Search results

1 – 10 of 20
Article
Publication date: 28 August 2023

Gao Shang, Low Sui Pheng and Benjamin Peh Kah Fai

Traditional construction materials and methodologies are often perceived to be unproductive, labour-intensive and detrimental to the environment. Mass-engineered timber (MET) is a…

Abstract

Purpose

Traditional construction materials and methodologies are often perceived to be unproductive, labour-intensive and detrimental to the environment. Mass-engineered timber (MET) is a new structural material that is capable of overcoming numerous issues that otherwise affect the built environment. This study was formulated to assess the current attitude and perception of young Singaporeans towards the concept of Engineered Timber Residential Buildings (ETRBs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the mixed-method approach. Questionnaires were used as the primary mode of data gathering. These were disseminated to Singaporeans between the age of 18 and 35 years. A total of 179 valid responses were gathered. Semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted with six individuals with different demographics in order to gain further insightful opinions and to allow cross validation of responses.

Findings

Statistical analysis revealed that 80% of respondents were willing to accept ETRBs, but a lack of awareness and knowledge of MET and the presence of misconceptions, such as an association with deforestation, may present concerns. The study also revealed that individual acceptance of ETRBs is not affected by demographics.

Originality/value

The production of MET involves lower overall carbon emissions than that of conventional materials, and this also allows adoption of the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) concept and offers the benefit of carbon sequestration. Residential buildings are the second most common building type in Singapore; significant benefits can be gained if MET is used as the primary material for residential buildings. In general, young stakeholders in Singapore welcome the concept of ETRBs, despite possessing uncertainties about ETRBs—understandable given that the material lacks a track record of usage. Public authorities are thus advised to explore the feasibility of materialising the concept of ETRBs as an option for public housing.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 April 2023

Gao Shang, Low Sui Pheng and Roderick Low Zhong Xia

The construction industry has arrived at a crossroads of rapid technological progress. While it is foreseen that the advent of new construction technologies will disrupt the…

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry has arrived at a crossroads of rapid technological progress. While it is foreseen that the advent of new construction technologies will disrupt the construction industry’s future, such disruptions often create the ideal environment for innovation. As poor payment practices continue to plague the construction industry, the advent of smart contracts has created an opportunity to rectify the inherent flaws in the mitigation of payment problems in traditional construction contracts. Given the intrinsic resistance of construction firms to such revolutionary changes, this study aims to understand the various factors influencing the adoption of smart contracts in the Singapore construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method was adopted involving quantifying respondents’ perceptions of the factors influencing smart contract adoption, and validation from a group of interviewees on the matter. Out of 461 registered quantity surveyor members contacted via the Singapore institute of surveyors and valuers website, 55 respondents took part in the survey. This is followed by semi-structured interviews to validate the survey results.

Findings

The findings indicate that construction firms have neither a significant knowledge of nor willingness to adopt smart contracts. A total of 29 institutional factors were also identified that significantly influence the adoption of smart contracts. The quantitative findings were further reinforced by qualitative interviews with five industry experts.

Originality/value

With recognition of and the successful formulation of the significant institutional drivers and barriers, the key findings of this study will be integral in driving the commercial adoption of smart contracts within the construction industry.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2023

Gao Shang, Sui Pheng Low and Xin Ying Valen Lim

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and differing attitudes towards its adoption in the building and environment (B&E) industry has an impact upon whether companies can meet…

1010

Abstract

Purpose

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and differing attitudes towards its adoption in the building and environment (B&E) industry has an impact upon whether companies can meet changing demand and remain relevant and competitive. The emergence of Industry 4.0 technologies, coupled with the repercussions of COVID-19, increases the urgency and opportunities offered that companies must react to, as disruptive technologies impact how project management (PM) professionals work and necessitate acquisition of new skills. This paper attempts to identify the drivers of and barriers to, as well as the general perception and receptiveness of local PM professionals towards, AI adoption in PM and thereby propose potential strategies and recommendations to drive AI adoption in PM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine the findings gathered. A survey questionnaire was used as the primary method of gathering quantitative data from 60 local PM professionals. Statistical tests were performed to analyse the data. To substantiate and validate the findings, in-depth interviews with several experienced industry professionals were performed.

Findings

It is found that top drivers include support from top management and leadership, organisational readiness and the need for greater work productivity and efficiency. Top barriers were found to be the high cost of AI implementation and maintenance and the lack of top-down support and skilled employees trained in AI. These findings could be attributed to the present state of AI technologies being new and considerably underutilised in the industry. Hence, substantial top-down support with the right availability of resources and readiness, both in terms of cost and skilled employees, is paramount to kick-start AI implementation in PM.

Originality/value

Little research has been done on the use of AI in PM locally. AI's potential to improve the productivity and efficiency of PM processes in the B&E industry cannot be overlooked. An understanding of the drivers of, barriers to and attitudes towards AI adoption can facilitate more intentional and directed oversight of AI's strategic roll-out at both the governmental and corporate levels and thus mitigate potential challenges that may hinder the implementation process in the future.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2022

Edson Neves da Silva, Luiz Carlos Brasil de Brito Mello and Gustavo Oliveira Pinto

This paper aims to evaluate the current level of knowledge about lean construction (LC) practices in construction companies, universities and class organizations in Brazil and…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the current level of knowledge about lean construction (LC) practices in construction companies, universities and class organizations in Brazil and identify the barriers to implementing LC in the Brazilian construction industry and prioritize them through comparison with global challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This multiple case study was carried out through a questionnaire answered by 56 construction companies, 15 universities and 10 professional associations. The questionnaire evaluation allowed the authors to determine the level of knowledge about the LC, its adoption and barriers to its adoption in the Brazilian industry. The results were statistically analyzed using the weighted average (MIS) of results using the Kruskal–Wallis test, which compares sample distribution among groups, and Cronbach’s alpha test to measure the questionnaire reliability.

Findings

This study points to universities as the main ones responsible for the low adoption of LC in Brazil and points to the need for an integrated action among construction companies, universities and class organizations to overcome the traditional project management culture and raise the level of knowledge about LC.

Originality/value

This study evaluated the current LC situation in an emerging country, Brazil, and compared it with the principal international challenges observed in studies of other developing countries – China, India, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Singapore – least developed countries – Bangladesh and Nigeria – and developed country – UK. These studies evaluated construction companies located in the listed countries. Based on that, 22 international challenges were established for the LC adoption. Additionally, this research also evaluated universities and working-class organizations in addition to construction companies. This addition can contribute to a better result understanding that can be explored by Brazil and other countries.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 23 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 October 2021

Tirivavi Moyo and Benviolent Chigara

Increased waste during projects execution has led to time and cost overruns within the Zimbabwean construction projects industry. However, contextual barriers to lean construction…

Abstract

Purpose

Increased waste during projects execution has led to time and cost overruns within the Zimbabwean construction projects industry. However, contextual barriers to lean construction implementation are yet to be established for derivation of effective remedies. The purpose of this paper is to report on a study that sought to determine barriers to lean construction implementation and assess the existence of statistically significant differences because of gender, designation and educational levels of respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was administered on construction professionals for the collection of quantitative data. Factor analysis was used to reveal interrelated significant sets of barriers to lean construction implementation. Non-parametric statistical methods were also used to determine significant differences because of demographic variables.

Findings

Integration- and performance-related, human capital management–related, quality management–related barriers were determined as the highest-ranked of the nine significant components. Significant differences because of gender, designation and educational levels were non-existent for aggregated barriers, generally indicating consensus on the barriers. However, individual barriers showed inadequacies in management requirements for lean construction implementation from architects and those with diplomas and degrees.

Research limitations/implications

The determination of barriers establishes the knowledge for construction policy evaluation for enhanced performance of the construction industry. However, because of the exploratory nature of this study, the insights of clients were not considered.

Originality/value

Context-specific barriers to lean construction implementation were determined for consequent construction policy improvements in the construction industry.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2023

Ishara Rathnayake, Pournima Sridarran, Mahesh Abeynayake and Shashini Jayakodi

The creation of occupant satisfaction can be reached through the involvement of building performance mandates (BPMs) while enhancing the functionality of buildings. BPMs comprise…

Abstract

Purpose

The creation of occupant satisfaction can be reached through the involvement of building performance mandates (BPMs) while enhancing the functionality of buildings. BPMs comprise five mandates namely, spatial performance, thermal performance, indoor air quality performance, acoustic performance, and visual performance. BPMs have been recognized as a vital element when refurbishing post-fire apparel buildings. However, the evaluation of post-fire refurbishment projects is mainly focused on mechanical and physical properties while ignoring the BPMs. Further, there is insufficient literature on the BPMs in post-fire building refurbishment. Hence, the purpose of this research is to identify the importance of BPMs, and its challenges and propose strategies to enhance the building performance of post-fire refurbished apparel manufacturing buildings in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted by involving a qualitative research approach. An extensive literature review and eighteen semi-structured interviews under three fire-affected apparel cases were involved as data collection methods and collected data were analyzed using content analysis.

Findings

Findings highlighted the procedure of post-fire refurbishment and the importance of BPMs for apparel buildings to enhance building performance in post-fire situations. The research identified 42 challenges encountered in maintaining BPMs of post-fire refurbished apparel buildings and provided 70 strategies to overcome the identified challenges.

Originality/value

This study offers a comprehensive analysis of challenges in maintaining BPMs and strategies to overcome the identified challenges which facilitate enhancing the performance of post-fire refurbished apparel buildings in Sri Lanka.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2022

Gholamreza Dehdasht, M. Salim Ferwati, Saeed Reza Mohandes, Luai El-Sabek and David John Edwards

Proper identification of the key motivating factors (or key drivers) is needed to ensure successful adaption and implementation of the lean concept for construction projects…

Abstract

Purpose

Proper identification of the key motivating factors (or key drivers) is needed to ensure successful adaption and implementation of the lean concept for construction projects. However, there lacks a study investigating the complex interrelationships existing among the key drivers contributing to Sustainable and Successful Lean Construction (SSLC) implementation for such projects. To address this shortcoming, this study aims to uncover the main critical key drivers towards the implementation of SSLC for the very first time by capturing the complexity of this vexing problem.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a new hybrid framework is developed through the integration of Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Social Network Analysis (SNA). The novel developed framework is called the DSNA approach.

Findings

Considering the case of Malaysian construction projects, the developed DSNA gives the following major outcomes: (1) Most important critical key drivers are seen to be optimization, continuous improvement, and, improve company culture, and (2) For SSLC adoption, the critical drivers impacting other key drivers are seen to be “improve teamwork”, “reduce leadership conflict”, and “improve company culture”, thereby demanding more attention.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this study give insight for decisions and policymakers in the construction industry regarding critical key drivers and their complex interrelationships towards the further adoption of SSLC, promoting the sustainability paradigm within the respective sector.

Originality/value

This paper not only presents a list of critical drivers and the corresponding association among them towards SSLC adoption, but also proposes DSNA as a novel approach for uncovering the complex interrelationship existing in an intricate problem, improving the intricate process of decision-making.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2022

Bashir Tijani, Xiao-Hua Jin and Robert Osei-Kyei

Architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) project organizations are under constant pressure to improve the mental health of project management practitioners (PMPs) due to…

Abstract

Purpose

Architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) project organizations are under constant pressure to improve the mental health of project management practitioners (PMPs) due to complexity and dynamism involved in project management practices. Drawing on institutional theory, this research explores how external environmental factors, political factors, economic factors, social factors, technological factors, environmental factors and legal factors (PESTEL), influence mental health management indicators that contribute to positive mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling method was used to collect survey data from 82 PMPs in 60 AEC firms in Australia. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses based on 82 items of data collected from PMPs.

Findings

Overall, this study revealed interesting findings on the impact of external environmental factors on mental health. The hypothesized positive association between political factors and mental health management indicators was rejected. The data supported the proposed hypothetical correlation between economic factors and mental health management indicators and the influence of social factors on mental health management indicators. Moreover, a hypothetical relationship between technological factors and mental health management indicators was supported. The significant positive impact of environmental factors on mental health management indicators proposed was supported, and legal factors’ positive correlation on mental health management indicators was also supported.

Originality/value

Despite the limitations, the present findings suggest that all the external environment factors except political factors shape mental health management outcomes.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Kai Zhang, Lingfei Chen and Xinmiao Zhou

Under the trend of global economic integration and the new context of stagflation, frequent fluctuations in international interest rates are exerting far-reaching impacts on the…

Abstract

Purpose

Under the trend of global economic integration and the new context of stagflation, frequent fluctuations in international interest rates are exerting far-reaching impacts on the world economy. In this paper, the transmission mechanism of the impact of fluctuations in international interest rates (specifically, the American interest rate) on the bankruptcy risk in China's pillar industry, the construction industry (which is also sensitive to interest rates), is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an improved contingent claims analysis, the bankruptcy risk of enterprises is calculated in this paper. Additionally, an individual fixed-effects model is developed to investigate the mediating effects of international interest rates on the bankruptcy risk in the Chinese construction industry. The heterogeneity of subindustries in the industrial chain and the impact of China's energy consumption structure are also analysed in this paper.

Findings

The findings show that fluctuations in international interest rates, which affect the bankruptcy risk of China's construction industry, are mainly transmitted through two major pathways, namely, commodity price effects and exchange rate effects. In addition, the authors examine the important impact of China's energy consumption structure on risk transmission and assess the transmission and sharing of risks within the industrial chain.

Originality/value

First, in the research field, the study of international interest rate risk is extended to domestic-oriented industries. Second, in terms of the research content, this paper is focused on China-specific issues, including the significant influence of China's energy consumption structure characteristics and the risk contagion (and risk sharing) as determined by the current development of the Chinese construction industry. Third, in terms of research methods a modified contingent claim analysis approach to bankruptcy risk indicators is adopted for this study, thus overcoming the problems of data frequency, market sentiment and financial data fraud, which are issues that are ignored by most relevant studies.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Mughees Aslam, Edmund Baffoe-Twum and Sohail Malik

Lean construction (LC) is an innovative approach in the construction industry that has shown significant success in developed countries. Although LC has potential in the…

Abstract

Purpose

Lean construction (LC) is an innovative approach in the construction industry that has shown significant success in developed countries. Although LC has potential in the construction sector of Pakistan, it has not been extensively explored. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by identifying and predicting current lean practices and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of LC implementation in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using robust statistical methods to analyze 92 valid responses, the study reveals that approximately 54% of lean practices are currently in use in the construction industry of Pakistan, with a population mean ranging from 52.7% to 55.6%.

Findings

Surprisingly, the research identifies instances where some construction firms in Pakistan are implementing LC practices, even though they have only a limited understanding of its underlying principles. Notably, certain subprinciples, such as visual management, top management commitment to change, employee training, process cycle time reduction and production optimization, are less integrated within the construction industry. Exploring the possibility of implementing LC, recommendations for strategies to implement LC in Pakistan are suggested, aligning with the conceptual model proposed by the researchers.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work offers insights that can serve as a comprehensive guide for developing nations. It provides a structured approach to assess and benchmark LC practices, which, in turn, can contribute to a more efficient and effective construction industry. Moreover, the strategies proposed in this research can aid developing countries in the efficient implementation of LC. This will have a positive implication for both economic and developmental outcomes.

Details

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

Keywords

1 – 10 of 20