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Article
Publication date: 4 May 2022

Jakob Brinkø Berg, Christian Thuesen and Per Anker Jensen

Efficient and effective knowledge transfer is important in complex building renovation projects. The addition of sustainability requirements in building renovation adds…

Abstract

Purpose

Efficient and effective knowledge transfer is important in complex building renovation projects. The addition of sustainability requirements in building renovation adds complexity. This paper aims to investigate the development of innovative public procurement schemes to support sustainable building renovation projects. These blueprints for procurement innovation can support similar efforts in other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a longitudinal case study using interviews with primary stakeholders and workshops with industry practitioners to supplement the analysis of public tender documents from the Danish public building clients.

Findings

The key tenants of the Danish model for strategic partnerships are a single strategic partner, systematic conflict resolution, framework agreements, risk management and joint educational programs. Three phases in the development of the procurement scheme are identified: experiment, definition and replication.

Originality/value

Strategic partnerships and other types of relational contract schemes are not very prevalent in most countries. How these contracts are developed and defined is not well understood. This paper shows how one such contracting scheme is developed, how it is defined and replicated.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2011

Christian Thuesen and Lars Hvam

This research aims to analyse the implementation of a German platform for housing projects through a successful case on modern methods of construction featuring efficient on‐site…

1890

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to analyse the implementation of a German platform for housing projects through a successful case on modern methods of construction featuring efficient on‐site construction. Through continuous development, the platform has been carefully designed to suit a carefully selected market – optimising cost and value. Based on the platform, the company has managed to create a high‐quality product at low cost. In fact, they have managed to reduce costs by more than 30 per cent, enabling the company to sell houses to people that normally would not be able to afford a house of their own.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a case study approach combining a qualitative collection of empirical material with an analytical framework drawing upon classical modelling techniques for development of product platforms.

Findings

The paper identifies some central learning points from the German platform such as: platform does not imply that “off‐site manufacturing” is the most optimal production method, rather it is a matter of handling complexity; strong commitment and loyalty from the whole organization is needed; importance of having a specific customer focus (target costing); and incremental rather than radical innovation.

Originality/value

The findings challenge the predominant understanding of industrialisation of the construction processes, illustrating how substantial improvements can be achieved through platform thinking, on‐site production and traditional construction practices.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 October 2008

Sally Lindsay

Although much is known about inequalities in the prevalence of CHD, less is known about the barriers experienced in self-managing it. Questionnaires, focus groups, and Internet…

Abstract

Although much is known about inequalities in the prevalence of CHD, less is known about the barriers experienced in self-managing it. Questionnaires, focus groups, and Internet forums were analyzed to explore obstacles in self-managing CHD. Most people found it difficult and costly to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Gender inequalities included women being more likely to live on their own and with a lower income. Marital status was an issue as several were either caring for an ill spouse or were coping with their recent death. Socio-demographic factors played a key role in influencing people's ability to manage their CHD.

Details

Care for Major Health Problems and Population Health Concerns: Impacts on Patients, Providers and Policy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84855-160-2

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2021

Dilani Niroshika Abeynayake, BAKS Perera and Chandanie Hadiwattege

Survival challenges compel construction firms to change their business thinking on adapting business models (BMs). Unlike in the other fields, in the construction field, it is…

482

Abstract

Purpose

Survival challenges compel construction firms to change their business thinking on adapting business models (BMs). Unlike in the other fields, in the construction field, it is still a novel concept, probably because BM adaptation in the industry has not been sufficiently studied. Hence, the purpose of this study is to set a roadmap for the effective adaptation of the BM concept in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop a roadmap, this study analysed BM literature through a comprehensive literature review by finding the BM research development stages using studies done in other fields and locating construction industry BM literature.

Findings

No stage-wise development of BM research has taken place in the construction industry. The four BM research development stages, namely, defining BMs, listing BM components, describing BM components and modelling BM components as a business model ontology (BMO) in relation to the construction industry have to be followed for proper BM adaptation in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study provided an overview of and a roadmap for BM adaptation in the construction industry for the benefit of future researchers. The proper adaptation of the BM concept through a BMO will enable construction business managers to easily innovate, design and change construction BMs to streamline their business thinking.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2005

Anne Benedicte Juul, Christian Gluud, Jørn Wetterslev, Torben Callesen, Gorm Jensen and Allan Kofoed‐Enevoldsen

To examine the availability and quality of clinical guidelines on perioperative diabetes care in hospital units before and after a randomised clinical trial (RCT) and…

479

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the availability and quality of clinical guidelines on perioperative diabetes care in hospital units before and after a randomised clinical trial (RCT) and international accreditation.

Design/methodology/approach

Interventional “before‐after” study in 51 units (38 surgical and 13 anaesthetic) in nine hospitals participating in a RCT in the greater Copenhagen area; 27 of the units also underwent international accreditation.

Findings

The proportion of units with guidelines increased from 24/51 (47 percent) units before to 38/51 (75 percent) units after the trial. Among the 27 units without guidelines before the trial, significantly more accredited units compared to non‐accredited units had a guideline after the trial (9/10 (90 percent) compared to 5/17 (29 percent). The quality of the systematic development scale and the clinical scales improved significantly after the trial in both accredited units (both p<0.001) and in non‐accredited units (both p<0.02). The improvement of the systematic development scale was significantly higher in accredited than in non‐accredited units (p<0.01).

Originality/value

The combination of conducting both the DIPOM Trial and international accreditation led to a significant improvement of both dissemination and quality of guidelines on perioperative diabetic care.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

Barry J. Gledson and Calum Phoenix

The UK construction sector of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has received criticism for a perceived lack of desire to innovate. Previous research has identified…

Abstract

Purpose

The UK construction sector of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has received criticism for a perceived lack of desire to innovate. Previous research has identified attributes such as company size and levels of research and development expenditure as being significant and causal variables determining this response. The purpose of this study was to further explore organisational attributes that determine innovation likeliness within construction SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Web-based questionnaires were administered to 101 construction professionals. Responses from large companies and SMEs were compared, and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Findings

The findings indicate that SMEs do implement a substantial amount of innovation to improve profitability. Both organisational maturity and in-house design capability were found to impact SME innovativeness.

Originality/value

The study provides further evidence that the UK construction SME sector is evolving away from traditional to more innovative practices.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2019

Beata Jałocha, Anna Góral and Ewa Bogacz-Wojtanowska

The purpose of this paper is to understand projectification processes of the global organization, based on the example of the Catholic Church’s activities. The Catholic Church is…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand projectification processes of the global organization, based on the example of the Catholic Church’s activities. The Catholic Church is the oldest and the largest international organisation to be assessed also from the longue durée perspective. The Church as both a large and supranational organisation and a religious community has carried out a lot of social tasks. A part of its activity relating to the Church’s basic mission is carried out in these days in the form of various projects. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that seemingly unchanging structure, such as the Catholic Church, based on a determined hierarchy, strict principles and rules of conduct, is affected by the projectification processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors chose the method of a single case study. To analyse the projectification processes in the Church, the authors focussed on flagship mega-events of WYD programme, from which the following were selected: Rome (1985), Manila (1995), Sydney (2008), Rio de Janeiro (2013) and Krakow (2016).

Findings

The study demonstrates that organisational projectification processes can have a real impact on the strategic changes in the global organisation. Under the influence of significant projects, organisations can change internally and also redefine their way of interacting with the stakeholders. Projectification at the same time is a change and leads to it. The research also shows that projectification of a global organisation can intensify internal learning processes. On the one hand, “projectification agents” transfer project practices to various regions of the world, and, on the other, draw on local practices. Therefore, the projectification process is not simply transplanting the project “virus” into new places, but also a process of change and adaptation to the stimuli flowing from the environment.

Originality/value

The particularities, the distinctiveness of the projects of the Catholic Church can be an inspiration for others realizing projects. The experience of the Catholic Church in the implementation of WYD can be valuable for organisations implementing other projects that require involvement and activation of many, diverse stakeholders, for example, charitable projects or the so-called community engagement projects implemented by large international organisations, such as the World Bank, UNICEF, the UN, the Red Cross or humanitarian projects organised by NGOs in different parts of the world.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

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