Hybrid journal * Containing 11 Open Access article(s) in this issue * ISSN (Print) 0969-9988 - ISSN (Online) 1365-232X Published by Emerald[362 journals]
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Authors:Xingwei Li, Jingru Li, Jinrong He, Yicheng Huang, Xiang Liu, Jiachi Dai, Qiong Shen Abstract: The surging market demand for green construction materials has brought opportunities for construction materials enterprises' greenwashing behavior (GWB). This study aims to establish the causal relationship among the influencing factors of GWB and reveal the key influencing factors from the perspective of Chinese construction materials enterprises under multi-agent interactions. This study is based on stakeholder theory, resource-based theory and the green development behavior and performance of industrial enterprises (GDBP-IE). First, with the literature analysis, an index framework of the influencing factors of enterprises' GWB was constructed from five dimensions (including 15 factors): environmental regulation, public scrutiny, market environment, corporate resources and corporate green development (GD) performance. Second, the interactive relationship among influencing factors was obtained by a questionnaire survey. Finally, the data are processed and analyzed with the grey-DEMATEL (Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method. Among the factors, corporate information transparency has the greatest impact on the other factors, and consumer green preferences are most influenced by others. The most critical and important factor is the corporate social performance factor. In China, corporate social performance, corporate information transparency, corporate size and media supervision are the key factors influencing the GWB of construction materials enterprises. This study provides a new perspective on the literature related to GWB by considering multi-agent interactions and extends the evidence from the construction materials industry for research on the drivers or influencing factors of enterprises' bad environmental behavior. Furthermore, it adds insights from China for further research on the governance strategies of GWB in other countries. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-29 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0027 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yanhu Han, Xiao Fang, Xinyu Zhao, Lufan Wang Abstract: The development of prefabricated buildings has become one of the primary solutions to transform the traditional construction industry around the world. Incentive policy is one of the important driving factors for the development of prefabricated building. The policy system in the field of prefabricated buildings needs to be improved urgently. However, there is still a dearth of research on how incentive policies exert impact on the development of prefabricated buildings. This paper aims to reveal the impact mechanisms of different types of policies on the development system of prefabricated buildings. This study categorizes prefabricated building policies, constructs a system dynamics model of prefabricated building policies and conducts scenario simulations to examine the impact and sensitivity of different types of policies on the development system of prefabricated buildings. The results show that compulsory policies play a greater role in the early stage of prefabricated building development and need to be withdrawn at the right time. Preferential and encouraging policies play an incentive role in the middle and later stages of prefabricated building development. Encouraging policies predominate in the later stage of prefabricated building development. Based on the research results, policy recommendations for prefabricated building development are put forward respectively from the government, developers and consumers. The research results are expected to make up for the lack of clear policies paths in existing research and provide theoretical references for the formulation and optimization of future policies. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-29 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0084 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Peipei Wang, Kun Wang, Yunhan Huang, Peter Fenn Abstract: Time-cost trade-off is normal conduct in construction projects when projects are expectedly late for delivery. Existing research on time-cost trade-off strategic management mostly focused on the technical calculation towards the optimal combination of activities to be accelerated, while the managerial aspects are mostly neglected. This paper aims to understand the managerial efforts necessary to prepare construction projects ready for an upcoming trade-off implementation. A preliminary list of critical factors was first identified from the literature and verified by a Delphi survey. Quantitative data was then collected by a questionnaire survey to first shortlist the preliminary factors and quantify the predictive model with different machine learning algorithms, i.e. k-nearest neighbours (kNN), radial basis function (RBF), multiplayer perceptron (MLP), multinomial logistic regression (MLR), naïve Bayes classifier (NBC) and Bayesian belief networks (BBNs). The model's independent variable importance ranking revealed that the top challenges faced were the realism of contractual obligation, contractor planning and control and client management and monitoring. Among the tested machine learning algorithms, multilayer perceptron was demonstrated to be the most suitable in this case. This model accuracy reached 96.5% with the training dataset and 95.6% with an independent test dataset and could be used as the contingency approach for time-cost trade-offs. The identified factor list contributed to the theoretical explanation of the failed implementation in general and practical managerial improvement to better avoid such failure. In addition, the established predictive model provided an ad-hoc early warning and diagnostic tool to better ensure time-cost implementation success. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-29 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1104 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Vu Hong Son Pham, Nguyen Thi Nha Trang, Chau Quang Dat Abstract: The paper aims to provide an efficient dispatching schedule for ready-mix concrete (RMC) trucks and create a balance between batch plants and construction sites. The paper focused on developing a new metaheuristic swarm intelligence algorithm using Java code. The paper used statistical criterion: mean, standard deviation, running time to verify the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method and compared its derivatives with other algorithms, such as genetic algorithm (GA), Tabu search (TS), bee colony optimization (BCO), ant lion optimizer (ALO), grey wolf optimizer (GWO), dragonfly algorithm (DA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The paper proved that integrating GWO and DA yields better results than independent algorithms and some selected algorithms in the literature. It also suggests that multi-independent batch plants could effectively cooperate in a system to deliver RMC to various construction sites. The paper provides a compelling new hybrid swarm intelligence algorithm and a model allowing multi-independent batch plants to work in a system to deliver RMC. It fulfills an identified need to study how batch plant managers can expand their dispatching network, increase their competitiveness and improve their supply chain operations. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-29 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1176 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yubo Guo, Yangyang Su, Chuan Chen, Igor Martek Abstract: The Public–Private Partnership (PPP) modality plays an important role in the procurement of global infrastructure projects. Regarding PPP's complex transaction structure, pricing of a PPP project is critical to both parties where the government pursues a high value for money (VFM) and the investor strives to maximize its financial gains. Despite the straightforward win–win principle, a formidable compromise is often the case to end up with a fairly acceptable price, subject to many determinants such as the risk profile, expected return, technological innovation and capacities of both parties. Among them, this study chooses to examine the “managing flexibility” (MF) capacity of investors in pricing of a PPP project, in light of the widely recognized importance of a real-option perspective toward the long term, complex and uncertain PPP arrangement. This study addresses two major questions: (1) how is MF in PPP projects to be valued and (2) how are PPP projects to be priced when considering a project's MF value. A binomial tree model is used to evaluate the MF value in PPP projects. Based on the developed MF pricing model, net present value (NPV) and adjusted VFM value are then calculated. Finally, a multi-objective decision-making method (MODM) was adopted to determine the optimal level of returns based on invested capital (ROIC), return on operation maintenance (ROOM) and concession period. The applicability and functionality of the proposed model is investigated using a real project case. For a given return, extended NPV and adjusted VFM value were calculated and analyzed using sensitivity analysis. Factor influence is shown by the model to be dependent on factor impact on cash flow. Subsequently, a multi-objective decision-making (MODM) model was adopted to determine the optimal level of returns, where the solution approximates the real-world bidding price. Results confirm that the pricing model provides a reliable and practical PPP proposal pricing tool. This study proposes an integrated framework for valuing MF in PPP projects and thus more accurately determine optimal pricing of PPP projects than revealed in extant research. The model offers a practical tool to aid in the valuation of PPP projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-26 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0672 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Xuewei Li, Jingfeng Yuan, Xuan Liu, Guangqi Wang, Qian-Cheng Wang Abstract: With the continuous improvement of public–private partnership (PPP) projects, the participants' value creation goals are not only limited to achieving the basic performance objectives but also to realising value added. However, the effect of traditional contract management on realising the value creation objectives of PPP projects is limited. According to the view of multifunctional contract, joint-contract functions that integrate contract control and flexibility are likely to be effective in enhancing the value creation of PPP projects. This study aims to explore the effects of joint-contract functions on PPP project value creation and relevant influencing mechanism by investigating the mediating effect of in-role behaviour and extra-role behaviour. After collecting 258 valid questionnaires from PPP professionals in China, this study used structural equation modelling to validate the hypotheses. Contract control and flexibility can improve PPP project value creation. Specifically, contract control improves the achievement of the basic contract objectives of PPP projects, whereas contract flexibility enhances the achievement of the value-added of PPP projects. Moreover, only in-role behaviour mediates the effect of contract control on value creation. In addition, the mediating effect of extra-role behaviour on the impact of contract flexibility on value creation is stronger than that of in-role behaviour. The mediating effect of in- and extra-role behaviour is mainly reflected in the realisation of basic and value-added performance, respectively. The findings of this study can help realise value creation in three ways. Firstly, new perspectives for PPP project value creation should be proposed by combining the improvement of contract objectives and the realisation of the participants' implicit demands. Secondly, the effects of different contract functions on value creation should be analysed instead of a single dimension of contractual governance. Thirdly, the mediating effects of different types of cooperation behaviour that may influence the relationship between contractual governance and value creation should be evaluated. This study verifies the impacts of different contract functions on PPP project value creation. In addition, cooperative behaviour is embedded as a mediating variable, and the mediated transmission path from contract function to cooperative behaviour and further to PPP project value creation is systematically analysed. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-25 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0949 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Minggong Zhang, Xiaolong Xue, Ting Luo, Mengmeng Li, Xiaoling Tang Abstract: This study aims to establish an evaluation method for cross-regional major infrastructure project (CRMIP) supportability. The focus is to identify evaluation indicators from a complexity perspective and develop an evaluation model using qualitative and quantitative methods. Case studies are carried out to verify the reliability of the evaluation model, thereby providing theoretical and practical guidance for CRMIP operations and maintenance (O&M). Guided by the idea of complexity management, the evaluation indicators of CRMIP supportability are determined through literature analysis, actual O&M experience and expert interviews. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, consisting of sequential relationship analysis, entropy weighting, game theory and cloud model, is developed to determine the indicator weights. Finally, the evaluation model is used to evaluate the supportability of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB), which tests the rationality of the model and reveals its supportability level. The results demonstrate that CRMIPs' supportability is influenced by 6 guideline-level and 18 indicator-level indicators, and the priority of the influencing factors includes “organization,” “technology,” “system,” “human resources,” “material system,” and “funding.” As for specific indicators, “organizational objectives,” “organizational structure and synergy mechanism,” and “technical systems and procedures” are critical to CRMIPs' O&M supportability. The results also indicate that the supportability level of the HZMB falls between good and excellent. Under the guidance of complexity management thinking, this study proposes a supportability evaluation framework based on the combined weights of game theory and the cloud model. This study provides a valuable reference and scientific judgment for the health and safety of CRMIPs' O&M. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0820 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Dezhi Li, Lugang Yu, Guanying Huang, Shenghua Zhou, Haibo Feng, Yanqing Wang Abstract: To propose a new investment-income valuation model by real options approach (ROA) for old community renewal (OCR) projects, which could help the government attract private capital's participation. The new model is proposed by identifying the types of options private capital has in the OCR project, selecting the option model most suitable for private capital investment decisions, improving the valuation model through the triangular fuzzy numbers to take into account the uncertainty and flexibility, and demonstrating the feasibility of the calculation model through an actual OCR project case. The new model can valuate OCR projects more accurately based on considering uncertainty and flexibility, compared with conventional methods that often underestimate the value of OCR projects. The investment-income of OCR projects shall be re-valuated from the lens of real options, which could help reveal more real benefits beyond the capital growth of OCR projects, enable the government to attract private capital's investment in OCR, and alleviate government fiscal pressure. The proposed OCR-oriented investment-income valuation model systematically analyzes the applicability of real option value (ROV) to OCR projects, innovatively integrates the ROV and the net present value (NPV) as expanded net present value (ENPV), and accurately evaluate real benefits in comparison with existing models. Furthermore, the newly proposed model holds the potential to be transferred to various social welfare projects as a tool to attract private capital's participation. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1036 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yulong Li, Ziwen Yao, Jing Wu, Saixing Zeng, Guobin Wu Abstract: The numerous spoil grounds brought about by mega transportation infrastructure projects which can be influenced by the ecological environment. To achieve better management of spoil grounds, this paper aims to assess their comprehensive risk levels and categorize them into different categories based on ecological environmental risks. Based on analysis of the environmental characteristics of spoil grounds, this paper first comprehensively identified the ecological environmental risk factors and developed a risk assessment index system to quantitatively describe the comprehensive risk levels. Second, this paper proposed a comprehensive model to determine the risk assessment and categorization of spoil ground group in mega projects integrating improved projection pursuit clustering (PPC) method and K-means clustering algorithm. Finally, a case study of a spoil ground group (includes 50 spoil grounds) in a mega infrastructure project in western China is presented to demonstrate and validate the proposed method. The results show that our proposed comprehensive model can efficiently assess and categorize the spoil grounds in the group based on their comprehensive ecological environmental risk. In addition, during the process of risk assessment and categorization of spoil grounds, it is necessary to distinguish between sensitive factors and nonsensitive factors. The differences between different categories of spoil grounds can be recognized based on nonsensitive factors, and high-risk spoil grounds which need to be focused more on can be identified according to sensitive factors. This paper develops a comprehensive model of risk assessment and categorization of a group of spoil grounds based on their ecological environmental risks, which can provide a reference for the management of spoil grounds in mega projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-19 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-1003 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Ling Yan, Yichao Chen, Tingting Cao Abstract: The consulting team intervenes in the integrated construction consulting (ICC) network structure centered on “client-contractor-consultant.” Team boundary-spanning behavior (TBB) driven by the network structure is crucial to project performance. This article investigated how to stimulate the consulting project performance (CPP) improvement by considering the interactive effect of network structure and TBB. To be specific, this paper explored the configuration between structural characteristics of project networks, the dimension of TBB, and project performance in ICC projects. Network density and centrality were used to reflect network structure. This study collected 216 valid responses from construction professionals (including project managers, department managers, and project engineers) via a questionnaire survey and analyzed the data using fsQCA. Combining with the corresponding typical project case and analysis, the results concluded four types of configurations for achieving high performance in the ICC projects. Meanwhile, network centrality, density, ambassadorial behavior, coordination behavior, and detection behavior significantly impact high consulting project performance. Matching ICC network characteristics with the TBB is important. There are also three low performance configurations for the ICC projects. Low performance state also occurs when network centrality or density and coordination behavior is simultaneously low. Only the right match between the network characteristics and TBB can produce high consulting project performance. The network centrality and density, the implementation of TBB vary, and the paths to achieve high consulting project performance are different. Clients, ICC projects, and consulting teams should choose the appropriate development paths according to the actual situation. (1) Clients should commit to applying the ICC project model with high network centrality, density, and coordination behavior of ICC enterprises to promote project performance. (2) Consulting enterprises should carry out ICC business based on detecting behavior and coordinating behavior. (3) The market should cultivate head consulting enterprises with independence and integration, and bring into play the effectiveness of consulting team ambassadorial behavior. Comparing the results of the four high CPP configurations, the network structure characteristics are essential, which means that in the Chinese consulting practice between the owner and the consulting firm pay attention to the use of appropriate ICC organizational structure model and arrange the degree of centralization of authorized responsibilities. Coordination behavior is necessary to achieve high CPP. Therefore, Chinese consulting firms should pay attention to effective communication and exchange with project contractors in order to get high CPP in conducting business; meanwhile, enabling behavior can achieve high CPP both in the presence and absence of configuration H1 and H4, which indicates that enabling behavior has substitution effect. Comparing the three low CPP configurations also contrarily confirms the indispensability of coordinating behavior. Comparing the results of high and low CPP configurations, the TBB is seriously missing and not properly applied in CPP enhancement. In detail, Chinese consulting firms have been regarded as independent third parties providing services, and less attention has been paid to the TBB of Chinese consulting firms in past practice, thus leading to the dilemma of inadequate empowerment of consulting firms due to their unclear status. To solve this dilemma, the findings of this paper offer a solution at the micro level to change the previous perception of consulting and demonstrate that Chinese consulting practice needs to pay attention to TBB with owners and contractors, and apply it well to enhance the reputation, management consulting level and capability, and experience and expertise of consulting firms to achieve high CPP. The research results changed from the previous bilateral project governance to a new perspective of network embedding. It provided a theoretical basis for the improvement path of high consulting project performance, as well as providing ideas for clients on the organizational design of ICC projects. On the other hand, it provided a practical reference for TBB positioning of ICC enterprises for transformation and upgrading development. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-19 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1129 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yousong Wang, Enqin Gong, Yangbing Zhang, Yao Yao, Xiaowei Zhou Abstract: The need for infrastructure is growing as urbanization picks up speed, and the infrastructure REITs financing model has been crucial in reviving the vast infrastructure stock, alleviating the pressure on government funds and diversifying investment entities. This study aims to propose a framework to better assess the risks of infrastructure REITs, which can serve for the researchers and the policy makers to propose risk mitigation strategies and policy recommendations more purposively to facilitate successful implementation and long-term development of infrastructure REITs. The infrastructure REITs risk evaluation index system is established through literature review and factor analysis, and the optimal comprehensive weight of the index is calculated using the combination weight. Then, a risk evaluation cloud model of infrastructure REITs is constructed, and experts quantify the qualitative language of infrastructure REITs risks. This paper verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the model by taking a basic REITs project in China as an example. This paper takes infrastructure REITs project in China as an example, to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the cloud evaluation method. The research outcome shows that infrastructure REITs risks manifest in the risk of policy and legal, underlying asset, market, operational and credit. The main influencing factors in terms of their weights are tax policy risk, operation and management risk, liquidity risk, termination risk and default risk. The financing project is at a higher risk, and the probability of risk is 64.2%. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by supplementing a set of scientific and practical risk evaluation methods to assess the potential risks of infrastructure REITs project, which contributes the infrastructure financing risk management system. Identify key risk factors for infrastructure REITs with underlying assets, which contributes to infrastructure REITs project management. This research can help relevant stakeholders to control risks throughout the infrastructure investment and financing life cycle, provide them with reference for investment and financing decision-making and promote more sustainable and healthy development of infrastructure REITs in developing countries. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-18 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1142 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Sulafa Badi, Mohamed Nasaj Abstract: This study aims to assess the essential elements of internal organisational capability that influence the cybersecurity effectiveness of a construction firm. An extended McKinsey 7S model is used to analyse the relationship between a construction firm's cybersecurity effectiveness and nine internal capability elements: shared values, strategy, structure, systems, staff, style, skills, relationships with third parties and regulatory compliance. Based on a quantitative research strategy, this study collected data through a cross-sectional survey of professionals working in the construction sector in the United Kingdom (UK). The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings underlined systems, regulatory compliance, staff and third-party relationships as the most significant elements of internal organisational capability influencing a construction firm's cybersecurity effectiveness, organised in order of importance. Future research possibilities are proposed including the extension of the proposed diagnostic model to consider additional external factors, examining it under varying industrial relationship conditions and developing a dynamic framework that helps improve cybersecurity capability levels while overseeing execution outcomes to ensure success. The extended McKinsey 7S model can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess the organisation's internal capabilities and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented changes. This can provide specific ways for construction firms to enhance their cybersecurity effectiveness. This study contributes to the field of cybersecurity in the construction industry by empirically assessing the effectiveness of cybersecurity in UK construction firms using an extended McKinsey 7S model. The study highlights the importance of two additional elements, third-party relationships and construction firm regulatory compliance, which were overlooked in the original McKinsey 7S model. By utilising this model, the study develops a concise research model of essential elements of internal organisational capability that influence cybersecurity effectiveness in construction firms. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-17 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1131 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Nandun Madhusanka Hewa Welege, Wei Pan, Mohan Kumaraswamy Abstract: Despite carbon reduction commitments, many constraints hinder the delivery of low-carbon buildings (LCBs) in high-rise high-density cities. The collaborative commitment of relevant stakeholders is vital to effectively address and mitigate these constraints. Hence, this study aims to comprehensively explore the required stakeholder collaboration attributes to address and mitigate the “common” constraints of delivering LCBs by focussing on several high-rise high-density cities. A list of 21 “significant and common” constraints was identified through a systematic literature review followed by a questionnaire survey covering five economies (Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Qatar and the UAE). Nineteen influential stakeholders/stakeholder categories were identified through the literature, and their ability to influence the 21 constraints was mapped and identified through a two-round Delphi survey of 15 experienced professionals. The Delphi survey findings were analysed through social network analysis (SNA) methods to assess the stakeholder engagement and collaboration attributes. The SNA results revealed the ability of stakeholders to influence the constraints, required collaborative stakeholder networks to address the constraints, significance of stakeholders according to the SNA centrality measures, core and periphery stakeholders and individual co-affiliation networks of core stakeholders. While achieving the planned primary target of exploring stakeholder collaboration and their significance through SNA, this study also presents a useful sequential methodological approach for future researchers to conduct similar studies in different contexts. The findings also provide a foundation for accelerating the delivery of LCBs by strengthening stakeholder collaboration. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-16 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0166 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Xiaolin Li, Huimin Li, Ruirui Zhang, Yilin Yin, Shaonan Sun, Juan Bai, Ruihua Liu Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of asymmetric trust on construction project management performance in China's construction industry. Moreover, the authors explore the mediating role of two types of knowledge sharing (explicit knowledge sharing and tacit knowledge sharing) in explaining the association between asymmetric trust and project management performance. A theoretical model based on the research hypotheses proposed in this study was developed and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 271 professionals. The data collected was analyzed by the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant and negative association between asymmetric trust and project management performance. Moreover, two types of knowledge sharing (explicit knowledge sharing and tacit knowledge sharing) have different degrees of impact on improving project management performance. In addition, tacit knowledge sharing is a mediator between asymmetric trust and project management performance. The data used in this study is from Chinese scenarios, so the research conclusions and application effects based on this are bound to have certain regional limitations. Besides, there are many factors that affect project management performance improving, and the relationships among them are so complex. The theoretical model proposed in this study may not be fully considered. Therefore, follow-up researchers can consider bringing more suitable variables into their researches, so that the theoretical researches can be more in line with the actual project management practice, and the specific mechanism for improving project management performance can be explained more deeply. This research's value is as follows: Firstly, this paper contributes to the trust and relational governance literature by expanding the research perspective of mutual trust to asymmetric trust. Specially, this research designs a measurement scale for asymmetric trust and then reveals the impact mechanism of it on project management performance, which will certainly promote research paradigm change of trust. Secondly, this research is beneficial to knowledge sharing literature in the construction management field by expanding the research scope of knowledge sharing from a cross-organizational perspective. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-16 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0400 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi, Marcela Brauner, Megan Burfoot, Nicola Naismith Naismith, C.W. Chathurani Silva, Mahsa Mohaghegh Abstract: This study aims to determine the effects of sexism and unfavourable job conditions on women's mental and physical wellbeing in construction operations. In addition, this study will establish the mediating role of work morale in the association between workplace challenges and wellbeing. Data for this study were obtained from women working in office environments, onsite professionals and those in trades. A total of 65 participants responded to the survey. The partial least square structural equation modelling method was applied to validate the measurement model and test the hypotheses. The findings demonstrate that benevolent and hostile sexism directly influences work morale and indirectly affects women's mental and physical wellbeing in the construction industry. Hostile sexism is the most significant challenge for female construction workers in New Zealand. The finding is theory-building and challenges the assumptions that the nature of the construction industry has a bearing on the mental and physical health of women in construction. In addition, the finding is useful for creating positive work environments that are both inclusive and empathetic to the diverse needs of the modern-day construction workforce. Thus, reducing the challenges experienced by construction women's workforce. The current study focuses on women and those who identified themselves as such. The conclusions show the relevance of work morale to their mental wellbeing. This exploratory quantitative study contributes to research by advancing understanding of the challenges women face in the industry and the consequences of those challenges on their physical and mental wellbeing. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-15 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0152 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Hongliang Yu, Zhen Peng, Zirui He, Chun Huang Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to establish a maturity evaluation model for the application of construction steel structure welding robotics suitable for the actual situation and specific characteristics of engineering projects in China and then to assess the maturity level of the technology in the application of domestic engineering projects more scientifically. The research follows a qualitative and quantitative analysis method. In the first stage, the structure of the maturity model is constructed and the evaluation index system is designed by using the ideas of the capability maturity model and WSR methodology for reference. In the second stage, the design of the evaluation process and the selection of evaluation methods (analytic hierarchy process method, multi-level gray comprehensive evaluation method). In the third stage, the data are collected and organized (preparation of questionnaires, distribution of questionnaires, questionnaire collection). In the fourth stage, the established maturity evaluation model is used to analyze the data. The evaluation model established by using multi-level gray theory can effectively transform various complex indicators into an intuitive maturity level or score status. The conclusion shows that the application maturity of building steel structure welding robot technology in this project is at the development level as a whole. The maturity levels of “WuLi – ShiLi – RenLi” are respectively: development level, development level, between starting level and development level. Comparison of maturity evaluation values of five important factors (from high to low): environmental factors, technical factors, management factors, benefit factors, personnel and group factors. In this paper, based on the existing research related to construction steel structure welding robot technology, a quantitative and holistic evaluation of the application of construction steel structure welding robot technology in domestic engineering projects is conducted for the first time from a project perspective by designing a maturity evaluation index system and establishing a maturity evaluation model. This research will help the project team to evaluate the application level (maturity) of the welding robot in the actual project, identify the shortcomings and defects of the application of this technology, then improve the weak links pertinently, and finally realize the gradual improvement of the overall application level of welding robot technology for building steel structure. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-12 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0937 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Sara Gusmao Brissi, Luciana Debs Abstract: This study focuses on identifying key principles for implementing strategic changes in design and construction companies interested in successfully using offsite construction (OSC) in multifamily housing projects, considering the need for more affordable and sustainable multifamily housing in the United States of America (USA). Using mixed methods, the study involved three phases of data collection and data analysis: (1) delphi survey, (2) online survey, (3) proposition of principles and validation interviews. The key principles identified by the present research are (1) develop product-oriented business model, (2) promote leadership and mindset engagement with OSC principles, (3) engage in partnerships and more innovative contractual models, (4) shift toward digital transformation, (5) develop training and knowledge management strategies, (6) adopt lean construction (LC) practices, (7) develop training and knowledge management strategies and (8) integrate logistics and supply chain management with AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) processes. The implementation of the principles and strategic changes identified in this study aims to prepare design and construction companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to embrace the increasing use of OSC in multifamily projects in the USA, which will make them more efficient and resilient and, ultimately, will contribute to the construction of more affordable and sustainable multifamily housing projects in the USA. This is the first research to address holistic strategies to support design and construction companies in adopting OSC. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-11 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0262 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Seyed Ashkan Zarghami Abstract: The overarching objective of this paper is to examine the cause–effect relationships among building and information modeling (BIM)-related risk factors and their impact on the implementation of BIM in construction projects. This paper draws on previous research to identify and categorize BIM-related risk factors. It then develops a system dynamics (SD) model to examine the cause–effect relationships among these factors leading to issues in BIM implementation. The proposed SD model illustrates how nine reinforcing feedback loops provide connections between four categories of risks, namely, technical, information, legal and organizational risks and, consequently, create vicious cycles that threaten the successful implementation of BIM. This paper is among a few studies that depart from reductionism by taking a holistic approach and demonstrating how the interactions between BIM-related risk factors lead to vicious cycles that threaten the successful implementation of BIM. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-08 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0011 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, John Aliu, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala Abstract: Studies show that the twenty-first-century construction industry needs reskilling and upskilling tools to train large numbers of the workforce for better-integrated project delivery. Evidence shows that digitisation via the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology can play a critical role in reskilling and competency demand. Attempting to use digital technology may have had some challenges. Studies about the perceived hindrances facing Nigeria's built environment professionals (BEP) reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace via 4IR technologies are scarce. Thus, the study investigated the perceived encumbrances facing Nigeria's BEP training needs and proffered measures to improve their performance in the workplace via 4IR technologies. The researchers engaged BEP in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. Regarding the data collection, a qualitative research design was adopted. The study achieved saturation after 32 virtual interviews. A thematic analysis was adopted for the collected data. The study shows that using 4IR for reskilling and upskilling will enhance integrated project delivery. But the level of usage in training needs is low. Findings identified the various ways reskilling and upskilling could be achieved. Also identified are the major built environment areas that require 4IR training. Findings highlighted possible encumbrances facing the use of 4IR technologies by Nigerian BEP for reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace and proffered feasible measures to improve 4IR usage for training needs. The study is restricted to the perceived encumbrances and proffers measures to improve BEP reskilling and upskilling needs via 4IR technologies via a qualitative method. Future research is required to validate the findings and test the proposed framework that emerged from the study. The study confirms that reskilling and upskilling measures are required at all skill levels and may lead to economic growth. The paper would advance Nigerian higher educational accreditation agencies and various BEP regulatory bodies to review the curriculum and incorporate 4IR as a component or module. The thematic network analysis and proposed framework could be utilised to stimulate Nigeria's BEP reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace via 4IR technologies. It would stir main stakeholders, especially government policymakers, to facilitate programmes to improve 4IR technologies usage. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-04 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0212 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Xichen Chen, Alice Yan Chang-Richards, Tak Wing Yiu, Florence Yean Yng Ling, Antony Pelosi, Nan Yang Abstract: With growing concern about sustainable development and increased awareness of environmental issues, digital technologies (DTs) are gaining prominence and becoming a promising trend to improve productivity, sustainability and project performance in the construction industry. Nonetheless, the uptake of DTs in the construction industry has been limited and plagued with roadblocks. This study aims to identify critical barriers for construction organisations to adopt DTs and to demonstrate relationships between organisational characteristics and the perceived DTs adoption barriers. This study adopted an explanatory sequential design by combining the advantages of quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection methods include literature review, a pilot study, questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaire data were analysed by using SPSS and multivariate regression technique. The interview data were processed by using content analysis to validate and supplement findings from the questionnaire. Based on the survey and interview results, eight critical barriers were identified: the three top critical barriers are (1) “status quo industry standards”, (2) “lack of client interest” and (3) “lack of financial need/drive for using DTs”. The eight critical barriers were further classified into technical, environmental, and social dimensions to determine the major constructs that hinder DTs adoption. A theoretical framework articulating critical barriers with underlying components and root causes was also proposed. Furthermore, by using multivariate regression analysis, a model was developed to link the organisational characteristics with barriers to DTs adoption. By referring to the framework and the model developed, academics, industry practitioners, and decision makers can identify pivotal areas for improvement, make informed decisions and implement remedial measures to remove the barriers to digitalisation transformation. This study contributes to the literature on construction innovations by investigating barriers to DTs adoption holistically as well as perceptions of the impact of organisational attributes on these barriers. It establishes the groundwork for future empirical research into the strategic consolidation of movement of DTs adoption and diffusion. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-04 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1051 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Min Cheng, Lin Liu, Xiaotong Cheng, Li Tao Abstract: Many waste-to-energy (WTE) plants are constructed and operated using the public-private partnership (PPP) mode in China. However, risk events of PPP WTE incineration projects sometimes occur. This study aims to clarify the relationship of risks in China's PPP WTE incineration projects and identify the key risks accordingly and risk transmission paths. A risk list of PPP WTE incineration projects was obtained based on literature analysis. Moreover, a hybrid approach combining fuzzy sets, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was developed to analyze the causality of risks, explore critical risks and reveal the risk transmission paths. The quantitative analysis process was implemented in MATLAB. The results show that government decision-making risk, government credit risk, government supervision behavior risk, legal and policy risk, revenue and cost risk and management capacity risk are the critical risks of PPP WTE incineration projects in China. These critical risks are at different levels in the risk hierarchy and often trigger other risks. Currently, there is a lack of exploration on the interaction between the risks of PPP WTE incineration projects. This study fills this gap by examining the key risks and risk transfer pathways of PPP WTE incineration projects from the perspective of risk interactions. The findings can help the public and private sectors to systematically understand the risks in PPP WTE incineration projects, thus enabling them to identify the risks that need to be focused on when making decisions and to optimize risk prevention strategies. The proposed hybrid approach can offer methodological ideas for risk analysis of other types of PPP projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-05-01 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0546 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Xiao-Hua Jin, Sepani Senaratne, Ye Fu, Bashir Tijani Abstract: The problem of stress is increasingly gaining attention in the construction industry in recent years. This study is aimed at examining the causes, effects and possible alleviation of stress of project management (PM) practitioners so that their stress could be appropriately managed and reduced, which would contribute to improved mental health. Primary data were collected in an online questionnaire survey via Qualtrics. Questions ranged from PM practitioners’ stressors, stress and performance under stress to stress alleviation tools and techniques. One hundred and five PM practitioners completed the questionnaire. Their responses were compiled and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression. The results confirmed that the identified stressors tended to increase stress of PM practitioners. All stressors tested in this study were found to have negative impact on the performance of PM practitioners. In particular, the burnout stressors were seen as the key stressors that influence the performance of PM practitioners and have a strong correlation with all the other stressors. It was also found that a number of tools and techniques can reduce the impact of stressors on PM practitioners. This study has taken a specific focus on stress-related issues of PM practitioners in the construction industry due to their critical role in this project-dominated industry. Using the Job Demand-Resource theory, a holistic examination was not only conducted on stress and stressors but also on alleviation tools and techniques. This study has thus made significant contribution to the ongoing research aimed at finding solutions to mental health-related problems in the project-dominated construction industry, thereby achieving the United Nations’ social sustainability development goals. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2020-1006 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Minh Van Nguyen Abstract: This study aims to determine barriers to innovation and to develop a quantitative model for the barrier to innovation in Vietnamese construction organizations of different sizes. A literature review and discussions with experienced practitioners were implemented to determine barriers to innovation in construction organizations. The rank-based non-parametric test analyzed collected data from a questionnaire survey to examine if there were significant differences between the three groups of organizations, including small, medium and large construction organizations. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) technique was employed to develop barrier indexes (BIs) for organizations of different sizes in Vietnam. The findings showed 17 barriers to innovation which were categorized into four groups, including organizational, human resources, economic and market barriers. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences regarding barriers to innovation between small, medium and large construction organizations in Vietnam. The post hoc test highlighted barriers to innovation differently separated into two groups: SMEs and large construction organizations. The FSE analysis integrated the identified barriers into the comprehensive BIs for SMEs and large construction organizations. The FSE analysis illustrated that the organizational barrier is the most critical barrier for SMEs. On the other hand, the market barrier received the most significant attention in large construction organizations. This research is one of the first integrated barriers to innovation into a comprehensive formulation. The indexes provide the decision-makers with a practical and reliable tool to evaluate barriers to innovation in construction organizations of different sizes. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0701 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Dedong Wang, Peng Wang Abstract: As the risks and uncertainties faced by construction projects increase, the study of organizational resilience becomes more and more important for construction project management. Therefore, this study aims to deepen the understanding of the micro-mechanisms of organizational resilience in construction projects and explore the impact of employee resilience on organizational resilience. By combining the conservation of resources, this study constructs the mechanism of employee resilience on organizational resilience in construction projects and considers the mediating role of task types. A partial least squares structural equation model (SEM) was used to test hypotheses based on data collected from 224 respondents. The results show that employees' work resilience has a direct positive impact on the organizational resilience in construction projects and is also mediated by inter-team tasks. However, the psychological resilience of employees will have a direct adverse effect on the organizational resilience in construction projects and will be mediated by inter-team tasks and intra-team tasks. This study verifies the impact mechanism of employee resilience on organizational resilience, including direct effects and indirect effects through different types of team tasks, and reveals the micro-mechanisms of using employee resources to build organizational resilience. This article sheds light on how project managers and employees can develop resilience to deal with the uncertainty and complexity of construction projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0797 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Iman Youssefi, Tolga Celik Abstract: Total risk score (TRS) is considered one of the main indicators for risk evaluation. Several studies attempted to employ different types of risk indices for the evaluation of cost overrun causes. Hence, this study aims at performing a comparative analysis to evaluate the efficiency of three different approaches for TRS calculation. Thirty-eight unique causes of cost overrun in urban-related construction projects were identified and a survey was conducted among construction professionals in Iran. The TRS for each cost overrun cause is calculated using single-attribute (SA), double-attribute (DA), and multiple-attribute (MA) approaches, and eventually, causes were ranked. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA), logistic regression analysis (LRA), and K-means clustering are utilized to compare the differences in the generated TRS using different approaches. The results revealed that the TRS generated through the MA approach demonstrated the highest efficiency in terms of generating correlation between causes and their identified latent constructs, prediction capability, and classification of the influential causes in the same group. The originality of this study primarily stems from the adoption of statistical approaches in the evaluation of the recently introduced TRS calculation approach in comparison to traditional ones. Additionally, this study proposed a modified application of the relative importance index (RII) for risk prioritization. The results from this study are expected to fulfill the gap in previous literature toward exploring the most efficient TRS calculation approach for those researchers and practitioners who seek to utilize them as a measure to identify the influential cost overrun causes. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-18 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1097 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Wajiha Mohsin Shahzad, Siddenki Mahender Reddy, Ravindu Kahandawa, James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi Abstract: The ascendancy of modular offsite construction (MOSC) over traditional construction methods is well known. Despite the known potential of this construction approach, its adoption is minimal in New Zealand construction industry. This article investigates the potential benefits of using MOSC for delivery of high-rise buildings in New Zealand, underlying factors responsible for its low uptake and the measures that can facilitate its improved uptake. This study utilised a mixed research approach. An empirical questionnaire survey was carried out with New Zealand construction industry professionals with expertise in MOSC. Factor analysis of survey data was carried out using SPSS software. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with subject matter experts to get further insights and expand the survey findings. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. Study identified benefits of MOSC, thus establishing potential of its uptake for high-rise building construction. Constraining factors were investigated, most pronounced being low level of skills in construction industry to design, manufacture and integrate supply chain of MOSC, high initial investment, high cost of importing modules and negative perception about offsite manufactured buildings. This study also highlighted the enablers to improve uptake of MOSC. These enablers included; loan and mortgage policies to suit MOSC paradigm, building regulations to support OSC industry, increased support from the government and awareness and acceptance of standardised building designs among the clients. Originality of this paper harps from little to no research carried out to investigate use of MOSC for high-rise buildings in New Zealand context. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-18 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-1020 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Sundus Shareef, Emad S. Mushtaha, Saleh Abu Dabous, Imad Alsyouf Abstract: This paper investigates thermal mass performance (TMP) in hot climates. The impact of using precast concrete (PC) as a core envelope with different insulation materials has been studied. The aim is to find the effect of building mass with different weights on indoor energy consumption, specifically cooling load in hot climates. This research adopted a case study and simulation methods to find out the efficiency of different mass performances in hot and humid climate conditions. Different scenarios of light, moderate and heavyweight mass using PC have been developed and simulated. The impact of these scenarios on indoor cooling load has been investigated using the integrated environment solution-virtual environment (IES-VE) software. The results showed that adopting a moderate weight mass of two PC sheets and a cavity layer in between can reduce indoor air temperature by 1.17 °C; however, this type of mass may increase the cooling demand. On the other hand, it has been proven that adopting a heavyweight mass for building envelopes and increasing the insulation material has a significant impact on reducing the cooling load. Using a PC Sandwich panel and increasing the insulation material layers for external walls and thickness by 50 mm will reduce the cooling load by 15.8%. Therefore, the heavyweight mass is more efficient compared to lightweight and moderate mass in hot, humid climate areas such as the UAE, in spite of the positive indoor TMP that can be provided by the lightweight mass in reducing the indoor air temperature in the summer season. This research contributes to the thermal mass concept as one of these strategies that have recently been adopted to optimize the thermal performance of buildings and developments. Efficient TMP can have a massive impact on reducing energy consumption. However, less work has investigated TMP in hot and humid climate conditions. Furthermore, the impact of the PC on indoor thermal performance within hot climate areas has not been studied yet. The findings of this study on TMP in the summer season can be generated in all hot climate zones, and investigating the TMP in other seasons can be extended in future studies. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-18 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1024 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Ernesto Pillajo, Claudio Mourgues, Vicente A. González Abstract: Information technology provides important support for on-site decision-making of field personnel. Most literature focuses on the technological aspects of decision-support systems, without fully understanding the information required for effective decision-making. This study aimed to formalize decision-makers’ requirements in terms of the major goals, decisions and information. The situation awareness (SA) approach was applied through the goal-directed task analysis (GDTA) method, narrowing the scope to field managers’ decision-making during indoor construction activities. This method was based on a series of interviews to define, revise and validate the decision-making requirements for the given scope. The study yielded 1,056 highly interrelated elements. The results indicate that the field manager’s overall goal is to execute and handoff work within the established deadlines, with the required quality, maximizing profits, within a safe work environment. The overall goal construes into five main goals regarding work progress, quality, costs, safety and communication. These goals include subgoals, decisions, and the information necessary to attain them, depicted in diagrams. The findings allow enhancing the design of decision-support solutions by identifying information required for future developments and showing the interrelations between goals and information requirements that need to be addressed to present interfaces for effectively assisting on-site decision-making. Moreover, the results allow for the assessment of solutions regarding the sufficiency of information. This is the first effort to fully understand the information required by field managers for on-site decision-making during indoor construction activities. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-17 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0674 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Weiling Jiang, Igor Martek Abstract: Political risk has been identified as a major impediment to the success of foreign invested projects, in developing countries. Infrastructure projects are especially sensitive to host-country political climates. Governance in emerging economies can be unstable, which adversely impacts infrastructure projects, given their high capital-intensity, long operational periods and high asset specificity. While the detrimental impact of political risk is well documented, the mitigation of such impacts on infrastructure projects remains largely unexamined. This study, therefore, addresses this by exploring the available identified political risk management (PRM) strategies based on resilience theory and evaluating their effectiveness. A mixed-method approach was employed to identify PRM strategies. Firstly, a comprehensive literature review identified 40 potential PRM strategies. However, the applicability of those 40 strategies was uncertain due to the scarcity of PRM studies. Thus, expert interviews, drawing on the insights of Chinese infrastructure industry professionals with experience in FII, were applied to review the identified strategies. This process reduced the pool of applicable strategies to 34. Subsequently, 356 questionnaires were sent out to investors from China, Australia and Singapore, with 218 valid responses returned. Based on the data collected from the surveys, statistical analysis was used to evaluate and classify applicable PRM strategies. Results reveal the most effective top five strategies for offsetting the detrimental effects of political risk on foreign infrastructure investment to be: (1) selection of suitable markets and projects; (2) maintaining good relationship with government; (3) purchasing political insurance; (4) utilizing capable contractors from both host country and home country; and (5) adopting an appropriate entry mode. The 34 strategies were further consolidated into four meta-strategies through factor analysis, resulting in the formulation of a strategy selection matrix. The findings of this study offer a rational means by which infrastructure investment practitioners considering projects in developing countries, may arrive at an optimal political risk mitigation strategy. The findings also offer government of host countries directives to improving the political environment in order to attract foreign investment flows into local infrastructure projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-17 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2021-1072 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Abdullahi Ahmed Umar, Noor Amila Wan Abdullah Zawawi, Abdul Rashid Abdul Aziz Abstract: This study aims to seek, on the basis of Hofstede's culture consequences, to explore the notion that regional characteristics may influence the prioritisation of certain types of public-private partnerships (PPP) contract governance skills over others. It further sets out to determine which skills are considered the most critical between the groups of respondents surveyed. To bring this important and neglected perspective into the mainstream of PPP discussions, the study, being of an exploratory nature, relied on a survey of 340 respondents from around the globe. The respondents are a rich mix of public policy experts, economists, construction professionals, project finance experts, lawyers and academic researchers in PPP.s. Analysis revealed that, regional characteristics was an important factor influencing skills prioritisation. Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis with Monte Carlo principal component analysis (PCA) confirmation revealed that project management, contract design, negotiations, performance management and stakeholder management skills were very critical for successful contract management of PPP projects. The findings indicate that the design and implementation of regulatory governance for infrastructure PPPs should be context-specific rather than the current one-size-fits all model. Training should be tailored to reflect regional specific characteristics. Studies are increasingly pointing to the absence of critical PPP skills among institutions responsible for managing PPP contracts. This lack of capacity has resulted in poor oversight of private companies providing public services resulting in poor services, and financial recklessness, which threaten the sustainability of service provision. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-14 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0729 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Nini Xia, Sichao Ding, Tao Ling, Yuchun Tang Abstract: Safety climate plays an important role in the high-risk construction industry. Advances have been made in the understanding of construction safety climate in terms of four interrelated themes, specifically, its definition, measurement, antecedents and consequences. However, knowledge remains fragmented as the studies are scattered, and a systematic review covering these four themes is lacking. To address this research gap, this study aims to perform a systematic literature review of construction safety climate literature regarding the four themes. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol guidelines, 178 eligible articles were obtained. This study provided thematic analysis of the 178 papers to identify what is known and what is not yet fully known regarding the four themes of construction safety climate. This study also conducted a descriptive analysis to identify the influential scholars, keywords, theories and research methods used by the literature, and finally presented an integrative framework directing future research. The literature has not reached a consensus on the definition and measurement of construction safety climate. While it has identified the impact of safety climate on both behavioral and accident consequences, it has paid less attention to the antecedents and their underlying mechanisms regarding safety climate. Fang D. and Lingard H. are identified as the most influential authors in this field. “Questionnaire” and “safety behavior” are the keywords most closely related to safety climate. Unfortunately, the existing evidence for the causal relationships between safety climate and its antecedents and consequences is weak, as many studies lack clear theoretical substance, use a concurrent research design and focus only on individual-level climate perceptions. Finally, to support the development of construction safety climate around the four themes, potential research directions and research methods supporting them are illustrated. This review makes contributions by integrating existing construction studies covering its definition, measurement, antecedents and consequences. This review also makes contributions to specific themes: no review exists on the antecedents of construction safety climate, and this review fills that gap; with regard to consequences, the existing reviews focus either on safety outcomes or safety behavior, but this review included both of them and further elaborated the different theories underpinning the relationships between safety climate and them. It is hoped that this systematic review will be helpful to the research community toward developing a nomologic network and promoting knowledge integration with respect to construction safety climate. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-12 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1074 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Jeen Guo, Pengcheng Xiang, Qiqi Liu, Yun Luo Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose a method that can calculate the transportation infrastructure network service capacity enhancement given by planned transportation infrastructure projects construction. Managers can sequence projects more rationally to maximize the construction effectiveness of infrastructure investments. This paper designed a computational network simulation software to generate topological networks based on established rules. Based on the topological networks, the software simulated the movement path of users and calculated the average travel time. This software allows the adjustment of parameters to suit different research objectives. The average travel time is used as an evaluation index to determine the most appropriate construction sequence. In this paper, the transportation infrastructure network of Sichuan Province in China was used to demonstrate this software. The average travel time of the existing transportation network in Sichuan Province was calculated as 211 min using this software. The high-speed railways from Leshan to Xichang and from Xichang to Yibin had the greatest influence on shortening the average travel time. This paper also measured the changes in the average travel time under two strategies: shortening the maximum and minimum priorities. All the transportation network optimisation plans for Sichuan Province will be somewhere between these two strategies. The contribution of this research are three aspects: First, a complex network analysis method that can take into account the differences of node elements is proposed. Second, it provides an effective tool for decision makers to plan transportation infrastructure construction. Third, the construction sequence of transportation infrastructure development plan can effect the infrastructure investment effectiveness. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-11 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0592 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Sambo Lyson Zulu, Ali M. Saad, Saheed O. Ajayi, Mohammed Dulaimi, Maria Unuigbe Abstract: In the past decade, transforming key processes and activities towards a more digital nature has been the focus of most industries to exploit the associated advantages. Despite that, organisations in the construction sector are lagging the list of early adopters. The slow rate of a fundamental digital transformation is being linked to the challenges facing an effective leadership. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to shed light on the barriers to digital leadership enactment in the construction industry. Limited research has empirically analysed and discussed these barriers to explain the low transformation rate in the existing body of knowledge. This paper empirically investigates the perspectives of construction industry professionals acquiring various roles in the industry. This study captured the views of 38 participants, adopting a qualitative methodological approach to detail the barriers and explain the slow digital transformation rate. Findings are grouped into five themes: leadership characteristics, management and organisational issues, resource constraints, technological issues and risk perceptions. The findings are helpful to business leaders, researchers, trainers and educators to develop measures to encourage leaders in the industry to be at the forefront of digital transformation in their organisations. Literature, however, is discreet in reflecting the challenges and barriers facing today's leadership in facilitating digital transformation among construction stakeholders. This paper provides insights into the variables that may be undermining wider digital adoption across the construction sector's organisations. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0491 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:An Thi Binh Duong, Tho Pham, Huy Truong Quang, Thinh Gia Hoang, Scott McDonald, Thu-Hang Hoang, Hai Thanh Pham Abstract: The present study is performed to identify the propagation mechanism of the ripple effect as well as examine the simultaneous impact of risks on supply chain (SC) performance. A theoretical framework with many hypotheses regarding the relationships between SC risk types and performance is established. The data are collected from a large-scale survey supported by a project of the Japanese government to promote sustainable socioeconomic development for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, with the participation of 207 firms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the hypotheses of the theoretical framework. It is indicated that human-made risk causes operational risk, while natural risk causes both supply risk and operational risk. Furthermore, the impacts of human-made risk and natural risk on performance are amplified through operational risk. This study is one of the first attempts that identifies the propagation mechanism of the ripple effect and examines the simultaneous impact of risks on performance in construction SCs. Although many studies on risk management in construction SCs have been carried out, they mainly focus on risk identification or quantification of risk impact. It is observed that research on the ripple effect of disruptions has been very scarce. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0924 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Win Myat Cho, Bonaventura H.W. Hadikusumo Abstract: The objectives of this paper are to examine the impact of psychological contract on project performance in private construction projects and to investigate if the positive effect of psychological contract on project performance can be mediated by inter-organisational teamwork. Multiple regression analysis and mediation analysis were applied in this study to conduct the proposed hypotheses. Data were collected via questionnaire surveys from the construction professionals working for contractor firms on private construction projects. The result of the multiple regression analysis indicated that psychological contract between contractors and owners is significantly related with project performance in construction projects. This study examined five psychological contract components, but the most important element was found as trust which can influence every aspect of project performance. Fairness is another key factor that can improve project performance in terms of budget and quality. Further, the findings of the mediation analysis revealed that inter-organisational teamwork has a mediating effect on the relationship between psychological contract and project performance. This paper presents the important role of psychological contract between contractor and owner organizations in construction projects that can affect project performance. The study also highlights the significance of inter-organisational teamwork as a mediator to the relationship between psychological contract and project performance. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-07 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1099 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Mayowa I. Adegoriola, Joseph H.K. Lai, Esther H.K. Yung, Edwin H.W. Chan Abstract: The paper aims to identify the critical constraints that impede heritage building (HB) facility managers from discharging their duties effectively and develop an index model to guide HB maintenance management (HBMM) practitioners to the critical constraints. A literature review was conducted to identify HBMM constraints. Facilty management practitioners assessed the constraints' significance through an online survey. The factor analysis was used to shortlist and group the constraints, and the constraint clusters were analyzed by the fuzzy synthetic evaluation technique. A significant index cluster to determine HBMM constraints criticality was generated using the linear additive model. Embracing a total of 16 HBMM constraints, the three clusters identified are: (1) managerial and inadequacy constraints, (2) pressure and bureaucracy constraints and (3) HB peculiarities constraints. Based on the generated significant index, the HB peculiarities cluster was identified as the most significant. The study was conducted in a particular jurisdiction, limiting the generalizability of the result. Future research should address this limitation by covering more jurisdictions. The significant index model (SIM) developed enables HBMM practitioners to objectively assess the criticality of HB constraints and facilitates them to effectively strategize and allocate resources for HBMM. The SIM, which transforms subjective judgment into the objective assessment of the HBMM constraints' criticality, can assist practitioners, policymakers and other HBMM stakeholders in implementing strategies for the sustainability of HBs. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-03 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0457 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Qiang Du, Xiaomin Qi, Patrick X.W. Zou, Yanmin Zhang Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop a bi-objective optimization framework to select prefabricated construction service composition. An improved algorithm-genetic simulated annealing algorithm (GSA) is employed to demonstrate the application of the framework. The weighted aggregate multi-dimensional collaborative relationship is used to quantitatively evaluate the synergistic effect. The quality of service is measured using the same method. The research proposed a service combination selection framework of prefabricated construction that comprehensively considers the quality of service and synergistic effect. The framework is demonstrated by using a GSA that can accept poor solutions with a certain probability. Furthermore, GSA is compared with the genetic algorithm (GA), simulated annealing algorithm (SA) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) to validate the performance. The results indicated that GSA has the largest optimal fitness value and synergistic effect compared with other algorithms, and the convergence time and convergence iteration of the improved algorithm are generally at a low level. The contribution of this study is that the proposed framework enables project managers to clarify the interactions of the prefabricated construction process and provides guidance for project collaborative management. In addition, GSA helps to improve the probability of successful collaboration between potential partners, therefore enhancing client satisfaction. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-04-03 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-1000 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Seyed Ashkan Zarghami, Ofer Zwikael Abstract: A variety of buffer allocation methods exist to distribute an aggregated time buffer among project activities. However, these methods do not pay simultaneous attention to two key attributes of disruptive events that may occur during the construction phase: probability and impact. This paper fills this research gap by developing a buffer allocation method that takes into account the synergistic impact of these two attributes on project activities. This paper develops a three-step method, calculating the probability that project activities are disrupted in the first step, followed by measuring the potential impact of disruption on project activities, and then proposing a risk-informed buffer allocation index by simultaneously integrating probability and impact outputs from the first two steps. The proposed method provides more accurate results by sidestepping the shortcomings of conventional fuzzy-based and simulation-based methods that are purely based on expert judgments or historical precedence. Further, the paper provides decision-makers with a buffer allocation method that helps in developing cost-effective buffering and backup strategies by prioritizing project activities and their required resources. This paper develops a risk-informed buffer allocation method that differs from those already available. The simultaneous pursuit of the probability and impact of disruptions distinguishes our method from conventional buffer allocation methods. Further, this paper intertwines the research domains of complexity science and construction management by performing centrality analysis and incorporating a key attribute of project complexity (i.e. the interconnectedness between project activities) into the process for buffer allocation. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-30 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0925 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Ahmad Nabeel Siddiquei, Saima Ahmad, Kamal Badar, Fahad Asmi Abstract: The present study aims to advance a new framework to spur creativity at individual and team levels in the construction industry by studying a leader's sense of humor. The authors develop and test a multi-level model to investigate the direct and indirect effects of leader's humor on creativity within teams working on construction projects. The authors draw on the benign violation theory to hypothesize that a leader's sense of humor influences the acceptability of norm violations in teams, which helps to improve their creativity. The authors also integrate the benign violation theory with the social information processing theory to examine the indirect effects of project leader's sense of humor on individual- and team-level creativity via team psychological safety. The authors collected data from 165 members nested in 45 teams working on construction projects in China. The construct's factor structure and discriminant validity were established through confirmatory factor analysis. The authors used multi-level modeling via Mplus to test team-level to the individual-level direct and indirect hypotheses, while team-level direct and indirect hypotheses were tested using ordinary least squares regression. The results show that the leader's humor has a dual positive direct effect on individual and team creativity. Furthermore, these effects are partially mediated by team psychological safety. The implications of these findings to improve the construction management theory and practice are discussed in the manuscript. The current study contributes to the literature by understanding the significance of leader humor in predicting individual-level and team-level creativity within the construction sector. It expands the literature by examining team psychological safety as the underlying mechanism in the relationship between leader humor and creativity. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-30 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0792 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Ashish Rastogi, Harish Kumar Singla Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of job, organizational and personal factors on exhaustion (EXH) in early career construction professionals in India. A survey questionnaire was developed and circulated among early career construction professionals in India. The responses on job, organizational and personal demands (role ambiguity, stakeholder management and work-family conflict respectively) and job, organizational and personal resources (job autonomy (JA), perceived organizational support and emotional intelligence respectively) were sought using standard measures. The valid data (N = 187) thus collected, was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The study finds that in terms of demands, stakeholder management and work family conflict have a significant positive effect on EXH. In other words, EXH level increases with the increase in these two. With respect to resources, JA has a negative effect on EXH. This implies that as JA increases, the EXH level goes down. This study is the first to examine factors causing EXH in early career construction professionals in India. This study is significant on two counts. First, it proposes a comprehensive theoretical model based in job demands-resources (JD-R) theory customized for construction sector. Second, the empirical examination is situated in the Indian context, which remains underexplored despite its economic and demographic significance. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-30 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0938 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Lei Ju, Yun Peng Ji, Chunlin Wu, Xin Ning, Yang He Abstract: The high-pressure nature of the construction industry, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, triggered abusive supervision (i.e. workplace bullying and incivility behaviour) that has diminished workers' well-being. However, despite the growing prevalence in practice and increasing concern in academia, abusive supervision remains largely unexplored by construction management scholars. This study aims to fill the gap in the current literature by analysing the effects of abusive supervision on construction workers' well-being, the mediating role of guanxi closeness and the moderating role of trust in the manager. A questionnaire survey was completed by 258 Chinese construction workers. The data underwent mediation and moderation analyses using PROCESS macro 3.5 for SPSS. The results revealed that managers' abusive supervision reduced construction workers' well-being at work and in life. Guanxi closeness between manager and workers mediated the relationship between managers' abusive supervision and construction workers' well-being. Additionally, trust in managers moderated the mediating effect of guanxi closeness. This study further revealed that the emotional connection between construction managers and workers, such as expressive guanxi closeness and affective-based trust, is important in handling the impact of abusive supervision on the workers. The findings of this study provide support for recent calls to address negative manager behaviours such as abusive supervision in construction management. They aid the development of a more comprehensive internal mechanism that considers the influence of guanxi closeness on the outcomes of abusive supervision by managers at construction sites. Additionally, interventions that develop trust in managers may be particularly effective in alleviating the tension of abusive supervision. More attention should be paid to managers' emotional connections in daily construction project management. Rather than concentrate on positive leadership, this study shifts the focus to negative leadership in construction project management by identifying abusive supervision as a negative primary antecedent of workers' well-being. While prior research has highlighted how negative manager behaviours affect workers' well-being from the conservation of resources theory (COR) perspective, this study is the first, to the authors’ knowledge, to adopt a social exchange theory perspective by introducing guanxi closeness as a mediator. It contributes to a greater understanding of how trust in the manager alleviates the negative effect of the person's abusive supervision on construction workers. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-30 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0726 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Minh Van Nguyen Abstract: This study aims to (1) develop a structural equation model in understanding the relationships between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and contractor competitiveness and (2) test the moderating effect of firm sizes on this relationship. A literature review showed an urgent need to investigate the relationship between CSR implementation and contractor competitiveness holistically. CSR and contractor competitiveness variables were identified through the literature review and discussions with experienced professionals. Using a survey questionnaire, a total of 252 completed questionnaires were received. A structural equation modeling technique was then applied to analyze the data collected. Multigroup analysis was employed to test the moderating effect of firm sizes on the relationship between CSR implementation and contractor competitiveness. The results indicated a strong relationship between CSR implementation and contractor competitiveness. This relationship is not moderated by firm size. This research is one of the first studies to holistically explore the linkages between CSR implementation and contractor competitiveness. The findings can be served as a solid foundation to promote CSR performance in construction firms. Contractors of different sizes are suggested to implement CSR activities to foster competitiveness. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-29 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0711 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Lu Zhang, Lei Shi, Li Ma Abstract: A public–private partnership (PPP) is an agreement between the government and private investors to deliver long-term public services. The efficiency of PPP projects depends on PPP contracts stipulating contractual parties' corresponding responsibilities and rights to deal with relational and performance risks. Although more complex contracts provide more remedies for mitigating ex-post transaction costs, they also result in the increased ex ante transaction costs associated with contract writing. Thus, contractual complexity is a design choice that can reduce the overall contract transaction costs. Using 365 transportation PPP projects in China from 2010 to 2019, this study applies the Poisson regression model to examine the effects of payment mechanisms, ownership by investors and equity structure on contractual complexity. PPP contracts have control and coordination functions with unique determinants. Parties in the government-pay mechanism are more likely to negotiate coordination provisions, which results in greater contractual complexity. PPP projects with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have less contractual complexity in terms of both two functions of provisions, whereas the equity structure has no impact on contractual complexity. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of how various contractual provisions are combined to perform control or coordination functions and make managerial recommendations to parties involved in PPP projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0574 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Huiying (Cynthia) Hou, Joseph H.K. Lai, Hao Wu, Tong Wang Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the theoretical and practical links between digital twin (DT) application in heritage facilities management (HFM) from a life cycle management perspective and to signpost the future development directions of DT in HFM. This state-of-the-art review was conducted using a systematic literature review method. Inclusive and exclusive criteria were identified and used to retrieve relevant literature from renowned literature databases. Shortlisted publications were analysed using the VOSviewer software and then critically reviewed to reveal the status quo of research in the subject area. The review results show that DT has been mainly adopted to support decision-making on conservation approach and method selection, performance monitoring and prediction, maintenance strategies design and development, and energy evaluation and management. Although many researchers attempted to develop DT models for part of a heritage building at component or system level and test the models using real-life cases, their works were constrained by availability of empirical data. Furthermore, data capture approaches, data acquisition methods and modelling with multi-source data are found to be the existing challenges of DT application in HFM. In a broader sense, this study contributes to the field of engineering, construction and architectural management by providing an overview of how DT has been applied to support management activities throughout the building life cycle. For the HFM practice, a DT-cum-heritage building information modelling (HBIM) framework was developed to illustrate how DT can be integrated with HBIM to facilitate future DT application in HFM. The overall implication of this study is that it reveals the potential of heritage DT in facilitating HFM in the urban development context. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0596 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Carol K.H. Hon, Chenjunyan Sun, Kïrsten A. Way, Nerina L. Jimmieson, Bo Xia, Herbert C. Biggs Abstract: Mental health problems are a grave concern in construction. Although the distinction between high job demands and low job resources, as reflected in the Job Demands-Resources (JD–R) model, has been used to examine the extent to which psychosocial hazards influence mental health for construction practitioners, limited research has reflected on the nature of these psychosocial hazards by exploring experiences of site-based construction practitioners. This study adopted a phenomenological approach to examine people’ experiences and thoughts of the complex phenomena of psychosocial hazards and mental health in construction. In total, 33 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with site-based construction practitioners in Australia to unveil construction-focused psychosocial hazards and their effects on mental health. The data were analysed via content analysis, employing an interpretation-focused coding strategy to code text and an individual-based sorting strategy to cluster codes. Eighteen psychosocial hazards were identified based on the JD–R model. Six of these represented a new contribution, describing salient characteristics inherent to the construction context (i.e. safety concerns, exposure to traumatic events, job insecurity, task interdependency, client demand and contract pressure). Of particular importance, a number of interrelationships among psychosocial hazards emerged. The significance of this qualitative research lies in elucidating psychosocial hazards and their complex interrelatedness in the context of the mental health of construction practitioners, enriching the understanding of this central health and safety issue in the high-risk setting of construction work. The findings contribute to addressing mental health issues in the Australian construction industry by identifying higher order control measures, thereby creating a mentally healthy workplace. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0617 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Joao Alencastro, Alba Fuertes, Pieter de Wilde Abstract: Despite the number of quality management procedures being currently applied, construction defects in the domestic sector are acknowledged to contribute to the energy performance gap of buildings. This paper investigates the limitations and challenges to the implementation of project quality plans (PQPs) and their impact on the achievement of expected thermal performance in the UK social housing projects. A qualitative approach, guided by grounded theory, was used in this research. This methodology provided the structure for systematic data analysis iterations, enabling cross-case analysis. An analytic induction process was designed to seek the explanation of the targeted phenomenon and required data collection until no new ideas and concepts emerged from the research iterations. This study collected data from five social housing projects through interviews, site observations and project documentation. Multiple limitations and challenges were identified in the implementation of PQP to deliver thermal efficient social housing. Generally, there is the need for more objective quality compliance procedures based on required evidence. When investigating the root of the challenges, it was concluded that the adoption of statutory approval as the main quality compliance procedure led to the dilution of the responsibility for prevention and appraisal of defects that compromised the effectiveness of PQP devised by housing associations (HA) and contractors. This study identifies the shortcomings of PQP in addressing quality issues with potential to undermine the thermal performance of social housing projects. The findings could be used by HA, contractors and policymakers as steppingstones to improve the energy efficiency in the domestic sector. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2021-1061 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yiran Dan, Guiwen Liu Abstract: Production and transportation of precast components, as two continuous service stages of a precast plant, play an important role in meeting customer needs and controlling costs. However, there is still a lack of production and transportation scheduling methods that comprehensively consider delivery timeliness and transportation economy. This article aims to study the integrated scheduling optimization problem of in-plant flowshop production and off-plant transportation under the consideration of practical constraints of customer order delivery time window, and seek an optimal scheduling method that balances delivery timeliness and transportation economy. In this study, an integrated scheduling optimization model of flowshop production and transportation for precast components with delivery time windows is established, which describes the relationship between production and transportation and handles transportation constraints under the premise of balancing delivery timeliness and transportation economy. Then a genetic algorithm is designed to solve this model. It realizes the integrated scheduling of production and transportation through double-layer chromosome coding. A program is designed to realize the solution process. Finally, the validity of the model is proved by the calculation of actual enterprise data. The optimized scheduling scheme can not only meet the on-time delivery, but also improve the truck loading rate and reduce the total cost, composed of early cost in plant, delivery penalty cost and transportation cost. In the model validation, the optimal scheduling scheme uses one less truck than the traditional EDD scheme (saving 20% of the transportation cost), and the total cost can be saved by 17.22%. This study clarifies the relationship between the production and transportation of precast components and establishes the integrated scheduling optimization model and its solution algorithm. Different from previous studies, the proposed optimization model can balance the timeliness and economy of production and transportation for precast components. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0871 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Oluseye Olugboyega Abstract: Some BIM implementation strategies are critical, while others are insignificant and ineffective in terms of lowering BIM adoption obstacles and promoting widespread acceptance of BIM in projects. The BIM literature has not provided evidence to support this claim or identify the fundamental BIM implementation strategies. This study filled this gap by identifying and investigating the effect of fundamental BIM implementation methodologies on the occurrence of proportional impacts between stages. The findings indicate a positive and crucial relationship between the stages of the BIM implementation strategies and the reduction of barriers (r = 1.79, z = 2.15), preliminary and sustained BIM adoption barriers (r = 1.53, z = 60.83), BIM adoption on projects and BIM-enabled integration and collaboration (r = 0.7, z = 2.74). This validates the model's hypotheses and demonstrates that the fundamental BIM implementation strategies will accelerate the reduction of BIM adoption hurdles. The impact, however, will be the same for both sustained and preliminary barriers. This implies that lowering the obstacles alone will not secure BIM adoption. The validation of the model's hypotheses demonstrated that the fundamental BIM implementation strategies will accelerate the reduction of BIM adoption hurdles. The impact, however, will be the same for both sustained and preliminary barriers. This implies that lowering BIM adoption obstacles alone will not secure BIM adoption. This study proposes that BIM deployment tactics be carefully chosen in order to remove preliminary impediments, reduce barriers and energise BIM acceptance. In line with the findings of this study, BIM adoption must be consistent and long-term before the benefits in project execution become evident and substantiated. The BIM abilities of project participants, the feasibility of BIM conventions and the proficiency of BIM supervisors may all play a role in this. This research implies a few approaches and tactics for implementing BIM in an efficient and beneficial manner. The study's findings imply that BIM deployment tactics should be carefully chosen in order to remove preliminary impediments, reduce barriers and energise BIM acceptance. It also explains how to structure BIM implementation strategies in developing countries. Another significant practical implication is the model's conclusion on the benefits of BIM adoption. This study emphasises the significance of understanding the interrelatedness between the stages of the BIM implementation process in order to promote unavoidable and high-quality BIM adoption, as well as identifying the essential strategies that will guide policymakers and industry players in improving and pursuing successful BIM implementation. This study adds to BIM implementation theories by providing new information on the models, stages and interconnections of the BIM implementation process. However, the study could not identify the factors that impede BIM adoption despite the reduction in barriers and use of fundamental BIM implementation strategies. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0999 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Qi Wang, Andrea Appolloni, Junqi Liu Abstract: Carbon reduction in the construction industry is related to the achievement of carbon emission peaks and carbon neutrality targets. Therefore, exploring the influence of current carbon reduction policies on the construction industry is necessary. China’s low-carbon pilot (LCP) policy has been extensively studied, while LCPs mechanism and effectiveness on carbon reduction in the construction industry remain to be explored. This study selected four provincial LCP regions as case studies and adopted the grounded theory method for case studies to analyze the implementation mechanism of the LCP policy on carbon reduction in the construction industry. Then, this study adopted the propensity score matching and difference-in-differences regression (PSM-DID) approach to evaluate the influence of the LCP policy on carbon intensity (CI) in the construction industry by using panel data taken from 30 provinces in China between 2008 and 2017. The authors found that (1) the LCP policy promotes carbon reduction in the construction industry through the crossing implementation mechanism of five vertical support approaches and five horizontal support approaches. (2). The LCP policy can significantly reduce CI in the construction industry. The study not only explored how is the LCP policy implemented, but also examined the effectiveness of the LCP policy in the construction industry. The policy implications of this study can help policy-makers better achieve low-carbon development targets in the construction industry. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0364 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Anton Klarin, Qijie Xiao Abstract: Many economic, political and socio-cultural events in the 2020s have been strong headwinds for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). Nevertheless, technological advancements (e.g. artificial intelligence (AI), big data and robotics) provide promising avenues for the development of AEC. This study aims to map the state of the literature on automation in AEC and thereby be of value not only to those researching automation and its composition of a variety of distinct technological and system classes within AEC, but also to practitioners and policymakers in shaping the future of AEC. This review adopts scientometric methods, which have been effective in the research of large intra and interdisciplinary domains in the past decades. The full dataset consists of 1,871 articles on automation in AEC. This overarching scientometric review offers three interdisciplinary streams of research: technological frontiers, project monitoring and applied research in AEC. To support the scientometric analysis, the authors offer a critical integrative review of the literature to proffer a multilevel, multistage framework of automation in AEC, which demonstrates an abundance of technological paradigm discussions and the inherent need for a holistic managerial approach to automation in AEC. The authors underline employee well-being, business sustainability and social growth outcomes of automation and provide several managerial implications, such as the strategic management approach, ethical management view and human resource management perspective. In doing so, the authors seek to respond to the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations as this becomes more prevalent for the industry and all levels of society in general. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-21 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0770 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Xueqing Gan, Jianyao Jia, Yun Le, Yi Hu Abstract: Infrastructure projects are pivotal for regional economic development, but also face low project effectiveness. Leadership is always regarded as a key enabler for project team effectiveness, including vertical leadership and team-level leadership. The purpose of this paper is to examine how vertical leadership facilitates shared leadership in infrastructure project teams. This paper develops the conceptual model based on the literature review. Then the questionnaire survey was conducted. The empirical data obtained from 117 infrastructure project teams in China were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for validating the proposed model. Finally, the results were comparatively discussed to explain the dual-pathway between vertical leadership and shared leadership. And the practical implications were presented for the project managers in infrastructure project teams. Drawing on social learning theory and social cognitive theory, the results show that both participative leadership and task-oriented leadership can facilitate shared leadership. Further, team atmosphere fully mediates the link between participative leadership and shared leadership. Team efficacy fully mediates the relation between task-oriented leadership and shared leadership. Also, role clarity has a negative moderating effect on the former path. The study extends the knowledge of leadership theory in the construction field. Based on the proposed conceptual model and PLS-SEM results, this study unveils the black box between vertical leadership and shared leadership and contributes to the theory of leadership on how the impact of different vertical leadership on team process promotes shared leadership. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-20 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0323 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Esra Dobrucali, Emel Sadikoglu, Sevilay Demirkesen, Chengyi Zhang, Algan Tezel, Isik Ates Kiral Abstract: Construction is a risky industry. Therefore, organizations are seeking ways towards improving their safety performance. Among these, the integration of technology into health and safety leads to enhanced safety performance. Considering the benefits observed in using technology in safety, this study aims to explore digital technologies' use and potential benefits in construction health and safety. An extensive bibliometrics analysis was conducted to reveal which technologies are at the forefront of others and how these technologies are used in safety operations. The study used two different databases, Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, to scan the literature in a systemic way. The systemic analysis of several studies showed that the digital technologies use in construction are still a niche theme and need more assessment. The study provided that sensors and wireless technology are of utmost importance in terms of construction safety. Moreover, the study revealed that artificial intelligence, machine learning, building information modeling (BIM), sensors and wireless technologies are trending technologies compared to unmanned aerial vehicles, serious games and the Internet of things. On the other hand, the study provided that the technologies are even more effective with integrated use like in the case of BIM and sensors or unmanned aerial vehicles. It was observed that the use of these technologies varies with respect to studies conducted in different countries. The study further revealed that the studies conducted on this topic are mostly published in some selected journals and international collaboration efforts in terms of researching the topic have been observed. This study provides an extensive analysis of WoS and Scopus databases and an in-depth review of the use of digital technologies in construction safety. The review consists of the most recent studies showing the benefits of using such technologies and showing the usage on a systemic level from which both scientists and practitioners can benefit to devise new strategies in technology usage. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-20 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0798 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Kawther Mousa, Zhenglian Zhang, Eli Sumarliah Abstract: The scarcity of literature related to the PPP (public-private partnership) barriers in construction projects within war areas, and hence the dearth of information to deliver viable and effective strategies to those barriers, are the primary causes for the failures of PPP schemes in such areas, particularly in Palestine. Financial and non-financial investments are more problematic in war zones than non-war nations and may escalate barrier for projects' success. The investigation purposes to discover proper answers to the barriers of PPP infrastructure schemes and highlight the execution of barrier reactions. Specialists were asked to deliver approaches to alleviate 21 barriers and recommend the period needed for applying them. Later, the relevance of alleviation events was examined through prioritization according to the results attained from three elements, i.e. the impact of every barrier and the strategy's viability and efficacy. While the most unfavorable barrier was finalized to be the unfeasibility of delivering physical security, the most valid answer was associated with the lack of government cohesiveness and responsibility to perform its duties. The discovered barriers are typical within warring nations, but the paper concentrated on Palestine. This study is an initial effort to examine PPP barriers in Palestinian infrastructure projects. The presented strategies can be applied as a novel set for barrier reaction improvement in occupied nations such as Palestine. Moreover, the results can develop the usage of PPP and enhance the barrier sharing in this scheme. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0791 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Abdulkabir Opeyemi Bello, Ayaz Ahmad Khan, Abdullahi Idris, Hamzat Mohammed Awwal Abstract: This study aimed to identify and assess the barriers to implementing modular construction systems (MCS) in developing country's architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, targeting built environment professionals from Nigeria and South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative research method, using a structured questionnaire to seek the opinions of the professionals on the identified categories of barriers. Results indicated that all identified categories of barriers were statistically significant using a one-sample t-test at p = 0.05 significance level which indicates they are critical towards the implementation of MCS in developing countries. Assessment of the opinion of the professionals using the Kruskal–Wallis scale showed that they hold similar views on the barriers to the adoption of MCS. Pearson correlation shows a high correlation coefficient amongst the barrier categories and an acceptable level of significance (p = 0.05). This study is limited to two significant African countries (Nigeria and South Africa) selected based on the gross domestic product (GDP). Further studies can consider developing countries outside Africa and investigate broader respondents. The study provides implications on the barriers affecting MCS in developing countries for the academia, industry and government to have an insight into the barriers and make informed decisions and policies. The research satisfies the need to study the barriers affecting the MCS in developing countries that can mitigate housing deficits. This innovative construction method has been adopted and implemented in developed countries, and the result has been positive. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-1001 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Frederick Owusu Danso, Kofi Agyekum, Patrick Manu, Emmanuel Adinyira, Divine K. Ahadzie, Edward Badu Abstract: Although many health and safety (H&S) studies have widely examined safety risk perception in the construction industry, few studies have explored how this perception influences site workers' risk-taking behaviours during construction. This study aims to examine how construction site workers perceive and judge safety risks in risk-taking behaviours of site workers for intervention safety policy framework that may encourage safe work. The study employed Pictorial-based Q-Methodology, which documented 63 picture scenarios of risk-taking behaviours from building sites and submitted them for validation from H&S inspectors. In total, 33 pictures emerged as having great potential to cause harm. After using these 33 pictures to elicit data from randomised site workers, the study used Frequency Tabulation, Relative Importance Index (RII) and Kruskal–Wallis Test to analyse the collected data. To fully explain the analysed data for deeper understanding, the study conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with these site workers to share the thoughts of site workers on these pictures. Two distinctive pictures emerged from these analyses: one showing risk-taking behaviour likely to contract internal and skin disease and the other likely to fall from height. One of the implications is that construction site workers are unfamiliar with the dangerous contaminants in the materials the site workers use to work, which can potentially harm the site workers' skin and internal organs. Hence, site workers continue engaging in risk-taking behaviours. The other is that site workers are aware of and can mention catastrophic physical injuries attached to site workers' jobs. However, site workers continue engaging in risk-taking behaviours because of site workers' safety plights and rely on the favour and mercies of a supreme being as coping strategies to escape from these physical injuries. This study is original in that the study uses picture scenarios of risk-taking behaviours to amass an empirical-based understanding of how site workers perceive and respond to H&S risks during construction. This piece of evidence is missing in the numerous research studies in this area. Again, the findings contribute to the state-of-the-art literature regarding risk-taking behaviours on construction sites. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-09 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0113 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Ningshuang Zeng, Xuling Ye, Yan Liu, Markus König Abstract: The unstable labor productivity and periodic planning method cause barriers to improving construction logistics management. This paper aims to explore a demand-driven mechanism for efficient construction logistics planning to record the material consumption, report the real-time demand and trigger material replenishment from off-site to on-site, which is aided by Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Kanban technique. This paper follows the design science research (DSR) principles to propose a system of designing and applying Kanban batch with 4D BIM for construction logistics planning and monitoring. Prototype development with comparative simulation experiments of a river remediation project is conducted to analyze the conventional and Kanban-triggered supply. Two-staged industrial interviews are conducted to guide and evaluate the system design. The proposed BIM-enabled Kanban system enables construction managers and suppliers to better set integrated on- and off-site targets, report real-time demands and conduct collaborative planning and monitoring. The simulation results present significant site storage and schedule savings applying the BIM-enabled Kanban system. Feedback and constructive suggestions from practitioners are collected via interviews and analyzed for further development. This paper brings to the limelight the benefits of implementing BIM-enabled demand-driven replenishment to remove waste from the material flow. This paper combines lean production theory with advanced information technology to solve construction logistics management problems. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-06 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2022-0036 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Tianxin Li, Zhongfu Li, Jin Cai Abstract: Insufficient intra-organizational diffusion of prefabricated construction (PC) technology hinders its implementation benefits. More research on intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology is required to improve organizational performance in PC implementation. This study aims to explore the antecedents and consequence of intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology. This study established an antecedent and consequence model of intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology from the perspective of contingency theory. The model was empirically tested by 91 valid questionnaires using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that organizational support (OSU), organizational climate (OC) and mechanistic organizational structure (OST) positively influence intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology, which further positively influences organizational performance. The relationship between OC and intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology is mediated by OSU. Technological turbulence negatively moderates the relationship between OSU and intra-organizational diffusion. This is the first paper to study the antecedents and consequence of intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology and an expansion of contingency theory in the research field of PC technology. This study helps to theoretically stimulate future research on intra-organizational diffusion and practically promote intra-organizational diffusion of PC technology along with improving organizational performance in its implementation. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-06 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0615 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Qingcheng Lin, Chi Zhang, Huiling Cai, Xuefeng Li, Hui Xiao Abstract: Night lighting reflects the prosperous development of economic and the increasingly rich and colorful cultural life. Currently, various technical standards, protocols and management specifications have been developed to build a safe, comfortable and economical lighting environment. However, prevailing evaluation systems focus on objective indexes of illumination and have ignored environmental characteristics and subjective feelings and lacked consideration of regional culture, economic benefit, management and maintenance. In this context, a lighting evaluation system combining subjective and objective is proposed for the first time in this study to explore approaches to guide the development of a healthy and comfortable urban night-time environment. Existing research and relevant lighting standards are analyzed and an evaluation model with a logical hierarchy is constructed by combining with the evaluation theory that is set based on people and the environment. The index weights were scientifically determined on the basis of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The rationality and validity of the proposed evaluation system is verified in accordance with field projects and case studies. Taking into account traditional and cultural factors, the evaluation model established has an acceptable accuracy. Evaluation based on subjective-objective combination can provide a scientific basis for the management and optimization of night lighting. The proposed evaluation system can serve as a guiding reference for other areas of cultural identity and esthetic perspective. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-03-01 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2021-1056 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Xiaowei Wang, Yang Yang, Albert P.C. Chan, Hung-lin Chi, Esther H.K. Yung Abstract: With the increasing use of small unmanned aircrafts (SUAs), many countries have enacted laws and regulations to ensure the safe use of SUAs. However, there is a lack of industry-specific regulations accounting for the unique features of construction-related SUA operations. Operating SUAs in the construction industry is attributed to specific risks and challenges, which should be regulated to maximize the utility of SUAs in construction. This study, therefore, aims to develop a multi-dimensional regulatory framework for using SUAs in the construction industry. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to compare seven selected national/regional SUA regulations to identify the applicability of implementing the existing regulations in construction. The interview surveys were then conducted to diagnose the challenges of construction-related SUA operations and gather interviewees' suggestions on the regulatory framework for SUA uses in construction. The research found that some challenges of construction-related SUAs operations were not addressed in the current regulations. These challenges included the complex and time-consuming SUA operation permit, lack of regulation for special SUA operations in construction, insufficient regulatory compliance monitoring and a lack of construction-related remote pilots' training. A regulatory framework was then developed based on the findings of comparative analysis and interview surveys. This study mainly compared seven representative countries/regions' regulations, leading to a small sample size. Further research should be carried out to study the SUA regulations in other places, such as South Africa, South America or Middle East countries. Besides, this study's respondents to the interviews were primarily concentrated in Hong Kong, which may cause the interview results to differ from the construction industry in other countries/regions. A large-scale interview survey should be conducted in other places in the future to validate the current findings. The proposed regulatory framework provides a reference for the policy-makers to formulate appropriate industry-specific SUA regulations and improve the applicability of SUA regulations in the construction industry. It sheds light upon the future of SUA regulations and the development of regulatory practice in this area. This study is the first to propose a multi-dimensional regulatory framework for operating SUAs in construction by comprehensive policy comparisons and interviews. The regulatory framework offers a fresh insight into the unexplored research area and points out the direction for subsequent studies on SUA regulations in the construction industry. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0990 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:David Joaquín Delgado-Hernández, Ulises Jairo Palacios-Navarro Abstract: The use of improvement tools in the construction sector has shown to be an important determinant of quality. Companies endeavoring to enhance their daily practices require assistance, evidence, standards, frameworks and quantitative models from existing experts to help them set out for the road. This paper is aimed to assist construction managers in the selection of tools to increase customer satisfaction. This piece of research is based on the results of a previous empirical study on the use, within a sample of Mexican firms, of a set of more than 30 tools. It then proposes a Bayesian network (BN) to select them. By analyzing the variables under study, it is possible to establish their interaction and dependencies. The resultant BN comprises 24 nodes, and it is useful for choosing some tools that help to increase customer satisfaction. Customers and their needs now have become more complicated and harder to meet than in the past. Then, the use of improvement tools that put quality at the heart of the management strategies is crucial for achieving customer satisfaction. In order to reduce prices, keep product quality and meet delivery times, these tools should be used on a daily basis. Along this line of thought, the overall results from the hypothetical scenarios explored in this were positive, reflecting the relevance of the proposed model. In particular, the use of tools for gathering customer needs, the utilization of technology and the implementation of a quality department are relevant for increasing customer satisfaction in the sector. The sample size could be further expanded. The customer satisfaction dimensions could be enhanced. While the sample in which the investigation is based could be expanded along with the number of variables and their states, the BN can help practitioners in the global construction industry to improve their quality practices, to foster loyalty and to grow revenues. Most of the research reported in the area of continuous improvement in construction focuses on qualitative considerations, and it is still scarce in terms of developing mathematical models for selecting existing tools and, ultimately, satisfying customer’s requirements. This investigation is aimed to bridge this gap in the literature. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2022-0089 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Xiaowei Zhou, Yousong Wang, Yangbing Zhang, Fangfang Liu Abstract: In China, engineering insurance has been questioned as not being beneficial as expected. This paper seeks to further understand how China's engineering insurance industry functions and to provide a macro perspective explanation for engineering insurance's underdevelopment. Three industrial organization hypotheses were extended to the engineering insurance context: structure conduct performance (SCP), relative market power (RMP) and efficiency structure (ES) hypotheses. This paper employed the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) bootstrap to test the hypotheses using panel data from 2008 to 2017. The results suggest that the SCP paradigm is validated in China's engineering insurance market, indicating a concentrated market where the welfare of consumers (e.g. owners, contractors and designers) may be eroded. Several factors are identified to have significant impacts on engineering insurers' performance, such as the investment return, percentage of engineering business, the ratio of outstanding claims, the number of large contractors, market rivalry and entry barriers. Despite the sheer size of China's construction industry and the urgent need to improve risk management, the insurance industry that serves construction firms engineering insurance is underdeveloped. Engineering insurance is yet to be understood from a macro perspective, which may reveal the underlying reasons for engineering insurance's underdevelopment. The industrial organization theories provided a theoretical framework to test the functioning of this specific industry. The disaggregated data (engineering line specific) is employed to ensure effective regulation and policymaking. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0219 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Lin-Lin Xie, Yajiao Chen, Sisi Wu, Rui-Dong Chang, Yilong Han Abstract: Project scheduling plays an essential role in the implementation of a project due to the limitation of resources in practical projects. However, the existing research tend to focus on finding suitable algorithms to solve various scheduling problems and fail to find the potential scheduling rules in these optimal or near-optimal solutions, that is, the possible intrinsic relationships between attributes related to the scheduling of activity sequences. Data mining (DM) is used to analyze and interpret data to obtain valuable information stored in large-scale data. The goal of this paper is to use DM to discover scheduling concepts and obtain a set of rules that approximate effective solutions to resource-constrained project scheduling problems. These rules do not require any search and simulation, which have extremely low time complexity and support real-time decision-making to improve planning/scheduling. The resource-constrained project scheduling problem can be described as scheduling a group of interrelated activities to optimize the project completion time and other objectives while satisfying the activity priority relationship and resource constraints. This paper proposes a new approach to solve the resource-constrained project scheduling problem by combining DM technology and the genetic algorithm (GA). More specifically, the GA is used to generate various optimal project scheduling schemes, after that C4.5 decision tree (DT) is adopted to obtain valuable knowledge from these schemes for further predicting and solving new scheduling problems. In this study, the authors use GA and DM technology to analyze and extract knowledge from a large number of scheduling schemes, and determine the scheduling rule set to minimize the completion time. In order to verify the application effect of the proposed DT classification model, the J30, J60 and J120 datasets in PSPLIB are used to test the validity of the scheduling rules. The results show that DT can readily duplicate the excellent performance of GA for scheduling problems of different scales. In addition, the DT prediction model developed in this study is applied to a high-rise residential project consisting of 117 activities. The results show that compared with the completion time obtained by GA, the DT model can realize rapid adjustment of project scheduling problem to deal with the dynamic environment interference. In a word, the data-based approach is feasible, practical and effective. It not only captures the knowledge contained in the known optimal scheduling schemes, but also helps to provide a flexible scheduling decision-making approach for project implementation. This paper proposes a novel knowledge-based project scheduling approach. In previous studies, intelligent optimization algorithm is often used to solve the project scheduling problem. However, although these intelligent optimization algorithms can generate a set of effective solutions for problem instances, they are unable to explain the process of decision-making, nor can they identify the characteristics of good scheduling decisions generated by the optimization process. Moreover, their calculation is slow and complex, which is not suitable for planning and scheduling complex projects. In this study, the set of effective solutions of problem instances is taken as the training dataset of DM algorithm, and the extracted scheduling rules can provide the prediction and solution of new scheduling problems. The proposed method focuses on identifying the key parameters of a specific dynamic scheduling environment, which can not only reproduces the scheduling performance of the original algorithm well, but also has the ability to make decisions quickly under the dynamic interference construction scenario. It is helpful for project managers to implement quick decisions in response to construction emergencies, which is of great practical significance for improving the flexibility and efficiency of construction projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0345 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:V.H. Lad, D.A. Patel, K.A. Chauhan, K.A. Patel Abstract: The work on bridge resilience assessment includes quantitative and qualitative approaches to compare the multiple bridges based on their resilience. But still, the bridge resilience obtained by these assessment approaches is inefficient when prioritising multiple bridges to improve their resilience. Therefore, this study aims to develop a methodology for prioritising the bridges to improve their resilience. The research methodology follows three sequential phases. In the first phase, criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) technique is used to compute the criteria weights. The criteria considered are age, area, design high flood level, finish road level FRL and resilience index of bridges. While 12 river-crossing bridges maintained by one bridge owner are considered as alternatives. Then, in the second phase, the prioritisation of each bridge is evaluated using five techniques, including technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, VIKOR (in Serbian, Visekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje), additive ratio assessment, complex proportional assessment and multi-objective optimisation method by ratio analysis. Finally, in the third phase, the results of all five techniques are integrated using CRITIC and the weighted sum method. The result of the study enables bridge owners to deal with the particular bridge that requires resilience improvement. The study concluded that it is not enough to consider only the bridge resilience index to improve its resilience. The prioritisation exercise should consider various other criteria that are not preferred during the bridge resilience assessment process. The proposed methodology is a novel framework based on the existing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques for contributing knowledge in the domain of bridge resilience management. It can efficiently overcome the pitfall of decision-making when two bridges have the same resilience index score. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2021-0997 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Gihan Anuradha Tennakoon, Raufdeen Rameezdeen, Nicholas Chileshe Abstract: The uptake of reprocessed construction materials (RCMs) derived from demolition waste (DW) is limited, which questions the long-term sustainability of DW reverse logistics (RL). To address this gap, the current study focused on identifying informational and structural interventions to promote the uptake of RCMs among Australian construction professionals (CPs). Following a qualitative research approach with thirty-one semi-structured interviews, the study explored potential interventions that can drive broader RCM usage. The study's strength lies in the in-depth qualitative insights gathered through extensive interviews with CPs experienced in using RCMs. Sixteen informational and structural interventions to promote the uptake of RCMs were identified and mapped against the industry levels at which they should be implemented. RCM suppliers should focus on improving material quality, supply and marketing while minimising material costs. Governments should encourage using RCMs through incentivisation, supportive legislation and approval processes. The significance of awareness building and research was also recognised, which requires the collective efforts of suppliers, governmental and non-governmental bodies and educational institutes. Despite the talk around sustainable consumption, the actual walk towards this is limited from a construction perspective, as seen through the low uptake of RCMs. This study attempts to bridge this mismatch by outlining informational and structural interventions that would drive CPs to walk the talk and use RCMs for construction applications. While most studies on DW RL have focused on improving waste recovery processes, this study takes a less-trodden path and explores the potential for developing markets for RCMs. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1040 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Ibrahim Cutcu, Guven Atay, Selcuk Gokhan Gerlikhan Abstract: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the consequences of the pandemic and the housing sector with econometric tests that allow for structural breaks. Study data were collected weekly between March 9, 2020, and February 4, 2022, and analyzed for Turkey. In the model of the study, housing loans were used as a housing market indicator, and the number of new deaths and new cases were used as data related to the pandemic. The exchange rate, which affects the use of housing loans, was added to the model as a control variable. This study was analyzed to examine the relationship between the pandemic and the housing sector, time series analysis techniques that allow structural breaks were used. Based on the result of the analyses, it was concluded that there is a long-run relationship between the pandemic stages and housing markets along with structural breaks. As a result of the time-varying causality test developed to determine the causality relationship between the variables and its direction, a bidirectional causality relationship was identified between all variables at certain dates. Study data were collected weekly between March 9, 2020, and February 4, 2022, and analyzed in the case of Turkey. Based on results of the study, it is recommended that policy makers and market actors take into account extraordinary situations such as pandemics and create a budget allocation that is always ready to use for this purpose. The empirical examination of the relationship between the pandemic and the housing sector in Turkey provides originality to this study in terms of its topic, sample, methodology, contribution to the literature and potential policy recommendations. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0944 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Eyad Aboseif, Awad S. Hanna Abstract: The exact process of construction projects performance assessment and benchmarking still remains subjective relying on qualitative techniques, which does not allow stakeholders to address the issues and the drawbacks of their respective projects as effectively as possible for performance improvement purposes. Hence, this research aims to establish a unified project performance score (PPS) for assessing and comparing projects performance. Data were collected from Construction Industry Institute (CII) members and through University of Wisconsin active research projects. Exploratory data analysis was done to investigate the calculated performance metrics and the collected data characteristics. Data were converted into six performance metrics which were used as the independent variables in creating the PPS model. Logistic regression model was developed to generate the unified PPS equation in order to explain the variables that significantly affect construction projects successful post-completion performance. The PPS model was then applied on the collected dataset to benchmark projects in terms of project delivery systems, compensation types and project types in order to showcase the PPS capabilities and possible applications. The model revealed that construction cost and schedule growth are the most important metrics in assessing projects performance, while RFIs’ processing time and change orders per million dollars were the features with the least effect on the PPS value. The authors found that integrated project delivery (IPD) and target value (TV) projects outperformed all other project delivery and compensation types. While, industrial projects showed the worst performance, as compared to commercial or institutional projects. The PPS model can be used to assess the performance of any pool of executed projects, and introducing a novel addition to the field of construction business analytics which is a supplementary tool to successful decision making and performance improvement. Additionally, the bidding selection system can be revolutionized from a cost-based to a performance based one using the PPS model to improve the outcomes of the buyout process. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-20 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0552 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yanliang Niu, Huimin Li, Xiaowei Luo, Xiaopeng Deng Abstract: Members in the international joint ventures (IJVs) for high-speed rail (HSR) projects usually engage in coopetition interactions to create common benefits (CB) and simultaneously safeguard private benefits (PB). Previous studies of coopetition and performance using variance-based methods usually ignore the combinational influence of diverse coopetition constructs on performance, which can be effectively compensated by adopting a configuration perspective. Therefore, this research aims to ascertain various combinations of three coopetition constructs (coopetition relationship, coopetition capability and coopetition strategy) that lead to high IJVs’ performance through a configuration approach. First, the research framework of coopetition configuration was established, and the key constructs were operationalized, which were validated by expert interviews. Then the information on 12 HSR IJVs was collected and quantified through nine rounds of interviews and a questionnaire survey. Later, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was applied to explore what coopetition configurations benefit the CB or PB achievement. Configuration results indicate that six coopetition configurations lead to CB outcome and seven configurations lead to PB outcome. Based on the results, coopetition contexts are divided into four categories: firm-based coopetition, project-based coopetition, firm-project-based coopetition and none-based coopetition. Then, a selection scheme for coopetition strategies in various contexts has been developed. The results also show that the core conditions mostly appear in the coopetition relationships and coopetition strategies dimensions, and the optimal coopetition strategies vary in different contexts. This study enhances the theoretical understanding of coopetition in HSR IJVs and assists relative HSR industrialists, as well as the mega infrastructure project managers, in IJVs’ implementation. The configuration perspective of this paper also contributes to a systemic and holistic view of coopetition in HSR IJVs. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-16 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0909 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Sochea Khan, Kriengsak Panuwatwanich, Sasiporn Usanavasin Abstract: This paper presents a developed BIMxAR application, an integration of building information modeling (BIM) with augmented reality (AR) linked with real-time online database to support the building facility management work. The primary aim of this research was to develop and empirically examine the applicability of a BIM-based AR (BIMxAR) application in building facility management. The BIMxAR application was developed and experimented with maintenance work of a university laboratory building. The experiment consisted of a comparison of supportive maintenance tasks performed using the traditional approach and the BIMxAR approach by 38 university students. The time taken to complete each task was recorded and analyzed using statistical analyses to compare the performance between the tasks completed using each approach. The results indicated that the group using the BIMxAR application approach completed the tasks correctly in a significantly shorter time compared to that using the traditional approach. The findings supported the applicability of the developed BIMxAR application and the improvement of the building facility management tasks when using the proposed approach. This paper presents a methodological approach in developing a mobile application that integrates BIM with AR for facility management work, leveraging real-time information exchange through a cloud-based platform. The paper also provides empirical evidence that demonstrates how the integration between BIM and AR could be achieved and implemented to help facilitate building maintenance tasks. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-15 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2021-1146 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Zhixiu Wang, Lifeng Shi, Haiqian Cui Abstract: The operation mode of enterprises will affect its resource commitment in the host country, involving different costs and time, as well as risks. Yet, the current state of knowledge about how the institutional environment affects the operation mode change of international construction enterprises is equivocal. This study aims to explore the impact of a host country's institutional environment on the operation mode change of international construction enterprises. First, this study proposes a model on the impact of the institutional environment on the operation mode change of international construction enterprises. Second, this study used the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) published by the World Bank and a questionnaire survey to collect data. Finally, the study employs a multiple regression methodology to test the hypothesis and discusses the results. Results highlight that the important impact of the institutional environment on the operation mode change of international construction enterprises. The results showed that enterprises are more willing to increase resource commitments under the condition of stable institutional environment. In addition, enterprises' market-specific experience and general international experience, as moderating variables, weaken the impact of the institutional environment on the operation mode change. However, general international experience has no significant moderating effect. The findings of this study provide practical implications for the investment risk assessment of international construction enterprises. Enterprises need to consider the change in institutional quality and institutional instability of the host country, as well as their own international experience when changing operation mode. This study extends internationalization theory to the international construction field and provided theoretical guidance for the mechanism of operation mode change of international construction enterprises. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-14 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0231 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Rehan Masood, Krishanu Roy, Vicente A. González, James B.P. Lim, Abdur Rehman Nasir Abstract: Globally, prefabrication in housebuilding has evolved as an innovative approach to attain sustainability and affordability. However, the SC, including non-producers and producers, of prefabricated housebuilding projects is still not perceptually aligned, hindering innovation diffusion. This paper investigates the contemporary industry perspective on PHB for conceptualisation, market share and growth, innovation diffusion and the producer's role in the context of New Zealand. An exploratory qualitative research design was chosen to learn the perceptual stance of the industry. A semi-structured survey was conducted, followed by interviews with selected supply chain participants, who were producers and non-producers and had relevant experience in the PHB industry. This study reports the common terminologies used by supply chain members, with justification and explanation. Further, the perceived market share and growth of the PHB industry are obtained and compared with subsequent studies to determine the capability and capacity. The perception of the diffusion of PHB by type is reported to portray the overall trend of the industry. In the last, the role of producers as the suppliers of PHB projects is investigated to establish the stakeholder positional criticality. This study can help researchers and practitioners gain insight into the PHB industry from a multi-dimensional perspective. This study is a potential first step to formalise the policy, programme, strategies and action plan for the uptake of the PHB in the New Zealand. PHB diffusion in the supply chain perspective, considering multi-dimensional aspects, has not been considered in previous studies as government agencies produce most of the literature. This academic research establishes the theoretical linkage towards PHB diffusion and reports the current status. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-14 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0941 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yi Tong Kum, Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap, Yoke-Lian Lew, Wah Peng Lee Abstract: This study aims to investigate technology-based health and safety (H&S) management to control the spread of disease on construction sites using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. An extensive literature review is conducted to develop a conceptual framework. The variables identified from the literature review are included in a cross-sectional survey which gathered a total of 203 valid feedback. The variables for challenges are grouped under their relevant construct using exploratory factor analysis. Then, a hypothesized model is developed for PLS-SEM analysis using Smart PLS software. Later, the outcome of the model is further validated by nine construction experts using a semi-structured questionnaire survey. The results rationalized the relationships between the COVID-19 H&S measures, challenges in implementing COVID-19 H&S measures on construction sites and the innovative technologies in transforming construction H&S management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The possible challenges that obstruct the implementation of H&S measures are highlighted. The potential technologies which can significantly transform H&S management by reducing the impact of challenges are presented. The findings benefited the industry practitioners who are suffering disruption in construction operations due to the pneumonic plague. By developing a conceptual model, this study reveals the contribution of technology-based H&S management for construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains under-studied, especially in the context of the developing world. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-14 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0780 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Kai Liu, Yuming Liu, Yuanyuan Kou, Xiaoxu Yang Abstract: The mega railway infrastructure projects are faced with complex environments and multi-level management challenges. Thus, the mega railway infrastructure project management system not only needs to focus on its composition, but also needs to consider changes and impacts of internal and external environment. This study attempts to introduce the concept of dissipative structure from the perspective of complexity theory and constructs a positive entropy and negentropy flow index system for mega railway infrastructure project management system in order to analyze the factors of management system more deeply. The Brusselator model is used to construct the structure of the mega railway infrastructure project management system, and the entropy method is used to calculate the positive entropy and negentropy values to verify whether the management system is a dissipative structure. A plateau railway project in China was used as an example for an empirical study, not only its own characteristics are analyzed, but also the role of constraints and facilitation of the internal and external environment. Based on the research results, several effective suggestions are put forward to improve the stability and work efficiency of mega railway infrastructure project management system. This study demonstrates that mega railway infrastructure project management system has the characteristics of dissipative structure. It can provide theoretical support for the development of mega railway infrastructure project management system from disorderly state to orderly state. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-13 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-1021 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Bao Pham Van, Vachara Peansupap Abstract: Construction material management is an important process in supporting construction operations that affect project performance. Previous studies attempt to identify factors influencing material management in different stages such as procurement, transportation and utilization. However, they lack a model to explain the relationship between influential factors and the effectiveness of material management. Therefore, this study aims to validate the variables and key factors influencing the effectiveness of material management processes. A total of 42 variables were reviewed from literature in different stages of material management process. Survey questionnaires were used to collect data about participants' perceptions on these variables. The respondents were 200 project engineers and project managers from construction sites and offices in Vietnam. Then factor analysis techniques were undertaken to validate the structure of factor groups. Two methods of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were, respectively, performed to evaluate and verify the model's fit. Factors influencing the effectiveness of material management were grouped into nine main factors, which are procurement issues, site conditions, planning and handling on site, industrial environments, contractual issues, quality control, suppliers and manufacturers' issues, transportation in and out site and security on site. The paper has several implications for theory and methodology related to material management. It features influential factors in association with the material management effectiveness. Therefore, senior managers can more fully understand the errors in their works and propose timely solutions to limit the unwanted risks. This research contributes on theoretical development on factors influencing effectiveness of material management processes. The key findings on influential factors can be applied to measure the effectiveness of material management processes. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2021-0811 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Wujuan Zhai, Florence Yean Yng Ling, Jiyong Ding, Zhuofu Wang Abstract: Megaprojects have large impact on the environment and stakeholders should take collective action to ensure that these projects are developed in a socially responsible manner. Hitherto, it is not known whether group and subjective norms and social identity could compel stakeholders to take socially responsible collective actions in megaprojects. The aim of this study is to design and test a model to boost stakeholders' intention to take socially responsible collective action in the context of mega water transfer projects in China. A quasi-experimental causal research design was adopted to establish cause–effect relationships among the dependent variable (we-intention) and independent variables (subjective norms, group norms, social identity and desire). This study adopts the belief–desire–intention model and social influence theory to empirically investigate how to boost the stakeholders' intention to participate in socially responsible collective action. An online questionnaire survey was conducted and data was collected from 365 respondents who were involved in mega water transfer projects in China. The partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was employed to analyze the data. The results from partial least squares analyses indicate that the presence of subjective norms, group norms and social identity (collectively known as social influence process) could increase stakeholders' intention to take socially responsible collective action. In addition, the desire to be socially responsible also boosts stakeholders' intention to take collective action. Desire partially mediates the relationship between social influence process and intention to take socially responsible collective action. This study adds to existing knowledge by discovering social influence process as an antecedent to taking socially responsible collective action in megaprojects. Strong group norms and subjective norms could propel stakeholders to be more socially responsible. The study also adds to knowledge by discovering that stakeholders' desire to fulfill social responsibility also leads them to take concrete actions. Implications and recommendations are provided on how to manipulate different types of social influence processes to facilitate stakeholders to adopt socially responsible collective action in the process of managing megaprojects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0903 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Sajeda Al-Hadidi, Ghaleb Sweis, Waleed Abu-Khader, Ghaida Abu-Rumman, Rateb Sweis Abstract: Despite the enormous need to succeed in the urban model, scientists and policymakers should work consistently to create blueprints to regulate urbanization. The absence of coordination between the crucial requirements and the regional strategies of the local authorities leads to a lack of conformance in urban development. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue. This study intends to manage future urban growth patterns using integrated methods and then employ the results in the genetic algorithm (GA) model to considerably improve growth behavior. Multi-temporal land-use datasets have been derived from remotely sensed images for the years 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020. Urban growth patterns and processes were then analyzed with land-use-and-land-cover dynamics. Results were examined for simulation and utilization of the GA. Model parameters were derived and evaluated, and a preliminary assessment of the effective coefficient in the formation of urbanization is analyzed, showing the city's urbanization pattern has followed along with the transportation infrastructure and outward growth, and the scattering rates are high, with an increase of 5.64% in building area associated with a decrease in agricultural lands and rangelands. The research achieved a considerable improvement over the growth behavior. The conducted research design was the first of its type in that field to be executed to any specific growth pattern parameters in terms of regulating and policymaking. The method has integrated various artificial intelligence models to monitor, measure and optimize the projected growth by applying this design. Other research on the area was limited to projecting the future of Amman as it is an urbanized distressed city. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-09 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0776 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Xiaojuan Li, Ching-Ter Chang, Yue-Yue Zhu, Lu-Lu Li Abstract: The development of urban underground complexes (UUCs) has great positive significance for improving urban safety. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the key factors of the people's behavior of evacuation route selection (BERS) for fire emergencies and UUCs’ development. This study aims to find out the factors affecting people's BERS in the evacuation process of UUCs. This study aims to find out the factors affecting people's BERS in the evacuation process of UUCs. To achieve this goal, the authors conducted a field experiment in F City. Furthermore, the people's BERS are obtained by using a structural equation model and compared with the field test results. The authors found that the key factors for people's BERS are lighting conditions, route distance, flow direction guidance and indication. The results of this study contribute to the safety field by providing key factors for fire emergencies. It can also be used to improve fire safety management, evacuation strategies and assist in the development of intelligent evacuation systems. The results of this study contribute to the safety field by providing key factors for fire emergencies. It can also be used to improve fire safety management, evacuation strategies and assist in the development of intelligent evacuation systems. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-08 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0290 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Vidya Umakant Khanapure, Sameer S. Shastri Abstract: The importance of lean and sustainability integration in sustainable construction (SC) has been extensively studied. However, a practical and thorough implementation methodology addressing the project life cycle phases is still inadequate. The present study has developed a novel phase-wise sustainable–lean implementation methodology for high-rise residential projects. The current study has identified the 50 direct conceptual interactions between 11 lean principles and 11 sustainability criteria encompassing 44 different attributes covering 174 sustainability actions. A panel of nine experts validated these interactions, and 50 integration vectors were proposed addressing different phases of the project life cycle of high-rise residential buildings. The experts also analysed the identified integration vectors for their current and likely future implementation in high-rise residential projects. The interactions between lean and sustainability principles led to the development of a phase-wise implementation methodology. The experts' survey responses on the current level of implementation revealed that 40, 32 and 28% of integration vectors were implemented rarely, sometimes, and frequently, respectively. For likely future implementation, 28 and 72% integration vectors were reported as very likely and extremely likely to implement, respectively. This survey response highlighted the usefulness of identified integration vectors for enhancing the sustainability of high-rise residential projects. The proposed sustainable–lean implementation methodology acts as a comprehensive guideline for implementing a lean approach to achieve the objectives of SC in high-rise residential projects. This may facilitate the transition from conventional to sustainable building practices using a lean approach. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-06 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0951 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:G. Edward Gibson, Mounir El Asmar, Abdulrahman Yussef, David Ramsey Abstract: Assessing front end engineering design (FEED) accuracy is significant for project owners because it can support informed decision-making, including confidence in cost and schedule predictions. A framework to measure FEED accuracy does not exist in the literature or in practice, not does systematic data directly linking FEED accuracy to project performance. This paper aims to focus first on gauging and quantifying FEED accuracy, and second on measuring its impact on project performance in terms of cost change, schedule change, change performance, financial performance and customer satisfaction. A novel measurement scheme was developed for FEED accuracy as a comprehensive assessment of factors related to the project leadership and execution teams, management processes and resources; to assess the environment surrounding FEED. The development of this framework built on a literature review and focus groups, and used the research charrettes methodology, guided by a research team of 20 industry professionals and input from 48 practitioners representing 31 organizations. Data were collected from 33 large industrial projects representing over $8.8 billion of installed cost, allowing for a statistical analysis of the framework's impact on performance. This paper describes: (1) twenty-seven critical FEED accuracy factors; (2) an objective and scalable method to measure FEED accuracy; and (3) data showing that projects with high FEED accuracy outperformed projects with low FEED accuracy by 20 percent in terms of cost growth in relation to their approved budgets. FEED accuracy is defined as the degree of confidence in the measured level of maturity of the FEED deliverables to serve as a basis of decision at the end of detailed scope, prior to detailed design. Assessing FEED accuracy is significant for project owners because it can support informed decision-making, including confidence in cost and schedule predictions. FEED accuracy has not been assessed before, and it turned out to have considerable project performance implications. The new framework presented in this paper is the first of its kind, it has been tested rigorously, and it contributes to both the literature body of knowledge as well as to practice. As one industry leader recently stated, “it not only helped to assess the quality and adequacy of the technical documentation required, but also provided an opportunity to check the organization's readiness before making a capital investment decision.” Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-06 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0418 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Ying Lu, Jie Liu, Wenhui Yu Abstract: Mega construction projects (MCPs), which play an important role in the economy, society and environment of a country, have developed rapidly in recent years. However, due to frequent social conflicts caused by the negative social impact of MCPs, social risk control has become a major challenge. Exploring the relationship between social risk factors and social risk from the perspective of risk evolution and identifying key factors contribute to social risk control; but few studies have paid enough attention to this. Therefore, this study aims to systematically analyze the impact of social risk factors on social risk based on a social risk evolution path. This study proposed a social risk evolution path for MCPs explaining how social risk occurs and develops with the impact of social risk factors. To further analyze the impact quantitatively, a social risk analysis model combining structural equation model (SEM) with Bayesian network (BN) was developed. SEM was used to verify the relationship in the social risk evolution path. BN was applied to identify key social risk factors and predict the probabilities of social risk, quantitatively. The feasibility of the proposed model was verified by the case of water conservancy projects. The results show that negative impact on residents’ living standards, public opinion advantage and emergency management ability were key social risk factors through sensitivity analysis. Then, scenario analysis simulated the risk probability results with the impact of different states of these key factors to obtain management strategies. This study creatively proposes a social risk evolution path describing the dynamic interaction of the social risk and first applies the hybrid SEM–BN method in the social risk analysis for MCPs to explore effective risk control strategies. This study can facilitate the understanding of social risk from the perspective of risk evolution and provide decision-making support for the government coping with social risk in the implementation of MCPs. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-02-03 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0319 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yali Wang, Jian Zuo, Min Pan, Bocun Tu, Rui-Dong Chang, Shicheng Liu, Feng Xiong, Na Dong Abstract: Accurate and timely cost prediction is critical to the success of construction projects which is still facing challenges especially at the early stage. In the context of rapid development of machine learning technology and the massive cost data from historical projects, this paper aims to propose a novel cost prediction model based on historical data with improved performance when only limited information about the new project is available. The proposed approach combines regression analysis (RA) and artificial neural network (ANN) to build a novel hybrid cost prediction model with the former as front-end prediction and the latter as back-end correction. Firstly, the main factors influencing the cost of building projects are identified through literature research and subsequently screened by principal component analysis (PCA). Secondly the optimal RA model is determined through multi-model comparison and used for front-end prediction. Finally, ANN is applied to construct the error correction model. The hybrid RA-ANN model was trained and tested with cost data from 128 completed construction projects in China. The results show that the hybrid cost prediction model has the advantages of both RA and ANN whose prediction accuracy is higher than that of RA and ANN only with the information such as total floor area, height and number of floors. (1) The most critical influencing factors of the buildings’ cost are found out by means of PCA on the historical data. (2) A novel hybrid RA-ANN model is proposed which proved to have the advantages of both RA and ANN with higher accuracy. (3) The comparison among different models has been carried out which is helpful to future model selection. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0666 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:An Thi Hoai Le, Monty Sutrisna Abstract: This paper reports the developments of a project cost control system (PCCS) for construction projects to (1) measure its current level of cost control maturity, (2) examine the relationships between elements within PCCS processes and (3) identify improvement areas. This study adopts a mixed approach of descriptive analysis and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to measure the current maturity level of PCCS and evaluate the relationships between elements within PCSS to identify improvement areas. Further importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA) of priority constructs was conducted to improve a target construct and identify the most important areas of specific actions at indicator levels. The results of IPMA revealed the contrast that has the greatest importance on the performance of others so that the recommendations can be made accordingly. Data collected in New Zealand were used to develop the research model. This study develops structural and measurement models with the constructs including pre-control, in-control and post-control processes, enablers and their proposed interrelationships. Then, data from survey of 184 experienced project cost control team members reveal that post-control has the lowest maturity or weakest areas in the PCCS. Data analysis facilitated by PLS-SEM confirmed that all the constructs in the structural model have positive and significant relationships with each other and suggested that systematic cost analysis reports, communication, skills and experience, defining roles and responsibilities, and top management's support should be the highest priority for improving the PCCS in a more effective manner. This study presents one of the earliest attempts to develop and test an integrated model that links sub-processes in PCCS and their enablers. Secondly, this research adds to the construction project management literature by empirically verifying the roles of enablers in enhancing maturity level of PCCS. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0619 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Liping Li, Chuan Chen, Igor Martek, Guanghua Li Abstract: Given their interrelationship, international market selection (IMS) and entry mode selection (EMS) must be considered jointly if an optimal entry strategy is to be realized. However, researchers in the field of international construction have the tendency to consider IMS and EMS independently or sequentially. Therefore, this paper aims to explore a holistic framework that can accommodate IMS and EMS concurrently and test it using empirical data. his study includes theoretical and empirical research. In theoretical part, an integrated decision model of IMS and EMS is proposed adopting literature review and theoretical derivation, then hypotheses are developed for the impact of decision-making factors. In the latter part, the IMS and EMS of 54 Chinese contractors in 67 countries were investigated, empirical data are collected according to hypotheses, an ordinal logistic regression model is established for statistics analysis. Finally, findings are drawn by comparing literature-based hypotheses with data-based analysis results. Results show that empirical data fit theoretical model well. Findings are: IMS and EMS can be integrated into a holistic decision-making framework when be properly sequenced. When IMS and EMS are determined simultaneously, the decision can benefit from a sharing of common information. And the roles of at least 13 common factors are empirically demonstrated in this study. The integrated decision sequence proposed in this study is applicable for a specific market, and cannot compare multiple alternative markets directly. The decision-making factors identified in this paper do not cover the enterprise strategic objectives and some other factors. Empirical data and some theoretical assumptions are based on the international market entry strategy of Chinese contractors. Therefore, the conclusions may not be completely applicable to global contractors though have certain reference value. Based on the idea of holistic decision-making of IMS and EMS, this study proposes an international market entry strategy (IMES) sequence and an explicit model for determinants, then tests them with empirical data. This paper provides a new idea to manage IMS and EMS concurrently, which can improve the efficiency of IMES decision-making and avoid missing optimal alternatives. This study paves the way for a practical model and provides reference for contractors' international market entry strategy. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-20 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2021-1090 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yongliang Deng, Zedong Liu, Liangliang Song, Guodong Ni, Na Xu Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the causative factors of metro construction safety accidents, analyze the correlation between accidents and causative factors and assist in developing safety management strategies for improving safety performance in the context of the Chinese construction industry. To achieve these objectives, 13 types and 48 causations were determined based on 274 construction safety accidents in China. Then, 204 cause-and-effect relationships among accidents and causations were identified based on data mining. Next, network theory was employed to develop and analyze the metro construction accident causation network (MCACN). The topological characteristics of MCACN were obtained, it is both a small-world network and a scale-free network. Controlling critical causative factors can effectively control the occurrence of metro construction accidents. Degree centrality strategy is better than closeness centrality strategy and betweenness centrality strategy. In practice, it is very difficult to quantitatively identify and determine the importance of different accidents and causative factors. The weights of nodes and edges are failed to be assigned when constructing MCACN. This study provides a theoretical basis and feasible management reference for construction enterprises in China to control construction risks and reduce safety accidents. More safety resources should be allocated to control critical risks. It is recommended that safety managers implement degree centrality strategy when making safety-related decisions. This paper establishes the MCACN model based on data mining and network theory, identifies the properties and clarifies the mechanism of metro construction accidents and causations. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-13 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0603 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yuan Chen, Ziyue Yang, Bingsheng Liu, Dan Wang, Yan Xiao, Anmin Wang Abstract: This study aims to investigate the influence mechanism of expatriates' cultural intelligence (CQ) on expatriate effectiveness (task performance and premature return intention), identifying work engagement as a mediator and cultural distance as a boundary condition. Drawing on the conservation of resource theory and the person–environment fit (P–E fit) theory, a moderated mediation model is built. Working with a sample of 303 international construction expatriates collected by snowball sampling, the hypotheses are tested by using the structural equation model analysis. Work engagement partially mediates the relationship between expatriates' CQ and task performance, as well as fully mediates the relationship between expatriates' CQ and premature return intention. Cultural distance moderates the positive relationship between CQ and work engagement, as well as moderates the mediating effects of work engagement. The impacts of potential moderators (e.g. work–family conflict and organizational culture) on the relationship between CQ and expatriate effectiveness have not been considered in this study. This study is useful for international construction firms to optimize the allocation of human resources. This study contributes to the expatriate literature by adding empirical evidence to explain the influence mechanism of expatriates' CQ on expatriate effectiveness. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-12 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0247 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Peter Sutterby, Xiangming Wang, Hong Xian Li, Yingbo Ji Abstract: Effective maintenance of construction supply chains is paramount to business continuity during the pandemic. Focusing on a large private Australian construction company, this research aims to investigate to what extent the current pandemic has affected the daily operations of this company. This research touches on the broader effect on the industry, while it narrows the focus on how effective construction supply chain management can minimise a pandemic's negative impact on a company. The critical question will be how private contractors that primarily rely on social infrastructure projects can fortify their supply chains and general operations during the global pandemic. A mixed qualitative and quantitative approach is employed in this research. Based on literature review and question design, data is collected through interviews with various stakeholders. Moreover, operation data is also collected from the case company to support the results and findings. The respondents have generally agreed that the case company has effectively managed its supply chains to this point of the pandemic through the implementation of supply chain monitoring processes and maintaining stable relationships with stakeholders. This is supported by the operation data of the case company. This is timely-conducted research, and it is original research with invaluable operation data. This case study is conducted during a pandemic and provides lessons learned for global supply chain management in the post-pandemic period. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-12 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2021-0942 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, Bernard Adjekophori, Angeline Ngozika Chibuike Nwaole Abstract: The increasing growth of urbanisation, especially in developing countries, coupled with affordable housing leakages, may thwart achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 (sustainable cities and communities). Studies regarding affordable housing leakages and their aftermath to Goal 11 in one study are scarce in Malaysia. The study investigated Malaysia's low-cost housing (LCH) leakages and their aftermath to Goal 11 and proffered measures to achieving Goal 11 and its targets. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues. The researchers covered four of Malaysia's major cities via a qualitative approach. The study used 40 participants via semi-structured virtual interviews, and saturation was achieved. The study adopted a thematic approach for the collected data and honed them with secondary sources. Findings group Malaysia's LCH leakages into government/agencies/departments in housing, housing developers/building contractors and client/building owners' root causes in Malaysia's context. It shows a threat from Malaysia's LCH leakages to achieving Goal 11 and proffered measures to enhance achieving Goal 11. Achieving Goal 11 will strengthen and improve Malaysia's many SDGs accomplishments because of their link. Apart from proffering measures to mitigate long-standing issues (leakages) in Malaysia's LCH delivery from achieving Goal 11, findings will stipulate the accomplishment of other SDGs related to housing delivery. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-11 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0758 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Zezhou Wu, Kaijie Yang, Zhangmin Wu, Hong Xue, Shenghan Li, Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari Abstract: Prefabricated construction is an innovative technique for decreasing carbon emissions in the construction industry. However, as the investors of housing projects, a majority of developers are unwilling to adopt prefabricated housing in practice. To promote prefabricated housing, this study aims to develop an integrated framework of fuzzy-decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy-DEMATEL) and system dynamics (SD) to understand the underlying influencing mechanism of developers' willingness. Through literature review, a total of 17 influencing factors were identified. Then, the interrelationships among the factors were evaluated by 10 experienced professionals, and the impacts given and received by each factor were further analyzed through fuzzy-DEMATEL. Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), a SD model was developed to explore the influencing mechanism. The major cause factors were identified, including mandatory implementation policies, economic incentive policies, environmental protection policies, component standardization and developers' economic strength. This group of factors was expected to be given priority attention in the case of limited resources. On the other hand, the results indicated that economic incentive policies and mandatory implementation policies could affect the developers' willingness via perceived usefulness, while the others mainly influenced perceived ease of use. Little research has focused on the interrelationships among the influencing factors of developers' willingness to adopt prefabricated housing. This study contributed to understanding the mechanism of developers' willingness from a systematic view and providing the priority of influencing factors. Several strategies were proposed to improve the practical implementation of prefabricated housing development. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0422 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Sheng Xu, Linfeng Zhou, Patrick X.W. Zou Abstract: The quality liability of prefabricated components (PCs) is a major issue among key stakeholders. The blockchain-based quality tracking systems are supposed to support a more transparent and trusting quality control process. However, many factors affect the stakeholders' willingness toward the adoption of such quality tracking systems. The purpose of this research is to investigate the key factors that influence the stakeholders' adoption decisions toward the application of the quality tracking system in PCs and develop coping strategies. An evolutionary game model is established that includes the manufacturer, constructor and developer. Four scenarios of equilibriums and the game's evolutionary stable strategies are analyzed, and the corresponding stability conditions are then obtained. Based on the tripartite game model, two representative projects are used as case studies to simulate how different factors affect the stakeholders' decisions. First, trade-offs between cost and benefits were the most prominent factor in the adoption decision-making. Second, the advancement of technologies would compensate for their immaturity. Third, subsidy and penalty provision of the developer and high-level trust both incentivize the stakeholders to adopt the quality tracking systems. This research investigates the influence of technology, environment and participant related factors on the adoption decisions of the quality tracking system for PCs and discovered that technology maturity and advancement played an essential role. It is expected that the research findings would be of value to policy makers and project management personnel for better quality control of prefabricated construction. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0501 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Melissa Li Wen Lim, Shi Yee Wong, Chu Sheng Ding Abstract: The industrial revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) signifies technological advancements and digitalization. The fragmented and labour-intensive nature of the construction industry inherently possesses difficulties for IR4.0 adoption compared to other industries. This paper aims to investigate the perspectives of quantity surveying students on the challenges of IR4.0 implementation in the construction industry. A questionnaire survey were distributed to a population of 191 quantity surveying students, with 96 valid responses returned. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were employed to analyse the collected data. Factor analysis revealed eight components as the key challenges for IR4.0 implementation, which revolved around resistance to change, data security issues, etc. The findings could provide a guideline to higher education institutions on certain IR4.0-related areas to be incorporated into the syllabus, in ensuring that the students are equipped with such skills and knowledge, in meeting market demands. The construction stakeholders' could look into the identified challenges for strategizing the organizations in moving towards IR4.0 adoption. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate quantity surveying students' perspectives on the challenges of IR4.0 implementation in the construction industry by employing factor analysis method. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge in relation to the opinions of a younger generation who has more exposure towards technology on the hindrance of IR4.0 adoption. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0636 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Seyed Ashkan Zarghami Abstract: This paper offers a measure of sensitivity to change orders in the later stage of the construction phase to characterize the distribution of project activities around the time when the project is scheduled to finish. This paper employs eigenvector centrality to identify the sensitivity of an activity to change orders based on the sensitivity of its neighboring activities. Next, a distance-based measure, called the radius of gyration, is adopted to describe the distribution of project activities around the time when the project is scheduled to finish. Finally, a sensitivity measure, which quantifies the dispersion of project activities from the project finish date, is developed. Two real-life construction projects are used to measure the sensitivity to late changes. The results conform to the intuition of sensitivity to late changes and confirm that the negative effects of change orders are amplified when project activities are scheduled to start closer to the finish date. This paper adds to the literature on change orders in construction projects by developing the first method for quantifying the sensitivity of projects to the issuance of late changes. The proposed method can provide valuable information to project owners and construction managers as they negotiate the pricing of change orders based on their time of occurrence. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0870 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Isabelle Y.S. Chan, Hao Chen Abstract: Due to land resource scarcity, sustainable urban development in high-density cities has long been challenging. As such, many cities are formulating plans to “dig deep”, resulting in more citizens working and/or staying underground for longer periods of time. However, owing to the particularities of underground space, the factors involved in the creation of a healthy environment are different from those involved in aboveground developments. This study thus aims to investigate the influences of various underground environment factors on users' health through a holistic approach. To achieve this aim, 12 underground sites and 12 corresponding aboveground sites are selected for a large-scale questionnaire survey, resulting in 651 survey samples. The survey covers post-occupancy evaluation of health (physical and psychosocial), underground environmental quality (visual, thermal, acoustic comfort, indoor air quality and ventilation), space design and greenery. Independent-sample T-test, Pearson correlation, multiple regression modelling and structural equation modelling are used to investigate whether significant differences exist between health of underground and aboveground users, and to develop an underground environment-health model for unveiling the significant associations between underground environment factors and users' health. To cross validate the results, an objective field measurement study is further conducted on six underground sites. The objective measurement results are used to cross validate the survey results. The questionnaire results provide the following evidence: (1) health of underground users is significantly poorer than that of their aboveground counterparts; (2) underground development users' health is significantly affected by space design, greenery and environmental quality in terms of thermal comfort, indoor air quality, ventilation and acoustic comfort but not visual comfort; and (3) amongst the various identified factors, space design has the strongest predicting effects on human health. The field study echoes the survey findings and further unveils the relationships between different environmental factors and human health. The results shed light on the importance of distinguishing between underground developments and aboveground ones in various guidelines and standards, especially those related to space management. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2021-1120 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Xiaomin Qi, Qiang Du, Patrick X.W. Zou, Ning Huang Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop a model considering synergy effect for prefabricated construction service combination selection. This research defines prefabricated construction service as a service-led construction method that meets the specific requirements of clients. Based on network theory, the multi-dimensional collaborative relationships of the prefabricated construction inter-services are formulated. The synergy effect is quantitatively calculated through the linear weighting of the strengths of collaborative relationships. Further, a weighted synergy network (WSN) is developed, from which a service composition selection model considering the synergy effect is established. Then, a genetic algorithm is employed to implement the model. The results showed that (1) when the number of prefabricated construction services is increased, the synergy effect of combination options is enhanced; (2) The finer-grained prefabricated construction services, the stronger the synergy effect of service combination; (3) Clients have heterogeneous preferences for collaborative relationships, and there are differences in the synergy effect of service combination. The contribution of this research includes proposed a method to quantify the synergy effect from the perspective of collaborative relationships, explored the specific procedure for the prefabricated construction service combination selection under the service-led construction, and provided a reference for promoting the development in construction. Besides, the model proposed could be applied to prefabricated construction service composition selection with diverse research boundaries or client preferences by executing the same procedure. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-04 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0334 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Pengcheng Xiang, Xin Xia, Xianya Pang Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel integrated risk assessment method from the system perspective to evaluate the risk of the cross-regional mega construction project (CMCP). Furthermore, this paper aims to confirm the core risk source factors and refine the risk management strategies of CMCPs through a case study. Based on the analysis of the risk system of CMCPs, the concept model and risk assessment principles of integrated risk assessment were confirmed. The risk source factors and project objectives of the CMCP were identified from a literature review, export interview and case analysis. According to the vulnerability theory, the integrated risk assessment model was developed by involving vulnerabilities, threats, objectives and interaction of those factors synthetically. Then, ZW high-speed railway from China was analyzed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. As a result, 12 threat factors and 12 vulnerability factors were identified. Based on the case study, the main external threat comes from T13 (conflicts of interest between local governments) and T23 (harsh natural environment); the most easily exploited internal vulnerabilities were V11 (complexity of technology), V13 (lack of experience in technical application), V21 (inadequate experience) and V23 (lack of interest coordination mechanism). Moreover, the economic objective was most affected. It is essential to develop an interest coordination mechanism for CMCPs. The harsh natural environment is a critical factor, but it also promotes technological innovation and iteration. Public opinions in different regions are critical for CMCPs, and more emphasis should be placed on public opinion surveys of CMCPs. Moreover, diverse and flexible environmental protection strategies should apply in CMCPs. This research has the following three contributions. First, based on vulnerability theory, an integrated risk assessment approach of CMCPs is developed, which enriches the risk measurement method system and provides inspiration for future research on risk in the construction industry. Second, the risk sources of CMCPs are identified from the perspective of vulnerability and threat to provide clear guidance for the risk management of CMCPs. Third, the core risk source factors and management strategies confirmed by the case study will be beneficial for various governments in different regions and project managers to optimize the project management scheme, as they are transferable management experiences. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-03 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0534 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Stuart Orr, Akshay Jadhav Abstract: Construction sustainability (CS) is a strategic reaction to the sustainability expectations of the construction industry's external stakeholders. The extant literature has viewed the environmental, social and economic dimensions of CS as having independent effects on financial performance. Due to the influence of common stakeholders, however, interactions in these dimensions will be present in their effect on financial performance. Accordingly, this study identifies the mechanisms of the interactions between the three CS dimensions and how they jointly affect financial performance. Content analysis of GRI reports of 60 large construction organisations, followed by a hierarchical regression analysis was used to identify the interactions between environmental, social and economic CS in their effect on financial performance. Economic CS was found to indirectly, and not directly, affect financial performance, the effect being mediated by both environmental and social CS. Environmental CS was found to have a strong negative effect on financial performance, whilst social CS was found to have a strongly significant positive effect on financial performance. The motivation for engaging in CS is that investment in economic CS will have a positive effect on both environmental and social CS outcomes, which, in turn can have a combined effect on financial performance. This is one of the first studies investigating the effect of interactions between the environmental, social and economic CS dimensions on the financial performance of construction organisations. It is also one of the first studies that applies a sociotechnical framework to this relationship. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-03 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2021-1134 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Simon Wyke, Søren Munch Lindhard, Jesper Kranker Larsen Abstract: Cost and time are two of the primary benchmarks in which construction projects are measured. A variety of factors, however, affect cost and time on construction projects, as identified in previous research. This has led to a need for better understanding how factors affecting cost and time overruns on public construction projects can be managed more efficiently. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues. In this study 26 factors affecting cost and time overruns on construction projects were identified, through qualitative interviews with project managers from Danish governmental agencies and through a literature review. Through principal component analyses the 26 factors were subsequently narrowed down to four primary latent factors. The identified four latent factors affecting cost and time overruns on public construction projects were lack of quality management, lack of project pre-planning, lack of user management and lack of project management. Previous research has focussed on increasing knowledge by identifying and ranking factors affecting time and cost performance. This has led to the identification of an overwhelming number of factors to use for managing construction projects. The present research reduced the number of factors by clustering them into key latent factors responsible for most of the deviation in performance, narrowing the scope of construction cost and time management into a few tangible key focus areas. This supports and improves fast decision-making that is necessary in a changeable environment such as construction. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2023-01-02 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0189 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Zhenmin Yuan, Yuan Chang, Yunfeng Chen, Yaowu Wang, Wei Huang, Chen Chen Abstract: Precast wall lifting during prefabricated building construction faces multiple non-lean problems, such as inaccurate lifting-time estimation, unreasonable resource allocation and improper process design. This study aims to identify the pathways for improving lifting performance to advance lean construction of prefabricated buildings. This study developed a methodological framework that integrates the discrete event simulation method, the elimination, combination, rearrangement and simplification (ECRS) technique and intelligent optimization tool. Two schemes of precast wall lifting, namely, the enterprise's business as usual (BAU) and enterprise-leading (EL) schemes, were set to benchmark lifting performance. Furthermore, a best-practice (BP) scheme was modeled from the perspective of lifting activity ECRS and resource allocation for performance optimization. A real project was selected to test the effect of the methodological framework. The results showed that compared with the EL scheme, the BP scheme reduced the total lifting time (TLT) by 6.3% and mitigated the TLT uncertainty (the gap between the maximum and minimum time values) by 20.6%. Under the BP scheme, increasing the resource inputs produces an insignificant effect in reducing TLT, i.e. increasing the number of component operators in the caulking subprocess from one to two only shortened the TLT by 3.6%, and no further time reduction was achieved as more component operators were added. To solve non-lean problems associated with prefabricated building construction, this study provides a methodological framework that can separate a typical precast wall lifting process into fine-level activities. Besides, it also identifies the pathways (including the learning effect mitigation, labor and machinery resource adjustment and activities’ improvement) to reducing TLT and its uncertainty. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-29 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0641 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Bright Awuku, Eric Asa, Edmund Baffoe-Twum, Adikie Essegbey Abstract: Challenges associated with ensuring the accuracy and reliability of cost estimation of highway construction bid items are of significant interest to state highway transportation agencies. Even with the existing research undertaken on the subject, the problem of inaccurate estimation of highway bid items still exists. This paper aims to assess the accuracy of the cost estimation methods employed in the selected studies to provide insights into how well they perform empirically. Additionally, this research seeks to identify, synthesize and assess the impact of the factors affecting highway unit prices because they affect the total cost of highway construction costs. This paper systematically searched, selected and reviewed 105 papers from Scopus, Google Scholar, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Transportation Research Board (TRB) and Science Direct (SD) on conceptual cost estimation of highway bid items. This study used content and nonparametric statistical analyses to determine research trends, identify, categorize the factors influencing highway unit prices and assess the combined performance of conceptual cost prediction models. Findings from the trend analysis showed that between 1983 and 2019 North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East contributed the most to improving highway cost estimation research. Aggregating the quantitative results and weighting the findings using each study's sample size revealed that the average error between the actual and the estimated project costs of Monte-Carlo simulation models (5.49%) performed better compared to the Bayesian model (5.95%), support vector machines (6.03%), case-based reasoning (11.69%), artificial neural networks (12.62%) and regression models (13.96%). This paper identified 41 factors and was grouped into three categories, namely: (1) factors relating to project characteristics; (2) organizational factors and (3) estimate factors based on the common classification used in the selected papers. The mean ranking analysis showed that most of the selected papers used project-specific factors more when estimating highway construction bid items than the other factors. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by analyzing and comparing the performance of highway cost estimation models, identifying and categorizing a comprehensive list of cost drivers to stimulate future studies in improving highway construction cost estimates. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0266 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:John Aliu, Douglas Aghimien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Andrew Ebekozien, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, Opeoluwa Akinradewo, Olushola Akinshipe Abstract: As the world experiences a rapid rise in technological advances, the engineering profession will be required to become even more socially responsible and emotionally stable to be able to display higher levels of empathy towards the society they serve. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the key emotional competencies (ECs) that engineers need to possess to thrive in the construction industry after graduation. A quantitative research approach was conducted with close-ended questionnaires developed and administered to built environment professionals such as architects, construction managers, construction project managers, engineers and quantity surveyors. The results showed that the ability to display a positive outlook on life, understand one's emotional triggers, ability to display resilience in hard times, control one's emotions and ability to show compassion to others were the highest-ranked ECs. Further analysis revealed four clusters such as self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation and self-motivation. Practical guidance for higher education institutions is offered in terms of revamping and revisiting their engineering education curricula to develop these ECs to produce emotionally sound engineers for the ever-changing world of work. As the world of work becomes increasingly dynamic and diverse, engineers will be required to possess empathy, social skills and high levels of ECs to be able to seamlessly interact with fellow professionals as well as the society they serve. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0806 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Behnam M. Tehrani, Samer BuHamdan, Aladdin Alwisy Abstract: Despite the proven evidence of ever-growing productivity gains in the manufacturing industry as a result of years of research and investment in advanced technologies, such as robotics, the adoption of robots in construction is still lagging. The existing literature lacks technical frameworks and guidelines that account for the one-of-a-kind nature of construction projects and the myriad of materials and dimensional components in construction activities. This study seeks to address existing technical uncertainty and productivity issues associated with the application of robotics in the assembly-type manufacturing of industrialized construction. To facilitate the selection of suitable robotic arms for industrialized construction activities, primarily assembly-type manufacturing tasks of offsite production processes, an activity-based ranking system based on axiomatic design principles is proposed. The proposed ranking system utilizes five functional requirements derived from robot characteristics—speed, payload, reach, degrees of freedom and position repeatability—to evaluate robot performance in an industrialized construction task using simulations of a framing station. Based on design parameters obtained from activity-based simulations, seventy six robotic arms suitable for the framing task were scored and ranked. According to the sensitivity analysis of proposed functional requirements, speed is the key functional requirement that has a notable effect on productivity of a framing station and is thus the determinant in robot performance assessment for framing tasks. The proposed ranking system is expected to augment automation in construction and serve as a preliminary guideline to help construction professionals in making informed decisions regarding the adoption of robotic arms. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0143 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Augustine Senanu Komla Kukah, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Edward Badu, Eric Asamoah Abstract: The demand for power has surged in recent times and continues to increase yearly. In comparison to developed countries, the power industry’s risks, especially in piblic–private partnership (PPP) projects, are more complex and essential in developing countries. Appreciating the inter relationship among these risk factors is crucial. However, there exist no studies developing quantitative models to explain how various PPP power risk factors influence each other, especially in developing countries like Ghana. This study aims to investigate and model the relationship, the probability of occurrence and severity of impact of PPP power risk factors in Ghana. Data were collected through ranking type questionnaire in a two-round Delphi survey with 48 respondents using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for analysis of data. A model was developed to investigate the influence the risk factors inherent in PPP power projects have on each other. Validity of the model was tested based on the data collected. PLS-SEM results indicated the various relationships and interdependencies the risk factors had on each other considering their probability and severity. Both significant and insignificant levels of relationships were found among the various risk factors. The SEM that was developed to assess the relationships among the risk factors has great value for policy makers in the energy sector, industry practitioners, researchers and industry practitioners. Strategies can be mapped out to mitigate and effectively allocate the risks with the high interdependencies. Regarding the quantitative impact of the interrelationship among risk factors in PPP power projects, the findings of this research are arguably the first to be presented for the construction sector and contribute to knowledge on PPP practice and further has implications toward achieving power sector risk mitigation. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0943 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Hilary Omatule Onubi, Manuel Carpio, Ahmad Sanusi Hassan Abstract: Job satisfaction (JS) of construction workers is important in determining the level of green construction project performance. Despite the importance of construction workers' JS in actualizing green construction projects' objectives, insufficient consideration has been accorded in green construction studies. This study aims to determine the link between green human capital (GHC), pro-environmental construction practice (PCP), green work climate (GWC) and JS. Precisely, the purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of GWC on the GHC and PCP relationship while analysing the moderating effect of GWC on the relationship between PCP and JS. This research's data were collected through a survey questionnaire with 272 useable responses obtained. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was used in the study's data analysis. The findings of this study indicate that GHC was positively related to PCP; GWC had a significant mediating effect on the GHC–PCP relationship; PCP had a significant positive effect on JS; and GWC had a significant moderating effect on the PCP–JS relationship with high GWC yielding the greater effect. This study gives a clearer picture of how GHC can lead to the adoption of PCP through GWC and translate to JS, thus providing stakeholders with the required information on firm-based initiatives that can promote the needed green behaviour on the construction site. The originality of this study lies in its contribution to both theory and practice as it provides greater insight into PCP alongside its antecedents and outcomes as it relates to the JS of construction project/site managers. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0548 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Dan Wang, Jingyi Luo, Yongkun Wang Abstract: This paper constructs the uncertainty analysis model of prefabricated building supply chain risk. The model is designed to study the formation path of prefabricated building supply chain risk and is expected to be used by industry stakeholders for supply chain risk management. Based on the uncertainty circle model, construct a configuration analysis framework for supply chain risks in prefabricated buildings. The fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is used to study the configuration influence of five uncertain factors, including environment, plan-control, demand-supply, manufacturing and assembly-transportation, on the risk of the prefabricated building supply chain. There are three paths to promote the high-risk generation of the prefabricated building supply chain: assembly-transportation-oriented, plan-control-oriented and manufacturing-oriented. There is a specific equivalent substitution relationship among the five causal conditions. Under specific conditions, different combinations of conditions have the same effect on promoting supply chain high-risk generation through equivalent substitution. The multiple concurrent causal relationships of risk conditions in the assembly construction supply chain are studied under the grouping perspective, which helps to expand the research perspective of assembly construction supply chain risk and provides theoretical guidance for supply chain risk management of construction enterprises. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0878 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Saheed O. Ajayi, Natasha Lister, Jamiu Adetayo Dauda, Adekunle Oyegoke, Hafiz Alaka Abstract: Health and safety is an important issue in workplaces, and despite safety procedures becoming more strict, serious accidents are still happening within the UK construction sector. This demonstrates poor performance in the implementation of safety procedures on construction sites. One of the key challenges is the unwillingness of the site workforce, especially the subcontracted operatives, to adhere to safety provisions on construction sites. As such, this study investigates the strategies for enhancing safe behaviour amongst subcontracted operatives in the UK construction industry. The study used exploratory sequential mixed method research, involving interviews and questionnaires as means of data collection, and thematic analysis, reliability analysis and exploratory factor analysis as methods of data analysis. The study suggests that various carrot and stick measures are expected to be put in place as part of the strategies for enhancing safe behaviour amongst subcontracted operatives. These include adequate enforcement of safety practices by the management, operative engagement and motivation, commendation and rewards, site safety targets, leadership style and motivation. Application of the suggested measures could enhance safety on construction sites, as it provides practical measures and solutions for inculcating safety behaviours amongst the site operatives who are most likely to be the victims of site accidents. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-22 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0265 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Meenal Arora, Anshika Prakash, Amit Mittal, Swati Singh Abstract: Despite the extensive benefits of human resource (HR) analytics, the intention to adopt such technology is still a matter of concern in the engineering and construction sectors. This study aims to examine the slow adoption of HR analytics among HR professionals in the engineering and construction sector. A cross-sectional online survey including 376 HR executives working in Indian-based engineering and construction firms was conducted. Hierarchal regression, structural equation modeling and artificial neural networks (ANN) were applied to evaluate the relative importance of HR analytics predictors. The results reveal that hedonic motivation (HM), data availability (DA) and performance expectancy (PE) influence the behavioral intention (BI) to use HR analytics, whereas effort expectancy (EE), quantitative self-efficacy (QSE), habit (HA) and social influence (SI) act as barriers to its adoption. Moreover, PE was the most influential predictor of BI. Based on the findings of this study, engineering and construction industry managers can formulate strategies for the implementation and promotion of HR analytics to enhance organizational performance. This study draws attention to evidence-based decision-making, emphasizing barriers to the adoption of HR analytics. This study also emphasizes the concept of DA and QSE to enhance adoption among HR professionals, specifically in the engineering and construction industry. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-22 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2021-0795 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Abdulwahed Fazeli, Saeed Banihashemi, Aso Hajirasouli, Saeed Reza Mohandes Abstract: This research aims to develop an automated and optimization algorithms (OAs)-integrated 4D building information modeling (BIM) approach and a prototype and enable construction managers and practitioners to estimate the time of compound elements in building projects using the resource specification technique. A 4D BIM estimation process was first developed by applying the resource specification and geometric information from the BIM model. A suite of OA including particle swarm optimization, ant colony, differential evolution and genetic algorithm were developed and compared in order to facilitate and automate the estimation process. The developed processes and porotypes were linked and integrated. The OA-based automated 4D BIM estimation prototype was developed and validated through a real-life construction project. Different OAs were applied and compared, and the genetic algorithm was found as the best performing one. The prototype was successfully linked with BIM timeliner application. By using this approach, the start and finish dates of all object-based activities are developed, and the project completion time is automatically estimated. Unlike conventional construction estimation methods which need various tools and are error prone and time-consuming, the developed method bypasses the existing time estimation tools and provides the integrated and automated process with BIM and machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, this approach integrates 4D BIM applications into construction design procedures, connected with OA automation. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-20 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0665 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Emmanuel Chidiebere Eze, Douglas Omoregie Aghimien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Onyinye Sofolahan Abstract: This paper aims to present the result of an assessment of the potential effect of building information modelling (BIM) adoption on the reduction of construction waste (CW) from a developing country's perspective. This was done with a view to reducing the waste generated in construction projects particularly at the design and pre-contract stages. The study adopted a post-positivism philosophical approach, which informed the use of a quantitative research design and a questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The data gathered from construction professionals in the Nigeria construction industry were analysed using an array of statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, Kendall's coefficient of concordance, chi-square and exploratory factors analysis. The study revealed five major groups of factors causing CW at the design and pre-contract stages that can be avoided or minimised through BIM implementation. These are; (1) errors in design and documentation, (2) specification and quality factors, (3) estimating and site condition factors, (4) planning of work factors and (5) procurement related factors. The findings of the study offer practical insight for industry participants on the need for BIM implementation to reduce CW by identifying the diverse areas responsible for these waste generation. While there has been significant literature on BIM implementation, contributions on the effect of this technology in reducing waste generation particular at the design and pre-contract stages in developing countries has been almost non-existent. This study strives to fill in this gap by showcasing the major waste generating activities that can be avoided through the use of BIM. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-19 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0241 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Hongyang Li, Yanlin Chen, Junwei Zheng, Yuan Fang, Yifan Yang, Martin Skitmore, Rosemarie Rusch, Tingting Jiang Abstract: In the absence of previous work, this study investigates how the psychological contract (PC) influences the safety performance of construction workers in China. The literature is first consulted to obtain a set of PC and safety performance measures that fits the specific situation of construction workers, which is then moderated by five construction experts. A questionnaire survey of 206 workers from 4 different construction sites is followed by a descriptive statistical analysis of the nature of the PC and level of the safety performance of the respondents. Finally, a regression analysis is used to ascertain the level of influence of the PS, and an analysis is made of the influence of PC on safety performance. A set of PC and safety performance measures is identified that fits in the construction workers' specific situation. The PC of the respondents is found to be intact and well-performed, and their safety performance is maintained at a high level. Safety performance is highly influenced by the state of the PC, with the three dimensions of safety performance (safety result, safety compliance and safety participation) positively correlated with the three dimensions of the PC (normative, interpersonal and developmental). Suggestions are made to improve safety production management and safety performance by providing adequate material and economic conditions, helping the workers establish good interpersonal relationships and realize their personal values. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-19 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0854 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Si Yee Tiew Abstract: Graduate architect plays an important role in contract implementation management when handling building construction projects. Graduate architects had been authorized to manage the projects in construction industry due to limited architects in the country. The capability of graduate architect when manage project is critical in reducing performance barriers encountered. The aim of this paper is to identify critical factors that affect graduate architect's performance during project implementation. An explorative study was undertaken to provide an insight into actual experiences of graduate architects in contract implementation management. The data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews providing case studies on contract implementation management on housing projects in Malaysia and observation of the actual on-going projects. The five most crucial factors affected graduate architects' performance related to lack of training in project documentation, failed to obtain professional and peer support in quality and assessment, isolate in role during project coordination, lack of education support in design process and unaware of legal aspects which delayed response to contractor. This research focuses only on seven housing projects and semi-structured interviews with twenty graduate architects who in charge of those projects. As such, the resulting factors that affect graduate architect's performance are limited and are constrained only to the construction industry in Malaysia. This research examined the factors affecting graduate architect's performance which is a timely study, as the increasing number of population and developments will provide ample opportunities for them to perform. The outcome of the study is expected to facilitate graduate architects to devise proactive risk mitigation measures to reduce impact of these factors and improve project delivery. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-19 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2021-1010 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Xiuyu Wu, Qinzhen Qian, Meng Zhang Abstract: Leaders' behavior has a critical impact on workers' safety behavior. However, previous studies have shown contradictive views on the effect of different leadership styles on safety behavior. One reason may be that the effectiveness of leaders' behavior varies according to diverse contexts. This study examines the effect of transformational and transactional leadership (TsL) on the safety behavior of on-site workers under different levels of social capital in construction projects. Safety behavior is divided into three types: safety compliance (SC), organizational-oriented safety participation and individual-oriented safety participation (ISP). Questionnaire survey data were collected from 302 construction workers in the Chinese construction industry. The results indicate that the positive effect of transformational leadership (TfL) of frontline supervisors on the two types of construction workers' safety participation is enhanced when social capital is high, although TfL has no significant effect on SC behavior. In contrast, TsL can promote construction workers' SC behavior and organizational-oriented safety participation and social capital positively moderating these relationships. TsL has no significant effect on ISP, but its interaction with safety behavior is positively related to ISP. This study explains the inconsistent findings of previous research related to the role of leadership in safety behavior by introducing the social capitaltheory and distinguishing safety participation into two typesThis study is confined to one specific country, future research may benefit from investigating whether the conclusions of this study will be different in other nations with diverse cultures. The findings of the study provide frontline supervisors with new insights into improving workers' safety and the efficiency of leadership in safety management. This study explains the inconsistent findings of previous research related to the role of leadership in safety behavior by introducing the social capital theory and distinguishing safety participation into two types. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-16 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0180 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Yibo Hu, Jinbo Song, Tingting Zhao Abstract: The development of China's solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is in a transition period from pursuing scale and speed to focusing on efficiency and quality. “Smart PV projects” (SPVPs) were proposed by the ministries of the Chinese government in 2018 to encourage intelligent upgrading and to fill the gaps in traditional PV projects. However, only a small number of PV enterprises are in progress, and only a few SPVPs have been built. The intelligence level of China's PV projects needs to be improved. The purpose of this study is to analyze the willingness of the main participants to be involved in the intelligent upgrading of PV projects by establishing an evolutionary game model that includes three parties. A tripartite evolutionary game model is constructed that considers PV enterprises, project owners and the government. The evolutionary stability strategies of each party and the corresponding stable conditions are obtained. The parameters that affect the decision behaviors are also analyzed. The four stages of the intelligent upgrade of PV projects and the effects of the government subsidy strategies are examined. At different stages, adopting different measures to promote cooperation among the three parties involved is necessary. Government subsidies should be provided to PV enterprises during the initial stage and should be biased toward project owners during the intermediate stage. During the peak stage, PV enterprises constantly need to decrease project costs and improve quality and service, thus helping project owners reduce their initial investments and obtain additional gains. The government's reputation drives it to continually adopt incentive strategies. This research focuses on the interactions among the three parties. Based on evolutionary game analysis, several conditions that facilitate the intelligent upgrading of PV projects are illustrated. Implications for different developing stages are proposed from the perspectives of each party for the decision-makers of SPVPs. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-16 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2021-0631 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Cong Wang, Henry Liu, Michael C.P. Sing, Jin Wu Abstract: Pre-construction of a project comprises stages that are pivotal for the procurement performance. It is defined as the duration from the project's initiation to construction. However, Private Public Partnerships (PPPs) have been subjected to a long pre-construction, thereby leading to an inefficient development process. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to pay attention to the influencing factors elongating the pre-construction duration. Based on data of 5,677 PPP projects between 2009 and 2021 in China, the authors adopt the Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) model in duration analysis to empirically analyze the following underlying dynamics determining the duration of PPP pre-construction stages: (1) policy uncertainty; (2) corruption; and (3) procurement method selection. To observe the influencing paths more specifically, the authors divided the pre-construction duration into the pre-tendering period and tendering period and regressed them separately. The results indicate that the pre-construction duration is significantly prolonged with increased policy uncertainty and corruption degree as well as the use of tendering methods. Meanwhile, the above factors have a greater impact on the pre-tendering period than the tendering period. The contribution of this study is twofold: (1) theoretically, this paper provides new evidence on the impact of PPP policy uncertainty, corruption and procurement method selection on the pre-construction duration. It complements empirical studies on the factors elongating the time efficiency of PPPs projects. (2) In practice, it provides a specific path for the government to improve the time efficiency of PPPs. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-15 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0544 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Bryan Pieterse, Kofi Agyekum, Patrick Manu, Saeed Reza Mohandes, Clara Cheung, Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo Abstract: Major maintenance projects are often regarded as maintenance activities regardless of the projects' complexity and scale. Consequently, very scarce research attention has hitherto been paid to the critical skills required when undertaking these projects. More specifically, the body of relevant knowledge is deprived of a study focusing on maintenance projects within the energy sector. In view of this shortcoming, this research aims to examine the critical project management (PM) skills required to deliver major maintenance projects within the energy sector. Based on a quantitative research strategy, this study addressed the knowledge gap through a cross-sectional survey of professionals involved in the delivery of major maintenance projects in the United Kingdom's (UK) energy sector. Data obtained were analyzed via descriptive (e.g. frequencies, mean and standard deviation [SD]) and inferential statistical analyses (One sample t-test and exploratory factor analysis (EFA)). Out of the 45 PM skills identified in the literature and examined by the respondents, the results obtained from the One sample t-test (based on p (1-tailed) = 0.05) showed that 37 were considered to be at least “important,” accounting for 80.4% of all the skills identified. EFA revealed a clustering of the PM skills items into seven components: “skills related to work scheduling and coordination”; “communication, risk, safety and stakeholder management skills”; “quality assurance skills”; “people management skills”; “skills related to forecasting scope and duration of outage”; “implementation of processes and time management skills” and “technical/engineering skills and experience pertaining to the outage and local site knowledge.” This study has identified and contributed to the limited state-of-the-art skills project managers must possess to manage major maintenance projects in the energy sector successfully. The findings would be useful to organizations within the energy sector in ensuring that the organizations have suitable personnel in place to deliver major maintenance projects on the organizations' assets. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-14 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0658 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Ram Asra Khural, Shashi, Myriam Ertz, Roberto Cerchione Abstract: This study explores the relationships among sustainability implementation barriers (resource, managerial and regulatory barriers), sustainability practices (sustainable construction materials, sustainable construction design, modern construction methods and environmental provisions and reporting) and sustainability performance (environmental, economic and social) in hill road construction (HRC). Primary data were collected from the 313 HRC practitioners with the help of a questionnaire, and research hypotheses were tested employing structural equation modeling. The findings reveal a mixed effect of sustainability implementation barriers. Resource (managerial) barriers are negatively related to all practices except environmental provisions and reporting (sustainable construction materials), while regulatory barriers only negatively impact modern construction methods. On the other hand, all sustainability practices positively impact environmental performance, whereas economic (social) performance is positively influenced by all practices, except environmental provisions and reporting (modern construction methods), and positively affects economic performance. In order to transform HRC toward sustainability, the barriers to sustainability implementation, sustainability practices and performance need to be understood by practitioners; however, the relationships have not previously been empirically assessed in extant literature. Besides, past research appears to be predominantly focused on the environmental aspect, thereby neglecting economic and social aspects. This study is a modest attempt to bridge these research gaps. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-13 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0138 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Matthew Osivue Ikuabe, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Donald Chiyangwa, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke Abstract: Joint ventures (JVs) serve as a viable tool in mitigating some of the challenges posed to the effective delivery of construction projects. However, JVs are highly susceptible to failure in most developing countries. Therefore, this study seeks to unravel the critical factors influencing the failure of JVs in the South African construction industry. A quantitative approach was adopted for the study using a well-structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Respondents for the study were built environment professionals in Gauteng province in South Africa. Data elicited from respondents were analyzed using a four-pronged process which included descriptive statistics, one sample t-test, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Resulting from the analysis conducted, four critical components emerged as the major factors influencing the failure of JVs in the South African construction industry, which are inefficient financial framework, divergent organizational culture, poor project governance and inadequacies from project stakeholders. The outcome of this study presents a roadmap for stakeholders in the construction industry with the requisite knowledge of the critical factors leading to the failure of JVs, consequently providing a clear path for the successful delivery of JV mandates. Evidence from literature suggests that several studies have been conducted on the various aspects of JVs in the South African construction industry; however, none has focused on the leading factors attributed to the failure of JVs. Also, the findings of this study cultivate a good theoretical platform for future studies on JVs. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-13 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0298 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Zhenhua Luo, Juntao Guo, Jianqiang Han, Yuhong Wang Abstract: Prefabricated technology is gradually being applied to the construction of subway stations due to its characteristic of mechanization. However, the prefabricated subway station in China is in the initial stage of development, which is prone to construction safety issues. This study aims to evaluate the construction safety risks of prefabricated subway stations in China and formulate corresponding countermeasures to ensure construction safety. A construction safety risk evaluation index system for the prefabricated subway station was established through literature research and the Delphi method. Furthermore, based on the structure entropy weight method, matter-element theory and evidence theory, a hybrid evaluation model is developed to evaluate the construction safety risks of prefabricated subway stations. The basic probability assignment (BPA) function is obtained using the matter-element theory, the index weight is calculated using the structure entropy weight method to modify the BPA function and the risk evaluation level is determined using the evidence theory. Finally, the reliability and applicability of the evaluation model are verified with a case study of a prefabricated subway station project in China. The results indicate that the level of construction safety risks in the prefabricated subway station project is relatively low. Man risk, machine risk and method risk are the key factors affecting the overall risk of the project. The evaluation results of the first-level indexes are discussed, and targeted countermeasures are proposed. Therefore, management personnel can deeply understand the construction safety risks of prefabricated subway stations. This research fills the research gap in the field of construction safety risk assessment of prefabricated subway stations. The methods for construction safety risk assessment are summarized to establish a reliable hybrid evaluation model, laying the foundation for future research. Moreover, the construction safety risk evaluation index system for prefabricated subway stations is proposed, which can be adopted to guide construction safety management. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-13 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0340 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Jonah Duckworth, Abid Hasan, Imriyas Kamardeen Abstract: Data from different countries suggest a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression and suicides among manual and trade workers in the construction industry than in the general population. The present review examines the causes and effects of poor mental health and the effectiveness of interventions to improve manual and trade workers' mental health in the construction industry. It also identifies gaps in research and makes several suggestions for practice and future research. A systematic literature review was conducted to examine and consolidate evidence reported in 54 relevant journal articles published between 2010 and 2021 on the mental health of manual and trade workers. Three major themes emerged in the review of the 54 journal articles: causes of poor mental health, effects of poor mental health and interventions to improve mental health. The leading causes of poor mental health among construction manual and trade workers are poor work-life balance, high job demand, poor cultural norms and mental health stigma, chronic bodily pain, lack of social support, workplace injustice and job insecurity. The prominent effects of poor mental health are suicidality, drug and alcohol addiction, poor workplace safety and poor work performance. Moreover, the study found that some of the strategies recently implemented in the construction industry to improve mental health are deemed ineffective, or their effectiveness remains inconclusive. The review's scope is limited to research on manual and trade workers, and it did not investigate the mental health of construction professionals and construction management students. The review provides valuable insights into the causes and effects of poor mental health among manual and trade workers and the effectiveness of mental health interventions in the construction industry. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-13 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2021-1022 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Ying Zhou, Yu Wang, Chenshuang Li, Lieyun Ding, Cong Wang Abstract: This study aimed to propose a performance-oriented approach of automatically generative design and optimization of hospital building layouts in consideration of public health emergency, which intended to conduct reasonable layout design of hospital building to meet different performance requirements for both high efficiency during normal periods and low risk in the pandemic. The research design follows a sequential mixed methodology. First, key points and parameters of hospital building layout design (HBLD) are analyzed. Then, to meet the requirements of high efficiency and low risk, adjacent preference score and infection risk coefficient are constructed as constraints. On this basis, automatic generative design is conducted to generate building layout schemes. Finally, multi-objective deviation analysis is carried out to obtain the optimal scheme of hospital building layouts. Automatic generative design of building layouts that integrates adjacent preferences and infection risks enables hospitals to achieve rapid transitions between normal (high efficiency) and pandemic (low risk) periods, which can effectively respond to public health emergencies. The proposed approach has been verified in an actual project, which can help systematically explore the solution for better decision-making. The form of building layouts is limited to rectangles, and future work can explore conducting irregular layouts into optimization for the framework of generative design. The contribution of this paper is the developed approach that can quickly and effectively generate more hospital layout alternatives satisfying high operational efficiency and low infection risk by formulating space design rules, which is of great significance in response to public health emergency. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-09 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0757 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Qing-Wen Zhang, Pin-Chao Liao, Mingxuan Liang, Albert P.C. Chan Abstract: Quality failures in grid infrastructure construction would cause large-scale collapses in power supply and additional expenditures by reworks and repairs. Learning from quality failures (LFQF) extracts experience from previous quality events and converts them into preventive measures to reduce or eliminate future construction quality issues. This study aims to investigate the influence factors of LFQF in the construction of grid infrastructure. The related factors of LFQF, including quality management (QM) practices, quality rectification, and individual learning, were identified by reviewing literature about organizational learning and extracting experience from previous failures. A questionnaire survey was distributed to the grid companies in North, Northeast, Northwest, East, Central, and Southwest China. 381 valid responses collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the influence of these factors on LFQF. The SEM results support that QM practices positively affect individual learning and LFQF. Quality rectification indirectly impacts LFQF via individual learning, while the results did not support the direct link between quality rectification and LFQF. The findings strengthen practical insights into extracting experience from poor-quality issues and continuous improvement. The contributory factors of LFQF found in this study benefit the practitioners by taking effective measures to enhance organizational learning capability and improve the long-term construction quality performance in the grid infrastructure industry. Existing research about the application of LFQF still stays at the explorative and conceptual stage. This study investigates the related factors of LFQF, including QM practices, quality rectification, and individual learning, extending the model development of learning from failures (LFF) in construction QM. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-07 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0229 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Peyman Jafary, Davood Shojaei, Abbas Rajabifard, Tuan Ngo Abstract: Building information modeling (BIM) is a striking development in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, which provides in-depth information on different stages of the building lifecycle. Real estate valuation, as a fully interconnected field with the AEC industry, can benefit from 3D technical achievements in BIM technologies. Some studies have attempted to use BIM for real estate valuation procedures. However, there is still a limited understanding of appropriate mechanisms to utilize BIM for valuation purposes and the consequent impact that BIM can have on decreasing the existing uncertainties in the valuation methods. Therefore, the paper aims to analyze the literature on BIM for real estate valuation practices. This paper presents a systematic review to analyze existing utilizations of BIM for real estate valuation practices, discovers the challenges, limitations and gaps of the current applications and presents potential domains for future investigations. Research was conducted on the Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases to find relevant references that could contribute to the study. A total of 52 publications including journal papers, conference papers and proceedings, book chapters and PhD and master's theses were identified and thoroughly reviewed. There was no limitation on the starting date of research, but the end date was May 2022. Four domains of application have been identified: (1) developing machine learning-based valuation models using the variables that could directly be captured through BIM and industry foundation classes (IFC) data instances of building objects and their attributes; (2) evaluating the capacity of 3D factors extractable from BIM and 3D GIS in increasing the accuracy of existing valuation models; (3) employing BIM for accurate estimation of components of cost approach-based valuation practices; and (4) extraction of useful visual features for real estate valuation from BIM representations instead of 2D images through deep learning and computer vision. This paper contributes to research efforts on utilization of 3D modeling in real estate valuation practices. In this regard, this paper presents a broad overview of the current applications of BIM for valuation procedures and provides potential ways forward for future investigations. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-07 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0642 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Galym Tokazhanov, Serik Tokbolat, Aidana Tleuken, Ferhat Karaca Abstract: The current COVID-19 pandemic is influencing our life in every aspect, including working and living environments. Millions of people were forced to isolate themselves in their homes, which has posed significant pressure on buildings and shown us that our dwellings are not designed for such purposes. This is partly due to the fact that homes are designed and built for occasional use rather than isolated and long-term occupation. The legislative system of a country plays an important role in defining and shaping the conditions of people living there. Hence, the aim of the study is to evaluate the readiness of Kazakhstani and the EU construction-related legislation for pandemics. Previously developed pandemic-resilient indicators were used for the evaluation of construction legislation. Both legislative systems were reviewed, and the quality of responses was evaluated by assigning response scores. The results based on response scores indicate that the environmental resource consumption sub-category was better covered by EU legislation. At the same time, the buildings’ health, safety and comfort are better taken into account in Kazakhstani legislation. Seven pandemic-resilient indicators were not responded to by any legislative system indicating a gap between current legislation and requirements for new living conditions. No study has analyzed how COVID-19 can transform construction legislation. The study reveals the limitation of current construction legislation in Kazakhstan (KZ) and the EU, indicating the need for transformation to meet the requirements of the pandemic era. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-07 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0661 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Xian Zheng, Jiawei Deng, Xiangnan Song, Meng Ye, Lan Luo Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and innovation are the two main approaches firms utilize to promote sustainable development. However, as yet, scholars have reached no consensus regarding their precise impact on construction firm performance (CFP), hindering efforts to implement effective sustainable development strategies that improve CFP. In view that a simple linear relationship may not be sufficient to capture their precise pattern, this study aims to unveil the nonlinear impact of CSR and innovation on CFP, especially when construction firms take up a distinct competitive position. This study first proposed four hypotheses to establish a new theoretical model by incorporating CSR, innovation, CFP and construction firms' competitive position (CFCP). Then the model was tested by using 292 annual observations collected from 75 construction firms in China. A multiple regression model analysis was carried out to analyze the survey data and validate the hypotheses. The results reveal that both CSR and innovation have a U-shaped impact on the price-to-book ratio of a construction firm, a specific CFP measure. CFCP negatively moderates the U-shaped relationship between CSR and CFP, but positively moderates the U-shaped relationship between innovation and CFP. This study goes beyond a simple linear view, instead of unveiling the nonlinear U-shaped effects of CSR and innovation on CFP that deepen the understanding of their complex relationships in the construction industry and makes construction firms aware that CSR and innovation can only improve performance if they reach a certain level. The moderating role of CFCP provides important implications for construction firms seeking to adopt appropriate competitive strategies related to social responsibility and innovation that both promote CFP and achieve sustainable development. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-12-01 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0286 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Minh Van Nguyen Abstract: This study aims to identify and prioritize barriers to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the construction sector. A literature review was first conducted to identify barriers to CSR performance. After that, construction professionals were invited to validate the appropriateness of the obstacles. The discussion allowed the establishment of a list of barriers to CSR performance and their corresponding categories. Data collected from the survey were then analyzed to prioritize the importance of these barriers by the fuzzy DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP) technique. The findings presented 16 barriers to CSR, which were categorized into four clusters. The fuzzy DANP analysis showed that strategic vision is the most crucial cluster, followed by the measurement system, stakeholder perspective and scarce resources. Among the sixteen barriers examined, lack of awareness, knowledge and information of CSR; low priority of CSR; lack of metrics to quantify CSR benefits; lack of guidelines and coherent strategies; and lack of CSR enforcement mechanism are the five most crucial barriers. This study is one of the first that proposes a comprehensive model to prioritize barriers to CSR performance of contractors considering their interrelationships. It provides construction stakeholders with a framework for understanding the linkage between the barriers and CSR framework under the umbrella of stakeholder theory. Thus, the findings might assist construction practitioners and academics in fostering the success of CSR implementation. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-29 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0489 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Jiaqi Liu, Jicai Liu Abstract: This paper aims to determine the demand category and level of government and investors in public–private partnership (PPP) projects. It emphasizes the importance of meeting the demands of stakeholders and controlling the unreasonable demands. This study aims to improve the demand management of stakeholders in the PPP project and lay a foundation for the research on behavior based on the motivation theory. This paper opted for a questionnaire survey to collect data based on indicators identified through literature. The participants come from the government and private sector (investors, contractors, operators, etc.) in China PPP Lecture Hall. The reliability, validity and variance analyses are used to test the reliability of data. Factor analysis and entropy method are used to determine demand categories and weights. The government’s 14 demands are divided into four groups: satisfy public activities, self-interest, responsibility and relief financial pressure; 6 investor's demands are divided into development ability and satisfy social activities. The self-interest of government is higher than that of the publicity in PPP projects; investor's social reputation is most important, it is a foundation for obtaining external resources and achieving enterprise development. Because of the chosen research approach, the demand indexes cannot be exhausted. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to enrich relevant contents further. This paper includes implications for a targeted demand control mechanism and for managing the unreasonable demand. This paper comprehensively identifies the demand hierarchy of the government and investors, and provides the theoretical basis for the target management of stakeholders. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2022-0052 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Zhijia You Abstract: The existing literature has been mainly focused on local problems but without an overall framework for studying the top-level planning of intelligent construction from a systematic perspective. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap. This research adopts a deductive research approach. This research proposes a reference architecture and related business scenario framework for intelligent construction based on the existing theory and industrial practice. The main contribution of this research is to provide a useful reference to the Chinese government and industry for formulating digital transformation strategies, as well as suggests meaningful future research directions in the construction industry. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-25 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0706 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Rui Li, Zhanwen Niu, Chaochao Liu, Bei Wu Abstract: Given the complexity of building information modeling (BIM) adoption decisions in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, understanding BIM adoption decision-making through the net effect of a single factor on BIM adoption decisions alone is limited. Therefore, this paper analyzed the co-movement effect of managers' psychological factors on the BIM adoption decisions from the perspective of managers' perceptions. The purpose is to let managers have a deep understanding of their BIM adoption decisions, and put forward targeted suggestions for the AEC industry to promote the adoption of BIM by SMEs. Data from 192 managers in SMEs collected by the questionnaire were used in a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Due to the limitations of fsQCA in making the best use of the data used, as a complement to fsQCA, necessary conditions analysis (NCA) was used to analyze the extent to which necessary conditions influenced the outcome. (1) NCA analysis shows that high perceived resource availability (PRA) and high performance expectancy (PE) are necessary conditions for high BIM adoption intention (AI). (2) fsQCA analysis shows that high PE is the single core condition for high AI. fsQCA analysis identifies three configurations of managers' psychological factors, reflecting three types of managers' decision preferences, namely benefit preference, loss aversion and risk avoidance, respectively. Different decision preferences may lead to different BIM adoption strategies, such as full in-house use, partial in-house/outsourcing and full outsourcing of BIM processes. (3) High perceived risk (PR) and low perceived business value of BIM (PBV) are the core conditions for low AI. This paper expands on the application of fsQCA to context of BIM adoption decisions. Based on the results of fsQCA analysis, this paper also establishes the relationship between managers' decision-making psychology and BIM adoption strategy choice and analyzes the impact of different decision biases on BIM adoption strategy choice. It concludes with suggestions for encouraging managers to adopt BIM and for avoiding decision-making bias. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0721 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Ning Huang, Qiang Du, Patrick X.W. Zou, Youdan Huang Abstract: This study aims to analyze the interaction and key factors within the network of factors influencing the success of green highway projects. Through literature review and interviews with experienced project managers, this study identified 33 influencing factors from the perspectives of stakeholders and life cycle. The interaction between these influencing factors was determined by surveying different experts, most of whom have participated in green highway projects in China. Then, social network analysis (SNA) was used to explore the impact and control ability of different factors. According to the prioritization of these factors, the results showed that some key factors were identified, especially incremental cost, lack of standards and regulations, development of innovative technologies and materials, public awareness and environmental protection behavior. Finally, some meaningful suggestions were put forward for different influencing factors of green highway projects. While the key influencing factors of the green highway projects have been identified by considering the interrelationships between different factors, the specific influencing paths and levels of different factors are not analyzed, more studies and methods should be conducted on this area in the future. This finding of factors influencing the success of green highway projects which is useful for managers to overcome various obstacles encountered in similar projects. Moreover, considering the interaction among the influencing factors enables managers to make systematic and efficient decisions. Developing green highways have been perceived as a major innovation to help achieve the synergy of environmental protection, economic development and social responsibility. Studying the key factors influencing the success of green highway projects and putting forward targeted suggestions are crucial for promoting the environmental protection transformation of highway construction. Compared with most studies on the identification of key influencing factors of construction projects, this research emphasized the interaction between different factors within the system in the analysis process. The findings could provide useful references to promote the successful implementation of green highway projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2021-0809 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Xianbo Zhao Abstract: This study collected the bibliographic data of 2034 journal articles published in 2000–2021 from Web of Science (WoS) core collection database and adopted two bibliometric analysis methods, namely historiography and keyword co-occurrence, to identify the evolution trend of construction risk management (CRM) research topics. CRM has been a key issue in construction management research, producing a big number of publications. This study aims to undertake a review of the global CRM research published from 2000 to 2021 and identify the evolution of the research topics relating to CRM. This study found that risk analysis methods have shifted from simply ranking risks in terms of their relative importance or significance toward examining the interrelationships among risks, and that the objects of CRM research have shifted from generic construction projects toward specified types of construction projects (e.g. small projects, underground construction projects, green buildings and prefabricated projects). In addition, researchers tend to pay more attention to an individual risk category (e.g. political risk, safety risk and social risk) and integrate CRM into cost, time, quality, safety and environment management functions with the increasing adoption of various information and communication technologies. This study focused on the journal articles in English in WoS core collection database only, thus excluding the publications in other languages, not indexed by WoS and conference proceedings. In addition, the historiography focused on the top documents in terms of document strength and thus ignored the role of the documents whose strengths were a little lower than the threshold. This review study is more inclusive than any prior reviews on CRM and overcomes the drawbacks of mere reliance on either bibliometric analysis results or subjective opinions. Revealing the evolution process of the CRM knowledge domain, this study provides an in-depth understanding of the CRM research and benefits industry practitioners and researchers. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0853 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Linlin Xie, Ziyuan Luo, Bo Xia Abstract: From a psychosocial perspective, this study aims to understand the impact of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on the intent to stay of construction workers and provides practical recommendations for construction enterprises to retain construction workers. This study proposes the conceptual framework explained by the conservation of resources (COR) theory and develops a mediation model of “PSC – job satisfaction – intent to stay” within the framework supported by the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model. Then, a questionnaire survey of 489 construction workers in Guangzhou was conducted and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was performed on the data collected. Results show that PSC has a significant and positive effect on job satisfaction and intent to stay. In addition, job satisfaction partially mediates the effect of PSC on intent to stay. Hence, the theoretical model of “PSC – job satisfaction – intent to stay” has been empirically tested and supported. This study is the first to investigate the effect of PSC on intent to stay and enriches the research on the retention of construction workers. The COR theory explains well the mechanism of PSC influence on intent to stay, thus expanding its application to the construction field. Moreover, this study provides practical recommendations for construction enterprises to retain workers so as to build a stable and productive workforce. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2021-1082 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Andrew Ebekozien, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan Abstract: Studies showed that digital technology applications in the construction industry are low, especially in many developing nations. Construction incentivisation (CI) is one of the long-standing principles adopted to enhance project performance. There is a paucity of studies concerning CI to improve digital technology applications. Thus, this research investigated the relevance and perceived hindrances that may hinder the implementation of CI from promoting digital technologies and proffer ways to improve digital technology applications in the construction sector. In Nigeria’s context, this research is exploratory. Twenty-four semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, with knowledgeable participants that indicated interest and were interviewed. The engaged interviewees were drawn from government agencies, academicians in construction consultancy, Internet and communication technology experts, construction contracting firms and construction consulting firms. The collected data were coded and analysed through a thematic method. Digitalisation of the industry via CI may face some hindrances. The perceived issues that may hinder CI implementation were classified into most severe, severe and fairly severe in Nigeria’s construction industry context. Findings proffer feasible policy solutions that can mitigate these issues and improve digital technology applications in the industry via the CI. This study covered the relevance and perceived issues that may hinder the implementation of the CI to improve digital technology applications in the industry. Also, the study proffers policy solutions to enhance digital technology applications in the industry via the CI concept. Findings from this research will support and offer a valuable understanding of the relevance of the “incentivisation concept” to improve digital technology applications in the Nigerian-built environment. Other developing countries with low applications of digital technology in construction may consider the suggested policy solutions from this research. Also, this study will stir policymakers and construction practitioners to support policies tailored towards improving digital technology applications in construction. This research contributes by exploring the effectiveness of the CI concept and informing construction practitioners and policymakers on how to improve digital technology applications in the Nigerian construction industry. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0101 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Suhair Alkilani, Martin Loosemore Abstract: This research uses contingency theory and Venkatraman’s concept of moderating fit to explore how key project stakeholders (clients, consultants and suppliers) influence project performance from the perspective of small and medium contractors in the Jordanian construction industry. An anonymous structured survey was performed comprising 200 key informants including senior project managers, construction managers, engineers and general managers working for small- and medium-sized contractors in the Jordanian construction industry. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data. The results of this study show that consultant-related factors (quality of documentation produced, ability to communicate and technical competencies) are perceived to have the most significant direct effect on project performance, followed by client-related factors (payment promptness, decision certainty and documentation control) and supplier-related factors (supplier performance, defects control and logistics management). The results contribute new theoretical, empirical and practical insights to existing construction project performance research by highlighting the key performance factors which need to be managed for each stakeholder group to ensure effective project performance from a small- and medium-sized contractor perspective. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0539 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Ibrahim Karatas, Abdulkadir Budak Abstract: The study is aimed to compare the prediction success of basic machine learning and ensemble machine learning models and accordingly create novel prediction models by combining machine learning models to increase the prediction success in construction labor productivity prediction models. Categorical and numerical data used in prediction models in many studies in the literature for the prediction of construction labor productivity were made ready for analysis by preprocessing. The Python programming language was used to develop machine learning models. As a result of many variation trials, the models were combined and the proposed novel voting and stacking meta-ensemble machine learning models were constituted. Finally, the models were compared to Target and Taylor diagram. Meta-ensemble models have been developed for labor productivity prediction by combining machine learning models. Voting ensemble by combining et, gbm, xgboost, lightgbm, catboost and mlp models and stacking ensemble by combining et, gbm, xgboost, catboost and mlp models were created and finally the Et model as meta-learner was selected. Considering the prediction success, it has been determined that the voting and stacking meta-ensemble algorithms have higher prediction success than other machine learning algorithms. Model evaluation metrics, namely MAE, MSE, RMSE and R2, were selected to measure the prediction success. For the voting meta-ensemble algorithm, the values of the model evaluation metrics MAE, MSE, RMSE and R2 are 0.0499, 0.0045, 0.0671 and 0.7886, respectively. For the stacking meta-ensemble algorithm, the values of the model evaluation metrics MAE, MSE, RMSE and R2 are 0.0469, 0.0043, 0.0658 and 0.7967, respectively. The study shows the comparison between machine learning algorithms and created novel meta-ensemble machine learning algorithms to predict the labor productivity of construction formwork activity. The practitioners and project planners can use this model as reliable and accurate tool for predicting the labor productivity of construction formwork activity prior to construction planning. The study provides insight into the application of ensemble machine learning algorithms in predicting construction labor productivity. Additionally, novel meta-ensemble algorithms have been used and proposed. Therefore, it is hoped that predicting the labor productivity of construction formwork activity with high accuracy will make a great contribution to construction project management. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2021-0692 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Lili Gao, Xiaowei Luo, Weimin Yang, Na Zhang, Xiaopeng Deng Abstract: This paper aims to explore the influence of social support and the repatriation intention of expatriates in international constructions in the postpandemic era of COVID-19. Furthermore, test the mediation effect of team climate and individual resilience in this relationship. A survey of 347 expatriates in international construction projects was conducted. A cross-level chain mediation model was employed to test the moderating effect of social support and repatriation intention. Then, statistical analysis with a bootstrap sample was used to test the mediation effect of the model. The empirical results support that team climate, individual resilience and the chain mediating effect of team climate to individual resilience is significant among the influences of social support on repatriation intention. Social support can enhance the team climate of construction expatriates, promoting their resilience to reduce the repatriation intention further. This study provides guidelines for international construction enterprises and managers to decide when and which expatriates should return home and formulate a series of policies to support expatriates and maintain a good team climate. This study contributes to expatriate management literature by establishing the relationship between social support and repatriation intention. It provides a better understanding of how team-level factors impact individual thought. It takes team climate as one of the protective factors affecting individual psychological resilience. Also it takes social support as the antecedents of team atmosphere in case of emergencies. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-21 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2021-0931 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Jing Yin, Jiahao Li, Ahui Yang, Shunyao Cai Abstract: In regarding to operational efficiency and safety improvements, multiple tower crane service scheduling problem is one of the main problems related to tower crane operation but receives limited attention. The current work presents an optimization model for scheduling multiple tower cranes' service with overlapping areas while achieving collision-free between cranes. The cooperative coevolutionary genetic algorithm (CCGA) was proposed to solve this model. Considering the possible types of cross-tasks, through effectively allocating overlapping area tasks to each crane and then prioritizing the assigned tasks for each crane, the makespan of tower cranes was minimized and the crane collision avoidance was achieved by only allowing one crane entering the overlapping area at one time. A case study of the mega project Daxing International Airport has been investigated to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The computational results showed that the CCGA algorithm outperforms two compared algorithms in terms of the optimal makespan and the CPU time. Also, the convergence of CCGA was discussed and compared, which was better than that of traditional genetic algorithm (TGA) for small-sized set (50 tasks) and was almost the same as TGA for large-sized sets. This paper can provide new perspectives on multiple tower crane service sequencing problem. The proposed model and algorithm can be applied directly to enhance the operational efficiency of tower cranes on construction site. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-18 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0767 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Asli Pelin Gurgun, Kerim Koc, Handan Kunkcu Abstract: Completing construction projects within the planned schedule has widely been considered as one of the major project success factors. This study investigates the use of technologies to address delays in construction projects and aims to address three research questions (1) to identify the adopted technologies and proposed solutions in the literature, (2) to explore the reasons why the delays cannot be prevented despite disruptive technologies and (3) to determine the major strategies to prevent delays in construction projects. In total, 208 research articles that used innovative technologies, methods, or tools to avoid delays in construction projects were investigated by conducting a comprehensive literature review. An elaborative content analysis was performed to cover the implemented technologies and their transformation, highlighted research fields in relation to selected technologies, focused delay causes and corresponding delay mitigation strategies and emphasized project types with specific delay causes. According to the analysis results, a typological framework with appropriate technological means was proposed. The findings revealed that several tools such as planning, imaging, geo-spatial data collection, machine learning and optimization have widely been adopted to address specific delay causes. It was also observed that strategies to address various delay causes throughout the life cycle of construction projects have been overlooked in the literature. The findings of the present research underpin the trends and technological advances to address significant delay causes. Despite the technological advancements in the digitalization era of Industry 4.0, many construction projects still suffer from poor schedule performance. However, the reason of this is questionable and has not been investigated thoroughly. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-17 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0566 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Esra Dobrucali, Sevilay Demirkesen, Emel Sadikoglu, Chengyi Zhang, Atilla Damci Abstract: Construction safety is heavily affected by using new technologies in this growing trend of technology adoption. Especially, safety performance is enhanced through the utilization of some effective technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, BIM and wearable devices. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of emerging technologies on construction safety performance and quantify the relationship between those. The proposed components of emerging technologies are BIM, GIS, VR, RFID, AI, ML, eye tracking and serious games and wearable devices, whereas the dimensions of construction safety performance are safety planning, safety training, safety inspection and monitoring, safety audits and reviews and safety leadership. A structural model was composed consisting of emerging technologies and safety performance indicators. Then, a questionnaire was designed and administered to construction professionals, and data from 167 projects were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The data were analyzed by using software, called SPSS AMOS. The analysis of the structural model proves that there is a positive and significant relationship between emerging technologies and construction safety performance. Moreover, the factor loadings for each factor were found to be high indicating a good representation of the construct by the components developed. Among the technologies, BIM, robotics and automation, AI and wearable devices were detected to be the most significant technologies in terms of impacting safety performance. The study contributes to the body of knowledge in that it develops a conceptual framework consisting of specific technologies in terms of emerging technologies, reveals the impact of such technologies on safety performance and proposes several tools and strategies for enabling effective safety management along the project lifecycle. Industry practitioners may benefit from the framework developed by adopting such technologies to enhance their safety performance on construction projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-15 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0668 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Sanaz Tabatabaee, Mojtaba Ashour, Haleh Sadeghi, Seyed Amirali Hoseini, Saeed Reza Mohandes, Amir Mahdiyar, Syuhaida Ismail, M. Reza Hosseini Abstract: To come up with a prudent decision on the installation of an appropriate green wall (GW) on buildings, this study presents a novel decision-making algorithm. The proposed algorithm considers the importance of barriers hampering GW adoption, as well as their relationships with regard to different types of GWs existing in a contextual setting. The proposed methodological approach is based on the integration of qualitative and quantitative techniques by employing focus group discussion, fuzzy-based best-worst method and fuzzy TOPSIS. Based on the experiences of qualified experts involved in related projects in Hong Kong, the following conclusions are drawn: (1) cost, installation and maintenance-related barriers are perceived to have the highest importance, (2) modular living wall system is the most suitable GW system for the context of Hong Kong and (3) existing barriers are found to have a pivotal role in the ranking of the most suitable GW systems. The findings provide valuable insight not only for policymakers and stakeholders, but also for establishing a methodological approach that can assist decision-makers in identifying the most beneficial GW system rather than the most applicable one. This could have significant implications and introduce potential changes to the common way of practice within the industry and lay the foundation for wider adoption of GW. While previous studies have investigated the sustainability-related issues of GW façade applications, the current body of knowledge is deprived of a comprehensive methodological approach for the selection of the most suitable GW systems. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-08 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0551 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Junlong Peng, Xiang-Jun Liu Abstract: This research is aimed to mainly be applicable to expediting engineering projects, uses the method of inverse optimization and the double-layer nested genetic algorithm combined with nonlinear programming algorithm, study how to schedule the number of labor in each process at the minimum cost to achieve an extremely short construction period goal. The method of inverse optimization is mainly used in this study. In the first phase, establish a positive optimization model, according to the existing labor constraints, aiming at the shortest construction period. In the second phase, under the condition that the expected shortest construction period is known, on the basis of the positive optimization model, the inverse optimization method is used to establish the inverse optimization model aiming at the minimum change of the number of workers, and finally the optimal labor allocation scheme that meets the conditions is obtained. Finally, use algorithm to solve and prove with a case. The case study shows that this method can effectively achieve the extremely short duration goal of the engineering project at the minimum cost, and provide the basis for the decision-making of the engineering project. The contribution of this paper to the existing knowledge is to carry out a preliminary study on the relatively blank field of the current engineering project with a very short construction period, and provide a path for the vast number of engineering projects with strict requirements on the construction period to achieve a very short construction period, and apply the inverse optimization method to the engineering field. Furthermore, a double-nested genetic algorithm and nonlinear programming algorithm are designed. It can effectively solve various optimization problems. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-08 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0604 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Bruno Lot Tanko, Wyom Paul Zakka, Wee Nie Heng Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore existing literature on Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Malaysia and examine the perception of practitioners about the potential of BIM applications in reducing construction waste and enhancing productivity. First, using 244 bibliographic data extracted from the Scopus database, the paper used scientometric analysis and VOSviewer mapping technique to assess the most impactful publication literature on BIM in Malaysia to identify the existing research gaps. Second, using a structured questionnaire, a total of 100 questionnaires were distributed to practising practitioners who incorporate BIM in the delivery of their projects. Descriptive analysis using cross-tabulation in SPSS software, radar chart, relative importance index and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyze the data. The research gaps are in the fields of construction projects, buildings, energy efficiency, lifecycle and housing. The findings of the survey indicate that quantity take-off, clash detection, site utilization planning, digital fabrication as well as 4D stimulation were the main BIM applications used among the practitioners in Johor and Selangor. By assessing the state-of-the-art of BIM and BIM applications in this region, the practical implications of this study provide useful insights to construction stakeholders, funding organizations, policymakers, research institutions, professionals, journal editors, reviewers and researchers to understand the overall trend of BIM in Malaysia and its usage. This paper is the first to use science mapping using scientometrics to reveal the current BIM research in “Malaysia only”. Relying on the identified gaps, the study further examined the usage of BIM applications in Malaysian construction projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-03 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2021-0324 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Zechen Guan, Tak Wing Yiu, Don Amila Sajeevan Samarasinghe, Ravi Reddy Abstract: The aim of this paper is to review and analyze the research literature on the health and safety issues of migrant workers in the construction industry from 2000 to 2022. 5 steps method is used to conduct a systematic review to achieve the objectives. After scanning two authoritative search engines “Web of Science” and “Scope”, 60 articles are selected from 225 publications for identification and review. These identified articles are classified by research fields, countries and time span. The review finds that with the increasing influence of migrant construction workers, the number of publications on the health and safety of migrant workers has shown a rapid upward trend. Moreover, language barriers are the most dominant safety risk factors encountered by on-site migrant workers. This systematic literature review also summarizes the definition of migrant workers and solutions to reduce safety risk factors. The research data on the health and safety issues and risk factors of migrant workers in the construction industry is still limited. This literature review summarizes the research trends and contributions of the literature in this field in the past 22 years and provides theoretical support for future research on the safety management of the migration construction field. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-01 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0129 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Zihao Zheng, Yuanqi Li, Jaume Torres Abstract: This paper aims to propose a generative design method combined with meta-heuristic algorithm for automating and optimizing the floor layout of modular buildings using typical standardized module units, which are the room module, the corridor module and the stair module. The integrated framework involves the generative design method and optimization for modular construction. The generative rules are provided by geometric relationships and functionalities of the module units. An evaluation function of the generated floor plans is also presented by the combination of project cost and cost penalties for the geometric features. The multi-population genetic algorithm (MPGA) method is provided for the optimization of the combination of costs. The proposed MPGA method is demonstrated fast and efficient at discovering the globally optimal solution. The results indicate that when the unit price of modules is high, the transportation distance is long, or the land cost is high, the layout cost, which related to the symmetry, the compactness and the energy is tend to be lower, making the optimal layout economical. This paper presented an integrated framework of generative floor layout and optimization for modular construction by using typical module units. It fulfills the need for automated layout generation with repetitive units and corresponding assessment during the early design stage. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-11-01 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0329 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Ding Wang, Jianyao Jia, Shan Jiang, Tianyi Liu, Guofeng Ma Abstract: Despite the documented benefits of voice behavior for projects, little is known about antecedents of voice behavior in the project context, especially construction projects. Against this background, adopting a multi-team system perspective, this study attempts to investigate antecedents of team voice behavior from a contextual view. This study identifies and examines six factors that influence team voice behavior. Specifically, project urgency, project temporality, and project complexity are identified from the project nature perspective. Satisfaction, trust, and commitment are generated from the relationship quality approach. Then, data from completed construction projects in China was collected to verify the effectiveness of these factors. Besides, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used in this study. All six factors are found to be significant predictors of promotive team voice behavior. For prohibitive team voice behavior, only project complexity and project commitment make significant effects. Further, the differential effects of these factors on two types of voice behavior are revealed. This study contributes to the literature on voice behavior in the project context, especially construction projects consisting of multiple teams. Also, this research enriches our knowledge on antecedents of team voice behavior in construction projects and thus affords practical implications to foster voice behavior. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-28 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0264 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Yi Tan, Wenyu Xu, Keyu Chen, Chunyan Deng, Peng Wang Abstract: At present, teaching methods based on 2D drawings are still commonly used for educating students on the location of steel reinforcement bars in concrete. However, traditional teaching methods have limitations as students can find it difficult to understand 2D drawings. This study aims to develop an interactive and collaborative augmented reality environment (ICARE) using augmented reality (AR) technology to improve students' engagement in learning. This study develops an ICARE prototype, which is organized into two stages: (1) The augmented teaching environment comprising of models and interactive components; (2) The AR collaborative application which uses Photon Unity Networking (PUN) plugin and Azure spatial anchors cloud service. The AR-based teaching environment runs with Universal Windows Platform (UWP) to enable development in the HoloLens 2 through Microsoft Visual Studio. An experimental study was conducted, where 60 students were divided into three groups employing Drawings-based, building information modeling (BIM)-based and AR-based methods for teaching. After the test, the three groups of students were requested to complete a questionnaire. According to the analysis of the experimental results, the ICARE can improve students' comprehension, memory of learned materials and their ability to read and understand steel reinforcement drawings improving the quality of teaching, especially interactivity and engagement. As illustrated in the experiments, the developed ICARE has outstanding performance over conventional approaches in civil engineering courses that can improve students' comprehension and memory of knowledge and their ability to read and understand steel bar drawings. This study provides empirical evidence that AR is a promising technology that can be integrated with traditional classroom instruction and can improve students' comprehension and memory of knowledge and their ability to read and understand steel bar drawings. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-25 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0557 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Na Zhang, Bon-Gang Hwang, Xiaopeng Deng, Fiona Tay Abstract: The Singapore construction sector is promoting performance improvement by implementing collaborative contracting (CC). For CC's successful implementation, there is a need to sieve out the critical success factors (CSFs). Hence, this paper aims to explore factors influencing the adoption of CC and investigate the potential performance improvement by implementing CC. Based on the literature review, 23 CSFs were identified and packaged to a questionnaire to evaluate the CSF's priority as well as CC's potential impact on the project performance. After prior validation, 165 potential respondents were drawn from survey list by using simple random sampling. Finally, 31 valid responses were received. The survey result showed that the top five CSFs are mutual trust, all parties to commit fully, openness between parties, commitment to a win–win attitude and resource availability. The majority of respondents hold that CC implementation would improve overall project performance, decision effectiveness, cost, time, quality and risk performance. Directors, project managers, contractor managers and site engineers have different perceptions of CSFs. Also rather than meeting the same requirements in the implementation of CC, there are differences among projects with different values. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the CSFs for industry practitioners adopting CC and CC's potential impact on project performance. This study is also helpful for authorities to formulate effective policies to push the implementation of CC. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0398 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Douglas Aghimien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Daniel W.M. Chan, Emmanuel Imuetinyan Aghimien Abstract: This paper presents the findings from the assessment of the determinants of cloud computing (CC) deployment by construction organisations. Using the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework, the study strives to improve construction organisations' project delivery and digital transformation by adopting beneficial technologies like CC. This study adopted a post-positivism philosophical stance using a deductive approach with a questionnaire administered to construction organisations in South Africa. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Also, the fusion of structural equation modelling (SEM) and machine learning (ML) regression models helped to gain a robust understanding of the key determinants of using CC. The study found that the use of CC by construction organisations in South Africa is still slow. SEM indicated that this slow usage is influenced by six technology and environmental factors, namely (1) cost-effectiveness, (2) availability, (3) compatibility, (4) client demand, (5) competitors' pressure and (6) trust in cloud service providers. ML models developed affirmed that these variables have high predictive power. However, sensitivity analysis revealed that the availability of CC and CC's ancillary technologies and the pressure from competitors are the most important predictors of CC usage in construction organisations. The paper offers a theoretical backdrop for future works on CC in construction, particularly in developing countries where such a study has not been explored. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-24 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0464 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Osamudiamen Kenneth Otasowie, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke Abstract: The paper assessed the required drivers of mentoring practices in construction-related firms: a perspective of the quantity surveying (QS) firms in Nigeria with a view to providing possible drivers for effective mentoring relationships in the respective construction firms. Survey design was used to assess the level of knowledge, mentoring concept adoption and the required drivers of mentoring relationships in construction-related firms. QS firms in Abuja, Nigeria were sampled through the use of semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 149 questionnaires were administered to principal partners, partners, senior quantity surveyors and quantity surveyors in QS firms in Abuja through personal delivery. A total of 142 of them were returned and found suitable for analysis, representing 95.30% effective response rate. Percentage, mean, Kruskal–Wallis and factor analyses were utilized for the analysis of the data. The study revealed an appreciable knowledge of mentoring concept but not so much with the adoption in the respective firms. This connotes that there is a problem with the adoption of mentoring concept in construction-related firms despite knowledge of the concept. Also revealed by the study, are the required drivers of mentoring practices in construction-related firms. The findings show the required drivers of mentoring practices in construction-related firms and the recommendations to further the adoption and implementation of these drivers to ensure mentoring practices thrive in construction-related firms in the country. This paper reveals the required drivers of mentoring practices in Nigerian construction-related firms and provides ways through which the drivers can be implemented in the construction firms. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-18 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2020-0679 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Jianbo Zhu, Qianqian Shi, Ce Zhang, Jingfeng Yuan, Qiming Li, Xiangyu Wang Abstract: Promoting low-carbon in the construction industry is important for achieving the overall low-carbon goals. Public–private partnership is very popular in public infrastructure projects. However, different perceptions of low-carbon and behaviors of public and private sectors can hinder the realization of low-carbon in these projects. In order to analyze the willingness of each stakeholder to cooperate towards low-carbon goals, an evolutionary game model is constructed. An evolutionary game model that considers the opportunistic behavior of the participants is developed. The evolutionary stable strategies (ESSs) under different scenarios are examined, and the factors that influence the willingness to cooperate between the government and private investors are investigated. The results illustrate that a well-designed system of profit distribution and subsidies can enhance collaboration. Excessive subsidies have negative impact on cooperation between the two sides, because these two sides can weaken income distribution and lead to the free-riding behavior of the government. Under the situation of two ESSs, there is also an optimal revenue distribution coefficient that maximizes the probability of cooperation. With the introduction of supervision and punishment mechanism, the opportunistic behavior of private investors is effectively constrained. An evolutionary game model is developed to explore the cooperation between the public sector and the private sector in the field of low-carbon construction. Based on the analysis of the model, this paper summarizes the conditions and strategies that can enable the two sectors to cooperate. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-17 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0324 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Jiayue Zhao, Yunzhong Cao, Yuanzhi Xiang Abstract: The safety management of construction machines is of primary importance. Considering that traditional construction machine safety monitoring and evaluation methods cannot adapt to the complex construction environment, and the monitoring methods based on sensor equipment cost too much. This paper aims to introduce computer vision and deep learning technologies to propose the YOLOv5-FastPose (YFP) model to realize the pose estimation of construction machines by improving the AlphaPose human pose model. This model introduced the object detection module YOLOv5m to improve the recognition accuracy for detecting construction machines. Meanwhile, to better capture the pose characteristics, the FastPose network optimized feature extraction was introduced into the Single-Machine Pose Estimation Module (SMPE) of AlphaPose. This study used Alberta Construction Image Dataset (ACID) and Construction Equipment Poses Dataset (CEPD) to establish the dataset of object detection and pose estimation of construction machines through data augmentation technology and Labelme image annotation software for training and testing the YFP model. The experimental results show that the improved model YFP achieves an average normalization error (NE) of 12.94 × 10–3, an average Percentage of Correct Keypoints (PCK) of 98.48% and an average Area Under the PCK Curve (AUC) of 37.50 × 10–3. Compared with existing methods, this model has higher accuracy in the pose estimation of the construction machine. This study extends and optimizes the human pose estimation model AlphaPose to make it suitable for construction machines, improving the performance of pose estimation for construction machines. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-17 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0476 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Limin Su, YongChao Cao, Huimin Li, Chengyi Zhang Abstract: The optimal payment in the whole operation and maintenance period of water environment treatment PPP projects has become the main approach to realize sustainable development of projects. This study is aimed at constructing an effective payment model for the whole life period of projects to achieve win-win among all stakeholders, so as to provide a theoretical reference and managerial implications for the public sector in the whole operation and maintenance period. In the whole operation and maintenance period of water environment treatment PPP projects, this article investigates how the public sector optimizes the payment in the whole operation and maintenance period of projects. Firstly, the projects' whole operation and maintenance period is divided into several stages according to the performance appraisal period. And then, the multi-stage dynamic programming model is constructed to design the payment construct model for the public sector in each performance appraisal stage. The payment from the public sector is the decision variable, and the deduction from the private sector is a random variable. The optimal payment model showed that the relatively less objective weight of public sector leaded to its relatively more total payment and vice versa. Therefore, the sustainable development of the projects can only be ensured when the objective weights both of them should be balanced. Additionally, the deduction from the performance appraisal of private sector plays an important role in the model construction. The larger deduction the private sector undertakes, the smaller profits private sector has. Since the deduction at each stage is a random variable, the deduction varies with the different probability distributions obeyed by the practical deduction in each stage. The findings from this study have provided theoretical and application references, and some managerial implications are also given. First, the improvement of the pricing system of public sector should be accelerated. Second, the reasonable profit of the private sector must be guaranteed. While pursuing the maximization of social benefits, the public sector should make full use of the price sharing mechanism in the market and supervise the real income situation of the private sector. Third is increasing the public to participate in pricing. Additionally, it is a limitation that the deduction is assumed to conform to a uniform distribution in this study. Other probability distributions on deduction can be essentially further sought, so as to be more line with the actual situation of the projects. The optimal payment in whole operation and maintenance period of the projects has become an important issue, which is a key to project success. This study constructs a multi-stage dynamic programming model to optimize payment in the whole period of projects. Additionally, this study adds its value through deeply developing the new theories of optimal payment to more suitable for the practical problems, so that to optimize the design of payment mechanism. Meanwhile, a valuable reference for public and private sectors is provided to ensure the sustainable development of the projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-12 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0291 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Thi-Thao-Nguyen Nguyen, Sy Tien Do, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Thu Anh Nguyen Abstract: This study aims to identify the enabling factors for Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption in Vietnamese construction enterprises and uncover their interrelationships. This will help stakeholders focus on controlling and allocating resources (time, personnel, and costs) appropriately to adopt BIM and differentiate themselves from fierce competition in the architectural, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. This study first identifies and evaluates 32 enabling factors for applying BIM in the Vietnamese construction industry according to the TOE extended framework. Afterwards, a hybrid questionnaire survey using a convenient sampling method is conducted to capture stakeholders' views. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique are then applied to identify the constructs of the enabling factors and their interrelationships. The study extracts six constructs that could have a significant impact on the adoption of BIM in construction enterprises, namely: technical feasibility (TF), human resources and management (HRM), company business vision (CBV), political environment (PE), economic viability (EV), and legal aspects (LA). Based on eleven proposed hypotheses, the analysis results confirm nine hypotheses and show that the HRM, TF, and CBV have the strongest effects on managers in evaluating the factors for BIM. The results of the study fill the gap in knowledge by discovering the interrelationships among the enabling factors for BIM adoption in construction enterprises. The results might support the construction enterprises and their stakeholders in increasing the application of BIM, and digital transformation in construction industry. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-12 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0465 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Fan Cheng, Yilin Yin Abstract: Lack of knowledge-sharing behavior (KSB) among construction project members hinders propagation of expertise, working methods, and lessons learned within an organization, and deprives the organization of a sustainable competitive edge. The present study investigates the combined effect of organizational antecedents of construction projects on members' KSB and provides a reference for developing management initiatives to motivate KSB. Based on organizational theory and organizational behavior literature, five organizational antecedents associated with KSB from organizational culture and structure were identified. Subsequently, the authors used survey data from 152 organization members in Chinese construction enterprises to conduct the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and reveal configurations of organizational antecedents influencing KSB. This study identifies five configuration paths that are sufficient for shaping the KSB of construction project members, integrated into two types of driving modes, namely “trust-driven” and “incentive-driven”. Relevant discussions can guide managers of construction project organizations to position the driving strategies of KSB that match different organizational scenarios or constraints. By analyzing the configuration effects of organizational antecedents on KSB, novel clues are provided for governing the deficiency of KSB among construction project members. This contributes to the literature on knowledge transfer and organizational behavior. The findings provide actionable insights for improving knowledge flow in construction project organizations and designing KSB guidance regimes. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-12 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0614 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Thomas Danel, Zoubeir Lafhaj, Anand Puppala, Samer BuHamdan, Sophie Lienard, Philippe Richard Abstract: The crane plays an essential role in modern construction sites as it supports numerous operations and activities on-site. Additionally, the crane produces a big amount of data that, if analyzed, could significantly affect productivity, progress monitoring and decision-making in construction projects. This paper aims to show the usability of crane data in tracking the progress of activities on-site. This paper presents a pattern-based recognition method to detect concrete pouring activities on any concrete-based construction sites. A case study is presented to assess the methodology with a real-life example. The analysis of the data helped build a theoretical pattern for concrete pouring activities and detect the different phases and progress of these activities. Accordingly, the data become useable to track progress and identify problems in concrete pouring activities. The paper presents an example for construction practitioners and researcher about a practical and easy way to analyze the big data that comes from cranes and how it is used in tracking projects' progress. The current study focuses only on concrete pouring activities; future studies can include other types of activities and can utilize the data with other building methods to improve construction productivity. The proposed approach is supposed to be simultaneously efficient in terms of concrete pouring detection as well as cost-effective. Construction practitioners could track concrete activities using an already-embedded monitoring device. While several studies in the literature targeted the optimization of crane operations and of mitigating hazards through automation and sensing, the opportunity of using cranes as progress trackers is yet to be fully exploited. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-12 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2021-0936 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Teng Ma, Ya Liu Abstract: The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) fulfillment is critical when building resilience of project-based organizations (PBOs). However, fulfilling CSR to build a highly resilient PBO remains a black box problem. This study explores the different CSR combinations that enhance PBO resilience. This study defines CSR in terms of shareholder, employee, and social CSR, and analyzes corporate characteristics in terms of corporate scale and nature. Data are collected from Hexun.com and the China Stock Market and Accounting Research Database (CSMAR). The qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) method is used to analyze 48 listed construction and engineering companies from China to explore the CSR configurations for PBOs in enhancing organizational resilience. A large firm size is a necessary condition for high organizational resilience. We find six paths to build high and non-high resilience in PBOs, and the driving mechanisms of high and non-high resilience exhibit an asymmetric relationship. This study cracks the black box of CSR fulfillment and PBO resilience. It reveals the CSR configurations that enhance or inhibit the resilience of PBOs. It also provides scientific basis for PBOs in their fulfillment of CSR in response to crises, and the enhancement of organizational resilience. Future research can be expanded to other industries, as the study sample is only limited to civil engineering construction companies. Since this study uses cross-sectional data, time series can be introduced in the future to further explore the relationship between CSR and organizational resilience. This study provides targeted suggestions that can help decision-makers of construction companies to determine how they can fulfill CSR to enhance organizational resilience. At the same time, it can provide intellectual support for PBOs to cope with systemic crises and promote the fulfillment of CSR. In terms of theoretical value, on the one hand, this study verifies the relationship between CSR fulfillment and PBO resilience, revealing its mechanism of action and multiple paths; on the other hand, it provides a new way of thinking for management research methods and enriches the theoretical study of organizational resilience. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-11 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0526 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Rund Hiyasat, Marco Sosa, Lina Ahmad Abstract: The study assesses user satisfaction of workspaces modified at home in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby analyzing the flexibility of modern homes in the twenty-first century in the United Arab Emirates. Data was collected using a structured online survey from 113 participants about their home office created to accommodate working/studying from home. Analysis of survey revealed the importance of type of residence in affecting satisfaction of functionality and well-being. The collected demographic variables played a crucial role in affecting satisfaction with various elements, from indoor air quality of the working space to the amount of natural light received by the space. Finally, participants who felt the need to add color and change furniture layout, experienced feelings of productivity, commitment and motivation by working from home. The same participants decided to keep the amended changes to their living spaces, even after they return to working from their offices. The study concludes by presenting implications of this experience on future home designs; thereby offering suggestions of authorities, and designers to produce more flexible and resilient houses. A relatively small sample with limited professions was considered. Further research recommendations include increasing the sample size to target more categories of the residents of the UAE. Future research can expand the criteria used to evaluate satisfaction and include noise levels as well as accessibility. The study offers suggestions to authorities and designers to produce more flexible and resilient homes, taking demographics into consideration. Roof gardens, shading devices and privacy needs are crucial elements for the future home. The research provides enough information to inform designers about the future of space interiors, how well they are configured, serviced and how adaptable they are, in order to enhance user satisfaction. Satisfaction was affected by individual differences.Those who changed furniture layout showed least average satisfaction.Females reported higher satisfaction with indoor air quality and lighting than males. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-10 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2021-0857 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Liping Liao, Zhijiang Wu Abstract: The booming social media attracts construction professionals (CPs) to express emotions caused by work pressure (WP) through online behaviors. Previous works focus on the analysis of WP and emotions but do not adequately consider how WP can be reflected through online emotions. Thus, this study aims to attempt to explore the quantitative relationship between online emotional intensity and WP. This study developed a linguistic-sticker (LS) model to quantitatively evaluate the sentiment intensity of posts published on social media. Moreover, the authors designed two econometric models of ordinary least squares regression and negative binomial regression to test the hypothesis. The research found that posts with stronger negative sentiment (or positive sentiment) indicate that CPs face higher (or lower) WP. Besides, there is a negative bias between the sentiment intensity of posts and the comment quantity. The positive correlation between sentiment intensity of posts and WP has been confirmed, which indicates that construction managers should pay more attention to CPs' behavior on social media, and take a more direct way to analyze work-related online behavior (e.g. posting, commenting). The dynamic monitoring of emotion-related posts also provides a direct basis for the management team to learn about CP's pressure status and propose measures to reduce their negative emotions. Furthermore, the emotional posts published by CPs on social media provide a direct basis for team managers to obtain their psychological state. The research contributes to incorporating CPs' emotions into the LS model and to providing information systems artifacts and new findings on the analysis of WP and online emotions. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-07 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2022-0062 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Minh Van Nguyen Abstract: The purpose of this research is to expand a better understanding of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives affect climate for innovation and opportunism within architectural design firms (ADFs). The literature review and discussions with industry practitioners identified an initial list of variables. A questionnaire survey was developed, validated and delivered to employees working in ADFs. 226 valid responses were collected. Then, the structural equation modeling (SEM) method was employed to empirically investigate the relationships between CSR performance, climate for innovation and opportunism in a single integrative model. The results empirically support that CSR performance has a positive effect on climate for innovation and a negative effect on opportunism. In addition, climate for innovation shows a negative effect on opportunism. This research highlights that CSR performance is essential for ADFs to better achieve sustainable development. By doing CSR activities, climate for innovation in ADFs is expected to be improved, and a sense of opportunism is mitigated. The findings of this paper are explicitly delivered in the context of Vietnamese ADFs and could not be straightforwardly generalized or translated to the construction industry or other sectors in different research contexts. The findings show that a climate for innovation is crucial in ADFs. Business managers are encouraged to employ CSR initiatives to foster an innovation climate and reduce a sense of opportunism within ADFs. This study is one of the first attempts to investigate the relationships between CSR performance, climate for innovation, and opportunism within ADFs. While the findings highlight the critical role of CSR performance, the study argues that CSR should be carefully implemented because there are no “one-size-fits-all” CSR strategies for different business contexts. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-07 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0579 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Shumank Deep, Thayaparan Gajendran, Marcus Jefferies, Venkata Suresh Uggina, Sanjay Patil Abstract: Research on strategic procurement was mostly focussed on the clients' and main contractors' perspectives, while limited work had been done from a subcontractor's perspective. The paper hypothesises that “strategic capability” influences the latent constructs of power, dependence and collaboration in the main contractor–subcontractor relationship. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of a subcontractor's strategic capabilities on power, dependence and collaboration. A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed amongst the subcontractors in Australia, and 212 complete responses were received. Then second order confirmatory factor analysis and partial least square structure equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis were performed to test the hypothesised relationships. The findings support “strategic capabilities” as a construct expressive of a subcontractor's unique market position and good business reputation. The findings also suggest that strategically capable subcontractors enhance their potential for forming partnerships with main contractors through dependence (StratC. → Dep., β = 0.84; Effect Size (ES) = 0.713; p Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-04 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0346 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Libiao Bai, Shuyun Kang, Kaimin Zhang, Bingbing Zhang, Tong Pan Abstract: External stakeholder risks (ESRs) caused by unfavorable behaviors hinder the success of project portfolios (PPs). However, due to complex project dependency and numerous risk causality in PPs, assessing ESRs is difficult. This research aims to solve this problem by developing an ESR-PP two-layer fuzzy Bayesian network (FBN) model. A two-layer FBN model for evaluating ESRs with risk causality and project dependency is proposed. The directed acyclic graph (DAG) of an ESR-PP network is first constructed, and the conditional probability tables (CPTs) of the two-layer network are further presented. Next, based on the fuzzy Bayesian network, key variables and the impact of ESRs are assessed and analyzed by using GeNIe2.3. Finally, a numerical example is used to demonstrate and verify the application of the proposed model. The proposed model is a useable and effective approach for ESR assessment while considering risk causality and project dependency in PPs. The impact of ESRs on PP can be calculated to determine whether to control risk, and the most critical and heavily contributing risks and project(s) in the developed model are identified based on this. This study extends prior research on PP risk in terms of stakeholders. ESRs that have received limited attention in the past are explored from an interaction perspective in the PP domain. A new two-layer FBN model considering risk causality and project dependency is proposed, which can synthesize different dependencies between projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-03 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2022-0010 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Chunhao Li, Yuping Zhao, Wei Feng Chen Abstract: This study aims to investigate the dual effects of commitment-based governance on the relationship between formal control and public–private partnership (PPP) project performance. Formal control and relationship governance are two primary forms of inter-organizational governance that affect project performance. However, little is known about the interplay between formal control and commitment and its effect on PPP projects. More specifically, previous studies have failed to distinguish the function routes of relationship governance resulting from different types of formal control (process and outcome control). This study adopts a questionnaire survey to empirically investigate the mechanism that commitment-based governance influences the relationship between formal control and PPP performance. After collecting data from public and private sector professionals involved in 101 Chinese PPP projects, the theoretical framework proposed in this paper is verified by the empirical results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The results show that process control has an inverted U-shaped effect and outcome control has a significant positive influence on PPP project performance. Furthermore, commitment moderates the effect of formal control on PPP project performance by increasing the relevance of outcome control and mediates the inverted U-shaped relationship between process control and PPP project performance. Managers should recognize that process control is a double-edged sword and prevent the overuse of process control. Managers should direct their attention toward efforts to improve the commitment, which allows for the effectiveness of outcome control strategies. Additionally, this study new measurement method for relationship governance suggests that managers should be aware of the difference in parties' perceptions of the relationship. This study allows for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship governance-control nexus from a commitment perspective. The authors bring into light the dual role of commitment-based governance in the relationship between the two types of formal control and PPP project performance. Moreover, the new approach to measure relationship governance offers valuable insight into the measurement of variables about individual's perception. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-10-03 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2021-0499 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Junying Liu, Zhixiu Wang, Jiansheng Tang, Jingcong Song Abstract: While there is a general belief that a defective institutional environment will lead to higher compliance risk, the current state of knowledge about how the institutional environment affects enterprises' compliance is equivocal. This study aims to explore how does the host country's institutional environment affect the compliance risk perception of international engineering contractors and how to mitigate this impact. This study empirically tests the impact of the institutional environment from the two dimensions of the institutional environment: legal completeness reflects whether the formal regulations are clear, detailed and comprehensive and legal effectiveness reflects whether rules and policies can be implemented effectively when the proper legal codes are provided. Based on 213 questionnaire data, this study uses partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) and Smart PLS software to test the hypothesis. This study finds a negative relationship between the host country's legal completeness (LC) or legal effectiveness (LE) and a contractor's compliance risk perception. Further, the results show potential absorptive capacity (PAC) and realized absorptive capacity (RAC) of a contractor are critical for mitigating the impact of low LC in the host country, but not when LE is low. The findings will be useful for international engineering contractors to respond to the compliance risk of the host country, both in choices of overseas investment locations and compliance capacity building. This study reveals the impact of the host country's institutional environment on the compliance risk perception of international contractors, and provides theoretical guidance for how to alleviate the compliance barriers brought by the host country's institutional environment to international engineering contractors. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-29 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0279 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Najib AL-Fadhali Abstract: Construction project stakeholders can have a major effect on delivering projects on time. However, little attempt has been made to address the influence of internal stakeholders on delaying project delivery. This research aims to propose the internal stakeholders' influence as a solution to improving project delivery performance (PDP) in order to boost the value of investment in the construction industry's projects. In Yemen, a structured questionnaire was distributed to owners, consultants and contractors, 283 of which were found usable after the data screening. A purposeful sampling technique was used and structural equation modelling (SEM) was adopted for analysis. The structural model was drawn up, based on seven categories of influencing factors: labour, supplier, designer, contractor, consultant, sub-contractor and owner. The results of the structural model suggest that of these seven categories, designers, owners, suppliers and subcontractors have a significant p-value and impact on PDP, while the labour and consultant's impact was not substantiated. The findings support the proposal that internal stakeholders' influence contributes directly to construction PDP. The influence of stakeholders on PDP is important. Nonetheless, few studies have focussed on their effectiveness, especially in developing countries. This paper's contribution is evaluating the cause–effect relationship between stakeholders' influence and construction PDP through analysis of moment structures (AMOS) analysis. The policy implications of the research are to encourage governments in general and construction companies in particular to take responsibility for improving PDP, as slow execution of construction projects leads to increased costs, failure and abandoning projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-29 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2021-0780 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Mei-Yung Leung, Khursheed Ahmed, Ibukun Oluwadara Famakin Abstract: Construction professionals (CPs) are often exposed to various challenges and pressures at work including urgent deadlines, high demands, uncertainty in tasks, and complex problems, which may induce stress and affect performance directly. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training has been used for several years to reduce stress among various types of people, such as nurses, teachers, and family caregivers, but its application to CPs with highly dynamic environment remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MBSR training on the performance of CPs via an intervention study involving two groups (MBSR and control). Participants in both groups were assessed using a questionnaire survey and a semi-structured interview at the pre- and post-intervention stage. Multiple research methods were used to derive quantitative and qualitative analyses, including factor analysis, independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and contextual analysis. The findings overall confirm that MBSR has a direct effect on CPs, improving their mindfulness characteristics and enhancing performance by reducing their stress. A number of practical recommendations are made such as (1) arranging standard eight-week MBSR training for CPs; (2) giving special leave for attending the full mindfulness training; (3) establishing a suitable environment in the office for meditation;(4) allowing CPs an opportunity to pause at difficult moments to create space to respond instead of simply reacting; and (5) expressing love and kindness through gratitude, recognition, and regular feedback. This research can be considered as valid evidence to convince construction organizations conducting MBSR to the CPs, which is indeed not too remote to enhance their performance as well as the holistic construction performance. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2022-0005 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Diane Zandee, Ambika Zutshi, Andrew Creed, André Nijhof Abstract: The paper aims to provide managerial recommendations for implementing circular economy (CE) principles in both organizational and interorganizational contexts, including when using digital tools, such as building information modeling (BIM) and blockchain. Drawn from the construction sector in the Netherlands, the findings can be generalized to similar sectors where a company may receive multiple inputs as part of its supply chain augmented by digital technologies. Design addresses the research question: what are the strategic and tactical approaches of organizations on the CE pathway' Sub-questions target initiatives pursued by participants, and look toward information, roles and functions for supporting the CE process. Applying a multiple-case study approach (21 semi-structured interviews with 29 participants) the paper explores strategic initiatives of construction companies implementing CE pathways. The strength of the research design comes from facilitation of rich and deep qualitative insights from Netherlands-based managers embedded within global supply chains contributing to conceptual mapping. A limitation is data from one country (though representing both national and multinational companies). Interviewed managers share guidance for production-related construction companies anchored in materials and product design. Recommendations include to (1) develop both internally and externally the awareness of CE amongst leaders, (2) communicate with internal and external stakeholders for shared vision across the supply chain, (3) start with pilot projects, and (4) ensure product data-integration for CE business models through computer modeling and blockchain for decision-making processes, choices of materials, business model coordination and product (re)design. Continuous learning about CE roles and responsibilities amidst organizational process restructuring is required throughout linear to CE transitions. Extending the time for the CE principles evaluation process would allow for reconsideration of decisions made for CE implemented projects. A novel CE gameplan with a hurdles and recommendations checklist provides an operational interface with decision making points between internal factors for the host organization and external supply chain partners. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0288 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Sooin Kim, Atefe Makhmalbaf, Mohsen Shahandashti Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand the post-COVID-19 fluctuations in the building construction demand from various angles at the national, regional, and sectoral levels. Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 on the building construction industry, a detailed quantitative analysis of the COVID-19 impact on the building construction demand is still lacking. The current study aims to (1) establish a statistical approach to quantify the COVID-19 impact on the building construction demand; (2) investigate the post-COVID-19 fluctuations in the construction demand of different building services, regional markets, and building sectors using the historical time series of the architecture billings index (ABI); and (3) identify vulnerable market and sector and discuss the post-COVID-19 recovery strategies. The research methodology follows four steps: (1) collecting national, regional, and sectoral ABIs; (2) creating seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models; (3) illustrating cumulative sum control charts to identify significant ABI deviations; and (4) quantifying the post-COVID-19 ABI fluctuations. The results show that all the ABIs experienced a statistically significant decrease after COVID-19. The project inquiries index reduced more but recovered faster than billings and design contracts indices. The midwest billings index decreased the most among the regional ABIs and the commercial/industrial billing index dropped the most among the sectoral ABIs. This study is unique in the way that it utilized the ABI data and the approach using SARIMA models and CUSUM control charts to assess the post-COVID-19 building construction demand represented by ABI fluctuations. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0500 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Mohd Azrai Azman, Zulkiflee Abdul-Samad, Boon L. Lee, Martin Skitmore, Darmicka Rajendra, Nor Nazihah Chuweni Abstract: Total factor productivity (TFP) change is an important driver of long-run economic growth in the construction sector. However, examining TFP alone is insufficient to identify the cause of TFP changes. Therefore, this paper employs the infrequently used Geometric Young Index (GYI) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to measure and decompose the TFP Index (TFPI) at the firm-level from 2009 to 2018 based on Malaysian construction firms' data. To improve the TFPI estimation, normally unobserved environmental variables were included in the GYI-TFPI model. These are the physical operation of the firm (inland versus marine operation) and regional locality (West Malaysia versus East Malaysia). Consequently, the complete components of TFPI (i.e. technological, environmental, managerial, and statistical noise) can be accurately decomposed. The results reveal that TFP change is affected by technological stagnation and improvements in technical efficiency but a decline in scale-mix efficiency. Moreover, the effect of environmental efficiency on TFP is most profound. In this case, being a marine construction firm and operating in East Malaysia can reduce TFPI by up to 38%. The result, therefore, indicates the need for progressive policies to improve long-term productivity. Monitoring and evaluating productivity change allows an informed decision to be made by managers/policy makers to improve firms' competitiveness. Incentives and policies to improve innovation, competition, training, removing unnecessary taxes and regulation on outputs (inputs) could enhance the technological, technical and scale-mix of resources. Furthermore, improving public infrastructure, particularly in East Malaysia could improve regionality locality in relation to the environmental index. This study contributes to knowledge by demonstrating how TFP components can be completely modelled using an aggregator index with good axiomatic properties and SFA. In addition, this paper is the first to apply and include the GYI and environmental variables in modelling construction productivity, which is of crucial importance in formulating appropriate policies. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-27 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2021-1018 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Amir Amjad Mohammadi, Hadi Safaeipour, Mohammad Reza Chenaghlou, Alireza Behnejad, Roham Afghani Khoraskani Abstract: This paper aims at discovering the traditional techniques of Persian architecture for covering large-span spaces with a kind of ribbed vault titled “Karbandi”. This structure is generated by intersecting several arches with a harmonic stellar geometry. Preliminary studies show that span factor affects the structural form of karbandi and large-span cases, despite similar architectural forms, have different structural systems and specific construction methods. The main focus of this paper is how karbandi has been designed and built on large-spans. To answer this question, the configuration and construction of a large-span karbandi in Tabriz Bazaar were recognized. Data collection of the research was initially done in three parallel directions through the archival study of restoration documents, direct observation of the corpus of the vaultings and interviews with the master mason of the Haj-Mohammad-Qoli Timche restoration team. Then by cross-referencing the gathered data, the construction process of the karbandi was simulated in Rhino 6 and Grasshoppers software and its BIM-M models were created in three levels of development: LOD300, LOD350 and LOD400. In the next step, the preliminary BIM-M models of the karbandi were presented to the interviewed mason and revised and completed based on his comments. Analyzing the BIM models by reverse engineering, resulted in (1) Discovering a unique self-supporting masonry construction method applied for the erection of karbandi vaulting on large-spans. (2) Finding the effect of scale factor on the architectural and structural form of the karbandi vault. (3) Discovering the connection types of the karbandi vault based on the construction details. Despite the wide applications of karbandi vaults throughout history, very little information of their construction techniques is available. The techniques have mostly been experientially and orally passed down from masters to apprentices and rarely been documented. The quest to design and construct a karbandi vault is therefore like solving a puzzle whose most important guide is historical cases. Due to the geometric complexity of karbandi and its ability to cover large-span spaces, solving the puzzle can lead to achieving some technical ideas for masonry cross-ribbed vaulting. A great riddle of the karbandi vaults is how to design and build them on a large span. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0306 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Tai Wai Kwok, Siwei Chang, Heng Li Abstract: The unitized curtain wall system (UCWS), one of the prefabricated technologies, is increasingly attracting attention in the Hong Kong construction industry. However, this innovative technology still lacks on-site implementation in high-rise residential buildings. To promote its development, this study aims at identifying the influential factors of UCWS adoption in Hong Kong's high-rise residential buildings from a multi-stakeholder perspective. Factors were first selected through an in-depth literature review and a semi-structured interview. Then the factors were validated through a questionnaire survey using Cronbach's Alpha Reliability Test. Next, the factors were ranked regarding their importance using mean-score ranking and standard deviation. Meanwhile, different stakeholders were clustered using an experimental factor analysis (EFA) model to find the shared preferences (namely common factors). The result shows that reduction of construction time (B1) and insufficient site storage area (C1) are the most important factors. The six stakeholder groups were clustered into two segments. B1 and improved quality control are the shared interests. While C1 and the need of specification change are the common concerns. There are two major breakthroughs in this study. First is the novelty of research objects. UCWS, particularly its application preference in high-rise residential buildings, has rarely been studied, yet it is urgently required. Second is the novel research perspective. The influential factors were studied from a multi-stakeholder perspective. Not only the significant factors for six specific stakeholders but also the shared preference for stakeholder groups was identified. The findings contribute to promoting UCWS more targeted, efficient and comprehensive, as well as demonstrating the collaborative possibilities of multi-stakeholders. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0359 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Hossein Sohrabi, Esmatullah Noorzai Abstract: The present study aims to develop a risk-supported case-based reasoning (RS-CBR) approach for water-related projects by incorporating various uncertainties and risks in the revision step. The cases were extracted by studying 68 water-related projects. This research employs earned value management (EVM) factors to consider time and cost features and economic, natural, technical, and project risks to account for uncertainties and supervised learning models to estimate cost overrun. Time-series algorithms were also used to predict construction cost indexes (CCI) and model improvements in future forecasts. Outliers were deleted by the pre-processing process. Next, datasets were split into testing and training sets, and algorithms were implemented. The accuracy of different models was measured with the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the normalized root mean square error (NRSME) criteria. The findings show an improvement in the accuracy of predictions using datasets that consider uncertainties, and ensemble algorithms such as Random Forest and AdaBoost had higher accuracy. Also, among the single algorithms, the support vector regressor (SVR) with the sigmoid kernel outperformed the others. This research is the first attempt to develop a case-based reasoning model based on various risks and uncertainties. The developed model has provided an approving overlap with machine learning models to predict cost overruns. The model has been implemented in collected water-related projects and results have been reported. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-23 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0450 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Xiaer Xiahou, Zirui Li, Jian Zuo, Ziying Wang, Kang Li, Qiming Li Abstract: Real estate investment trusts (REITs) have shown great potential in addressing the current contradiction between underinvestment and sustainable development of urban regeneration in China, as well as in further facilitating the transformation and upgrading of China's urban development. In this regard, this study aims to investigate critical success factors (CSFs) and explore the relationships among these factors, and serve as a reference to provide recommendations and strategies for the successful implementation and sustainable development of urban regeneration REITs. In this study, an integrated total interpretive structural modeling–matriced impact croises multiplication applique (TISM–MICMAC) approach using the TISM technique and MICMAC analysis is then implemented to explore the relationships among CSFs, demonstrate the hierarchical structure and classify these factors into clusters based on calculated driving powers and dependence. This study has determined a final list of 11 CSFs through literature review and expert survey. The TISM model demonstrates a six-level hierarchical structure encompassing the influence transmission paths of CSFs, in which the most significant factors and links are established, while the MICMAC analysis further classifies CSFs into four clusters as a complement for the findings of the TISM technique. This study offers practical implications for governments, individual and institutional investors, REITs and property managers, and other stakeholders concluded in urban regeneration REITs. The final list of determined CSFs can serve as the decision points for management and control of the implementation processes, while the findings of the TISM–MICMAC approach can be a significant reference to provide strategies for optimization and enhancement of urban regeneration REITs. This study is a novel attempt to use both the TISM technique and MICMAC analysis to investigate CSFs for the implementation of urban regeneration REITs, and to address the theoretical and methodological research gaps in the existing literature. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-22 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0220 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Sara Rankohi, Mario Bourgault, Ivanka Iordanova Abstract: Recent construction literature has been focusing more on integrative contracting approaches such as integrated project delivery (IPD). However, conceptual studies on integration in IPD literature are scattered and fragmented, that is, most of the studies only focused on the segmented dimension of integration. A systemic understanding of the concepts of integration in IPD project-based context is still lacking. To fill this gap, this paper analyzes two aspects of integration (dimensions and directions) in IPD literature and explores their extent in construction projects. Grounded theory review and focus group discussion approaches were employed to perform a thorough conceptual review of the literature, frame the research into the theory and increase the fundamental understanding of the concept of integration in IPD literature. In this study, IPD integrating techniques were identified and their integration dimensions and directions were discussed. Results show that integration in the project-based environment of IPD is a multidimensional construct. Based on organizational, contractual and operational characteristics of IPD projects, twenty-four integration mechanisms were identified and framed into seven clusters. The integration directions over project life-cycle were demonstrated in three contexts: (1) an on-site construction project, delivered traditionally, (2) an on-site construction project, delivered with IPD and (3) an off-site construction project, delivered with IPD. This paper gathers the segments of integration into a comprehensive overview, which can help researchers and practitioners explore elements of IPD project success more precisely. A theoretical framework of integration clusters is developed, based on IPD literature. The impact of IPD on on-site versus off-site construction is illustrated from an integration direction perspective. Finally, future areas of studies for researchers and practitioners about the concept of integration in an IPD context are discussed. This paper provides a point of departure for future theoretical and empirical explorations. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-20 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2022-0009 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Vassiliki Demetracopoulou, William J. O'Brien, Nabeel Khwaja, Jeffrey Feghaly, Mounir El Asmar Abstract: Over the last three decades, construction projects have increasingly been delivered through alternative delivery methods. As a result, many owners have a range of delivery methods to choose from and aim to use the right one for each of their projects. Researchers have developed several tools and decision-support processes to facilitate this selection procedure. The purpose of this study is to review and discuss differences and common themes across selection tools developed by academic researchers and project owners. The study reviews prominent selection processes and tools used for infrastructure projects by conducting an in-depth literature review and using the content analysis method to elicit findings on the methodologies and criteria presented in the literature. This study presents three principal findings. First, findings show three common themes emerge within the selection criteria—characteristics, goals and risks. Second, while academic studies most commonly suggest employing multi-attribute analysis, this study reveals that, in practice, selection tools most frequently employ a staged or gated evaluation based on the type of criteria and their importance to the decision. Finally, this review further highlights the importance of institutional context in decision-making. This work contributes to the body of knowledge by providing guidance to practitioners and opening new directions for researchers around the way selection criteria are categorized in the relevant literature and the institutional context considerations when structuring or evaluating a selection process or tool. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-20 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0455 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Noor Alyani Nor Azazi, Maslina Mohammed Shaed, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, Andrew Ebekozien Abstract: The development of higher learning institutions (HLIs) is considered a strategy to trigger urban space development – and it is the economy in most developing countries. HLIs can develop and maintain pace with the experience economy in the current urban economy, particularly in the services sector. This paper seeks to evaluate the influence of HLIs on elements of the experience economy in the urban services sector in Bandar Baru Bangi (BBB), a knowledge-based city. The research adopted a purposive sampling technique and engaged 382 urban community respondents in BBB, Malaysia. The study used four elements (education, gastronomy, health, and the retail sectors) to assess the experience economy performance. The results show that the local community is the “active users” of the services, and the active users have enjoyed the existence of the experience economy. Findings reveal a preference for education and health over gastronomy and retail sectors. Of these four sectors, the education sector experience had the most prominent effect, thereby showing that the higher learning institutions around this city served a major role in the sector development of urban services. The research used a purposive sampling method and engaged 382 respondents in BBB, Malaysia. The restriction of the study area to BBB is a limitation component. Future studies should explore a large-scale investigation to evaluate better and validate the results. The research has shown that the city's higher education institutions have affected the development of the experience economy in the four sectors. The study shows that the framework of the experience economy and the establishment of HLIs can stimulate the experience economy within the urban services sector. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-20 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0469 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Ali Mohammad Mirzaee, Towhid Pourrostam, Javad Majrouhi Sardroud, M. Reza Hosseini, Payam Rahnamayiezekavat, David Edwards Abstract: Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are notoriously prone to disputes among stakeholders, some of which may unduly jeopardize contract performance. Contract disputes arising in Iran are often due to inefficiency of PPP concession agreements and practice. This study presents a causal-predictive model of the root causes and preventive measures for inter-organization disputes to enhance the likelihood of achieving desirable performance in PPP projects. A theoretical “causal-predictive” model was developed with fourteen hypotheses based on extant literature and contractual agency theory, which resulted in the creation of a pool of 110 published items. Data were obtained from a questionnaire survey with 75 valid responses, completed by 4 stratified groups of Iranian PPP experts. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for validating the proposed model via a case study. Results reveal that the main three factors of PPP desirable performance are as follows: on-time project completion, high quality of activities/products and services for public satisfaction. Further, the most influential factors of the lifecycle problems, construction stage, and preferred risk allocation included risk misallocation, improper payment mechanism and failure to facilitate a timely approval process. For researchers, the findings contribute to the theory of contractual agency; specifically, how different influences among the model's elements lead to better PPP performance. In practical terms, proposed outcome-based strategies will inform PPP stakeholders to avoid dispute occurrence and thus improve the time, quality and services of projects. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-16 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0108 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Mohan Wang, Pin-Chao Liao Abstract: Hazard warning schemes provide efficient hazard recognition and promote project safety. Nevertheless, these schemes perform poorly because the warning information is calibrated for individual characters and is not prioritized for the entire system. This study proposes a hazard warning scheme that prioritizes hazard characters from the inspection process based on the inspectors' experience. First, hazard descriptions were decomposed into their characters, forming a double-layer network. Second, warning schemes based on cascading effects were proposed. Third, character-based warning schemes were simulated for various experiences. The results show that when a specific hazard is detected, the degree centrality is the most effective parameter for prioritization, and hazard characters should be prioritized based on betweenness centrality for experienced inspectors, whereas degree centrality is preferred for novice inspectors. The warning scheme theoretically supplements the information-processing theory in construction hazard warnings and provides a practical warning scheme with priority for the development of automated hazard navigation systems. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-15 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0151 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Qian Zhang, Bee Lan Oo, Benson Teck-Heng Lim Abstract: The interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become burgeoning in the construction industry as firms are under constant pressure from socially conscious stakeholders to demonstrate their efforts to address various CSR issues. This study aims to unveil the key practices and impact factors (KPIFs) of CSR implementation in construction firms and the interrelationships among different key impact factors toward attaining CSR practices. Mobilizing the integrated institutional, stakeholder and self-determination theories, a theoretical framework was first developed to elaborate the potential inter-relationships among the key impact factors toward CSR implementation. Data were collected from extra-grade contractors through an online questionnaire survey and was then analyzed by the partial least square structural equation modeling method. The results show that construction firms' CSR practices could be classified into eight distinct key dimensions, e.g. shareholders' interests, government commitment and environment preservation. It is found that three groups of key impact factors – external institutional factors (especially coercive-normative factors), intrinsic factors (especially strategic business direction and organizational culture) and identified factors (i.e. the perceived importance of CSR practices) – have statistically significant positive impacts on most key dimensions of CSR practices. The research findings have implications for top management to better understand CSR implementation, thereby helping them secure legitimacy to survive and advance in the competitive construction businesses. The findings contribute to the theoretical body of knowledge in CSR by modeling and empirically demonstrating the influence mechanism of CSR implementation in construction within an integrated model. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-14 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2021-0603 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Bingsheng Liu, Juankun Li, Dan Wang, Henry Liu, Guangdong Wu, Jingfeng Yuan Abstract: This study aims to develop a collaborative governance framework (CGF) to systematically investigate the impeding factors (IFs) in terms of the operational sustainability of PPPs. It examines the transmission pattern (i.e. the way in which network members react to each other) of the IFs network. Literature review and interview were adopted to identify the IFs. Then, with the data collected from the interview in China, the social network analysis and interpretive structure model were synergised to examine the chain reaction, driving and dependent powers, and hierarchical structure of the identified IFs. The results reveal that the cognition, institutional, financial and participation aspects are key barriers confronted by PPP sustainability, and the government plays a leading role in controlling factors causing sustainability-related problems in PPPs. Weak government leadership and institutional environment were identified as the most fundamental reasons triggering a chain of IFs, while project governance and management activities act as bridge nodes that play an intermediary role in the IFs network. This research contributes to the literature on PPP governance by (1) bridging the literature gap through the development of CGF for explaining the governance of PPP sustainability with a holistic view that considers both macro environment and operational project processes; and (2) identifying the transmission pattern of IFs network which uncovers the underlying dynamics causing the unsustainable operation of PPPs. This research provides practitioners with a list of key checkpoints for preventing failure escalation, enables decision-makers to prioritise obstacle-mitigation efforts and develop a feasible process to control PPP operation, and offers management countermeasures to remove the key barriers impeding PPP sustainability. This study is novel for adopting network-oriented techniques to quantify the relative importance of the IFs and examine the transmission pattern of the IFs system. Therefore, it visualises the complex underlying dynamics causing unsustainable PPP operation, identifies root and direct causes of PPP failures, and provides decision-makers with insights into sustaining PPP sustainability from a network-oriented perspective. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-14 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2021-1124 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Adefemi Aka, Abdulkabir Opeyemi Bello, Adebisi Abosede Bamgbade, Abdulquadri Ade Bilau Abstract: Age is one of the critical factors used by many organizations to determine employees' performance. It is being considered in the retirement process of construction professionals. However, age as a critical factor is not considered in the recruitment of a specific set of workers in the construction industry. Therefore, this study investigated the significant relationship between the ages of tradespeople and their performance in construction projects. The study also explored the age at which performance begins to decline and proposes strategies that can be used to sustain their effectiveness before the official retirement age. Mixed methods research designs were adopted in the study. To be precise, physical observations, interviews and questionnaires were the instruments used for data collection in the mixed methods research design. The outcomes of the study revealed that the age groups of tradespeople in the Nigerian construction industry are 16–30 (group one), 31–45 (group two) and 46–58 (group three) respectively. Group three is the prevalent age group. It was also discovered that performance begins to decline at 53 years. The age-performance decline of tradespeople in Nigerian construction projects can be delayed through certain strategies such as regular strength training exercises and an adequate nutritional lifestyle. The study enables construction managers to have an adequate understanding of the negative influence of old age on the performance of tradespeople in construction projects. This will enable construction firm managers to recruit from the age range of 16–52 and stop retiring employees within this age bracket, consequently curbing the skills gap which is prevalent in the study context and the global construction industry. The study is limited to tradespeople performance in construction firms in Abuja, Nigeria where there are several ongoing projects on a daily basis. The study enables project managers to estimate the number of tradespeople required for a particular task and consequently save the aged tradespeople from health risks associated with excessive workloads. This paper is the first of its kind to be conducted in the study context, to establish the specific age at which performance begins to decline among construction tradespeople. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-13 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0430 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Kofi Agyekum, Samuel Amos-Abanyie, Victoria Maame Afriyie Kumah, Augustine Senanu Komla Kukah, Burcu Salgin Abstract: There are significantly fewer women than men in managerial positions, mainly project management. This problem is noticeable in the construction and engineering sectors, traditionally male-dominated industries with leadership much dependent on masculine qualities. This study examines the obstacles to the career progression of professional female project managers (PFPMs) in the Ghanaian construction industry. Twenty potential obstacles to women's career progression in the construction industry were identified from a comprehensive review of the literature. A questionnaire was prepared and administered among eighty project managers who work in large construction firms in Ghana. Data obtained were analysed using one sample t-test, Kendall's concordance test, Chi-square test and exploratory factor analysis. The findings suggest the significance of all the twenty factors as potential obstacles to the career progression of PFPMs. The exploratory factor analysis identified five underlying grouped obstacles: “leadership and human capital related issues”, “issues related to discrimination of all forms”, “career aspiration and planning issues”, “female related role conflicts”, and “recruitment and selection issues”. The subjective nature of the views of the respondents could influence the evaluation of the obstacles. With this study only exploring the dimensions underlying the significant obstacles, future studies could examine the interrelationships between the various obstacles and move on to determine their impacts on the career progression of professional female PMs as well. Having an in-depth understanding of these obstacles, stakeholders and other industry practitioners in Ghana could make informed decisions on measures to put in place to address some of these critical issues to raise the standard of professional female PMs in the construction industry. Policymakers and gender advocates in Ghana could also take up some of the critical obstacles identified and provide suitable strategies to educate and create the needed awareness of the industry on those obstacles. Practically, the findings from this study can be valuable for informing decision-making at different management levels in the construction industry. With country-specific (Ghana) obstacles identified, the findings significantly contribute to the literature on the career advancement of females in the construction sector. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-12 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0283 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Lianhua Cheng, Dongqiang Cao Abstract: Clarifying the risk evolution mechanism of housing construction for work-safety management is essential. Existing studies have inadequately discussed the risk-accumulation process in housing construction. Therefore, this study aimed to use the complex network theory and risk allocation mechanisms to explore the evolution of risk factors. The authors analysed a database of housing construction accidents in China from 2015 to 2020 to identify risk factors. Moreover, the causal relationship between risk factors was determined through a systematic analysis of the logical sequence of risk factors. A complex network was used to construct a risk network for housing construction accidents (RNHCA). The risk matrix method was used to define the factor risk threshold, and a risk value was assigned based on the correlation between risk factors. This contributes to the examination of the evolution mechanism of risk networks in the process of risk factor transmission. The case verification results show that the RNHCA quantitative assessment model can better evaluate the system risk status of housing construction accidents. Furthermore, this model can identify the key risk factors and risk chains with high risk in the evolution of the risk network. Accident investigation reports need to be classified and processed to analyse the evolution law of risk networks under different scales of construction project, such as high-rise buildings, middle-rise buildings, and low-rise buildings. This study clarified the risk evolution process of complex systems in housing construction and provided a new method for analysing accidents. This study clarifies the risk value allocation of risk factors in the transmission process and reveals the process of risk factor evolution in housing construction. This study explains the individual risk factors that form a systemic risk through the transmission chain. Moreover, this paper clarified the transformation relationship between system risk and accidents. The paper also provided a new perspective for risk analysis. Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management PubDate: 2022-09-09 DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0446 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Siavash Ghorbany, Saied Yousefi, Esmatullah Noorzai Abstract: Being an efficient mechanism for the value of money, public–private partnership (PPP) is one of the most prominent approaches for infrastructure construction. Hence, many controversies about the performance effectiveness of these delivery systems have been debated. This research aims to develop a novel performance management perspective by revealing the causal effect of key performance indicators (KPIs) on PPP infrastructures. The literature revi
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