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Article
Publication date: 26 July 2017

Tran Van Ban and Bonaventura H.W. Hadikusumo

Engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) projects in the oil and gas industry are special projects involving diverse cultures, behaviours and complexity in global business…

Abstract

Purpose

Engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) projects in the oil and gas industry are special projects involving diverse cultures, behaviours and complexity in global business. Among these elements, culture is a crucial factor contributing to project performance. Several studies have been conducted on culture and its impact on project performance, especially in construction. However, studies on the cultural factors affecting EPC projects have not yet been carried out, especially for projects in the oil and gas industry. Thus, this study aims to explore and identify the cultural factors that affect the performance of oil and gas EPC projects in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 60 people with experience in EPC projects were interviewed for the study. Axial and selective coding were used to build the final grounded theory.

Findings

The research findings show that the main cultural factors affecting the performance of EPC projects are leadership, organisation, planning, communication, human resources, goal and orientation.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence for the importance of cultural factors that affect the success of EPC projects. It can serve as a guide on how to manage EPC projects and how to overcome the cultural difficulties in oil and gas EPC projects in Vietnam.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Linh Hong Pham and Harimurti Hadikusumo

Petrochemical projects play a very important role in the economic development of Vietnam. For the past ten years, many large-scale petrochemical plants have been developed using…

1673

Abstract

Purpose

Petrochemical projects play a very important role in the economic development of Vietnam. For the past ten years, many large-scale petrochemical plants have been developed using the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project delivery system for completing the project faster. However, many projects have suffered from schedule delays. In order to solve the delay problem, a clear understanding of the EPC business model and its delays problems are studied in this research. A qualitative research method by using case study on selected EPC projects was adopted. This paper aims to define the current business models used in the Vietnamese petrochemical industry and explores the root cause of delays.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology used in this study is multiple case studies by purposive sampling on EPC projects. This is chosen due to the limited number of EPC projects in petrochemical in Vietnam and to obtain schedule delay factors from both delayed and on-time projects. In this purposive sampling, the researcher decided on what needs to know and sets out to find the people who can and are willing to share their information. From each project, project manager and project engineer were interviewed to understand the delay factors in their EPC projects. Data from the interview were analyzed by using “pattern coding” described by Miles and Huberman. Then, cross-case analysis was used to identify the common and unique factors occurring in each case. By comparing the three cases, the authors can identify the delay factors in EPC petrochemical in Vietnam.

Findings

By interviewing the management level officers in three cases and performing exploratory work on the secondary data, it was observed that the local and foreign contractors of EPC projects in Vietnam have generally similar business process. Then, the codes were grounded based on the EPC business process, and subjected to the cross-case analysis. The root cause of problems in each phase was provided.

Originality/value

The paper fulfills an identified root cause of EPC projects in Vietnam.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 August 2022

Nayana Dissanayake, Bo Xia, Martin Skitmore, Bambang Trigunarsyah and Vanessa Menadue

The purpose of this study was to prioritize the appropriate generic contractor selection criteria for Engineering–Procurement–Construction (EPC) projects in the construction

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to prioritize the appropriate generic contractor selection criteria for Engineering–Procurement–Construction (EPC) projects in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Proceeding from a review of previous studies and validation by a small group of experts, a preliminary set of 16 criteria was first identified. This was followed by three rounds of Delphi surveys: firstly, with 64 experienced participants confirming the relevance of the 16 criteria; secondly, with a reduced subgroup of 47 more experienced participants scoring the importance of each; and finally, providing the opportunity for these 47 to revise their scores in the light of knowing the aggregated results of the previous round.

Findings

The results show the consensus view, of which the most important criteria are ranked as past performance, project understanding, technical attributes, key personnel, health and safety, past experience, time, management, financial, contractual and legal, quality, cost, relationships, environmental and sustainability, organizational and industrial relations, and geographic location.

Originality/value

The findings are useful for both practitioners and academics in making a significant contribution to the body of knowledge of the EPC process. This will assist in providing a better understanding of criteria importance and pave the way to developing an EPC contractor selection model involving the criteria most needed to objectively identify potential contractors and evaluate tenders.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Huong Thanh Nguyen and Bonavetura H.W. Hadikusumo

This paper aims to assess the impact of human resource-related factors, including human resource development (HRD) and human resource competency (HRC), on engineering, procurement…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the impact of human resource-related factors, including human resource development (HRD) and human resource competency (HRC), on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project success (PS), and explore the interrelationship among these factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling with the application of SPSS and AMOS software is used to test three hypotheses in the conceptual framework and analyze interrelationships among HRD, HRC and PS. A survey of 800 participants involved in EPC projects throughout Vietnam was conducted.

Findings

Results showed that HRD affects PS directly. HRC has a direct impact on PS; HRD has a direct impact on HRC, and thus, HRD also affects PS indirectly through HRC.

Originality/value

The study indicates that the development of a competent human resource for EPC project implementation plays a considerable role in EPC PS. The findings also give project professionals tools for improving HRD and HRC to increase the possibility of EPC PS.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2023

Raphael Lissillour, Yuting Cui, Khaled Guesmi, Weijian Chen and Qianran Chen

This study aims to empirically examine the relationships among perceived environmental uncertainty (EV), the level of knowledge distance (KD) and the impact of value network on…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the relationships among perceived environmental uncertainty (EV), the level of knowledge distance (KD) and the impact of value network on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative analysis is based on data from 243 Chinese companies with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) business in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The two dimensions of value network [network centrality (NC) and network openness (NO)] have a different impact on firm performance [financial performance (FP) and market performance (MP)]. NC has a positive impact on FP, but not on MP. NO has a positive effect on MP, but not on FP. A reduced KD mediates the relationship between value network and firm performance. Moreover, it fully mediates the relationship between NC and MP, NO and FP. Finally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, only EV has a moderating effect on KD and MP.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in terms of data set because it relies on a limited amount of cross-sectional data from one specific country. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

The present findings suggest that EPC professionals should pay more attention to the EV, which may be impacted by policy, technology and the economy. This research has actionable implications for the reform of EPC in the construction industry, and practical recommendations for EPC firms to improve their corporate performance.

Originality/value

The results measure the complementary effects of both dimensions of value network (NC and NO) on two distinct aspects of firm performance (MP and FP) and assess the moderating effect of EV and KD in the context of the COVID-19 pandemics.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Huong Thanh Nguyen and Bonaventura Hadikusumo

The purpose of this paper is to identify the impact of human resource development (HRD) on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project success (PS), human resource…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the impact of human resource development (HRD) on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project success (PS), human resource competency (HRC), job performance (JP), and the interrelationship among them. This paper also investigates the impact of EPC project factors (PF) on PS, the factors affecting HRD, including internal factors (IF) and external factors (EF) during EPC project implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling (SEM), SPSS, and AMOS software were used to test nine proposed hypotheses. The respondents comprised 800 participants involved in EPC projects throughout Vietnam.

Findings

The results show that HRD positively affects HRC, JP, and PS. HRD is influenced by IF but not influenced by EF. HRC positively impacts on JP and PS, while PF directly impacts on PS.

Originality/value

The study indicates that the development of competent human resources for EPC project implementation plays a considerable role in EPC PS. The findings also give project professionals a tool for improving HRD, and HRC to increase the likelihood of PS.

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2010

Yong Qiang Chen, Huanqing Lu, Wenxue Lu and Ning Zhang

Selecting a proper project delivery system is one of the critical issues for the success of a project. This paper discusses the application of project delivery systems in China…

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Abstract

Purpose

Selecting a proper project delivery system is one of the critical issues for the success of a project. This paper discusses the application of project delivery systems in China and the existing project delivery system selection methods, analyzes project objectives and indicators influencing the selection of project delivery systems, and aims at finding an appropriate method to select project delivery systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted by postal questionnaire and Multivariate Statistical Analysis was applied to analyze the project data. A robust model was developed to analyze the selection of project delivery systems.

Findings

The results of survey and analysis show that design‐bid‐build (DBB)/project management (DBB+PM), design‐build (DB)/engineering, procurement and construction (EPC)/Turnkey, multi‐stage DB/EPC and EP+C are commonly used in China. The differences between DBB and DBB+PM, and differences between DB/EPC and Turnkey in China are not significant. Weights of project objectives in each project delivery system and the ranking of indicators influencing the selection of project delivery systems are acquired.

Originality/value

Analysis was conducted with a robust model instead of traditional model in consideration of efficiency. This research may assist owners in Mainland China in selecting project delivery systems, improve project performance, and encourage efficiency in project delivery process.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2021

Raymond Obayi and Seyed Nasrollah Ebrahimi

In a departure from the efficiency theory assumptions implicit in most supply chain risk management (SCRM) literature, this study aims to explore the role that external…

Abstract

Purpose

In a departure from the efficiency theory assumptions implicit in most supply chain risk management (SCRM) literature, this study aims to explore the role that external neo-institutional pressures play in shaping the risk management strategies deployed to mitigate transaction cost risks in construction supply chains (CSC).

Design/methodology/approach

A theory-elaborating case study is used to investigate how regulatory, normative and mimetic neo-institutional pressures underpin SCRM strategies in state-led and private-led CSC in China.

Findings

The study finds that institutionalized Confucianist networks serve as proxies for regulatory accountability and thereby create a form of dysmorphia in the regulatory, normative and mimetic drivers of SCRM strategies in state-led and private-led CSC in China.

Originality/value

The findings reveal that relational costs such as bargaining, transfer and monitoring costs underpin SCRM in state-led CSC. Behavioral costs associated with search, screening and enforcement are the core drivers of SCRM in private-led CSC. These differences in transaction cost drivers of SCRM arise from the risk-buffering effect of personalized Guanxi networks, creating variants of institutional pressures on actors' risk analysis, identification and treatment strategies in China. Considering China's global hegemony in construction and related industries, this study provides valuable insights for practitioners and researchers on the need for a constrained efficiency view of SCRM in global CSC.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Huimin Li, Keli Qin and Peng Li

The construction project is implemented under uncertainty environment, and the product of construction is very complex. Selecting a project delivery system/approach is a critical…

Abstract

Purpose

The construction project is implemented under uncertainty environment, and the product of construction is very complex. Selecting a project delivery system/approach is a critical task, which determines the project schedule, quality and investment objectives. The purpose of this paper is to propose a decision-making model for the selection of project delivery system which is based on information entropy and unascertained measure model.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision-making model based on information entropy and unascertained set is employed to select project delivery approach. In order to overcome the subjective evaluations from the experts, the theory of “entropy weight” is applied to modify the experts’ subjective weight. The multi-attribute unascertained measure decision making is fitted to deal with the uncertainty information for selection of project delivery system.

Findings

The proposed methodology is more comprehensive compared with the previous work, especially in the uncertainty environment.

Research limitations/implications

There is some further work that should be considered, such as how to deal with the imprecise and subjective information given by the experts; how to determine the weight of the experts’; finding a set of importance factors influencing the selection of a delivery system is a complex task to further research.

Practical implications

The proposed method can help the construction owner to select a most fitted project delivery system of a construction project.

Originality/value

A new approach to select project delivery approach is proposed based on information entropy and unascertained set.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Abstract

Subject area

Accounting and Finance.

Study level/applicability

Postgraduate/graduate.

Case overview

This paper aims to analyse the fixed assets management of Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), a leading Indian construction company for sufficiency and efficiency, and explore its future growth prospects in relation to its capital investments. It also investigates whether the global crisis in 2008 had any impact on the development plans of the company for future orientation as the global recession affected companies in various sectors worldwide. It specifically aims to find out whether L&T was in a better position to face the situation in the industry.

Expected learning outcomes

Expected learning outcomes are as follows: to learn and apply the concept of fixed assets management in a business organization; to evaluate the impact of fixed assets management on the profitability of the company; to appreciate the importance of fixed assets management efficiency in a business organization; and to illustrate the use of financial crisis on the growth prospects of a business.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and finance.

1 – 10 of 728