Search results

1 – 10 of over 62000
Article
Publication date: 1 January 2000

J.M. KAMARA, C.J. ANUMBA and N.F.O. EVBUOMWAN

The realization that concurrent engineering can be adopted in construction has led to various efforts to develop appropriate tools and techniques for its implementation in the…

1209

Abstract

The realization that concurrent engineering can be adopted in construction has led to various efforts to develop appropriate tools and techniques for its implementation in the industry. This paper discusses the role of client requirements processing in implementing concurrent engineering in construction. Client requirements processing refers to the definition, analysis, and translation of client requirements into solution‐neutral specifications for design. It is essential in maintaining focus on the client, and provides for the effective consideration, resolution and prioritization of the various perspectives within the client body. It also facilitates collaborative teamwork, compliance checking at every stage of the design and construction process, and the traceability of design decisions to explicit and implicit client requirements. The paper concludes with a description of a model for processing clients' requirements in construction, and an example of its practical application.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 July 2021

Guofeng Ma, Zhijiang Wu, Ming Wu and Shanshan Shang

The purpose of this study is to extract the real requirements of the owner (or users) for the construction project in the operation and maintenance stage completely and accurately…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extract the real requirements of the owner (or users) for the construction project in the operation and maintenance stage completely and accurately and carry out the construction based on the requirements, to make the project status and operation and maintenance requirements (RO&M) consistent after delivered.

Design/methodology/approach

This study creatively proposes the operation and maintenance functions deployment (OMFD) under RO&M. In addition, the OPAR (naming is made up of the initials of owners, project, analysis and result) model is constructed to fully identify the requirements of both owners and projects. In this study, three typical construction projects are taken as examples to calculate the correlation strength between project characteristics (PC) and operation and maintenance requirements through the Apriori algorithm, and order parameters are obtained from the cost chain.

Findings

This study found that there are significant differences in the correlation strength between 11 types of RO&M and PC, in which the “cost of types” (TC) correlation of residential housing and factory buildings is the largest, while the largest correlation demand of commercial buildings is “safety of types” (TS) and “system” (S). Simultaneously, through the calculation of order parameters, the most influential factors on project characteristics are obtained.

Practical implications

This study could effectively help the owner (or users) to check whether the delivered project fully satisfy their real requirements and also extract the key technical points to realize RO&M, which can guide the accurate construction of the same type of projects.

Originality/value

This research establishes OPAR model to accurately identify the requirements of the project in the operation and maintenance stage and establishes the association rules between the requirements and the construction scheme, which is helpful for the project to construct under the expected requirements.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 May 2010

Ann T.W. Yu, Geoffrey Q.P. Shen and Edwin H.W. Chan

The purpose of this paper is to explore existing problems and potential solutions of managing Employers' Requirements in the project development process of construction projects…

1450

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore existing problems and potential solutions of managing Employers' Requirements in the project development process of construction projects under traditional procurement systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Two research instruments are used: semi‐structured interview and questionnaire survey, to investigate the problems and potential solutions to Requirements Management in the construction industry.

Findings

The research revealed that Requirements Management is crucial to the successful delivery of construction projects. However, the current practice of Requirements Management in the industry is informal and there is a lack of a systematic approach to tackle the problems. The authors also propose potential solutions to Requirements Management as well as a vision for further research.

Practical implications

The paper presents the problems of managing Employers' Requirements, and the potential solutions to improve the Requirements Management process that need to be addressed.

Originality/value

The paper improves one's comprehension of the nature, characteristics, problems and potential solutions of Requirements Management in the project development process under the traditional procurement systems in the construction industry, relevant to both practitioners and scholars. A model is proposed as a “preliminary framework” to show the processes involved.

Details

Facilities, vol. 28 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2005

Yusuf Arayici, Ghassan Aouad and Vian Ahmed

Collaborative working using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) systems in construction has become a reality as many activities are performed globally with actors…

Abstract

Collaborative working using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) systems in construction has become a reality as many activities are performed globally with actors located in various geographical locations. Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) is the type of ICT system that binds a fragmented and geographically distributed set of construction stakeholders collaborating together. Although the concept of CIC has been the subject of research for many years, its uptake has been very limited due to the development of the technology and its effective implementation. Research in this area is still premature and does not pay much attention to the development and implementation of the prototypes in the industry. As a result, the research developments have remained as prototypes although they have captured industrial interest. However, ongoing research within the field of construction IT is stressing that it is crucial to define research methodologies for human centred and adaptive CIC developments through industry‐wide knowledge sharing. The aim of this paper, through triangulated research strategy of interviews, surveys and case study is to justify the need for a requirements engineering process as a CIC development methodology for adaptive and user‐centred systems developments and as a guideline to bridge the gap between industry and the research community. The case study project is the DIVERCITY system development undertaken by researchers and practitioners across Europe to develop a shared virtual construction design and briefing environment that enables the construction industry to better undertake the client briefing and design review phases of a construction project.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2005

Yusuf Arayici and Ghassan Aouad

This paper aims at proposing a process of requirements engineering for the human centred, adaptive computer integrated construction systems development through industry wide…

2853

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims at proposing a process of requirements engineering for the human centred, adaptive computer integrated construction systems development through industry wide information sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The research strategy is based on case study research methodology. The EU‐funded DIVERCITY project was analysed. This project was undertaken by a European consortium of researchers and practitioners from the construction industry. They developed a virtual environment that enables the industry to undertake collaboratively the client briefing and design reviews and the construction stages.

Findings

DIVERCITY's requirements engineering approach has the potential to provide opportunities for research to determine the appropriate requirements engineering techniques for the development of the systems and their effective implementation in the construction industry.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the research is the construction of the requirements engineering process for the development of the computer integrated construction systems.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2014

Abdou Karim Jallow, Peter Demian, Andrew N. Baldwin and Chimay Anumba

The purpose of this paper is to investigate in-depth the current approach of managing client requirements in construction and to highlight the significant factors, which…

2782

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate in-depth the current approach of managing client requirements in construction and to highlight the significant factors, which contribute to the complexity of managing the requirements in order to define a better approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a leading international global built asset and engineering consultancy organization was conducted over two years. The case study was conducted principally using semi-participant observations supplemented with other qualitative data collection methods (i.e. interviews, questionnaires and document analysis). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results highlight major factors associated with the complexity of managing client requirements information, which include: mechanisms for documentation, storage and access, distribution of requirements information between stakeholders and across lifecycle phases of a project, traceability management and the provision of effective change management incorporating dependency checking and impact analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the research is the use of an in-depth study of a single organization, which applied the same project management method across all the projects they managed. Further work is planned to develop the proposed framework fully, and develop a software platform to operationalize and evaluate its industrial applicability with construction projects.

Practical implications

The implications of this research is that a better approach to managing requirements information is needed, which will facilitate the design, construction and operations of buildings within budget and time. An integrated framework and an associated tool are suggested to implement the approach.

Originality/value

This study identifies major research gaps and problems in the architecture, engineering, construction and facilities management industry; proposes and presents Electronic Requirements Information Management framework to facilitate lifecycle management of the requirements.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2022

Ahmed Khouja, Nadia Lehoux and Yan Cimon

In highly competitive industries such as the construction sector, companies with limited capabilities struggle to maintain their current standing, let alone acquire more market…

Abstract

Purpose

In highly competitive industries such as the construction sector, companies with limited capabilities struggle to maintain their current standing, let alone acquire more market share. Before they are able to address their shortcomings, these companies need to pinpoint where their performance stands when it comes to market demand. Furthermore, competitiveness is strongly linked with companies' ability to win tenders and deliver the associated construction projects. Tenders are, therefore, a mechanism that reflects the strengths and weaknesses of construction firms and can be deemed an indicator of competitiveness. This paper aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increase their presence in the construction sector by suggesting a systematic approach to evaluate their competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Participation requirements were extracted from 11 calls for tenders and organized into categories using a qualitative content analysis. These requirements along with winning assets deduced from the literature constitute the basis of the tool. The qualitative evaluation of the difficulty in satisfying requirements or acquiring assets was transformed into unified, quantifiable scores by means of fuzzy numbers.

Findings

A total of 233 requirements were found and classified in 3 main categories. In addition, a list of 54 assets organized into five categories was compiled. The entire methodology led to a five-step assessment tool whose output can be depicted on the proposed competitiveness readiness matrix (CRM).

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the limited number of articles discussing the contractor's side in the tendering process. Furthermore, it combines three theoretical perspectives (i.e. resource-based view, relational view, and industry structure perspective), which are scarcely applied in the construction management field. Consideration of the calls for tenders when developing solutions is also a unique aspect of this research when compared to previous studies.

Practical implications

This tool may help practitioners navigate the rather elusive tendering process by outlining the necessary elements to participate in and win tenders. It may also allow construction firms to better position themselves in the market with respect to customers' requirements and competitors' performances.

Originality/value

This study provides an approach of both self-assessment and market benchmarking. It assists companies in formulating strategies to become more competitive in general and make better bidding decisions. This is especially interesting because of three aspects: the study is based on a fundamental element of the construction competitiveness concept, i.e. calls for tenders; it offers a mechanism to transform systematically qualitative attributes into quantifiable scores; and it provides a practical and reliable display of the assessment results.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2013

Ann T.W. Yu and Geoffrey Q.P. Shen

This paper aims to focus on requirements management of projects constructed under traditional procurement system. It seeks to discuss the requirements management processes…

6133

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on requirements management of projects constructed under traditional procurement system. It seeks to discuss the requirements management processes highlighting the limitations and addressing the need for a practical framework for facilitating the implementation of requirements management in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Two research instruments were used in this paper: semi‐structured interviews and case studies.

Findings

The literature review introduced a generic process for requirements management practice potentially to be adopted in the construction industry. The research study identified that the processes and limitations of current practice included the lack of a practical framework, misinterpretation of requirements, difficulties in identifying requirements, conflicts between expectation and constraints, complex hierarchy of client's organisation and communication problems in eliciting client requirements. Recommendations are given that an inclusive project brief and a competent project manager to manage the project requirements are necessary in capturing and tracing the requirements during the project development process. A practical framework is needed to improve the requirements management practice within the construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings establish the basis for further research to examine the implementation of these potential solutions and development of a systematic framework for RsM. The research is of significant value to the construction industry where value generation is essential and critical, especially in difficult economic and financial situations.

Originality/value

Requirements are the foundation of the projects which are critical to the successful delivery of the projects. Although many guidelines have been published for managing client requirements, the existing practice on requirements management is still considered to be inadequate. This research provides insight for professional practitioners in the construction industry to improve the requirements management practices for development projects.

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2020

Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem, Syyed Sami Ul Haq Kaka Khel, Muhammad Faizan Ul Haq, Muhammad Saeed Zafar and Muhammad Ehtsham

The purpose of this research is to determine a comprehensive coursework for teaching quality management in the universities of developing countries i.e. Pakistan pertinent to the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to determine a comprehensive coursework for teaching quality management in the universities of developing countries i.e. Pakistan pertinent to the construction industry. Additionally, a framework was also developed based on the results.

Design/methodology/approach

Factors and course contents of quality management are extracted through a content analysis of the published literature. Further, a questionnaire survey is conducted involving 150 professionals to assess the requirements of the industry and academic professionals of the construction industry for effective quality management. Finally, for getting a more objective perspective, using quality function deployment (QFD) matrix a framework is developed.

Findings

The results show the level of importance of each design requirement. We can identify the design requirements through which we can fulfill the needs and demands of the stakeholders. Contents like benchmarking, supply chain management, six sigma and other data analysis methods, costing and auditing of quality, customer satisfaction analysis, TQM: theory and practices and ISO certification processes and procedures should be included in any course program related to quality management pertinent to the construction industry. Along with these contents, workshops and seminars must be arranged to address the user requirement for increased leadership and communication skills.

Originality/value

There is a lack of literature available on course content for quality management in the universities for the construction sector, therefore, a huge scope of future research in the field of quality management in the construction industry needs to be investigated. This research highlights the most significant quality management factors and course contents as per the requirement of industry professionals. Therefore, this study adds to the existing body of knowledge by developing a robust framework that will help decision-makers and top management to develop constructive quality management course work at university level that will help in producing qualified and trained quality professionals to the construction industry.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2018

Daniella Troje and Anna Kadefors

Today, social procurement and requirements to create employment for disadvantaged groups in particular, are increasingly used in the construction sector. The purpose of this paper…

Abstract

Purpose

Today, social procurement and requirements to create employment for disadvantaged groups in particular, are increasingly used in the construction sector. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of employment requirements and its organizational implications in Sweden, and to suggest a possible theoretical approach for studying this phenomenon in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on written sources describing influential Swedish cases where employment requirements have been used, as well as on interviews with central actors in industry and society.

Findings

Due to the increased use of employment requirements, the construction industry may currently be experiencing the initial stages of a process of institutional change. This implies that a traditional logic, where value is perceived as a function of the cost and quality of the physical product, is increasingly co-existing and competing with a logic where social value plays an important role.

Practical implications

An institutional perspective could enable a rich explication of processes, practices and roles, which might help individual practitioners and organizations to more purposefully work towards a more informed and effective use of employment requirements.

Originality/value

This study takes a first step towards increased theorization of the emergent practice of including employment requirements in construction procurement and its organizational implications. Thereby, research on this phenomenon may be more closely related to and informed by relevant developments in the wider academic community.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 62000