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This paper aims to provide decision support for precast concrete contractors about both precast concrete supply chain strategies and construction configurations.

This paper proposes a simulation-based optimisation for supply chain and construction (SOSC) during the planning phase of PC building projects. The discrete event simulation is used to capture the characteristics of supply chain and construction processes, and calculate construction objectives under different plans. Particle swarm optimisation is combined with simulation to find optimal supply chain strategies and construction configurations.

The efficiency of SOSC is compared with the parametric simulation approach. Over 70 per cent of time and effort used to simulate and compare alternative plans is saved owing to SOSC.

Building simulation model costs a lot of time and effort. The data requirement of the proposed method is high.

The proposed SOSC approach can provide decision support for PC contractors by optimising supply chain strategies and construction configurations.

This paper has two contributions: one is in providing a decision support tool SOSC to optimise both supply chain strategies and construction configurations, while the other is in building a prototype of SOSC and testing it in a case study.

The purpose of the study is to explore the dominant ideas in research on the management of time in construction. The focus of research has been to improve techniques for optimising the timing and sequence of activities.

A critical review of research on construction time management, challenging the typical focus. We examine the assumptions different authors make, underline the limitations of the dominant research approaches and examine the prospects for developing a new approach to researching these issues.

The dominant approach in literature focuses on unique activity traits in construction planning and measurable patterns between time-related variables. This assumes that time in construction can be managed by changing the way activities are calculated. These approaches have not been correlated with improvement in performance. Social practice theory may help to explain how programmes figure as one of many objects used during construction.

The focus is on reviewing indicative literature from key journals in construction management. The implication is that research is needed about how such documents are used in practice, which goes further than optimising plans in theory.

Future research could focus on understanding the context of construction planning practice and shift the debate from a focus on optimisation to practice.

An interpretivist approach with a focus on how tools such as planning documents are used on site. Social practice theory may provide a clearer explanation of the place of construction planning within the practice of construction management. This could provide solutions that deal effectively with stakeholder expectations around timely completion of construction projects.

Low productivity in construction is typically blamed on the seemingly complex and chaotic nature of construction, which emerges as the stakeholders do not have an adequate picture of the evolving situation. The ever-increasing volume of situation data owing to the recent advances in IoT devices and reality capture platforms provide a unique opportunity to capture the actual situation data of construction projects accurately at a fraction of the cost compared to manual status tracking and reporting. This paper aims to investigate the concept of a situation picture, challenges in collecting situation data and its benefits.

Empirical data is collected through interviews in California and Finland, and by organizing workshops.

We contribute to literature on managing operational information by defining the concept of a situation picture in the context of construction, specifically from the blue-collar’s perspective during on-site activities. We present the key components of a conceptual information model that represents a situation picture in construction.

The applicability of conceptual information model of situation picture is not tested in practice, but the model will provide a starting point for research to comprehensively integrate social and digital information exchange for improving workflow.

The paper claims that designing and building comprehensive information management infrastructure would contribute to solving the problems of low productivity, quality and safety in construction projects.

Research on situation picture and situation awareness is scarce in the context of construction. The study links various information management technologies and practices to actual construction productivity.

This research explores the role of concrete 3D printing (C3DP) in the development of culturally appropriate housing in Indigenous Reserves in Canada through the design, building and evaluation of the Star Lodge project located in the Siksika Nation of Alberta, Canada. The project aims to assess the potential of C3DP in addressing the escalating housing demands in Indigenous communities in Canada.

The research involved a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, engaging Blackfoot Elders, Knowledge Keepers from the Siksika Nation, Siksika Housing and Nidus3D. Central to this was the design, build and documentation of the Star Lodge project to analyse the advantages and challenges, guided by weekly meetings and site visits.

The project harnessed C3DP to streamline construction, enhance durability, reduce maintenance costs and enhance the energy performance of the homes. Notable time savings were achieved compared to conventional construction methods. Challenges included developing strategies to overcome extreme cold weather conditions, achieving a consistent concrete mix and integrating conventional construction elements such as drywall construction in interiors. The project served as a platform for collaboration and community participation, shaping the design and construction process while raising awareness of innovative construction techniques in the community.

This study provides an evidence-based framework for the evaluation of C3DP technology by analysing the Star Lodge Project, the first C3DP project in Alberta and the largest of its kind in Canada. By addressing housing challenges in Indigenous communities, the research holds broader implications for sustainable development and Indigenous empowerment across Canada.

Despite advancements in construction digitalisation and alternative building technologies, cost overrun is still a challenge in the construction industry. The inflation rate is increasing, especially in developing countries, and is critical in cost overrun matters. It can deviate construction built-up rate components. This may thwart improving construction-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Studies concerning the impact of the inflation rate on construction-related SDGs are scarce in developing countries, including Nigeria. The study investigated the impact of inflation on Nigeria’s construction projects and their outcome on SDGs and suggested possible ways to improve achievement of construction-related SDGs and their targets.

The researchers employed a qualitative research design. This is because of the study’s unexplored dimension. The researchers engaged 35 participants across major cities in Nigeria via semi-structured virtual and face-to-face interviews. The research utilised a thematic method for collated data and accomplished saturation.

Findings reveal that the impact of inflation on construction projects, if not checked, could hinder achieving construction-related SDGs in Nigeria. This is because of the past three years of hyperinflation that cut across major construction components. It shows that the upward inflation rate threatens achieving construction-related SDGs and proffered measures to mitigate inflation and, by extension, enhance achieving construction-related SDGs. This includes a downward review of the Monetary Policy Rate, control of exchange rate volatility and addressing insecurity to restore FDIs and FPIs confidence.

Besides suggesting possible solutions to mitigate hyperinflation on construction components to improve achieving construction-related SDGs, findings will stipulate government policymakers put measures in place through favourable fiscal and monetary policy implementation and encourage moving from a consumption to a production nation.

This study aims to comprehensively identify supply chain risks and their causes, the factors influencing supply chain management and techniques to successfully mitigate and control supply chain risks in construction projects. This study developed a comprehensive framework showing various supply chain risks and how these risks that influence project execution are systematically identified and managed for the overall construction project success.

The research conducted was characterised by its descriptive, exploratory and quantitative nature. The collection of quantitative data was conducted by means of structured online questionnaires. The sample consisted of 205 construction project professionals who were selected randomly. This group included individuals with various roles in the construction industry, such as project managers, civil/structural engineers mechanical engineers, risk managers, architects, quantity surveyors, electrical engineers, construction managers, health, safety and environment managers, estate managers and other professionals. All participants were actively involved in construction projects located in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The data was analysed, using descriptive statistical methods, including factor analysis, reliability assessment and calculations of frequencies and percentages.

The result showed that predictable delivery, funding schedule, inventories, balanced demands, production capabilities, timely procurement, construction supply chain management coordination, delivery reliability, the proximity of suppliers, identification of supply chain risks in the conceptualisation stage of a project, identification of supply chain risks in the planning stage of a project, identification of supply chain risks in the execution stage and the reconciliation of material flows of the subcontractors with the contractors were identified as the key factors that influenced the construction supply chain management the most. The result also showed that subcontractor’s negative attitudes towards supply chain management, procurement delays, imbalanced demands, clients’ negative attitudes towards other project stakeholders, unpredictable delivery reliability, disorganised construction supply chain management approach, delayed funding, low delivery reliability, poor inventories, poor construction supply chain co-ordination, suppliers’ negative attitudes towards supply chain management and when the material flows of the subcontractors with the contractors are not reconciled were identified as the factors that have the greatest impacts on construction supply chain risks management.

For future research, it is recommended to incorporate fourth industrial revolution) such as machine learning prediction models and algorithms, Artificial intelligence and blockchain to identify and manage supply chain, supply chain risks and project stakeholders involved in supply chain in construction projects. Green construction or sustainable construction was not fully covered in this study. The findings will be beneficial for sustainable construction projects in developing countries for sustainability, although it did not extensively cover green buildings and related risks.

Supply chain risk is one of the major challenges facing the construction industry because construction projects are complex by nature involving a lot of activities and participants with different responsibilities and tasks therefore it is highly recommended to implement the proposed frameworks in this paper from the conceptualisation stage to the execution stage, carefully identifying parties involved in supply chain, supply chain management, stakeholders, tasks, activities, responsibilities and supply chain risks generated as a result of the interactions between stakeholders involved in supply chain management and coordination to realise project objectives. The findings will be a foundation for identifying and managing supply risks in sustainable buildings in developing countries.

Supply chain management is crucial in every enterprise. Managing supply chain risks is a major aspect of risk and disaster management and this implies that supply chain excellence is achievable by building communication, trust and mutual objectives, no blame culture, performance measurement, constant improvement and partnering.

The implementation of construction supply chain risk management framework involves assessing the impacts of these supply chain risks on the objectives of construction projects with respect to time, cost, safety, health, environment, stakeholders, financial performance, client satisfaction and quality.

Adaptability and integration (ADI) are the core ingredients for environmentally sustainable construction (ESC), which preserves the ecology from unsupported human activities. However, the approach is lagging in developing countries, which has led to studying the influence of ADI on the adaptive capacity of small- and medium-scale construction organisations.

The research employed a quantitative methodology, collecting 400 responses as a sample size. A construct of 14 influential factors concerning ADI within the Ghanaian small and medium-scale construction industry was developed. The data obtained from participants underwent analysis using SPSS version 26. The validity of the study’s findings was assessed by applying structural equation modelling (SEM) within the AMOS software.

It was evident that innovation advancement and ongoing training and evaluations significantly influence ADI for adaptive capacity. Moreover, the system internally and vulnerability (SIV) and perceived need for implementation (PNI) sub-scales were the main latent components for best construction practices.

Ghana’s small- and medium-scale construction organisations have yet to fully recognise the importance of ADI in enhancing adaptive capacity for the best ESC. However, the results indicated that ADI constructs will significantly influence implementation outcomes to ensure ESC.

The originality of this research also resides in identifying how ADI affect small- and medium-scale construction organisation’s ability to ensure ecologically sustainable building practices.

The paucity of artisans in some construction trades and the transitioning of the experience of the few for sustainability calls for concern. Mentorship programmes offer a promising mechanism to support construction artisans through those transitions. Mentorship may enhance artisan decent work and economic growth, like increased income for artisans. This is part of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Goal 8). Hence, this study aims to investigate issues hindering construction artisan skills growth and suggest measures to improve construction artisan skills through mentorship mechanisms to achieve Goal 8.

The study adopted a qualitative approach and collected data via oral interviews with knowledgeable participants. The participants were consultant experts in mentorship and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) matters, construction organisation management staffers and construction artisans in the Nigerian construction industry. The study covered Lagos and Abuja and achieved saturation at the 30th interviewee. Also, the research utilised a thematic method to analyse the collated data.

Enhanced knowledge sharing accelerates junior artisans’ learning skills quickly, improving artisans’ performance, ensuring sustainability of the skills learned (knowledge retention), encouraging collaboration, building the next generation of leaders and transitioning of experience to mentees emerged as mentorship’s role in developing construction artisans’ skills. Findings show that mentorship mechanisms to develop construction artisan skills face encumbrances. The perceived 32 encumbrances were re-clustered into mentee, mentor and government-related encumbrances. Also, achieving Goal 8 regarding construction artisans may be threatened if these issues are not checked. Thus, the study recommended measures improving construction artisan skills through mentorship mechanisms to achieve Goal 8.

Identifying the major encumbrances facing construction artisan skills improvement through mentorship would be useful to advocate measures to improve construction artisan’s skills to achieve Goal 8.

This study aims to present state-of-the-art research on circular economy (CE) implementation in construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) within the construction sector.

A mixed-method (scientometric and critical analysis) review strategy was adopted, involving scientometric and critical analysis to uncover the evolutionary progress within the research area, investigate key research themes in the field, and explore ten issues of CE in CDWM. Moreover, avenues for future research are provided for researchers, practitioners, decision-makers, and planners to bring innovative and new knowledge to this field.

A total of 212 articles were analyzed, and scientometric analysis was performed. The critical analysis findings reveal extensive use of surveys, interviews, case studies, or mixed-method approaches as study methodologies. Furthermore, there is limited focus on the application of modern technologies, modeling approaches, decision support systems, and monitoring and traceability tools of CE in the CDWM field. Additionally, no structured framework to implement CE in CDWM areas has been found, as existing frameworks are based on traditional linear models. Moreover, none of the studies discuss readiness factors, knowledge management systems, performance measurement systems, and life cycle assessment indicators.

The outcomes of this study can be utilized by construction and demolition sector managers, researchers, practitioners, decision-makers, and policymakers to comprehend the state-of-the-art, explore current research topics, and gain detailed insights into future research areas. Additionally, the study offers suggestions on addressing these areas effectively.

This study employs a universal approach to provide the current research progress and holistic knowledge about various important issues of CE in CDWM, offering opportunities for future research directions in the area.

The purpose of this study is to provide evidence to support an emerging theory that interpersonal conflict is the primary cause of workplace stress among a self-selected sample of Irish construction managers.

Eighteen construction managers working in Ireland were recruited for this study. Using semi-structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis as the research methodology, the causes of their workplace stress were investigated.

Participants reported that the principal cause of their workplace stress was high levels of interpersonal conflict between colleagues. The effects of this interpersonal conflict included avoidance behaviour, ill health, absences from the workplace and loss of productivity issues. Deadlines, penalty clauses, lack of appreciation, cliques, costs, communication, temporary contracts and delays were also reported stressors.

A limitation of the study is the small sample of 18 construction managers and the limited geographical area.

The social implications of this study could be to clearly identify that interpersonal conflict may be under reported in the construction industry, and there is a possibility that it is being misclassified as other workplace behaviours such as bullying, harassment and workplace violence. If this is so, this could aid future researchers in addressing this challenging workplace behaviour.

The current consensus in the literature is that the three main causes of workplace stress are bullying, harassment and violence. However, the role and importance of interpersonal conflict as reported in this study, with the exception of North America and China, is not reflected in the wider health and safety research literature. In addition, interpersonal conflict and its reluctance to be reported is largely absent from construction safety research. The findings of this study may be explained if the workplace stress research community is currently misclassifying interpersonal conflict as a manifestation of bullying, harassment or violence. If this is the case, interpersonal conflict needs further research. This is to establish if this cause of construction-related workplace stress needs to be reconsidered as a standalone phenomenon in the wider family of challenging workplace behaviours.