Showing papers in "Construction Management and Economics in 2006"
TL;DR: In this paper, a detailed questionnaire was developed and used to get input from professionals associated with the UAE construction industry to identify the most significant causes of delay in order to avoid or minimize their impact on construction projects.
Abstract: Construction delay is considered one of the most recurring problems in the construction industry. Delays have an adverse impact on project success in terms of time, cost, quality and safety. The effects of construction delays are not confined to the construction industry only, but influence the overall economy of a country like UAE, where construction plays a major role in its development and contributes 14% to the GDP. Thus, it is essential to define the most significant causes of delay in order to avoid or minimise their impact on construction projects. A detailed questionnaire was developed and used to get input from professionals associated with the UAE construction industry. The perspective of contractors and consultants has been analysed to rank the causes of delays based on their Relative Importance Index. Contractors and consultants were in agreement on the most significant causes of delays. The research revealed that 50% of the construction projects in UAE encounter delays and are not completed o...
536 citations
TL;DR: The potential benefits of off-site production are commonly cited when justifying an OSP approach, yet holistic and methodical assessments of the applicability and overall benefit of these solutions, to a particular project, have been found to be deficient as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Evaluating to what extent a component or building system should be produced off‐site is inadequate within the industry. The potential benefits of off‐site production (OSP) are commonly cited when justifying an OSP approach, yet holistic and methodical assessments of the applicability and overall benefit of these solutions, to a particular project, have been found to be deficient. Common methods of evaluation simply take material, labour and transportation costs into account when comparing various options, often disregarding other cost‐related items such as site facilities, crane use and rectification of works. These cost factors are usually buried within the nebulous preliminaries figure, with little reference to the building approach taken. Further, softer issues such as health and safety, effects on management and process benefits are either implicit or disregarded within these comparison exercises. Yet it is demonstrated that these issues are some of the most significant benefits of OSP. A series of ca...
306 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify potential drivers of change, to position them properly in the wider context of sustainable construction and to outline the progress to be expected in Greece's construction industry in the coming decade.
Abstract: During the last decade, sustainable development issues have been gradually adopted in Greece's construction industry, changing the traditional methods and technology. The aim of this investigation is to identify potential drivers of change, to position them properly in the wider context of sustainable construction and to outline the progress to be expected in the coming decade. The methodological framework used is a Delphi technique based on a questionnaire of 20 experts (consultant engineers, construction managers and contractors). The results show that the most important influences on sustainable construction in Greece are energy conservation measures, resource conservation strategies and waste reduction. In terms of the initiatives expected in the coming decade, energy conservation measures, waste reduction measures, as well as product innovation and certification are expected to rank high. In conclusion, the results are consistent with those of previous researchers showing significant trends towards l...
164 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a risk probability and impact assessment framework based on fuzzy-fault tree and the De... is proposed for privatized infrastructure projects because of the fact that, they have very long project lifecycle with many country and sector specific risk factors.
Abstract: Over the years, many private sector participation (PSP) models have been evolved for infrastructure procurement and the Build‐Operate‐Transfer (BOT) model is one of the most common approaches used for the same. Private infrastructure projects under BOT arrangement have a complex risk profile and to a considerable extent, the success of any BOT project is influenced by the degree to which various project risks are managed. The major steps involved in risk management of a project are risk identification, risk assessment and the processes of prioritization and response to the risks. The conventional risk assessment approaches may not be effective in privatized infrastructure projects because of the fact that, they have very long project lifecycle with many country and sector specific risk factors. The assessment of complex risks is often a difficult task when past data on similar risks are not available. In this research, a risk probability and impact assessment framework based on fuzzy‐fault tree and the De...
155 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the validity of four common rhetorical arguments used to promote the PPP procurement route: collaborative working, design freedom, long-term commitment and risk transfer.
Abstract: From a construction perspective, Public-Private Partnership projects (PPPs) are often credited as providing real incentives for the actors involved as well as a business environment that is conducive to innovation and improved practices. The validity of four common rhetorical arguments used to promote the PPP procurement route is explored: collaborative working, design freedom, long-term commitment and risk transfer. Particular interest is given to the extent to which espoused intentions correlate with experienced realities in allowing actors involved in the design and construction phases to be presented with, and able to exploit, opportunities for technological innovation. It is argued that there is reason to be cautious in fully accepting the purported benefits of the PPP framework and that the arguments often presented need to be revised. Alternative interpretations are provided.
149 citations
TL;DR: In this article, relevant elements of a contractual package are treated as a form of real options and evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation of a discounted cash flow (DCF) model, based on simplifying assumptions on risk preferences.
Abstract: In Build‐Operate‐Transfer (BOT) infrastructure projects, host governments often provide subsidies, guarantees or alternative forms of support as incentives to attract private sector participation. A guaranteed level of minimum revenue, for example, can be specially designed to alleviate the concern of demand risk. Although researchers have generally acknowledged the significance of subsidies and guarantees leading toward successful negotiation, there is a lack of attempt to evaluate these concessions quantitatively. Without a deeper understanding of the value of these concessions, risk and reward may not be equitably matched in the proposed terms and arrangements. In this paper, relevant elements of a contractual package are treated as a form of real options. A proposition is put forward to incorporate the value of such options into the negotiation framework. By relying on simplifying assumptions on risk preferences, these options can be evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation of a discounted cash flow (DC...
145 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a time-cost relationship for construction projects in Nigeria has been developed based on the Bromilow's time cost model for assessing the success or viability of a construction project.
Abstract: The concept of project duration is important in assessing the success or viability of a construction project. A time‐cost relationship for construction projects in Nigeria has been developed based on Bromilow's time‐cost model. Cost data on 87 completed building projects executed within the period 1991–2000 were obtained. The data were subjected to regression analyses using double log and later the piecewise model with breakpoint. For the Nigerian situation, the Bromilow's time‐cost model was found to be T = 63C0.262 with poor predictive abilities (R = 0.453, R2 = 0.205). An improved model using piecewise model with good predictive abilities (R = 0.875, R2 = 0.765) was found to be T = 118.563−0.401C (C ⩽ 408) or 603.427 + 0.610C (C>408). The model is shown to be useful in predicting construction project durations.
145 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the key steps that could improve the management of change and develop a strategic framework for change management in an organizational change management case studies and exploratory interviews.
Abstract: Many organizations have undergone substantial change over recent years and the importance of organizational culture to organizational analysis and change management has been increasingly recognized. However, the implementation of change is a complex process that is not always successful due to a variety of reasons. Failure in most change processes can be traced back to poor communications and underestimation of the amount of retraining required. The main aim of this research is to identify the key steps that could improve the management of change. Literature relating to organizational culture, the need for change, types of change and resistance to change was used to develop a theoretical basis for the research. Organizational change management case studies and exploratory interviews were used to document experiences of organizational change and develop a strategic framework for change management. Validation was through acceptance and adoption of the developed process within a construction‐based organizati...
139 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a framework of innovation management is devised to structure the context variables of construction innovation, and an analytical approach is developed to enable researchers as well as construction managers to detect those variables which should be considered for managing construction innovation.
Abstract: Conscious management of innovation in construction firms is becoming more and more a necessity. However, the possibilities and ways to successfully put an innovative idea into practice depend on a range of contingencies. A framework of innovation management was devised to structure the context variables of construction innovation. Furthermore, an analytical approach was developed to enable researchers as well as construction managers to detect those variables which should be considered for managing construction innovation. The application of the approach to the case of a Swiss contractor revealed dependency on client and location, procurement form, innovation acceptance of the client and regulation degree as significant variables of the external environment. Service offer, knowledge strength, cooperative behaviour, financial strength and time needs were identified as critical variables of the internal environment. The implications are that the management of construction firms should advocate innovative ideas explicitly, make conscious strategic decisions about the direction of the firm’s innovation activity and provide methodical and hierarchical support during the innovation process. Establishing internal innovation brokers and using portfolio-based project checkpoints are supportive measures in this regard.
128 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the use of temporary housing within two post-disaster environments, where the impact of different organizational designs leads to fundamentally different solutions to the short-term housing problem.
Abstract: Natural cataclysms (earthquakes, hurricanes and so forth) become natural disasters when they coincide with vulnerabilities; unfortunately, informal settlements in developing countries are only too often highly vulnerable – a reality amply and unhappily confirmed by available statistics. In this context, reconstruction projects are sandwiched between the short‐term necessity to act promptly and the long‐term requirements of sustainable community development – a situation that is currently reflected in alternative and conflicting paradigms at the policy level. Adopting a case‐study approach, we explore the use of temporary housing within two post‐disaster environments, where the impact of different organizational designs leads to fundamentally different solutions to the short‐term housing problem. Our research adopts a dynamic systems approach, associating strategic organizational team design with the development of tactical technical proposals. Two case studies from Turkey and Colombia show that a coherent approach to the sequential stages of providing immediate shelter, temporary housing and permanent reconstruction is not always obtained. The research results emphasize that the performance of reconstruction projects is directly linked to the design and management of the project team.
128 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a real option approach is used to value the minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) and the option to abandon in Build-Operate-Transfer infrastructure projects, and the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Project is chosen as a numerical case to apply the formulas.
Abstract: The real option approach is used to value the minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) and the option to abandon in Build‐Operate‐Transfer infrastructure projects. The option to abandon is formulated under an investment option held by the concessionaire at contract signing and to expire before construction commencement. MRG is formulated as a series of European style put options in a single option pricing model. When combined with the option to abandon in the pre‐construction phase, MRG is reconstructed as a series of European style call options to develop a compound option pricing formula. The Taiwan High‐Speed Rail Project is chosen as a numerical case to apply the formulas. The results show both MRG and the option to abandon can create values. When MRG and the option to abandon are combined, they will counteract each other and their values will thus be reduced. Increasing the MRG level will decrease the value of the option to abandon, and, at a certain MRG level, the option to abandon will be rendered worthless.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of perceived organizational support (POS) and support from supervisors and co-workers in the relationship between work-family conflict (WFC) and burnout was examined in a sample of 202 construction professionals and managers.
Abstract: Research findings concerning the extent to which various forms of support in the workplace moderate the stressor‐strain relationship are inconsistent. The effect of perceived organizational support (POS) and support from supervisors and co‐workers in the relationship between work‐family conflict (WFC) and burnout was examined in a sample of 202 construction professionals and managers. The results revealed that POS has a main effect on burnout and also moderates the relationship between WFC and burnout. The effect of social support did not differ according to its source. Effects for supervisory and co‐worker support were similar. However, different effects were found for different types of support. Emotional support had a main effect on burnout but not a moderating effect in the WFC‐burnout relationship. Practical support had a moderating effect, but not a main effect on burnout. The importance of supportive work environments to the success of interventions designed to alleviate or prevent employee burnout...
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework is developed for assessment of client needs and the measurement and monitoring of client satisfaction levels in the building development process, based on qualitative and quantitative surveys of clients of commercial buildings in South Africa.
Abstract: A conceptual framework is developed for assessment of client needs, and the measurement and monitoring of client satisfaction levels in the building development process. Data were obtained from qualitative and quantitative surveys of a target population of clients of commercial buildings in South Africa. Satisfaction levels based on multi‐attribute measures were compared with those based on single evaluative responses, using Wilcoxon's matched‐pair test. Results showed no significant differences in pairwise comparisons. A strong positive correlation also existed between both equivalent measures of client satisfaction levels. These results validate the conceptual framework. Results of evaluation of client satisfaction levels showed that clients perceived average levels of satisfaction in the building development process. Areas for improvement in the services of contractors and consultants were identified through ‘Criticality Index’ analyses. Empirical models were developed for proactive measurements of cli...
TL;DR: In this paper, a questionnaire survey was conducted and 27 construction risks were identified and evaluated and significant differences in perceptions are encountered for the importance of several types of risk, especially those related to the contractor's competence.
Abstract: To effectively manage risks in construction projects, it is crucial to correctly identify important risks and properly allocate them to the contractual parties. Understanding the perceptions of construction contractors and owners on the importance and allocation of risks in Indonesian construction projects is an important step in this process. A questionnaire survey was conducted and 27 construction risks were identified and evaluated. Significant differences in perceptions are encountered for the importance of several types of risk, especially those related to the contractor's competence. The respondents had different expectations toward the allocation of a number of risks, and at present, many risks are unclearly apportioned to the contracting parties.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a knowledge transfer framework that encourages construction organisations to transfer PFI knowledge between projects by building on a questionnaire survey of PFI clients and construction companies, case studies of companies involved in PFI, and research workshops.
Abstract: The UK's Private Finance Initiative market is predicted to rise to over £8 billion a year and there are indications of growing opportunities. PFI creates a long‐term income stream and provides valuable opportunities for portfolio diversification. PFI has evolved at a fast pace and the momentum is set to continue. However, there are major challenges facing construction organisations. These include the lack of PFI experts, longer negotiation periods and tight time schedules to deliver large‐scale schemes, high levels of investment and risks involved and limited knowledge transfer between PFI projects. Concerns over the level of knowledge sharing have prompted the development and evaluation of a Knowledge Transfer Framework that encourages construction organisations to transfer PFI knowledge between projects. It achieves this by building on a questionnaire survey of PFI clients and construction companies, case studies of companies involved in PFI, and research workshops to validate the framework developed.
TL;DR: In this article, the role of the construction sector in highly developed economies is considered and an examination of the data issues of attempting to assess the validity of the proposition is made and then the importance of the sector in the promotion of economic growth in these countries is considered.
Abstract: The complexities of the relationship between a country's level of construction activity and its stage of economic development are considerable. Studies over the last three decades, based on macroeconomic analysis, have attempted to model the relationship but have usually been hampered by problems of data quality and availability. Nevertheless, paradigms have emerged (usually based on Keynesian philosophy), which are concerned with the dynamics of construction activity as an agent in the promotion of economic growth in economies at different stages of development. One such is the ‘Bon curve’. An examination of the data issues of attempting to assess the validity of the proposition is made and then the role of the construction sector in highly developed economies is considered.
TL;DR: In this paper, an economic game theory model is proposed as a foundation for understanding the behavior of subcontractors in allocating resources to projects, and the model describes the influence of the degree of reliability of the planned schedule on subcontractors' and project managers' behaviors under traditional unit price contracting.
Abstract: Periodic review and adjustment of resource allocations to construction projects is critical for subcontractors to maintain profitability under traditional unit price or lump sum contracts. Project managers strive to control subcontractors in an effort to meet budgets and schedules; subcontractors often work on multiple projects simultaneously and strive independently to allocate resources to those projects where they perceive that they will bring maximum utility. An economic game theory model is proposed as a foundation for understanding the behaviour of subcontractors in allocating resources to projects. The model describes the influence of the degree of reliability of the planned schedule on subcontractors' and project managers' behaviours under traditional unit price contracting. Unreliable plans undermine efforts to promote cooperative behaviour.
TL;DR: In this article, a theory of innovation for small construction knowledge-intensive professional service firms (SCKIPSFs) is developed from a longitudinal 22-month case study of a small architectural practice.
Abstract: Small construction knowledge‐intensive professional service firms (SCKIPSFs) are becoming increasingly important agents of innovation within the construction industry. The nature and process of innovation in SCKIPSFs, however, is generally considered through the constraining prism of research results generated from significantly different contexts, such as from manufacturing sectors or non‐project based firms. A theory of innovation for SCKIPSFs is developed from a longitudinal 22‐month case study of a small architectural practice. Two forms of knowledge‐based innovation were discerned from the empirical work: exploitative innovation and explorative innovation. ‘Explorative innovation’ was found to be located in immediate ‘new’ project domains, and entailed search, variation, experimentation, activity to solve project‐specific problems; while ‘exploitative innovation’ concentrated on developing generic organisational infrastructure to ‘refine’ and ‘improve the efficiency’ of the firm operations to nurture...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed and compared two methods for estimating construction productivity of dozer operations (the transformed regression analysis, and a nonlinear analysis using neural network model) and found that the proposed neural networks model may improve productivity estimation models because of the neural network's inherent ability to capture nonlinearity and the complexity of the changeable environment of each construction project.
Abstract: Estimating equipment production rates is both an art and a science. An accurate prediction of the productivity of earthmoving equipment is critical for accurate construction planning and project control. Owing to the unique work requirements and changeable environment of each construction project, the influences of job and management factors on operation productivity are often very complex. Hence, construction productivity estimation, even for an operation with well‐known equipment and work methods, can be challenging. This study develops and compares two methods for estimating construction productivity of dozer operations (the transformed regression analysis, and a non‐linear analysis using neural network model). It is the hypothesis of this study that the proposed neural networks model may improve productivity estimation models because of the neural network's inherent ability to capture non‐linearity and the complexity of the changeable environment of each construction project. The comparison of results...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an ICT innovation diffusion organizational level framework with insights about how it may be applied to improve ICT adoption at different implementation stages for the construction industry.
Abstract: Interest in construction industry (CI) innovation, particularly in information communication technology (ICT), has been steadily growing with the advent and widespread use of the Internet. However, despite its potential for delivering competitive advantage, many companies have failed to effectively realize promised benefits from ICT due to misunderstanding the relationship between factors and processes influencing ICT implementation. Results from recent in‐depth qualitative ICT implementation research on three construction contractors provides useful insights and practical experience of lessons learned that can be more broadly disseminated. These research results provide an ICT innovation diffusion organizational level framework with insights about how it may be applied to improve ICT adoption at different implementation stages for the CI. They suggest that strategic ICT implementation planning needs to consider issues of critical management support, technical support, supportive workplace environment and...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the innovation competence of repeat public sector clients in the Australian construction industry and found that the clients had a relatively high level of innovation competence compared to contractors, consultants and suppliers.
Abstract: The role of client leadership in improving construction industry performance by increasing the rate and quality of innovation activity has been receiving increasing attention globally over the past decade. There has however been less attention given to the capability of clients to effectively perform this role. The literature suggests that the internal innovation competency of clients impacts on their potential to encourage innovation throughout the industry. Based on data collected via a large‐scale survey of the Australian construction industry, the innovation competence of repeat public sector clients is examined using descriptive statistics. The results show that the clients have a relatively high level of innovation competence, compared to contractors, consultants and suppliers. The role of innovation competence is important. If public sector client agencies wish to protect and promote the role they play in encouraging industry innovation, they need to nurture their internal innovation competence.
TL;DR: A survey of 335 businesses in the Australian road industry has been carried out to ascertain those factors that make firms innovate as discussed by the authors, and the findings indicate that business strategies are more important than business conditions, and that the following three strategies are significant in differentiating between firms with high and low adoption rates: (1) hiring new graduates; (2) introducing new technologies; and (3) enhancing technical capabilities.
Abstract: A survey of 335 businesses in the Australian road industry has been carried out to ascertain those factors that make firms innovate. ‘Innovative’ is measured by adoption rates of advanced technologies and practices, and the range of innovation drivers reviewed encompasses business strategy and environment. The findings indicate that business strategies are more important than business conditions, and that the following three strategies are significant in differentiating between firms with high and low adoption rates: (1) hiring new graduates; (2) introducing new technologies; and (3) enhancing technical capabilities. The findings also highlight the importance of undertaking R&D and encouraging employee ideas for improvement. The public policy implications are that the quality of university graduates should be protected and advanced, as should technical skills within public sector client agencies.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed an automated model, which alleviates some of the typical problems with materials management and control, such as waste and surplus of materials, delays, decrease in productivity and lack of up-to-date, real-time information regarding the status of purchase orders, the levels of inventory, the actual vs. planned usage of materials.
Abstract: Current, manual, materials management and control procedures are unsatisfactory: they are labour intensive, inaccurate and error prone. The result is waste and surplus of materials, delays, decrease in productivity and lack of up‐to‐date, real‐time information regarding the status of purchase orders (PO), the levels of inventory, the actual vs. planned usage of materials, and others. The purpose of the present work was to develop an automated model, which alleviates some of these problems. Prior to developing the model, a field survey was conducted to learn, at first hand, what the typical problems with materials management and control are. The model initiates materials purchasing, follows up the status of PO, records materials data as they arrive to the site and their movement around the site, makes recommendations, generates reports and issues warnings. The model was implemented, tested and evaluated in an ongoing building construction project. The onsite experiments confirmed that automated materials m...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the outcomes of a six-sigma process improvement project (PIP) conducted for the construction of concrete longitudinal beams on the St Pancras raised railway station in London.
Abstract: Significant expenditures of time, money and resources, both human and material, are wasted each year as a result of inefficient or non‐existent quality management procedures. In an attempt to improve their market competitiveness, by limiting the extent of non‐value‐adding activities, some organizations are beginning to monitor the performance of internal and external engineering and construction processes. To achieve these bold aims, these organizations are looking to other industries such as manufacturing to examine the effectiveness of measuring and monitoring tools such as six‐sigma. Only in recent years has the six‐sigma method been utilized by some of the major players in the construction sector. To familiarize both researchers and practitioners on how to implement the six‐sigma method and its potential benefits, the paper describes the outcomes of a six‐sigma process improvement project (PIP) conducted for the construction of concrete longitudinal beams on the St Pancras raised railway station in Lo...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors applied the HEM to the construction sector in order to explore the role of this sector in national economies and the quantitative interdependence between the construction sectors and the remaining sectors.
Abstract: The hypothetical extraction method (HEM) is used to extract a sector hypothetically from an economic system and examine the influence of this extraction on other sectors in the economy. Linkage measures based on the HEM become increasingly prominent. However, little construction linkage research applies the HEM. Using the recently published Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development input‐output database at constant prices, this research applies the HEM to the construction sector in order to explore the role of this sector in national economies and the quantitative interdependence between the construction sector and the remaining sectors. The output differences before and after the hypothetical extraction reflect the linkages of the construction sector. Empirical results show a declining trend of the total, backward and forward linkages, which confirms the decreasing role of the construction sector with economic maturity over the examined period from a new angle. Analytical results reveal that...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the importance of learning and "anchoring" of project-specific knowledge at the firm level for participation in innovative activities in the Danish construction industry and find that firms that make extensive use of partnering, together with internal product and process evaluation and knowledge diffusion, are more likely to participate in innovation activities than firms which make less use of these mechanisms.
Abstract: The construction industry is characterised by the widespread use of project organisation. It has been suggested that the relatively low level of innovative activity in the industry can be explained by the temporary nature of firm boundary‐crossing projects. Survey data from the Danish construction industry is used to investigate the importance of learning and ‘anchoring’ of project‐specific knowledge at the firm level for participation in innovative activities. The data cover both the overall Danish construction industry and a specific region, North Jutland, which has a relatively high specialisation of construction workers. Latent class and regression analyses reveal that firms that make extensive use of partnering, together with internal product and process evaluation and knowledge diffusion (labelled ‘knowledge‐anchoring mechanisms’), are more likely to participate in innovative activities than firms which make less use of these mechanisms. This indicates that construction firms are able to compensate ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that despite the vast interest and enthusiasm on the benefits of construction partnering, no apparent trend exists to show that it has become the dominant choice of procurement method across construction industries internationally.
Abstract: Despite the vast interest and enthusiasm on the benefits of construction partnering, no apparent trend exists to show that it has become the dominant choice of procurement method across construction industries internationally. Rather, the implementation of construction partnering has been patchy, with varying degrees of success and, in many instances, its adoption is more an exception than the norm. This study argues and sets out to test the proposition that despite the huge advocacy for the use of partnering, its slow uptake and, more importantly, the inconsistent results it yields are due to the lack of systematic investigation into the institutional determinants of partnering. Based on data collected from 526 firms covering various industry disciplines, results show that firms' use of partnering is selective and that this selectiveness is significantly determined by the industry's level of institutional norms and not by the conventional notion that partnering increases a firm's profitability or efficie...
TL;DR: The authors conducted an interview study with 13 site managers and seven foremen and top managers in 13 construction projects and found that site managers are generally pleased with their work situation even though they are critical of the demands made of them to handle a variety of heterogeneous activities.
Abstract: The literature on middle managers tends to portray their role in rather negative terms. Middle managers are here stuck in between superiors and subordinates, with few opportunities for determining their work situation. In the construction industry, site managers play a role similar to that of the middle managers of large companies, located in between the firm's strategic decisions and day‐to‐day production work on construction sites. The aim of this study is to examine how site managers experience their work situation. Drawing on an interview study encompassing 13 site managers and seven foremen and top managers in 13 construction projects, the research suggests that site managers are generally pleased with their work situation even though they are critical of the demands made of them to handle a variety of heterogeneous activities. However, a work situation fraught with unanticipated challenges and ambiguities easily leads to excessive workloads and long working hours. It is concluded that the literature...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a culture-effectiveness model of the contractors' motivated behavior towards performance, which showed that hierarchy and clan cultures are dominant and that culture profiles of Chinese contr...
Abstract: The vast economic growth in China in the past decade has brought forth opportunities for the development of its construction industry. However, the construction industry in China has been criticised for poor performance and low effectiveness in terms of quality and profitability in the face of challenges and uncertainties resulting from the fast changing economic environment. Given that organisational culture plays a significant role in work performance and effectiveness, the apparently low effectiveness of the construction industry may be related to the culture of the contractors' organisations. The culture–effectiveness (C‐E) relationship has received increased attention in organisational research and the aim of the study is to develop a culture–effectiveness model of the contractors' motivated behaviour towards performance. Results of cluster analysis of the culture profiles of Chinese construction enterprises show that hierarchy and clan cultures are dominant and that culture profiles of Chinese contr...
TL;DR: In this paper, a power-based model of project leadership is developed, underpinned by a behaviour-performance-outcome approach and an appropriate methodology is developed for testing the construction enterprises in China using structural equations modelling.
Abstract: The concept of leadership relates to power structuring whereby the project leader may lead and motivate through power disposition. Power, in its diverse guises, combines interpersonal and structural elements and can be enhanced through political manoeuvring. Power may also be distributed unevenly between individuals in the project team. In this article a power‐based model of project leadership is developed, underpinned by a behaviour‐performance‐outcome approach and an appropriate methodology is developed for testing the construction enterprises in China using structural equations modelling. The fitness indices show that the resulting model which postulates that the motivational function of good leadership operates through managing power gaps by means of power‐sharing and power‐amassing is acceptable. The effects (both predominant magnitudes and statistical significance) from the project managers' referent power to power‐sharing and power‐amassing show that the project manager's inherent personal traits a...