A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  

  Subjects -> ARCHITECTURE (Total: 219 journals)
We no longer collect new content from this publisher because the publisher has forbidden systematic access to its RSS feeds.
   Most Followed Journals

   Top Publishers

   Top Subjects
Similar Journals
Journal Cover
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.653
Citation Impact (citeScore): 2
Number of Followers: 13  
 
Hybrid Journal Hybrid journal   * Containing 4 Open Access Open Access article(s) in this issue *
ISSN (Print) 0969-9988 - ISSN (Online) 1365-232X
Published by Emerald Homepage  [362 journals]
  • Mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between supervisor
           support and turnover intention among construction workers
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ernest Kissi, Matthew Osivue Ikuabe, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Eugene Danquah Smith, Prosper Babon-Ayeng
      Abstract: While existing research has explored the association between supervisor support and turnover intention among construction workers, there is a notable gap in the literature concerning the potential mediating role of work engagement in elucidating this relationship, warranting further investigation. The paper, hence, aims to examine the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between supervisor support and turnover intention among construction workers. Based on the quantitative research method, the hypothesis was tested. The data were collected from 144 construction professionals using a structured questionnaire. Observed variables were tested using confirmatory factor analysis, and the mediating role relationship was validated using hierarchical regression. The outcome of this study shows a significant positive impact of work engagement and supervisor support on employee turnover intention. The study further showed that work engagement plays a mediating role in the connection between supervisory support and the intention to turnover and improve project and business performance. Turnover intention, on the other hand, negatively affects project and organizational performance. By enhancing employee work engagement and perceptions of supervisor support, the findings of this study may aid construction organizations in making better judgments regarding the likelihood of employee turnover. The effectiveness of the project and the organization will likely be greatly impacted. The results of this study provide supporting evidence and advance efforts at reducing employee turnover intention through work engagement and supervisor support in improving project and organizational performance.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-12-05
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2023-0556
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Research evolution and thematic breakthroughs in project leadership: a
           bibliometric analysis

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Junwei Zheng, Yu Gu, Peikai Li, Lan Luo, Guangdong Wu
      Abstract: The development of project managers and leadership has been highlighted as crucial for improving project success and performance, resulting in a rise of interest in project leadership research over the last two decades. While several qualitative reviews have been conducted, there have been limited quantitative and systematic reviews on project leadership. This study fills this gap by portraying the knowledge landscape and tracking the evolution of project leadership research from 1998 to 2022 through bibliometric approaches. Based on 816 records, including 793 articles extracted and selected from the Web of Science database and specific journals, and 23 articles selected from three non-SCI/SSCI indexed journals, the authors used CiteSpace and bibliometrix R-package to depict visualizations of the trajectory of co-cited references, the landscape of co-occurred keywords and emerging trends in project leadership via reference co-citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence analysis and thematic mapping. The bibliometric analyses enabled the authors to understand the conceptual aspects of project leadership and its theoretical background. Three stages of the intellectual bases were identified and tracked: the infancy phase (1998–2007), the growth phase (2008–2014) and the new development phase (2015–2022). The results of keyword co-occurrence analysis indicated that the research focus evolved from investigating traits and competences to examining the effects of traditional leadership behaviors, and then considering context-specific leadership. The findings of thematic mapping and theoretical interpretation illustrate the potential directions of the competence comparison, new and appropriate leadership, and the interaction between leadership and context. This study advanced the field by providing a systematic review of project leadership, developing potential future directions for project leadership research and providing practical implications for career development and training.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-27
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0905
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Ecological restoration for mega-infrastructure projects: a study based on
           multi-source heterogeneous data

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ruizhen Song, Xin Gao, Haonan Nan, Saixing Zeng, Vivian W.Y. Tam
      Abstract: This research aims to propose a model for the complex decision-making involved in the ecological restoration of mega-infrastructure (e.g. railway engineering). This model is based on multi-source heterogeneous data and will enable stakeholders to solve practical problems in decision-making processes and prevent delayed responses to the demand for ecological restoration. Based on the principle of complexity degradation, this research collects and brings together multi-source heterogeneous data, including meteorological station data, remote sensing image data, railway engineering ecological risk text data and ecological restoration text data. Further, this research establishes an ecological restoration plan library to form input feature vectors. Random forest is used for classification decisions. The ecological restoration technologies and restoration plant species suitable for different regions are generated. This research can effectively assist managers of mega-infrastructure projects in making ecological restoration decisions. The accuracy of the model reaches 0.83. Based on the natural environment and construction disturbances in different regions, this model can determine suitable types of trees, shrubs and herbs for planting, as well as the corresponding ecological restoration technologies needed. Managers should pay attention to the multiple types of data generated in different stages of megaproject and identify the internal relationships between these multi-source heterogeneous data, which provides a decision-making basis for complex management decisions. The coupling between ecological restoration technologies and restoration plant species is also an important factor in improving the efficiency of ecological compensation. Unlike previous studies, which have selected a typical section of a railway for specialized analysis, the complex decision-making model for ecological restoration proposed in this research has wider geographical applicability and can better meet the diverse ecological restoration needs of railway projects that span large regions.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-23
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1197
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Developing a systematic performance measurement framework for benchmarking
           steel modular building construction

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Tianyao Ping, Wei Pan, Zhiqian Zhang
      Abstract: Modular construction is an innovative method that enhances the performance of building construction projects. However, the performance of steel modular construction has not been systematically understood, and the existing measurement methods exhibit limitations in effectively addressing the features of steel modular building construction. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new performance measurement framework for systematically examining the performance of steel modular construction in building projects. This study was conducted through a mixed-method research design that combines a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art practices of construction performance measurement and a case study with a 17-story steel modular apartment building project in Hong Kong. The case project was measured with data collected from the project teams and other reliable channels, and the measurement practices and findings were referenced to establish a systematic performance measurement framework for steel modular construction. Considering steel modular construction as a complex socio-technical system, a systematic performance measurement framework was developed, which considers the features of steel modular construction, focuses on the construction stage, incorporates the views of various stakeholders, integrates generic and specific key performance indicators and provides a benchmarking process. Multifaceted benefits of adopting steel modular construction were demonstrated with case study, including improved economic efficiency (e.g. nearly 10% cost savings), improved environmental friendliness (e.g. approximately 90% waste reduction) and enhanced social welfare (e.g. over 60% delivery trips reduction). This paper extends the existing performance measurement methods with a new framework proposed and offers experience for future steel modular construction. The measured performance of the case project also contributes in-depth understanding on steel modular construction with benefits demonstrated. The study is expected to accelerate an effective uptake of steel modular construction in building projects.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-21
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0377
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) assessment of Kuwait mega construction
           projects' complexity

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Sharaf AlKheder, Hajar Al Otaibi, Zahra Al Baghli, Shaikhah Al Ajmi, Mohammad Alkhedher
      Abstract: Megaproject's construction is essential for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in the developing world. In Kuwait, megaprojects are facing many restrictions that discourage their execution causing a significant delay in bidding, design, construction and operation phases with the execution quality being affected. The objective of this study is to develop a complexity measurement model using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for megaprojects in Kuwait, with a focus on the New Kuwait University multi-billion campus Shadadiyah (College of Social Science, Sharia and Law (CSSL)) as a case study. The study applies a hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method to compare the results with those obtained using the conventional AHP method. This can facilitate the project management activities during the different stages of construction. Data were collected based on the results of a two-round Delphi questionnaire completed by seniors and experts of the selected project. It was found that project modeling methodology was responsible for complexity. It was grouped under several categories that include technological, goal, organizational, environmental and cultural complexities. The study compares complexity degrees assessed by AHP and FAHP methods. “Technological Complexity” scores highest in both methods, with FAHP reaching 7.46. “Goal Complexity” follows closely behind, with FAHP. “Cultural Complexity” ranks third, differing between methods, while “Organizational” and “Environmental Complexity” consistently score lower, with FAHP values slightly higher. These results show varying complexity levels across dimensions. Assessing and understanding such complexities were essential toward the completion of such megaprojects. The contribution of this study is on providing the empirical evidential knowledge for the priority over construction complexities in a developing country (Kuwait) in the Middle East.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-21
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2021-0933
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Developing a construct to measure contractor project manager performance
           competencies

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Rebecca Kassa, Ibilola Ogundare, Brian Lines, Jake B. Smithwick, Nancy J. Kepple, Kenneth T. Sullivan
      Abstract: Construction organizations' investment in effective talent-development programs is a key strategy in attracting, developing and retaining staff. Such programs are especially important given the current challenges in the construction workforce, including labor shortages, an aging workforce, generational differences in the workforce, supply chain disruptions and the need to effectively train staff in the skills that are essential in a constrained labor environment. To address these challenges, this study proposes a performance measurement strategy that construction companies can use as input to design their talent development programs. The strategy intends to assess the performance of project managers and develop criteria that define categories of their performance, including the top performers' category. This enables construction organizations to provide each project manager with individualized training that addresses areas of weakness and in turn, develops the skills that correspond with being top performers. The proposed strategy was developed and tested by surveying the immediate supervisors of 187 project managers working for general and specialty contractors in the United States. Principal component analysis was used to develop a single performance construct from seven performance criteria. This construct was used to organize the project managers into the categories of top, above-average and below-average performers. According to the findings, top-performing project managers have well-rounded skills in the areas of leadership, communication, technical proficiency and overall job knowledge. The outcomes of this study can help construction organizations focus their talent-development programs on the skills most associated with PMs being top performers. This study provides construction organizations with a comprehensive performance-measuring construct to focus their talent-development programs on the skills most associated with top-performing project managers. Researchers can use this study as a foundation for further understanding how performance is related to various construction professions.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-17
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1122
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Best practice for safety management – case of major oil processing
           country in the Middle East

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Chike F. Oduoza, Reem Alamri, David Oloke
      Abstract: Deployment of health and safety standards in extremely hazardous work environments such as oil and gas sector, is essential to minimise accidents leaving employees permanently or temporarily incapacitated. The purpose of this research, is to understand why there are frequent accidents in case country's oil and gas sector, with a view to recommend solutions to mitigate problems. Research methodology involved extensive review of the literature to appreciate background, and current research on typical accidents and safety measures taken at oil and gas construction sites to minimise accidents in a middle east country. Interviews, questionnaires and case stidies were deployed to acquire data which highlighted major reasons for accidents occurrence at oil and gas construction sites, and safety tools and techniques that could reduce accident rate if adopted by companies. Findings, showed that oil and gas construction projects in case country were prone to health and safety related risks, challenges and accidents due to failure to comply with standards and legislation. Construction site teams and shop floor staff were rarely involved in development of safety policies, and some had no understanding of requirements and procedures underpinning safety during operations. Research recommended rapid application/adoption of international standards underpinned by ISO 45000 series and staff training at all levels. Deployment of robots and use of machine learning technology were suggested to implement risky tasks in the sector. Research was based on rampant accidents occurring in hazardous oil and gas sector in country studied. Enforcement of health and safety standards, and use of modern tools and techniques were recommended to minimise accident rate.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-15
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0126
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Developing incentive mechanisms for long-term and short-term technological
           innovation in major engineering projects using principal-agent theory

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Jianbo Zhu, Jialong Chen, Wenliang Jin, Qiming Li
      Abstract: Promoting technological innovation is important to address the complexity of major engineering challenges. Technological innovations include short-term innovations at the project level and long-term innovations that can enhance competitive advantages. The purpose of this study is to develop an incentive mechanism for the public sector that considers short-term and long-term efforts from the private sector, aiming to promote technological innovation in major engineering projects. This study constructs an incentive model considering the differences in short-term and long-term innovation efforts from the private sector. This model emphasizes the spillover effect of long-term efforts on current projects and the cost synergy effect between short-term and long-term efforts. It also explores the factors influencing the optimal incentive strategies for the public sector and innovation strategies for the private sector. The results indicate that increasing the output coefficient of short-term and long-term efforts and reducing the cost coefficient not only enhance the innovation efforts of the private sector but also prompt the public sector to increase the incentive coefficient. The spillover effect of long-term innovation efforts and the synergy effect of the two efforts are positively related to the incentive coefficient for the public sector. This research addresses the existing gap in understanding how the public sector should devise incentive mechanisms for technological innovation when contractors acting as the private sector are responsible for construction within a public-private partnership (PPP) model. In constructing the incentive mechanism model, this study incorporates the private sector's short-term efforts at the project level and their long-term efforts for sustained corporate development, thus adding considerable practical significance.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-15
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2023-0520
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Resolving power imbalances in construction payment using blockchain smart
           contracts

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Liupengfei Wu, Weisheng Lu, Chen Chen
      Abstract: This research aims to develop a blockchain smart contract–enabled framework to resolve power imbalance problems in construction payment. This research adopts a design science research method to develop the blockchain smart contract–enabled framework. The authors then develop a prototype system. Finally, the authors evaluate its performance in solving power imbalance-induced payment problems. The results show that the prototype system can resolve power imbalance problems in construction payment by allowing project participants to make transparent and decentralized decisions that are self-enforceable by blockchain smart contracts. This study provides theoretical explanations for how blockchain smart contracts can resolve power imbalances in construction payment; based on that, it proposes a novel blockchain smart contract–enabled method to rebalance the power of stakeholders in construction payment. Thus, it contributes to the body of knowledge on blockchain technology and construction payment. This study moves beyond a conceptual framework and develops a practical blockchain smart contract system for resolving power imbalances in construction payment, strengthening construction project members' confidence in using blockchain technology. The proposed blockchain smart contract–enabled solution helps mitigate negative social impacts associated with late payment and non-payment. Furthermore, the research maximizes trust among participants in payment processes to inspire collaborative culture in the construction industry. This paper introduces a novel blockchain smart contract integrated method, allowing project stakeholders to resolve power imbalance problems in construction payment through decentralized decision-making.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-14
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0194
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Integrated artificial and deep neural networks with time series to predict
           the ratio of the low bid to owner estimate
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Abdulmohsen S. Almohsen, Naif M. Alsanabani, Abdullah M. Alsugair, Khalid S. Al-Gahtani
      Abstract: The variance between the winning bid and the owner's estimated cost (OEC) is one of the construction management risks in the pre-tendering phase. The study aims to enhance the quality of the owner's estimation for predicting precisely the contract cost at the pre-tendering phase and avoiding future issues that arise through the construction phase. This paper integrated artificial neural networks (ANN), deep neural networks (DNN) and time series (TS) techniques to estimate the ratio of a low bid to the OEC (R) for different size contracts and three types of contracts (building, electric and mechanic) accurately based on 94 contracts from King Saud University. The ANN and DNN models were evaluated using mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean sum square error (MSSE) and root mean sums square error (RMSSE). The main finding is that the ANN provides high accuracy with MAPE, MSSE and RMSSE a 2.94%, 0.0015 and 0.039, respectively. The DNN's precision was high, with an RMSSE of 0.15 on average. The owner and consultant are expected to use the study's findings to create more accuracy of the owner's estimate and decrease the difference between the owner's estimate and the lowest submitted offer for better decision-making. This study fills the knowledge gap by developing an ANN model to handle missing TS data and forecasting the difference between a low bid and an OEC at the pre-tendering phase.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-09
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2023-0454
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Managing risks in IPD-ish projects: experience from Hong Kong

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Qiuwen Ma, Sai On Cheung, Shan Li
      Abstract: Integrated project delivery (IPD) project that does not use multiparty agreement is identified as IPD-ish. The use of IPD-ish arrangement by incorporating integration practices in conventional contract can be viewed as the part of the adoption process of IPD. Moreover, inappropriate integration practices invite new forms of risks and the absence of multiparty agreement adds to the challenges of risk management in IPD-ish projects. This study discusses such challenges and proposes the use of joint risk management to address the potential pitfalls in IPD-ish arrangement. A mixed research method was applied. First, the criticality of IPD-ish general and integration-specific risks was examined through a survey. Second, a real IPD-ish project was used to exemplify the use of joint risk management (JRM) to manage IPD-ish risks. Two types of risks, namely integration risks (IRs) and general risks (GRs), are identified in IPD-ish projects. Two major findings for the IRs: (1) the most critical IRs are related to unbalanced incentivization and inefficient multidisciplinary teams; and (2) only team formation related pre-contract JRM strategies affect IRs. As for the GRs, the most critical ones are associated with design issues and can be effectively mitigated by post-contract JRM. Using IPD-ish arrangement is an inevitable part of implementation of full IPD. This happens as many change-averse owners would like to test the integration principles using a conventional contract that they are familiar with. In fact, success in IPD-ish would pave the path for further adoption of IPD. This study offers insight into categorization of risks in IPD-ish projects. Appropriate use of post-contract and organization related pre-contract JRM would improve the chance of teasing out the values of IPD through IPD-ish arrangements. Care should be taken to introduce some contracting integration initiatives, such as risk/reward sharing incentive.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-11-03
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0007
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Intelligent detection on construction project contract missing clauses
           based on deep learning and NLP

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Hong Zhou, Binwei Gao, Shilong Tang, Bing Li, Shuyu Wang
      Abstract: The number of construction dispute cases has maintained a high growth trend in recent years. The effective exploration and management of construction contract risk can directly promote the overall performance of the project life cycle. The miss of clauses may result in a failure to match with standard contracts. If the contract, modified by the owner, omits key clauses, potential disputes may lead to contractors paying substantial compensation. Therefore, the identification of construction project contract missing clauses has heavily relied on the manual review technique, which is inefficient and highly restricted by personnel experience. The existing intelligent means only work for the contract query and storage. It is urgent to raise the level of intelligence for contract clause management. Therefore, this paper aims to propose an intelligent method to detect construction project contract missing clauses based on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and deep learning technology. A complete classification scheme of contract clauses is designed based on NLP. First, construction contract texts are pre-processed and converted from unstructured natural language into structured digital vector form. Following the initial categorization, a multi-label classification of long text construction contract clauses is designed to preliminary identify whether the clause labels are missing. After the multi-label clause missing detection, the authors implement a clause similarity algorithm by creatively integrating the image detection thought, MatchPyramid model, with BERT to identify missing substantial content in the contract clauses. 1,322 construction project contracts were tested. Results showed that the accuracy of multi-label classification could reach 93%, the accuracy of similarity matching can reach 83%, and the recall rate and F1 mean of both can reach more than 0.7. The experimental results verify the feasibility of intelligently detecting contract risk through the NLP-based method to some extent. NLP is adept at recognizing textual content and has shown promising results in some contract processing applications. However, the mostly used approaches of its utilization for risk detection in construction contract clauses predominantly are rule-based, which encounter challenges when handling intricate and lengthy engineering contracts. This paper introduces an NLP technique based on deep learning which reduces manual intervention and can autonomously identify and tag types of contractual deficiencies, aligning with the evolving complexities anticipated in future construction contracts. Moreover, this method achieves the recognition of extended contract clause texts. Ultimately, this approach boasts versatility; users simply need to adjust parameters such as segmentation based on language categories to detect omissions in contract clauses of diverse languages.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-31
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0172
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The formation of citizens' intentions to purchase prefabricated housing in
           China: the integrating theory of planned behavior and norm activation
           model

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Zhenzong Zhou, Geoffrey Shen, Jin Xue, Chengshuang Sun, Yongyue Liu, Weiyi Cong, Tao Yu, Yaowu Wang
      Abstract: This study aims to develop an improved understanding of the formation of citizens' purchase intention to increase the adoption of prefabricated housing (PH). An integrative model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and norm activation model (NAM) was proposed based on previous studies. To verify the conceptual model, an analysis was conducted after data collection from a questionnaire survey. Lastly, findings were presented by explaining the formation of purchase intention in the egoistic and altruistic contexts. Practical implications were likewise discussed. Findings manifest that citizens' purchase intention is influenced by egoistic and altruistic cognitions. An effective strategy is to show citizens the pro-environmental features of PH to promote its adoption because they value the environmental performance of housing. Meanwhile, consumers' social fitness also plays an essential role in decision-making, and the dual contradiction in the PH market is revealed. This study extends the knowledge of psychological decision-making theories in the field of purchase intention toward PH by proposing an integrative framework of TPB and NAM. Results indicate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of consumers' decision-making in the PH domain. Moreover, results of this research contribute to specifying and refining the applicable contexts of TPB and NAM by adding two antecedents: subjective knowledge and environmental concern. This research contributes to the literature by being one of the first to investigate purchase intention toward a high-cost product with invisible technological innovation.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-31
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2023-0473
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Transmission of risk to China's construction industry due to international
           interest rate fluctuations

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Kai Zhang, Lingfei Chen, Xinmiao Zhou
      Abstract: Under the trend of global economic integration and the new context of stagflation, frequent fluctuations in international interest rates are exerting far-reaching impacts on the world economy. In this paper, the transmission mechanism of the impact of fluctuations in international interest rates (specifically, the American interest rate) on the bankruptcy risk in China's pillar industry, the construction industry (which is also sensitive to interest rates), is examined. Using an improved contingent claims analysis, the bankruptcy risk of enterprises is calculated in this paper. Additionally, an individual fixed-effects model is developed to investigate the mediating effects of international interest rates on the bankruptcy risk in the Chinese construction industry. The heterogeneity of subindustries in the industrial chain and the impact of China's energy consumption structure are also analysed in this paper. The findings show that fluctuations in international interest rates, which affect the bankruptcy risk of China's construction industry, are mainly transmitted through two major pathways, namely, commodity price effects and exchange rate effects. In addition, the authors examine the important impact of China's energy consumption structure on risk transmission and assess the transmission and sharing of risks within the industrial chain. First, in the research field, the study of international interest rate risk is extended to domestic-oriented industries. Second, in terms of the research content, this paper is focused on China-specific issues, including the significant influence of China's energy consumption structure characteristics and the risk contagion (and risk sharing) as determined by the current development of the Chinese construction industry. Third, in terms of research methods a modified contingent claim analysis approach to bankruptcy risk indicators is adopted for this study, thus overcoming the problems of data frequency, market sentiment and financial data fraud, which are issues that are ignored by most relevant studies.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-31
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2023-0502
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Intelligent inspection of appearance quality for precast concrete
           components based on improved YOLO model and multi-source data

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Yangze Liang, Zhao Xu
      Abstract: Monitoring of the quality of precast concrete (PC) components is crucial for the success of prefabricated construction projects. Currently, quality monitoring of PC components during the construction phase is predominantly done manually, resulting in low efficiency and hindering the progress of intelligent construction. This paper presents an intelligent inspection method for assessing the appearance quality of PC components, utilizing an enhanced you look only once (YOLO) model and multi-source data. The aim of this research is to achieve automated management of the appearance quality of precast components in the prefabricated construction process through digital means. The paper begins by establishing an improved YOLO model and an image dataset for evaluating appearance quality. Through object detection in the images, a preliminary and efficient assessment of the precast components' appearance quality is achieved. Moreover, the detection results are mapped onto the point cloud for high-precision quality inspection. In the case of precast components with quality defects, precise quality inspection is conducted by combining the three-dimensional model data obtained from forward design conversion with the captured point cloud data through registration. Additionally, the paper proposes a framework for an automated inspection platform dedicated to assessing appearance quality in prefabricated buildings, encompassing the platform's hardware network. The improved YOLO model achieved a best mean average precision of 85.02% on the VOC2007 dataset, surpassing the performance of most similar models. After targeted training, the model exhibits excellent recognition capabilities for the four common appearance quality defects. When mapped onto the point cloud, the accuracy of quality inspection based on point cloud data and forward design is within 0.1 mm. The appearance quality inspection platform enables feedback and optimization of quality issues. The proposed method in this study enables high-precision, visualized and automated detection of the appearance quality of PC components. It effectively meets the demand for quality inspection of precast components on construction sites of prefabricated buildings, providing technological support for the development of intelligent construction. The design of the appearance quality inspection platform's logic and framework facilitates the integration of the method, laying the foundation for efficient quality management in the future.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-31
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2023-0705
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Influence of blockchain adoption barriers and drivers on potential
           application areas in the construction lifecycle: partial least squares
           structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Luqman Oyewobi, Taofeek Tunde Okanlawon, Kabir Ibrahim, Richard Ajayi Jimoh
      Abstract: The construction industry faces public criticism for issues like wastefulness, inefficiency, slim profits, scheduling setbacks, budget overruns, quality concerns, trust deficits, transparency, coordination, communication and fraud. This paper aims to assess the nexus between barriers and drivers for adopting blockchain in construction and its impact on construction lifecycle. A quantitative research approach was used to collect data using a well-structured questionnaire survey. The survey, which used snowball sampling, included 155 Nigerian construction experts that included architects, builders, quantity surveyors and engineers in the built environment. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), which allowed for a thorough evaluation of the proposed relationships as well as industry-specific insights. The study's findings validate the conceptual framework established. The results indicate that implementing blockchain across all stages of construction projects has the potential to improve the construction process by 88.2% through its drivers. However, there were no significant relationships found between the barriers to adopting blockchain and the potential application areas in the construction lifecycle. This research was carried out in the South-western which is one of the six geo-political zones/regions in Nigeria, using a cross-sectional survey method. The study did not investigate the interdependence of the identified categories of drivers and barriers, limiting a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics and interactions influencing blockchain adoption in construction. The study is expected to stimulate further exploration and generate new insights on how blockchain technology (BT) can influence various stages of the construction lifecycle. The findings will be immensely beneficial to both professionals and practitioners in the Nigerian construction industry in learning about the potential of BT application in improving the construction lifecycle. This paper developed and assessed a conceptual framework by investigating the interrelationships between the constructs. The findings have important implications for the construction industry, as they offer opportunities to improve the construction process and overall lifecycle. The findings are useful for researchers interested in the potential impact of BT on the construction lifecycle and its wider implications.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-31
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2023-0746
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Linking frontline construction workers' perceived abusive supervision to
           work engagement: job insecurity as the game-changing mediation and job
           alternative as a moderator

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Xiaoli Wu, Lianying Zhang, Cailin Zhang
      Abstract: This research focuses on exploring a psychological mechanism between abusive supervision and job engagement via job insecurity and job alternative to understand how frontline construction workers' perceived abusive supervision impacts on their work engagement. This study draws on the conservation of resources theory (COR) to postulate that workers' job insecurity acts as a mediation between abusive supervision and work engagement, and the perception of job alternative moderates the impact of abusive supervision on job insecurity. This study empirically tests survey data from 357 frontline construction workers and adopts partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed model. This paper proved the dark-side of abusive supervision, dual character of job insecurity and moderating role of job alternative. The game-changing mediation effects of job insecurity were examined, which suggested that work engagement would be higher when abusive supervision stimulates stronger job insecurity. Furthermore, the result indicated that the relationship between abusive supervision and job insecurity should be weaker when job alternative is high. This research suggests construction project managers (CPMs) must take steps such as enhancing supervisors' emotional management skills to control frequency of abuse and thus lessen compromising engagement. Moreover, overall understanding frontline workers' job insecurity is meaningful for better construction performance management. This research contributes to the disputed leadership style (abusive supervision) and positive psychology knowledge (work engagement) in construction projects by unveiling the psychosocial mechanism (game-changing effects of job insecurity) of construction frontline workers positive engaged feeling. This study highlights the function of personal and job resources in process of resource conservation.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-30
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0317
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A framework for evaluating campus facility management performance in light
           of project critical success factors using a multidimensional fuzzy logic
           approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Murat Gunduz, Khalid Naji, Omar Maki
      Abstract: This paper aims to present the development of a holistic campus facility management (CFM) performance assessment framework that incorporates a fuzzy logic approach and integrates a comprehensive set of key factors for successful management of campus facilities. The devised framework aims to cater to the needs of campus facilities management firms and departments for the purpose of gauging and assessing their performance across different management domains. Through this approach, facility management organizations can detect potential areas of enhancement and adopt preemptive steps to evade issues, foster progress and ensure success. After a comprehensive analysis of the literature, conducting in-depth interviews with industry experts and employing the Delphi technique in two rounds, a total of 45 indicators critical to CFM success were identified and subsequently sorted into seven distinct groups. Through an online questionnaire, 402 subject-matter experts proficiently assessed the significance of the critical success indicators and their groups. A fuzzy logic framework was developed to evaluate and quantify a firm's compliance with the critical success indicators and groups of indicators. The framework was subsequently weighted using computations of the relative importance index (RII) based on the responses received from the questionnaire participants. The initial section of the framework involved a comprehensive analysis of the firm's performance vis-à-vis the indicators, while the latter part sought to evaluate the impact of the indicators groups on the overall firm's performance. The utilization of fuzzy logic has uncovered the significant effects each effective CFM key indicator on indicators groups, as well as the distinct effects of each CFM indicators group on the overall performance of CFM. The results reveal that financial management, communications management, sustainability and environment management and workforce management are the most impactful indicators groups on the CFM performance. This suggests that it is imperative for management to allocate increased attention to these specific areas. This study contributes to the advancement of current knowledge by revealing vital indicators of effective CFM and utilizing them to construct a thorough fuzzy logic framework that can assist in evaluating the effectiveness of CFM firms worldwide. This has the potential to provide crucial assistance to facility management organizations, facility managers and policymakers in their quest for informed decision-making.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-27
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0369
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Can reputation system complement limited inspection accuracy in deterring
           opportunistic claims'

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Dan-Yi Wang, Xueqing Wang
      Abstract: In construction projects, engineering variations are very common and create breeding grounds for opportunistic claims. This study investigates the complementary effect between an inspection mechanism and a reputation system in deterring opportunistic claims, considering an employer with limited inspection accuracy and a contractor, which can be either reputation-concerned or opportunistic. This paper applies a signaling game to investigate the complementary effect between the employer's inspection and a reputation system in deterring the contractor's possible opportunistic claim, considering the information-flow influence of claiming prices. This study finds that in the exogenous-inspection-accuracy case, the employer does not always inspect the claim. A more stringent reputation system complements a less accurate inspection only when the inspection cost is lower than a threshold, but may decline the employer's surplus or social welfare. In the optimal-inspection-accuracy case, the employer always inspects the claim. However, only a sufficiently stringent reputation system can guarantee the effectiveness of an optimal inspection in curbing opportunistic claims. A more stringent reputation system has a value-stepping effect on the employer's surplus but may unexpectedly impair social welfare, whereas a higher inspection cost efficiency always reduces social welfare. This article contributes to the project management literature by combing the signaling game theory with the reputation theory and thus embeds the problem of inspection mechanism design into a broader socio-economic framework.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-20
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0214
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • S-curve adjustment approaches for a force majeure event: COVID-19 as an
           example

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Jyh-Bin Yang, Ying-Fu Chen
      Abstract: An S-curve is an essential project-management tool. However, it is difficult to adjust S-curve to deal with a force majeure event. The present study develops four valuable adjustment approaches, designed to achieve a compromise between the views of the client and contractor. These can be used to control projects after a force majeure event. The present study develops four adjustment approaches, which can be used to achieve a compromise between the views of the client and those of the contractor when controlling projects after a force majeure. To determine the S-curves during a force majeure event, two approaches can be selected: BCWS (budgeted cost of scheduled work)-base approach, or BCWP (budgeted cost of work performed)-base approach. To determine the rest of S-curves after a force majeure event, two approaches can be considered: maintaining the original curve of the remaining BCWS, or allocating the original curve of the remaining BCWS. Based on the validation of three empirical cases, drawn from a professional project-management website, this study confirms the feasibility of four proposed empirical approaches and a selection procedure for S-curve adjustment. The S-curve-adjustment approaches presented here can be used to deal with cases that are ahead of, on and behind schedule. Using the proposed approaches and selection procedure, contractors can easily revise S-curves and control projects more effectively. To deal with a force majeure event, such as COVID-19, they are strongly advised to adopt the approaches labeled SA-A1 (to adjust the S-curve based on the extension ratio multiplied by the difference in progress during the force majeure) and SA-B1 (to maintain the original curve of the remaining BCWS) for the A/E and E/F curves, respectively. The proposed approaches can be used in cases of continuous construction during force majeure events. If construction work is totally suspended during such an event, it will be necessary to fine-tune the proposed approaches. Previous studies have used case-oriented or mathematical-simulation approaches to forecast S-curves. The present study proposes simple approaches that allow the client and contractor to adjust the S-curve easily after a force majeure event. These approaches can be used to adjust work and project-completion targets within an extended duration. Selecting the right S-curve adjustment approach can help to control the remainder of the project, reducing the possibility of delay claims.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-20
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0303
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Barriers to adoption of work–life balance practices amongst construction
           companies in Lagos, Nigeria: an exploratory factor analysis

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Innocent Chigozie Osuizugbo, Olalekan Shamsideen Oshodi, Patricia Omega Kukoyi, Amos Okemukoko Lawani, Anthony Ogochukwu Onokwai
      Abstract: The current study seeks to investigate and determine the principal barriers to the adoption of work–life balance (WLB) practices amongst construction companies operating in the developing countries using Lagos, Nigeria as a case study. This study adopts a survey research technique. Snowball sampling technique was adopted to identify the target respondents for the administration of questionnaire. A total of 156 questionnaires were distributed and a response rate of 66% (103 questionnaires were completely filled and returned) was attained. Data elicited were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results from the exploratory factors analysis show that the principal barriers to the adoption of WLB practices amongst construction companies in Lagos, Nigeria are categorised into four components: nature of construction job and limited evidence on impact of WLB, support, awareness and culture, lack of involvement of management staff and organisational factors. This study contributed to more effective WLB studies by highlighting the barriers to the adoption of WLB practices in the construction sector. An understanding of these barriers can aid policy makers and management personnel in construction organisations as well as facilitate development of strategies required to reduce the barriers to WLB practices in the construction sector.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-20
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0407
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • What hinders the implementation of carbon emission reduction in the
           construction industry: evidence from integrated multi-criteria
           decision-making in China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Junjie Li, Jiaying Zhang, Chunlu Liu, Xiangyun Luo
      Abstract: This research paper aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the barriers to CER in the construction industry, assesses the barriers' relative degrees of hindrance and causal mechanisms. Firstly, 26 carbon emission reduction (CER) barriers in the construction industry were identified based on a systematic literature review (SLR) and categorized into five dimensions: policy, economy, society, technology and organization (PEST + O model). Secondly, the Best–Worst Method (BWM) was used to clarify the degrees of hindrance of the CER barriers. Then, the Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Grey-DEMATEL) was used to visualize the directional cause–result relationship network among prominent barriers. Finally, the Boston matrix model was used to propose differentiated strategies to address CER barriers in the construction industry. The calculated centrality and causality of the prominent barriers indicated that the lack of relevant legal policies and normative guidelines, the poor binding force and enforcement of existing relevant policies, the lack of effective economic subsidies and incentives and the difficulty in the operation, transformation and upgrading of existing construction CER are the key barriers that CER needs to address first in the construction industry. Considering the order of priority and the optimal path, differentiated countermeasures are proposed to address key, driving, independent and effect barriers. This study develops a BWM–Grey-DEMATEL integrated multi-criteria decision-making model. An innovative C-shaped strategic map for addressing CER barriers in the construction industry is proposed by integrating the dual dimensions of time and space. This will guide practitioners, policymakers and decision-makers in developing CER strategies.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-20
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2023-0511
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Developing and validating a new conceptual model for successful
           implementation of lean construction: SEM analysis

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Mohamed Saad Bajjou, Anas Chafi
      Abstract: Lean construction (LC) consists of very effective techniques; however, its implementation varies considerably from one industry to another. Although numerous lean initiatives do exist in the construction industry, the research topic related to LC implementation is still unexplored due to the scarcity of validated assessment frameworks. This study aims to provide the first attempt in developing a structural model for successful LC implementation. This study developed a Lean construction model (LCM) by critically reviewing seven previous LC frameworks from different countries, defining 18 subprinciples grouped into 6 major principles and formulating testable hypotheses. The questionnaire was pre-tested with 12 construction management experts and revised by 4 specialized academics. A pilot study with 20 construction units enhanced content reliability. Data from 307 Moroccan construction companies were collected to develop a measurement model. SPSS V. 26 was used for Exploratory Factor Analysis, followed by confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS version 23. Finally, a structural equation model statistically assessed each construct's contribution to the success of LC implementation. This work led to the development of an original LCM based on valid and reliable LC constructs, consisting of 18 measurement items grouped into 6 LC principles: Process Transparency, People involvement, Waste elimination, Planning and Continuous improvement, Client Focus and Material/information flow and pull. According to the structural model, LC implementation success is positively influenced by Planning and Scheduling/continuous improvement (β = 0.930), followed by Elimination of waste (β = 0.896). Process transparency ranks third (β = 0.858). The study demonstrates that all these factors are mutually complementary, highlighting a positive relationship between LC implementation success and the holistic application of all LC principles. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to develop a statistically proven model of LC based on structural equation modelling analysis, which is promising for stimulating construction practitioners and researchers for more empirical studies in different countries to obtain a more accurate reflection of LC implementation. Moreover, the paper proposes recommendations to help policymakers, academics and practitioners anticipate the key success drivers for more successful LC implementation.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-19
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0102
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Risk accumulation assessment method for building construction based on
           complex network

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Dongqiang Cao, Lianhua Cheng
      Abstract: In the evolution process of building construction accidents, there are key nodes of risk change. This paper aims to quickly identify the key nodes and quantitatively assess the node risk. Furthermore, it is essential to propose risk accumulation assessment method of building construction.
      Authors analyzed 419 accidents investigation reports on building construction. In total, 39 risk factors were identified by accidents analysis. These risk factors were combined with 245 risk evolution chains. Based on those, Gephi software was used to draw the risk evolution network model for building construction. Topological parameters were applied to interpret the risk evolution network characteristic. Combining complex network with risk matrix, the standard of quantitative classification of node risk level is formulated. After quantitative analysis of node risk, 7 items of medium-risk node, 3 items of high-risk node and 2 items of higher-risk nodes are determined. The application results show that the system risk of the project is 44.67%, which is the high risk level. It can reflect the actual safety conditions of the project in a more comprehensive way. This paper determined the level of node risk only using the node degree and risk matrix. In future research, more node topological parameters that could be applied to node risk, such as clustering coefficients, mesoscopic numbers, centrality, PageRank, etc. This article can quantitatively assess the risk accumulation of building construction. It would help safety managers could clarify the system risk status. Moreover, it also contributes to reveal the correspondence between risk accumulation and accident evolution. This study comprehensively considers the likelihood, consequences and correlation to assess node risk. Based on this, single-node risk and system risk assessment methods of building construction systems were proposed. It provided a promising method and idea for the risk accumulation assessment method of building construction. Moreover, evolution process of node risk is explained from the perspective of risk accumulation.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-16
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0149
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Modelling the domino effect of advance payment system on project cash flow
           and organisational performance
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Emmanuel Dele Omopariola, Abimbola Olukemi Windapo, David Jhon Edwards, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Sunday Ukwe-Nya Yakubu, Onimisi Obari
      Abstract: Previous studies have postulated that an advance payment system (APS) positively impacts the contractor's working capital and is paramount to ensuring an efficient and effective project cash flow process. However, scant research has been undertaken to empirically establish the cash flow performance and domino effect of APS on project and organisational performance. The epistemological design adopted a positivist philosophical stance augmented by deductive reasoning to explore the phenomena under investigation. Primary quantitative data were collected from 504 Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registered contractors (within the grade bandings 1–9) in South Africa. A five-point Likert scale was utilised, and subsequent data accrued were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Emergent findings reveal that the mandatory use of an APS does not guarantee a positive project cash flow, an improvement in organisational performance or an improvement in project performance. The ensuing discussion reveals the contributory influence of APS on positive cash flow and organisational performance, although APS implementation alone will not achieve these objectives. Practically, the research accentuates the need for various measures to be concurrently adopted (including APS) towards ensuring a positive project cash flow and improved organisational and project performance. There is limited empirical research on cash flow performance and the domino effect of APS on project and organisational performance in South Africa, nor indeed, the wider geographical location of Africa as a continent. This study addresses this gap in the prevailing body of knowledge.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-16
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0254
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Examining the mediating roles of social malaise and religious
           manipulations in corruption manifestations: the case of the construction
           sector

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Oluseye Olugboyega, Obuks Augustine Ejohwomu, Emmanuel Dele Omopariola
      Abstract: As the foundation for understanding the dynamics of the construction sector's corruption, this study examines building contractors' experiences of the stifling of moral, communal and cultural values in the name of modern social and religious principles. This study's objective was accomplished in two phases. First, a theoretical model was constructed. The theory is then tested using structural equation modeling in the second section. The theory suggests that, based on social norm and institutional theories, social disquietude and religious manipulation influence the interaction and types of corruption in the Nigerian construction sector. From this theory, it was deduced that social malaise (hypothesis 1) and religious manipulations (hypothesis 2) mediate the processes and forms of corruption in the construction sector. To validate the hypotheses, a structural equation model (SEM) was developed and tested. Native intelligence, new values, social quests and poverty are the social malaises that are profoundly responsible for corruption manifestations in the construction industry. The findings confirmed that construction stakeholders are heavily influenced financially and spiritually by religious organizations. Construction stakeholders engage in corrupt activities as a result of the ravenousness and self-interest bestowed on them by religious manipulation and the significant contribution of social malaise. The study admits that social engineering is required to integrate local wisdom and values into Nigerian society in order to mitigate the negative consequences of social unrest and religious manipulations. This study has contributed to a branch of the literature on corruption in the construction industry that aims to identify the hidden factors that drive the sector's corruption dynamics. It has shown how many different problems in society and religious beliefs can make building contractors more likely to be dishonest. In order to improve project delivery, this study emphasized the importance of investigating the relationship between religious affiliations, religious doctrines and domination and religious competition on corruption in the construction industry. Following the findings of this study, the majority of construction stakeholders place their trust in unmerited favor, “spirit money,” prosperity gospels and the payment of offerings and “seed money” to win contracts. This implies that construction stakeholders will most likely be deceptive in their dealings, increasing the quantity of certified work, increasing variation claims and engaging in collusion. This is because their faith in inconceivable favors and the exchange of offerings for blessings would lead them to perceive fraudulent practices as a favor. This study is unique in that it sought to determine whether construction stakeholders' corrupt tendencies stem from religious manipulations and complex social systems.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-12
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0295
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Fall-portent detection for construction sites based on computer vision and
           machine learning

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Xiaoyu Liu, Feng Xu, Zhipeng Zhang, Kaiyu Sun
      Abstract: Fall accidents can cause casualties and economic losses in the construction industry. Fall portents, such as loss of balance (LOB) and sudden sways, can result in fatal, nonfatal or attempted fall accidents. All of them are worthy of studying to take measures to prevent future accidents. Detecting fall portents can proactively and comprehensively help managers assess the risk to workers as well as in the construction environment and further prevent fall accidents. This study focused on the postures of workers and aimed to directly detect fall portents using a computer vision (CV)-based noncontact approach. Firstly, a joint coordinate matrix generated from a three-dimensional pose estimation model is employed, and then the matrix is preprocessed by principal component analysis, K-means and pre-experiments. Finally, a modified fusion K-nearest neighbor-based machine learning model is built to fuse information from the x, y and z axes and output the worker's pose status into three stages. The proposed model can output the worker's pose status into three stages (steady–unsteady–fallen) and provide corresponding confidence probabilities for each category. Experiments conducted to evaluate the approach show that the model accuracy reaches 85.02% with threshold-based postprocessing. The proposed fall-portent detection approach can extract the fall risk of workers in the both pre- and post-event phases based on noncontact approach. First, three-dimensional (3D) pose estimation needs sufficient information, which means it may not perform well when applied in complicated environments or when the shooting distance is extremely large. Second, solely focusing on fall-related factors may not be comprehensive enough. Future studies can incorporate the results of this research as an indicator into the risk assessment system to achieve a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation of worker and site risk. The proposed machine learning model determines whether the worker is in a status of steady, unsteady or fallen using a CV-based approach. From the perspective of construction management, when detecting fall-related actions on construction sites, the noncontact approach based on CV has irreplaceable advantages of no interruption to workers and low cost. It can make use of the surveillance cameras on construction sites to recognize both preceding events and happened accidents. The detection of fall portents can help worker risk assessment and safety management. Existing studies using sensor-based approaches are high-cost and invasive for construction workers, and others using CV-based approaches either oversimplify by binary classification of the non-entire fall process or indirectly achieve fall-portent detection. Instead, this study aims to detect fall portents directly by worker's posture and divide the entire fall process into three stages using a CV-based noncontact approach. It can help managers carry out more comprehensive risk assessment and develop preventive measures.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-12
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2023-0458
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • How to mobilize owner-dynamic capabilities in megaprojects' A tripartite
           evolutionary game approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Zidan Tian, Qinghua He, Ting Wang
      Abstract: Currently, many studies have shown an increasing interest in owner-dynamic capabilities (ODCs). Existing studies mainly focus on the dynamic capability basis and capability development within the owner organization, whereas they rarely analyze the capability mobilization within the network of participants in megaprojects. Therefore, this study aims to explain the interaction and evolution of the mobilization strategies of ODCs and the cooperative strategies of other participants. This study develops a tripartite evolutionary game model to analyze the evolutionarily stable strategy of the owner, the reciprocal participants and the general participants. Results are numerically simulated with a validation case. The asymptotic stability of multiple group strategies is discussed under the replicator dynamic system. This study suggests that resource complementarity significantly reduces the difficulty of mobilization. Moreover, these strategies are only effective with sufficient ODCs. The results indicate that reciprocal participants are more sensitive to the change in resource complementarity. This study provides strategic guidance for mobilizing ODCs in megaprojects to better embrace uncertainty and stress, contributing to the dynamic capability literature with an evolutionary game approach. And new insight for the study of reciprocity preference in megaprojects is also provided.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-11
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0323
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • How does top management team regulatory focus influence management
           innovation and performance in megaprojects: the moderating role of
           project uncertainties

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Li Ma, Yongqiang Lu
      Abstract: Existing research on innovation has mainly focused on how to promote technological innovation in megaprojects and management innovation (MI) in megaprojects is still an unknown research field. The purposes of this study are to examine the effect of MI on megaproject performance and how the top management team (TMT) regulatory focus affects the use of MI in projects. At the same time, the moderating effects of project uncertainties are also tested. On the basis of an explorative/exploitative ambidextrous analysis framework, this study divides MI into two dimensions: explorative and exploitative MI, and integrates the theoretical perspectives of the TMT regulatory focus and project uncertainties into a research model. Taking 314 responses from megaprojects’ TMTs in China as research data, this study empirically tests the above model. Results show that exploratory MI has a U-shaped relationship with megaproject performance; whereas exploitative MI has an inverted U-shaped relationship with megaproject performance. The TMT promotion focus has a positive effect on exploratory and exploitative MI; and the TMT prevention focus has a negative effect on exploratory MI but has a positive effect on exploitative MI. Project uncertainties have a positive moderating effect on the positive relationship between TMT promotion focus and exploratory MI, whereas it has a negative moderating effect on the negative relationship between the TMT prevention focus and exploratory MI. By empirically measuring the relationship between two types of MIs and megaproject performance, this study clarifies the differential mechanism of the effect of different MIs on megaproject performance. This study also examines the MI of megaprojects from the perspective of the TMT regulatory focus and expounds how changes in uncertainties affect the relationship between the TMT regulatory focus and MI.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-10
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0159
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • To what extent can smart contracts replace traditional contracts in
           construction project'

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Haizhe Yu, Xiaopeng Deng, Na Zhang
      Abstract: The smart contract provides an opportunity to improve existing contract management practices in the construction projects by replacing traditional contracts. However, translating the contracts into computer languages is considered a major challenge which has not been investigated. Thus, it is necessary to: (1) identify the obstructing clauses in real-world contracts; and (2) analyze the replacement's technical and economic feasibility. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objectives. This study identified the flexibility clauses of traditional contracts and their corresponding functions through inductive content analysis with representative standard contracts as materials. Through a speculative analysis in accordance to design science paradigm and new institutional economics, the economic and technical feasibility of existing approaches, including enumeration method, fuzzy algorithm, rough sets theory, machine learning and artificial intelligence, to transform respective clauses (functions) into executable codes are analyzed. The clauses of semantic flexibility and structural flexibility are identified from the contracts. The transformation of semantic flexibility is economically and/or technically infeasible with existing methods and materials. But with more data as materials and methods of rough sets or machine learning, the transformation can be feasible. The transformation of structural flexibility is technically possible however economically unacceptable. Given smart contracts' inability to provide the required flexibility for construction projects, smart contracts will be more effective in less relational contracts. For construction contracts, the combination of smart contracts and traditional contracts is recommended. In the long run, with the sharing or trading of data in the industry level and the integration of machine learning or artificial intelligence reducing relevant costs, the automation of contract management can be achieved. This study contributes to the understanding of the smart contract's limitations in industry scenarios and its role in construction project management.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-09
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0379
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The impact of autonomy on sustainable performance in foreign subsidiaries:
           an empirical study from Chinese construction industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Junying Liu, Ying Wang, Xueyao Du
      Abstract: Foreign construction subsidiaries play an important role in the global construction market. How to establish and maintain long-term sustainable performance has attracted increased attention, but only a few studies have considered this issue. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between autonomy and the sustainable performance of subsidiaries and to provide support for their management control modes. From an institutional logics perspective, empirical research using a questionnaire survey was conducted following the methodological framework of this study. Relevant data were collected from 106 experienced managers of foreign construction subsidiaries, and the hypotheses were tested through a regression model. The results show that foreign construction subsidiaries have a high degree of operational autonomy, which tends to strengthen their embeddedness in the host country and improve their sustainable performance. However, the role of strategic autonomy is not found to be significant. The moderation results show that the positive impact between operational autonomy and external network embeddedness is strengthened by institutional distance. Institutional distance has no significant moderating impact on the relationship between strategic autonomy and external network embeddedness, respectively. Geographical limitations may exist as the survey is focused on the Chinese construction foreign subsidiaries. However, based on an institutional logics perspective, this study discusses the management control mode of foreign subsidiaries, which enriches the antecedents of sustainable performance and can provide an in-depth explanation of the effects of the organizational strategies of multinational construction enterprises. This study provides beneficial information for the sustainable performance of foreign construction subsidiaries. It will provide detailed guidance to managers located in different institutional environments on optimally promoting the sustainable development of subsidiaries. This study identifies autonomy as an important antecedent, making it one of the first studies investigating autonomy on the sustainable performance of foreign construction subsidiaries. The findings of this study can contribute to the construction subsidiaries' sustainable performance literature and provide novel, comprehensive knowledge for academia and practice.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-06
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0030
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Understanding client satisfaction of prefabricated curtain wall in Hong
           Kong using XGBoost and Pearson correlation

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Tai Wai Kwok, SiWei Chang, Heng Li
      Abstract: The unitized curtain wall system (UCWS), a symbol of modern architecture, is gaining popularity among prefabricated components. Previous studies have focused on both construction technology advances and material selection strategies to facilitate the UCWS. However, the topic of client satisfaction, which drives industry development by targeting clients' demands, has gone unnoticed. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate client satisfaction with UCWS products in Hong Kong by finding its influential factors. A systematic review was employed to first identify the influential factors. A semi-structured interview was employed to validate the reliability of the extracted factors. The machine learning algorithm Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and the Pearson correlation were then employed to rank the importance and correlation of factors based on the 1–5 Likert scale scores obtained through a questionnaire survey. The findings revealed that “reduction in construction time” and “reduction in construction waste” are the most important factors and have a strong positive influence on client satisfaction. Unlike previous studies, the present study focused on a novel research topic and introduces an objective analysis process using machine learning algorithms. The findings contribute to narrowing the knowledge gap regarding client preference for UCWS products from both individual and collaborative perspectives, providing decision-makers with an objective, quantitative and thorough reference before making investments in the curtain wall management development.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-10-06
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0276
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The effect of emotional intelligence, motivation and job burnout on safety
           behaviors of construction workers: a case study

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Parviz Ghoddousi, Ali Zamani
      Abstract: Given the cruciality of construction workers' safe behaviors, the possible influential factors on workers' behaviors should be studied, and one of these factors is characteristics. The authors identified emotional intelligence (EI), motivation and job burnout as characteristics that might affect a worker's safety behavior, and the aim of this study is to investigate these possible relationships. Workers' EI, motivation and job burnout status were assessed by a structured interview. Furthermore, workers' safety behaviors were assessed by a checklist derived from national codes, regulations and other research studies. Then, the researcher's observations took place, and the data were acquired. EI and motivation of workers were able to predict safety behaviors, and the effect of job burnout on safety behaviors was not significant. In addition, motivation's influence on job burnout was not significant. Therefore, in order to promote safety behaviors, the EI and motivation of workers need to be taken into consideration. The results indicate why construction managers should consider the workers' EI and motivation competencies and how this consideration could lead to safer and better performance in construction projects. The possible effects of EI, motivation and job burnout on the safety behaviors of construction workers haven't been paid enough attention. Moreover, the authors couldn't find a study similar to the present one that was conducted in Iran. Also, an original model was presented, and safety behaviors were studied through fieldwork rather than using questionnaires.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-29
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0083
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Optimizing the distribution of outcomes across multiple levels of
           subcontracting in construction projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: S. Mahdi Hosseinian, Amirhomayoun Jaberi
      Abstract: Although outcome sharing in construction is a well-established concept in the literature, there is still an ongoing debate on the most effective approach for distributing project outcomes between an owner and downstream contracting parties (DCPs). To address this issue, this paper aims to investigate an optimal framework for distributing project outcomes among various levels of subcontracting in construction projects. The framework includes contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and other related parties. To formulate the optimization problem, the principal–agent model is utilized. The theoretical development is validated through an experiment conducted with employees from road construction companies. When distributing outcomes among various levels of subcontracting, the sharing should be determined by their contribution to the outcome, effort costs, level of outcome uncertainty and risk preference. This paper expands on the existing principal–agent theory by incorporating multiple levels of agents, transforming the conventional view of outcome sharing among downstream subcontracting levels into testable hypotheses and well-defined concepts. The paper has practical implications for industry practitioners seeking to effectively allocate benefits and costs throughout a project's subcontracting chain.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-29
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2023-0439
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Assessment of the impacts of the life cycle of construction waste on human
           health: lessons from developing countries

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Li Wang, Yanhong Lv, Tao Wang, Shuting Wan, Yanling Ye
      Abstract: The purpose of this research is to address the existing gap in the study of construction and demolition waste (C&DW) by focusing on its impact on human health throughout the entire life cycle. And this research provides a comprehensive assessment model that incorporates the release of gaseous pollutants and particulate matter during the whole life cycle of C&DW, thereby contributing to a more holistic understanding of its impact on human health. The research was conducted in two stages. Firstly, the quantitative model framework of pollutants emitted by C&DW was established. Three types of pollutants were considered, namely nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and inhalable particulate matter (PM10). Second, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) and willingness to pay (WTP) assessments were used to provide a monetary quantified health impact for pollutants released by C&DW. The results show that the WTP value of PM10 is the highest among all pollutants and 8.68E+07 dollars/a, while the WTP value in the disposal stage accounts for the largest proportion compared to the generation and transportation stage. These findings emphasize the importance of PM10 and C&DW treatment stage for pollutant treatment. The results of this study are of great significance for the management department to optimize the construction management scheme to reduce the total amount of pollutants produced by C&DW and its harm to human health. Meanwhile, this study fills the gap in existing research on the impact assessment of C&DW on human health throughout the whole life cycle, and provides reference and basis for future research and policy formulation.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-29
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2023-0610
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Exploring factors influencing knowledge sharing in mobile social media
           groups within construction project teams

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Jianyao Jia, Ming Wu, Bon-Gang Hwang
      Abstract: Although previous research has recognized the pivotal role of mobile social media in knowledge sharing among project members, little is known about what factors affect knowledge sharing in mobile social media groups (MSMGs). Against this background, using normative social influence theory, this study attempts to explore factors influencing knowledge sharing in MSMGs. Data from 205 Chinese construction project members are collected and used for analysis. Ordinary least squares regression by Stata 16 is used to test the proposed hypotheses. Concerning role norms, gender difference in knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) is found, while it is not the case for knowledge quality (KQ). Work experience is found to positively affect KQ, but shows no influence on KSB. As for group norms, the inverted-U relationship between number of members and KSB is partially supported. In addition, organizational norms generally exhibit the greatest influence on both KSB and KQ among the three forms of norms. This study deepens the understanding of knowledge sharing factors in mobile social media environments and affords practical implications for how to make full use of social media for knowledge management within construction project teams.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-26
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2023-0533
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Regulatory strategies of water environment treatment PPP projects
           operation

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Lunyan Wang, Mengyu Tao, Xiaowei An, Guanghua Dong, Yehui Huang, Haoyu Wang
      Abstract: The operation of water environment treatment Public-Private Partnership projects (WETP-PPP) is crucial to the project effectiveness. However, there are often problems in projects that attach importance to construction and neglect operation management, which seriously affect the project operation effect. To ensure the good operation effect of the WETP-PPP, an evolutionary game model of the regulation strategy during the operation period of WETP-PPP is constructed. An evolutionary game model of regulation is established which considers the government, the project company and the public in water environment treatment Public-Private Partnership projects (WETP-PPP). Five scenarios of equilibriums and the game's evolutionary stable strategies are analyzed, and the corresponding stability conditions are then obtained. Finally, through the simulation, the influence of different factors on the choice of the three-party strategy is analyzed. First, the key factors that affect the evolution game are the regulation costs and performance rewards of the government, the project company's operation costs and penalties for opportunism and the public supervision costs and rewards. Second, in order to ensure the operation effect, the government needs the performance incentive from the superior government. Third, the public's supervision enthusiasm needs to be mobilized by the government. Last, the penalty strength of speculative operation should be strong enough to play a deterrent role. The theoretical research in this paper has some limitations. Initially, due to the large number of participants in WETP-PPP, in addition to the government department, the project company and the public studied in this paper, it also involves the consulting industry and financial institutions. In the future, more participants can be added to form four-party interest relationships and conduct four-party evolutionary game research. Second, the operation environment of WETP-PPP is complex and changeable, and various influencing factors are intertwined, the number of parameters involved in this paper is limited, and further detailed research is needed in the future. Based on the evolutionary game theory, this article discusses the evolution law of the tripartite game behavior of the government department, the project company and the public, which is helpful to clarify the strategy evolution path of the tripartite in the WETP-PPP, and the generation condition and evolution mechanism of the equilibrium strategy of the tripartite game. The key parameters affecting the tripartite strategy selection are analyzed through simulation, which can provide reference for the government department to formulate relevant measures. At the same time, it broadens the application field of evolutionary games and supplements the research on the management mechanism of WETP-PPP during the operation period. Based on the evolutionary game theory, this paper introduces the supervision behavior of the public, which can provide a new perspective for researchers to conduct relevant research. Secondly, for the regulation during the operation of WETP-PPP, this paper can provide reference for the government department to establish a scientific public supervision system, improve the government supervision mechanism and other relevant measures, which can help promote the public supervision willingness, improve the regulation efficiency of the government and guide the project company to reduce speculation, so as to ensure the effect of water environment management. This paper focuses on the regulation of WETP-PPP during the operation period to research interactions among the government, the project company and the public. Based on the analysis of the evolutionary game, some suggestions are put forward, such as perfecting the government regulation mechanism, optimizing the reward and punishment system for the project company and broadening the channels of public supervision. The research results of this paper can provide support for the government's regulation of WETP-PPP and ensure the project operation effect.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-26
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0225
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The value of voluntary participation in construction dispute mediation

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Nan Cao, Sai On Cheung
      Abstract: Voluntary participation (VP) has been identified as one of the characterizing features of mediation. This study aims to examine the value of VP in construction dispute mediation from two perspectives. Firstly, is VP a prerequisite of successful construction mediation. Secondly, does power asymmetry (PA) between the contracting parties marginalize the value of VP in fostering the use of mediation to resolve construction disputes. Constructs of VP, PA and prerequisites of successful mediation were first developed. Principal component factor analysis was performed on data collected from the construction dispute resolution community to explore the underlying structure of the constructs. The relationships between the constructs were tested by structural equation modelling. VP is found to be an important attribute of successful mediation. PA is also found to be inherent in construction contracting. This study identified three forms of PA: Resource, Information and Expectation. Moreover, this study found no conclusive empirical evidence to support that PA would marginalize the value of VP in fostering an attempt to construction dispute mediation. It is suggested that VP shall remain one of characterizing features of mediation. The users, mediators and the judiciary should be aware of the importance of VP in mediation, irrespective of the use of mediation is contractual or court-encouraged. Although the presence of PA between the disputing parties, through participating voluntarily and ensuring the mediation process is flexible and fair, the chance of achieving a settlement would be enhanced. VP has been viewed as one of the fundamentals of mediation. This study empirically supported this design concept. Furthermore, PA in construction contracting can be expressed as disparities in resource, information and expectation. Their existence presents no significant barrier to attempt of mediation. The flexible approach of mediation has been instrumental in overcoming the paradox between VP and PA. This study affirms the positive value of VP in fostering the use of construction dispute mediation.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-26
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1070
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Exploring the impact of policy interventions on project performance
           through a PSM-DID approach: evidence from the Hong Kong construction
           industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Xiaoying Li, Xiujuan Jin, Heng Li, Lulu Gong, Deyang Zhou
      Abstract: Considering the substantial benefits derived from the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction projects, governments and its related sectors have introduced mandatory policies requiring the use of BIM. However, little is known about the impact of mandatory policies on BIM-based project performance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a systematical understanding on the impact of policy interventions on the implementation practice of innovative technologies. This paper utilizes the propensity score matching and difference in differences (PSM-DID) method to investigate the impact of policy interventions on BIM-based project performance. Using the panel data collected from 2015 to 2021 in the Hong Kong construction industry, this paper explores the impact of the first mandatory BIM policy on the BIM-based project performance of three key stakeholders. The subjective BIM performance and BIM return on investment (ROI) have significantly improved after implementing the mandatory BIM policy. The promotion effect of mandatory BIM policy on BIM-based project performance gradually increases over time. Moreover, the promotion effect of mandatory BIM policy on BIM performance shows significant heterogeneity for different stakeholders and organizations of different sizes. This study examined the impact of policy interventions on BIM-based project performance. The research findings can provide a holistic understanding of the potential implications of innovative mandatory policy in performance improvement and offer some constructive suggestions to policymakers and industry practitioners to promote the penetration of BIM in the construction industry.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-19
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0119
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • How did polycentric spatial structure affect carbon emissions of the
           construction industry' A case study of 10 Chinese urban clusters

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Yousong Wang, Guolin Shi, Yangbing Zhang
      Abstract: Due to the close connection between urban cluster and carbon emissions (CEs) but a lack of study on it of the construction industry, this paper aims to explore the relationship between the polycentric spatial structure (PSS) of the urban clusters and CEs of the construction industry (CECI). This research uses panel data of 10 Chinese urban clusters from 2006–2021, calculates their PSSs in the aspects of economy and employment and adopts a panel regression model to explore the effect of the spatiotemporal characteristics of the PSSs on the CECI. First, the CECI in 10 Chinese urban clusters showed a rising trend in general, and the CECI in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) was much higher than those in the rest of urban clusters. Second, both Shandong Peninsula (SP) and Guangdong-Fujian-Zhejiang (GFZ) exhibited high degrees of polycentric characteristics, while Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) showed weaker degrees. Third, the results demonstrated that the polycentric development of urban clusters did not help reduce the CECI but rather promote the CE. The polycentric index, considering the linear distance from the main center to sub center, had a more significant impact on the CECI. Previous studies have investigated the impact of urban spatial structure (USS) on CEs; however, few of them have studied in the field of construction industry. Moreover, most research of CEs have concentrated at the national and provincial levels, with fewer studies on urban clusters. This paper contributes to this knowledge by investigating how the PSS of urban cluster influence the CECI.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-18
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2023-0640
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Stakeholder views of prevalent unethical practices in the Ghanaian
           construction industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: George Harrison Coffie, Divine Tuinese Novieto, Jonas Ekow Yankah
      Abstract: This study aims to investigate stakeholders' perception of the most prevalent unethical practices in the Ghanaian construction industry. Data used for this study came from a cross-sectional survey (questionnaire), which was administered to 273 stakeholders in the construction industry using convenience sampling technique. The data were analyzed using statistical software package SPSSv17 to determine the most prevalent unethical practices. The ranking factor was calculated based on relative importance index (RII) value. The results of this study reveal that corruption was perceived by major stakeholders as the most prevalent unethical behavior (RII = 0.82) followed by bribery (RII = 0.79). Political interference and kickback came third (RII = 0.77) and fourth (RII = 0.74), respectively. However, the least prevalent unethical behaviors were extortion (RII = 0.56), workplace violence (RII = 0.57), alcohol abuse (RII = 0.59) and harassment (RII = 0.59). The findings suggest that when the various groupings were taken into consideration separately, the differences in their perceptions were obvious. Data for this study were collected from construction stakeholders in Ghana who were conveniently sampled. As a result, in reference to the sampling framework which focused on major stakeholders in only two regions of Ghana does not sufficiently ensure full generalization of the results. The findings of the study provide significant information for construction organizations and practitioners regarding unethical practices, which are most prevalent in the Ghanaian construction industry. Construction organizations and practitioners seeking to mitigate the negative effect of unethical practices on their performance should focus on educating construction workers on how to avoid corrupt practices and report same to the authorities. Also, ethics training programs must be instituted for staff coupled with constant and random inspection and checking of ethical compliance, verbal promotion and praise for ethical conduct and in some cases increase in employees pay. This paper is one of the first to have accessed the views of broader stakeholders, i.e. consultants, contractors, professionals, suppliers, regulators, clients and construction workers in the construction industry regarding the most prevalent unethical practices in the Ghanaian construction industry in one study. This study, therefore, enriches the current literature by providing additional dimension to the understanding of unethical practices in the Ghanaian construction industry.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-15
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0272
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Shaping online and offline informal learning networks in off-site
           construction projects: a proximity perspective

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Kangning Liu, Bon-Gang Hwang, Jianyao Jia, Qingpeng Man, Shoujian Zhang
      Abstract: Informal learning networks are critical to response to calls for practitioners to reskill and upskill in off-site construction projects. With the transition to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social media-enabled online knowledge communities play an increasingly important role in acquiring and disseminating off-site construction knowledge. Proximity has been identified as a key factor in facilitating interactive learning, yet which type of proximity is effective in promoting online and offline knowledge exchange remains unclear. This study takes a relational view to explore the proximity-related antecedents of online and offline learning networks in off-site construction projects, while also examining the subtle differences in the networks' structural patterns. Five types of proximity (physical, organizational, social, cognitive and personal) between projects members are conceptualized in the theoretical model. Drawing on social foci theory and homophily theory, the research hypotheses are proposed. To test these hypotheses, empirical case studies were conducted on two off-site construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Valid relational data provided by 99 and 145 project members were collected using semi-structured interviews and sociometric questionnaires. Subsequently, multivariate exponential random graph models were developed. The results show a discrepancy arise in the structural patterns between online and offline learning networks. Offline learning is found to be more strongly influenced by proximity factors than online learning. Specifically, physical, organizational and social proximity are found to be significant predictors of offline knowledge exchange. Cognitive proximity has a negative relationship with offline knowledge exchange but is positively related to online knowledge exchange. Regarding personal proximity, the study found that the homophily effect of hierarchical status merely emerges in offline learning networks. Online knowledge communities amplify the receiver effect of tenure. Furthermore, there appears to be a complementary relationship between online and offline learning networks. Proximity offers a novel relational perspective for understanding the formation of knowledge exchange connections. This study enriches the literature on informal learning within project teams by revealing how different types of proximity shape learning networks across different channels in off-site construction projects.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-14
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0901
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Exploring mega-construction project success in China's vaunted Belt and
           Road Initiative: the role of paternalistic leadership, team members' voice
           and team resilience

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Gong Yunpeng, Umer Zaman
      Abstract: The traditional Chinese culture has always emphasized the authority of leaders and their “top-down” influence over subordinates tangled with “bottom-up” management. Paternalistic leadership can both nurture and restrict growth in mega-construction projects, due to the unique consequences (i.e. positive vs negative implications) for project teams. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the impact of paternalistic leadership (PL), team members’ voice (TMV) and team resilience (TR) on the mega-construction project success (MPS) in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A surveyed-based sample of project professionals (N = 563) directly linked with the BRI was employed for statistical estimations with partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM). Paternalistic leadership styles, including authoritarian leadership (AL), moral leadership (ML) and benevolent leadership (BL), significantly influence the mega-construction project success in BRI. The findings empirically validated that both BL and ML increase the likelihood of mega-construction project success. However, AL could impose a threat through its underlying negative influence. In addition, leaders with benevolence and morality have a positive influence on TMV and TR, while leaders with authoritarianism signal a negative impact. Furthermore, both TMV and TR significantly and positively mediate the relationships between AL-MPS (Model-1), BL-MPS (Model-2) and ML-MPS (Model-3), respectively. The present study is a groundbreaking endeavor that fills a crucial research gap by investigating mega-construction project success in the BRI through paternalistic leadership, project team members' voice and team resilience in a multi-mediation model. These novel findings offer valuable strategic insights for managing mega-construction projects in countries with paternalistic solid cultural foundations, enabling project managers to navigate cultural nuances and optimize megaproject outcomes.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-14
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1201
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A practical approach of partial striking technique in high-rise buildings

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Arti Sahu, S. Shanmugapriya
      Abstract: This research proposes a viable method of slab and shore load computation for the partial striking technique utilized in high-rise construction projects to optimize the use of horizontal formwork. The proposed Partial Striking Simplified Method (PSSM) is designed to be utilized by industry practitioners to schedule the construction operations of casting floors in order to control the formwork costs incurred throughout the completion of a project. The article presents the PSSM for calculating slab and shore loads in multi-story building construction. It introduces the concept of “clearing before striking,” where shore supports are partially removed after a few days of pouring fresh concrete. The PSSM procedure is validated through numerical analysis and compared to other simplified approaches. Additionally, a user-friendly Python program based on the PSSM procedure is developed to explore the capability of the PSSM procedure and is used to study the variations in slab load, shoring level, concrete grade and cycle time. The study successfully developed a more efficient and reliable method for estimating the loads on shores and slabs using partial striking techniques for multi-story building construction. Compared to other simplified approaches, the PSSM procedure is simpler and more precise, as demonstrated through numerical analysis. The mean of shore and slab load ratios are 1.08 and 1.07, respectively, which seems to have a slight standard deviation of 0.29 and 0.21 with 3D numerical analysis. The Python program developed for load estimation is effective in exploring the capability of the proposed PSSM procedure. The Python program's ability to identify the floor under maximum load and determine the specific construction stage provides valuable insights for multi-story construction, enabling informed decision-making and optimization of construction methods. High-rise construction in Indian cities is booming, though this trend is not shared by all the country's major metropolitan areas. The growing construction sector in urban cities demands rapid construction for efficient utilization of formwork to control the construction costs of project. The proposed procedure is the best option to optimize the formwork construction cost, construction cycle time, the suitable formwork system with optimum cost, concrete grade for the adopted level of shoring in partaking and many more. The proposed PSSM reduces the calculation complexity of the existing simplified method. This is done by considering the identical slab stiffness and identical shore layout for uniform load distribution throughout the structure. This procedure utilizes a two-step load distribution calculation for clearing phase. Initially, the 66% prop load of highest floor level is distributed uniformly over the lower interconnected slabs. In the second step, the total prop load is removed equally from all slabs below it. This makes the load distribution user-friendly for the industry expert.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-13
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1112
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Modeling antecedents of safety compliance of construction workers in
           Australia: a perspective of trait activation theory

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Diya Yan, Xianbo Zhao, Pushpitha Kalutara, Zhou Jiang
      Abstract: Construction workers’ safety compliance is attracting considerable critical attention as it plays a decisive role in improving safety on construction sites. This study applied the concept of differentiating safety compliance into deep compliance (DC) and surface compliance (SC) and relied on trait activation theory to investigate the effects of situational awareness (SA) and emotional intelligence (EI) on safety compliance. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 239 construction workers in Australia, and these responses were statistically analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate the proposed model. Results revealed that both EI and SA positively impacted DC and negatively impacted SC. Moreover, SA partially mediated the link between EI and two types of safety compliance (DC and SC). The outcomes showed that construction workers’ ability in regulating their emotions could influence their perception of environmental cues and the effectiveness of safety compliance behavior. This study sheds light on investigating the antecedents of DC and SC from the perspective of trait activation theory. The findings also have practical implications, stating that construction site managers or safety professionals should consider providing training on construction workers’ EI and SA to enhance their willingness to expend conscious efforts in complying with safety rules and procedures, which can lead to improved safety outcomes.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-12
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0829
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Construction and application of knowledge graph for construction
           accidents based on deep learning

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Wenjing Wu, Caifeng Wen, Qi Yuan, Qiulan Chen, Yunzhong Cao
      Abstract: Learning from safety accidents and sharing safety knowledge has become an important part of accident prevention and improving construction safety management. Considering the difficulty of reusing unstructured data in the construction industry, the knowledge in it is difficult to be used directly for safety analysis. The purpose of this paper is to explore the construction of construction safety knowledge representation model and safety accident graph through deep learning methods, extract construction safety knowledge entities through BERT-BiLSTM-CRF model and propose a data management model of data–knowledge–services. The ontology model of knowledge representation of construction safety accidents is constructed by integrating entity relation and logic evolution. Then, the database of safety incidents in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is established based on the collected construction safety incident reports and related dispute cases. The construction method of construction safety accident knowledge graph is studied, and the precision of BERT-BiLSTM-CRF algorithm in information extraction is verified through comparative experiments. Finally, a safety accident report is used as an example to construct the AEC domain construction safety accident knowledge graph (AEC-KG), which provides visual query knowledge service and verifies the operability of knowledge management. The experimental results show that the combined BERT-BiLSTM-CRF algorithm has a precision of 84.52%, a recall of 92.35%, and an F1 value of 88.26% in named entity recognition from the AEC domain database. The construction safety knowledge representation model and safety incident knowledge graph realize knowledge visualization. The proposed framework provides a new knowledge management approach to improve the safety management of practitioners and also enriches the application scenarios of knowledge graph. On the one hand, it innovatively proposes a data application method and knowledge management method of safety accident report that integrates entity relationship and matter evolution logic. On the other hand, the legal adjudication dimension is innovatively added to the knowledge graph in the construction safety field as the basis for the postincident disposal measures of safety accidents, which provides reference for safety managers' decision-making in all aspects.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-12
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0255
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Influence of augmented reality and virtual reality on real estate
           investment decisions: understand consumer perspective in Indian AEC
           industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Shumank Deep, Sushant Vishnoi, Radhika Malhotra, Smriti Mathur, Hrishikesh Yawale, Amit Kumar, Anju Singla
      Abstract: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies possess the potential to transform the scenario of making real estate investment decisions through the immersive experience they offer. From the literature it was observed that the research in this domain is still emergent and there is a need to identify the latent variables that influence real estate investment decisions. Therefore, by examining the effects of these technologies on investment decision-making, the purpose of the study is to provide valuable insights into how AR and VR could be applied to enhance customers' property buying experiences and assist in their decision-making process. From an extensive review of the literature four latent variables and their measure were identified, and based on these a survey instrument was developed. The survey was distributed online and received 300 responses from the respondents including home buyers, developers, AEC professionals and real estate agents. To validate the latent variables exploratory factor analysis was used whereas to establish their criticality second-order confirmatory factor analysis was used. From the results, the four latent constructs were identified based on standard factor loadings (SFL) that is Confident Value Perception (CVP, SFL = 0.70), Innovative Investment Appeal (IIA, SFL = 0.60), Trusted Property Transactions (TPT, SFL = 0.58) and Effortless Property Engagement (EPE, SFL = 0.54), that significantly influence investor decision-making and property purchase experience. This study contributes to the literature on real estate investment decisions by providing empirical evidence on the role of AR and VR technologies. The identified key variables provided practical guidelines for developers, investors and policymakers in understanding and leveraging the potential of AR and VR technologies in the real estate industry.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-12
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0327
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Understanding the effects of service innovation capability on firm
           performance in AEC industry: mediating role of business model

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Xiaoying Tang, Mengjun Wang, Hui Li
      Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine whether service innovation capability can affect firm performance in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) context, and, if so, how. This study developed a theoretical framework illustrating the performance impacts of service innovation capability through the business model in the AEC sector. An empirical study was conducted to test the hypotheses using 374 valid questionnaires using structure equation model (SEM). The results verify that service innovation capability positively influences firm performance mediated by the business model. As to the direct effect, service innovation capability is positively associated with firm performance. This study highlights how service innovation capability affects performance and reveals the underlying mechanism.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-12
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0573
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Critical factors influencing the adoption of building information
           modelling (BIM) using technological adoption framework and structural
           equation modelling

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Chee Fui Wong, See Hung Lau, Ooi Kuan Tan, Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap
      Abstract: This paper studies the critical factors from the perspectives of technological quality, personal compatibility and organisational commitment using the technological adoption framework (TAF). The proposed TAF studies the critical factors that influence the intention to use building information modelling (BIM) taking into consideration of the “Perceived Ease of Use (PEU)” and “Perceive Usefulness (PU).” The proposed study is a quantitative research study using the TAF model and the statistical analysis using “Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).” The questionnaires are developed based on the literature review study and disseminated to the stakeholders in the Malaysian construction industry, including consultants, contractors, and clients. The data collected are analysed using PLS-SEM to identify the correlation between the critical factors influencing BIM adoption and the moderation influence of the PEU and PU towards the “Intention to Use (IU)” BIM. The data collected from 185 construction industry stakeholders in Malaysia was utilised to develop the structural equation model. The measurement model was analysed in terms of composite reliability, discriminant validity, and collinearity issues. Subsequently, the SEM is analysed, and the findings on the hypothesis on the correlation between the critical factors and the intention to use BIM are examined. The study also examines the mediation effects of the PEU and PU towards the BIM adoption in the Malaysian construction industry. This research conceptual framework, TAF, is derived from the integration of the existing underpinning theories of the technological adoption model and the technology–organisation–environment framework. This new TAF can be used for the study of new technology adoption. This cross-sectional research study is in line with the “Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan” in Malaysia to establish the current BIM adoption scenario and formulate the framework to promote incentives to promote BIM adoption.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-11
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2023-0637
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Identifying the stressors hindering performance in the Indian construction
           industry: an empirical investigation

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Noopur
      Abstract: This study attempts to analyse and rank the impact of work-related issues arising within the Indian construction industry in the context of the existing pandemic. Furthermore, this is the first attempt to provide strategies to overcome issues among a workforce that is highly contractual in nature and is currently witnessing the uncertainties of the pandemic's aftermath. To the best of the author's knowledge, few studies have highlighted the combined analysis of job insecurity, psychological stress and emotional exhaustion in the Indian construction industry. The “Best Worst Methodology” (BWM) has been used in this study to analyse and rank the key factors that eliminate negative characteristics among contractual construction employees. The BWM, outlined by Rezaei (2015, 2016), is a popular “multi-criteria decision analysis technique” due to its advantage of consistent results and lesser pairwise data requirements. The study identified and ranked the socioeconomic impact of the three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic on construction sector employees in the Indian subcontinent. The results indicate that job insecurity has the most prominent impact, which ultimately produces psychological stress and emotional exhaustion among employees. To achieve the objective of identifying and prioritising the criteria of adverse socioeconomic impacts during the pandemic and outlining plans of action for the construction industry, ten experts (civil engineers/managers) from ten different construction projects were involved in a mixed-method case study, which has never been explored in the Indian construction sector.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-08
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0426
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Solution of discrete time–cost trade-off problem with adaptive
           search domain

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Önder Halis Bettemir, M. Talat Birgonul
      Abstract: Exact solution of time–cost trade-off problem (TCTP) by the state-of-the-art meta-heuristic algorithms can be obtained for small- and medium-scale problems, while satisfactory results cannot be obtained for large construction projects. In this study, a hybrid heuristic meta-heuristic algorithm that adapts the search domain is developed to solve the large-scale discrete TCTP more efficiently. Minimum cost slope–based heuristic network analysis algorithm (NAA), which eliminates the unfeasible search domain, is embedded into differential evolution meta-heuristic algorithm. Heuristic NAA narrows the search domain at the initial phase of the optimization. Moreover, activities with float durations higher than the predetermined threshold value are eliminated and then the meta-heuristic algorithm starts and searches the global optimum through the narrowed search space. However, narrowing the search space may increase the probability of obtaining a local optimum. Therefore, adaptive search domain approach is employed to make reintroduction of the eliminated activities to the design variable set possible, which reduces the possibility of converging into local minima. The developed algorithm is compared with plain meta-heuristic algorithm with two separate analyses. In the first analysis, both algorithms have the same computational demand, and in the latter analysis, the meta-heuristic algorithm has fivefold computational demand. The tests on case study problems reveal that the developed algorithm presents lower total project costs according to the dependent t-test for paired samples with α = 0.0005. In this study, TCTP is solved without considering quality or restrictions on the resources. The proposed method enables to adapt the number of parameters, that is, the search domain and provides the opportunity of obtaining significant improvements on the meta-heuristic algorithms for other engineering optimization problems, which is the theoretical contribution of this study. The proposed approach reduces the total construction cost of the large-scale projects, which can be the practical benefit of this study.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-08
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0601
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Collaborative networks between contractors and subcontractors
           for infrastructure development: a comparative study of national quality
           award projects in China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Haiyi Zong, Guangbin Wang, Dongping Cao
      Abstract: As the foundation of social and economic development, infrastructure development projects are characterized by large initial investment, high technical requirements and thus generally delivered through complex contractor–subcontractor collaboration chains. This study aims to characterize the complexity of collaborative networks between contractors and subcontractors for infrastructure development through comparing the structural characteristics and the formation mechanisms of contractor–subcontractor collaborative networks for the following two different types of infrastructure: public works (PWCN) owned and operated by government agencies, and public utilities (PUCN) owned and operated by nongovernment agencies. Based on the method of stochastic actor-oriented models and the longitudinal dataset of National Quality Award Projects in China during 2001–2020, this study compares how the structural characteristics of project-based collaborative networks between contractors and subcontractors for the two types of projects are different and how related micro-mechanisms, including both structure-based endogenous network effects and attribute-based exogenous homophily effects (institutional, organizational and geographical homophily), collectively underpin the formation of the networks. The empirical results provide evidence that while the two networks are both characterized by relatively low levels of network density, PWCN is more globally connected around a minority of superconnected contractors as compared with PUCN. The results further reveal that compared with PUCN, the formation of PWCN is more significantly related to the structure-based anti in-isolates effect, suggesting that PWCN is more open for new entrant subcontractors. With regard to the attribute-based homophily effects, the results provide evidence that while both significantly and positively related to the effects of organizational (same company group) and geographical homophily (same location), the formation of PWCN and PUCN is oppositely driven by the institutional homophily effect (same ownership type). As an exploratory effort of using network perspective to investigate the formation mechanisms of contractor–subcontractor relationships in the infrastructure development domain, this study contributes to a network and self-organizing system view of how contractors select subcontractors in different types of infrastructure projects. The study also provides insights into how contractor–subcontractor collaborative relationships can be better manipulated to promote the development of complex infrastructure in different contexts.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-07
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0442
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Appraising alternative building technologies adoption in low-cost housing
           provision to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan
      Abstract: Though alternative building technologies (ABTs) have been encouraged to address accessible and affordable issues in low-cost housing (LCH) provision, their adoption is still overwhelmed with encumbrances. The encumbrances that hinder ABT adoption require an in-depth study, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. However, studies regarding ABT and its role in improving Nigeria's LCH to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 are scarce. This research investigates encumbrances to ABT adoption in Nigeria's LCH provision and suggests feasible measures to prevent or reduce the encumbrances, thereby improving achieving SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). This research utilised qualitative research and adopted a face-to-face interview as the primary data collection. The interviewees comprised ABT practitioners and end users in Nigeria who were chosen by a convenient sampling technique. The study's data were analysed manually through a thematic approach. This study shows that stakeholders should embrace ABT in LCH provision to improve achieving SDG 11 in Nigeria. Also, it clustered the perceived 20 encumbrances to ABT adoption in LCH provision into government/policymaker, housing developers/building contractors, ABT users and ABT manufacturers-related issues in Nigeria's context. This study suggested mechanisms to mitigate encumbrances to ABT adoption in LCH provision, thereby improving achieving SDG 11. This research adds to the limited literature by analysing ABT adoption encumbrances in Nigeria's LCH provision, which could assist policy formulation for the uptake of ABT in LCH provision and improve achieving Goal 11.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-09-05
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2023-0538
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Towards a complex push-to-pull dynamics in circular construction supply
           chains: a systematic literature review

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Mohamed Abadi, Jieling Huang, Jillian Yeow, Saeed Reza Mohandes, Lihong Zhang
      Abstract: The development of circular construction supply chains (CCSCs) is impeded by various barriers, but the current literature overlooks the interrelationships among these barriers and the varying nature of associated countermeasures with the growth of circular economy (CE). This paper aims to develop new perspectives about the transition to CCSCs through the lens of supply-push (SP)/demand-pull (DP) strategies and related underpinning theories. A systematic literature review including 136 journal articles was undertaken to identify barriers to CCSCs and associated countermeasures that are analysed for their relevance to SP/DP. The interplay between SP/DP approaches was discussed using the “technology acceptance” and “innovation chain” models. (1) Thirty-five barriers were identified and organised into nine main barrier factors; (2) the predominant factors are knowledge and awareness, policy and regulations, technological capabilities, and incentives; (3) CCSCs transition is SP-configured primarily driven by actors above the project network; (4) “push” measures are devised to gradually create a “pull” environment and can be revoked when demand for circularity is created, suggesting a new “push-to-pull” perspective of CCSCs; and (5) a complex adaptative system is witnessed in relationships between barriers and countermeasures, and interactions among actors at all levels. The findings offer practitioners countermeasures to barriers encountered in CE initiatives. It also informs policymakers of adjusting policies to accommodate the SP-DP movement in steering the circular transition. This study uses theoretical models to interpret the dynamics in CCSCs transition and proposes a new definition of CCSCs highlighting their complex and dual transitional/transformational nature.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-31
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0294
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Enhancing the adoption of building information modeling in the Iranian AEC
           sector: insights from a Delphi study

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Nazanin Hatami, Ali Rashidi
      Abstract: Architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) is an important industry worldwide and one of the largest economic sectors in several developing countries, particularly in Iran. The Iranian AEC sector suffers from low productivity and needs to adopt building information modeling (BIM) to reduce inefficiencies. Therefore, this paper was conducted to identify the BIM barriers and propose practical solutions to overcome them in Iran. A comprehensive literature review, two rounds of the Delphi technique and semi-structured interviews with 12 Iranian experts in the AEC sector were conducted. The data were analyzed using the mean score, standard deviation and nonparametric tests. The present study identified 26 BIM barriers in the Iranian AEC community and provided practical strategies for improving BIM adoption. The identified barriers were categorized into six main groups including source barriers, financial barriers, unawareness barriers, organizational barriers, regulatory barriers and market-demand barriers. The main three BIM barriers in Iran were the lack of government intervention, change-resistant and the gap between industry and academia. Kruskal–Wallis tests revealed that there are no statistically significant differences in perceptions of BIM barriers between respondents. The Mann–Whitney test indicated that there is no statistically significant difference in perceptions between engineers and architects except for one. There are few studies on BIM adoption across developing countries, particularly in Iran. Moreover, the results can also be used in other developing nations with similar conditions.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-30
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0335
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Identification and analysis of communication barriers for construction
           projects with time uncertainties

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Haiyan Xie, Ying Hong, Mengyang Xin, Ioannis Brilakis, Owen Shi
      Abstract: The purpose of this study is to improve communication success through barrier identification and analysis so that the identified barriers can help project teams establish effective information-exchange strategies. The recent publications on construction communication about time management are reviewed. Then, the semi-structured interviews are performed with both questionnaires and audio recordings (n1 = 18). Next, the collected data are analyzed using both statistical measures on the questionnaire survey and qualitative coding analysis on the text transcripts from an audio recording. Particularly, the identified barriers are substantiated using a scientometrics approach based on the published articles (2011–2020, n2 = 52,915) for purposeful information-sharing solutions in construction time management. Furthermore, the intervention strategies from the top 10 most-cited articles are analyzed and validated by comparisons with the results from construction surveys and relevant studies. Based on the discussed communication difficulties, five main barriers were identified during time-cost risk management: probability and statistical concepts, availability of data from external resources, details of team member experiences, graphics (and graphical presentation skills), and spatial and temporal (a.k.a. 4D) simulation skills. For the improvement of communication skills and presentation quality regarding probability and statistical concepts, project teams should emphasize context awareness, case studies and group discussions. Details of communication techniques can be adjusted based on the backgrounds, experiences and expectations of team members. The dataset n1 has both size and duration limits because of the availability of the invited industry professionals. The dataset n2 considers the literature from 2011 to 2020. Any before-the-date and unpublished studies are not included in the study. A thorough comprehension of communication barriers can help project teams develop speaking, writing and analytical thinking skills that will enable the teams to better deliver ideas, thoughts and meanings. Additionally, the established discussion on barrier-removal strategies may enhance time management effectiveness, reduce project delays, avoid confusion and misunderstanding and save rework costs. This research calls for the awareness of communication barriers in construction project execution and team collaboration. The identified barriers and the established solutions enrich the approaches of construction companies to share information with communities and society. This is the first identification model for communication barriers in the time management of the construction industry to the authors' knowledge. The influencing factors and the countermeasures of communication difficulties highlighted by the research were not examined systematically and holistically in previous studies. The findings provide a new approach to facilitate the development of powerful communication strategies and to improve project execution.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-28
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0669
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Critical factors influencing the internet of things technology adoption
           behavior of construction companies: evidence from China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Yaqi Zhao, Shengyue Hao, Zhen Chen, Xia Zhou, Lin Zhang, Zhaoyang Guo
      Abstract: Limited use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology on construction sites has restricted its value in the construction industry. To propel its widespread application, this paper explores the influencing factors and action paths of construction companies' IoT technology adoption behavior. First, literature research, technology adoption theories, and semi-structured expert interviews were employed to build the adoption model. Second, a questionnaire survey was conducted among Chinese construction contractors to collect empirical data. Third, the structural equation model method and regression analysis were used to test the adoption model. Finally, the findings were further validated with interviews, case studies, and field observations. External environmental pressure (EEP), perceived benefit (PB), top management support (TMS), company resource readiness (CRR), adoption intention (AI), and perceived compatibility (PCA) have a direct positive impact on adoption behavior (AB). In contrast, perceived cost (PC) and perceived complexity (PCL) exert a direct negative impact on AB. The EEP, PB, and PC are critical factors affecting AB, whereas AI is strongly affected by CRR and TMS. Besides, AI plays a part mediating role in the relationship between seven factors and AB. Company size and nature positively moderate AI's positive effect on AB. This paper contributes to the knowledge of IoT technology adoption behavior in the construction sector by applying the technology adoption theories. Exploring the implementation barriers and drivers of IoT technology in construction sites from the perspective of organizational technology adoption behavior and introducing moderating variables to explain adoption behavior are innovations of this paper. The findings can help professionals better understand the IoT technology adoption barriers and enhance construction companies' adoption awareness, demand, and ability. This work also provides a reference for understanding the impact mechanism of the adoption behavior of other innovative technologies in construction.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-25
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0045
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • How to improve the smart construction technology usage behavior of
           construction enterprise employees' — TOE framework based on
           configuration study

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Hong Xue, Sujie Zhang, Zezhou Wu, Lin Zhang
      Abstract: Despite smart construction technology's great potential to improve the productivity of the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, the implementation of smart construction technology has failed to achieve the expected benefits due to the negative usage behaviors of construction enterprise employees. This study aims to identify the determinants and their configuration effects on the smart construction technology usage behavior (SCTUB) based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. This study then verifies the practical paths to improve the employee's SCTUB from the configuration perspective. A mixed-method approach involving survey and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is conducted in this study. Based on the detailed literature review and semi-structured interview, this study identifies the factors and proposes the TOE framework to determine the configuration conditions affecting employee's SCTUB and verify practical paths to promote this user behavior. The TOE framework's technical, organizational and environmental elements are interdependent. The emergence of a high SCTUB is not determined by a single determinant but by configuration conditions. Four equifinal conditions (e.g. organization-technology type, technology-organization type, environment type and organization-technology balanced type) are verified to promote construction enterprise employee's SCTUB. The four verified configuration conditions could guide construction enterprises to formulate complementary strategies for promoting the construction enterprises' employees to implement smart construction technology and achieve the enterprise's digital transformation. The inter-dependence of the three-dimension factors, namely technical, organizational and environmental elements are explored to enrich the literature on the TOE framework. Meanwhile, the configuration effects of these factors on usage behavior are identified, expanding the literature on the information technology acceptance model.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-25
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0631
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • How risk factors lead to the early termination of public–private
           partnership projects in China: a multi-case study based on social network
           analysis and interpretive-structure modeling

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Yunfeng Liu, Xueqing Wang, Jingxiao Zhang, Sijia Guo
      Abstract: Early termination of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in China is caused by various risk factors, resulting in significant losses. This study aimed to clarify the key factors and identify the causal relationships among these factors. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to analyze 37 risk factors that were summarized from 97 early terminated PPP cases and to identify the relationships among these key risk factors. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was conducted to explore the causal relationships. Data were collected from case documents, questionnaires and interviews. A total of 17 key risk factors were identified and distributed in a hierarchical structure with six tiers. Among these key risk factors, the root causes affecting the early termination of PPP projects were government oversight in decision-making, local government transition, policy and law changes and force majeure. The direct cause was insufficient returns. Furthermore, local government and private sector defaults were essential mediating factors. Local government transition and the low willingness of the private sector were highlighted as potential key risks. The cases and experts were all from China, and outcomes in other countries or cultures may differ from those of this study. Therefore, further studies are required. This research provides knowledge regarding the key risk factors leading to the early termination of PPP projects and guidance on avoiding these factors and blocking the factors' transmission in the project lifecycle. This study contributes to the knowledge of risk management by emphasizing the importance of local government transition, the low willingness of the private sector and project cooperation and operation, whose significance is ignored in the existing literature. The proposed ISM clarifies the role of risk factors in causing early termination and explains their transmission patterns.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-25
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0876
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Investigating the role of digitalisation in building collapse:
           stakeholders' perspective from unexplored approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Andrew Ebekozien, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan
      Abstract: Studies showed that construction digitalisation could prevent or mitigate accidents rate on sites. Digitalisation applications may prevent or mitigate building project collapse (BPC) but with some encumbrances, especially in developing countries. There is a paucity of research on digital technologies application to prevent or mitigate BPC in Nigeria. Thus, the research aims to explore the perceived barriers that may hinder digital technologies from preventing or mitigating building collapse and recommend measures to improve technology applications during development. The study is exploratory because of the unexplored approach. The researchers collected data from knowledgeable participants in digitalisation and building collapse in Nigeria. The research employed a phenomenology approach and analysed collected data via a thematic approach. The study achieved saturation at the 29th interviewee. Findings show that lax construction digitalisation implementation, absence of regulatory framework, lax policy, unsafe fieldworkers' behaviours, absence of basic infrastructure, government attitude, hesitation to implement and high technology budget, especially in developing countries, are threats to curbing building collapse menace via digitalisation. The study identified technologies relevant to preventing or mitigating building collapse. Also, it proffered measures to prevent or mitigate building collapse via improved digital technology applications during development. This research contributes to the construction digitalisation literature, especially in developing countries, and investigates the perceived barriers that may hinder digital technologies usage in preventing or mitigating building collapse in Nigeria.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-24
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0337
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Assessing the development and multidimensional constraints of the
           high-quality construction industry in the Chengdu-Chongqing twin-city
           economic circle

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Jiangjun Wan, Yuxin Zhao, Miaojie Chen, Xi Zhu, Qingyu Lu, Yuwei Huang, Yutong Zhao, Chengyan Zhang, Wei Zhu, Jinxiu Yang
      Abstract: The construction industry accounts for a large proportion of the economy of developing countries, but the connotation and influencing factors of high-quality development (HQD) are still unclear. This study aims to gain a more comprehensive insight into the current development status of the regional construction industry under China's HQD orientation and the obstructive factors affecting its development and to provide informative suggestions for its HQD prospects. In this study, the construction industry of 16 cities in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle (CCEC), a new region in southwest China, was used as the research object to collect data from the 2006–2019 yearbooks, construct an evaluation index system for HQD of the construction industry, derive the development level of the construction industry using the entropy value method and spatial autocorrelation method and then apply the barrier Diagnostic model was used to compare and analyze the impact level of each index. In terms of the time dimension, the development of the construction industry in CCEC is characterized by “high in the twin core and low in the surrounding area”, with unbalanced and insufficient development; in terms of spatial correlation, some factors have positive aggregation in spatial distribution, but the peripheral linkage decreases; through barrier analysis, the impact of different barrier factors is different. This paper will help governments and enterprises in developing countries to make urban planning and management policies to fundamentally improve the development of the construction industry in underdeveloped regions.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-24
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1093
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Incentive contract design and selection for inhibiting unethical collusion
           in construction projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Lei Cui
      Abstract: The construction industry has long been criticized for unethical conduct. The owner usually manages the contractor's opportunistic behaviors by employing a professional supervisor, but there is a risk of covert collusion between the supervisor and contractor. Based on the principal–agent theory and collusion theory, this paper aims to investigate optimal collusion-proof incentive contracts. This paper presents a game-theoretic framework comprising an owner, supervisor and contractor, who interact and pursue maximized self-profits. Built upon the fixed-price incentive contract, cost-reimbursement contract, and revenue-sharing contract, different collusion-proof incentive contracts are investigated. A real project case is used to validate the developed model and derived results. This paper shows that the presence of unethical collusion undermines the owner's interests. Especially, the possibility of agent collusion may induce the owner to abandon extracting quality information from the supervisor. Furthermore, information asymmetry significantly affects the construction contract selection, and the application conditions for different incentive contracts are provided. This study still has some limitations that deserve further exploration. First, this study explores contractor–supervisor collusion but ignores the possibility of the supervisor abusing authority to extort the contractor. Second, to focus on collusion, this paper ignores the supervision costs. What's the optimal supervision effort that the owner should induce the supervisor to exert' Finally, this paper assumes that the colluders involved always keep their promises. However, what if the colluders may break their promises' Several collusion-proof incentive contracts are explored in a project management setting. The proposed incentive contracts can provide the project owner with effective and practical tools to inhibit covert collusion in construction management and thus safeguard construction project quality. This study expands the organization collusion theory to the field of construction management and investigates the optimal collusion-proof incentive contracts. In addition, this study is the first to investigate the effects of information asymmetry on contract selection.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-22
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0272
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The development model of sustainable campus based on green buildings: a
           systematic comparative study between Japan and China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Bifeng Zhu, Gebing Liu
      Abstract: The research on sustainable campus is related to environmental protection and the realization of global sustainable development goals (SDGs). Because the sustainable campus development in China and Japan is carried out around buildings, this paper takes Kitakyushu Science and Research Park as a case to study the characteristics and typical model of sustainable campus in Japan by combined with the characteristics of Chinese sustainable campus. This study compares the evaluation standards of green buildings between China and Japan, then compares the assessment results of the same typical green building case and finally summarizes the development mode and main realization path by discussing the implications of green buildings on campus sustainability. The results show that (1) the sustainable campus evaluation in Japan mainly pays attention to the indoor environment, energy utilization and environmental problems. (2) Buildings mainly affect the sustainability of the campus in three aspects: construction, transportation and local. (3) The sustainable campus development model of Science and Research Park can be summarized as follows: taking green building as the core; SDGs as the goals; education as the guarantee; and the integration of industry, education and research as the characteristics. It mainly provides construction experience for other campuses around the world to coordinate the contradictions between campus buildings and the environment based on sustainable principles in their own construction. It proposes a new sustainable campus construction path of “building–region–environment” integrated development. This study provides theoretical framework for the development of sustainable campuses that includes long-term construction ideas and current technological support greatly improving the operability of practical applications. It not only enriches the sample cases of global sustainable campuses but also provides new ideas and perspectives for the sustainable development research of the overall campus through quantitative evaluation of building and environmental impacts.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-21
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0236
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Stressors and job burnout of Chinese expatriate construction
           professionals

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Alaeldin Abdalla, Xiaodong Li, Fan Yang
      Abstract: Besides ensuring traditional project objectives, expatriate construction professionals (EXCPs) working on international projects face challenges adapting to unfamiliar environments with varying construction standards, work practices and cultural values. This puts them at a high risk of job burnout. Thus, this study aims to investigate the antecedents and outcomes of EXCPs' job burnout in the international construction industry. Based on the Job demands-resource model (JD-R), a theoretical framework was developed. Industry-specific stressors and expatriate management practices were identified using a literature review and interviews. The authors then used a questionnaire survey to collect data from Chinese EXCPs. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were then utilized to test hypotheses. The findings indicate that early-career EXCPs experience the most severe levels of job burnout. The paths analysis proved the direct and indirect mitigating effects of expatriate management practices on job burnout, and EXCP's job burnout was associated with poor job performance and decreased intention to stay in the international assignment. While prior research has explored job burnout among construction professionals working on domestic projects, little attention has been given to EXCPs and their unique challenges. This study aims to fill this critical gap in the literature by offering a unique perspective on the antecedents and outcomes of job burnout among EXCPs in international contexts and presents a significant contribution to understanding and addressing occupational health issues faced by EXCPs.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-21
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0237
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Understanding competency requirements in the context of AEC industry
           informatization: policy insights from China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Xiaowei Zhou, Yousong Wang
      Abstract: The increasing adoption of informatization in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries has raised the competency requirements for AEC practitioners. However, existing research primarily focuses on the integration of emerging technologies in AEC education programs, with little attention to the development of informatization-related competencies. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the competency requirements in the information age of the AEC industry. Taking a policy perspective, this study investigates the competency requirements within the context of AEC industry informatization. By employing a competency-based theoretical framework, content analysis is conducted on China's policy document, the Outline of the Development of Informatization in the Construction Industry. The study identifies crucial emerging technologies in the AEC industry, such as building information modeling (BIM), Big Data, Internet of things, networking, and cloud computing, along with their application scenarios. It considers various market players, including survey and design institutes, construction companies, and general contracting enterprises. Comparative analysis reveals the technology application patterns of these market players, shedding light on their preferences and perspectives. Based on these findings, the study proposes recommendations for competency requirements in the AEC industry. This study extends the competency-based theory to AEC education from a macro perspective. The findings enhance understanding of informatization by providing insights into the related technologies, their applications, and the market players utilizing them. Moreover, the study's results have significant implications for AEC education, particularly in the design of curriculum systems for emerging technology-related fields.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-21
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1080
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Prioritizing the survival determinants of quantity surveying firms in
           economic contraction

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Dorcas Moyanga, Lekan Damilola Ojo, Oluseyi Alabi Awodele, Deji Rufus Ogunsemi
      Abstract: Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are the live wire of construction industry in developing countries. These classes of establishments are most affected by economic contraction and turmoil, thus affecting their performance and survivability. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate and prioritize the survival determinants of construction consulting organization during economic contraction in Nigeria using quantity surveying firms as a focal point. The study adopted the descriptive-survey design and quantitative data were collected through questionnaire purposely administered to quantity surveying firms in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. The data obtained from 99 quantity surveying firms on survival determinants were analysed using various statistical analysis such as mean score, standard deviation, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and so on. Principal component analysis was used to identify the principal components of survival determinants, while the factors were prioritized using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE). The result of the analysis reveals eight factors that significantly determines the survival of firms during the period of economic contraction. Furthermore, the eight grouped factors were prioritized accordingly namely firm's innovation and diversification, ownership structure and networking, education level and management skills, and so on. This study investigated the survival determinants of quantity surveying firms and prioritized it with the opinions of principal partners in quantity surveying establishments. As against obtaining large survey responses from all quantity surveyors in the study area that may not have practical experience of managing firms, the limited responses received provide valid basis to broaden the horizon of professionals and other stakeholders on the key determinants for firms to survive economic turmoil. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing information on prioritized factors that must be considered in an appropriate order by quantity surveying firms to survive economic contraction.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-18
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0024
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Job crafting intervention for job burnout and work engagement among young
           construction project management practitioners in China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Fan Yang, Yifan Fei, Lin Guo, Xiuxiu Bai, Xiaodong Li
      Abstract: Young construction project management practitioners (CPMPs) have unique, complex, and notable occupational mental health problems. However, there were few studies about the intervention for occupational mental health of CPMPs, and traditional intervention modes often failed to achieve significant effects. Therefore, this study aims to propose a new and effective intervention method. Job crafting intervention was used to design an intervention experiment. A total of 72 CPMPs participated in a 10-week randomized controlled trial in China. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to verify the effectiveness of job crafting intervention (JCI) on job crafting behaviors, job burnout, and work engagement with consideration of the impact of time. Results showed that the intervention increased social resources, thus effectively reducing job burnout and promoting work engagement. Time also had a significant impact on cynicism, dedication, and social resources. The authors should promote the habit of job crafting in CPMPs. Furthermore, in order to facilitate their job crafting, the authors should increase structural and social resources for them, and the authors can also encourage them to undertake challenging demands to increase their self-efficacy and the sense of achievement. The authors bring into light a new psychological intervention approach among CPMPs, which integrates the advantages of the guidance in traditional organized intervention methods and the proactivity in individual spontaneous job crafting. The authors verify the efficacy of the JCI among CPMPs and help propose countermeasures and suggestions to improve the occupational mental health of CPMPs.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-16
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0935
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Facilitating the building commissioning process using building information
           modeling: an action-research project

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Charles Frommweiler, Erik Poirier
      Abstract: The building commissioning (BCx) phase is a critical stage in a building's lifecycle. It is also a complex process that involves a large number of actors and activities. While the use of building information modeling (BIM) in the commissioning phase of building equipment and systems could be beneficial, few studies have investigated the processes behind its implementation. The research presented in this paper aims to investigate the implementation of BIM for the commissioning phase within a general contracting company through action-research. Through direct involvement with the research partner, a large general contractor, a diagnosis on the current limitations of the commissioning process was conducted. An action plan to implement BIM for commissioning was developed and implemented in two pilot projects. Evaluation was performed through on-site observations and informal discussions with field staff. Learning was specified through the development of a formal protocol for BIM-enabled BCx. This action-research project helped the partner organization identify the challenges and a way forward to formalize its BIM-enabled BCx process. The action plan aimed at countering the lack of knowledge about the status of equipment and system commissioning as well as the lack of standardization. The research team co-developed and tested a formal protocol, including BIM-enabled processes and technologies to address these observed problems. A complete implementation ecosystem was structured and deployed. Preliminary feedback indicated that improvements were obtained using a BIM-enabled approach over a traditional approach. While past studies have investigated the BCx process, this study identified current challenges considering recent advances in BIM and focused on a large general contractor. This work provides an in-depth account of a large general contractor attempting to streamline its BCx process. The results of the study could help guide practitioners in implementing more streamlined BIM-enabled BCx processes.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-11
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0394
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Identifying improvements priorities in daycare centre space performance
           from teachers' perspectives: application of importance–performance
           analysis and structural equation modelling

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Kyung-Tae Lee, Jin-Bin Im, Sang-Jun Park, Ju-Hyung Kim
      Abstract: Though daycare centres are built to facilitate children's social and physical growth, divergent stakeholder perceptions yield conflicts while managing risks for each space due to the minimal guidelines in the Republic of Korea. Due to the unclearly defined knowledge and experience gap between representative stakeholders, teachers have difficulties in operating it with high satisfaction. This study therefore was conducted to systematically identify which parts of performance should be increased to preferentially increase end-user satisfaction in limited resources. This research conducted quantitative analysis gradually. Importance–performance analysis (IPA) grasped the perceptions of construction practitioners and end-users after identifying space composition and representative risks of daycare centres. Based on the factors influencing perception differences, principal component analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were conducted to determine which space improves the performance preferentially to increase overall end-user satisfaction. As the utilisation of indoor spaces increases after COVID-19, improvement of indoor spaces except for indoor playroom is necessary, especially, advancement of the quality of teachers' rooms. Outputs by reflecting the end-user experiences support to understand which spaces are managed from the limited resources. Theoretical framework for daycare centre was established in Korea where guidelines were insufficient, and differences in perception of each risk of stakeholders were identified. Moreover, gradual statistical analysis was set to construct end-user-focused centres by extracting where the performance of space should be improved in prior.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-11
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0777
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Cost estimation model of prefabricated construction for general
           contractors based on system dynamics

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Mengkai Liu, Meng Luo
      Abstract: The poor capacity of prefabricated construction cost estimation is the essential reason for the low profitability of the general contractor. Therefore, this study aims to focus on the cost estimation of prefabricated construction as the research object. This research aims to enhance the accuracy of total project cost estimation for general contractors, ultimately leading to improved profitability. This study used Vensim PLE software to establish a system dynamics model. In the modeling process, a systematic research review was used to identify cost-influencing factors; ABC classification and the analytic hierarchy process were used to score and determine the weights of influencing factors. The total cost error obtained by the model is less than 2% compared with the actual value. It can be used to cost estimation and analysis. The analysis results indicate that there are 7 key factors, among which the prefabrication rate has the most significant impact. Furthermore, the model can provide the extreme range cost; the minimum cost can reduce by 13% from the value in the case. The factor's value can compose a cost control strategy for general contractors. The cost of prefabricated buildings can be estimated well, and deciding the prefabrication rate is crucial. The cost can be declined by correct cost control strategies when bidding and subcontracting are in process. The strategies can follow the direction of the model. A systemic, quantitative and qualitative analysis of cost estimation of prefabricated buildings for general contractors has been conducted. A mathematical model has been developed and validated to facilitate more effective cost-control measures.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-08
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0304
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Investigating the effect of risk reduction strategies on the construction
           of mega infrastructure project (MIP) success: a SEM-ANN approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: MohammedShakil S. Malek, Viral Bhatt
      Abstract: Managing mega infrastructure projects (MIPs) is more complex because of time, size, social, environmental and financial implications. This study aims to address the management approaches, complexity and risk factors involved in MIPs. The study focuses on project success criteria and their individual effects on the success of MIPs. To address the challenges and identify the most influencing factor for the success of MIPs, the study deployed a cross-sectional survey approach. Six hundred eighty-two usable samples were collected from the respondents to understand the impact of predetermined factors on the success of MIPs. The structural equation model and artificial neural network approach were used to derive the importance of factors affecting the success of MIPs. The study's outcome confirms that all three influencing factors: feasibility studies, community engagements and contract selection, have a significant positive impact on the success of MIPs. Community engagement amongst all three has the most influential predictor for the success of MIPs. The developed model will enable practitioners and policymakers from Indian construction companies and other emerging nations to concentrate on recognized risk reduction variables to enhance project success criteria and project management success, especially for MIPs.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-04
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1166
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Organizational structure and dynamic capabilities on business model
           innovation in project-driven enterprises: evidence from the construction
           industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Dan Wang, Ruopeng Huang, Kaijian Li, Asheem Shrestha
      Abstract: Flexibility and efficiency are dual attributes of the organizational structure that are crucial for project-driven enterprises to achieve sustainable development in a dynamic environment. However, there is a lack of research on the patterns by which the dual attributes of a project-driven enterprise’s organizational structure affect business model innovation. Employing organizational theory, this study aims to assess the mediating mechanisms and dynamic capabilities through which the dual attributes of the organizational structure influence business model innovation in project-driven enterprises. Data were collected from 242 employees from four project-driven companies across 26 cities (e.g. Beijing, Tianjin, Guangzhou and Shenzhen) in China. Structural equation modeling revealed the relationship between organizational structure’s dual attributes and business model innovation. The findings show that the dual attributes (flexibility and efficiency) of the organizational structure have positive impacts on business model innovation. Moreover, dynamic capabilities mediate the relationship between the dual attributes and business model innovation in project-driven enterprises. This study provides contributions to innovation research in the context of project-driven enterprises by revealing the influence of organizational structure on business model innovation through the firms’ dynamic capabilities. Such knowledge can enable managers of project-driven enterprises to develop effective interventions to promote business model innovation.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-03
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0090
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Managing the high capital cost of prefabricated construction through
           stakeholder collaboration: a two-mode network analysis

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Youxi Zhang, Yu Liu, Rui Yu, Jian Zuo, Na Dong
      Abstract: Prefabricated construction (PC) can benefit construction industry due to its high efficiency, energy saving, consumption reduction and safety. However, the high capital cost is a critical challenge hindering its development in China. The collaboration of PC stakeholders is conducive to improving cost management efficiency and optimizing resource allocation which has been ignored in previous studies. Therefore, this study aims to explore the collaboration paths of stakeholders in the process of solving critical cost influencing factors (CIFs) of PC to reduce costs. Firstly, 25 CIFs and five main stakeholders that affect PC capital cost were identified through literature research and expert interviews. Then, questionnaires were used to investigate the relationship between stakeholders and CIFs from the perspectives of three stakeholder attributes of proximity, attitude and power, respectively. Finally, based on the survey data, three stakeholder-CIF networks from three attributes perspective and a comprehensive network were constructed and used for subsequent social network analysis. (1) Stakeholders mainly show willingness and potential to collaborate on organization and management factors; (2) More stakeholders pay attention to incentive policies and the setting of prefabrication rates and assembly rates, while all stakeholders have the right to facilitate information and resource sharing in the PC supply chain; (3) The comprehensive network shows a core-periphery structure. As core stakeholders, contractor, designer and manufacturer are more likely to actively manage the 14 core CIFs. This paper innovatively combined stakeholder and cost management in PC, and used two-mode network based on three stakeholder perspectives to reveal the collaboration potential and motivation of stakeholders in PC cost management. The findings not only provide guidance for stakeholders to find potential partners and optimize resource allocation in solving specific cost issues, but also facilitate stakeholders' sustainable collaboration to achieve PC's cost performance.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-08-01
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0392
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A study on the key drivers of national construction project audit risk and
           evolvement mechanism

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Mianzhi Yang, Qing Hui, Qingru Yang, Mengwei Fan, Xin Li
      Abstract: China has recently introduced a new audit law that aims to increase the scope of audit supervision and raise the standards for preventing risks in auditing national public projects. This paper presents a systematic research study on the causes of audit risks in national public projects and discusses the process by which these causes contribute to the emergence of such risks. Furthermore, the paper investigates the core risk sources in various types of national construction project audit. This paper aims to provide theoretical support for auditors of national construction projects in risk avoidance when conducting audits. In this study, the authors carefully selected five national public audit projects from China and performed a comprehensive analysis of 85 relevant audit documentation. The textual analysis was conducted using Nvivo12 software, and the grounded theory approach was adopted for generalization purposes. Based on the research results, the findings suggest that there are five key causes contributing to the audit risk of national construction projects: professional competence, risk awareness, management capacity, level of attention and deliberate fraud. The most critical factor identified is management capability, with 59.93% of the data supporting this view. This conclusion was based on an analysis of state-owned enterprises, administrative organs and public institutions. Building upon this, a framework titled “the mechanism of audit risk factors with management capability as the core” was constructed. This paper employs qualitative analysis methods to examine national construction projects in China, contributing new literature to the theoretical study of audit risk management. The article also provides practical recommendations for auditors on how to mitigate audit risks and improve the quality of audit services in national project governance.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-27
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0176
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Optimizing collaborative decision-making of multi-agent resources for
           large-scale projects: from a matching perspective

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ning Huang, Qiang Du, Libiao Bai, Qian Chen
      Abstract: In recent decades, infrastructure has continued to develop as an important basis for social development and people's lives. Resource management of these large-scale projects has been immensely concerned because dozens of construction enterprises (CEs) often work together. In this situation, resource collaboration among enterprises has become a key measure to ensure project implementation. Thus, this study aims to propose a systematic multi-agent resource collaborative decision-making optimization model for large projects from a matching perspective. The main contribution of this work was an advancement of the current research by: (1) generalizing the resource matching decision-making problem and quantifying the relationship between CEs. (2) Based on the matching domain, the resource input costs and benefits of each enterprise in the associated group were comprehensively analyzed to build the mathematical model, which also incorporated prospect theory to map more realistic decisions. (3) According to the influencing factors of resource decision-making, such as cost, benefit and attitude of decision-makers, determined the optimal resource input in different situations. Numerical experiments were used to verify the effectiveness of the multi-agent resource matching decision (MARMD) method in this study. The results indicated that this model could provide guidance for optimal decision-making for each participating enterprise in the resource association group under different situations. And the results showed the psychological preference of decision-makers has an important influence on decision performance. While the MARMD method has been proposed in this research, MARMD still has many limitations. A more detailed matching relationship between different resource types in CEs is still not fully analyzed, and relevant studies about more accurate parameters of decision-makers’ psychological preferences should be conducted in this area in the future. Compared with traditional projects, large-scale engineering construction has the characteristics of huge resource consumption and more participants. While decision-makers can determine the matching relationship between related enterprises, this is ambiguous and the wider range will vary with more participants or complex environment. The MARMD method provided in this paper is an effective methodological tool with clearer decision-making positioning and stronger actual operability, which could provide references for large-scale project resource management. Large-scale engineering is complex infrastructure projects that ensure national security, increase economic development, improve people's lives and promote social progress. During the implementation of large-scale projects, CEs realize value-added through resource exchange and integration. Studying the optimal collaborative decision of multi-agent resources from a matching perspective can realize the improvement of resource transformation efficiency and promote the development of large-scale engineering projects. The current research on engineering resources decision-making lacks a matching relationship, which leads to unclear decision objectives, ambiguous decision processes and poor operability decision methods. To solve these issues, a novel approach was proposed to reveal the decision mechanism of multi-agent resource optimization in large-scale projects. This paper could bring inspiration to the research of large-scale project resource management.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-27
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-1008
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Critical risk factors for construction supply chain in China: a fuzzy
           synthetic evaluation analysis

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Binchao Deng, Xindong Lv, Yaling Du, Xiaoyu Li, Yilin Yin
      Abstract: Inefficiency dilemmas in project governance are caused by various risks arising from the characteristic of construction supply chain projects, such as poor project performance, conflicts between stakeholders and cost overrun. This research aims to establish a fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) model to analyze construction supply chain risk factors. Corresponding risk mitigation strategies are provided to facilitate the improvement performance of ongoing construction supply chain projects. A literature review is utilized to reveal the deficiencies of construction supply chain risk management. Thus, a total of five hundred (500) questionnaires are distributed to construction professionals, and four hundred and thirty-five (435) questionnaires are recovered to obtain the evaluation data of construction professionals on critical risk factors. Additionally, the FSE is used to analyze and rank the significance of critical risk factors. Finally, this research discusses nine critical risk factors with high weight in the model, and explains the reason for the significance of critical risk factors in the construction supply chain. The questionnaire results show that the thirty-one (31) identified critical risk factors are verified by related practitioners (government departments, universities and research institutions, owners, construction units, financial institutions, design units, consulting firms). Thirty-one (31) identified critical risk factors are divided into common risks, risks from contractors and risks from owners. The most significant factors in the three categories, respectively, are “political risks,” “owner's unprofessional” approach and “cash flow.” Managing these risks can facilitate the development of the construction supply chain. This paper expands the research perspective of construction supply chain risk management and complements the risks in the construction supply chain. For practitioners, the research result provides some corresponding measures to deal with these risks. For researchers, the research result provides the direction of construction supply chain risk treatment.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-27
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1158
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Design for safety in metro station evacuation: a study of fire emergency
           evacuation behavior and simulation

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ying Lu, Yunxuan Deng, Shuqi Sun
      Abstract: Metro stations have become a crucial aspect of urban rail transportation, integrating facilities, equipment and pedestrians. Impractical physical layout designs and pedestrian psychology impact the effectiveness of an evacuation during a metro fire. Prior research on emergency evacuation has overlooked the complexity of metro stations and failed to adequately consider the physical heterogeneity of stations and pedestrian psychology. Therefore, this study aims to develop a comprehensive evacuation optimization strategy for metro stations by applying the concept of design for safety (DFS) to an emergency evacuation. This approach offers novel insights into the management of complex systems in metro stations during emergencies. Physical and social factors affecting evacuations are identified. Moreover, the social force model (SFM) is modified by combining the fire dynamics model (FDM) and considering pedestrians' impatience and panic psychology. Based on the Nanjing South Metro Station, a multiagent-based simulation (MABS) model is developed. Finally, based on DFS, optimization strategies for metro stations are suggested. The most effective evacuation occurs when the width of the stairs is 3 meters and the transfer corridor is 14 meters. Additionally, a luggage disposal area should be set up. The exit strategy of the fewest evacuees is better than the nearest-exit strategy, and the staff in the metro station should guide pedestrians correctly. Previous studies rarely consider metro stations as sociotechnical systems or apply DFS to proactively reduce evacuation risks. This study provides a new perspective on the evacuation framework of metro stations, which can guide the designers and managers of metro stations.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-27
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1169
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Examining a two-step working model of safety knowledge in translating
           safety climate into safety behavior

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Hassan Ashraf, Mir Kiannat Ejaz, Shoeb Ahmed Memon, Yuzhong Shen, Ahsen Maqsoom, Riza Yosia Sunindijo
      Abstract: Given a baffling contradiction that the availability of safety knowledge may not necessarily lead to workers' safety behavior, this study aims to develop an exploratory two-step working model of safety knowledge in translating safety climate into safety behavior. In particular, this study highlights the importance of articulating tacit safety knowledge and improving workers' systematic problem solving (SPS) capacity in a favorable safety climate. This study uses 110 valid responses from Pakistan-based construction workers to test five hypotheses which embody the exploratory two-step working model of safety knowledge. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the data. The results of this study support the two-step working mechanism of safety knowledge in translating safety climate into safety behavior. Furthermore, results suggest that safety climate as a job resource facilitates converting construction workers' tacit safety knowledge into explicit safety knowledge (i.e. safety knowledge articulation) and then enabling them to spot non-conformities in safety management practices (i.e. SPS) and consequently to work safely (i.e. safety behavior). The study has both theoretical and practical significance. In theory, it extends organizational learning theory and job demands-resources (JD-R) theory in the construction safety research domain and elaborates on the mediating role of safety knowledge articulation and SPS for the relationship between safety climate and safety behavior. In practice, it highlights the importance of continuous articulation of tacit safety knowledge and accumulation and use of explicit safety knowledge in construction safety management practices.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-26
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0906
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Peer effects of internationalization for engineering news-record
           contractors: evidence from Chinese contractors

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Yanliang Niu, Renjie Zhang, Guangdong Wu, Qianwen Zhou
      Abstract: This study explores whether the peer effects of internationalization exist within the subdivision industry of enterprises in the engineering field and assesses the imitation paths for the peer engineering enterprises within the industry when implementing internationalization strategies under the peer effects. This study collected secondary and objective data on 38 Chinese engineering enterprises from the Engineering News-Record's list of the top 250 international contractors between 2013 and 2021. It employed a regression analysis to test the research hypotheses. The findings reveal that in the process of internationalization: (1) peer effects exist within the subdivision industry of internationalization of engineering enterprises; (2) engineering enterprises within the same industry and region imitate each other; (3) non-state-owned engineering enterprises imitate state-owned engineering enterprises within the same industry; and (4) in the industry follower–leader imitation process, industry followers imitate leaders according to enterprise size and return on assets. The results contribute to a better understanding of how peer effects influence engineering enterprises' internationalization process. This study also proposes imitation paths based on the law of imitation to provide recommendations for engineering enterprises' better development in the international market.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-26
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-1002
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Coping with abnormal organizational behaviors in complex project based
           on network attack theory

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Lin Yang, Xiaoyue Lv, Xianbo Zhao
      Abstract: Abnormal behaviors such as rework, backlog, changes and claims generated by project organizations are unavoidable in complex projects. When abnormal behaviors emerge, the previously normal state of interactions between organizations will be altered to some extent. However, previous studies have ignored the associations and interactions between organizations in the context of abnormal organizational behaviors (AOBs), making this challenging to cope with AOBs. As a result, the objective of this paper is to explore how to reduce AOBs in complex projects at the organizational level from a network perspective. To overcome the inherent limitations of a single case study, this research integrated two data collection methods: questionnaire survey and expert scoring method. The questionnaire survey captured the universal data on the influence possibility of AOBs between complex project organizations and the expert scoring method got the influence probability scores of AOBs between organizations in the case. Using these data, four organizational influence network models of AOBs based on a case were developed to demonstrate how to destroy AOBs networks in complex projects using network attack theory (NAT). First, the findings show that controlling AOBs generated by key organizations preferentially and improving the ability of key organizations can weaken AOBs network, enabling more effective coping strategies. Second, the owners, government, material suppliers and designers are identified as key organizations across all four influence networks of AOBs. Third, change and claim behaviors are more manageable from the organizational level. Project managers can target specific organizations for intervention, weaken the AOBs network by applying NAT and achieve better project outcomes through coping strategies. Additionally, by taking a network perspective, this research provides a novel approach to comprehending the associations and interactions between organizations in the context of complex projects. This paper proposes a new approach to investigating AOBs in complex projects by simultaneously examining rework, backlog, change and claim. Leveraging NAT as a novel tool for managing the harmful effects of influence networks, this study extends the knowledge body in the field of organizational behavior (OB) management and complex project management.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-24
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0959
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Evolutionary analysis of information-based construction management
           promotion using a government-enterprise evolutionary game model

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Meishan Jia, Lingmin Zhao
      Abstract: In China, information-based construction management (ICM) has not obtained the expected results because of the benefit game between construction enterprises and the government. Promoting ICM is a long-term, complex and dynamic game process. Therefore, an evolutionary game model is established to promote ICM. MATLAB was used to conduct evolutionary game analysis on the behavioural strategies of two parties. System stability analysis and numerical simulation were conducted. The variables affecting ICM realization were analysed and comprehensively considered. The optimal stability strategy and key variables were obtained. The results show that the system includes four evolutionarily stable strategies (ESSs) with 10 decisive parameters. Information technology costs, benefits, reputation, the government intervention level, the enterprise ICM level and the degree of reward and punishment determine the ideal ESS. Increasing tangible benefits, enhancing corporate reputation, improving the level of government guidance and reducing intervention costs can promote ICM implementation. Rewards are more effective than punishments, and appropriate rewards should be determined. First, reducing labour disputes, accidents and environmental pollution brings great social and ecological benefits; hence, the recognition of external benefits and the establishment of a benefit compensation mechanism by the government will be a future focus of research (Jia et al., 2020). Second, this study considered only the government and construction enterprises, and there may be other stakeholders, such as owners and the public, in the ICM adoption process, which needs further analysis (Zhang and Li, 2022). Third, this research is based on the specific context of government intervention in ICM. The selection of parameters and the determination of values were based on the national conditions in China. Therefore, the generalizability of the research results to other countries and other political contexts needs to be further improved (Hardie et al., 2013; Martínez-Román et al., 2017). Fourth, the empirical data were collected from Shandong Province and a pilot project, and the universality of the data remains to be verified. Nevertheless, the data were used only for the initial values of the simulation, which did not affect the simulation path. (1) This study comprehensively summarized the benefit and cost indexes for the government and enterprises to promote ICM and constructed the payment matrix model. (2) This study determined the theoretical relation that the parameters should meet when system evolves into a certain strategy, and the research findings provide recommendations for overall control for the government and enterprises to synergistically adopt the ICM. (3) The study determined the influence of the main parameters on system evolution path and identified the core parameters, thus providing targeted improvement recommendations for the government and enterprises. Real-time data-based management can ensure product quality and production safety and improve decision-making and efficiency. For the government, ICM can effectively reduce project quality and safety accidents, labour disputes, supplier mix-ups and environmental pollution, thus reducing the government's management costs and improving social benefits. (1) Based on the challenges of ICM implementation, the payment matrix is constructed, with the cost and benefit parameters fully considered. (2) This study determines the theoretical relationship that should be met when both parties coordinate their implementation and when enterprises implement independently, and the optimal strategy is specified. (3) Incorporating an actual case, a simulation is conducted to clarify the influence of a single parameter on the evolutionary path of behaviours. (4) A decision-making basis for governments and enterprises to control and improve ICM is provided.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-21
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1152
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A knowledge framework for blockchain-enabled smart contract adoption in
           the construction industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Umesha Sasanthi Weerapperuma, Akila Pramodh Rathnasinghe, Himal Suranga Jayasena, Chamitha Sanjani Wijewickrama, Niraj Thurairajah
      Abstract: A novel facet of the construction industry's (CI) digital transformation relates to the rise of smart contracts, and the contribution of blockchain technology in this domain appears to be nascent but rapidly gaining traction. Although the benefits of digitalisation for technologically less enthusiastic CI are irrefutable, the adoption of smart contracts has been found to be low pertaining to industry professionals' behavioural factors stimulated by technological perception. The challenge undertook by this study, therefore, is to develop a knowledge framework for blockchain-enabled smart contract adoption in the CI. From a methodological perspective, this study employed a qualitative approach that involved semi-structured interviews with ten (10) highly experienced CI practitioners involved in digital innovations for data collection. Directed content analysis was performed using NVivo 12 software, which enabled the creation of preliminary open codes. Subsequently, these open codes were grouped into similar categories to develop axial codes. Finally, the study presented final themes along with their corresponding descriptions. Notably, research findings expanded the current body of knowledge on perceived attributes and their measurement items to determine the perception of innovation adoption in CI, where a total of nine (9) perceived attributes were associated with thirty-two (32) measurement items. The measurement items were seen as having an extensive impact on the CI professionals' decision to adopt blockchain-enabled smart contracts. With ensuing implications, this study represents one of the first to present a knowledge framework exclusively customised for blockchain-enabled smart contracts, laying the groundwork for effective technological adoption by CI professionals.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-20
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0012
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Barrier identification, analysis and solutions of blockchain adoption in
           construction: a fuzzy DEMATEL and TOE integrated method

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Haitao Wu, Wenyan Zhong, Botao Zhong, Heng Li, Jiadong Guo, Imran Mehmood
      Abstract: Blockchain has the potential to facilitate a paradigm shift in the construction industry toward effectiveness, transparency and collaboration. However, there is currently a paucity of empirical evidence from real-world construction projects. This study aims to systematically review blockchain adoption barriers, investigate critical ones and propose corresponding solutions. An integrated method was adopted in this research based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) theory and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. Blockchain adoption barriers were first presented using the TOE framework. Then, key barriers were identified based on the importance and causality analysis in the fuzzy DEMATEL. Several suggestions were proposed to facilitate blockchain diffusion from the standpoints of the government, the industry and construction organizations. The results highlighted seven key barriers. Specifically, the construction industry is more concerned with environmental barriers, such as policy uncertainties (E2) and technology maturity (E3), while most technical barriers are causal factors, such as “interoperability (T4)” and “smart contracts' security (T2)”. This study contributes to a better understanding of the problem associated with blockchain implementation and provides policymakers with recommendations. Identified TOE barriers lay the groundwork for theoretical observations to comprehend the blockchain adoption problem. This research also applied the fuzzy method to blockchain adoption barrier analysis, which can reduce the uncertainty and subjectivity in expert evaluations with a small sample.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-20
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0168
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects as
           construction contract administrators (CCA)

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Si Yee Tiew, Helena Aman Hashim, Umi Kalsum Zolkafli @ Zulkifly
      Abstract: Various studies have been conducted to explore the factors that are important to be considered for the effectiveness of construction contract administration (CCA) but lack in the context of graduate architects. The purpose of this study is to identify factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects in CCA and possible methods to enhance their work efficiency through developing the relevant skills in a changing construction environment. This paper identified the factors that influence the effectiveness of graduate architects in CCA through the quantitative methods. General skill elements that are perceived as essential for the effectiveness of CCA had been investigated through a survey of graduate architects in the construction industry. One hundred and twenty-seven completed questionnaires returned were analyzed and tested using descriptive analysis and relative important index (RII). The result from the study showed that the factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects as CCA are building construction skills, design management skills, project management skills, soft skills and dispute resolution skills. The contribution of this study can be utilized for developing models/tools in the future that would improve the work performance of graduate architects in CCA. Educators may utilize this study to improve their syllabus to cater to the market's demand and facilitate students' entry into the labor market.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-20
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0234
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Evaluation of field labor and management productivity in the USA
           construction industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Qais K. Jahanger, David Trejo, Joseph Louis
      Abstract: The health of an economy is heavily dependent on the productivity of the economy's major industries including construction. While most macro-measures of productivity in the USA construction industry indicate a decline, corresponding studies at the individual task level indicate an increase in productivity. Therefore, this paper aims to identify areas where productivity challenges exist and thus provide recommendations for improvement in the construction industry. A model that relates the way construction projects are executed with the sources of data that inform productivity analyses is developed and presented. This effort/value-flow model informs the data analysis that is performed to determine productivity trends for management and field labor. Further analysis for field labor productivity using field data and management productivity was separately conducted. Management productivity was particularly difficult to gauge, resulting in the use of surrogate measures. It was observed that while both field labor and management productivities at the industry level have been decreasing, the decrease in management productivity was five times that of field labor productivity. A similar trend was observed for management productivity at the project level. The primary contribution of this paper to the body of knowledge and industry is the introduction of a holistic analysis of USA construction productivity. Recommendations to improve management productivity include the use of technology, especially project management software.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-20
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0918
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Women in the UK construction industry: are we still clinging
           to the “old boys club”'

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Subashini Suresh, Suresh Renukappa, Mark Stride, Rachel Nicola Toor, Asiha Khan
      Abstract: The construction industry is famous for gender imbalance and reluctance in initiating change. In recent years, construction is becoming an attractive career choice for women. However, this change has been gradual. The purpose of this research was to understand the challenges women are facing in construction sector after a decade of implementation of the Equality Act 2010 in the UK and how women in the sector feel the industry could be further improved. This research investigated real-life experiences to identify where the industry needs to make viable improvements. A qualitative research methodology was adopted. In total, 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, which was then analysed using content analysis for inference and conclusion. This research revealed that women still experience adversity forcing them to work harder than usual to prove their belonging in construction sector. The “man’s world” culture is still widespread. However, women have seen improvements over recent years but believe more can be done from an intersectionality perspective. This is pertinent due to the Brexit and Covid-19 situation. The study contributes to the field of equality and diversity in the construction sector. Women believe that factors such as bespoke initiatives, equal pay, flexible working hours (considering childcare and caring responsibilities), mental health and well-being support, and equality and diversity policies will enable the construction sector to create conducive environment for women now and in the future.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-19
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2020-0537
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Integrating as-built BIM model from point cloud data in construction
           projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ruochen Zeng, Jonathan J.S. Shi, Chao Wang, Tao Lu
      Abstract: As laser scanning technology becomes readily available and affordable, there is an increasing demand of using point cloud data collected from a laser scanner to create as-built building information modeling (BIM) models for quality assessment, schedule control and energy performance within construction projects. To enhance the as-built modeling efficiency, this study explores an integrated system, called Auto-Scan-To-BIM (ASTB), with an aim to automatically generate a complete Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) model consisted of the 3D building elements for the given building based on its point cloud without requiring additional modeling tools. ASTB has been developed with three function modules. Taking the scanned point data as input, Module 1 is built on the basis of the widely used region segmentation methodology and expanded with enhanced plane boundary line detection methods and corner recalibration algorithms. Then, Module 2 is developed with a domain knowledge-based heuristic method to analyze the features of the recognized planes, to associate them with corresponding building elements and to create BIM models. Based on the spatial relationships between these building elements, Module 3 generates a complete IFC model for the entire project compatible with any BIM software. A case study validated the ASTB with an application with five common types of building elements (e.g. wall, floor, ceiling, window and door). First, an integrated system, ASTB, is developed to generate a BIM model from scanned point cloud data without using additional modeling tools. Second, an enhanced plane boundary line detection method and a corner recalibration algorithm are developed in ASTB with high accuracy in obtaining the true surface planes. At last, the research contributes to develop a module, which can automatically convert the identified building elements into an IFC format based on the geometry and spatial relationships of each plan.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-19
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1196
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Trade-offs between accuracy and efficiency in BIM-LCA
           integration

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Bowen Zheng, Mudasir Hussain, Yang Yang, Albert P.C. Chan, Hung-Lin Chi
      Abstract: In the last decades, various building information modeling–life cycle assessment (BIM-LCA) integration approaches have been developed to assess the environmental impact of the built asset. However, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal BIM-LCA integration approach that provides the most accurate and efficient assessment outcomes. To compare and determine their accuracy and efficiency, this study aimed to investigate four typical BIM-LCA integration solutions, namely, conventional, parametric modeling, plug-in and industry foundation classes (IFC)-based integration. The four integration approaches were developed and applied using the same building project. A quantitative technique for evaluating the accuracy and efficiency of BIM-LCA integration solutions was used. Four indicators for assessing the performance of BIM-LCA integration were (1) validity of LCA results, (2) accuracy of bill-of-quantity (BOQ) extraction, (3) time for developing life cycle inventories (i.e. developing time) and (4) time for calculating LCA results (i.e. calculation time). The results show that the plug-in-based approach outperforms others in developing and calculation time, while the conventional one could derive the most accuracy in BOQ extraction and result validity. The parametric modeling approach outperforms the IFC-based method regarding BOQ extraction, developing time and calculation time. Despite this, the IFC-based approach produces LCA outcomes with approximately 1% error, proving its validity. This paper forms one of the first studies that employ a quantitative and objective method to determine the performance of four typical BIM-LCA integration solutions and reveal the trade-offs between the accuracy and efficiency of the integration approaches. The findings provide practical references for LCA practitioners to select appropriate BIM-LCA integration approaches for evaluating the environmental impact of the built asset during the design phase.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-14
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0270
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Green transformational leadership and green innovation in megaprojects: is
           green knowledge sharing a missing link'

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Xiaoyan Chen, Yajiao Chen, Xinyue Zhang, Qinghua He
      Abstract: Green innovation (GI) in megaprojects has become a significant research topic that attracts both megaproject management scholars' and practitioners' attention. Green transformational leadership (GTL) is acknowledged as an important antecedent to GI in the permanent context. However, limited research investigates the mechanism and condition of how GTL effectively affects GI in the temporary (i.e. megaproject) context. This study seeks to examine the mechanism and condition of GTL in improving GI by assessing the mediating role of green knowledge sharing (GKS) and the moderating effect of innovation climate (IC). Regression analysis was performed on data obtained from 303 experts who have been involved in megaprojects. GTL has a significant positive impact on two aspects of GI, including green product innovation (GPDI) and green process innovation (GPCI). Besides, GKS mediates the relationship between GTL and the two aspects of GI. Moreover, IC plays a significantly positive moderating role in the relationship between GTL and GKS and the relationship between GKS and the two aspects of GI. This study adds knowledge to the theory and practice by unveiling the “black box” between GTL and GI in the temporary (i.e. megaproject) context. First, this study extends the continuing discussion on the direct effect of GTL on GI to the temporary (i.e. megaproject) context. Second, this study facilitates the understanding of the mechanism to generate better GI performance considering the mediating role of GKS and the moderating effect of IC in the temporary (i.e. megaproject) context. The results can illuminate megaproject practitioners on generating better GI performance.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-11
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0117
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Construction group conflict under resource overlap: a game theory approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Junlong Peng, Qi Zhang
      Abstract: The replenishment of construction materials heavily relies on the functioning of heavy machinery, which often leads to confusion and negotiations among construction work groups regarding the allocation rights of these materials. When multiple groups require the same construction materials, they often struggle to determine whether the delivered materials are intended for their own use or if they have encroached upon supplies designated for others. Such uncertainties and negotiations frequently result in delays in construction progress and have the potential to escalate into conflicts. To minimize misunderstandings among work groups and mitigate the risk of severe safety consequences, it is crucial to understand the decision-making processes involved in the interaction between work groups. This paper adopts a game theory approach to examine the interactions among work groups from a safety perspective. Quantum response equilibrium (QRE), as a specialized form of game with incomplete information, is assumed to govern the behavior of work groups in this study. By conducting a questionnaire survey, interactive scenarios were simulated. A resource overlap scenario for high-altitude construction is established, with the key factors being the importance of construction materials, the time required to supplement materials, whether managers are present and the climate within the groups. The model parameters were estimated using the expectation–maximization algorithm. Additionally, individual traits and safety awareness are surveyed in the questionnaire, further explaining the results of the game. The findings indicate that the likelihood of conflicts between work groups under resource overlap can be quantified. The radical behavior of construction work groups exhibits a positive correlation with the importance of construction materials and the time required for material replenishment. Furthermore, the presence of a safety climate and the oversight of management personnel play a significant role in maintaining the composure of construction work groups. The expanded results of the questionnaire demonstrate that there is considerable room for improvement in workers' safety awareness, and management approaches can be further enhanced to prevent unsafe behaviors from occurring. A novel game theory model was developed to evaluate the behavior of construction groups in situations of resource overlap. This model offers practical suggestions to improve safety performance and efficiency in construction projects.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-11
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-04-2023-0393
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The effects of performance measurement on megaproject performance: the
           moderating effects of project complexity

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Wensheng Lin, Guangbin Wang, Yan Ning, Qiuwen Ma, Shuyuan Dai
      Abstract: Megaproject performance measurement (MPM) has received great attention in the project management community, but it primarily focused on the design of performance measures or frameworks. Yet, whether MPM utilization can improve megaproject performance and how project actors use MPM to improve megaproject performance is less well understood. This study aims to investigate whether and how the use of MPM can contribute to better megaproject performance. Through the lens of the lever of control, this study conceptualizes MPM utilization as diagnostic use and interactive use. A holistic research model and related hypotheses integrating MPM use, project complexity and megaproject performance were established. The model was validated using a partial square-structural equation modeling method. Based on 214-megaproject data collected through a questionnaire survey in China, the results show positive effects of diagnostic use and interactive use on megaproject performance. Both, however, have substitutional interaction effects. The moderating results suggest that the higher project complexity weakens the positive effects of MPM utilization on megaproject performance. This study advances megaprojects performance measurement and management literature by validating the value of MPM utilization on performance. It also presents practical implications for project managers to improve performance by appropriate MPM utilization.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-07
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0107
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Students' sound environment perceptions in informal learning spaces: a
           case study on a university campus in Australia

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Jia Zhang, Chunlu Liu, Mark Luther, Brian Chil, Jilong Zhao, Changan Liu
      Abstract: Physical environments, especially the sound environments of ILSs on a university campus, have become increasingly important in satisfying the diverse needs of students. Poor sound environments are widely acknowledged to lead to inefficient and underutilised spaces and to negatively influence students' learning outcomes. This study proposes two hypotheses to explore whether students' sound environment perceptions are related to their individual characteristics and whether students' preferences for the type of ILS are related to their sound environment sensitivities. An investigation through a questionnaire survey has been conducted on both students' individual characteristics affecting their sound environment perceptions in informal learning spaces (ILSs) of a university campus and their sensitivities to the sound environments in ILSs affecting their preferences for the type of ILSs. The research findings indicate that students' sound environment perceptions are associated with some of their individual characteristics. In addition, the results show that students' sound environment sensitivities affect their preferences for the type of ILS they occupy. This study could help architects and managers of university learning spaces to provide better sound environments for students, thereby improving their learning outcomes. The article contributes valuable insights into the correlation between students' individual characteristics, sound environment perceptions and preferences for ILSs. The research findings add to the existing knowledge in this field and offer practical implications for enhancing design and management of university learning environments.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-07
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0118
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Work–life balance in the construction industry: a bibliometric
           and narrative review

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Christiana Ada Adah, Douglas Omoregie Aghimien, Olalekan Oshodi
      Abstract: The nature of construction works has a negative impact on physical, mental and emotional well-being and makes it difficult for the construction industry to attack and retain its workforce. The current study seeks to integrate the current knowledge focused on work–life balance (WLB) in the industry into an understandable whole. An interpretivist philosophical approach was adopted using a bibliometric review and a narrative review of existing studies from both Scopus and Google databases. The Visualisation of Similarities viewer (VOSviewer) was used to prepare co-occurrence maps from the bibliographic data garnered. The study reveals that the prominent factors influencing the WLB of the construction workforce are organizational culture, salary earned, heavy workload, long working hours and inflexible working time. The recent WLB discourse is on organisational commitment, job satisfaction and workplace dynamics. While WLB areas for further exploration are job stress, safety performance, employee attrition and an ageing workforce. Meanwhile, Africa and South America are still lagging in WLB research. The findings reported here will assist stakeholders in identifying appropriate WLB initiatives that can be used to improve the well-being of the construction workforce. Also, the gaps in knowledge for further research were highlighted. The findings reveal current trends and a road map for future studies on WLB in construction. It also reveals prominent factors influencing the WLB of workers in the construction industry.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-07
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0150
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • How and when temporal leadership facilitates the success of sustainable
           construction projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ahmad Nabeel Siddiquei, Hassan Imam, Fahad Asmi
      Abstract: Temporal leadership is a new construct that predicts team outcomes. This study examines the mediating role of shared temporal cognitions and the moderating role of time pressure in the relationship between temporal leadership and project success within sustainable construction projects. The multi-source and multi-wave data were collected via self-administered questionnaires from teams working on sustainable construction projects. The direct and mediating hypotheses were tested using multi-level structural equation modelling, while moderated mediation hypotheses were examined by applying the bootstrap method using SPSS Process Macro. The results showed that temporal leadership enables project success via shared temporal cognitions. Temporal leadership is most beneficial for facilitating project success via shared temporal cognitions when teams experience high time pressure. This is the first study examining shared temporal cognitions as a mediator of the relationship between temporal leadership and project success. Also, this is the first study that considered time pressure as a boundary condition that influences the relationships between temporal leadership, shared temporal cognitions and project success within sustainable construction projects. The study provides valuable advice to project managers and project-based construction organizations about using and managing time within projects.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-07
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0965
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Interregional migration of construction workers in China: roles of
           employment opportunities and environment amenities

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Hanyue Yang, Heng Li, Guangbin Wang, Dongping Cao
      Abstract: Within the labor-intensive construction industry characterized by distinctly structural shortages in the labor force worldwide, efficient and effective migration of construction workers across regions is critical for the smooth operation of construction activities. This study aims to investigate how the interregional migration patterns of construction workers are impacted by the disparities in both employment opportunities and environment amenities between the origin and destination provinces. Drawing on the push and pull theory and the archival data on 13,728 migrant construction workers in China, descriptive analyses are first performed to characterize the interregional migration patterns of the investigated construction workers. Combining regional data in the National Bureau of Statistics of China, this study uses hierarchical regression modeling techniques to empirically test the relative importance of the employment-related and environment-related factors in driving the interregional migration of construction workers after controlling for the effects of related economic and geographic factors. The results provide evidence that the interregional migration of construction workers is principally driven by the disparities in employment opportunities while disparities in environment amenities (including climate comfort disparity, medical service disparity and educational service disparity) generally play much fewer substantive roles. With regard to the impacts of employment opportunities, the results provide evidence that compared with the disparity in job market size, the disparities in job income and industry development level are more significantly relevant factors, which positively pull and adversely push the interregional migration flows, respectively. This study contributes to a deepened understanding of how workers specifically balance their employment and amenity needs to make temporary migration decisions in the “laggard” labor-intensive construction industry. This study also adds to the literature on population migration by characterizing the specific characteristics of construction workers and the temporary nature of the workers' migration activities. The findings hold important practical implications for construction organizations and policymakers for effectively managing the mobility of migrant construction workers. The extant literature on migrant construction workers has primarily focused on the consequences of international migration and the generalization of empirical findings on population migration mechanisms in other domains to the construction industry is substantially limited by the specific characteristics of construction workers and the temporary nature of their migration activities. In addressing this gap, this study represents an exploratory effort to quantitatively characterize the interregional migration patterns of construction workers in the labor-intensive construction industry and examines the roles of employment opportunity and environmental amenity in driving interregional migration.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-04
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0029
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The role of artificial intelligence in lean construction management

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Jantanee Dumrak, Seyed Ashkan Zarghami
      Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyze the existing studies on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in lean construction management (LCM). Further, this study offers a classification scheme that specifies different categories of AI tools, as applied to the field of LCM to support various principles of LCM. This research adopts the systematic literature review (SLR) process, which consists of five consecutive steps: planning, searching, screening, extraction and synthesis and reporting. As a supplement to SLR, a bibliometric analysis is performed to examine the quantity and citation impact of the reviewed papers. In this paper, seven key areas related to the principles of LCM for which AI tools have been used are identified. The findings of this research clarify how AI can assist in bolstering the practice of LCM. Further, this article presents directions for the future evolution of AI tools in LCM based on the current emerging trends. This paper advances the LCM systems by offering a lens through which construction managers can better understand key concepts in the linkage of AI to LCM. This research offers a new classification scheme that allows researchers to properly recall, identify and group various applications of AI categories in the construction industry based on various principles of LCM. In addition, this study provides a source of references for researchers in the LCM discipline, which advances knowledge and facilitates theory development in the field.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-04
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0153
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Selection framework of disruption analysis methods for megaprojects: an
           integrated fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ozan Okudan, Murat Cevikbas, Zeynep Işık
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose a decision support framework that can be used by decision-makers to identify the most convenient disruption analysis (DA) methods for megaprojects and their stakeholders. The framework was initially developed by conducting a comprehensive literature review to obtain extensive knowledge about disruption management and megaprojects. Focus group discussion (FGD) sessions with the participation of the construction practitioners were then organized to validate and strengthen the findings of the literature review. Consequently, 17 selection factors were identified and categorized as requirement, ability and outcome. Lastly, the most convenient DA methods for megaprojects were identified by performing integrated fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) analysis. Additionally, consistency analysis was also conducted to verify the reliability of the results. The results revealed that the measured mile method is the most appropriate DA method for megaprojects. In case the measured mile method cannot be adopted due to various technical and contractual reasons, the decision-makers are proposed to consider program analysis, work or trade sampling, earned value analysis and control chart method, respectively. Second, the selection factors such as “Comprehensible analysis procedure,” “Existing knowledge and experience about a particular DA method,” “Ability to resolve greater number of disruption events,” “Ability to resolve complex disruption events,” “Ability to exclude factors that are not under the owner's responsibility” and “General acceptance by practitioners, courts, and arbitration, etc.” were given the top priority by the experts, highlighting the critical aspects of the DA methods. Disruption claims in megaprojects are very critical for the contractors to compensate for the losses stemming from disruption events. Although the effective use of DA methods maximizes the accuracy and reliability of disruption claims, decision-makers can barely implement these methods adequately since past studies neglect to present extensive knowledge about the most convenient DA methods for megaprojects. Thus, developing a decision support framework for the selection of DA methods, this study is the earliest attempt that examines the mechanisms and inherent differences of DA methods. Additionally, owing to the robustness and versatility of this research approach, the research approach could be replicated also for future studies focusing on other project-based industries since disruption is also a challenging issue for many other industries.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-03
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0105
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Barriers to the growth of indigenous construction firms in
           Nigeria

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Chukwuemeka Patrick Ogbu, Edosa Mark Osazuwa
      Abstract: Studies focusing on the growth of indigenous construction firms (ICFs) are getting dated, and unreflective of recent policy changes in developing countries. This study sought to analyze critical barriers to the growth of ICFs and obtain an unsupervised parsimonious grouping of the barriers for policy improvements. A mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods was adopted for the study. ICFs in Nigeria were cross-sectionally surveyed based on a set of firm growth barriers obtained from literature and refined by focus group discussion. Descriptive (means, standard deviations, percentages) and inferential (Kruskal-Wallice and Mann-Whitney U test) statistics were used in the analyses of the data. Factor analysis was used to group the variables. Results showed that “declining” ICFs are more negatively impacted by low construction mechanization/use of labor intensive methods, inadequate geographical reach of operations, and inadequate flow of jobs/low demand than “stunted” and “growing” ICFs. The three main domains of critical barriers to the growth of ICFs were identified in descending order of importance as low patronage, difficulty accessing funds, and business management incapacity. The study recommends improvements in access to funds for ICFs by increasing the percentage of advance payments, and creating a pool of equipment for easy hire by ICFs. ICFs are advised to seek information on tendering opportunities outside their regions of domicile in order to increase their patronage. This study reveals differences in the impacts of growth barriers on ICFs at different growth levels. This study also clarifies persisting barriers to the growth of ICFs [primarily construction micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)] from a developing country perspective using a longer list of variables.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-07-03
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0211
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Active BIM system for optimized multi-project ready-mix-concrete delivery

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Hana Begić, Mario Galić, Uroš Klanšek
      Abstract: Ready-mix concrete delivery problem (RMCDP), a specific version of the vehicle routing problem (VRP), is a relevant supply-chain engineering task for construction management with various formulations and solving methods. This problem can range from a simple scenario involving one source, one material and one destination to a more challenging and complex case involving multiple sources, multiple materials and multiple destinations. This paper presents an Internet of Things (IoT)-supported active building information modeling (BIM) system for optimized multi-project ready-mix concrete (RMC) delivery. The presented system is BIM-based, IoT supported, dynamic and automatic input/output exchange to provide an optimal delivery program for multi-project ready-mix-concrete problem. The input parameters are extracted as real-time map-supported IoT data and transferred to the system via an application programming interface (API) into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization model developed to perform the optimization. The obtained optimization results are further integrated into BIM by conventional project management tools. To demonstrate the features of the suggested system, an RMCDP example was applied to solve that included four building sites, seven eligible concrete plants and three necessary RMC mixtures. The system provides the optimum delivery schedule for multiple RMCs to multiple construction sites, as well as the optimum RMC quantities to be delivered, the quantities from each concrete plant that must be supplied, the best delivery routes, the optimum execution times for each construction site, and the total minimal costs, while also assuring the dynamic transfer of the optimized results back into the portfolio of multiple BIM projects. The system can generate as many solutions as needed by updating the real-time input parameters in terms of change of the routes, unit prices and availability of concrete plants. The suggested system allows dynamic adjustments during the optimization process, andis adaptable to changes in input data also considering the real-time input data. The system is based on spreadsheets, which are widely used and common tool that most stakeholders already utilize daily, while also providing the possibility to apply a more specialized tool. Based on this, the RMCDP can be solved using both conventional and advanced optimization software, enabling the system to handle even large-scale tasks as necessary.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-30
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1064
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Digital twins in lean construction: a neutrosophic AHP – BOCR
           analysis approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ebru Altan, Zeynep Işık
      Abstract: Increasing complexity in construction projects evokes interest in application of innovative digital technologies in construction. Digital twins (DT), which bring these innovative technologies together, have strong interactions with lean construction (LC). To highlight the collaborative nature of DT and LC, the paper explores the interactions between LC and DT and assesses benefits, costs, opportunities and risks (BOCR) of DT in LC to analyze significant obstacles and enablers in DT adoption in LC. BOCR approach comprehensively considers both the positive and the negative attributes of a problem. At the first step, BOCR criteria for DT are identified through literature review and expert opinions, at the second step dependencies among BOCR criteria for DT in LC are determined by neutrosophic analytic hierarchy process (AHP), through a questionnaire survey. Integrating BOCR into neutrosophic AHP enables achieving more meaningful preference scores. Cost of skilled workforce is the most important factor and opportunity to reduce waste is the second most important factor in adoption of DT in LC. The results were analyzed to rank the BOCR of adoption of DT in LC. This study, in a novel way, performs BOCR analysis through neutrosophic AHP to reflect experts' judgments more effectively by neutrosophic AHP's better handling of vagueness and uncertainty. The paper provides a model to better understand the significant factors that influence adoption of DT in LC.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-30
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1115
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A fuzzy synthetic evaluation approach for climate for innovation
           measurement in construction firms

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Minh Van Nguyen, Tu Thanh Nguyen
      Abstract: This research aims to identify the climate for innovation variables and to propose an innovative tool to quantitatively assess the degree of climate for innovation of construction firms. 14 climate-for-innovation variables were identified from a literature review and discussion with experienced practitioners. After that, a questionnaire survey was developed to collect data. Factor analysis was used to analyze data gathered from 157 completed responses. Then, fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) was employed to assess the degree of climate for innovation in Vietnamese construction firms. Climate-for-innovation variables were categorized into four factors by factor analysis. The FSE analysis shows leadership is the most critical category of four factors, followed by working culture, organization and employee commitment. The calculation also illustrates that the climate for innovation in Vietnamese construction firms is at a moderate level. This research is one of the first integrated climate for innovation of construction firms in a comprehensive formulation. The formulation provides the decision-makers with a reliable tool to evaluate the degree of climate for innovation, thus having appropriate strategies to develop sustainable innovation performance within their organizations.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-28
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0130
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A domain model for geometric modeling in support of the automated BIM
           modeling

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Lin Yang, Qiming Li, Wei Pan
      Abstract: This research aims to argue that manual geometric modeling is blocking the building information modeling (BIM) promotion to small-size companies. Therefore, it is necessary to study a manner of automated modeling to reduce the dependence of BIM implementation on manpower. This paper aims to make a study into such a system to propose both its theory and prototype. This research took a prototyping as the methodology, which consists of three steps: (1) proposing a theoretical framework supporting automated geometric modeling process; (2) developing a prototype system based on the framework; (3) conducting a testing for the prototype system on its performance. Previous researches into automated geometric modeling only respectively focused on a specific procedure for a particular engineering domain. No general model was abstracted to support generic geometric modeling. This paper, taking higher level of abstraction, proposed such a model that can describe general geometric modeling process to serve generic automated geometric modeling systems. This paper focused on only geometric modeling, skipping non-geometric information of BIM. A complete BIM model consists of geometric and non-geometric data. Therefore, the method of combination of them is on the research agenda. The model proposed by this paper provide a mechanism to translate engineering geometric objects into textual representations, being able to act as the kernel of generic automated geometric modeling systems, which are expected to boost BIM promotion in industry.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-28
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1067
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Management of gross negligence manslaughter liability construction for
           professionals and lessons learned

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Mu-Chun Liao, Ting-Ya Hsieh, Wei-Hsiang Wang
      Abstract: By inspecting the special connection between negligence and the causes of negligence, this study evaluates the reasonableness of negligence offenses elements from the perspectives of “modes” and “rules.” This study considers that in the core concept of negligent manslaughter in the Criminal Code of Taiwan, “business” comprises an outstretched legal element; thus, “application by analogy” or “customary laws” should be prohibited as a legal basis or when applying the criminal code because those are not allowed under nulla poena sine lege. Nulla poena sine lege must be respected to release construction professionals from material risks in their judicial rights and interests. This study used data mining analysis with a database of 204 cases where construction professionals were involved in an accusation of gross negligence manslaughter (GNM) (N = 486) between 1995 and 2021 to explore the reasons and distribution of these cases in the construction industry in Taiwan. The results showed that the main reasons behind lawful GNM accusations against construction professionals are as follows: (1) the violation of employers' duty of care to prevent hazards caused in workplaces where falling and collapsing are concerns during construction, thus resulting in death; (2) gross negligence during design, construction and supervision, causing damages after natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. This study discusses the whole life circle of construction, starting from planning, design, construction and completion. However, the involvement of other offenses such as providing false statements, forgery, embezzlement, unjust enrichment and fraudulent tax evasion or criminal responsibilities stipulated in the Building Act or administrative punishments are beyond the scope of this study. Future studies will focus on foreign “business GNM” cases from judicial precedents with similar backgrounds to Taiwan in the construction industry to verify whether similar conclusions can be drawn and to examine their differences. This study applied data mining and data analysis to the data and explored potential causality and patterns of GNM cases in judicial cases. The results of the analyses can be used as evidence for potential causality and thus facilitate construction professionals' self-reflection and contribute to the sustainable development of working environments for construction. This study agrees with the removal of GNM titled “business” in the Criminal Code of Taiwan to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the building industry. By doing so, national judicial and management systems will be in line with international standards, ensuring that everyone has equal access to justice. Goal 16 of the SDGs by the United Nations aims to promote judicial equality, peace, justice and strong institutions. With this basis, this study collected and analyzed data in the field of criminal law and applied the theory of criminal offenses committed by negligence to real construction-related cases. This study especially discusses whether construction professionals were imposed with excessive responsibilities when a court enforced the “duty of care” that asked the professionals to bear the responsibility of results for events that should be and could be foreseen.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-20
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2022-1059
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Resilient performance on construction projects in the post-pandemic
           era: an organizational perspective

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Mirela Schramm Tonetto, Carlos Torres Formoso, Tarcisio Abreu Saurin, Fabiana Bonesi De Luca, Fernanda Pavan Lora, Elvira Lantelme
      Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic offered a unique glimpse into the resilience of construction projects, shedding light on several learning opportunities. The purpose of this paper is to develop propositions for the improvement of resilient performance in construction in the post-pandemic era. The propositions were developed based on an empirical study in Brazil. Data collection involved the analysis of regulations, interviews with health experts, managers, and workers, in addition to non-participant observations of the use of 37 control practices in 39 construction sites comparing the work-as-imagined and the work-as-done. The practices were classified in a hierarchy of controls. Seven propositions for the improvement of resilient performance were developed, addressing collaboration between construction companies, slack resources, new health and safety practices, production planning and control, digital technologies, visual management, and organizational culture. These propositions emphasize organizational support for resilience. This is in contrast to the nature of most observed practices (57%) that relied on administrative controls and personal protective equipment, which are measures dependent on behaviors that resemble resilience at the individual level. Although much has been studied on COVID-19 implications for construction projects, previous empirical studies have not adopted the organizational resilience perspective as the main theoretical background.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-19
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0170
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Developing a multidimensional performance measurement framework for
           international construction joint ventures (ICJVs): the perspective of
           Ghana-hosted ICJVs' practitioners

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Mershack Opoku Tetteh, Albert P.C. Chan, Amos Darko, Beliz Özorhon, Emmanuel Adinyira
      Abstract: International construction joint ventures (ICJVs) will fully realize their potential for success and effectively monitor performance when an adequate and suitable performance benchmark is established. However, existing studies fall short of adequately providing a mutually acceptable benchmark for assessing the performance of ICJVs. This study aims to develop an adequate and suitable performance measurement framework for ICJVs. A twofold structured questionnaire survey, supplemented by semi-structured interviews, was used to collect data from the practitioners of ICJVs hosted in the developing country of Ghana. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and a hybrid-fuzzy logic approach. A list of 30 performance indicators (PIs), defined by project performance, perceived satisfaction, company/partner performance, socio-environmental performance and performance of ICJV management, was validated and proved to be significant. Only 22 out of the 30 PIs, focusing on project efficiency, societal improvement and organizational goals are realized by the ICJV practitioners. Further, suitable determinants and viable quantitative ranges for measuring each PI are established to prevent different interpretations of the meanings of PIs and objectively express the level of success in quantitative terms. The results call for further investigation of the convergence between the practice of and research into some PIs (e.g. socio-environmental performance) and a range of different performance levels (PLs) in a more scientific manner. This study not only advances the knowledge base and practice of performance measurement in ICJVs but could also assist stakeholders and decision-makers to assess, compare and monitor the performance of different ICJV projects on common grounds objectively. This study not only comprehensively assessed PIs – what to measure – but also systematically determined suitable determinants – how to measure – for each PI.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-19
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0739
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Selecting EVM, ESM and EDM(t) for managing construction project schedule

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Jyh-Bin Yang, Tzu-Hua Lai
      Abstract: This study aims to review earned value management (EVM)-relative methods, including the original EVM, earned schedule method (ESM) and earned duration management (EDM(t)). This study then proposes a general implementation procedure and some basic principles for the selection of EVM-relative methods. After completing an intensive literature review, this study conducts a case study to examine the forecasting performance of project duration using the EVM, ESM and EDM(t) methods. When the project is expected to finish on time, ESM with a performance factor equal to 1 is the recommended method. EDM(t) would be the most reliable method during a project's entire lifetime if EDM(t) is expected to be delayed based on past experience. As this research conducts a case study with only one building construction project, the results might not hold true for all types of construction projects. EVM, ESM and EDM(t) are simple and data-accessible methods. With the help of a general implementation procedure, applying all three methods would be better. The power of the three methods is definitely larger than that of choosing only one for complex construction projects. Previous studies have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of EVM, ESM and EDM(t). This study amends the available outcomes. Thus, for schedulers or researchers interested in implementing EVM, ESM and EDM(t), this study can provide more constructive instructions.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-16
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0115
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Revolutionizing steel building project cost overrun risk assessment by
           Bayesian network

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Sou-Sen Leu, Kuang-Jen Huang, Cathy Chang-Wei Hung, Pei-Lin Wu
      Abstract: In recent years, cost overrun becomes a common problem in steel building construction projects. The average percentage can vary widely depending on the project type, size, complexity and location. The steel structure change ratio in Taiwan is from 1 to 18% in statistics. The contractors always put every possible effort into preventing or mitigating project cost overruns, and one of the approaches is an accurate cost overrun risk estimate. Traditional project cost overrun risk assessment models mainly focus on macro-level evaluation and may not function well for the project-specific level (micro-level). This study creates a network-like connection model between the outcome (i.e. cost overrun risk) and the associated root causes in which the project status evaluation checklists of design, manufacturing, construction and interfaces are used to evaluate the checklists' influences through the Bayesian network (BN) composed by intermediate causes. Due to the constraint of data availability, BN nodes, relationships and conditional probabilities are defined to establish a BN-based steel building project cost overrun assessment model following the knowledge of experts. Because of the complexity of the BN, the construction of the BN structure is first to build BN's fault tree (FT) hierarchy. And then, basic BN framework is constructed by the transformation of the FT hierarchy. Furthermore, some worthwhile additional arcs among BN nodes are inserted if necessary. Furthermore, conditional probability tables (CPTs) among BN nodes are explored by experts following the concept of the ranked node. Finally, the BN-based model was validated against the final cost analysis reports of 15 steel building projects done in Taiwan and both were highly consistent. The overall BN-based model construction process consists of three steps: (1) FT construction and BN framework transformation, (2) CPT computation and (3) model validation. This study established a network-like bridge model between the outcome (i.e. cost overrun risk) and the root causes in a network of which cost influences are evaluated through the project-specific status evaluation checklists of design, manufacturing, construction and interfaces. This study overcame several limitations of the previous cost overrun risk assessment models: (1) few past research support assessment of cost overrun based on real-time project-owned data and (2) the traditional causal models inadequately depict interdependencies among influence factors of cost overrun at the network. The main influence factors of the cost overrun risk at the steel building projects in Taiwan were also examined using sensitivity analysis. The main root causes of cost overrun in steel building projects are design management and interface integration. The proposed model belongs to the project-specific causal assessment model using real-time project-owned status checklist data as input. Such a model was seldom surveyed in the past due to the complicated interdependence among causes in the network. For practical use, a convenient and simple regression equation was also developed to forecast the cost overrun risk of the steel building project based on the root causes as input. Based on the analysis of cost overrun risk and significant influence factors, proper tailor-made preventive strategies are established to reduce the occurrence of cost overrun at the project.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-16
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0962
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Critical success factors for construction industry transition to circular
           economy: developing countries’ perspectives

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Kerim Koc, Serdar Durdyev, Aidana Tleuken, Omer Ekmekcioglu, Jasper Mbachu, Ferhat Karaca
      Abstract: Circular economy (CE) is increasingly used as a system solution framework for tackling climate change. Existing CE solutions have been found effective in other sectors but ineffective in the construction sector (CS) due to the inability to account for unique CS dynamics that are essential for its success. With CS being one of the worst polluters, this research aimed to investigate critical success factors (CSFs) and a practical CE implementation framework for the sector. Mixed methods research involving descriptive surveys of construction professionals in Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Turkey was used to explore priority dimensions of McKinsey’s ReSOLVE (“regenerate, share, optimize, loop, virtualize and exchange”) circulatory framework, and the associated CSFs that underpin successful implementation of CE in the sector. Empirical data were analyzed using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) algorithm. Results showed that “Optimize” and “Loop” were the most critical of the six dimensions of CE implementation framework for successful circularity transition of the CS in each case study country. Twenty-seven CSFs identified in the study were clustered into seven key action areas for successful rollout of the ReSOLVE framework, namely, legislative and documentation, financial, design, external/stakeholder, technological, internal and construction/production/waste management. The study makes a unique contribution to existing knowledge by exploring ReSOLVE-based CSFs for successful CE implementation in the CS through the lenses of experienced construction practitioners and experts in developing countries. The findings are expected to provide a deeper insight into the most significant CSFs to be focused on with the limited resources available to decision-makers in the CS. The findings would also inform regulatory policy reformations aimed at facilitating greater rate of implementation of CE in the construction value chain. The study – the first of its kind – established and validated a wholistic and construction-specific CE implementation framework to guide built environment professionals and policymakers in formulating a roadmap for successful CS’s transition to circularity and hopefully paving the way for improved economic, social and environmental performance of the sector.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-16
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0129
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Dynamic approach for investigating delivery system effects on
           infrastructure project performance

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ahmed Nouh, Elsayed Elkasaby, Omnia Wageh
      Abstract: Innovative design and execution approaches are employed in infrastructure sectors and planning to enhance the integrated project delivery system, assure the sustainability of infrastructure projects, and meet the demands of the dynamic, changing environment. Delivery methods must incorporate new technologies. By combining digital technology, teamwork, and mass manufacturing, a greater degree of exceptional quality, sustainability, and resilience in the environment will be generated. As a result, a new approach does not rely on the reaction policy, but instead considers alternative scenarios and employs a simulation model to determine the best course of action. In the paper, the system dynamics approach to construction management is validated in light of pertinent research. Additionally, it describes the difficulties facing the infrastructure projects' delivery system. Additionally, the strategy for system dynamics creation is described. This strategy includes a causal loop diagram, generates a stock-flow diagram, and simulates forecasts of model behavior over time. Next, the optimization model's validation process is used to create a system dynamics model for choosing the best infrastructure project delivery system project and controlling it to maximize sustainability, mass production, digital integration, and team integration. The dynamic complexity of project management is growing. The primary goal is to present a system dynamics (SD) simulation to look at how well infrastructure projects perform in terms of choosing the best method for delivering infrastructure projects. One of the most ideal methods for delivering projects is integrated project delivery. An effective methodology for making strategic decisions on the choice of the best project delivery method. In order to enhance certain infrastructure project delivery system metrics for sustainability, mass production, digital integration, and team integration, the model included building strategy and sophisticated system dynamics simulation. According to the construction strategy, the outcomes have been satisfactory. System dynamics research has been done to replicate the idea of contemporary construction in order to determine the best approach for delivering infrastructure. The government and decision-makers would benefit from understanding this research as they decide on the best delivery method for boosting the sustainability and productivity of infrastructure projects in Egypt.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-15
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-1022
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Schedule compression and emerging waste in construction: an assessment
           of overlapping activities

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Diana Salhab, Søren Munch Lindhard, Farook Hamzeh
      Abstract: Compressing the schedule by using overlapping activities is a commonly adopted approach for accelerating projects. However, this approach might channel a variety of risks into the construction processes. Risks imply waste; still, evaluating the effects of using overlapping activities on schedule quality has been a looming gap in construction research. Therefore, this paper aims to study the quality of overlapping in terms of emerging waste and to demarcate the boundaries of the overlapping envelope. This study presents a method for assessing the consequences of implementing overlapping activities in a schedule on two types of waste namely waiting time and variation gap. A critical path method (CPM) network including eleven activities is modeled stochastically where the durations of individual activities are sampled as beta-distributions. Using program evaluation and review technique (PERT) assumptions to calculate the schedule dates, the network is simulated for various amounts of overlapping and the corresponding waste is quantified each time. Results show that not only the returns on overlapping are diminishing after a certain overlap percentage, but also waste in the production system increases. Particularly, results reveal that compressing the schedule leads to a decrease in variation gaps, but at the same time, it leads to a larger increase in waiting times, which creates more waste. The presented study shows through simulation how overlapping activities affects productivity by identifying wastes. It shows that despite the apparent gains, overlaps should be used with caution, and while considering the side-effects of increased waste which introduces a need for increased managerial awareness.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-13
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1121
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Communication challenges and blockchain in building energy efficiency
           retrofits: Croatia case

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Anita Cerić, Ivona Ivić
      Abstract: As climate change has become a growing concern, sustainable development has become increasingly important. Emissions reduction is a key step for more efficient energy use. In the last few years, the residential building sector in Croatia has received financial support for multi-dwelling building energy efficiency retrofits (EERs). However, some of these projects encountered difficulties due to information asymmetry between the key participants. This study aims to address the problem from the perspective of the principal-agent theory, which is concerned with information asymmetry and the asymmetry's repercussions. A social network analysis is conducted to reflect the operation and management (OM) details of Croatian multi-dwelling buildings. The key stakeholders of EER are mapped, along with the contractual and communication ties between them. Using the Gephi software, relationship data are visually represented and statistically evaluated. The analysis indicated two different clusters or groups of stakeholders in EERs in Croatia and enabled the mapping of key relationships between stakeholders. The findings stress the importance of the key relationship between owner representatives (ORs) and property managers (PMs). The contribution of this study is the development of framework for blockchain implementation in EERs, which can be adapted for use in different markets and/or projects. Blockchain is proposed for minimization of information asymmetry between different stakeholders. Blockchain enables communication and cooperation during project development and enhances trust among stakeholders.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-13
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2022-0441
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The effects of project uncertainty on guanxi governance
           and contractual governance

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Yi-Hsin Lin, Deshuang Niu, Yanzhe Guo, Ningshuang Zeng
      Abstract: This study examines how project uncertainties (environmental uncertainty and participant uncertainty) affect guanxi and contractual governance and assesses the mediating role of guanxi governance between project uncertainty and contractual governance. Data were collected in two stages from Chinese contractors. First, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine construction engineering project practitioners in different contracts as a pilot for questionnaire designing. Second, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with professionals and practitioners of construction enterprises to collect primary data. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test seven hypotheses based on data collected from 198 respondents. Project environmental uncertainty promotes the use of guanxi governance, while project participant uncertainty hinders it; the relationship between both types of uncertainty and contractual governance is the same as with guanxi governance. Furthermore, guanxi governance promotes contractual governance and partially mediates project environmental uncertainty and contractual governance and a complete mediating role between project participant uncertainty and contractual governance. As the interviewed samples are mainly from China, the study should be replicated using large representative samples from East Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the influence of guanxi governance. Further, while the internal consistency reliability and convergent validity of the questionnaire data in this study align with the standards, a larger sample size would improve the reliability and validity of the research results and better represent the overall work situation of contractors, owners and public policymakers. The results provide insights into project governance research and have implications for construction practitioners in deploying governance-related resources.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-13
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0773
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Implementing circular economy principles in infrastructure procurement to
           support circular supply chains

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Jurij Karlovsek, Cristyn Meath, Lawrence Miles-Mwangangi, Charles MacDonald, Alfredo Brockmann
      Abstract: The aim of this paper is to study the procurement of infrastructure through the lens of circular economy (CE) principles to achieve contractual delivery methods which promote circular supply chains. This paper provides an analysis of the key concepts related to the research topic based on a review of recent academic literature. Moreover, based on the empirical and academic experience of the authors in the infrastructure industry, there are multiple actionable discussion points which are raised. However, the research for this paper was undertaken with a focus on literature rather than direct observations and empirical research, which may limit discussion to scholarly rather than practical applications. The paper finds that CE principles can be leveraged to capture additional economic benefit in the infrastructure industry. In addition, there are specific project delivery methods which may act as workable practices towards more circular supply chains. The value of this paper is in the CE-related suggestions the paper provides to procurement practitioners. This work also attempts to link contractual procurement with tangible outcomes across the project lifecycle, including operation and end of life (EOL) of the infrastructure asset.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-08
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0908
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A framework of robust project portfolio selection problem under strategic
           objectives considering the risk propagation

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ruyue Han, Xingmei Li, Zhong Shen, Dongqing Jia
      Abstract: The consideration of the substitution phenomenon in the project portfolio selection problem can improve the robustness of project portfolio selection and help enterprises better achieve their strategic objectives. However, the existence of inter-project risk propagation will have a negative impact on project substitution. This paper proposes a new framework for project portfolio selection and constructs a risk propagation model based on strategic objectives to study the impact of risk propagation on substitution in the project portfolio. The authors first construct a risk propagation model based on strategic objectives to describe the risk propagation between projects. Then the project substitution phenomenon based on risk propagation is put forward, and the calculation method of substitution loss is given. Finally, a robust project portfolio selection framework based on strategic objectives considering risk propagation is constructed. The analysis of a case study demonstrates that (1) With the increase of risk intensity, the strategic loss of the same project portfolio increases linearly, and under the same risk intensity, the more projects in the portfolio, the stronger the robustness. (2) Considering risk propagation, the effect of project substitution is significantly weakened, and the strategic loss rate of the project portfolio is significantly increased compared with that of a direct attack. This study is the first to take the project substitution into account in the project portfolio selection process. Moreover, the authors describe inter-project risk propagation and analyze the impact of risk propagation on the project substitution phenomenon. Finally, the authors extend the evaluation index of robustness. This paper puts forward a new way to solve the problem of project portfolio selection.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-07
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0801
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • How does collective moral judgment focus on the self-induce deviant
           behavior of construction workers' A multilevel investigation

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Ming Yuan, Xuetong Wang, Ziyao Zhang, Han Lin, Mingchuan Yu
      Abstract: The deviant behavior (DB) of construction workers has always been a troubling event in project management. Although scholars continue to search for the main causes of this behavior to curb it at the source, the authors know less about the role and contribution of the team. This study aims to uncover the mechanisms and conditions under which collective moral judgment focus on self (CMJS) effectively enhances DB. Adopting Chinese construction enterprises as samples, a hierarchical linear model (HLM) is used to test the results of the hypothesis. Moderated mediating effects are used to analyze the potential mechanisms and boundary conditions of DB. The results of the HLM analysis show that CMJS could directly and significantly induce DB, and moral disengagement (MD) plays a mediator role in this association. In addition, the positive relationship between MD and DB is stronger when performance-avoidance goal orientation (PaGO) or overqualification (Overq) is higher. The conditions and mechanisms that influence DB are not unique. Future study could examine the explanatory and weighting mechanisms of DB from other perspectives or to construct a framework and summarize the factors that may influence DB. This study provides a rich theoretical basis for the prevention and correction of construction workers' DB in Chinese construction firms from the perspective of CMJS. In addition, objective moral judgments contribute to guiding employees' moral cognitive processes and positive work. This study extends existing research on DB and advances the practical outcomes of construction project governance. It not only illustrates that CMJS has a direct impact on DB but also clarifies the mechanisms and conditions that predispose to the generation of DB, filling the research gap on construction workers' DB from cross-level mechanisms and also enriching the theoretical system for preventing this behavior.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-06
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0563
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A novel approach for construction disputes causal inferences based on
           empirical data: a case-controlled method combined with Bradford Hill
           criteria

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Peipei Wang, Peter Fenn, Kun Wang
      Abstract: This paper aims to devise a case-controlled method combined with Bradford Hill criteria for causal inference of contractual disputes in construction projects. It is a genuine attempt in a systematic method from research design to execution for causal issues where only observational data is available. The authors located insufficient top management support as the putative pathogen of construction disputes based on a literature review, an interview and Delphi surveys. A questionnaire survey was then conducted to collect case-controlled data to ensure comparability, in which for each disputed project put in the experimental group, the authors sought for a dispute-free project of similar characteristics. The incidence rates of insufficient top management support in the experimental and control groups were then examined by Bradford Hill criteria as an alternative to the test of intervention effect. The association of insufficient top management support and construction disputes was tested to conform with the Bradford Hill criteria with case-controlled data where applicable and logical deduction where statistical tests were not applicable. With a clear, positive, reasonable and statistically significant association, while excluding methodological biases, confounding and chance, the authors reached a causal verdict of insufficient top management support causing contractual disputes. This paper supports the validity of applying a case-controlled method combined with Bradford Hill criteria in investigating causal issues in project management, especially the verdict of causal inference based on empirical data. In addition, the located root cause of contractual disputes could inform project management personnel with reasoned strategies for dispute avoidance.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-05
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0882
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Job stress and burnout among construction professionals: the moderating
           role of online emotions

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Zhijiang Wu, Yongxiang Wang, Mengyao Liu
      Abstract: The negative effects of job stress and burnout on construction professionals (CPs) at the construction site have been widely concern in the construction industry. The purpose of this study is committed to explore the impact of job stress on CPs on the construction site, especially in the context of the widespread use of social media to express their emotions. This study developed a job-related stress-burnout-health conditions-turnover intention (S-B-HT) framework to explore the direct and lagged effects of job stress, we also examined the moderating effects of online emotions, operationalized in terms of emotional intensity and expression pattern, on the relationship between job stress with job burnout under two evolution paths (i.e. health conditions or turnover intention). This study collected 271 samples through a survey questionnaire for empirical testing, and introduced structural equation models to validate the proposed conceptual model. The results show that job stress has a significant positive effect on job burnout, and job burnout maintains a positive relationship with health conditions (or turnover intention) under the interference mechanism. Simultaneously, the online emotions expressed in social media have a positive moderating effect in two stages of the evolution path. The findings of this study remind the project manager need to timely find and solve the job burnout characteristics of CPs due to excessive job stress, especially to prevent the accidental consequences caused by job burnout. On this basis, this study provides an important value of using social media to express emotions for the project team to alleviate the adverse of professionals under job stress.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-02
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0868
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Evaluation of concrete workers' interaction with a passive back-support
           exoskeleton

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      Authors: Nihar J. Gonsalves, Anthony Yusuf, Omobolanle Ogunseiju, Abiola Akanmu
      Abstract: Concrete workers perform physically demanding work in awkward postures, exposing their backs to musculoskeletal disorders. Back-support exoskeletons are promising ergonomic interventions designed to reduce the risks of back disorders. However, the suitability of exoskeletons for enhancing performance of concrete workers has not been largely explored. This study aims to assess a passive back-support exoskeleton for concrete work in terms of the impact on the body, usability and benefits of the exoskeleton, and potential design modifications. Concrete workers performed work with a passive back-support exoskeleton. Subjective and qualitative measures were employed to capture their perception of the exoskeleton, at the middle and end of the work, in terms of discomfort to their body parts, ease of use, comfort, performance and safety of the exoskeleton, and their experience using the exoskeleton. These were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The exoskeleton reduced stress on the lower back but caused discomfort to other body parts. Significant correlations were observed between perceived discomfort and usability measures. Design modifications are needed to improve the compatibility of the exoskeleton with the existing safety gears, reduce discomfort at chest and thigh, and improve ease of use of the exoskeleton. The study was conducted with eight concrete workers who used the exoskeleton for four hours. This study contributes to existing knowledge on human-wearable robot interaction and provides suggestions for adapting exoskeleton designs for construction work.
      Citation: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
      PubDate: 2023-06-01
      DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2022-1156
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • What are the key factors of enterprises' greenwashing behaviors under
           multi-agent interaction' A grey-DEMATEL analysis from Chinese construction
           materials enterprises

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Exploring the impact of incentive policy on the development
           of prefabricated buildings: a scenario-based system dynamics model

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • A contingency approach for time-cost trade-off in construction projects
           based on machine learning techniques

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Optimization of production schedules of multi-plants for dispatching
           ready-mix concrete trucks by integrating grey wolf optimizer and dragonfly
           algorithm

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Inclusion of “managing flexibility” valuations in the pricing of PPP
           projects: a multi-objective decision-making method

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • The effects of joint-contract functions on PPP project value creation: a
           mediation model

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • The supportability evaluation of cross-regional major infrastructure
           projects based on the combination weighting of the game theory–cloud
           model

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • A real options-based investment-income valuation model for old community
           renewal projects in China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Toward ecological environmental risk for spoil ground group management in
           mega projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Integrated construction consulting project performance improvement in
           China using network structure and team boundary-spanning behavior:
           a configurational analysis

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Risk assessment of infrastructure REITs projects based on cloud model: a
           case study of China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Cybersecurity effectiveness in UK construction firms: an extended McKinsey
           7S model approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Stakeholder collaboration to mitigate constraints to delivering
           low-carbon buildings: insights from high-rise high-density cities

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Impact of asymmetric trust on construction project management performance:
           the mediating role of knowledge sharing

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Work environment challenge and the wellbeing of women in construction
           industry in New Zealand – The mediating role of work morale

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Application maturity evaluation of building steel structure welding
           robotic technology based on multi-level gray theory

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Principles for adopting offsite construction in design and construction
           companies focused on multifamily projects in the USA

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Anatomy of interactions among risk factors influencing implementation of
           building information modeling (BIM): a system dynamics approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Training needs of built environment professionals: the role of fourth
           industrial revolution

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • A multivariate regression analysis of barriers to digital
           technologies adoption in the construction industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Risk analysis of public-private partnership waste-to-energy incineration
           projects in China: a hybrid fuzzy DEMATEL-ISM approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Tackling stress of project management practitioners in the Australian
           construction industry: the causes, effects and alleviation

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Barriers to innovation in construction organizations of different sizes:
           a case study in Vietnam

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Effect of employee resilience on organizational resilience in construction
           projects: considering the role of project tasks

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Comparative analysis between different risk score calculation approaches

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Benefits, constraints and enablers of modular offsite construction (MOSC)
           in New Zealand high-rise buildings

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Holistic analysis for the efficiency of the thermal mass performance of
           precast concrete panels in hot climate zones

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Formalizing the information requirements for decision-making of field
           managers during indoor construction activities

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Strategies for managing the political risk of investing in infrastructure
           projects, in developing countries

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Do regional characteristics influence PPP contract governance skills
           requirements'

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Safety climate in construction: a systematic literature review

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Transportation infrastructure network optimisation based on computer
           simulation using Sichuan Province, China as an example

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Digital leadership enactment in the construction industry: barriers
           undermining effective transformation

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Ripple effect of disruptions on performance in supply chains: an
           empirical study
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Psychological contract between contractors and owners in construction
           projects: the mediating role of inter-organisational teamwork

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Development of a significant index model for assessing heritage building
           maintenance management challenges

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Bi-objective optimization framework for prefabricated construction service
           combination selection using genetic simulated annealing algorithm

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Buffer allocation in construction projects: a disruption mitigation
           approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • How and when creativity thrives in construction projects: a study
           of leader's humor

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Exploration of exhaustion in early-career construction professionals
           in India

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Relationship between abusive supervision and workers' well-being in
           construction projects: effects of closeness and trust in managers

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Investigating the relationship between corporate social responsibility
           implementation and contractor competitiveness

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Effect of public–private partnership features on contractual
           complexity: evidence from China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Digital twin application in heritage facilities management: systematic
           literature review and future development directions

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Psychosocial hazards affecting mental health in the construction industry:
           a qualitative study in Australia

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Investigating the influence of quality management on building thermal
           performance

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Integrated scheduling optimization of production and transportation for
           precast component with delivery time window

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Differential relationships in the BIM implementation process
           in a developing country: the role of essential BIM implementation
           strategies

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Does “low-carbon pilot policy” affect the carbon intensity of
           construction industry' Exploring the implementation mechanism and
           effectiveness in China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Automation in architecture, engineering and construction: a scientometric
           analysis and implications for management

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Transforming vertical leadership into shared leadership in infrastructure
           project teams: a dual-pathway perspective

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • A bibliometric analysis of digital technologies use in construction health
           and safety

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Mitigation strategies of public–private partnership (PPP) barriers in
           Palestinian construction projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Barriers to modular construction systems implementation in developing
           countries’ architecture, engineering and construction industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Examining the perception of site workers of their risk-taking behaviours
           on construction sites in Ghana

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • BIM-enabled Kanban system in construction logistics for real-time demand
           reporting and pull replenishment

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Antecedents and consequence of intra-organizational diffusion
           of prefabricated construction technology: a contingency theory
           perspective

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Urban night lighting evaluation system and case study: blending popular
           contemporary elements, cultural traditions and advanced lighting
           technologies

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • A regulatory framework for the use of small unmanned aircrafts (SUAs)
           in the construction industry

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • A Bayesian network for selecting improvement management tools to increase
           customer satisfaction in the construction industry: case study of Mexico

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Macro investigation on China's engineering insurance industry: based on
           industrial organization theories

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Knowledge extraction for solving resource-constrained project scheduling
           problem through decision tree

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Prioritisation of bridge for improving its resilience using multi-criteria
           decision-making techniques

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Walking the talk towards sustainable consumption: interventions to promote
           the uptake of reprocessed construction materials

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • How the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic affected housing sector'
           Empirical evidence from Turkey

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Benchmarking of construction projects performance for comparative
           assessment and performance improvement: a statistical quantitative
           approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Coopetition configuration and performance of international joint ventures
           for high-speed rail projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Integrating building information modeling with augmented reality:
           application and empirical assessment in building facility management

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Effects of the host-country institutional environment on the operation
           mode change of international construction enterprises

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • A supply chain perspective of prefabricated housebuilding diffusion
           in New Zealand

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Transforming construction health and safety management during COVID-19
           pandemic using innovative technologies: PLS-SEM approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Study on dissipative structure of mega railway infrastructure project
           management system

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Confirmatory analysis on factors influencing the material management
           effectiveness in construction projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Boosting stakeholders' intention to participate in socially responsible
           collective action in megaprojects: perspectives of mega water transfer
           projects in China

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Managing future urbanization growth patterns using genetic algorithm
           modeling

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Key influence factors on the evacuation route selection for fire
           emergencies in urban underground complexes

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • A sustainable–lean implementation methodology: a catalyst for
           sustainability enhancement of high-rise residential projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • A novel approach for measuring the accuracy of front end engineering
           design

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Social risk analysis for mega construction projects based on structural
           equation model and Bayesian network: a risk evolution perspective

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Cost prediction of building projects using the novel hybrid RA-ANN
           model

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Project cost control system and enabling-factors model: PLS-SEM approach
           and importance-performance map analysis

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • An integrated model for international market and entry mode selections for
           Chinese contractors

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Exploring the metro construction accidents and causations for improving
           safety management based on data mining and network theory

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • How cultural intelligence affects expatriate effectiveness in
           international construction projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Leakages in affordable housing delivery: threat to achieving Sustainable
           Development Goal 11

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Investigating the mechanism of developers' willingness
           to adopt prefabricated housing using an integrated DEMATEL-SD framework
           

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • What influences stakeholders' decision in adopting blockchain-based
           quality tracking systems in prefabricated construction

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Challenges of industrial revolution 4.0: quantity surveying students'
           perspectives

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Measuring sensitivity to change orders in construction projects using
           eigenvector centrality and radius of gyration

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Towards an integrative analysis of underground environment and human
           health: a survey and field measurement approach

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • Developing a weighted synergy network–based model for selecting
           prefabricated construction services

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...

      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)
       
  • An integrated risk assessment method for cross-regional mega construction
           projects

    • Free pre-print version: Loading...