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Article
Publication date: 23 November 2022

Suhair Alkilani and Martin Loosemore

This research uses contingency theory and Venkatraman’s concept of moderating fit to explore how key project stakeholders (clients, consultants and suppliers) influence project…

Abstract

Purpose

This research uses contingency theory and Venkatraman’s concept of moderating fit to explore how key project stakeholders (clients, consultants and suppliers) influence project performance from the perspective of small and medium contractors in the Jordanian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An anonymous structured survey was performed comprising 200 key informants including senior project managers, construction managers, engineers and general managers working for small- and medium-sized contractors in the Jordanian construction industry. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results of this study show that consultant-related factors (quality of documentation produced, ability to communicate and technical competencies) are perceived to have the most significant direct effect on project performance, followed by client-related factors (payment promptness, decision certainty and documentation control) and supplier-related factors (supplier performance, defects control and logistics management).

Originality/value

The results contribute new theoretical, empirical and practical insights to existing construction project performance research by highlighting the key performance factors which need to be managed for each stakeholder group to ensure effective project performance from a small- and medium-sized contractor perspective.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Obsessive Measurement Disorder or Pragmatic Bureaucracy?
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-377-3

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 January 2024

Mauro Cavallone, Andrea Pozzi, Philipp Wassler and Rocco Palumbo

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the supply and demand of marketing and communication consulting services and evaluate actual and perceived gaps.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the supply and demand of marketing and communication consulting services and evaluate actual and perceived gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses two different datasets to assess the gap. The supply database comes from desk research carried out in the province of Bergamo (n. 159 consulting agencies). The demand dates are the results of 100 structured interviews with local companies that requested marketing and communication consulting services both inside and outside the province.

Findings

Findings show that there is no significant shortage in local service supply. Nonetheless, a limited gap exists between the provision of specific services and their overall quality. Conversely, the perceived gap is wider, leading to an impression of scarce availability – a notion disproven by the analysis of the actual supply.

Practical implications

The study suggests that local agencies may overcome their “myopic” attitude and need to increase their visibility, competencies and expertise by investing in these areas and improving networking.

Originality/value

There are no previous studies that compare the supply and demand for marketing and communication consulting services. The paper also provides insights into actual and perceived gaps in a hypercompetitive environment.

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2023

Sulafa Badi

This study explores the role of organisational culture in promoting collective coping strategies in construction project teams in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Three collective…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the role of organisational culture in promoting collective coping strategies in construction project teams in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Three collective coping strategies were examined, including problem-focused, relationship-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

O'Reilly et al.’s (1991) organisational culture profile (OCP) assessed organisational culture values. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from practitioners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) construction organisations.

Findings

The findings show a high correlation between competitiveness culture values and problem-focused team coping strategy. Relationship-focused team coping strategy was found to have a high correlation with emphasis on rewards and performance orientation values. Conversely, an emotion-focused team coping strategy correlates highly with competitiveness, supportiveness and emphasis on rewards cultural values.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional design of the survey and the UAE context may present limits to the generalisability of findings.

Practical implications

Limited attempts have been made to study collective coping in construction project teams. The study paves the path for exploring emergent socio-psychological concepts in construction organisations, including the impact of organisational culture on team collective coping with adverse events.

Originality/value

Understanding the pivotal impact of culture on successful team coping provides managers with valuable insights into managing situational adversity in construction project teams.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 February 2024

Irene Skovgaard-Smith

The purpose of the paper is to propose a shift from the ideal of immersion to a practice of “committed localism” in the ethnographic study of relational work in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to propose a shift from the ideal of immersion to a practice of “committed localism” in the ethnographic study of relational work in the post-bureaucratic and service-based economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on ethnographic fieldwork following management consultancy projects in a hospital and a manufacturing company in Denmark. The approach was predicated on committed attention to the everyday of consultancy work activities and associated relational dynamics. This involved being present at the client sites, observing and listening in concrete situations of interaction and engaging in conversations with the multiple actors involved, both external consultants and members of client organisations.

Findings

The paper shows how “committed localism” was practiced in the ethnographic study of management consultancy as it is relationally accomplished in and through concrete situations of interaction between consultants and different actors in client organizations and the associated meaning production of the involved actors.

Originality/value

The paper develops the notion of “committed localism”, originally introduced by George Marcus, into a methodological concept to challenge the conventional ideal of immersion as the hallmark of “proper” ethnography. Such a shift is particularly pertinent for the ethnographic study of relational processes involving multiple actors occupying different positions in the temporary social spaces of contemporary workplaces.

Details

Journal of Organizational Ethnography, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6749

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 21 February 2024

James D. Spina

Abstract

Details

Becoming a Management Consultant
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-039-1

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2024

Nanda Kumar Karippur, Pushpa Rani Balaramachandran and Elvin John

This paper aims at identifying the key factors influencing the adoption intention of data analytics for predictive maintenance (PdM) from the lens of the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims at identifying the key factors influencing the adoption intention of data analytics for predictive maintenance (PdM) from the lens of the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework in the Singapore Process Industries context. The research model aids practitioners and researchers in developing a holistic maintenance strategy for large-scale asset-heavy process industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The TOE framework has been used in this study to consider a wide set of TOE factors and develop a research model with the support of literature. A survey is undertaken and the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique is adopted to test the hypotheses of the proposed model.

Findings

This research highlights the significant roles of digital infrastructure readiness, security and privacy, top management support, organizational competence, partnership with external consultants and government support in influencing adoption intention of data analytics for PdM. Perceived challenges related to organizational restructuring and process automation are not found significant in influencing the adoption intention.

Practical implications

This paper reports valuable insights on adoption intention of data analytics for PdM with relevant implications for the various stakeholders such as the leaders and senior managers of process manufacturing industry companies, government agencies, technology consultants and service providers.

Originality/value

This research uniquely validates the model for the adoption of data analytics for PdM in the process industries using the TOE framework. It reveals the significant technology, organizational and environmental factors influencing the adoption intention and highlights the relevant insights and implications for stakeholders.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2023

Haitham Alajmani, Salma Ahmed and Sameh Monir El-Sayegh

This paper aims to measure the severity, frequency and importance of the factors causing delays in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) construction industry following the Covid-19…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the severity, frequency and importance of the factors causing delays in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) construction industry following the Covid-19 pandemic onset. The study also measures the likelihood of the effects caused by these delays.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed approach of both qualitative and quantitative. Literature review was conducted to extract 40 factors of delays and 10 effects of delays. A survey was then administered to construction professionals in the UAE to collect the perceptions on the severity and frequency of factors of the causes of delays using a Likert Scale of 1–5 where 1 represented very low and 5 represented very high. Similarly, the respondents were also asked to rate the likelihood of the occurrence of the effects of the delays based on a Likert scale of 1–5 as well. Furthermore, Spearman’s rank correlation was also conducted to compute the level of agreement between the different parties; owner, consultants and contractors.

Findings

The results revealed that the top five factors of delays include: award the project for the lowest bidder, delay in progress payment, change orders by the owner, poor subcontractor performance and inadequate planning and scheduling by the contractor. The findings of this study emphasize the financial challenges and economic crisis brought upon the construction industry due to the pandemic. Furthermore, the pandemic also shifted the perceptions of construction professionals, who are now more aware of the delays caused by awarding the project to the lowest bidder who would not have the required qualifications to conduct efficient planning and scheduling that are relevant in the case of extraordinary events such as Covid-19. Moreover, a high level of agreement between the consultants and contractors was observed, with a Spearman’s rank correlation of 0.804. Additionally, the most likely effects of delays concluded from this study were time overrun/extension and poor quality of work.

Originality/value

Literature review is very rich in the field of construction projects delays. However, there is very limited research on the impact of Covid-19 in the context of construction projects delays, and insights from construction professionals regarding this matter are particularly lacking in literature. Therefore, this paper bridges the gap in literature by providing perceptions of construction professionals on the impact of Covid-19 on the factors causing delays in the UAE construction industry. The findings of this research are expected to be an invaluable resource for future to help the construction industry heal faster when encountering similar epidemics or extraordinary events.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Becoming a Management Consultant
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-039-1

Abstract

Details

Becoming a Management Consultant
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-039-1

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