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Article
Publication date: 3 February 2022

Ting Wang, Junyan Xu, Qinghua He, Albert P.C. Chan and Emmanuel Kingsford Owusu

This study intends to review studies on the success criteria and critical success factors (CSFs) for mega infrastructure construction projects (MICPs) from journal articles…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study intends to review studies on the success criteria and critical success factors (CSFs) for mega infrastructure construction projects (MICPs) from journal articles between 2000 and 2018 to (1) identify the publication trend of success criteria and CSFs for MICPs; (2) explore distributions of selected papers, including the distribution of journals, authors’ origin/country and publications by country or region focus; and (3) summarize the findings of success criteria and CSFs studies of MICPs.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodical and systematic analysis of 38 selected journal articles was conducted using descriptive analysis to obtain the annual trend of publications, distributions of publication sources, contributors’ origin/country, regions/countries of research focus, methods involved in publications and thematic analysis to identify and categorize success criteria and CSFs for MICPs.

Findings

Australia, the USA, UK, China and Hong Kong had been the leading contributors for publications on success criteria and CSFs for MICPs; meanwhile, China, Australia and the UK have been the countries of focus for most studies on this specific topic. This review identified 20 success criteria grouped into 5 constructs and 36 CSFs grouped into 5 categories and, respectively, integrated them into two conceptual frameworks. The top five CSFs were adequate resource availability, partnering/relationships with key stakeholders, adequate communication and coordination among related parties, public support or acceptance and clear strategic vision. Three implications, namely, evaluation indicators, relationships between CSFs and the success of MICPs and human-related factors, are highlighted in future research.

Originality/value

The identified success criteria and CSFs provide a basis for evaluating the success possibility of MICPs and serve to identify areas for further improvement. Additionally, the CSFs checklist and framework have been established, which could help to conduct further empirical studies. Finally, the holistic analysis identifies gaps in the body of knowledge, revealing avenues for future research.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2021

Vinicius Luiz Pacheco, Lucimara Bragagnolo and Antonio Thomé

The purpose of this article is to analyze the state-of-the art in a systematic way, identifying the main research groups and their related topics. The types of studies found are…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the state-of-the art in a systematic way, identifying the main research groups and their related topics. The types of studies found are fundamental for understanding the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in cemented soils and the potential for using the technique, as well as the feasibility of extrapolation to new geotechnical or civil and environmental engineering segments.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is characterized as being bibliometric and systematic research of an exploratory perspective of state-of-the-art. It also persuades the qualitative and quantitative data analysis of cemented soil improvement, biocemented or microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) soil improvement by prediction/modeling by ANN. This study sought to compile and study the state of the art of the topic which possibilities to have a critical view about the theme. To do so, two main databases were analyzed: Scopus and Web of Science. Systematic review techniques, as well as bibliometric indicators, were implemented.

Findings

This paper connected the network between the achievements of the researches and illustrated the main application of ANNs in soil improvement prediction, specifically on cemented-based soils and biocemented soils (e.g. MICP technique). Also, as a bibliometric and systematic review, this work could achieve the key points in the absence of researches involving soil-ANN, and it provided the understanding of the lack of exploratory studies to be approached in the near future.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the research topic the article suggested other applications of ANNs in geotechnical engineering, such as other tests not related to geomechanical resistance such as unconfined compression test test and triaxial test.

Practical implications

This article systematically and critically presents some interesting points in the direction of future research, such as the non-approach to the use of ANNs in biocementation processes, such as MICP.

Social implications

Regarding the social environment, the paper brings approaches on methods that somehow mitigate the computational use, or elements necessary for geotechnical improvement of the soil, thereby optimizing the same consequently.

Originality/value

Neural networks have been studied for a long time in engineering, but the current computational power has increased the implementation for several engineering applications. Besides that, soil cementation is a widespread technique and its prediction modes often require high computational strength, such parameters can be mitigated with the use of ANNs, because artificial intelligence seeks learning from the implementation of the data set, reducing computational cost and increasing accuracy.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 38 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2014

Alan Richardson, Kathryn A. Coventry, Alan M. Forster and Chris Jamison

Deterioration in natural stone is associated with many decay mechanisms and often the inherent composition of the materials themselves. Sandstone varies considerably but they all…

Abstract

Purpose

Deterioration in natural stone is associated with many decay mechanisms and often the inherent composition of the materials themselves. Sandstone varies considerably but they all require a cementing matrix to bind amongst others, the silica (SiO2) particles together (Reading, 1989). In calcareous sandstones and limestones this binding matrix is principally calcium carbonate based (Muir, 2006; Reading, 1989; McMillan et al., 1999) in the form of calcite (CaCO3). Friable sandstone substrates and stones suffering from “surface dissolution” or disaggregation (Muir, 2006; Smith et al., 1992) have been traditionally consolidated utilising a host of chemical compounds that had, in many cases negative effects on their long-term performance (Muir, 2006). A principle issue amongst many was moisture entrapment and irreversibility of the consolidants adopted. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the effect of microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) as a natural treatment for the conservation of historic natural stone substrates. Sporosarcina pasteurii has been proven as a bacterium that can perform MICP effectively in extreme conditions making it the preferred bacterium for the MICP process within this study. Surface treatment experiments were analysed by measuring the mass increase and surface changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Findings

The surface treatments showed a noticeable mass increase and observable deposition when viewed using a SEM microscope. Bio cementation of loose sand particles was observed and the degree of cementation was determined using a Moh's hardness test.

Research limitations/implications

Recommendations for further work to improve this study are: use an increased Sporosarcina pasteurii cell optical density which would provide a greater calcite output. Carry out a paired comparison initial surface absorption test (BS 1881: Part 208, 1996 or ASTM C 1585-04, 2004). To be carried out on untreated control and MICP samples which would determine the pore blocking effect and surface repair capability of the treated samples.

Practical implications

A method for obtaining optimal results in terms of surface treatment would involve reducing the time between mixing and application, this would require having the two reaction constituents mixed only seconds before use. Using a late mix spray application system has the potential to allow the two mixtures to combine in the spray nozzle whilst exiting the apparatus.

Originality/value

This paper investigates a safe, natural process for stone repair.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2023

Hong-Feng Li, Jun Sun, Xiao-Yong Wang, Lei-Lei Xing and Guang-Zhu Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to add expanded perlite (EP) immobilized microorganisms that replace part of the standard sand in mortar to improve the self-healing ability of mortar…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add expanded perlite (EP) immobilized microorganisms that replace part of the standard sand in mortar to improve the self-healing ability of mortar cracks and reduce the water absorption of mortar after healing.

Design/methodology/approach

Bacillus pseudofirmus spores were immobilized with EP particles as self-healing agents. The effects of adding self-healing agents on the compressive strength of mortar specimens were observed. The ability of mortar specimens to heal cracks was evaluated using crack microscopic observation and water absorption experiments. The filler at the cracks was microscopically analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction experiments.

Findings

First, the internal curing effect of EP promotes the hydration of cement in mortar, which generates more amount and denser crystal structure of Ca(OH)2 at mortar cracks and improves the self-healing ability of mortar. Second, the self-healing ability of mortar improves with the increase of self-healing agent admixture. Adding a self-healing agent of high admixture makes the planar undulation of calcite crystal accumulation at mortar cracks more significant. Finally, the initial crack widths that can be completely healed by adding EP and self-healing agents to the mortar are 200 µm and 600 µm, respectively.

Originality/value

The innovation points of this study are as follows. (1) The mechanism of the internal curing effect of EP particles on the self-healing ability of mortar cracks was revealed by crack microscopic observation tests and microscopic experiments. (2) The effect of different self-healing agent amounts on the self-healing ability of mortar cracks has been studied. (3) The effects of EP particles and self-healing agents on healing different initial widths were elucidated by crack microscopic observation tests.

Graphical abstract

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2017

Milad Soleimani and Mohsen Shahandashti

Bioconcrete is widely believed to be environmentally beneficial over conventional concrete. However, the process of bioconcrete production involves several steps, such as waste…

Abstract

Purpose

Bioconcrete is widely believed to be environmentally beneficial over conventional concrete. However, the process of bioconcrete production involves several steps, such as waste recovery and treatment, that potentially present significant environmental impacts. Existing life-cycle assessments of bioconcrete are limited in the inventory and impact analysis; therefore, they do not consider all the steps involved in concrete production and the corresponding impacts. The purpose of this study is to extensively study the cradle-to-gate environmental impacts of all the production stages of two most common bioconcrete types (i.e. sludge-based bioconcrete and cement kiln dust-rice husk ash (CKD-RHA) bioconcrete) as opposed to conventional concrete.

Design/methodology/approach

A cradle-to-gate life-cycle assessment process model is implemented to systematically analyze and quantify the resources consumed and the environmental impacts caused by the production of bioconcrete as opposed to the production of conventional concrete. The impacts analyzed in this assessment include global warming potential, ozone depletion potential, eutrophication, acidification, ecotoxicity, smog, fossil fuel use, human toxicity, particulate air and water consumption.

Findings

The results indicated that sludge-based bioconcrete had higher levels of global warming potential, eutrophication, acidification, ecotoxicity, fossil fuel use, human toxicity and particulate air than both conventional concrete and CKD-RHA bioconcrete.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study to the state of knowledge is that it sheds light on the hidden impacts of bioconcrete. The contribution to the state of practice is that the results of this study inform the bioconcrete production designers about the production processes with the highest impact.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2020

Davinder Singh and Gurwinder Singh

The purpose of this paper is to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing Six Sigma framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing Six Sigma framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for effective implementation of Six Sigma using analytical hierarchy process (AHP).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a significant number of small and medium manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed to ascertain the contributions made by CSFs toward successful deployment of Six Sigma. The evaluation and the ranking of the CSFs among others, as well as on an individual level have been worked out using AHP.

Findings

The research study reveals that 13 CSFs have scored 75.9% in the success index, which is a significant figure to consider the importance, as well as their contribution toward successful implementation of Six Sigma in Indian SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The study mainly remains confined to the CSFs for Six Sigma implementation in SMEs from Indian subcontinent.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the knowledge of academicians, practitioners and project managers by providing an insight into the evolution of the CSFs for implementing Six Sigma paradigms in Indian SMEs. The study drastically reduces implementation hassles and simplifies execution for empirical studies. The findings are not restricted to India but are generalizable and can globally used in deciding determinants of Six Sigma framework.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2021

Sathish K. R. and T. Ananthapadmanabha

This paper aims to propose, the multi-objective method for optimal planning and operation of distributed generators (DGs) on distribution system (DS) using hybrid technique is…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose, the multi-objective method for optimal planning and operation of distributed generators (DGs) on distribution system (DS) using hybrid technique is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hybrid technique denotes hybrid wrapper of black widow optimization algorithm (BWOA) and bear smell search algorithm (BSSA). BWOA accelerates the convergence speed with combination of the search strategy of BSSA; hence, it is named as improved black widow-bear smell search algorithm (IBWBSA) technique.

Findings

The multiple-objective operation denotes reducing generation cost, power loss, voltage deviation with optimally planning and operating the DS. For setting up the DG units on DS, IBWBSA technique is equipped to simultaneously reconfigure and find the optimal areas.

Originality/value

In this planning model, the constraints are power balance, obvious power flow limit, bus voltage, distribution substation’s capacity and cost. Then, proposed multiple-objective hybrid method to plan electrical distribution scheme is executed in the MATLAB/Simulink work site.

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: 10 April 2007

Lola Peach Martins

The intention of this research paper is to shed light on the key factors influencing the human resource management (HRM) performance of first tier managers (FTMs), and the vital…

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Abstract

Purpose

The intention of this research paper is to shed light on the key factors influencing the human resource management (HRM) performance of first tier managers (FTMs), and the vital importance that a holistic strategic framework can have in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

The research paper uses an up‐to‐date historical approach and, additionally, draws on detailed case study evidence from an aerospace manufacturing/engineering company via manually and electronically analysed in‐depth semi‐structured interview and company documentation.

Findings

The case study findings reveal that the FTM's HRM performance is greatly influenced by a group of four key factors, and their interrelationships.

Research limitations/implications

The literature survey was mainly industry‐specific (manufacturing), and the sample was restricted to one sector (aerospace), as well as one case study organisation. Furthermore, the views of FTMs' staff are not directly represented.

Originality/value

The FTMs' HRM role shows no signs of abating; in addition, questions regarding their performance of this role have increasingly emerged. This has become more evident as organisations have continued to expand the FTMs' role by devolving greater HRM responsibilities to them, and their performance of the role demonstrates that many FTMs are ill equipped to perform their HRM duties to the required standard. However, the vital importance that a holistic strategic framework (which encompasses the four key factors influencing their performance) can have on their performance of this role is not acknowledged. The present research paper, gives an empirical example of a case study, and therefore provides a springboard to address the weakness in the literature.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 45 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2023

S. Leanne Keddie and Michel Magnan

This paper aims to examine how the use of environmental, social and governance (ESG) incentives intersects with top management power and various corporate governance mechanisms to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the use of environmental, social and governance (ESG) incentives intersects with top management power and various corporate governance mechanisms to affect excess annual cash bonus compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a novel artificial intelligence (AI) technique to obtain data about ESG incentives use by firms in the S&P 500. The authors test the hypotheses with an endogenous treatment-regression and a contrast test.

Findings

When the top management team has power and uses ESG incentives, there is a 32% reduction in excess annual cash bonuses implying ESG incentives are an effective corporate governance tool. However, nuanced analyses reveal that when powerful management teams with ESG incentives are from environmentally sensitive industries, have a corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee or have long-term view institutional shareholders, they derive excess bonuses.

Practical implications

Stakeholders will better understand management’s motivations for the inclusion of ESG incentives in executive compensation contracts and be able to identify situations which require closer scrutiny.

Social implications

Given the increased popularity of ESG incentives, society, regulators, boards of directors and management teams will be interested in better understanding when these incentives might be effective and when they might be abused.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the use of ESG incentives in relation to excess pay. The authors contribute to both the CSR and executive compensation literatures. The work also uses a new methodological technique using AI to gather difficult-to-obtain data, opening new avenues for research.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2021

Haobo Yu, Zimo Li, Yeyin Xia, Yameng Qi, Yingchao Li, Qiaoping Liu and Changfeng Chen

This paper aims to investigate the anti-biocorrosion performance and mechanism of the Cu-bearing carbon steel in the environment containing sulfate-reducing bacterial (SRB).

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the anti-biocorrosion performance and mechanism of the Cu-bearing carbon steel in the environment containing sulfate-reducing bacterial (SRB).

Design/methodology/approach

The biocorrosion behavior of specimens with Cu concentration of 0 Wt.%, 0.1 Wt.%, 0.3 Wt.% and 0.6 Wt.% were investigated by immersion test in SRB solution. By examining the prepared cross-section of the biofilm using focused ion beam microscopy, SRB distribution, bacterial morphology, biofilm structure and composition were determined. The ion selectivity of the biofilm was also obtained by membrane potential measurement. Moreover, the anti-biocorrosion performance of the Cu-bearing carbon steel pipeline was tested in a shale gas field in Chongqing, China.

Findings

Both the results of the laboratory test and shale gas field test indicate that Cu-bearing carbon steel possesses obvious resistance to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The SRB, corrosion rate and pitting depth decreased dramatically with Cu concentration in the substrate. The local acidification caused by hydrolyze of ferric ion coming from SRB metabolism and furtherly aggravated by anion selectivity biofilm promoted the pitting corrosion. Anti-biocorrosion of Cu-bearing carbon steel was attributed to the accumulation of Cu compounds in the biofilm and the weaker anion selectivity of the biofilm. This research results provide an approach to the development of economical antibacterial metallic material.

Originality/value

MIC occurs extensively and has become one of the most frequent reasons for corrosion-induced failure in the oil and gas industry. In this study, Cu-bearing carbon steel was obtained by Cu addition in carbon steel and possessed excellent anti-biocorrosion property both in the laboratory and shale gas field. This study provides an approach to the development of an economical antibacterial carbon steel pipeline to resist MIC.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 68 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

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