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Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Nyamagere Gladys Sospeter

The design documents are products of a process that aims to provide sufficient details to enable the contractor to efficiently implement the project at a realistic cost…

Abstract

Purpose

The design documents are products of a process that aims to provide sufficient details to enable the contractor to efficiently implement the project at a realistic cost. Accordingly, it is expected that these design documents must be of high quality to engender the attainment of the desired project objectives. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors that affect the quality of design documentation in construction projects in the context of a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a descriptive research design involving professionals from firms offering services in areas of design and documentation, mainly architectural, quantity surveying and engineering. A total of 80 out of 84 questionnaires were received and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25, and a factor analysis approach was used to categorize the factors into smaller five groups.

Findings

The factors were subsequently categorized according to size, time, staff, quality and training-related factors. Collectively, large size of the project, inadequate supervision of junior design staff, low professional fees, procurement process and system, failure to adopt quality management systems and allocation or assigning of staff to more than one project at the same time have high influence (component loading of 700) in respective groups.

Research limitations/implications

The reliance on data to analyze the factors of design documents in construction projects in developing economies context, using a Tanzanian exemplar, is considered a limitation. Developing countries with similar economic characteristics, procurement systems and cultural setup could benefit from the results of this study.

Practical implications

The study of factors affecting quality of design and documents in construction projects serves as a guide for built environment firms in Tanzania in conducting effective business and ensuring quality design documents, hence improved project performance. Understanding the nature of relationship between the design and construction teams as well as the impact of design documents on project performance is of great importance for the design teams of future projects and other decision-makers to pay attention when preparing design and related documents, especially during design stage of construction projects in developing countries.

Originality/value

The study contributes the knowledge by providing useful insights on the subject through a categorization of the factors affecting the quality of design documentation and exploring the nature of relationship between the design and construction teams in construction projects within a previously unexplored Tanzanian context focusing on a traditional procurement system for future improvement of project delivery, hence project success.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2023

Toka Fahmy Aly, Salma Ehab and Yomna Amr Lotfi

Safety, one of the basic human needs for existence, is a very important factor in achieving a successful urban space. A lack of its presence could make it challenging for…

Abstract

Purpose

Safety, one of the basic human needs for existence, is a very important factor in achieving a successful urban space. A lack of its presence could make it challenging for residents of a place to live and function effectively. Therefore, this study aims to identify the urban design attributes that would potentially enhance the perceived sense of safety, mainly focusing on two case studies in El-Sherouk neighborhood in Cairo. The two selected case studies are considered car-oriented due to their reduced levels of safety.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through a set of data collection phases from field surveys and survey questionnaires that infer the influence of the surrounding urban environment on a specific target group. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical analysis tool was used to analyze data collected from survey questionnaires.

Findings

Finally, by the end of this research, a set of urban design qualities vital for achieving the desired levels of safety were introduced. The findings of this study revealed key urban design qualities that can potentially contribute to enhancing the perceived sense of safety as they showed a strong positive correlation: (1) imageability, (2) transparency, (3) complexity and (4) human scale and enclosure. Moreover, multiple linear regression indicates that urban design qualities are strong predictors of perceived safety.

Originality/value

This study presents a holistic approach to studying the relationship between urban design and perceived safety by examining two case studies located in El-Sherouk City in Cairo, Egypt. While previous research has focused on one theory of safety design such as crime prevention, defensible space theory, eyes on the street or safer city centers, this article tries to fill in the gap in the literature by analyzing all aspects of urban design and its correlation to an enhanced perceived safety. In addition, most of the previous studies have tackled the safety aspects of old urban settlements. However, this study tackles a new urban settlement.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2022

Bahar Ferah, Ayse Gul Gemci and Omar Algburi

This paper's main objective emphasizes the importance of waterfront design in coastal cities. It reveals that a location is associated with the activities it hosts to become…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper's main objective emphasizes the importance of waterfront design in coastal cities. It reveals that a location is associated with the activities it hosts to become attractive for people or, in other words, to be a destination. In this respect, it proposes students' concept projects for the selected waterfront field study in Istanbul.

Design/methodology/approach

This study's conceptual framework is designed according to the qualities compiled from the place-diagram and the power of 10+ (plus) concepts of the PPS (project for public spaces). Accordingly, a fieldwork study based on the qualitative and quantitative research method was conducted as fieldwork in the Istanbul Sarayburnu waterfront, where historical and touristic sight-seeings of the Golden Horn meet with the Bosphorus coastal line. In addition to photo-video recordings, survey questions were also prepared during the field study.

Findings

Survey questions inquiries multi questions searching for the place-diagram qualities provide suggestions of 90 people who responded in situ. Results of the case study highlight six alternative proposal projects for the fieldwork prepared based on the power of 10+ concept by the third grade students of the School of Architecture of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (IZU). Based on the survey questions and literature review findings, 10 sub-spatial qualities of waterfronts were disaggregated at the end of the study.

Research limitations/implications

The power of 10+ concept in the study provides a gauge for architects and urban planners; it gives them an excellent tool for assessing the quality of public spaces for placemaking in waterfronts.

Originality/value

Previous studies have generally been based on the PPS's place-diagram qualities with little mention of the interaction with the power of 10+ concept in placemaking. The proposed sub-qualities in the paper's conclusion contribute to architects and urban planners considering a model approach derived from those PPS concepts.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 September 2023

Peter Dodzi Kwasi Agbaxode, Ehsan Saghatforoush and Sitsabo Dlamini

The conventional project delivery (CPD) approach has been reported in the literature as the most widely used project delivery method in the construction industry globally compared…

Abstract

Purpose

The conventional project delivery (CPD) approach has been reported in the literature as the most widely used project delivery method in the construction industry globally compared to other delivery methods. However, researchers and practitioners have argued that the approach, specifically during the production of design documentation under the CPD, lacks certain capabilities that ensure quality and enhance project delivery. Therefore, this study aims to use the Ghanaian construction industry to identify the capabilities required of the CPD in practice, particularly during the production of design documentation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study design follows a pragmatist philosophy and uses mixed methods based on a deductive approach. Data collection involved a questionnaire survey, followed by semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas qualitative data analysis used content analysis with the assistance of IBM SPSS and QSR Nvivo 12 Pro.

Findings

Findings indicate that there should be incentives for producing good design documentation quality; mandatory coordination of design documentation; improving collaboration among designers; and allowing contractors to make input during the design stage.

Practical implications

The results indicate the need for the identified capabilities to be introduced in the CPD approach to improve design documentation quality.

Originality/value

This study offers a significant insight into the specific capabilities that are required of the CPD approach in practice particularly, in the production of design documentation

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 April 2023

Jonas Boström, Helene Hillborg and Johan Lilja

The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe the perspectives and reasoning of senior development leaders in healthcare organizations, when reflecting on design as theory…

1379

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe the perspectives and reasoning of senior development leaders in healthcare organizations, when reflecting on design as theory and practice in relation to more traditional methods and tools for improving quality and support innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a qualitative interview design with five development and innovation leaders from separate healthcare regions in Sweden. They have, to varying degrees, applied design theory and practice for quality improvement and innovation in their organizations. The interview transcript was analysed using a content analysis together with an interpretive approach.

Findings

The major findings are to be found in the balancing act for leadership and organizations in healthcare when it comes to introducing and combining different theories and practices for improving quality and support innovation. The balance is between the change in power dynamics and pushing traditional boundaries in a complex healthcare world.

Practical implications

The narratives from the leaders' experience of applying design theory and practice for improving healthcare quality can help us create readiness and knowledge about how we prevent and/or facilitate planning and implementing design theories, practices, methods and tools in a healthcare context.

Originality/value

The study provides a unique insight when it captures and illustrates five different organizations' experiences when applying design for developing healthcare quality.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 35 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2022

Aba Essanowa Afful, Joshua Ayarkwa, Godwin Kojo Kumi Acquah, Dickson Osei-Asibey and Ama Antwi Darkwah Osei Assibey

This research presents a comprehensive review of the literature on the barriers to incorporating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) principles into building designs. The aim was…

Abstract

Purpose

This research presents a comprehensive review of the literature on the barriers to incorporating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) principles into building designs. The aim was to identify these barriers in the literature and subsume them under broad categories for the development of a framework showing the interrelationships among the barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design used a systematic desktop review which comprised of three levels of screening. The first level allowed for a broad selection of papers; the second level of screening was done to limit the results to papers within the construction industry, and the third level of screening limited the documents strictly to the publication period of 2000–2021.

Findings

Twenty-four (24) barriers were identified in the literature, including lack of integrated design teams, which ranked the highest in appearance, high initial costs, poor market for IEQ buildings and higher design charges among others. The identified barriers were classified into six (6) categories namely capacity barriers, economic barriers, process-related barriers, cultural barriers, client-related barriers and steering barriers.

Practical implications

The findings of this study would enable practitioners and policymakers to better understand what is preventing the widespread adoption of IEQ designs in the built environment and devise actionable strategies to overcome them. It adds to the body of knowledge on IEQ research by categorizing the various barriers that prevent the delivery of IEQ projects.

Social implications

The developed barriers in this research can serve as a useful checklist to future researchers who may want to validate the barriers to IEQ designs in empirical studies and in different settings.

Originality/value

The interconnectivity revealed by the web-like framework allows for an appreciation of the various barriers of IEQ adoption which would help in expanding the current knowledge on IEQ beyond the narrow scope of isolated barriers. The fact that the papers selected in this study are not limited geographically, underscores the wide applicability of the findings in the global construction industry.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2022

Marta Gomes Francisco, Osiris Canciglieri Junior and Angelo Marcio Oliveira Santanna

The Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology is one of the most important to achieving excellence in an organization’s product development process. This paper aims to propose a…

Abstract

Purpose

The Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology is one of the most important to achieving excellence in an organization’s product development process. This paper aims to propose a roadmap for product development based on the DFSS for the consumer durables manufacturing industries. The proposed roadmap presents a systematic approach to the phases of the product development process, integrating the statistical techniques and quality tools that should be used in each phase.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a detailed roadmap for product development, which was built by identifying gaps in the DFSS methods, based on previous studies on the subject. In this step, the opportunities are provided in all phases from creation to discontinuation of the product in the market. In addition, the roadmap presented was validated by team of stakeholders in the product development process of different industrial companies.

Findings

The proposed roadmap for the product development process based on six sigma design suggests a visual tool with sequential steps and techniques that allow you to follow the evolution of the development process from idea conception until the product is discontinued in the market. Identifying the priorities of organizations, especially the consumer, regarding the quality and reliability of the product.

Practical implications

The roadmap seeks to facilitate an understanding of the important stages of the product development process and to provide an approach to improving and optimizing the product before the manufacturing process step through the principles of DFSS methodology. This research provides a guide step by step to apply statistical techniques and quality tools in the product development process to achieve high quality and six sigma level in the manufacturing process.

Originality/value

The proposed roadmap of this research combines design for sigma and product development concepts, covering a wide spectrum of relevant activities that include the product development process, the application of statistical techniques and the design of high-quality durable consumer goods to match manufacturing technologies.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 November 2022

Mariechen Benz-Camino, Martha T. Ramírez-Valdivia, Marjorie Morales-Casetti and Danilo Sirias

This paper aims to present the lessons learned during the design and implementation of a quality assurance system (QAS) in an academic unit and considers the regulatory changes to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the lessons learned during the design and implementation of a quality assurance system (QAS) in an academic unit and considers the regulatory changes to institutional accreditation in Chilean higher education, the international standard ISO 21001:2018, and the stakeholders’ requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an abductive approach to identify and evaluate the key factors to implementing a QAS in higher education institutions (HEI). Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires, semistructured interviews, focus groups with stakeholders, a literature review and official institutional documents. Documents and interviews were subjected to content analysis using a process of inductive coding to identify and define topics or categories. A descriptive statistical analysis of categorical variables calculated the marginal frequency of each response. All information aided in designing the QAS for the school and its implementation plan.

Findings

This study highlights major challenges universities could face while implementing QAS, illuminating key principles and reflecting relevant practices. The lessons learned in this process show the importance of balancing accountability and continuous improvement while promoting a more receptive organizational culture, aligning the national and international standards in the early design stage, understanding the roles and responsibilities of the staff, having the support of a quality office and performing a gap analysis.

Originality/value

This work provides other HEI in need of designing and implementing a QAS with a conceptual and solid framework to integrate internal, external and international regulations of quality assurance criteria and standards. This paper could become a valuable reference for university managers, practitioners and quality professionals facing similar challenges.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 January 2023

Salimeh Sadat Aghili, Mohsen Torabian, Mohammad Hassan Behzadi and Asghar Seif

The purpose of this paper is to develop a double-objective economic statistical design (ESD) of (X…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a double-objective economic statistical design (ESD) of (X) control chart under Weibull failure properties with the Linex asymmetric loss function. The authors have expressed the probability of type II error (β) as the statistical objective and the expected cost as the economic objective.

Design/methodology/approach

The design used in this study is based on a double-objective economic statistical design of (X) control chart with Weibull shock model via applying Banerjee and Rahim's model for non-uniform and uniform schemes with Linex asymmetric loss function. The results in the least average cost and β in uniform and non-uniform schemes by Linex loss function, compared with the same schemes without loss function.

Findings

Numerical results indicate that it is not possible to reduce the second type of error and costs at the same time, which means that by reducing the second type of error, the cost increases, and by reducing the cost, the second type of error increases, both of which are very important. Obtained based on the needs of the industry and which one has more priority has the right to choose. These designs define a Pareto optimal front of solutions that increase the flexibility and adaptability of the X control chart in practice. When the authors use non-uniform schemes instead of uniform schemes, the average cost per unit time decreases by an average and when the authors apply loss function, the average cost per unit time increases by an average. Also, this quantity for double-objective schemes with loss function compared to without loss function schemes in cases uniform and non-uniform increases. The reason for this result is that the model underestimated the costs before using the loss function.

Practical implications

This research adds to the body of knowledge related to flexibility in process quality control. This article may be of interest to quality systems experts in factories where the choice between cost reduction and statistical factor reduction can affect the production process.

Originality/value

The cost functions for double-objective uniform and non-uniform sampling schemes with the Weibull shock model based on the Linex loss function are presented for the first time.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2022

Cassandra Caitlin Moore

This paper aims to explore the relationship between market pricing and design quality within the development industry. Currently, there is a lack of research that examines real…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between market pricing and design quality within the development industry. Currently, there is a lack of research that examines real estate at the property level. Development quality is widely believed to have diminished over the past decades, while many investors seem uninterested in the design process. The study aims to address these issues through a pricing model that integrates design attributes. It is hoped that empirical findings will invite broader stakeholder interest in the design process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research establishes a framework for assessing spatial compliance across residential developments within London. Compliance is assessed across ten boroughs, with technical space guidelines used as a proxy for design quality. Transaction prices and spatial assessments are aligned within a hedonic pricing model. Empirical findings are used to establish whether undermining spatial standards presents a significant development risk.

Findings

Findings suggest a relationship between sale time and unit size, with “compliant” units typically transacting earlier than “non-compliant” units. Almost half of the 1,600 apartments surveyed appear to undermine technical guidelines.

Research limitations/implications

It is suggested that an array of design attributes be explored that extend beyond unit size. Additionally, future studies may consider the long-term implications of design quality via secondary transaction prices.

Practical implications

Practical implications include the development of a more scientific approach to design valuation. This may enhance the position of product design management within the development industry and architectural services.

Social implications

Social implications may include improvement in residential design.

Originality/value

An innovative approach combines a thorough understanding of both design and economic principles.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 24000