Showing papers in "Construction Management and Economics in 1994"
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey was conducted to establish the relative importance of the attributes of clients' organizations which may influence project consultants' performance using the "relative index ranking technique" and the most important attributes were financial stability of client, current liabilities and current assets, feasibility of the project (project priorities, feasibility study and site conditions), past performance of client (cost etc.).
Abstract: Despite numerous efforts to understand construction clients and their priorities, evidence abounds to suggest that they are largely misunderstood and dissatisfied with the performance of their consultants and contractors. The perception of poor performance may not be attributed to the consultants alone. Perhaps the clients themselves do not possess the necessary attributes to secure a successful project performance. This paper describes a survey which set out to establish the relative importance of the attributes of clients' organizations which may influence project consultants' performance using the ‘relative index ranking technique’. Project consultants were surveyed using a structured questionnaire as the main research tool and this was augmented by interviews. The most important attributes are financial stability of client (creditworthiness, current liabilities and current assets), feasibility of the project (project priorities, feasibility study and site conditions), past performance of client (cost ...
275 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the development and effects of behaviourally-based management techniques in improving site safety, and show that safety behaviour can be objectively and reliably measured; goal-setting and feedback can produce large improvements in safety performance.
Abstract: Safety improvement in the construction industry will only be achieved if all concerned in the operation of construction sites change their behaviour. This article describes the development and effects of behaviourally-based management techniques in improving site safety. Goal-setting and feedback methods were developed and tested on six construction sites in the Northwest of England. A longitudinal research design was adopted, in which measures of safety performance were taken before, during and after the application of these methods. The measures included four categories of measurement: access to heights; site housekeeping (tidiness); scaffolding; and use of personal protective equipment. Three of these categories were used for experiments with a variety of goal-setting and feedback interventions, while the fourth was used as a control. The results show that: safety behaviour can be objectively and reliably measured; goal-setting and feedback can produce large improvements in safety performance; commitme...
120 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of 52 construction firms responsible for 25% of UK construction output for 1991 was conducted using a structured questionnaire to investigate their current views on the design and build (D&B) procurement route.
Abstract: Design and build (D & B) has become a popular mode of procuring construction work. A total of 52 construction firms responsible for 25% of UK construction output for 1991 were surveyed using a structured questionnaire to investigate their current views on this procurement route. The Novation D & B is widely used although not favoured by contractors. The contractors would like consultants to continue to provide them with concept design and specification and would rather support the develop and construct technique. ‘Design and manage’ and ‘design, manage and construct’ are not attractive to clients and resented by contractors. The usage of D & B on private sector projects is ≈21% of work-load from this sector compared to 12% from public sector.
105 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an analysis is made of private sector construction demand (quarterly new orders) grouped into housing, commercial and industrial construction, respectively and their relationship with a priori selected leading indicators of GNP, price level, real interest rate, unemployment and manufacturing profitability over the period 1974-1988.
Abstract: An analysis is made of private sector construction demand (quarterly new orders) grouped into housing, commercial and industrial construction, respectively and their relationship with a priori selected leading indicators of GNP, price level, real interest rate, unemployment and manufacturing profitability over the period 1974–1988. The results indicate that different variables explain the trends in these private sector construction demand subsectors. While construction price appeared to be an important elastic influence in housing investment, it was not found to be an important factor with respect to commercial and industrial construction. Trends in commercial and industrial constructions are explained by manufacturing profitability and economic conditions. The level of unemployment influences commercial construction only and with a negative inelastic relationship. Lead indicator forecasts of the groupings of private sector investment are above 10% accuracy due to the unusually deep cut in private constru...
83 citations
TL;DR: The structural characteristics of the Hong Kong construction industry, most notably its elaborate system of subcontracting and the casual basis on which labour is employed, pose serious problems for safety managers as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The structural characteristics of the Hong Kong construction industry, most notably its elaborate system of subcontracting and the casual basis on which labour is employed, pose serious problems for safety managers. By international standards, Hong Kong's construction industry performs very badly in the area of safety. Recent work in the UK and Finland highlights the effectiveness of behavioural techniques to improve safety performance on construction sites. Work is currently under way to test these techniques in the Hong Kong construction setting. The structural properties of the Hong Kong construction industry have been taken into consideration and labour commitments to the group and to the organization have been identified for additional consideration in research. It is expected that these variables will intervene in the application of behavioural techniques to determine their effectiveness. This paper investigates the theoretical background to commitment at the group and organizational level and prese...
80 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered technology transfer as a mechanism for improving construction industries in developing countries, and discussed the nature of technology and its development and the relevance of its transfer.
Abstract: For several decades, transfer of technologies from industrialized countries has been viewed as a key to addressing the low level of technological development of developing countries. This paper considers technology transfer as a mechanism for improving construction industries in developing countries. It discusses the nature of technology and its development and the relevance of its transfer. It outlines differences between construction and other sectors and their implications for the development and transfer of construction technology. Results and problems of technology transfer are discussed and the experience of Singapore outlined. Possible action to improve upon the situation is suggested.
80 citations
TL;DR: A research methodology that can help plan the building design process using Steward's design structure matrix analysis, which reveals how to order most efficiently interdependent tasks and use estimates of design information further to improve the scheduling of design tasks.
Abstract: The increasing complexity of modern buildings and the use of fast-track methods of procurement systems has meant the expeditious and successful completion of the design phase of a project has become ever more important. This paper describes a research methodology that can help plan the building design process. Design models, based on data flow diagrams, have been developed to map information flows during the design of a modern building. These models are analysed using Steward's design structure matrix, which allows ordering of the tasks to produce schedules or design plans based solely on information flowing between design tasks. Traditional ordering is based on experience but modern complex projects require a more rigorous approach. Design is an inherently iterative activity and design structure matrix analysis reveals how to order most efficiently interdependent tasks and use estimates of design information further to improve the scheduling of design tasks.
77 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the idea of the demand chain is introduced to organize construction as agglomerations of projects, rather than as a discrete industry or a fixed constellation of firms.
Abstract: There has been a frequent misconception in analyses of construction sectors of the national economy: the tendency to describe these activities as ‘an industry’ or a small and stable set of ‘industries’. This has led to confusion. Construction was inappropriately assimilated to various forms of manufacturing industry. Characteristics of the construction process were treated as ‘problems’, to whose solution substantial energies were unnecessarily diverted. There has been muddle about the extent to which macro-level planning is appropriate, notably on R&D strategies and innovation for improved industrial efficiency. Construction projects increasingly use unfamiliar technological bases, comparable to ‘technology fusion’ in other sectors. A more fruitful emphasis may be to regard construction as organized as agglomerations of projects - rather than as a discrete industry or a fixed constellation of firms. The idea of the ‘demand chain’ is introduced. The paper concludes that a ‘technological paradigm’ should r...
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study on 16 major overseas contractors and desk research on 100 others from various countries revealed that some have adopted global strategies during the turbulent 1980s, which implies that they harbor no inhibitions to serve anywhere.
Abstract: An in-depth study on 16 major overseas contractors and desk research on 100 others from various countries revealed that some have adopted global strategies during the turbulent 1980s. The world is perceived as a single operating platform. This implies that they harbour no inhibitions to serve anywhere. Their actions include utilizing specific countries as a springboard to enter other national markets as well as sources of landbound competitive advantages. These firms associate with all sorts of private and public bodies from around the world to expedite their advancement. Proper coordination and management is required so that their organizations behave as integrated groups. This paper centres on Japanese and American contractors to indicate the possibility of the former with their global appetite capturing a greater share of the world construction market at the expense of the latter.
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the results of a survey of current practices and attitudes in seven firms towards the quantification and allocation of general overheads, risk contingencies and profit in a tender.
Abstract: This paper presents the findings of an investigation into the current practices of estimating the indirect costs involved in tendering for construction work. It shows the results of a survey of current practices and attitudes in seven firms towards the quantification and allocation of general overheads, risk contingencies and profit in a tender. The survey indicates that the methods used are highly subjective and are based on past experience. Quantitative methods involving statistics and probability, even though advocated, are rarely used. This suggests that future methods adopted in a computerized estimating environment should reflect the subjective nature of the process and should be simple enough to be applied.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the implications of emerging principles of business process analysis based on information technology for the re-engineering of construction processes are discussed. But their application within construction appears to be delayed.
Abstract: Construction management as an academic discipline appears to be developing in an evolutionary way based on developments in practice which appear to be largely unaffected by mainstream management theories. There appears to be little two-way flow in construction management thought between theory and practice. There is an increasing range of customer-oriented theories emerging within the management discipline which is finding increasing acceptance and application within other management domains both from a theoretical and practical standpoint. Their application within construction appears to be delayed. This short note argues generally for a wider adoption of innovative, emerging management theories to construction. It specifically attempts to do this through an assessment and analysis of the implications of emerging principles of business process analysis based on information technology. Such an analysis results in an argument being made for the re-engineering of construction processes. Business process re-...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors revisited the fundamental issues of construction planning raised by the authors 5 years ago, and found that there is no one single answer to any of these basic questions and that in fact a state of multiplicity prevail, calling upon the willing practitioner to resort systematically to situational analysis if effective planning is to be accomplished.
Abstract: Why plan? Who should plan? What and when should one plan? These fundamental issues of construction planning raised by the authors 5 years ago, are revisited in this paper in the light of studies conducted recently within the construction industry. In the focus of this research program stood mature companies, advanced projects and competent and experienced practitioners of construction planning and management. The findings show that there is no one single answer to any of these basic questions and that in fact a state of multiplicity – of roles and users, plans and formats, timings and time horizons, planning parties and modes of preparation – prevail, calling upon the willing practitioner to resort systematically to situational analysis if effective planning is to be accomplished.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between construction planning efforts and construction planning effectiveness and the influence of the project's environment and organizational characteristics of construction firms on planning effort and planning effectiveness.
Abstract: This paper examines the relationships between construction planning efforts and construction planning effectiveness. The influence of the project's environment and organizational characteristics of construction firms on planning efforts and planning effectiveness is also investigated. A sample of 26 building projects was studied and the results were analysed using simple correlations. Three factors were found to have a significant effect on improving construction planning effectiveness: increases in planning time prior to commencement of work on site, the extent to which emphasis is placed on the determination of construction methods during construction planning and the frequency of revision of construction plans after commencement of work on site. Significant relationships were also found between project environment variables and organizational characteristics of construction firms and planning efforts and planning effectiveness. Implications of the results are that construction planners should systemati...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a path through some of those theories of organization which have been found of value in understanding how construction organizations function, and suggest that although they may take quite different perspectives and be based on quite different assumptions there exists valuable linkages between some of the most well-known theories and their associated models of organization.
Abstract: When applied to construction organizations the extensive literature on organization theory can be confusing and conflicting. This paper provides a path through some of those theories of organization which have been found of value in understanding how construction organizations function. It suggests that although they may take quite different perspectives and be based on quite different assumptions there exists valuable linkages between some of the most well-known theories and their associated models of organization.
TL;DR: In this article, the results of a survey conducted in Honduras showed that almost three-quarters of the craftsmen suffered at least one lost-time accident; many of their injuries were in expected locations on their bodies given the nature of their work.
Abstract: This paper provides the results of a construction site safety survey conducted in Honduras. A questionnaire was used to collect safety-related information from construction workers, field management and upper management in the Home Office on residential, commercial and heavy civil construction projects in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews – 108 construction workers, 10 field managers and eight senior managers participated. Data were analysed using correlation, regression and analysis of variance techniques. Results demonstrated a substantial lack of awareness or importance for safety at all levels of the construction organization. Workers rarely wore personal protective equipment, used poorly constructed scaffolds, improperly used tools and ladders and disregarded good housekeeping practices. Almost three-quarters of the craftsmen suffered at least one lost-time accident; many of their injuries were in expected locations on their bodies given the nature of their w...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated experiential learning theory and the current perception of experientially factors in the accuracy of pre-tender cost prediction, comparing the preferred learning styles of a sample of experienced pretender cost estimators with those of novice quantity surveyors and investigated how estimators have developed as a result of their experiences.
Abstract: This paper investigates experiential learning theory and the current perception of experiential factors in the accuracy of pre-tender cost prediction. It compares the preferred learning styles of a sample of experienced pretender cost estimators with those of novice quantity surveyors and investigates how estimators have developed as a result of their experiences. Experiential factors, those which stimulate personal development in pre-tender estimators, are considered and a mechanism to improve the accuracy of pre-tender estimates is proposed linking experiential learning theory with the introduction of feedback and self-monitoring systems.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a study of the way in which smaller builders price items in bills of quantities for competitive tender and reveal some marked differences between normal practice and literature-based prescriptions.
Abstract: The paper describes a study of the way in which smaller builders price items in bills of quantities for competitive tender. A series of interviews revealed some marked differences between normal practice and literature-based prescriptions. An experiment was conducted in which eight practising builders’ estimators were separately presented with a representative sample of 36 bill of quantities items taken from groundwork, in situ concrete work and masonry sections. The estimators stated the method they would normally use to price each item, their ‘normal’ price rate and their highest/lowest price rate. The results showed that only half the items would be priced by the prescribed ‘detailed’ method, the remainder being priced mainly by ‘experience’. Analysis by work section, item rate, item quantity, item total, item labour content, contribution to the total of the bill, the standard deviation of the interestimator intraitem rates and totals and their coefficients of variation, skewness and kurtosis indicated...
TL;DR: In this paper, a more appropriate approach to the formulation of a strategy for improving the performance of the construction industry in Singapore is offered and lessons from Singapore's experience for developing countries outlined.
Abstract: The technique of strategic planning is discussed and the conceptual frameworks adopted by writers on construction industry development are categorized. Plans formulated for developing the industry in Singapore are reviewed. Finally, a more appropriate approach to the formulation of a strategy for improving the performance of the construction industry in Singapore is offered and lessons from Singapore's experience for developing countries outlined. It is suggested that the strategy should aim to exploit the nation's total experience and resources.
TL;DR: In this article, a questionnaire survey and interviews were conducted with local practising public works contractors to examine the management of materials and to identify the nature of problems associated with material management.
Abstract: Many management-related problems exist amongst local contractors in developing countries. Problems vary in nature and intensity but are usually associated with inefficient management of construction resources including materials, labour, plant and subcontractors. This paper deals with material management practices in the construction industry in Malaysia. A questionnaire survey and interviews were conducted with local practising public works contractors to examine the management of materials and to identify the nature of problems associated with material management. Problems identified included delay in the delivery of materials, the lack of use of advanced planning techniques, material variances and computers. There is a need for an improved material management approach by contractors in a developing country.
TL;DR: The survey shows that the use of electronic mail and electronic data interchange is still highly restricted in the industry and more importantly these two technologies are being used primarily to support finance and accounting processes rather than mainstream construction processes.
Abstract: The UK construction industry has in general been slow to adopt information technology. The tactical use of this technology for personal productivity improvement has nevertheless become generally accepted. Communications technology has the capability to alter the industry fundamentally. This paper describes a postal survey carried out in early 1993 to ascertain the current position of this particular technology within the UK construction industry; the survey not only provides statistical data but also some evaluative measures on the problems encountered by construction professionals. The survey shows that the use of electronic mail and electronic data interchange is still highly restricted in the industry. More importantly these two technologies are being used primarily to support finance and accounting processes rather than mainstream construction processes.
TL;DR: In this article, a five-level framework to which strategic planning can be applied by professional institutions and trade associations in the construction sector is presented. And the authors outline the factors underlying change of the construction industry and the nature of that change.
Abstract: There have been developments in strategic planning techniques that various sectors of the economy have applied in pursuit of competitive advantage. In most sectors strategic planning applications are taking place at the level of parts of an enterprise's operations, at the general corporate level and at the level of the nation. In construction, strategic planning at any level appears to lag behind other sectors: it seems to be applied mainly by large enterprises keen on expansion, diversification and penetration of overseas markets. A previous paper by the authors has shown the implications of the developments in strategic planning concepts for the construction enterprise. This paper shows how strategic planning can be applied by professional institutions and trade associations in the construction sector. After defining a five-level framework to which strategic planning can be applied, the paper outlines the factors underlying change in the construction industry and the nature of that change. It then discu...
TL;DR: A survey of technology transfer undertaken by international construction companies in developing countries was conducted by as discussed by the authors, who found that several companies actively undertake technology transfer exercises in an ad hoc manner and their obligations to the recipients need to be specifically defined.
Abstract: This paper reports on a survey of technology transfer undertaken by international construction companies in developing countries. The views of construction professionals with extensive work experience in developing countries were consulted in a questionnaire survey of top UK and US consultants and contractors. The aim of the survey was to determine the areas of construction technology transfer that provide maximum benefit to local communities, the most effective way of improving technology transfer, the main obstacles experienced and how these obstacles may be overcome. The results show that several companies actively undertake technology transfer exercises in an ad hoc manner and their obligations to the recipients need to be specifically defined.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors develop a theoretical basis for quantification and management of uncertainty in activity duration networks and demonstrate how these quantifications can be used to allocate and manage contingency in activity durations.
Abstract: This paper develops a theoretical basis for three issues that are important in the quantification and management of uncertainty in activity duration networks. Firstly, the uncertainty in activity durations is quantified. Secondly, the quantification of uncertainty in project duration is developed. Thirdly, how these quantifications can be used for allocation and management of contingency in activity durations is demonstrated. A published numerical example is used to illustrate the application of this development to a construction project. While this idea challenges the popular longest path (PERT) approach, it provides a robust theoretical foundation and introduces a logical framework to the quantification and management of uncertainty in activity duration networks.
TL;DR: In this article, the current applications of planning techniques and information technology are compared within top UK and US contractors and the viability of developing integrated systems within the framework of construction planning is assessed.
Abstract: The current applications of planning techniques and information technology are compared within top UK and US contractors and the viability of developing integrated systems within the framework of construction planning is assessed. The results are based on a questionnaire survey conducted amongst both the top 100 contractors in the UK and the top 400 contractors in the US. This survey reveals that there is a great similarity between the different planning techniques employed by both UK and US contractors and that information technology is applied more vigorously in the US. However, it appears that many aspects of information technology are well within the reach of most of the companies surveyed and that many recent developments could be used to develop integrated systems as an aid to the planning of construction projects.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the implications of these trends for those who design and construct new housing and for public policy makers, concluding that further research is needed to explore the implications for construction, in particular, of the need to maintain and build housing which must last far longer than is usually envisaged.
Abstract: The housing stock in England is ageing. Furthermore, the long-term trend in house building indicates that the existing stock of housing is not being replaced within its design life. New houses are required largely to satisfy new demand in the form of increasing household formation. A key conclusion is that existing-and new-houses will have to last for many hundreds of years. The ownership of housing in England has changed significantly in recent years. The responsibility for maintaining and replacing the housing stock is increasingly in the hands of individual owner-occupiers who have little incentive or opportunity to replace it. The paper discusses some of the implications of these trends for those who design and construct new housing and for public policy makers. The paper concludes that further research is needed to explore the implications for construction, in particular, of the need to maintain and build housing which must last far longer than is usually envisaged.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the logic and reasons behind the construction industry's preference for conservative, well-known practices over innovative construction methods, while pointing to special circumstances in recent history when the balance between risk and benefits tilted towards the benefits, providing the opportunity for innovation to flourish.
Abstract: The construction industry is relatively slow in developing and adopting new technologies and usually prefers conservative, well-known practices over innovative construction methods. The paper discussus the logic and reasons behind this behaviour, while pointing to special circumstances in recent history when the balance between risk and benefits tilted towards the benefits, providing the opportunity for innovation to flourish. Such a situation occurred in Israel between 1990 and 1992, as a continuous stream of new immigrants was arriving in the country mainly from the former Soviet Union. The urgent need for mass housing, without creating the slums of the future, stimulated unique economic approaches of risk sharing in large-scale projects and gave rise to the implementation of dozens of innovative construction methods. Three of these unconventional methods are presented and analysed as representative of three larger categories: revival of methods that performed reasonably well in the past but have lapsed...
TL;DR: In this article, a theoretical approach for contingency allocation and management in building projects using the quantification of uncertainty of project cost is presented, where the uncertainty of input items to a bill of quantities, namely, quantities of bill items, usage of resources and their prices are quantified as two moments.
Abstract: A theoretical approach is presented for contingency allocation and management in building projects using the quantification of uncertainty of project cost. The uncertainty of input items to a bill of quantities, namely, quantities of bill items, usage of resources and their prices are quantified as two moments. From these, two moments for project cost are evaluated. The cumulative distribution function for project cost approximated from its two moments is used to determine the contingency allocation based on a desired probability of success. The management process of this allocation is developed using an approach that establishes initial bench-marks by distributing the allocation to individual bill item costs. By using these initial bench-marks for further distribution, sophistication is introduced to the management process.
TL;DR: In this paper, the relative performance of three different systems of forecasting movements in macro building prices is examined: the Building Cost Information Service system, the Davis, Langdon & Everest system and Akintoye and Skitmore's reduced-form simultaneous equation.
Abstract: This paper examines the relative performance of three different systems of forecasting movements in macro building prices. The three systems analysed are the Building Cost Information Service system, the Davis, Langdon & Everest system and Akintoye and Skitmore's reduced-form simultaneous equation. A battery of accuracy measures are used to compare the forecasts published by the Building Cost Information Service and Davis, Langdon & Everest systems and simulated out-sample forecasts made by the Akintoye and Skitmore system. The results indicate that, during the 3 year period commencing with the first quarter of 1988, the Akintoye and Skitmore system gives the most accurate forecasts for a zero to three quarters forecast horizon and the Building Cost Information Service system gives the most accurate forecasts for a four to eight quarters forecast horizon.
TL;DR: The aim of the paper is to raise the awareness of all those who use or have an interest in construction statistics of the need to ensure that available data correctly reflect their expectations and requirements to foster a better understanding of each other's requirements and, hence, a more satisfactory supply of data.
Abstract: The aim of the paper is to raise the awareness of all those who use or have an interest in construction statistics of the need to ensure that available data correctly reflect their expectations and requirements. The paper is in four sections. It first examines the reasons for the recent rise in interest in construction statistics and the claim that industry's needs for them fail to be met by existing public and private data. It goes on to illustrate the links between providers of information, processors and users of data. The third section focuses on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of statistics. The final section explains the steps which are being taken to ensure better communications between government statisticians responsible for producing construction data and users. This endeavour should foster a better understanding of each other's requirements and, hence, a more satisfactory supply of data to all interested parties. The ultirnate goal is a comprehensive body of statistics which can be rea...
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted to identify the characteristics associated with measurement/quantification skills and to weight or rank their relative importance by 77 undergraduate quantity surveying students and 30 qualified surveyors working in private practice.
Abstract: Measurement/quantification is a core skill of the quantity surveyor and such skills need to be placed within a more appropriate educational framework to ensure their continuing relevance. This paper reports on a study that sought first, to identify the characteristics associated with measurement/quantification skills and second, to weight or rank their relative importance. A total of 37 characteristics associated with a person undertaking the measurement task were identified following a search of available literature and a series of taped interviews with practitioners. These were then classified and grouped together into a model structured according to the fundamental requirements of educational soundness, technical soundness and personal soundness. Twenty-one representative characteristics of this model were then rated for importance by 77 undergraduate quantity surveying students and 30 qualified surveyors working in private practice. The resulting analysis enabled the subsets of the characteristics of ...