Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

Rezakhani, Pejman

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-07-2020-0540

Despite the extensive research in project risk management and availability of several techniques and tools, quantifying uncertainty in project schedules remains a challenge. Current risk analysis models suffer from several shortcomings that need to be addressed to provide more reliable and valid schedules. This paper aims to present a dynamic decision support system with the purpose of providing project managers with necessary tool for making real-time informed decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed approach incorporates the widely accepted critical path method (CPM) calculations in a Bayesian network (BN). BN is employed to conduct inferencing and causal analysis and provide probabilistic results, which can improve the decision-making process. Time parameters of each activity in the CPM network is modeled by a set of simulation nodes in the BN. Prior probability distribution of activities duration is extracted from experts using a fuzzy analytical solution.FindingsThe model proposed in this paper is able to address some key outstanding issues of current project scheduling techniques through: (1) modeling the causality among different sources of schedule uncertainty, (2) minimizing uncertainty in experts' evaluations, (3) assessing effects of unknown risk factors and (4) using actual activity data for learning the behavior of project and predicting crew productivity.Originality/valueThe purposed methodology provides a framework for the new generation of project schedule analysis tools that are better informed by available knowledge and data, and hence, more reliable and useful.

Gidigah, Brandsford Kwame; Agyekum, Kofi; Baiden, Bernard K.

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-10-2020-0848

Though the Public Procurement Act of Ghana makes room for specific socio-economic policies (environmental, social, economic and other policies which are intended to promote social and economic impact), there is no explicit definition and provision for social value as an evaluation criterion, culminating in the absence of a definition in the Act. This paper elicits the conception and understanding of social value from stakeholders in the Ghanaian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative method that relied on a semi-structured interview of 30 participants purposively drawn from Western, Western North and Central regions of Ghana. An inductive thematic analysis approach, which involved identifying repetitions, exploring similarities and differences, noting linguistic connectors, and a framework were employed to analyse the data.FindingsThe study established no single definition or explanation for social value in the construction industry in Ghana. However, it was revealed from the study that the concept of social value could be defined from the functional perspective of the definer, particularly from the perspective of a Procurement Officer, Works Engineer, and a Quantity Surveyor. A new insight from the study that differs from the body of literature is that participants equated benefits derived from physically constructed projects as social value.Social implicationsThe study has implication for public administration and practice regarding the decision-making process in the construction industry in Ghana. It provides a vital awakening on social value as a criterion in evaluating construction works procurement in Ghana. The ability of participants to equate the benefits derived from executed construction projects as social value creates a new perspective on understanding the meaning of social value in the procurement of works construction.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the state-of-the-art and ongoing discourse on the concept of social value globally. The findings create an important catalyst for social value research in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Bajjou, Mohamed Saad; Chafi, Anas

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-12-2020-1097

Waste is typically encountered during the building's life cycle, from the design phase, through the construction phase, to modification and demolition. Most of these construction wastes are unnoticed or unattended by project managers, which lead to serious environmental problems. Effective waste reduction strategies will require a thorough and detailed understanding of the causes of construction waste. Hence, this paper aims to explore critical waste factors (CWFs) affecting the performance of construction projects.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review was carried out to determine these factors based on previous studies, from which a questionnaire was developed. Series of statistical analyses such as reliability analysis, Spearman Correlation, Kruskal–Wallis and factor analysis were performed on a total of 330 valid responses to identify latent factors responsible for wastes occurrence.FindingsThis study reveals 31 CWFs through evaluation of prior relevant studies carried out in several countries and then adjusted and validated through semistructured interviews. The significant differences in views within various groups of respondents with different organizational characteristics are highlighted. The results of factor analysis showed that there are six principal components extracted with 66.3% of variance explained (material-related factors; subcontractors and workers; planning, communication and coordination; people involvement and financial issues; people development strategies; and external factors).Originality/valueThis study differs from other studies in the literature by gathering all relevant waste factors including those related to nonphysical waste such as time, budget, workers and equipment. Furthermore, this paper will be of great interest to both practitioners and researchers since it brings various recommendations concerning the prevention/reduction of waste through lean construction for more sustainable construction projects.

Wang, Zhenshuang; Xie, Wanchen; Liu, Jingkuang

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-10-2020-0887

The growth of the Chinese economy has resulted in a significant increase in construction and demolition waste (CDW), and regional differences in CDW generation are gradually increasing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the regional differences in CDW generation and the driving factors that influence CDW generation in different areas of China. To provide a systematic advisement for local governments to select the appropriate policy, reduce CDW generation.Design/methodology/approachThe generation of CDW was calculated by region, based on the area estimation method, from 2005 to 2018. The relationship between CDW generation and economic development, and the driving factors of CDW generation in different regions of China, was investigated using the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model and the STIRPAT theoretical model.FindingsCDW generation of China increased at the average annual growth rate of 10.86% from 2005 to 2018. The main areas of CDW generation were concentrated in the eastern and central regions, while the proportion of CDW generation in the northeast region decreased gradually, and the changes varied significantly across different regions. The EKC between CDW generation and economic development was established for the whole country, North China, Northeast China, East China, Central South China, Southwest China and Northwest China. Three main factors based on the STIRPAT theoretical model were identified and explained into a framework to reduce CDW generation. The results provided a useful theoretical basis and data support guide for devising effective policies and regulations for the Chinese context.Practical implicationsThe findings from this study can ultimately support policymakers and waste managers in formulating effective policies for waste management strategies and CDW-specific legislation. Additionally, it can help the coordinated reduction of CDW generation across regions in China and can support construction enterprises (in their development strategies), similar developing economies and foreign firms planning to operate in China.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field through the STIRPAT model on driving factors of CDW generation in the Chinese context, in different regions.

Mohamed, Emad; Jafari, Parinaz; Hammad, Ahmed

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-12-2020-1060

The bid/no-bid decision is critical to the success of construction contractors. The factors affecting the bid/no-bid decision are either qualitative or quantitative. Previous studies on modeling the bidding decision have not extensively focused on distinguishing qualitative and quantitative factors. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to improve the bidding decision in construction projects by developing tools that consider both qualitative and quantitative factors affecting the bidding decision.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach to deal with both qualitative and quantitative factors. The mixed qualitative-quantitative approach is developed by combining a rule-based expert system and fuzzy-based expert system. The rule-based expert system is used to evaluate the project based on qualitative factors and the fuzzy expert system is used to evaluate the project based on the quantitative factors in order to reach the comprehensive bid/no-bid decision.FindingsThree real bidding projects are used to investigate the applicability and functionality of the proposed mixed approach and are tested with experts of a construction company in Alberta, Canada. The results demonstrate that the mixed approach provides a more reliable, accurate and practical tool that can assist decision-makers involved in the bid/no-bid decision.Originality/valueThis study contributes theoretically to the body of knowledge by (1) proposing a novel approach capable of modeling all types of factors (either qualitative or quantitative) affecting the bidding decision, and (2) providing means to acquire, store and reuse expert knowledge. Practical contribution of this paper is to provide decision-makers with a comprehensive model that mimics the decision-making process and stores experts' knowledge in the form of rules. Therefore, the model reduces the administrative burden on the decision-makers, saves time and effort and reduces bias and human errors during the bidding process.

Ekanayake, E.M.A.C.; Shen, Geoffrey; Kumaraswamy, Mohan; Owusu, Emmanuel Kingsford

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-12-2020-1010

Demands for Industrialized Construction (IC) have intensified with growing construction industry imperatives to (A) boost performance; (B) reduce reliance on “in-situ and on-site” operations; and (C) strengthen supply chain resilience (SCR) not just for survival but also to fulfill obligations to clients in the coronavirus disease 2019–induced (COVID-19–induced) “new normal”. In addressing these imperatives, this paper targets more effective leveraging of latent efficiencies of off-site-manufacture, based on findings from a Hong Kong (HK)–based study on assessing and improving SCR in IC in a high-density city.Design/methodology/approachStarting with the identification of critical supply chain vulnerabilities (CSCVs), this study developed a multilevel–multicriteria mathematical model to evaluate the vulnerability levels of IC supply chains (SCs) in HK based on an in-depth questionnaire survey followed by experts' inputs and analyzing them using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE).FindingsThe overall vulnerability index indicates that IC in HK is substantially vulnerable to disruptions, while production-based vulnerabilities have the highest impact. Top management attention is needed to address these CSCVs in IC in HK.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first structured evaluation model that measures the vulnerability level of IC, providing useful insights to industry stakeholders for well-informed decision-making in achieving resilient, sustainable and performance-enhanced SCs.

Taher, Alhusain; Vahdatikhaki, Faridaddin; Hammad, Amin

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-10-2020-0810

This study proposes a framework for Earthwork Ontology (EW-Onto) to support and enhance data exchange in the project and the efficient decision-making in the planning and execution phases.Design/methodology/approachThe development of EW-Onto started from defining the concepts and building taxonomies for earthwork operations and equipment following the METHONTOLOGY approach. In addition, several rules have been extracted from safety codes and implemented as SWRL rules. The ontology has been implemented using Protégé. The consistency of EW-Onto has been checked and it has been evaluated using a survey.FindingsThe assessment of EW-Onto by experts indicates an adequate level of consensus with the framework, as an initial step for explicit knowledge exchanges within the earthwork domain.Practical implicationsThe use of an ontology within the earthwork domain can help: (1) link and identify the relationships between concepts, define earthwork semantics, and classify knowledge in a hierarchical way accepted by experts and end-users; (2) facilitate the management of earthwork operations and simplify information exchange and interoperability between currently fragmented systems; and (3) increase the stakeholders' knowledge of earthwork operations through the provision of the information, which is structured in the context of robust knowledge.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a framework for Earthwork Ontology (EW-Onto) to support and enhance data exchange in the project and the efficient decision-making in the planning and execution phases. EW-Onto represents the semantic values of the entities and the relationships, which are identified and formalized based on the basic definitions available in the literature and outlined by experts.

Yap, Jeffrey Boon Hui; Skitmore, Martin; Lim, Yi Wen; Loo, Siaw-Chuing; Gray, Jason

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-01-2021-0091

Quantity surveying is a profession that blends engineering, construction and economics. To be competent is to have the ability to apply the set of related knowledge, skills and abilities to perform a task effectively. This paper examines the competency requirements for quantity surveyors (QSs) in the face of changing and increasing client needs.Design/methodology/approachBased on a detailed meta-analysis of the literature, 12 basic/core and 16 evolving competencies are identified. Primary data were gathered through a field survey involving practicing QSs from client, consultant and contractor organisations, and university students undertaking QS programmes in Malaysia. The data obtained were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools.FindingsThe significance of the basic/core and evolving competencies are presented. Overall, the most important contemporary skills are cost planning, valuation of works, measurement/quantification and contract documentation. The evolved roles require expertise in communication and negotiation, ethics and professional conduct and value management. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates there are misaligned expectations of the proficiency levels needed to provide contemporary and future services between practitioners in client/consultant organisations, contractors and new generation students.Originality/valueThe findings provide guidance on the education, training and practice of quantity surveying to deal with emerging challenges in the dynamic built environments in Malaysia and beyond.

Wang, Kun; Ke, Yongjian; Liu, Tingting; Sankaran, Shankar

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-10-2020-0835

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence to the heated debate “whether Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model should be introduced into the hospitals” and, if so, how to promote the social sustainability of such PPP projects.Design/methodology/approachThis paper has established an analytical framework to analyse the social sustainability of PPP projects. Using content analysis method, a single case study was carried out on the Northern Beaches Hospital in Sydney, Australia.FindingsThe results show that there are many problems related to social sustainability in the project, due to which employees and patients were exposed to most of them. Some recommendations are provided, including to strengthen the supervision of the project, provide sufficient information, establish communication channels and stakeholder participation, improve hospital policies and procedures, and strengthen government support.Practical implicationsThis paper can provide guidance for the stakeholders in a partnership, including the public and private sectors, to analyse the social sustainability implications, and then plan and implement hospital PPP projects to achieve social sustainability goals. Meanwhile, it can also provide important reference for the employees, patients, local community and society to assess social sustainability issues, and provide relevant inputs to inform decision-makers in the development, delivery and management of hospital projects.Originality/valueThe research will contribute to knowledge of social sustainability of hospital PPP projects. The proposed analytical framework can be used to analyse and assess the social sustainability of such projects from the perspective of stakeholders.

Musarat, Muhammad Ali; Alaloul, Wesam Salah; Liew, M.S.

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-07-2020-0478

Labours are one of the key resources of construction projects having a significant impact on economic development. With time, the construction industry is getting a boom due to numerous construction projects in which labours’ contribution is significant. Project betterment is associated with the project productivity which relates to the labours. Wages play a vital role in retaining labours in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study focuses on investigating the increasing and decreasing behaviour of labour wages in the construction industry and observing the impact of the inflation rate in deviating labour wages. Initially, the percentage deviation was calculated to observe the changing behaviour of the data and then the Spearman correlation test was used to find the relationship between the inflation rate and the labour wages.FindingsIt is evident that even with a good economy and a stable construction sector, still, the labour wages faced a decline over time, which is a matter of concern. Also, based on the correlation coefficient, it was revealed that several labour wages categories are moderately and strongly correlated with the inflation rate and can impact project cost if the inflation rate is not considered while finalizing the budget. Besides that, the changing behaviour of labour wages due to the inflation rate impacts significantly on gross domestic product (GDP); therefore, it requires vital attention.Originality/valueChanges in labour wages are not considered in budget estimation which drag the project towards cost overrun. This study brings the attention of the stakeholders on the issue with experimental justification. Also, how the inflation rate is affecting the labour wages has also been addressed.

Navandar, Yogeshwar V.; Bari, Chintaman; Gaikwad, P. G.

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-03-2020-0184

The purpose of the present study is to examine the failure factors for the construction firms in a developing nation. Furthermore, the comparison of failure factors for private and government firms are evaluated.Design/methodology/approachIn the present study, comparison between private and government construction firms is done in the context of a construction firm failure. About 60 construction firms were selected in and around the Nashik region for the investigation, where a simple multi-attribute rating technique (SMART) is used for analysis purpose.FindingsIt is found that for private firms (private contractors and builders) lack of experience is the major factor for failure of the business as against lack of managerial experience is a critical factor in case of a government contractor.Practical implicationsThe outcome of the present study will be used to guide the policymakers during the implementation of governmental and private projects in order to lessen the construction project failures.Originality/valueConstruction company failure is an important aspect in developing countries like India. The limited studies were available in literature which shows failure factors for government and private firms and distinguished them. Hence, the present study extends the construction company failure literature by focusing on government and private firms. Also, the study provides some theoretical guidelines for management to avoid construction company failure in India.

Shouman, Bassam; Othman, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat; Marzouk, Mohamed

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-02-2021-0124

Mobile augmented reality (MAR) is one of the advanced three-dimensional (3D) representation tools that has been recently utilized in the construction industry. This paper aims to assess a user’s involvement levels through MAR application that has been experimented against traditional involvement techniques through an existing facility, plan re-designing scenario.Design/methodology/approachThrough reviewing related literature studies in the MAR field, an application has been developed that can superimpose real design alternatives on paper-based markers, allowing for flexible wall positioning, interior and exterior wall material application. As such, an enhanced user involvement experience is created. To measure user involvement levels, the application is experimented with 33 participants having the British University in Egypt’s library building as a case study, followed by survey questionnaires to gather and evaluate user responses.FindingsThe results of the analyzed data using SPSS indicated that MAR showed a positive impact on enhancing user involvement and better understanding of design projects. It also allowed users to produce different design alternatives in comparison to the traditional involvement approaches where users showed low design interaction and understanding.Originality/valueThe interactive features of the proposed application facilitate implementing ideas in design of construction projects that require user involvement.

van Manen, Mechiel; olde Scholtenhuis, Léon; Voordijk, Hans

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-11-2020-0980

This study aims to empirically validate five propositions about the benefits of three-dimensional (3D) visualizations for the management of subsurface utility projects. Specifically, the authors validate whether benefits from 3D in the literature of building construction project management also apply to subsurface utility projects and map them using a taxonomy of project complexity levels.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study of three utility construction projects was carried out during which the first author was involved in the daily work practices at a utility contractor. 3D visualizations of existing project models were developed, and design and construction meetings were conducted. Practitioners' interactions with and reflections on these 3D visualizations were noted. Observational data from the three project types were matched with the five propositions to determine where benefits of 3D visualizations manifested themselves.FindingsPractitioners found that 3D visualizations had most merit in crowded urban environments when constructing rigid pipelines. All propositions were validated and evaluated as beneficial in subsurface utility projects of complexity level C3. It is shown that in urban projects with rigid pipelines (project with the highest complexity level), 3D visualization prevents misunderstanding or misinterpretations and increases efficiency of coordination. It is recommended to implement 3D visualization approaches in such complex projectsOriginality/valueThere is only limited evidence on the value 3D visualizations in managing utility projects. This study contributes rich empirical evidence on this value based on a six-month observation period at a subsurface contractor. Their merit was assessed by associating 3D approaches with project complexity levels, which may help utility contractors in strategically implementing 3D applications.

Fuller, Tamara; Hasan, Abid; Kamardeen, Imriyas

2022 Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/ecam-03-2021-0257

The construction industry has a poor reputation for an unhealthy lifestyle and a high prevalence of health problems such as obesity, stress and hypertension among construction workers. The review examines the factors influencing the design and delivery of health promotion programs implemented by construction organisations to educate workers and promote a healthy lifestyle. It also identifies gaps in research and practices and proposes directions for future research.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of 51 relevant journal articles published during 2010–2019 was undertaken to achieve the aim of the study.FindingsThe review reveals 46 different factors grouped into four major themes related to individuals, organisations, industry and the program, influencing the successful implementation of health promotion programs. The top ten most cited factors are cost, time, facilities and resources, transient workforce, delivery method, influence from managers, long working hours, masculine culture, production pressure and interest. The review also found a noticeable lack of studies on implementing health promotion programs in the context of developing countries, small and medium-sized construction organisations, residential sector workers, and construction professionals and female workers.Research limitations/implicationsThe review's scope is limited to research on health promotion programs, and it did not investigate the factors affecting the health of construction workers in construction projects.Practical implicationsA better understanding of various influencing factors present at different decision levels will inform the future implementation of targeted workforce health promotion strategies to foster construction workers' health and well-being.Originality/valueThe review reveals bottlenecks that need to be addressed to successfully implement health promotion programs in the construction industry. It provides new insights that can improve existing health and workplace policies and health promotion programs in the construction industry. Finally, it identifies new research directions in a neglected but crucial area of workers' health and safety management.