Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

G.A. John; D.J. Clements‐Croome; V. Fairey; H.M. Loy

2005 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/09699980510608794

Purpose – This paper proposes assessing the context within which integrated logistic support (ILS) can be implemented for whole life performance of building services systems. Design/methodology/approach – The use of ILS within a through‐life business model (TLBM) is a better framework to achieve a well‐designed, constructed and managed product. However, for ILS to be implemented in a TLBM for building services systems, the practices, tools and techniques need certain contextual prerequisites tailored to suit the construction industry. These contextual prerequisites are discussed. Findings – The case studies conducted reinforced the contextual importance of prime contracting, partnering and team collaboration for the application of ILS techniques. The lack of data was a major hindrance to the full realisation of ILS techniques within the case studies. Originality/value – The paper concludes with the recognition of the value of these contextual prerequisites for the use of ILS techniques within the building industry.

Esther Obonyo; Chimay Anumba; Tony Thorpe

2005 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/09699980510608802

Purpose – The successful implementation of an optimal online system for specification and procurement has been impeded by the existence of semi‐structured or non‐structured product information held in catalogues in various formats. Consequently, a significant amount of time is spent in gathering relevant information. Proposes introducing a successful optimal online specification and procurement system for construction products. Design/methodology/approach – The design and specification of the prototype were based on the analysis of closely related agent‐based implementations in various domains. Findings – In the development phase it emerged that agent infrastructure is still maturing, even when a stable development environment is finally available. This is consistent with the latest research in this area which places the highest value on internet agents within the context of the semantic web. Originality/value – This research demonstrated how agent technology can be used alongside other paradigms such as web services and XML to make the specification and procurement of construction products more effective and more efficient.

Khaled Al‐Reshaid; Nabil Kartam; Narendra Tewari; Haya Al‐Bader

2005 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/09699980510608811

Purpose – It is a well‐known fact that the construction industry always passes through two distinctive problems during the construction stage: slippages of project‐schedules, i.e. time‐frame, and overruns of project‐costs, i.e. budget. However, limited literature is available to solve or dilute these two problems before they even occur. It is strongly believed that the bulk of the two mentioned problems can be mitigated to a great extent, if not eliminated, provided that proper attention is paid to the pre‐construction phases of projects. Normally projects are implemented through traditionally old techniques which generally emphasize only solving “construction problems during the construction phase”. The aim of this article is therefore to unveil a professional methodology known as Project Control System (PCS) focusing on pre‐construction phases of construction projects. Design/methodology/approach – In this article, the authors share the lessons learned during implementation of Kuwait University projects worth approximately $400 million in a span of ten years. The task of the project management/construction management (PM/CM) is being provided to the university by a joint venture team of international and local specialists. Findings – The pre‐construction methodology ensures smooth and successful implementation during construction phases of the projects as they are generally executed in a fast‐pace, deadline‐driven and cost‐conscious environment. The intuitive proactive methods, if implemented during pre‐construction stage, automatically answer the questions that are encountered during the execution periods of projects. Originality/value – In this article, the authors share the lessons learned during PM/CM during projects over a span of ten years, which could be of use to others.

Hong Zhang; C.M. Tam

2005 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/09699980510608820

Purpose – This paper proposes introducing how to consider the break which cyclically happens and has nothing to do with resource availabilities in modeling of a construction process through an activity‐based simulation. Design/methodology/approach – In consideration of the variable break‐frequency and break‐duration for different activities, concepts of time‐cycle and time‐window are discussed. Then an algorithm to determine the execution of the activities facing the cyclical break is proposed, in which pre‐emption or non‐pre‐emption cases and overtime are taken into account together. This algorithm is incorporated into an activity‐based simulation so that the improved construction simulation is able to consider the cyclical break and model the construction process more reasonably. Computational analyses are presented to address the effectiveness of the improved activity‐based simulation. Findings – The computational analyses demonstrate that the improved activity‐based simulation can consider the cyclical break in modeling a construction process, which cannot be achieved by the traditional simulation tools, especially when non‐pre‐emptive activities are concerned. It is also shown that the overtime use for the non‐pre‐emptive activities can lead to reduction of the project duration when the cyclical break is considered. Originality/value – The proposed simulation‐based methodology is an alternative means to deal with the cyclical break that is destined for some activities and irrelevant to resource availabilities in modeling of a construction process.

Huiping Shang; Chimay J. Anumba; Dino M. Bouchlaghem; John C. Miles; Mei Cen; Mark Taylor

2005 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/09699980510608839

Purpose – The paper proposes addressing the design and implementation of a web‐based risk assessment system that enables remote project team members to assess the risks at the conceptual design stage. Design/methodology/approach – The prototype system is based on a client/server architecture and uses fuzzy logic and web‐based technology. A risk assessment scenario is used to demonstrate the operation and benefits of the prototype system. Findings – The research found that the use of a web‐based risk assessment system for distributed project team members has major benefits in terms of use of linguistic terms to express risk assessment, ease of communication, ease of maintenance, and greater consistency, among others. Research limitations/implications – There is scope for enhancing the system through the development of a risk management module, improving the user interface and making specific provisions for different project types. Practical implications – The move in industry towards collaborative working practices is supported by systems such as this. Risk assessment is an important area that requires the input of all team members, if evenly distributed. Originality/value – This paper has presented an innovative approach to risk assessment for distributed project teams. It will be of interest to all parties involved in construction projects, particularly those involved in risk assessment.

Evelyn Ai Lin Teo; Florence Yean Yng Ling; Derrick Sern Yau Ong

2005 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/09699980510608848

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a framework to foster safe work behaviour among workers on construction sites. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed framework identifies two main reasons for unsafe behaviours: “don't know how”, and “don't care”. Technical and safety training is proposed to overcome the former problem, while for the latter it is proposed that organisations systematically apply operant conditioning techniques to promote safety, using organisational behaviour modification. A postal survey of contractors in Singapore was conducted to test the framework. The four tools of operant conditioning theory (positive reinforcements, negative reinforcements, extinction, and punishments) were evaluated. Findings – Close and strict supervision, sending workers for safety and health training, and imposing fines are found to be most effective methods. Positive reinforcements (both monetary and non‐monetary) have also been found to be effective, while extinction did not receive much support. Other methods that may foster safe work behaviours are also discussed. Originality/value – Safety on site could be enhanced via training and application of operant conditioning theory.