Showing papers in "Construction Management and Economics in 2010"
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey was conducted on 250 construction project organizations in the UK, which was followed by face-to-face interviews with experienced practitioners from 15 of these organizations.
Abstract: Despite the availability of various control techniques and project control software many construction projects still do not achieve their cost and time objectives. Research in this area so far has mainly been devoted to identifying causes of cost and time overruns. There is limited research geared towards studying factors inhibiting the ability of practitioners to effectively control their projects. To fill this gap, a survey was conducted on 250 construction project organizations in the UK, which was followed by face-to-face interviews with experienced practitioners from 15 of these organizations. The common factors that inhibit both time and cost control during construction projects were first identified. Subsequently 90 mitigating measures have been developed for the top five leading inhibiting factors—design changes, risks/uncertainties, inaccurate evaluation of project time/duration, complexities and non-performance of subcontractors were recommended. These mitigating measures were classified as: preventive, predictive, corrective and organizational measures. They can be used as a checklist of good practice and help project managers to improve the effectiveness of control of their projects.
384 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a questionnaire survey was administered to experienced Hong Kong construction professionals, and case studies of recently completed building projects were compiled to ascertain the use of prefabrication with reference to life cycle approach.
Abstract: Prefabrication techniques have been adopted for the last two decades in public housing projects in Hong Kong, but the use of prefabrication in the private sector was encouraged only after the implementation of the Joint Practices Notes which promote its use. Although previous studies acknowledge the environmental benefits of using prefabrication, only a few studies have addressed sustainable design concepts (closed‐loop) in the adoption of precast construction. A questionnaire survey was administered to experienced Hong Kong construction professionals, and case studies of recently completed building projects were compiled to ascertain the use of prefabrication with reference to life cycle approach. The findings revealed that prefabrication, combined with modular design and standard components, saved time and construction/design costs, as buildings systems were used across projects. However, in some projects, specific site conditions restricted the use of similar prefabricated building systems across proje...
158 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a thorough literature review and four case studies are utilized to develop a definition of partnering and discuss when and how partnering should be implemented through cooperative procurement procedures, which is defined as a cooperative governance form that is based on core and optional cooperative procurement procedure to such an extent that cooperation-based coopetition is facilitated.
Abstract: The interest in construction partnering has increased during the last decade. Much research has, however, found that cooperation and its benefits are not easily obtained, partly due to a lack of understanding of the partnering concept and when and how to implement it. The aim is therefore to increase this understanding by investigating three research questions: (1) What is partnering? (2) When should partnering be used and to what extent? (3) How should partnering be implemented? A thorough literature review and four case studies are utilized to develop a definition of partnering and discuss when and how partnering should be implemented through cooperative procurement procedures. Partnering is defined as a cooperative governance form that is based on core and optional cooperative procurement procedures to such an extent that cooperation‐based coopetition is facilitated. Mandatory core procedures are: soft parameters in bid evaluation, compensation form based on open books, and usage of the core collaborat...
141 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a detailed study has been undertaken to compare the project time and cost outcomes observed in the Australian PPP market with those projects delivered by governments via traditional procurement methods.
Abstract: Empirical research comparing projects procured as public–private partnerships (PPPs) with other methods of procurement is important because Australian governments plan to spend $320 billion on infrastructure over the next decade and PPPs are perceived to be an appropriate form of delivery. Estimating cost and risks in Australian capital projects is often characterized by optimism bias—the tendency to be overly optimistic about planned actions—and is too often based on insufficient historical data on which to make decisions. Given this broad context it is important to begin to understand in detail how PPPs have performed against other forms of procurement. To achieve this, a detailed study has been undertaken to compare the project time and cost outcomes observed in the Australian PPP market with those projects delivered by governments via traditional procurement methods. Two sets or pools of projects were compared based on a detailed analysis of publicly available data for a sample of 21 PPP projects and ...
135 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted interviews with managers and workers of nine different construction firms in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and found that the level of current perceived risk is approximately five times higher than the tolerable risk value, workers are most dissatisfied with the frequency of high severity injuries, and there is a statistically...
Abstract: Unsafe worker actions contribute greatly to the frequency and severity of construction injuries. Recently, contractors have expressed concern with the high rate of injuries that occur when workers violate company safety policies. To enhance knowledge associated with this topic the following four objectives were targeted: (1) quantifying the current level of safety risk as perceived by construction workers; (2) quantifying the risk tolerance of workers and managers; (3) comparing the risk perceptions and tolerance of workers with managers; and (4) identifying factors that may affect one’s risk tolerance. Fifty‐one risk perceptions were gathered through interviews with managers and workers of nine different construction firms in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The results indicate that the level of current perceived risk is approximately five times higher than the tolerable risk value, workers are most dissatisfied with the frequency of high severity injuries, and there is a statistically...
126 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a multi-level safety climate model was tested in the Australian construction industry and workers' perceptions of the organizational safety response and supervisor safety response in their own organization and that of the principal contractor were measured using a safety climate survey administered at a large hospital construction project in Melbourne.
Abstract: A multi‐level safety climate model was tested in the Australian construction industry. Subcontracted workers’ perceptions of the organizational safety response (OSR) and supervisor safety response (SSR) in their own organization and that of the principal contractor were measured using a safety climate survey administered at a large hospital construction project in Melbourne. One hundred and fourteen construction workers completed the survey, representing nine subcontractors engaged at the project. Two requisite conditions for the existence of group‐level safety climates, i.e. (1) within‐group homogeneity; and (2) between‐group variation were satisfied for perceptions of subcontractors’ OSR and SSR. This supports the contention that subcontractors working in a single construction project exhibit a unique group‐level safety climate. Subcontracted workers also discriminated between group‐level safety climates (i.e. the SSR) in their own and in the principal contractor’s organizations. The results suggest som...
108 citations
TL;DR: In contemporary research on construction-related ICT (information communication technologies), little distinction is made between the use of ICT in permanent line organizations and its use in tempo... as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In contemporary research on construction-related ICT (information communication technologies), little distinction is made between the use of ICT in permanent line organizations and its use in tempo ...
98 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a collar option, which is a combination of a put and call option, to quantify and potentially manage the revenue risk of a real toll public-private partnership (PPP) transportation project.
Abstract: The revenue risk is of great importance to ensure the success of a real toll public–private partnership (PPP) transportation project. Past research has proposed a revenue guarantee put option as an alternative way to quantify and potentially manage this risk. A practical, or commercial, limitation of this type of option is its requirement for an upfront premium payment, and a concessionaire is likely to shy away from additional monetary requirements. A collar option, which is a combination of a put and call option, not only overcomes this barrier but it also provides other benefits. Modifications to the basic collar’s structure can redistribute downside losses and upside profits to fulfil stakeholders’ needs and thus improve the effectiveness of risk management. The terms, applicability and limitations of a collar option are discussed, and a numerical example is developed to illustrate how to determine the strike prices of a collar option.
91 citations
TL;DR: The offsite construction sector is now established as a significant contributor to the delivery of UK construction industry output The exact value of this contribution is questionable and has been subject to substantial debate in recent literature as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The offsite construction sector is now established as a significant contributor to the delivery of UK construction industry output The exact value of this contribution is questionable and has been subject to substantial debate in recent literature Existing offsite construction sector valuation methodologies have been based upon market research questionnaires and estimates of turnover and manufacturing output Considerable attention has been given to the definition of the terms used to describe the various constituent technologies and manufacturing processes However there has been limited reference to its size, sector classification, employment statistics and value added to the UK gross domestic output A method is presented for the determination of the UK offsite construction sector gross output and value added Historical data for the period 1998 to 2008 with growth forecasts up to 2013 are offered A breakdown of the sector, examining the common standard industrial activity classification codes (SIC)
86 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the UAE experience in using PPP projects focusing on the critical success and failure factors for PPPs in the UAE and found that political support is the most important success factor followed by having a strong private consortium.
Abstract: There are few public–private partnership (PPP) projects in the UAE, but the number is increasing Recently government and public bodies have intensified their interest in PPPs to encourage more involvement of the private sector in the country’s development The aim of the research is to evaluate the UAE experience in using PPP projects focusing on the critical success and failure factors for PPPs in the UAE Three case studies were examined to identify the critical success factors and the failure factors The results have shown that political support is the most important success factor followed by having a strong private consortium The most important factor that causes PPP projects to fail in this context is when the consortium lacks the appropriate knowledge and skills Hence, private consortia need to ensure that they assemble the relevant skills and knowledge of how to set up and manage a PPP as well as the crucial knowledge pertaining to the local business environment and political drivers
85 citations
TL;DR: The aim is to extend this work by analysing the introduction of an extranet into the public–private partnership project used to construct a new motorway, finding that digital objects provide mechanisms for accountability and control, as well as for mutual and reciprocal knowledge sharing.
Abstract: A major infrastructure project is used to investigate the role of digital objects in the coordination of engineering design work. From a practice‐based perspective, research emphasizes objects as important in enabling cooperative knowledge work and knowledge sharing. The term ‘boundary object’ has become used in the analysis of mutual and reciprocal knowledge sharing around physical and digital objects. The aim is to extend this work by analysing the introduction of an extranet into the public–private partnership project used to construct a new motorway. Multiple categories of digital objects are mobilized in coordination across heterogeneous, cross‐organizational groups. The main findings are that digital objects provide mechanisms for accountability and control, as well as for mutual and reciprocal knowledge sharing; and that different types of objects are nested, forming a digital infrastructure for project delivery. Reconceptualizing boundary objects as a digital infrastructure for delivery has practi...
TL;DR: Potts, Taylor & Francis, London, 2008, 306 pp., ISBN 978 0 415 44287 9, £25.65 as mentioned in this paper, showed that construction cost management is a very broad topic, so it comes as a surprise to find a single text attempting t...
Abstract: Keith Potts, Taylor & Francis, London, 2008, 306 pp., ISBN 978 0 415 44287 9, £25.65 Construction cost management is a very broad topic, so it comes as a surprise to find a single text attempting t...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the UK 'Continuous improvement' programme through an analysis of demonstration projects and conclude that there have been improvements, yet these seem not to have been continuous.
Abstract: There has been a range of initiatives across many countries over the last 10 to 15 years to introduce reform to the construction process in order to improve performance. The so‐called UK ‘Continuous Improvement’ programme is evaluated as a case study through an analysis of demonstration projects. These projects symbolically represent best practice for others to follow directly in the UK and through influence indirectly in other countries. This raises methodological challenges, yet the scant empirical attention given to this field justifies such attention. The main conclusion is that there have been improvements, yet these seem not to have been continuous. Contractors are distant from direct value creation, increasingly relying upon others in the supply chain. Improvement measures have not penetrated most supply chains. This suggests that contractors need to develop learning and competency capacity; especially stakeholder management and/or clients need to identify new solution providers. There has been lit...
TL;DR: In this paper, a system dynamics model is developed for project cash flow management, which is flexible to incorporate typical front-end and back-end loading cashflow management strategies and provides an interactive predication of project cash flows.
Abstract: Cash flow management is one of the most important determinants of the success of construction project management. Overdraft, retainage, financing, payment and billing policies constitute the most significant financial issues that contractors must plan, control and manage for the successful completion of construction jobs. Particularly, in an attempt to reduce project costs, contractors must balance cost savings of material discounts due to early payments and extra interest expenses because of additional overdraft. Through identifying feedback loops in project cash flows, a system dynamics model is developed for project cash flow management. The model is flexible to incorporate typical front‐end and back‐end loading cash flow management strategies and provides an interactive predication of project cash flows. A warehouse project is discussed to demonstrate how various cash flow strategies improve overdraft financing requirements and profitability. Especially, the analysis shows an 11% reduction on overdraf...
TL;DR: In this article, a comparison of the accident performance of 55 large construction projects in the UK, with varying levels of design/construction integration as represented by procurement path, was made.
Abstract: The occurrence of accidents and injuries continues to be a major problem in construction worldwide. Even though accident statistics have been improving in most markets there are significant areas requiring further attention. The extent of integrated working between designers and constructors may be an instrumental factor. A comparison is undertaken of the accident performance of 55 large construction projects in the UK, with varying levels of design/construction integration as represented by procurement path. Although a statistical relationship between high levels of integration and low levels of accidents was weak, a follow‐up interview study provided strong support, suggesting that a lack of significance was related to the unreliability of the statistics available. The interview study also indicated reasons for this link. A key element in improved safety was seen to be better communications and a more positive relationship between designers and constructors. Further research into designing for safety fo...
TL;DR: In this paper, an actor-network theory is used to explore the connection between objects and knowledge with the purpose of developing an adaptive and pragmatic approach to goals in construction, focusing on how design ambitions emerge in a process of goal translation, and how, once these ambitions are materialized, tensions between aesthetic and functional concerns emerge and are resolved.
Abstract: Project goals are conceptualized in the construction management literature as either stable and exogenously given or as emerging endogenously during the construction process. Disparate as these perspectives may be, they both overlook the role that material objects used in construction processes can play in transforming knowledge and thereby shaping project goals. Actor‐network theory is used to explore the connection between objects and knowledge with the purpose of developing an adaptive and pragmatic approach to goals in construction. Based on a case study of the construction of a skyscraper, emphasis is given to how design ambitions emerge in a process of goal translation, and to how, once these ambitions are materialized, tensions between aesthetic and functional concerns emerge and are resolved. These tensions are resolved through trials of strength as the object—the building—is elaborated and circulates across sites in various forms, e.g. artistic sketches, drawings and models. Given that initial go...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted interviews with 26 representatives of construction firms to quantify the cost of implementing common safety program elements by quantifying cost for each element per US$1 million of project scope; and determining the distribution of safety funding to each element.
Abstract: Every year the construction industry accounts for a disproportionate injury rate when compared to the all‐industry average. In recent years, incident rates have declined as a result of improvements in safety management. While there is a great deal of knowledge regarding the safety management strategies of highly effective construction firms, little is known about the cost‐effectiveness of these strategies. Interviews with 26 representatives of construction firms headquartered in the US were undertaken to quantify the cost of implementing common safety programme elements by: (1) quantifying cost for each element per US$1 million of project scope; and (2) determining the distribution of safety funding to each element. Using these cost data and effectiveness ratings from previous research, the cost‐effectiveness of 13 safety programme elements was quantified. The results indicate that the most cost‐effective safety programme elements are subcontractor selection and management and upper management support and...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the mechanisms associated with partnering in the construction industry context and examine the ways in which the mechanisms used to initiate and develop a partnering relationship (charters, contracts, selection mechanisms and the like) are used to achieve integration across organizational boundaries.
Abstract: Despite the wealth of research on partnering in construction, comparatively little work has attempted to understand partnering as a socially constructed and emergent phenomenon (Bresnen, 2009). Taking a practice‐based approach, this paper deploys the concept of boundary object (e.g. Star and Griesemer, 1989) to explore the mechanisms associated with partnering in the construction industry context. Building upon the observations that such objects are themselves emergent phenomena and can either enable or hinder communication/knowledge sharing, the paper uses exploratory case study research to examine the ways in which the mechanisms used to initiate and develop a partnering relationship (charters, contracts, selection mechanisms and the like) are used to achieve integration across organizational boundaries. The analysis emphasizes the highly situated and localized nature of partnering in practice and assesses the implications for attempts to develop more generic and precise definitions and guidelines for i...
TL;DR: In this article, the use of platforms, standardized packages of prescribed components, routines and practices, in a major Scandinavian construction company (SCC), demonstrates that platforms are potentially useful when sharing and accumulating knowledge.
Abstract: Previous research suggests that construction industry companies use relatively little formal managerial procedures when managing knowledge. Instead, many construction companies are relying on informal networks and social capital as conduits for the sharing of knowledge. However, objects play an important role in organizations as vehicles for the sharing of knowledge. The use of platforms, standardized packages of prescribed components, routines and practices, in a major Scandinavian construction company (SCC), demonstrates that platforms are potentially useful when sharing and accumulating knowledge. The platform concept is a boundary object integrating various functions and activities and standardizing work procedures while at the same time leaving some room for contingencies and local conditions. SCC’s use of platforms contributes to the understanding of knowledge sharing practices by emphasizing the role of formally enacted objects and tools and by underlining the need for bridging and bonding the stocks and flows of knowledge in construction companies.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the contribution of socio-technical networks approaches to construction management research, and illustrate this general approach with three case studies: a historical study of the development of reinforced concrete in France, the UK and the US, the recent introduction of 3D-CAD software into four firms and an analysis of the uptake of environmental assessment technologies in the UK since 1990.
Abstract: We explore the contribution of socio‐technical networks approaches to construction management research. These approaches are distinctive for their analysis of actors and objects as mutually constituted within socio‐technical networks. They raise questions about the ways in which the content, meaning and use of technology is negotiated in practice, how particular technical configurations are elaborated in response to specific problems and why certain paths or solutions are adopted rather than others. We illustrate this general approach with three case studies: a historical study of the development of reinforced concrete in France, the UK and the US, the recent introduction of 3D‐CAD software into four firms and an analysis of the uptake of environmental assessment technologies in the UK since 1990. In each we draw out the ways in which various technologies shaped and were shaped by different socio‐technical networks. We conclude with a reflection on the contributions of socio‐technical network analysis for...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employed the Malmquist index method with a novel decomposition technique to estimate the total factor productivity of the Australian construction industry during the period 1990-2007 and to analyse the factors affecting the technological change in the industry.
Abstract: Construction is an important industry and forms a vital part of national economics in the world. Factors affecting the productivity of the construction industry should be measured appropriately to reflect its development situation and economic performance. The Malmquist index method with a novel decomposition technique is employed to estimate the total factor productivity of the Australian construction industry during the period 1990–2007 and to analyse the factors affecting the technological change in the industry. Research results exemplified by two input variables and one output variable elaborate how construction technology, pure technical efficiency and scale economy take effect in the change of construction productivity. In addition, based on temporal and spatial comparisons, the analysis for construction productivities reveals their changes over time and across the country. Proposals and recommendations are expected to be beneficial for policy making and strategic decisions to improve the performan...
TL;DR: In this article, a diary data collection method was used to collect data from project-based construction workers in a large civil engineering construction project in Melbourne, Australia for 21 consecutive weeks and a strong correlation was found between hours worked each week and participants' work-life experiences.
Abstract: A diary data collection method was used to collect data from project‐based construction workers in a large civil engineering construction project in Melbourne, Australia. Data capturing the number of hours worked, satisfaction with work–life balance and capacity to complete required tasks at work and at home were collected for 21 consecutive weeks. A strong correlation was found between hours worked each week and participants’ work–life experiences. Data were subjected to time series modelling procedures and weekly work hours were found to significantly predict participants’ capacity to complete tasks at work and at home, but not their satisfaction with work–life balance. The impact of work leading up to a major project milestone was found to increase the predictive capacity of the time series models, indicating that project events have a significant impact upon the work–life experiences of project‐based workers. The period of intense work prior to the milestone (the opening of a new ramp on to an operati...
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper developed a comprehensive risk checklist associated with subway projects and a methodology to assess the risks at the early stage of a project, based on the analysis of accidents that have happened in previous projects, a review of current literature and the results of interviews.
Abstract: Underground subways are constructed in major cities across China to overcome the transportation problems in the urbanization process. The aim is to develop a comprehensive risk checklist associated with subway projects and a methodology to assess the risks at the early stage of a project. Based on the analysis of accidents that have happened in previous projects, a review of current literature and the results of interviews, a comprehensive risk checklist was developed, followed by proposing a risk analysis methodology using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Then the Nanjing Subway Line 2 project was analysed using the proposed risk checklist and fuzzy AHP method. The data were obtained through interviews and two rounds of questionnaire surveys with the personnel directly involved in the Nanjing Subway Line 2 project. The results of risk identification and assessment are presented and their managerial implications are discussed. The information presented here should be relevant to both academics an...
TL;DR: In this paper, a study of current trends in the US construction industry related to the emerging focus on sustainable construction will be of great value for the engineering and construction industry to recognize the differences in corporate approaches to sustainability, for the sake of team alignment.
Abstract: Sustainability involves focusing on a project’s impact in three areas: (1) environmental; (2) economical; and (3) societal. In reality, companies’ approaches in the three areas are not evenly distributed. A study of current trends in the US construction industry related to the emerging focus on sustainable construction will be of great value for the engineering and construction industry to recognize the differences in corporate approaches to sustainability, for the sake of team alignment. A random cross‐section of 300 companies, consisting of 150 owner companies, 75 contractor companies and 75 design firms representing a variety of industries, was selected from annual company data assembled by the weekly construction news publication Engineering News Record (ENR). To identify sustainability‐related concepts within the context of these company documents, content analyses and chi‐square statistical analyses were performed on the selected companies’ publicly available annual reports and mission/vision/values...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the Box-Jenkins approach for model development due to its simplicity and sound theoretical background to predict the medium-term total construction demand and residential demand covering a turbulent period of ups and downs in construction demand.
Abstract: As a driving engine for growth, the construction industry plays an important role in a country’s economic development process. Despite that, the industry is vulnerable to cyclical oscillation and at times more fundamental changes in work volume when the regional or global economy is hit by unforeseen events. In order to formulate appropriate policies and directions to help ease the impact of a fluctuating volume of construction work, a model that can reliably predict the work of various construction sectors after any economic turbulence would be extremely useful. In this study, the Box–Jenkins approach is used for model development due to its simplicity and sound theoretical background. The results illustrate that the Box–Jenkins models can reliably predict the medium‐term total construction demand and residential demand covering a turbulent period of ups and downs in construction demand. A multiple regression model is also developed to compare against the modelling reliability of the Box–Jenkins model.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that the level and focus of capability learning change over time and that public agencies follow different learning trajectories and need to address the dynamic character of the learning in order to successfully employ contractual and relational capabilities in their exchange relationships.
Abstract: Public agencies in construction increasingly involve the private sector in the provision of various public goods and services. With the extension of private sector involvement, public agencies are confronted with the need to acquire new capabilities. The results of two comparative case studies from the UK and the Netherlands show that the level and focus of capability learning change over time. Public agencies follow different learning trajectories and need to address the dynamic character of the learning in order to successfully employ (a) contractual and (b) relational capabilities in their exchange relationships
TL;DR: In this article, a vector error correction (VEC) model imposing the cointegration restriction was developed for the purpose of forecasting, which was verified against various diagnostic statistical criteria and compared with the Box-Jenkins and regression models.
Abstract: Reliable short‐ to medium‐term prediction of the tender price index (TPI) is crucial to construction stakeholders, and this has stimulated the interest of the research community to seek a more analytical method for TPI forecast. The purpose of this study is to establish an econometric model for accurately predicting the tender price movements based on a group of associated financial and macroeconomic variables. Applying Johansen’s method for multivariate cointegration analysis, the tender price was found to be cointegrated with the gross domestic product, construction output and building cost. A vector error correction (VEC) model imposing the cointegration restriction was then developed for the purpose of forecasting. The model was verified against various diagnostic statistical criteria and compared with the Box‐Jenkins and regression models. With a mean absolute percentage error for a three‐year ahead forecast at 2.9% level, the developed VEC model outperforms the Box‐Jenkins and regression models, and...
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual model is developed that explores how contractual and relational mechanisms interact across different levels of analysis and over time, highlighting the distinct but inseparable parts of a governance continuum, involving multilevel interactions and transitions.
Abstract: Traditional business models coped with the complexity inherent in buying complex capital assets that will be operated and maintained over many years by a division of labour based on subsets of the value chain. Recently, customers in a wide range of sectors are not buying subcontract production or construction capacity but procuring business ‘solutions’. As a result, inter‐organizational interactions are changing in terms of their scale, scope and dynamic, requiring us to reconsider those mechanisms that coordinate inter‐organizational behaviour. Correspondingly, a conceptual model is developed that explores how contractual and relational mechanisms interact across different levels of analysis and over time. Reflecting on the implications of the model highlights how contractual and relational governance mechanisms are distinct but inseparable parts of a governance continuum, involving multi‐level interactions and transitions. Given that these interactions/transitions influence the behaviour of exchange par...
TL;DR: Gransberg et al. as discussed by the authors have published a paper on the use of the Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK.
Abstract: This article was downloaded by: [Gransberg, Douglas D.]On: 21 October 2010Access details: Access Details: [subscription number 928409202]Publisher RoutledgeInforma Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
TL;DR: In this article, two case studies were carried out to identify gaps in the current linear project management approach and SNA was used to analyse each project and to examine the research hypothesis on the use of SNA to identify network management gaps in projects.
Abstract: Project success and client satisfaction are results of collaborative actions by project actors throughout the entire project life cycle. One principal factor in project success is the application of effective management tools. Gap analysis helps to achieve client satisfaction. However, gap analysis is unable to deal with the organic nature of information exchange between project actors. Social network analysis (SNA) enables the identification and analysis of information exchange and communication patterns in synergy with projects. Two case studies were carried out to identify gaps in the current linear project management approach. Gap analysis and SNA were used to analyse each project and to examine the research hypothesis on the use of SNA to identify network management gaps in projects. The gap analysis showed gaps of execution and conformance, which were confirmed by SNA. There was little evidence of project governance outside the project contractual arrangements during project execution. The current a...