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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 21 March 2016

Igor Martek and Chuan Chen

Firms compete using a variety of strategies. Typically they aim to provide something different, to be better, or simply cheaper. In the construction industry, the performance…

3279

Abstract

Purpose

Firms compete using a variety of strategies. Typically they aim to provide something different, to be better, or simply cheaper. In the construction industry, the performance characteristics, quality and cost of the final delivered project will be the outcome of the interplay of capabilities of all the firms involved in the project. Consequently, in order to improve competitiveness, firms must pay attention to not only their own competitive advantage but to those of the firms, both up-stream and down-stream, on whom they depend in delivering their projects. For foreign constructors in China, those competitive considerations will be informed by circumstances different from home. How then do foreign constructors adapt themselves to the problem of sourcing competitively when located within a China-based supply chain? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study 60 foreign enterprises operating within the Chinese construction sector were investigated by using a comparative case study approach.

Findings

Four generic procurement strategies were identified. First, firms adapt themselves in the search for optimal supply sources by replicating home-based suppliers, controlling local suppliers, or by remaining agile and non-aligned. Second, firms develop niche supply monopolies through market dominance, uniquely differentiated offerings, or by integration with down-stream providers. Third, firms find opportunities to bring in off-shore technology intensive procurements, where that technology is either protected, improved upon, or sold. Finally, firms also seek to transit to China as a procurement base in order to reduce local supply cost, service world-wide operations, or as part of a total strategy of China relocation.

Originality/value

The identification of this rich range of procurement approaches will be of interest to internationalization strategists, as well as to industry practitioners looking to find appropriate business models for off-shore operations.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 54 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2010

Maria Solitander and Nikodemus Solitander

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the Intellectual Capital perspective can be altered in order to include ethically questionable practices of knowledge acquisition.

2625

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the Intellectual Capital perspective can be altered in order to include ethically questionable practices of knowledge acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the relationship between formal and illicit forms of intellectual capital acquisition through a case study of the Formula 1 industry. The paper is based on secondary data from public sources.

Findings

Ethically questionable practices are a part of the knowledge economy. In the case study, the view on what was ethical and accepted was changed due to uncovered practices of espionage.

Practical implications

Firms in knowledge‐intensive industries often employ unrecognized informal channels for intellectual capital acquisition. Managers should consider the boundary between right and wrong in their particular industry, and whether they have the tools for dealing with ethically questionable practices.

Originality/value

The paper suggests a complementary interpretation of the Formula 1 industry not only as a best‐practice case of how community and trust knowledge spillovers facilitate innovation, but also how ethically questionable practices of intellectual capital acquisition exist as an accepted part of the process.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Debby Willar

The Indonesian construction industry has to considerably rise due to the issues of quality product, organisational performance and global competitiveness faced today, along with…

1161

Abstract

Purpose

The Indonesian construction industry has to considerably rise due to the issues of quality product, organisational performance and global competitiveness faced today, along with settling several national challenges that continue to plague the construction industry. Delivering high-quality construction products and services is non-negotiable when competing for contracts with international constructors. Developing such an assessment system to evaluate the performance of Indonesian construction companies is an urgent need in order to encourage and motivate the construction companies to continually improve their performance in the execution of construction works. The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the key attributes related to the evaluation of quality and performance in the construction project-based case of Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in the five provinces in Indonesia involving 216 construction practitioners from medium and large qualifications of construction companies.

Findings

On the basis of the data analysis results, the study develops the 39 key attributes that can be a basis for the development of Indonesian building construction project performance assessment system. The attributes cover construction companies’ performance during project implementation, in delivering final project results and in implementing quality procedures for building construction works.

Originality/value

The outcome of this study is considered significant to provide a tool for the government to assess the quality performance of contractors in delivering projects against specified standards, and a guideline for the contractors to improve their competitiveness by implementing continuous quality improvement. The confirmed attributes developed from this study is an initial step towards developing an Indonesian construction comprehensive quality performance assessment system.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2023

Min Luo, Bon-Gang Hwang, Xianbo Zhao and Xiaopeng Deng

This study aims to clarify the psychological mechanism of international contractors' fraud by linking performance pressure to fraudulent intention through the displacement of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the psychological mechanism of international contractors' fraud by linking performance pressure to fraudulent intention through the displacement of responsibility and addressing the moderating role of moral intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on moral disengagement theory, performance pressure was hypothesized to be positively associated with fraudulent intention by mediating the displacement of responsibility. Drawing on the issue-contingent theory, moral intensity was hypothesized to inhibit the relationship between performance pressure and displacement of responsibility in three aspects: magnitude of consequences (MC), probability of effect (PE) and social consensus (SC). The scenario-based questionnaire was conducted to collect information from contractors spread across 50 countries. The partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to assess the proposed model.

Findings

The results demonstrated that performance pressure was positively associated with the fraudulent intention, and displacement of responsibility exerted a positive partial mediating impact between performance pressure and fraudulent intention. Regarding moral intensity in the moderating analysis, the negative moderating role of MC and PE was significant, while that of SC was insignificant.

Practical implications

This study provides international construction practitioners with a deep understanding of the formation mechanism of fraud at the psychological level.

Originality/value

It clarifies the psychological mechanism from performance pressure to fraudulent intention by integrating a mediation impact from the displacement of responsibility and a moderation effect from MC and PE. It contributes to the sparse research on how situational factors shape individuals' fraudulent intentions in the international context. It provides a fresh perspective on fraud by constructing a formation model from moral psychological theories.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2020

Moshabab Aljarman, Halim Boussabaine and Khalid Almarri

Building information modelling (BIM) is not without risk, as the greater reliance on information technology has associated technical risks. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to…

Abstract

Purpose

Building information modelling (BIM) is not without risk, as the greater reliance on information technology has associated technical risks. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to assess the perceptions of the users of BIM regarding the likelihood of emergence of technical risks which might influence the successful application of BIM, to facilitate the successful implementation of BIM in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data were collected via a questionnaire to document the BIM risks, where 105 responses were recorded from constructors, consultants, cost consultants and other professionals from the UK construction industry. Subsequently, the analysis of the results was driven by univariate and inferential statistics (ANOVA) to assess the perception of risk emergence.

Findings

The study found the most likely technical risks that might emerge from BIM application. These risks are complexity of transferring modelling data from one program to another, lack of understanding of the BIM for the different software platforms, interoperability shortcomings, failure to discover errors in the model and risks of different software platforms.

Practical implications

The results will certainly intensify the discussion about BIM risks, risk allocation and all other aspects that are related to BIM contractual processes. Also, the compiled list of risks will help stakeholders in assessing financial implications that may result from BIM application.

Originality/value

Important technical risks have been identified in the application of BIM. This renders a new understanding of the risks that might influence the successful application of BIM. The respondents generally agreed on the importance of the following risks: “complexity of transferring modelling data between programs from one program to another”, “lack of understanding of the BIM for the different software platforms”, “interoperability shortcomings”, “failure to discover errors in the model” and “risks of different software platforms”, which are in line with current literature.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2020

Khalid Almarri, Moshabab Aljarman and Halim Boussabaine

Building information modelling (BIM) technology adoption is growing rapidly because of its perceived benefits. The purpose of this paper is to assess the perceptions of the users…

Abstract

Purpose

Building information modelling (BIM) technology adoption is growing rapidly because of its perceived benefits. The purpose of this paper is to assess the perceptions of the users of BIM regarding the likelihood of managerial risks emergence that might influence the successful application of BIM, to facilitate the successful implementation of BIM in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Emerging managerial BIM risks were extracted from the literature. The primary data were collected via a questionnaire survey. The analysis of the results was driven by univariate and inferential statistics (analysis of variance ) to assess the emergence of managerial risks.

Findings

The study confirmed the nine most likely managerial risks that might emerge from BIM adoption, which are lack of understanding of the expectations from BIM modelling, lack of experienced and skilled personnel, lack of clarity on integration of BIM with the current business practice, conflict because of dissimilar expectations from BIM, lack of collaborative work processes and standards, lack of understanding of BIM processes, lack of understanding modelling behaviours, lack of expertise within the project team, lack of expertise within the organizations and lack of criteria for BIM project implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The results will intensify the discussion about BIM risks, risk allocation and other aspects that are related to BIM methodology. The compiled list of managerial risks will help stakeholders in assessing financial implications that may result from BIM application. The list of risks could be used in pricing consultancy and construction services. More importantly, the list might be useful in developing an international standard for BIM risk management. The results showed that BIM success depends on the close collaboration, at the outset of the project, with contractors, consultants, designers and client.

Originality/value

Important managerial risks have been identified in the adoption of BIM. It renders a new understanding of the risks that might influence the successful application of BIM.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2019

Khalid Almarri, Moshabab Aljarman and Halim Boussabaine

There has been a mounting interest in building information modelling (BIM) in the construction industry sector worldwide due to its perceived benefits. However, reliance on…

1093

Abstract

Purpose

There has been a mounting interest in building information modelling (BIM) in the construction industry sector worldwide due to its perceived benefits. However, reliance on information technology is associated with risks. The purpose of this paper is to offer a better understanding of the emerging contractual and legal risks, which might influence the successful adoption of BIM, in order to facilitate the successful implementation of BIM in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The risks used in the study were documented from the literature, and primary data were collected by a questionnaire survey. The analysis of the results was driven by univariate and inferential statistics (Analysis of Variance) to identify the emerging contractual and legal risks.

Findings

The findings showed that there were little significant differences in the mean rating of the occurrence of contractual and legal risks between the respondents. The study confirmed that emerging risks are likely to be related to BIM documentations, intellectual rights and liability, missing data and misplaced assumptions among project stakeholders. The results showed that BIM success depends on close collaboration, at the outset of the project, with the client, designers, contractors and consultants.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that contract documents and contract agreements may need to be created in accordance with the identified risks, so that the questions of contractual and legal responsibilities are appropriately defined and allocated among the participants.

Originality/value

Important legal and contractual risks have been identified in the application of BIM. It renders a new understanding of the risks that might influence the successful adoption of BIM.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 26 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2015

Emiliya V. Suprun and Rodney A. Stewart

The aim of this study is to explore the current situation in the Russian construction industry and the obstacles, drivers and strategies that affect innovation implementation most…

1869

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore the current situation in the Russian construction industry and the obstacles, drivers and strategies that affect innovation implementation most significantly. The Russian construction industry is highly conservative and is often criticised for its lack of innovation. Construction firms invest relatively little in innovation adoption, development of new ideas and formal research and development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilised an extensive literature review followed by a questionnaire survey incorporating some post hoc interviews with 52 experts from the Russian architecture, engineering and construction industry to identify the most significant drivers, enablers, barriers and strategies related to innovation diffusion in construction.

Findings

Findings indicated that economic and financial difficulties, as well as inappropriate legislation, are the most significant barriers to innovation. Financial incentives, legislative improvements and the promotion of alternative construction procurement methods were viewed as the most critical strategies to improve the current lacklustre rate of innovation diffusion.

Originality/value

While there is anecdotal evidence that the Russian construction industry is lagging in terms of technological advancement, its closed nature means that there is still little reported evidence on what are the main barriers to innovation diffusion in this country. Hence, there is a lack of focus on innovation diffusion rates in different construction sectors, such as building and civil infrastructure and limited consideration on how effectively the research and development sector contributes to innovation.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 November 2016

Henna Syrjälä, Minna-Maarit Jaskari and Hanna Leipämaa-Leskinen

The current study sheds light on non-human object agency by drawing illustrative examples from a case of horse/horsemeat, and thereby captures the ways in which living and…

Abstract

Purpose

The current study sheds light on non-human object agency by drawing illustrative examples from a case of horse/horsemeat, and thereby captures the ways in which living and non-living animal entities have shifting effects and/or intentions in relation to human entities within heterogeneous networks of cultural resources and practices.

Methodology/approach

Leaning on the post-human approach, the case of horse/horsemeat provides an illustrative empirical entry point into exploring how by looking through the lenses of object agency one can deconstruct the prevailing anthropomorphism-based dualistic views of living and non-living domestic animals as subjects or objects.

Findings

The paper argues that by contemplating both the living horse and non-living horsemeat as ontologically shifting and co-constructive entities in relation to human subjects, we are able to elaborate the contradictions and convergences of object agency that appear in living and/or non-living co-consuming units.

Social implications

The study showcases important aspects of animal welfare, addressing the effects of shifting from a human-centred perspective to a post-human view on equality between various kinds of entities.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussions of non-human object agency, addressing the issue from the perspective of an animal entity, which enables participating in deconstructing dualisms such as subject and object as well as living and non-living. In particular, it highlights how in the case of an animal entity, agency may emerge in terms of effects and (some capacity of) intentions both within living and non-living entities.

Details

Consumer Culture Theory
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-495-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2022

Praveena Munianday, Rahimi A. Rahman and Muneera Esa

There is a dearth of studies conducted by local academics on actual building information modelling (BIM) projects to analyse the actual hurdles of BIM adoption. The majority of…

Abstract

Purpose

There is a dearth of studies conducted by local academics on actual building information modelling (BIM) projects to analyse the actual hurdles of BIM adoption. The majority of BIM research focuses on the technology’s general advantages, disadvantages, issues and limitations. In addition, research on actual BIM projects that have integrated BIM throughout the project is necessary to increase the current low number of BIM users in Malaysia. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the challenges BIM adopters experience while implementing BIM in their projects and how they overcome them.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth interview session was used to collect data based on a case-study methodology. In Malaysia, three BIM projects were chosen, given the available resources. To evaluate the data in this qualitative study, NVivo was used.

Findings

According to the findings, the most important elements influencing the adoption of new technology and innovation were people and capital. The most significant impediments to BIM adoption are the appraisal of time and finances, as well as the tolerance of changes in approach.

Originality/value

Collaborative training and BIM education have been the most explored solutions for reducing BIM difficulties. As a result, these concerns and solutions should be investigated and implemented to ensure project success and fully use technological innovation.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000