Home

Built Environment Project and Asset Management

Publisher:
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Emerald Publishing
ISSN:
2044-124X
Scimago Journal Rank:
24
journal article
LitStream Collection
Integrated project delivery enablers to enhance conventional project delivery toward improving design documentation quality

Agbaxode, Peter Dodzi Kwasi; Saghatforoush, Ehsan; Dlamini, Sitsabo; Korsah, John Kwesi

2024 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-09-2023-0158

The purpose of this study was to identify specific enablers intrinsic to integrated project delivery (IPD) that can be adapted into the conventional project delivery (CPD) approach to enhance the quality of design documentation produced under the CPD within the Ghanaian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews for data collection. The sample size was 235 responses for questionnaires while 15 participants were interviewed. The survey instrument was piloted with industry professionals to ensure validity. IBM SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data by determining frequencies, percentages, correlation and regression, while content analysis was used on qualitative data with the aid of QSR Nvivo software.FindingsKey findings include the need to adapt the early involvement of key participants for collaborative design input, tie individual success to overall project success with incentives and establish shared accountability for design errors and encourage open communication.Practical implicationsAdapting IPD enablers into the CPD approach would ensure higher-quality design documentation and more efficient project delivery. This has the potential to improve project outcomes, reduce errors, and foster better collaboration among stakeholders.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind to identify specific enablers inherent in IPD that can be adapted into the CPD approach to improve the quality of design documentation within the Ghanaian construction industry.
journal article
LitStream Collection
A systematic search and review of early contractor involvement in construction project development

Osuizugbo, Innocent Chigozie; Omer, Mazen M.; Rahman, Rahimi A.; Oshodi, Olalekan Shamsideen

2024 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-01-2024-0012

This study aims to review the current trends in early contractor involvement (ECI) in construction project development. The review consist of the following objectives: (1) identifying the benefits of ECI on construction project development; (2) identifying the challenges of ECI in construction project development; and (3) identifying the strategies of ECI in construction project development.Design/methodology/approachThis study systematically reviews the literature on the application of ECI in construction project development. A total of 133 related articles were identified and analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method.FindingsThis review identified “improved team work/collaboration working relationship” as the top benefits of ECI in construction project development. “Cultural barrier” was identified as the top challenge of ECI in construction project development, while “contributing value engineering” and “buildability evaluation input”, were the top two strategies of ECI in construction project development.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematically review prior literature on ECI. As a result, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the art and fills the literature gap. Researchers and industry professionals can use the study findings to increase the rate and benefits of implementing ECI in construction projects.
journal article
LitStream Collection
From physical degradation condition ratings of building elements to lost value ratio bands

Wickramasinghe, Vajira; Dias, Priyan; Robert, Dilan; Setunge, Sujeeva

2024 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-12-2023-0218

Defining degradation in terms of physical deficiency-based condition descriptors, combined with Markov chain modelling, has been shown to provide improved predictions of degradation. However, unless these physical conditions are converted to lost value ratios (LVRs), maintenance managers would not be able to grasp the cost implications of degradation. Hence the purpose of this research is to convert the predicted deficiency-based condition ratings to lost value ratio bands.Design/methodology/approachRectification costs were found using a Building Schedule of Rates to arrive at LVRs for each of the physical degradation conditions for the 12 building elements studied (ranging from concrete elements through finishes and ceilings to doors and windows). These LVRs were allocated into five bands with LVR interval limits of 0.00, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00, with the five intervening ranges corresponding to LVR Bands A to E. These computations were compared with those arrived at independently by industry professionals.FindingsElements such as doors, widows and ceilings reached the maximum LVR Band E at the worst physical Condition 5 defined. However, Condition 5 for other elements only corresponded to LVR Bands A to D. Some 83% of the LVR bands assigned to the physical conditions were in agreement with those arrived at by the professionals, or differed by only one band.Originality/valueThe conversion of deficiency-based conditions to LVR bands yielded a completely new maintenance-oriented perspective on degradation. The banding was done using a novel ranking and clustering process that identified regions of high variation in LVRs as thresholds of the bands.
journal article
Open Access Collection
Intergenerational transfer of engineering expertise: knowledge continuity management in storm surge barrier engineering

Kamps, Merlijn; van den Boomen, Martine; van den Bogaard, Johannes; Hertogh, Marcel

2024 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2023-0179

Engineering knowledge continuity is crucial for the life cycle management of long-lived and complex assets, such as nuclear plants, locks and storm surge barriers. At the storm surge barriers in the Netherlands, engineering knowledge continuity is not yet fully assured, despite long-standing efforts. This study aims to explore the relationship between system characteristics, the organizational demarcation of maintenance and operation and the challenges in achieving engineering knowledge continuity and provides suggestions for improvement of theory and policy.Design/methodology/approachTen semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals from various backgrounds in construction, engineering and asset management of the Dutch storm surge barriers, augmented with visits to barriers and barrier teams. A thematic analysis was used to identify and describe the challenges to engineering continuity, their origins and potential solutions. We reviewed knowledge management policy documents and asset management consultancy reports to validate the findings. Additionally, we engaged in frequent interactions with professionals at the barriers. We achieved saturation and validation once no new issues were raised during these discussions.FindingsThe thematic analysis developed multiple themes describing the challenges to engineering continuity, their origins and potential solutions. The key findings are that expert engineers are critically important to deal with redesigns induced by obsolescence. Moreover, due to barrier uniqueness, long redesign cycles and reliability requirements, conventional knowledge continuity tools are insufficient to enable new engineers to reach expert level. Finally, the thematic analysis shows that, in some cases, outsourcing should be reduced to facilitate internal learning.Originality/valueThe study introduces the application of the knowledge-based view of the firm and the concept of requisite knowledge redundancy to the long-term management of complex assets. It calls for more attention to long gaps in the use of unique knowledge and the effect on knowledge continuity.
journal article
LitStream Collection
Problematic issues emerging during BIM implementation process in construction organizations

Kiet, Tran Tuan

2024 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-03-2023-0062

Building information modeling (BIM) is a popular technology in modern construction, but its implementation faces numerous difficulties, which are known as problematic issues of BIM implementation (PIBIs). This study aims to identify and analyze PIBIs based on the perceptions of practitioners in Vietnamese BIM-implemented construction contractors and similar BIM adoption-level countries.Design/methodology/approachThe research is conducted in three stages. After a comprehensive literature review, PIBIs are identified and ranked based on the Delphi method and questionnaire survey. Next, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to provide a hierarchy of system PIBIs. Finally, the driving and dependence power of PIBIs are determined using Fuzzy-Matrice d'Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis.FindingsThis study evaluates 32 PIBIs for small and medium contractors (SMCs) and 28 PIBIs for large contractors (LCs) in Vietnam. This study also develops a systematic framework for contextual relationships and analyzes the relationships among PIBIs using ISM-Fuzzy MICMAC analysis. The results show that different standards or techniques, modeling software limitations and information management significantly impacted LCs, while a lack of senior leadership support and incompatible software affected SMCs, causing other PIBIs.Originality/valueThis study is among the first attempts to investigate the problematic issues emerging during the BIM implementation process at the organizational level in Vietnam as well as other developing countries. The study results could be considered valuable references for BIM practitioners. Furthermore, this knowledge can enable contractors to avoid problems while adopting BIM, thereby increasing their ability to implement BIM successfully and using critical resources more efficiently.
journal article
LitStream Collection
Development of a blockchain-based embodied carbon estimator

Rodrigo, Navodana; Perera, Srinath; Senaratne, Sepani; Jin, Xiaohua

2024 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-11-2023-0199

Carbon management in the construction industry plays a vital role as carbon emissions have a significant impact on the environment. Current emphasis on reducing operational carbon through passive designs, zero carbon buildings and so forth has resulted in losing focus on embodied carbon (EC) reduction. Though there are various databases and tools to estimate EC in construction, these estimates are lacking in accuracy and consistency. A Blockchain-based Embodied Carbon (BEC) Estimator was developed as a solution to accurately estimate EC using a supply chain value addition concept as a methodology.Design/methodology/approachThis study focused on developing, testing and validating the blockchain-based prototype system identified as BEC Estimator. The system was developed using Hyperledger Fabric following a waterfall model. Case studies and an expert forum were used to test and validate BEC Estimator.FindingsThe system architecture, development process and the user interface of BEC Estimator are presented in this paper. The comparative evaluation with existing EC databases/tools and the expert forum validated the functioning of BEC Estimator and proved it to be an accurate, secure and trustworthy EC estimating system. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis identified the strengths and opportunities that will benefit the industry as well as the weaknesses and threats in the system that could be mitigated in future.Originality/valueBEC Estimator accurately accounts for EC additions happening at each supply chain node for any product that gets incorporated in a building, thereby facilitating EC-related decision-making for all relevant stakeholders.
journal article
LitStream Collection
Project-oriented strategic management of UK construction firms – towards corporate diversification: critical literature review

Siamuzwe-Manase, Valentah; Halcro, Keith R.; Kumar, Bimal; Skitmore, Martin

2024 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-11-2023-0197

The paper analyses the strategic management strategies of UK Construction Contracting Firms (CCFs) and their impact on the industry, highlighting their fragmentation, high-risk, low-profit nature and low profit returns. It suggests proactive strategies for sustainable growth and explores the potential of corporate diversification.Design/methodology/approachUtilising a thematic critical literature review, specific inclusion/exclusion criteria are used to select relevant literature together with a thematic qualitative synthesis data analysis approach to identify trends and challenges.FindingsUK CCFs primarily use reactive and project-based strategic management, which may not align with long-term success due to market volatility, reactive supply, fragmentation, high competition and lack of differentiation. The short-term business cycle makes medium- to long-term strategy development difficult. It is recommended that CCFs adopt proactive strategic management and consider corporate diversification for enhanced competitiveness, stability and performance. Although there are conflicting findings on the impact of diversification on firm performance, this research suggests that it is a viable strategy for achieving enhanced firm performance and competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsThe importance of proactive corporate strategies for CCFs is emphasised to overcome industry challenges, promote sustainable growth and enhance competitiveness. Corporate diversification, cultural transformation, management qualifications promotion and talent development collaboration are advocated, providing valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers and researchers.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this research involve fostering a shift towards proactive and dynamic strategic management in the UK construction industry, addressing the historical neglect of broader strategic perspectives and empowering practitioners and academics to drive positive change and innovation within the sector.Social implicationsThe social implications of this research encompass the potential to enhance the overall efficiency, sustainability and collaborative dynamics within the UK construction industry, which can ultimately contribute to improved infrastructure development and the well-being of communities.Originality/valueProject-driven strategic management in the UK construction industry is explored, questioning the reactive approach used by CCFs. It provides insights, best practices and improvement areas, emphasising diversification, proactive corporate strategies, cultural shifts and industry improvement, spanning theory, practice and theory.
Articles per page
Browse All Journals

Related Journals: