Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology 

About: Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology is an academic journal published by Emerald Publishing Limited. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Computer science & Engineering. It has an ISSN identifier of 1726-0531. Over the lifetime, 905 publications have been published receiving 8707 citations. The journal is also known as: Engineering, design and technology & JEDT.

Factors influencing the adaptive re‐use of buildings

Abstract: Purpose – Adaptive re‐use enables a building to suit new conditions. It is a process that reaps the benefit of the embodied energy and quality of the original building in a sustainable manner. Initiatives to improve the sustainability of buildings have tended to focus on new construction projects rather than existing ones. One reason is the tendency to regard old buildings as products with a limited useful life that have to be eventually discarded and demolished. Much of the existing building stock will still be in use for another 100 years. Thus, there is a need to develop policy and strategies that encourage adaptive re‐use and the ongoing sustainability of building stock. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the factors influencing the decision to adopt an adaptive re‐use strategy.Design/methodology/approach – Adaptive re‐use is beginning to receive attention, yet there is a lack of consensus as to whether it is an appropriate strategy for meeting the changing needs and dem...

An investigation of construction wastes: an empirical study in Shenzhen

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to analyze on‐site production and sources of construction wastes through data obtained from a detailed questionnaire survey and structured interviews conducted in ShenzhenDesign/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey is conducted to investigate the compositions of these construction waste and their sources One hundred and ten copies are sent to governmental officers, designers, engineers, and contractors, and 84 responses are received, in which the respondent rate is about 764 percentFindings – According to the survey results, concrete, cement, brick, timber, tile, steel, and aluminum wastes are the main waste sources produced on construction sites The sources of these wastes are varied Suggestions to improve the existing waste situation are also discussedOriginality/value – Various types of construction wastes are generated during construction activities Expansion of construction wastes not only represents an enormous dissipation of resources but also results in s

A quantitative assessment of the cost and time impact of variation orders on construction projects

Abstract: Purpose – Variation orders are a common occurrence in construction projects and their impacts have been studied by various authors. However, the contribution of project variations to construction cost and time overruns is yet to be established. The purpose of this study is to assess the significance of variations as a cause of cost and time overruns.Design/methodology/approach – Using a questionnaire survey, responses were obtained from 50 project participants on the causes and effects of project variations. Cost and time data were also collected on 30 completed building projects. The analysis used importance indices and F‐ and t‐tests. The results indicated that variations had a significant effect and accounted for about 79 and 68 per cent of the cost and time overruns, respectively, for the projects studied.Findings – The results indicated that variations had a significant effect on project cost and time overruns and accounted for about 79 and 68 per cent of the cost and time overruns, respectively, for...

On prefabrication implementation for different project types and procurement methods in Hong Kong

Abstract: Purpose – The use of prefabrication has been considered as one of the most effective waste minimization methods in the construction context; however, the industry has found difficulties to implement it. Contractors lack experience in using prefabrication and they do not know how to implement prefabrication to their projects effectively. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study on the implementation of prefabrication in the context of different project types and procurement approaches.Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines possible project types and procurement methods to maximally gain benefits of using prefabricated building components. A questionnaire survey and structured interviews have been conducted.Findings – From the results, it should be noted that residential projects and design and build procurement methods are the most effective project types and procurement methods, respectively, in using prefabrication. In the interview discussion, one of the governmental em...

Major causes of construction time and cost overruns: A case of selected educational sector projects in Ghana

Abstract: In Ghana, the duration of construction projects from inception to completion is becoming a great concern, recently, especially among clients and beneficiaries, because of the rising interest rates, inflation, development plan targets, among other factors. Hence the need to understand the causes of delays and cost overrun in the construction sector has become more important than ever. This study therefore aims to identify the major factors underlying time and cost overruns in projects related to the education sector in Ghana to proffer practical solutions in addressing them.,The study conducted a survey among clients’ consultants and representatives of the contractors working on about 60 government school projects. A relative importance index was used to determine the relative effects of the factors causing construction time and cost overruns.,The key factors causing construction time overrun were: financial problems, unrealistic contract durations imposed by clients, poorly defined project scope, client-initiated variations, under-estimation of project cost by consultants, poor inspection/supervision of projects by consultants. Other factors were underestimation of project complexity by contractors, poor site management, inappropriate construction methods used by contractors and delays in the issuance of permits by government agencies. Factors affecting cost overruns were financial difficulty by client, delays in payments of completed works, variations in designs, lack of communications plans, poor feasibility and project analysis, poor financial management on site and material price fluctuations.,The research was limited to only the educational sector projects.,Practically, this study highlights for the construction sector the critical factors causing project time and cost overruns in Ghana. Identification of these factors provides the basis for pragmatic solutions to enhance the chances of project success.,The identification and solutions to project time and cost overruns, especially for educational sector projects, contribute toward making public goods more affordable and accessible to most citizens, particularly in developing countries.,This study contributes to the debate on factors causing project time and cost overruns in the construction sector especially from a developing country’s perspective.