicate anabsence of any formal verification or monitoringprocess by regulators to assess the efficacy ofthe plans. In order to gauge the extent of theproblem a survey was conducted of twenty fourconsultants and practitioners involved incommercial office building refurbishment projectsto determine the state of current practice withregard to WMPs and to elicit suggestions withregard to ways of making the process moreeffective. Considerable variation in commitmentto recycling policies was encountered indicatinga need to revisit waste minimisation practices ifthe environmental performance of refurbishmentprojects is to be improved.