Showing papers in "The international journal of construction management in 2016"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the literature from the last 10 years on the issues facing different stakeholders around reuse of construction waste in Australia, and the causes and effects of the institutional barriers encountered.
Abstract: Although much has been written on how to improve the management of construction waste and increase the use of recycled materials, little progress has been made to address the reuse of construction waste. Yet there is a consensus in the literature that waste reuse practices have a decisive role to play in improving reduction of waste, and that institutional barriers are the most problematic obstacles to implementing identified reuse strategies. This paper examines the literature from the last 10 years on the issues facing different stakeholders around reuse of construction waste in Australia, and the causes and effects of the institutional barriers encountered. Key texts from before this period are also referenced. The findings reveal that institutional impediments are related to problems outside of the construction industry, such as social, economic and political barriers to change. A number of constraints are identified: lack of interest and demand from clients; attitudes towards reuse practices; and tra...
92 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the costs, benefits and risks of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and propose suggestions for greater BIPV application, from a stakeholder perspective, through a comprehensive review of current literature.
Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) refers to photovoltaic or solar cells that are integrated into the building envelope (such as facade or roof) to generate ‘free’ energy from sunshine, and it is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. However, up until now, there have been limited studies that analysed cost‒benefit and risk factors/barriers of BIPV from a supply chain perspective; and there have also been limited studies that provide strategies to industry and academics in order to encourage BIPV diffusion and application. The aim of this research is to identify the costs, benefits and risks of BIPV and propose suggestions for greater BIPV application, from a stakeholder perspective, through a comprehensive review of current literature. The results of this research show that whilst BIPV have high initial investment capital costs, there are significant long-term benefits to be achieved for clients, end users and the entire society. Further, the results also show that BIPV costs decrease and...
89 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a questionnaire survey with 30 project managers experienced in green construction and identified 13 leadership characteristics, among which "strive for work performance and productivity" was ranked top.
Abstract: In recent years, green building construction has been earning a significant place in Singapore's construction industry. The success of a green building project is inevitably associated with the leadership of the project manager. This study attempts to identify the leadership characteristics and styles of project managers in Singaporean green building projects. Conducting a questionnaire survey with 30 project managers experienced in green construction, this study identified 13 leadership characteristics, among which ‘strive for work performance and productivity’ was ranked top. Additionally, the 13 characteristics were categorized into two groupings: (1) directive and task-oriented leadership and (2) relationship-oriented leadership. The results indicated that the leadership style of the project managers was more towards directive and task-oriented leadership but did not overlook their relationships with subordinates. Therefore, this study provides an understanding of leadership characteristics and styles...
85 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a questionnaire survey containing 27 questions (variables) was conducted to 200 engineers and foremen who work for contractors, and the 90 returned responses were statistically analyzed by calculating the average, standard deviation, and RII of each variable.
Abstract: Improving productivity in construction is a way of increasing profit with little or no increase in cost. Labour productivity in construction in developing countries, including Jordan, is relatively low and needs to be improved significantly. The objective of this paper is to describe and analyse the factors that affect construction labour productivity. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire survey containing 27 questions (variables) was conducted. It was sent to 200 engineers and foremen who work for contractors. The 90 returned responses were statistically analysed by calculating the average, standard deviation, and RII of each variable. The results of a Spearman correlation‒rank‒coefficient test showed that no significant differences existed between the responses of the engineers and foremen. It was concluded that the top three ranked dimensions were ‘Productivity increases as experience increases’, ‘Financial incentives increase productivity’, and ‘Trust and communications between management and workers...
69 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify and assess the key criteria for selecting suppliers for oil and gas projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a survey of 23 factors.
Abstract: Selecting the right materials supplier is of paramount importance to the success of the construction project and the organization as a whole. The objective of this paper is to identify and assess the key criteria for selecting suppliers for oil and gas projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A survey of 23 factors is developed and distributed to experts in oil and gas EPC companies in the UAE. The top 10 criteria are then clustered into two main groups, each consisting of five selection factors. Group one includes technical and commercial aspects, which include quality, price, delivery, service and warranties and claims. Group two is company-related aspects, which include technical capability, production facility and capability, financial position, performance history and geographical location. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Delphi methods are used in evaluating and determining the weights and orders for the 10 selected criteria. The results indicate that quality and price are the most impor...
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the critical barriers faced by South Australian construction organizations in implementing reverse logistics practices and proposed some remedial measures for RL implementation in South Australia based on the barriers identified.
Abstract: Despite extensive research on the benefits of reverse logistics (RL), it has yet to become commonplace in the construction industry. Furthermore, the uptake and number of studies on RL remains very limited within the Australian context and particularly related to the construction industry. This paper is aimed at filling that knowledge gap by employing an exploratory approach to examine the critical barriers faced by South Australian construction organizations in implementing RL practices. Semi-structured interviews and a ranking approach facilitated the treatment of qualitative data through quantitative coding using cloud-based applications. The research identified 12 barriers to RL implementation, four of them very significant according to the responses of the interviewees: the regulatory environment, additional costs involved, lack of recognition in the construction supply chain, and extra effort required. The study also explored their inter-relationships through the Co-occurrence Index. The study proposes some remedial measures for RL implementation in South Australia based on the barriers identified.
56 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted an in-depth interview with PPP experts and key personnel who have experience in the development life cycle of PPP infrastructure projects in the UAE in order to investigate their perception of the key success factors of public-private partnership (PPP) in infrastructure projects and examine the relative importance of these factors.
Abstract: During the last decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been the biggest market for public–private partnerships (PPPs) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Currently, PPPs are increasingly being used in the rapid development of UAE infrastructure projects. Despite this fact, little is known about the success factors for adopting such an approach for the infrastructure projects in the UAE. Twenty-one in-depth interviews were held with PPP experts and key personnel who have experience in the development life cycle of PPP infrastructure projects in the UAE in order to investigate their perception of the key success factors of PPP in UAE infrastructure projects and examine the relative importance of these factors. The results show that the five most important critical success factors (CSFs) for all respondents were: availability and effectiveness of proper regulatory and legal framework for PPPs; proper risk allocation and sharing among project stakeholders; clear project brief and client outcomes;...
56 citations
TL;DR: The results indicated that ‘hazard identification and minimization’ and ‘safety training and education’ are the most important safety-related applications provided by BIM tools to improve safety performance in construction.
Abstract: The objectives of this paper are to elicit the perception of contracting parties regarding building information modelling (BIM), the most important safety-related applications of BIM and the barriers to adopting BIM in the local construction industry. Data for this study were collected through a questionnaire survey. A total of 75 questionnaires were randomly distributed to contractors, owners and consultants, and 37 were returned, representing a 49% response rate. The findings indicated that 33% of the respondents had no knowledge of the concept of BIM, 28% of the respondents’ organizations are not using BIM and if used it was implemented to a limited extent. The results indicated that ‘hazard identification and minimization’ and ‘safety training and education’ are the most important safety-related applications provided by BIM tools to improve safety performance in construction. Lack of universal use in the construction sector and insufficient training availability are the highest ranked barriers to adop...
49 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive literature review, pilot study, and questionnaire survey were carried out to collect information on these causes, and the results revealed that the top 10 extreme significant causes are "unstable client requirements", "lack of proper coordination between various disciplines of the design team", "awarding the contract to the lowest price regardless of the quality of services", "Lack of skilled and experienced human resources in the design firms", "delaying of dues payments", and "delay of payments".
Abstract: Interface management is one of the major keys for a successful construction project. During the project, many interface problems may arise, and their severities may vary and affect the overall project performance. This research was conducted to identify the causes of design–construction interface problems in large building construction projects in Palestine. To achieve the research objectives, a comprehensive literature review, pilot study and questionnaire survey were carried out to collect information on these causes. Responses from 34 consultants and 30 contractors were analysed. The results revealed that the top 10 extreme significant causes are ‘unstable client requirements’, ‘lack of proper coordination between various disciplines of the design team’, ‘awarding the contract to the lowest price regardless of the quality of services’, ‘lack of skilled and experienced human resources in the design firms’, ‘lack of skilled human resources at the construction site’, ‘delaying of dues payments’, ‘...
41 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that OSH training is the most neglected factor, followed by non-inclusion of safety in contract documents and workers' non-involvement.
Abstract: Lack of compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) has resulted in a relatively higher construction accident rate in developing countries such as Pakistan. This study attempts to unveil the aspects of OSH that are ignored and discern the differences in the perceptions of key construction stakeholders. Data collected from 195 respondents were analysed using Cronbach's coefficient alpha, Shapiro‒Wilk and Kruskal‒Wallis tests. The results indicate that OSH training is the most neglected factor, followed by non-inclusion of safety in contract documents and workers' non-involvement. Stakeholders have dissimilar perception about three OSH factors, including management commitment to OSH, safety rules/procedures and policies, and OSH training. Regulatory authority is suggested to launch OSH awareness campaigns, announce safety incentives, institutionalize the OSH certification system, and incorporate safety credit points in contractors' registration process. Though this study pertains to Pakistan, the m...
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the effect of path-goal leadership styles on the commitment of employees on construction projects and found that supportive and achievement-oriented leadership styles are two fundamental factors required for project success.
Abstract: Effective leadership and employee commitment are two fundamental factors required for project success. A capable leader provides direction while a highly committed employee exerts more effort to pursue project goals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of path-goal leadership styles on the commitment of employees on construction projects. Primary data were collected through the administration of a questionnaire to construction managers of completed projects within the last five years (2008‒2013) before the study was conducted, while data obtained were presented using tables and analysed using correlation and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that a supportive leadership style influences the affective commitment of employees; and continuing commitment of employees is influenced by supportive and achievement-oriented leadership styles. None of the path-goal leadership styles influence the normative commitment of the employee. The study therefore recommends that leaders of cons...
TL;DR: In this paper, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the construction industry in South China (Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau), and a research hypothesis model was developed for understanding the interrelationship among parameters with respect to workers' psychological conditions.
Abstract: The number of accidents on construction sites has been depressingly high in the last 10 years. A broad variety of safety measures have been implemented on sites, such as encouraging workers to put on personal protective equipment and launching regular safety toolboxes. This has tended to strengthen safety awareness and improved compliance with safety regulations. The study of discrepancies in psychological climate among workers and how psychological climate interacts with external factors thus plays a prime role in understanding safety. This paper examines external factors with psychological climate that the workers possess on their safety awareness. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the construction industry in South China (Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau). A research hypothesis model is thus developed for understanding the interrelationship among parameters with respect to workers' psychological conditions. It emerged that two external factors ‒ physical working environment and social influence ‒ af...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors draw attention to the deficiencies and limitations of existing SRTs and offer an alternative framework that is intended as a guide to enhancing assessment and reporting, and addressing current deficiencies.
Abstract: The development of sustainability assessment and sustainability reporting tools (SRTs) for infrastructure is pivotal because they serve to inform on progress towards achieving sustainability goals. However, the assessment of sustainability can be improved. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the deficiencies and limitations of existing SRTs and offer an alternative framework that is intended as a guide to enhancing assessment and reporting, and addressing current deficiencies. The alternative framework proposed encompasses six elements: (1) systems-based criteria selection; (2) quantitative measurement scales for criteria; (3) characterizing each criterion by a measure of central tendency and dispersion; (4) the distinction of additionality; (5) criteria weighting; and (6) combining criteria to give an overall score characterized by a measure of central tendency and a measure of dispersion. This is based on infrastructure project comparison. It is contended that, within the alternative frame...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present findings of a study to evaluate the global warming potential of urban houses built of three different building materials using the International Organization for Standardization life-cycle environmental impact assessment approach.
Abstract: The rising demand for bricks baked in wood-fuelled kilns in Malawi is raising concerns due to its contribution to fluctuations of climatic conditions locally and globally. This paper presents findings of a study to evaluate the global warming potential of urban houses built of three different building materials. The International Organization for Standardization life-cycle environmental impact assessment approach was used. To obtain lifecycle inventory, process inventory analysis was used, focusing on energy inputs and carbon outputs at the initial construction stage. A functional unit of a 1m2 wall was used for calculating energy and carbon emissions. The results demonstrate that, for individual blocks, kiln burnt bricks (KBBs) consume 0.531 GJ/m2 compared to 0.138 GJ/m2 and 0.106 GJ/m2 for stabilized soil-cement blocks (SSBs) and solid cement blocks (SCBs) respectively. Similarly, KBBs have a higher global warming potential than the SCBs and SSBs. When cement or lime joint and plaster mortars are includ...
TL;DR: A detailed review of Indian PPP procurement focusing on the shortcomings of infrastructure development through PPP in promoting sustainable development is presented in this paper, where a qualitative content analysis method was used to answer the research question ‘Why have the key deliverables of the PPP Procurement process failed to promote sustainable development goals?'.
Abstract: Public‒private partnerships have become one of the preferred routes for governments to develop infrastructure, in view of the budgetary constraints faced by them and the efficiency gains provided by the private sector. Since the private sector is driven by profit-generation motives to enter a PPP arrangement, there are criticisms against PPPs for focusing on economic goals and financial targets while giving less emphasis to attainment of social objectives. As a result, infrastructure development through PPP will fail to promote sustainable development goals. The paper discusses the findings from a detailed review of Indian PPP procurement focusing on the shortcomings of infrastructure development through PPP in promoting sustainable development. A qualitative content analysis method was used to answer the research question ‘Why have the key deliverables of the PPP procurement process failed to promote sustainable development goals?’ The policy-makers and advisors of PPP projects could incorporate the key ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report findings from a comparative cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of five domestic hot water systems (DHWSs) in the UK context.
Abstract: On average, hot water is responsible for 18% of residential energy consumption and corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Several domestic hot water systems (DHWSs) are commonly used but their life cycle impacts are yet to be established comprehensively. This is due to those impacts varying significantly within the context and the system boundaries of the assessment. This article reports findings from a comparative cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of five DHWSs in the UK context. Primary data acquired from a case study contributed to achieving accurate life cycle inventories that were then modelled in SimaPro through the ecoinvent database. Global Warming Potential (GWP) is the impact assessment method used. Amongst the five types, solar heater with electric backup appears to be the least damaging alternative. The study also reinforces the importance of adopting a cradle-to-grave approach if LCA results are to accurately reflect environmental impacts holistically and lead to better, more...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the organizational culture within the architectural firm in Malaysia, in response to the wider need for more organizational studies in the construction industry, especially in developing countries in Asia.
Abstract: The construction industry has been reported to experience problems in efforts to be innovative due to its complex nature. One of the factors that contributes to the problem is culture. Despite their perceived innovations, architectural firms have a limited understanding of their organizational culture in relation to innovation. This paper examines the organizational culture within the architectural firm in Malaysia, in response to the wider need for more organizational studies in the construction industry, especially in developing countries in Asia. A postal survey was employed and 151 architectural firms responded. The exploratory factor analysis revealed four cultural dimensions, namely (1) innovation-supportive behaviours, (2) freedom, (3) collectivism/teamwork and (4) individualism. The findings indicate that innovation-supportive behaviours and collectivism/teamwork were dominant in these architectural firms. The findings also revealed a lack of freedom and individualism within the architectural firm...
TL;DR: A literature review and survey questionnaire were used to investigate the roles, complexities, and the level of competition from other construction professionals as mentioned in this paper, with a majority of them acting as representatives of clients in construction projects.
Abstract: The quantity surveying profession is unpopular in some countries, such as the USA. However, in the international construction arena, quantity surveyors have renowned construction competencies and are widely involved in construction projects. They have different names in different countries ‒ e.g. cost engineer, building economist, cost manager, or construction accountant. In spite of the different names, they have significant skills that have evolved to meet the increasing and changing needs of clients, especially in the international construction arena. This research investigated the roles of quantity surveyors and the complexities they may find in international construction. A literature review and survey questionnaire were used to investigate the roles, complexities, and the level of competition from other construction professionals. The results showed that quantity surveyors had many roles in construction, with a majority of them acting as representatives of clients in construction projects. Also, the...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: It is recommended that the government should assume a proactive role in promoting the use of BIM and demonstrate the value-added to construction projects, especially those procured by the government would go a long way to break the key identified barriers.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to determine potential barriers faced by the implementation of BIM in the Palestinian construction industry. The data collection was obtained using a questionnaire-based survey of 270 professionals in the construction industry. The results obtained from the factor analysis clustered the BIM barriers in four components, namely: the lack of interest in BIM, the organization’s resistance to change workflows, the lack of BIM knowledge, and the cost implementation and cultural barriers towards adopting new technology and training requirements. The main reason given for not using BIM in the construction industry in the Gaza Strip is due to the fact that the clients and other contracting parties did not require the use of BIM. This study adds to the current body of knowledge on BIM in developing countries, especially in Palestine. The contributed knowledge establishes a good platform for future research to identify meaningful ways of providing solutions to the barriers, and facilitating a smoother and more successful transition in the adoption of BIM technologies and innovations in the construction industry. Thus, it is recommended that the government should assume a proactive role in promoting the use of BIM. Demonstrating the value-added to construction projects, especially those procured by the government would go a long way to break the key identified barriers.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identified common causes of burnout as perceived by professionals working in construction projects in the Gaza Strip and found that emotional exhaustion symptoms were the highest factor loading attributes that led to professionals' burnout, while unfair reward and treatment, ambiguity, insecure job, workload and work family conflict contributed to burnout.
Abstract: Unhealthy stress has a significant impact on individuals’ psychological and physiological wellness, and job performance, which directly influence the success of construction projects. Burnout has a negative impact on mental and physical health of construction professionals, which decreases their job satisfaction and job productivity. The study identifies common causes of burnout as perceived by professionals working in construction projects in the Gaza Strip. Three hundred twenty questionnaires were distributed to randomly selected construction professionals in the Gaza Strip and 183 were returned yielding 51% response rate. Relative importance index and exploratory factor analysis were employed in this study. The factor analysis resulted in three factors: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal achievement. The results indicated that the emotional exhaustion symptoms were the highest factor loading attributes that led to professionals’ burnout. The results revealed that professionals were not satisfied with their jobs. It was found that unfair reward and treatment, ambiguity, insecure job, workload and work family conflict contributed to burnout. Staff members under stress interact less frequently with clients and engage in fewer positive interactions with clients. This study will add value to the existing body of knowledge regarding Palestinian professionals’ perspectives on burnout factors in the construction industry. Training programs are recommended for professionals in the construction industry on how to cope with stress and stress management. The research findings will be valuable for all academicians and researchers involved in the construction workforce and work safety in construction industry in general.
TL;DR: In this article, a methodology to estimate construction material quantities (CMQs) during an early project phase is presented. But the use of existing data and utilize regression analysis, neural networks and case-based reasoning to provide accurate results.
Abstract: Preliminary project cost estimates are the first serious estimates made on a project. They play an important role during the decision-making process, and are the benchmark with which future estimates are expected to agree. This paper concentrates on the estimation of construction material quantities (CMQs) and presents a methodology to accurately estimate them during an early project phase. We make use of existing data and utilize regression analysis, neural networks and case-based reasoning to provide accurate results. It encompasses data collection, model development and evaluation, and the integration of different techniques. The use of the methodology is demonstrated by estimating CMQs of relevant structures. The accuracy of the methodology is investigated and compared with three state-of-practice approaches. The results obtained show a significant improvement over the state of the practice, and would improve the accuracy of preliminary project costs estimates. Through partial automation, it would lik...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the heavy equipment supply chain in Indonesia and identified barriers and opportunities based on a two-stage research design, starting with qualitative interviews and followed by a focus group discussion.
Abstract: Heavy equipment refers to heavy-duty vehicles that hold an important role in executing construction projects and production operations. The available literature lacks sufficient information to provide an understanding of the characteristics of the heavy equipment supply chain. The purpose of this research is to examine the heavy equipment supply chain in Indonesia and to identify barriers and opportunities. This research was conducted based on a two-stage research design, starting with qualitative interviews and followed by a focus group discussion. The heavy equipment supply chain shows unique characteristics of production, distribution, and utilization cycles. The findings from the analysis show typical problems faced by the heavy equipment supply chain in Indonesia are that it lacks communication and incentives.
TL;DR: A network theory-based analysis is conducted to investigate the underlying network of stakeholder issues in large construction projects, as well as to identify key issues and relationships impacting project execution.
Abstract: Large construction projects are characterized by numerous stakeholders and conflicting interests involved. Previous stakeholder management studies placed great emphasis on stakeholder identification and analysis based on individual stakeholder attributes, which are confined in completeness without taking into account stakeholder-related issues and their interrelationships. In real situations, a project environment is a network of interconnected stakeholder issues, where stakeholder perception and salience are affected by the propagating influences of these issue interactions. This paper conducts a network theory-based analysis to investigate the underlying network of stakeholder issues in large construction projects, as well as to identify key issues and relationships impacting project execution. Network analysis procedures are illustrated through a case study of a large building project. Recommendations and lessons learnt are drawn for future large public construction projects. This paper provides a netw...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an original examination of the truck-oriented earthmoving parameters of haul grade, payload and truck type and their little known influence on fuel use and emissions.
Abstract: Earthmoving equipment is a large generator of emissions. Accordingly, it is important to understand the underlying parameters affecting performance, in order to operate the equipment in the most emissions-efficient way. The paper aims to provide an original examination of the truck-oriented earthmoving parameters of haul grade, payload and truck type and their little known influence on fuel use and emissions. Observed field data ‒ on fuel use, payloads and cycle times from four different earthmoving operations ‒ are compared with theoretical estimates. The assumptions behind the DRET (Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism ‒ Australia) energy model for truck fuel use and hence emissions estimation, are examined and improvements suggested. Conclusions are given on haul grade, payload and truck type usage that lead to least emissions. Suggestions for overcoming some limitations of the DRET model are given, and a modified DRET model is introduced.
TL;DR: In this paper, a modified price plus time bidding model is proposed, which adds a third parameter called float loss cost (FLC) to the total combined bid (TCB) model.
Abstract: Selecting the appropriate contractor is of paramount importance, especially for public agencies. Choosing a contractor based on the lowest price may not be the best approach as it may lead to delays and/or quality problems. The price plus time bidding system allows clients to choose contractors based on the total combined bid (TCB) after converting the time parameter into a monetary value. This proved to be successful in reducing project durations. However, as contractors compete using this method, they tend to reduce their project durations drastically to be competitive without thinking about the additional risks. Reducing project duration results in reducing the float available for non-critical activities and increases the risk of project delays. A modified price plus time bidding model is proposed. In addition to cost and time, a third parameter is added to form the TCB. This parameter is called float loss cost (FLC). Clients can use this modified model to evaluate the tenders submitted by bidders by c...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the concepts of business evolution and innovative business endeavour are contrasted as bipolar extremes on a theoretical continuum: first in the context of organizations generally and second for construction businesses specifically.
Abstract: The concepts of ‘business evolution’ and ‘innovative business endeavour’ are contrasted as bipolar extremes on a theoretical continuum: first in the context of organizations generally and second for construction businesses specifically. This highlights what the authors define as an ‘equivocal zone’ (EZ), which occupies a wide section of the continuum and is positioned approximately equidistant from its extremes. Cogent representation of the zone is based on literature synthesis, emphasizing contemporary and emergent viewpoints in the field; while its conceptualization is achieved using descriptive and graphical models. The study argues that within the EZ, definitions of organizational innovation often become blurred and that the EZ characterizes most construction organizations on the evolution‒innovation continuum. The EZ is a new theoretical concept derived solely from this study.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the internal factors, specifically the managerial capabilities, of Malaysian housing developers, and argued that the intangible resources of a firm must be used in concert to sustain superior performance.
Abstract: This paper investigates the internal factors, specifically the managerial capabilities, of Malaysian housing developers. Issues of strategic management in housing development have received limited attention from real estate industry commentators. In this qualitative study, 10 semi-structured snowball interviews were performed for the purposes of data collection. Categories of housing developer capabilities include business planning and strategy, marketing, project management, financial management, and networking. These interviews shed light on the capabilities of real estate practitioners. Given the small number of interviewees, the results of this study must be treated with caution, but should provide ample basis for future in-depth studies in this area. This study expands upon the current real estate literature, arguing that the intangible resources of a firm must be used in concert to sustain superior performance, and elucidates the effects of housing developers' managerial capabilities on the success ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors demonstrate the ability of the Geographic Information System (GIS) to single-handedly implement location-based planning (LBP) on a highway construction project.
Abstract: The present study demonstrates the ability of the Geographic Information System (GIS) to single-handedly implement location-based planning (LBP) on a highway construction project. LBP has traditionally been employed in the planning of highway construction projects, but only in parts. Currently, a number of software tools are utilized in the planning and scheduling of a highway construction project. Maintaining, displaying, and analysing all the information on a single platform will make significant improvements in the accuracy, understanding, and implementation of the plans and schedules. Various types of graphical and non-graphical highway project information can be maintained within GIS. Tools have been developed to compute location-based work quantities, create a location-based work schedule, and prepare a location-based cost estimate, all within GIS. Using GIS for highway construction planning has great potential to solve many problems currently faced by highway project planners.
TL;DR: This research investigates maximum constraints for linear scheduling via a mathematical model through a literature review, followed by an algorithm that relies upon singularity functions that is extended with mathematical steps to handle maximum constraints correctly.
Abstract: This research investigates maximum constraints for linear scheduling via a mathematical model. Maximum constraints are improperly ignored by most current scheduling techniques, especially for linear schedules. However, they can have substantial practical relevance, e.g. to express safety constraints. Therefore the goal is to renew awareness of this type and enable its application to linear schedules with activities of constant productivity. The methodology includes a literature review, followed by an algorithm that relies upon singularity functions. Its first two steps refer to the existing Productivity Scheduling Method, which is extended with mathematical steps to handle maximum constraints correctly. For validation the new algorithm is applied to a schedule example with different scenarios and its peculiarities are discussed. Being able to incorporate maximum constraints will provide project managers with more realistic schedules.