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Article
Publication date: 26 January 2010

Lavagnon A. Ika, Amadou Diallo and Denis Thuillier

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the empirical relationship between project management (PM) efforts (the extent to which national project coordinators (NPCs) – the project

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the empirical relationship between project management (PM) efforts (the extent to which national project coordinators (NPCs) – the project managers in the aid industry sector – make use of available PM tools), project success, and success criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by way of questionnaires delivered by mail to 600 recipients in 26 different countries in Africa.

Findings

The research results suggest that project success is insensitive to the level of project planning efforts but a significant correlation does exist between the use of monitoring and evaluation tools and project “profile,” a success criterion which is an early pointer of project long‐term impact.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to PM research by exploring the relationship between the use of PM tools and project success in the non‐traditional PM – although project oriented – aid industry sector. The paper highlights self‐perceptions of NPCs and should not be interpreted in other ways.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the importance of PM tools in practice. Further, it suggests that NPCs (who are in fact only involved in project execution) put a lot of effort into monitoring and evaluation. In so doing, they strive to ensure project performance and accountability throughout project lifecycle, and this contributes to project “profile.”

Originality/value

This is the first study that offers insights into the relationship between PM efforts and project success in the aid industry sector. The paper calls for further research on PM practices in the aid industry sector where projects remain important instruments for aid delivery.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 March 2012

Godwin Idoro

The prominent role of traditional contract and design‐build methods in the procurement of projects and the importance of planning in the success of the projects prompt this study…

1622

Abstract

Purpose

The prominent role of traditional contract and design‐build methods in the procurement of projects and the importance of planning in the success of the projects prompt this study. The study evaluates the levels of use of project documents and their influence on the outcome of projects procured by the two methods. The purpose of this paper is to assist stakeholders in comparing the documents prepared and the performance of projects procured by traditional contract and design‐build methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a questionnaire survey approach to achieve its purpose. A field survey of 84 projects made up of 42 traditional contract projects and 42 design‐build projects selected by purposive sampling was conducted. Three categories of variables namely: procurement method, project planning and project outcome were used. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaires and analysed to derive and compare the levels of use of selected project plans, levels of project inception, design, tendering, construction and overall planning in projects procured by traditional contract and design‐build methods using percentage, mean and t‐test.

Findings

The results reveal that the levels of project stage and overall planning in projects procured by the two methods investigated are the same. However, the levels of use of specific plans and project outcome in the two categories of projects are significantly different. The study considers the difference in the levels of use of project plans to be responsible for the lower delivery time and cost of projects procured by traditional contract method and higher quality standards in projects procured by design‐build method.

Originality/value

The paper has revealed the level of efforts put into the planning of projects procured by traditional contract and design‐build methods and their influence on the performance of the projects. The results will make project stakeholders aware of how to improve their efforts, thereby improving the outcome of the projects.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

Hammad Abdullah Al Nasseri, Kristian Widen and Radhlinah Aulin

The implementation and control processes of project planning and scheduling involve a wide range of methods and tools. Despite the development and modification and integration of…

1946

Abstract

Purpose

The implementation and control processes of project planning and scheduling involve a wide range of methods and tools. Despite the development and modification and integration of the project management theory with newer scheduling approaches in particular, practitioners’ views on the efficiency and effectiveness of these methods and tools differ. This situation can be attributed in part to a lack of understanding of the most appropriate basis for implementing these methods and tools. This study, therefore, aims to overcome this deficiency by conceptualizing and adopting a taxonomy of planning and scheduling methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a review and discourse analysis of the literature covering a large number of theoretical and empirical studies. The underlying theories of various planning and scheduling methods were analyzed with respect to the taxonomy criteria adopted in the study.

Findings

Using the taxonomy, the key characteristics of planning and scheduling methods considered in this study were identified and interpreted. These included concepts and theories; key features; suitability and usability; and benefits and limitations. Overall, the findings suggest that project managers should consider taxonomy as a support tool for selecting and prioritizing the most appropriate method or combination of methods for managing their projects. Recommendations include the need for more advanced or multi-dimensional taxonomies to cope with the diversity of project type and size.

Originality/value

The results of the study allow project managers to improve their current practices by utilizing taxonomy when considering the implementation of planning and scheduling methods. Moreover, taxonomy can be considered as a tool to promote learning on the part of those less experienced in planning and scheduling. Taxonomy can be considered as an initial platform for further research in this area.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2012

Sander Lenferink, Jos Arts, Taede Tillema, Marcelle van Valkenburg and Roel Nijsten

Traditionally, in the Netherlands, the procurement procedure for infrastructure does not start until the public decision-making procedure is fully completed. In the new…

Abstract

Traditionally, in the Netherlands, the procurement procedure for infrastructure does not start until the public decision-making procedure is fully completed. In the new procurement strategy, early contractor involvement is applied by carrying out the procurement procedure and the public planning procedure simultaneously. This article explores the first experiences and lessons learned with early contractor involvement in four Dutch infrastructure projects. It can be concluded that the new strategy adds value in terms of time gains, improved project control and more innovative solutions. However, to optimize early contractor involvement, the differences between the competitive procurement procedures and the open, cooperative public planning procedures need to be bridged.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2017

Felix Hübner, Rebekka Volk, Anna Kühlen and Frank Schultmann

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of literature and methods that can be used for deconstruction project planning of buildings. Furthermore…

1043

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of literature and methods that can be used for deconstruction project planning of buildings. Furthermore, shortcomings of the identified planning methods are presented and research gaps are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

Requirements to consider for the planning of deconstruction projects are defined, to help in the classification of planning methods. With the help of these requirements, in a detailed literature review strategic and operational planning methods for deconstruction projects are investigated and discussed. Requirements which are not met by any of the identified planning methods can be interpreted as research and/or documentation gaps.

Findings

On the one hand, the literature review shows that recent approaches deal with planning methods for deterministic time and resource scheduling. Furthermore, project costs can be well planned by several methods. On the other hand, the literature review reveals that recent approaches mostly do not consider risks and uncertainties, environmental hazards or specific safety issues. A major shortcoming is that applied planning methods can only calculate up to a specific level of detail, e.g. with a limited number of activities, due to a very high computational effort in solving such project planning problems exactly.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that provides an overview of literature and methods for the deconstruction project planning of buildings and it is also the first study that unveils research gaps for future research. Furthermore, the classified planning methods assist in identifying suitable methods for the planning of future deconstruction projects.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1999

M. ALSHAWI and Z. HASSAN

Sharing and exchanging information between project participants are basic requirements for developing construction plans. An isolated construction planning knowledge‐based system…

Abstract

Sharing and exchanging information between project participants are basic requirements for developing construction plans. An isolated construction planning knowledge‐based system is no more useful and beneficial than any another ‘island of automation’ unless the integration with other construction applications are addressed. This paper proposes conceptual data and process models for a construction planning system, CONPLAN (Intelligent CONstruction PLANning), which works within a fully Integrated Construction Environment (ICE). An object oriented methodology (James Martin) has been used to establish generic construction models within which other construction applications can be integrated. This paper also introduces briefly the modularized approach that has been adopted to integrate the various construction applications over the project life cycle.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Batel Eshkol and Alon Eshkol

This paper aims to investigate the gap between the declarations regarding participatory planning and its actual implementation in practice within the Israeli spatial planning

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the gap between the declarations regarding participatory planning and its actual implementation in practice within the Israeli spatial planning context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the gap between theory of participatory spatial planning and its implementation in practice by a comparative analysis of three participatory case studies in the Israeli planning context. The data collected to analyze the case studies is secondary data, including previous research on the three case studies and their re-evaluation on the basis of indicators for participation.

Findings

Participatory spatial planning processes are not often implemented in the Israeli context, as they are not required by law. All the three case studies explored in this paper deal with local spatial plans at the neighborhood level, but each expresses a very different participation mode: one is a national, government-led program; the second is a residents-led opposition to a municipal plan; and the third is a third-sector initiative offering an alternative plan to an existing one. The findings suggest that there is a correlation between the initiating body, its commitment to participation and the level of success of the participatory process.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on three specific participatory spatial planning projects in Israel. Further exploration of additional participatory projects may prove useful to verify or refute the conclusions reached in this paper.

Originality/value

There is very little exploration and evaluation of participatory spatial planning processes in Israel. This paper provides a valuable, although limited, analysis, linking participatory planning theory to practice within the Israeli context.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2021

Sheila Belayutham, Rabiatul Nurul Akmar Mohamad Jaafar, Herda Balqis Ismail and Che Khairil Izam Che Ibrahim

Megaprojects are typically very expensive public-centred projects that leave little space for any mismanagement or deficient planning, which could affect the project adversely…

Abstract

Purpose

Megaprojects are typically very expensive public-centred projects that leave little space for any mismanagement or deficient planning, which could affect the project adversely. The Last Planner™ System (LPS) is a lean construction planning and control tool that functions to reduce waste and increase performance. Given the benefits, the application of the LPS in megaprojects is still scarce, especially in Malaysia. Hence, this study aims to compare the current production planning, monitoring and review practices in a megaproject with the LPS in order to explore the possibilities of adapting the LPS to the current practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This longitudinal case-based study has first explored the current practices implemented in an infrastructure megaproject, which is an urban rapid transit (URT) project, which was then compared to the standard LPS practices. The case study has adopted several research methods such as observation, interview and document review.

Findings

Findings from the study highlight that the current production planning, monitoring and review practices in the URT project mostly differs from the standard LPS practices with only slight similarities found in the major planning phases. The comparative study, which based on five reference points through master, phase, look-ahead, weekly work plan and measure, and learning has resulted in several key elements, representative of the different planning phases, such as collaborative programming, reverse planning, reliability, dependability and continuous learning.

Practical implications

This study provides an alternative perspective to rail planners, as well as other types of project planners in considering the use of the LPS to enhance the quality of planning, monitoring and review in projects. The framework that highlights the core values and key elements for the related planning phases enables project teams with no lean background to partially adapt their current practices to the LPS with minimal disruption.

Originality/value

This study first contributes to the body of knowledge, where limited study was found comparing and contrasting current production planning practices against the LPS, particularly in rail-based megaproject. The results from the comparison are the key elements representing each of the planning phases that was rooted back to the core values (teamwork, involvement and collaboration, communication and transparency, and continuous improvement) necessary to enhance the current practices.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 10 October 2017

Hans Mikkelsen and Jens O. Riis

Abstract

Details

Project Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-830-7

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2001

Y.J. Shen and D.H.T. Walker

Discusses the issue of developing a project design that adequately addresses the practicality of delivering integrated construction knowledge and experience in planning

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Abstract

Discusses the issue of developing a project design that adequately addresses the practicality of delivering integrated construction knowledge and experience in planning, engineering, procurement and field operations. There are few practical examples in the literature that explain how non‐traditional construction project procurement approaches can be utilised to organise an integrated project management system incorporating occupational health and safety (OHS), environmental management (EM) and quality management (QM) systems. Reports on a case study that helps fill that gap. Shows how the adoption of a design and construct procurement approach, together with appropriate management techniques, on a successful major freeway project in Melbourne, Australia, was driven by a sound construction planning process, and integrated the construction planning system with OHS, EM and QM systems.

Details

The TQM Magazine, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-478X

Keywords

21 – 30 of over 164000