Built Environment Project and Asset Management

Alshihre, Fawaz; Chinyio, Ezekiel; Nzekwe-Excel, Chinny; Daniel, Emmanuel I.

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-05-2022-0065

The study explored the disparity between construction clients and contractors on what constitutes “client satisfaction”. Such disparity is important because it can lead to different conclusions and thus disagreement on the assessment of project success.Design/methodology/approachThe philosophical stance was interpretivism, thus the qualitative methodology was adopted. Employing purposive sampling, 30 interviews with clients and another 30 interviews with contractors were conducted in Saudi Arabia. The data obtained were evaluated by thematic analysis.FindingsThe results indicate differences in the consensus ad idem (meeting of the minds) between clients and contractors in terms of both their perceptions and prioritisation of the attributes that underpin client satisfaction. For example, some contractors thought that using advanced technologies was very important for client satisfaction, whereas some clients preferred the contractors to be honest with them.Research limitations/implicationsThe data collection was limited to Saudi Arabia and only the views of clients and contractors were studied, thereby limiting the generalisability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe identification of the differing priorities of clients and contractors on client satisfaction provides an informed basis to make more concerted efforts to satisfy clients and minimise disputes on projects in Saudi Arabia.Originality/valueThe study contrasted the views of clients and contractors simultaneously on the subject matter of client satisfaction in relation to project success, and analysed this through the lens of consensus ad idem. The key influences on clients' satisfaction in Saudi Arabia are also presented.

Abdalla, Salem Buhashima; Mushtaha, Emad; Rashid, Mamun; Opoku, Alex; Hamad, Rawan; Dweiri, Fikri; Elmualim, Abbas

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-09-2022-0144

This paper aims to identify the pre-design critical success factors CSFs pertaining to different types of construction projects in the rapidly growing city of Dubai, by adopting one of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools, analytic hierarchy process (AHP).Design/methodology/approachA mapping process was utilized to filter and categorize CSFs gathered from a literature review. A total of 5 main and 27 sub-main criteria were derived following RIBA's Plan of Work 2020 (Royal Institute of British Architects). A questionnaire was distributed among experts in the construction industry to assess the development in vicinity of the Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR). An analysis was conducted to prioritize the CSFs as per experts' judgment.FindingsAccording to the experts' combined judgment, CSFs linked to client requirements (CR) are the most significant at 22.9% priority weight. Overall project review (OPR), project team (PT), project preparation (PP), previous projects feedback and experience (PPF) success factors achieved 21.4, 19.5, 18.9 and 17.2%, respectively. Within CR, sub-CSFs of client consultation and acceptance (CCA), responsibly matrix for stakeholders (RM), client track record (CTR) and client level of service (CLS) were prioritized by the experts.Research limitations/implicationsThis work was carried out by respondents based in UAE only, and focused on one urban stretch of Dubai, this could be replicated by employing experts from other countries and other case study areas within Dubai.Practical implicationsThis study would significantly have an impact on the education of current and future project managers, planners, engineers, architects and, most importantly, decision-makers on helpful pre-design strategies for enhancing their project success. This research could assist, direct and educate management, as the management provides/manages the necessary resources for projects. Furthermore, management also has the authority to choose project leaders/consultants that will make the project successful.Social implicationsConsolidating Dubai's phenomenal growth requires prioritizing socio-economic strategies in future development projects at the pre-design and pre-construction stage, which will improve the city's business environment and the quality of life for Dubai's residents. This opens up fresh possibilities over the next few years for integrating robust procedures for successful execution, monitoring and evaluation of future construction developments from the outset.Originality/valueAlthough many studies have identified various factors as important for successful building projects, few appear to have done a complete analysis using pre-design criteria to systematically categorize professional views on the relative relevance of CSFs. There is a lack in research examining the factors that led to Dubai's successful construction projects. This study attempts to bridge this gap and provide a prioritized framework reference model to assist project/asset managers and decision-makers.

Rathnayake, Ishara; Sridarran, Pournima; Abeynayake, Mahesh; Jayakodi, Shashini

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-08-2022-0122

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/approachThe 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.FindingsFindings 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/valueThis 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.

Dosumu, Oluwaseun Sunday; Uwayo, Seth Moise

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-08-2022-0123

The need to improve sustainable construction with the appropriate technology adoption in the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions cannot be overemphasized. This study modelled the adoption of Internet of things (IoT) technologies in the construction industry to improve sustainable construction. Consequently, the study would assist construction stakeholders and policymakers in achieving sustainable construction through concerted efforts toward improving IoT adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe study obtained the IoT technologies and the challenges of IoT adoption in the construction industry through a literature review. Subsequently, the awareness (knowledge of the existence and uses) of IoT technologies, the significance of the challenges and the level of adoption of the IoT technologies were tested on construction stakeholders in Kigali with a structured questionnaire. Consequently, a structural equation model of IoT adoption was developed.FindingsThe structural equation model indicates the relationship between the awareness, challenges and adoption of IoT technologies. It equally describes the effect sizes of the awareness and challenges of IoT on the adoption of IoT technologies.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is beneficial to construction stakeholders as it portrays the exclusive impacts of the awareness and the challenges of IoT technologies on the adoption of IoT. The study also benefits the government and policymakers as it provides a basis for intensifying efforts to create awareness and mitigate the challenges of IoT adoption for sustainable construction. The study also provides a basis for future studies on IoT adoption in the construction industry.Originality/valueThere are several studies on the adoption of IoT. There is however scarcity of studies on how the awareness and the challenges of IoT technologies impact the adoption of IoT in the construction industry. Thus, this study bridges the gap by modelling the adoption of IoT technologies for improved sustainable construction.

Aliu, John; Oke, Ayodeji Emmanuel

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-11-2022-0186

The purpose of this article was to identify and evaluate the benefits of adopting digital technologies (DTs) in the Nigerian construction industry, to ensure that construction projects are efficiently and effectively executed.Design/methodology/approachA scoping literature review was conducted through which benefits of implementing DTs were identified, which helped in the formulation of a questionnaire survey. Data were obtained from construction professionals including architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors. Retrieved data were analyzed using several statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies, mean item scores and exploratory factor analyses.FindingsBased on the mean item score ranking results, the top five significant benefits of adopting DTs were increased operational efficiency, increased productivity, increased speed of executing tasks, seamless working methodology and accurate documentation of data. Findings from the factor analysis revealed six clusters of benefits namely an improved framework for operations, improved innovativeness, improved safety practices, increased competitive edge, greater accuracy and increased productivity.Practical implicationsThis study expands on the existing discussions surrounding the digital transformation of the construction sector in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria, a region where the awareness and implementation of smart and innovative technologies are still at an infant stage.Originality/valueAlthough several studies on the benefits of adopting DTs in the construction industry of developing countries exist, very few have been conducted in the Nigerian context. Thus, this is a significant knowledge gap that must be filled. Thus, the findings of this study can serve as a basis for construction organizations in Nigeria and similar countries seeking the digital transformation of their activities.

Alkhalifah, Sadeq J.; Tuffaha, Firas M.; Al Hadidi, Laith A.; Ghaithan, Ahmad

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-06-2022-0081

The oil and gas construction projects in Saudi Arabia are commonly impacted by the frequent occurrence of change orders. Therefore, this study aims at determining the factors influencing change orders in the oil and gas construction projects in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, the factors are extracted by examining the literature and further refined through experts' feedback. Twenty-one factors were identified in this manner. Thirdly, the factors are prioritized using a questionnaire survey. Responses from 162 professionals have been collected through surveys and ranked using the significance index. The correlation between factor rankings between classes is assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Lastly, using principal component analysis, a change order-related factors conceptual model is developed.FindingsThe five most significant factors were identified and ranked in a general manner or per the category involved. Four main types were involved: project management team (PMT), consultants, contractors and clients. Moreover, a change order-related factors model is proposed. The factors are grouped under four main groups: project definition and planning factors, project stakeholder-related factors, project execution-related factors and project performance and control factors.Originality/valueDespite the vast factor-related literature in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, there has never been a study that investigates the factors influencing change orders in oil and gas projects in Saudi Arabia before. This study not only identifies the change order-related factors but also proposes a model that captures the importance of these factors. This model can aid project professionals in mitigating the impact of the most critical factors encountered during the various phases of the project.

Jagannathan, Murali; Delhi, Venkata Santosh Kumar

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-08-2022-0128

Despite the availability of amicable means to resolve construction disputes, litigation remains a mainstream dispute resolution process in some countries. This tendency to litigate (TTL) calls for research to develop appropriate precautions to encourage stakeholders to resolve most commercial disputes through alternate dispute resolution (ADR) techniques. While a claimant's TTL arise from the individual, project and organisation preferences, this study, which can benefit both potential claimants and employers by saving time and money on litigation, identifies a bidder's financial parameters that may increase its litigation propensities, as a first step towards aiding employers to incorporate precautions to discourage such tendencies.Design/methodology/approachAfter the literature review, the theoretical construct proposed by Rachlinski's “framing theory of litigation” (based on Kahneman and Tversky's Prospects Theory) is used to explain organisation-level litigation decision-making. The study sources data from the financial statements of Indian construction/real estate firms, followed by panel regression analysis to test the theoretical construct's validity.FindingsThe results show that the TTL (risk-seeking behaviour) generally increases with a lower value of sales, higher assets and profitability. Interestingly, organisation-level cash flow shows an insignificant influence on litigation tendencies.Practical implicationsKnowing which financial parameters may increase litigation tendencies could help employers evaluate a bidder's propensity to litigate project disputes.Originality/valueResearchers use financial statements to explore correlations among financial variables. However, in the construction context, there are no empirical studies with data from construction firms to understand potential litigation expenses compared to specific financial ratios.

Tennakoon, Gihan Anuradha; Rameezdeen, Raufdeen; Chileshe, Nicholas

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2022-0165

Timber waste from construction is downcycled into non-structural products, incinerated for energy generation or disposed of in landfills. Existing literature highlights that the use of reprocessed timber for structural purposes is limited. Therefore, this study aims to focus on identifying factors limiting reprocessed structural timber (RST) uptake amongst construction professionals in Australia.Design/methodology/approachCurrent literature shows that the use of reprocessed materials (RMs) depends on user-specific personal factors and broader contextual factors. Therefore, data collection and analysis were based on the attitude-behaviour-context (ABC) theory, which affirms this relationship between personal and contextual factors in determining pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). A qualitative research approach was adopted, considering limitations with industry expertise and the need for developing an in-depth understanding of limiting factors. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst construction professionals experienced in using reprocessed materials, while the thematic analysis technique was used to analyse interview findings.FindingsPersonal factors that limit the uptake of RST include negative cost and quality perceptions, risk appetite, the tendency to maintain the status-quo, limited decision-making capability and lack of skills and expertise, while contextual factors include higher prices, poor and uncertain quality, limitations with information availability, under-developed supply and drawbacks in the regulatory environment.Originality/valueThe current study is amongst the first to explore the uptake of reprocessed timber for structural uses in Australia. The findings can be utilised to create a stronger demand for RST by directly addressing personal and contextual factors that constrain construction professionals from using RST.