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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

James M.W. Wong, Albert P.C. Chan and Y.H. Chiangn

Manpower is the most valuable asset in the construction industry. Based on an examination of literature, selected key data sources, and views from 29 key informants, this paper…

1078

Abstract

Manpower is the most valuable asset in the construction industry. Based on an examination of literature, selected key data sources, and views from 29 key informants, this paper addresses the important labour resource context related to the construction industry in the case of Hong Kong. These include the trends of the critical indicators of the labour market in construction and the implications of the changing markets and technology on the future pattern of skill requirements, and the government policies on construction personnel. The findings are of immense importance to anyone involved in the construction industry, particularly training organizations and policy makers in their mission to maintain a skilled, competitive and adequate workforce able to meet the future demands of the industry. The changing labour market trends and skill requirements pose challenges for construction personnel in terms of upgrading their skills. Further research is recommended to construct robust models predicting the occupational trends in labour resources for effective manpower planning and to establish a labour market information system which could lead to capturing periodic labour market signals with a view to assisting the process of policy making on various human resource development aspects of construction workforce in Hong Kong.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 January 2024

Ayodeji E. Oke and Seyi S. Stephen

In the effort to procure solutions to emerging challenges faced in the construction industry, construction stakeholders implemented the use of several technologies in construction

Abstract

In the effort to procure solutions to emerging challenges faced in the construction industry, construction stakeholders implemented the use of several technologies in construction operations from the onset of project planning to completion. Cyber technology introduced into construction brought about the inclusion of wearable technology, mobile devices, apps, project management software, drones, 3D printers, robotics, etc. to enhance output as the industry tends towards that which is sustainable. This chapter identified benefits, barriers and other related cyber technology interactions within the scope of delivering projects that are of standard, budget and quality at the same time. The conclusion gave a summary of the whole chapter for further comprehension.

Details

A Digital Path to Sustainable Infrastructure Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-703-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Catherine Forbes

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of vernacular architecture and traditional knowledge to building resilience in Nepal and the impact of modernisation on…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of vernacular architecture and traditional knowledge to building resilience in Nepal and the impact of modernisation on that resilience and architectural diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an action research approach, including field observations and discussions with local community members, artisans, architects, engineers and other international experts, the study examines the resilience of traditional building typologies to natural hazards in Nepal, including earthquake; the changes that have occurred over time leading to the failure and/or rejection of traditional construction; and a review of post-earthquake reconstruction options, both traditional and modern.

Findings

Although traditional approaches have been cyclically tested over time, this study found that changes in building materials, technologies, knowledge and skills, access to resources, maintenance practices, urban environments and societal aspirations have all contributed to the popular rejection of vernacular architecture following the earthquakes.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to traditional timber and masonry construction in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding mountain areas.

Practical implications

To improve resilience the study identifies the need for capacity building in both traditional and modern construction technologies; adoption of approaches that use local materials, knowledge and skills, whilst addressing local timber shortages and access issues; a transparent construction certification system; good drainage; and regular maintenance.

Originality/value

The study critically evaluates the impact of technological, environmental, social and economic changes over time on the resilience of vernacular housing in Nepal.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2000

Hans Voordijk

This study analyses how policy measures and technological developments affect the trade‐offs between elements of the logistical system of a supply chain. It is assumed that this…

3196

Abstract

This study analyses how policy measures and technological developments affect the trade‐offs between elements of the logistical system of a supply chain. It is assumed that this logistical system consists of the following elements: sourcing, production, inventory, transportation and service. Two cases of supply chains of building materials have been analysed. This analysis results in a matrix in which the effects of policy measures and technological developments for the different elements in the logistical system of these supply chains are classified.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 20 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 1999

Hans Voordijk

Argues that logistics networks in the building industry will develop in relation to transaction‐specific investments in new information technologies such as EDI and PDI. This is…

Abstract

Argues that logistics networks in the building industry will develop in relation to transaction‐specific investments in new information technologies such as EDI and PDI. This is particularly the case where strategic considerations play a subordinate role and efficiency arguments are stressed. The limitations of the transaction cost approach are also discussed. In the building industry, logistics networks are not only directed towards a minimisation of transaction costs, but are also striving for joint value maximisation. Co‐operation between designing and constructing parties makes it possible to present a “total product” to the market. Opportunistic behaviour is replaced by mutual trust. Instead of bounded rationality, know‐how is transferred between firms for product development. This change will fundamentally alter the nature of competition in the building industry in the near future.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2013

Jan Bröchner

In the context of university-industry interaction, little is known about construction patents. The purpose of this paper is to explore this aspect of construction innovation…

587

Abstract

Purpose

In the context of university-industry interaction, little is known about construction patents. The purpose of this paper is to explore this aspect of construction innovation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

After a review of studies of academic interaction with the construction sector, applications for construction patents in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden for 2006-2010 were analysed. References to academic publications in US patent applications in three relevant classes were identified.

Findings

References to university interaction occur in construction patents, but only seldom and not for mechanical devices. Country differences in patent legislation, such as legal protection for utility models and concerning university ownership of patents, have little effect on construction patenting.

Research limitations/implications

Further analyses of construction-specific relations between types of university-industry interaction are needed, as well as empirical studies of other regions.

Practical implications

Patterns found here should offer useful insights for firms designing their intellectual property strategies.

Social implications

The findings suggest that government innovation strategies and internal university policies should recognise the wide variety of interactions with construction sector firms. Policies reflecting innovation systems in industries that depend highly on intellectual property rights should be reconsidered.

Originality/value

This analysis has exploited recent advances in searchable patent databases in several countries.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1999

SDHABHON BHOKHA and STEPHEN O. OGUNLANA

The application of an artificial neural network (ANN) to forecast the construction duration of buildings at the predesign stage is described in this paper. A three‐layered…

Abstract

The application of an artificial neural network (ANN) to forecast the construction duration of buildings at the predesign stage is described in this paper. A three‐layered back‐propagation (BP) network consisting of 11 input nodes has been constructed. Ten binary input nodes represent basic information on building features (i.e. building function, structural system, foundation, height, exterior finishing, quality of interior decorating, and accessibility to the site), and one real‐value input represents functional area. The input nodes are fully connected to one output node through hidden nodes. The network was implemented on a Pentium‐150 based microcomputer using a neurocomputer program written in C+ +. The Generalized Delta Rule (GDR) was used as learning algorithm. One hundred and thirty‐six buildings built during the period 1987–95 in the Greater Bangkok area were used for training and testing the network. The determination of the optimum number of hidden nodes, learning rate, and momentum were based on trial‐and‐error. The best network was found to consist of six hidden nodes, with a learning rate of 0.6, and null momentum. It was trained for 44700 epochs within 943 s such that the mean squared error (judgement) of training and test samples were reduced to 1.17 × 10−7 and 3.10 × 10−6, respectively. The network can forecast construction du‐ration at the predesign stage with an average error of 13.6%.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

S Meeampol and S O Ogunlan

This study investigates the cost and time performance of highway projects from the viewpoint of the public owner. It differs from previous studies which focused on the…

2161

Abstract

This study investigates the cost and time performance of highway projects from the viewpoint of the public owner. It differs from previous studies which focused on the contractor’s perspective on project performance. A total of 13 success factors were identified from literature and the opinions of experienced engineers. Data was collected from 99 projects handled by the Department of Highways (DOH) in Thailand Discriminant analysis was used in this study to build the cost and time predictive models, which were generated from samples of cases, which had already been grouped and known as successful and unsuccessful projects. The models were then applied to new cases with measurements for the predictor variables, to predict that the projects were either successful or unsuccessful. The results show that success in cost performance depends on the management of construction resources, budget management, construction method, and communication. By contrast, schedule management and human resource management inhibit cost performance. Success in time performance depends on choice of construction method, management of construction resources, schedule management, supervision and control, and communication. Quality management, budget management, human resource management, owner involvement, and team relationships impede time performance

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2020

Emmanuel Nsiah Ankomah, Joshua Ayarkwa and Kofi Agyekum

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the extent to which the practices of small and medium building contractors (SMBCs) conform to lean construction (LC) principles…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the extent to which the practices of small and medium building contractors (SMBCs) conform to lean construction (LC) principles. Ultimately, practical results encourage a discourse on the true potentials and challenges to the holistic uptake of LC principles in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a qualitative case study approach. The data was obtained through face-to-face structured interviews.

Findings

Across the cases, it was realized that there is a low-level application of LC principles among SMBCs. There was no indication that lean concepts were used on a company-wide basis in the Ghanaian construction industry. Furthermore, the study revealed that the traditional wasteful approach to managing construction projects was still prevalent among the firms.

Practical implications

This paper uses the 4P model as a foundation for assessing the extent to which the practices of SMBCs conform to LC principles. Practically, the study also created a certain level of awareness among the SMBCs about LC, LC principles and the benefits of the application of these principles within organizations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge as it uncovers the status of LC implementation among SMBCs in the Ghanaian construction industry. The findings that are presented in this paper can be used as a starting point to disseminate the research and practice of LC among SMBCs.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Hamza Gülter and Eyup Basti

The purpose of this paper is to review the housing sector of Turkey and present the housing development strategies developed by government enterprises for the urban poor in Turkey…

1263

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the housing sector of Turkey and present the housing development strategies developed by government enterprises for the urban poor in Turkey as successful examples.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of the paper is descriptive. First of all, the literature on housing finance systems and sources of housing finance are stated. Then, the paper reviews housing finance systems applied in Turkey in the past to solve housing problems. Later, it describes current housing strategy to solve housing problems of low- and middle-income groups and also presents this strategy as a successful model to other countries. Moreover, mortgage law and the current situation of the Turkish housing sector are discussed within the study.

Findings

As a result of economic normalization achieved after 2002, mortgage loans extended by commercial banks have increased in Turkey. Besides, governmental institutions, such as Housing Development Administration of Turkey (HDAT) and Istanbul Public Housing Corporation (KIPTAS), apply very extensive projects to allow low- and middle-income groups to have their dwellings. In 2007, the Turkish Parliament enacted mortgage law and defined rules and actors of the mortgage sector. However, as a consequence of economic deterioration in the world economy, mortgage loan receivables-backed securities could not be issued to public yet. Public issuance of mortgage loan receivables-backed securities in the future are expected to direct more long-term funds to the housing sector and also to provide an additional investment instrument for the individual and institutional investors.

Originality/value

The housing production and finance models developed by the HDAT and KIPTAS can be good models for the solution of housing problems of urban poor in other countries.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 77000