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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2020

Dynamic Bayesian network modelling for predicting adaptability of time performance during time influencing factors disruptions in construction enterprise

Okechukwu Nwadigo, Nicola Naismith Naismith, Ali Ghaffarianhoseini, Amirhosein Ghaffarian Hoseini and John Tookey

A construction project is complex and requires dynamic modelling of a range of factors that deters time performance because of uncertainty and varying operating…

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Abstract

Purpose

A construction project is complex and requires dynamic modelling of a range of factors that deters time performance because of uncertainty and varying operating conditions. In construction project systems, the system components are the interconnected stages, which are time-dependent. Within the project stages are the activities which are the subsystems of the system components, causing a challenge to the analysis of the complex system. The relationship of construction project time management (CTM) with the construction project time influencing factors (CTFs) and the adaptability of the time-varying system is a key part of project effectiveness. This study explores the relationship between CTM and CTF, including the potentials to add dynamical changes on every project stage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) model to examine the relationship between CTM and CTF. The model investigates the time performance of a construction project that enhances decision-making. First, the paper establishes a model of probabilistic reasoning and directed acrylic graph (DAG). Second, the study tests the dynamic impact (IM) of CTM-CTF on the project stages over a specific time, including the adaptability of time performance during disruptive CTF events. In demonstrating the effectiveness of the model, the authors selected one-organisation-single-location road-improvement project as the case study. Next, the confirmation of the model internal validity relied on conditional probabilities and the project knowledge experts' selected from the case company.

Findings

The study produced structural dependencies of CTM and CTF with probability observations at each stage. A predictive time performance analysis of the model at different scenarios evaluates the adaptability of CTM during CTF uncertain events. The case demonstration of the model application shows that CTFs have effects on CTM strategy, creating the observations to help time performance restorations after disruptions.

Research limitations/implications

Although the case company experts' panel confirms the internal validity of the results for managing time, the model used conditional probability table (CPT) and project state values from a project contract. A project-wide application then will require multi-case data and data-mining process for generating the CPTs.

Practical implications

The study developed a method for evaluating both quantitative and qualitative relationships between CTM and CTF, besides the knowledge to enhance CTM practice and research. In construction, the project team can use model observations to implement time performance restorations after a predictive or reactive disruption, which enhances decision-making.

Originality/value

The model used qualitative and qualitative data of a complex system to generate results, bounded by a range of probability distributions for CTM-CTF interconnections during time performance disruptions and restorations. The research explores the approach that can complement the mental CTM-CTF modeling of the project team. The CTM-CTF relationship model developed in this research is fundamental knowledge for future research, besides the valuable insight into CTF influence on CTM.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2020-0371
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Construction time influencing factors
  • Dynamic Bayesian network
  • Time performance
  • Complex system
  • Decision-making
  • Dynamic modelling

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Article
Publication date: 17 July 2017

A hybrid SD-DEMATEL approach to develop a delay model for construction projects

Majid Parchami Jalal and Shahab Shoar

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for complex interconnected structure of various factors interacting with delay in order to identify the most important…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for complex interconnected structure of various factors interacting with delay in order to identify the most important factors influencing and influenced by delay based on their interrelations.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing literature and interviewing with local experts selected from the Iranian construction industry, top 58 delay factors were identified and categorized into six major groups. The interrelations among these factors were, then, modeled using the system dynamics (SD) approach. The resulting causal loop diagrams obtained from SD were used subsequently for identifying the most significant factors influencing and influenced by delay through the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The impact of factors on each other was finally determined based on the opinions of 63 experts selected from the Iranian community of consultants, contractors, and clients.

Findings

According to the analysis, eight out of the 58 factors were identified as the most influencing factors on delay, and nine factors were found to be the most influenced factors by delay in the field of delay analysis. The study also concluded that factors related to labors are the most important and influential factors. In addition, factors related to client were the most influencing factors and external-related factors were the least important ones. At the end, some recommendations to reduce variation of delay in the construction projects are presented as well.

Originality/value

Considering the interconnected structure of the factors, the paper identifies the most important factors interacting with time delay in construction projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2016-0056
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Construction management
  • System dynamics
  • Causes of delay
  • Construction delay
  • DEMATEL method
  • Iranian construction industry

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Article
Publication date: 7 April 2015

Modelling building construction durations

Hassan Adaviriku Ahmadu, Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim, Ahmed Doko Ibrahim and Muhammed Abdullahi

– This paper aims to develop a multivariate model that will be applicable to the Nigeria construction industry.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a multivariate model that will be applicable to the Nigeria construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire survey was used to source information on project scope factors and qualitative factors considered in the study. Principal component regression was used for data analysis and model development, using SPSS 16.0 for windows, while T-test was used for model testing and validation.

Findings

The study found that delay in progress payment by owner, lateness in revising and approving design document by owner, delay in delivering the site to the contractor by the owner, change order by owner during construction, complexity of project design, poor site management and supervision by contractors, and rain effect on construction activities are qualitative/non-project scope factors with good predictive abilities.

Research limitations/implications

Cost, gross floor area and number of floors were the only quantitative/project scope factors considered in the study. The developed models therefore do not account for any variation in duration which may arise from other project scope factors, such as location, procurement route and type of contract.

Originality/value

The qualitative factors which emerged as predictors in the derived models increased the accuracy of the models. The models developed therefore serve as useful construction time prediction tools for both consultancy firms and contractor organizations in the Nigerian construction industry.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-02-2014-0004
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

  • Prediction
  • Construction time
  • Multivariate model
  • Principal component regression
  • Project scope
  • Qualitative factors

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Article
Publication date: 3 May 2016

The impact of rework and organisational culture on project delivery

Luqman Oyekunle Oyewobi, Ojo Abiola-Falemu and Olajide Timothy Ibironke

It is generally accepted that organisational culture is capable of influencing how project organisation performs. It can also impact on how people set individual goals and…

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Abstract

Purpose

It is generally accepted that organisational culture is capable of influencing how project organisation performs. It can also impact on how people set individual goals and objectives, perform their roles, tasks and deploy resources to achieve set objectives. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organisational culture on the occurrence of rework in Nigerian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted mixed method research using both quantitative and qualitative approaches to elicit information. Though, the result of the questionnaire survey was presented in this paper. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify which variables measured attributes of the same underlying proportions, while descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to establish the influence of organisational culture on rework.

Findings

The study identifies 14 factors as causes of rework from the result of factor analysis. The outcome also indicates that leadership style, success criteria and management style are important organisational culture dimensions. Poor management practices and lack of teamwork are found to be largely responsible for poor project delivery due to rework occurrence.

Practical/implications

The research will be of significant benefit to both the academic and industry practitioners. The result of the research will provide academics with useful insights into the influence of organisational culture on project delivery by undertaking future research to inform better understanding. The research will also provide practitioners with good understanding of how culture within their organisations can influence the performance of their subordinates or employees. Further research is encouraged to investigate the influence of management and leadership style on project delivery in the context of Nigeria.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to investigate the influence of organisational culture on occurrence of rework empirically in the Nigerian construction industry. There is paucity of research focusing on this area as it affects project delivery.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2013-0038
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

  • Construction project management
  • Nigeria
  • Organizational culture
  • Leadership style
  • Culture in construction
  • Management practices
  • Project delivery
  • Rework

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Article
Publication date: 5 February 2018

Labor productivity in the construction industry: An evaluation framework for causal relationships

Shobhit Chaturvedi, Jitesh J. Thakkar and Ravi Shankar

As the construction industry undertakes complex and innovative projects, improving the labor productivity that helps accomplish the triple bottom line dimensions (time…

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Abstract

Purpose

As the construction industry undertakes complex and innovative projects, improving the labor productivity that helps accomplish the triple bottom line dimensions (time, schedule and performance) assumes greater importance. It is of even greater importance in developing countries like India where most of building construction takes place on a manual basis. In response, the purpose of this paper is to develop an evaluation framework for assessing the labor productivity in the construction industry. The application of the framework is demonstrated for the case of the Indian construction industry and key insights are reported.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review and expert survey has helped to identify 4 main dimensions and 14 different factors affecting labor productivity in the construction industry. An application of Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory was deployed to investigate into the causality of labor productivity dimensions.

Findings

The research delivers a quantitative labor productivity assessment framework for evaluating causal relationships among the factors influencing labor productivity in the construction industry. The result obtained for a typical case of the Indian construction industry showed that the safety at construction site has a profound effect on labor-related factors.

Originality/value

The paper makes two contributions in the domain of labor productivity assessment in the construction industry. First, it proposes an evaluation framework to investigate into the causal relationships among the labor productivity factors. This proposed framework is robust and can be used to compare the performance of different construction projects using an integrated approach proposed by this research. Such exploratory analysis would assist benchmarking studies. Second, it undertakes an empirical investigation for the Indian construction industry to develop key managerial insights and extend policy-related recommendations.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-11-2016-0171
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

  • DEMATEL
  • Construction project
  • Labour productivity
  • Influence network relations map

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Factors influencing the construction time of civil engineering projects in Malaysia

Ahmad Anuar Othman, Johan Victor Torrance and Munshi Ab. Hamid

The objectives of this paper are to determine the current level of construction time performance of public sector projects; and to identify variables related to project…

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Abstract

Purpose

The objectives of this paper are to determine the current level of construction time performance of public sector projects; and to identify variables related to project characteristics and variables associated with excusable delay that have significant effects on the construction time performance of public sector civil engineering projects in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative approach. Original contract duration and actual contract duration of 244 projects were collected from project files to assess current level of CTP. Variables related to project characteristics and excusable delays were then regressed against time performance index using multiple regression analysis to identify variables that had significant relationships with construction time performance.

Findings

The construction time performance of the public projects in Malaysia was found to be affected more by variables related to excusable delays than project characteristic variables.

Research limitations/implications

This study is focused on public sector civil engineering projects limited to irrigation and drainage, road and sewerage projects where building was not included.

Practical implications

Excusable delays were found to be common causes of delay in significant numbers of public projects.

Originality/value

The variables that were found to be significant should be given attention by planners and designers in order to minimize the occurrence of delay in public projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980610690756
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Construction industry
  • Production planning
  • Production downtime
  • Public finance
  • Malaysia

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Article
Publication date: 7 April 2014

Factors contributing to project time and hence cost overrun in the Malaysian construction industry

Zayyana Shehu, Intan R. Endut and Akintola Akintoye

The delivery of construction projects in Malaysia is plagued by time overruns, which turns what should have been successful projects into those incurring additional costs…

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Abstract

Purpose

The delivery of construction projects in Malaysia is plagued by time overruns, which turns what should have been successful projects into those incurring additional costs, or money-losing ventures; as well as leading to various other unexpected negative effects and faute de mieux situations. The purpose of this research is to assess those factors leading to time overrun in Malaysian construction projects. The perceptions of public and private sectors, contractors, clients, and consultants are compared relative to a list of factors derived from the review of extant literature in project delay.

Design/methodology/approach

The research data were collected through an industry-wide questionnaire survey circulated across the Malaysian construction industry. The research develops a list of 84 time overrun factors. Responses were collected from 49 clients, 51 contractors, and 105 consultants, to explore and analyse the major factors that are responsible for causing time overrun based on sectors (public and private), organisations (clients, contractors and consultants) and professional roles.

Findings

Project delays beyond contract dates are predominantly caused by contractors and are usually associated with financial factors. “Cash flow problems faced by the contractors” was found the major factor, which contributed to project delays, whereas “storage on site” was seen as the least significant factor.

Practical implications

It is noteworthy that the findings in this research have a regional focus; it is, therefore, suggested that readers from other sections of the world exercise caution in applying the findings. As it is believed that every construction industry has its nature, culture and regulations, these factors can change as a result of such differences.

Originality/value

This research provides stakeholders with information on factors, which, if properly understood, can make project delays less likely.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-04-2013-0009
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

  • Malaysia
  • Construction industry
  • Construction projects
  • Cost overrun
  • Delays
  • Time overrun

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Article
Publication date: 16 January 2017

Logistic regression analysis for factors influencing cost performance of design-bid-build and design-build projects

Wenxue Lu, YuanYuan Hua and SuJuan Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influencing factors of cost performance of design-bid-build (DBB) and design-build (DB) projects and comparing the differences…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influencing factors of cost performance of design-bid-build (DBB) and design-build (DB) projects and comparing the differences of influencing factors between these two delivery methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This research identified and refined 14 influencing factors through literature review and academic expert discussions. Questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data about the influencing factors and project cost performance. Then those factors were reduced to four components by factor analysis. Logistic regression analysis is used to investigate the relationship between four principal components and project cost performance.

Findings

The results indicate that the significant influencing factors of project cost performance of DBB projects and DB projects are different. For DBB projects, owner abilities, such as owner team ability, owner experience, and owner finance, are important influencing factors causing cost overruns, while for DB projects cost performance is more sensitive to the contractor abilities, namely, contractor team ability, contractor finance, contractor experience, etc.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the paper are mainly derived by quantitative research method based on the survey of 144 samples, so the results may need validation by qualitative studies. Further research could apply case study or interview to validate the findings in this research. In addition, project type and location are not considered as control variables due to the limited number of samples, future research could be conducted to investigate their relationship with project performance.

Practical implications

The findings of this research not only help practitioners have a better understanding of the factors influencing project cost performance, but also provide some guidelines for practitioners to pay attention to different factors to better control the cost performance within different delivery systems.

Originality/value

Owner ability and contractor ability are found to be of different importance in influencing cost performance of DBB and DB projects. This research extends previous research on cost management by considering different significant factors in influencing project cost performance within DBB and DB projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2015-0119
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Cost overrun
  • Design-build
  • Cost management
  • Design-bid-build
  • Logistic regression analysis
  • Procurement system

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

Factors influencing contractor performance: an international investigation

Hong Xiao and David Proverbs

International comparisons of contractor performance can provide robust benchmarks for contractors in different countries and help to identify ways towards performance…

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Abstract

International comparisons of contractor performance can provide robust benchmarks for contractors in different countries and help to identify ways towards performance improvement. Based on a hypothetical construction project, overall contractor performance (OCP) in Japan, the UK and the USA is compared. Overall contractor performance is defined to embrace construction cost, construction time, construction quality and sustainable development, the philosophy being that the achievement of one aspect of performance should not be at the expense of another. Multiple regression analysis reveals that overall contractor performance is dependent on: their past performance on previous similar projects; their commitment towards lifetime employment; their perceived importance of time performance; their relationship with subcontractors; and the number of design variations during construction. To improve their overall performance, contractors are advised to focus on construction time, reduce delays, maintain a stable workforce and establish partnerships with their subcontractors. Clients should attempt to reduce design variations during construction.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 10 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980310502937
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Contract workers
  • Subcontracting
  • Construction works
  • Performance monitoring
  • Multiple regression analysis

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Article
Publication date: 31 July 2009

Delays and cost overruns in the construction projects in the Gaza Strip

Adnan Enshassi, Jomah Al‐Najjar and Mohan Kumaraswamy

Delays and cost overruns are evidently frequent problems in the construction industries of many developed and developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to assess…

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Abstract

Purpose

Delays and cost overruns are evidently frequent problems in the construction industries of many developed and developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to assess factors leading to time overruns (delays) and cost overruns in construction projects in the Gaza Strip. Since there appear to be additional special contributors to delays here, the relative perceptions of contractors, consultants and owners are compared, based on a listing of causal factors derived from previous studies elsewhere, together with other factors arising from special conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of a randomly selected samples yielded responses from 66 contractors, 27 consultants, and 31 owners. The survey included 110 delay factors/causes which were grouped into 12 major groups. The same survey also included 42 cost overrun factors. The level of importance of the delays and cost overrun factors were measured and ranked by their importance indexes, according to the perspectives of contractors, consultants, and owners.

Findings

There seems to be a general agreement between contractors, consultants and owners regarding causes of delays and cost overruns. The main four causes of time delays included strikes and border closures, material‐related factors, lack of materials in markets, and delays in materials delivery to the site. Additionally, the main three causes for cost overruns included price fluctuations of construction materials, contractor delays in material and equipment delivery, and inflation.

Originality/value

The outcome of this paper will assist owners, contractors, and consultants in understanding the reasons for delays and cost overruns, thus eliminating or minimizing these causes. This could be achieved by better management of the projects and by finding new methods for storing the critical materials from the beginning of the project. Furthermore, the local government is advised to initiate legislation to overcome problems arising from monopolies in the supply of construction materials.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/13664380910977592
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

  • Construction operations
  • Contract costs
  • Delivery lead time
  • Palestine

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