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Article
Publication date: 21 November 2019

Evaluation of the impact of risk management on project performance in small construction firms in South Africa: The case study of construction systems

Christopher Amoah and Leon Pretorius

Risk management has become an integral part in businesses around the world. In the construction industry, risk management has also been introduced and has been mainly…

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Abstract

Purpose

Risk management has become an integral part in businesses around the world. In the construction industry, risk management has also been introduced and has been mainly entrusted in the hands of the project team to go through a laid down risk management processes to identify possible risk events, which may occur during the project execution and the impact they may have on the project deliverables should they occur. It is, however, believed that small construction firms do not take risk management as a serious exercise even though most of the project risks are transferred to them as subcontractors. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate risk management processes in the small construction companies and the impact of risk management on their project deliverables.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a single construction company was used for this study. Data were collected through structured questionnaire to 16 respondents who are involved in the project execution in the case study company. Two managing directors of the case study company were also interviewed. In total, 11 project site meetings were also attended to observe meeting proceedings and to record issues discussed. In total, 15 monthly project reports and project close-out reports were also studied. In total, One hundred and five completed projects of which 58 per cent were renovation projects, 27 per cent were new projects and 15 per cent were civil/structural works were also examined. The data were then analysed using excel analytical tool and the content analysis method.

Findings

The findings indicate that small construction companies with respect to the case study company do not have a specific laid down risk management processes that project team are made to go through before and during the execution of their projects. There is, however, no conclusive evidence regarding the impact of risk management on project performance as a significant number of projects done were able to meet a successful project performance indicators even though risk management exercises were not done. Some of the identified risk events that caused project failures are payment delays, labour related issues, subcontractor/main contractor related issues, insufficient contingency reserves/plan, etc.

Research limitations/implications

Only one construction company was used as a case study for this research and all sources of data were related to a single company. The results may, therefore, be not generalisable.

Practical implications

The research has discovered that projects outcome could have improved tremendously if proper risk management exercises were implemented before project execution as most of the causes of project failures could have been identified through the risk management processes. This study, hence, gives an insight as to why small construction firms like the case study company should take risk management seriously in their projects execution to improve on the performance of their projects.

Originality/value

The research has discovered that projects outcome could have improved tremendously if proper risk management exercises were implemented before project execution as most of the causes of project failures could have been identified through the risk management processes. This study, hence, gives an insight as to why small construction firms like the case study company should take risk management seriously in their projects execution to improve on the performance of their projects.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-06-2018-0098
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

  • Project performance
  • Project failures and success
  • Risk management
  • Small construction company

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Article
Publication date: 13 May 2014

Critical success factors for implementation of risk assessment and management practices within the Tanzanian construction industry

Nicholas Chileshe and Geraldine John Kikwasi

Despite the extensive research on critical success factors (CSFs), there is a paucity of studies that examine CSFs for the deployment of risk assessment and management…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite the extensive research on critical success factors (CSFs), there is a paucity of studies that examine CSFs for the deployment of risk assessment and management processes in developing countries, particularly, Africa. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perception of construction professionals on CSFs appertaining to the deployment of risk assessment and management practices (RAMP) in Tanzania with the aim of filling the knowledge gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data were collected from 67 construction professionals working with clients (private and public), consultants, and contractor organisations (foreign and local) within the Tanzanian construction. Response data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics with one-way analysis of variance to examine the differences in the perception of the identified CSFs.

Findings

The descriptive and empirical analysis demonstrated a disparity of the ranking of the ten CSFs among the groups; however, the differences were not significant. Based on the overall sample, the results of the mean score ranking indicate that “awareness of risk management processes”; “team work and communications”; and “management style” were the three highly ranked CSFs whereas “co-operative culture”; “customer requirement”; and “positive human dynamics” were considered to be the least important.

Research limitations/implications

The study did not differentiate the perceptions of the CSFs according to the ownership (local or foreign), and the sample consisted of organisations in one industry operating in Tanzania. Consequently, the findings may not generalise to other industries or to organisations operating in other countries.

Practical implications

For RAMP to be implemented effectively, Tanzanian constructional-related organisations should consider the identified CSFs as a vehicle for improving project success through reduction of risk uncertainty. Furthermore, regardless of the type of organisation, “management style”, “team work and communication” are necessary for the successful deployment of RAMP.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on the subject within a previously unexplored context. The study provides insights on the drivers and enablers (CSFs) of risk assessment implementation across the Tanzania construction sector.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-01-2013-0001
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Construction industry
  • Critical success factors
  • Risk management
  • Risk assessment
  • Tanzania

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Article
Publication date: 1 November 1996

Narcissism and leadership: some differences in male and female leaders

Jarl Jørstad

Develops from the Greek myth about Narcissus and Echo some contemporary aspects of normal and pathological narcissism. Narcissism is part of a normal developmental phase…

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Abstract

Develops from the Greek myth about Narcissus and Echo some contemporary aspects of normal and pathological narcissism. Narcissism is part of a normal developmental phase and reflects the universal need during early childhood, and later in life, to be loved and confirmed. However, there are many possibilities of being hurt in the course of this developmental phase and this experience will leave the individual with a narcissistic vulnerability. One way of handling this is to develop a pathological narcissism, the most prominent characteristics of which are: egocentricity, extreme sensitivity to criticism, strong projective tendencies, lack of empathy as well as fantasies of grandiosity, open or concealed. The need for power may be compensatory for inner powerlessness and lack of self‐esteem. A leader will be more or less influenced by the role he/ she plays and by group processes in the organization. Today’s leaders are often influenced by criticism from inside and outside and this may foster narcissistic defences. Male leaders show greater tendencies to pathological narcissism, while female leaders are more inclined to renounce their role. Some research indicates that successful female leaders have all had very good relationships with their fathers. The differences between males and females in this area revert to the Greek myth. Also questions whether some of these differences may be the result of different treatment given by mothers to sons and daughters.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/01437739610130528
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

  • Differentiation
  • Gender
  • Leadership

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Article
Publication date: 5 May 2015

An analysis of risk management in practice: the case of Ghana’s construction industry

Adwoa Boadua Yirenkyi-Fianko and Nicholas Chileshe

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of research into the levels of awareness, usage and benefits of risk assessment and management practices (RAMP) within…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of research into the levels of awareness, usage and benefits of risk assessment and management practices (RAMP) within the construction industry in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted through a structured questionnaire administered to 103 construction professionals practising with construction client (private and public), consultant and contractor organisations within the Ghanaian construction industry. The results were analysed to establish the current levels of awareness, usage and perceived benefits of risk management practices. Survey response data were subjected to descriptive statistics; subsequently, ANOVA and other non-parametric tests were used to examine the differences in the levels of agreement of the perceived benefits.

Findings

This study illustrates that although the majority of the respondents are aware of RAMP, some professionals found the process not to be formal. Relative to the benefits, there was a disparity in the ranking of agreement scores on two of the eight benefits among the respondents in relation to “product to the required quality” and “reduction in contract claims”. However, they all agreed on “improved team morale” as the most important benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitation of the study is that the cross-sectional data made it difficult to generalise the findings. Geographically, only respondents from construction organisations in the Greater Accra Region were considered. However, it is recommended that future work on RAMP be extended to cover all the regions of the country.

Practical implications

The findings of the study provide practical for organisations to measure the benefits and capture the awareness of risk management practices through the provision of a framework based on an index and scoring method. This can be used by senior management in assessing the current benefit levels within projects “internal benchmarking” and has potential for external benchmarking purposes. Furthermore, through education and training, both formal and informal process including more information and provision of expertise within RAMP could enhance the levels of awareness.

Originality/value

Little is known about the current levels of awareness, usage and benefits of risk management among Ghanaian construction organisations, and this study provides some insights and deepening our understanding on the uptake and perceived benefits of RAMP among construction professions in Ghana. These findings may help construction practitioners in having an increased awareness of risk management practices, and this can further lead to a higher uptake and usage resulting in reaping the advocated benefits of the implementing risk management practices such as achievement of project objectives of time, cost and quality, as well as enhanced decision-making processes.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-04-2012-0021
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

  • Construction industry
  • Benefits
  • Ghana
  • Risk management
  • Usage
  • Practice

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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2000

Supervised work experience and sexual harassment

Philip Worsfold and Coral McCann

This paper briefly reviews the nature of sexual harassment, the response of industry to the problem and the adverse impact that may result from sexual harassment. Data…

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Abstract

This paper briefly reviews the nature of sexual harassment, the response of industry to the problem and the adverse impact that may result from sexual harassment. Data from a survey of sexual harassment experienced by hospitality students whilst on supervised work experience are reported. The reported personal consequences of sexual harassment are considered and the results discussed in relation to previous research. Particular attention is drawn to the high incidence of customer harassment; the need for additional research is identified.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/09596110010330822
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

  • Sexual harassment
  • Hospitality industry
  • Work experience

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Article
Publication date: 17 October 2008

Case study: international development in Ukraine

Brian Jones and Norma Iredale

This article aims to report on a Department for International Development (DFID) funded enterprise education programme in Ukraine, managed by the University of Durham. It…

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Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to report on a Department for International Development (DFID) funded enterprise education programme in Ukraine, managed by the University of Durham. It seeks to offer a description and explanation of the programme along with an analysis of its rationale, operation and workings. The focus is on the method used to transfer, adapt and apply a programme for the introduction of enterprise education from the UK to Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach

A partnership‐based framework of analysis that underpins the actual workings of the programme is detailed. Issues affecting societies and economies in transition are explored with a specific focus on Ukraine. The programme rationale and its operational workings are discussed before revealing the key findings and their implications for theory and practice.

Findings

In the transition economies of Eastern Europe, enterprise education can help bring about peaceful social and economic transformation. Enterprise education helps to establish the principle that in a free society starting a business is not just a right of all citizens but it is within their capabilities. The concept is liberating and liberalising and is a tool that encourages, advocates and advances freedoms and opportunities. It can help stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship and as a tool of empowerment it can help people cope with and adapt to an uncertain economic future.

Originality/value

The paper shows that in recognising the educational value of “positive mistake making” a more “can do”, calculated risk‐taking attitude can be fostered to encourage enterprise and entrepreneurship. It also illustrates that the development of teaching resources is essential and needs to be done in context making it relevant to local conditions and circumstances.

Details

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17506200810913935
ISSN: 1750-6204

Keywords

  • Education
  • Ukraine
  • Economic development
  • Business enterprise
  • Training

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Article
Publication date: 12 July 2013

Qualitative analysis of factors leading to clinical incidents

Matthew D. Smith, Julian D. Birch, Mark Renshaw and Melanie Ottewill

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the common themes leading or contributing to clinical incidents in a UK teaching hospital.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the common themes leading or contributing to clinical incidents in a UK teaching hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A root‐cause analysis was conducted on patient safety incidents. Commonly occurring root causes and contributing factors were collected and correlated with incident timing and severity.

Findings

In total, 65 root‐cause analyses were reviewed, highlighting 202 factors implicated in the clinical incidents and 69 categories were identified. The 14 most commonly occurring causes (encountered in four incidents or more) were examined as a key‐root or contributory cause. Incident timing was also analysed; common factors were encountered more frequently during out‐hours – occurring as contributory rather than a key‐root cause.

Practical implications

In total, 14 commonly occurring factors were identified to direct interventions that could prevent many clinical incidents. From these, an “Organisational Safety Checklist” was developed to involve departmental level clinicians to monitor practice.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that comprehensively investigating incidents highlights common factors that can be addressed at a local level. Resilience against clinical incidents is low during out‐of‐hours periods, where factors such as lower staffing levels and poor service provision allows problems to escalate and become clinical incidents, which adds to the literature regarding out‐of‐hours care provision and should prove useful to those organising hospital services at departmental and management levels.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-03-2012-0029
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

  • United Kingdom
  • Hospitals
  • Patients
  • Safety measures
  • Patient safety
  • Clinical governance
  • Root cause analysis
  • Quality assurance
  • Checklist

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

“Measure for measure”

Jo Carby Hall

Examines the situation in the UK in some detail with regard to three aspects of the Charter of Fundamental Human Rights of the European Union. Looks at the aims, together…

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Abstract

Examines the situation in the UK in some detail with regard to three aspects of the Charter of Fundamental Human Rights of the European Union. Looks at the aims, together with an analysis and appraisal. Considers, first, information and consultation rights with regards to the transfer of undertakings and redundancies, followd by the right to collective action and, lastly, protection in the event of unjustifiable dismissal. Presents case law throughout as examples. Concludes that the UK has attempted to prevent social and economic rights for workers from being included in the final charter despite fierce opposition. Compares this view together with the UK suspicion of Europe against the views of the other member states.

Details

Managerial Law, vol. 43 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/03090550110770471
ISSN: 0309-0558

Keywords

  • European Union
  • Employee rights
  • Case law
  • Consultations
  • Dismissal

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2007

Reporting drug errors in a British acute hospital trust

Gerry Armitage, Rob Newell and John Wright

The purpose of this article is to examine a sample of paper‐based incident reports concerning drug incidents to assess the utility of a reporting system.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine a sample of paper‐based incident reports concerning drug incidents to assess the utility of a reporting system.

Design/methodology/approach

A 50 per cent random sample of drug‐related incident reports between 1999 and 2003 (n=1,253) was reviewed. Details of the incident including error type and contributory factors were identified, as was status of the reporter. Content analysis of the free text established whether the data provided could promote medication safety and organisational learning.

Findings

The paper finds that all definitive drug errors (n=991) allowed an error type to be identified, but 276 (27.8 per cent) did not include the contributory factor(s) involved. Content analysis of the errors demonstrated an inconsistent level of completeness, and circumstances, causation and action taken were not always logically related. Inter‐rater reliability scores were varied. There was sometimes a significant focus on the actions of one individual in comparison to other factors.

Research limitations/implications

Incident reports can be biased by psychological phenomena, and may not be representative of the parent organisation other than those who report. This study was carried out in a single health care organisation and generalisability may be questioned.

Practical implications

How health professionals interpret drug errors and their reporting could be improved. Reporting can be further developed by reference to taxonomies, but their validity should be considered. Incident report analysis can provide an insight into the competence of individual reporters and the organisation's approach to risk management.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the various data that can be captured from drug error reports but also their shortfalls which include: superficial content, incoherence; and according to professional group – varied reporting rates and an inclination to target individuals.

Details

Clinical Governance: An International Journal, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14777270710741465
ISSN: 1477-7274

Keywords

  • Drugs
  • Hospitals
  • Risk management
  • Quality control
  • United Kingdom

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Article
Publication date: 9 September 2013

Understanding contextual factors in falls in long-term care facilities

Andrew Sixsmith, Ryan Woolrych, Rebecca Schonnop, Stephen Robinovitch, Habib Chaudhury and Fabio Feldman

Despite the growing area of research involving falls in the residential care setting, the link between contextual and environmental factors in falls is poorly understood…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite the growing area of research involving falls in the residential care setting, the link between contextual and environmental factors in falls is poorly understood. This paper aims to draw upon existing research being undertaken in long-term care (LTC) in Metro Vancouver, Canada, with a particular focus on identifying contextual factors contributing to fall events.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of a qualitative observational analysis of video-captured data collected through a network of high-quality video systems in two LTC facilities. The research comprised workshops involving experienced researchers who reviewed six video sequences of fall events. The outcome of the workshops was a written narrative summarizing the discussion and researchers’ interpretation of fall sequences.

Findings

The analysis indicates that there are a broad range of environmental, behavioral and situational factors that contribute to falls in LTC. This suggests that a limited conceptualization of a fall as an outcome of the person's impairment and environmental hazards fails to convey the complexity of potential contributory factors typical of most fall incidents.

Research limitations/implications

Broadening our understanding of falls provides the potential to make recommendations for falls prevention practice across multiple levels, including the individual, social and organizational context.

Originality/value

The paper evaluates the potential of video-based data in fall analysis and points to the development of a case study approach to analyzing fall incidents to capture the complex nature of contributory factors beyond research that focuses solely on intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA-10-2012-0023
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

  • Falls
  • Long-term care
  • Video data

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