Chinese Construction Companies Research Articles

How AI Impacts Companies’ Dynamic Capabilities

Overview: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the business landscape, but limited research is available regarding how companies are responding and adapting to AI. Using dynamic capability theory, we hypothesized that companies would develop new dynamic capabilities to seize AI opportunities. Our analysis of qualitative data from six major Chinese construction companies revealed that these companies’ existing dynamic capabilities are key to adopting and adapting AI technology for business model innovation. We developed a dynamic capability model that describes how companies use their existing dynamic capabilities for sensing AI, seizing AI, and transforming to leverage AI for business model innovation. Our research bridges the gap in understanding the relationship between AI adoption, existing dynamic capabilities, and AI adaptation. Integrating AI is not as daunting as it may seem. Companies, practitioners, and other stakeholders can transition into AI, starting with their existing capabilities.

Empirical assessment of the impacts of Sino-African cross border relations in the construction industry: a Confirmatory Factor Analysis approach

PurposeIt is no news that Chinese construction companies are highly motivated to invest in Africa in terms of infrastructure and construction. This influx from the beginning of the millennium marked a game-changer for infrastructural development in most African countries. This study, therefore, explores how the partnership between China and Africa has impacted the construction industry in Africa with a focus on Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was adapted for the study, which is descriptive in nature, and the primary participants of the study were core construction professionals within the Nigerian construction industry. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire, and multivariate statistics was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe study results revealed that the benefits accrued from Chinese participation in the African construction industry can be classified into three distinct categories: socio-economic development through construction, land transportation system development and construction industry development. The study further revealed that Chinese involvement has been most beneficial to the development of the land transportation system in Nigeria with more investment in the construction and maintenance of roads and railways.Originality/valueThe study will serve as a basis for making informed future decisions on Chinese participation in the Nigerian construction industry as it exposes the impacts of the relationship within the current system. The outcome of this study can be used to refocus the partnership to ensure the optimum development of the local construction industry. The government and other relevant agencies can use the findings from this study to ensure that there is sustainable growth in the local construction industry through Chinese participation.

Deep neural networks for corporate misconduct prediction in construction industry using data from social networks

Given the complex and continually adapting nature of misconduct, this study aims to update and interpret a misconduct prediction model using the latest techniques, i.e., deep neural networks (DNN) and social network information for Chinese construction companies. Social networks have been reported as drivers of corruption in the construction industry; however, such networks are seldom included as inputs in existing models. Based on data from 119 listed Chinese construction firms, this study applied a DNN to construct a corporate misconduct prediction model. The inputs of this model included variables related to corporate governance and financial performance, as examined in previous studies, but also social network information. This study found that the DNN demonstrated superior performance compared to benchmark models. To interpret the constructed model further and assess the role of social networks in predictions, this study also employed SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), which could calculate the importance of each variable. The 20 most influential variables were identified, almost 50% of which were related to social networks. The findings indicate that the proposed model can be applied to guide shareholders and regulators in taking actions to detect and prevent corporate misconduct and aid investors in making appropriate investment decisions.

The integration of BIM in the application of green building materials in construction projects

In recent years, with the growing call for sustainable development, green building materials, which are of great meaning for reducing resource and environmental impacts, have attracted more and more attention. However, in China, a country with frequent construction activities and high resource consumption, the application of green building materials in construction projects still faces challenges. Building Information Modelling (BIM) as an emerging technology in the construction industry can increase the adoption rate of green building materials in construction projects. The aim of this study is to identify the barriers encountered in the application of green building materials in Chinese construction projects, and to propose corresponding improvement measures by integrating BIM in the decision making. This study adapted a qualitative research method, using semi-structured interviews as a research tool. A total of 6 respondents (including project managers, architects, engineers, and researchers) from Chinese construction companies and research institutions collected interview data, and used Nvivo software to analyze and summarize. The results of this study show that although the application of green building materials in construction projects in China still faces challenges, including market acceptance and supply chain issues, cost and economic feasibility issues, and lack of relevant technology and knowledge. In addition, the study found that BIM technology made a great contribution in promoting the application of green building materials. Through BIM technology, the whole life cycle information management such as material selection, engineering simulation and performance evaluation of construction projects can be carried out, so as to improve the application of green building materials. By exploring the obstacles to the application of green building materials in China’s construction projects and combining with the promotion of BIM technology, this study puts forward a series of specific suggestions and solutions to foster the application of green building materials. This research has made certain theoretical and practical contributions to foster the application of green building materials for the sustainable development of China's construction industry.

The perception and interpretation of malaria among Chinese construction workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a qualitative study

BackgroundCooperation between China and Africa is deepening, and business, trade, and people-to-people exchanges are growing closer together, especially in the infrastructure construction field. At the same time, malaria has become a serious health concern for Chinese construction workers in Africa, who are at increased risk of infection and complications due to lack of immunity and exposure to high-transmission environments. One of the biggest challenges in fighting malaria is their lack of knowledge and misinterpretations about the disease, which can impact their need for interventions, adherence to treatments, and health services. This study aims to determine the perception and interpretation of malaria among Chinese construction workers in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Chinese construction workers in sub-Saharan Africa. Some early respondents initially made contact through two Chinese construction companies in Africa, while the rest of the participants were engaged via a snowball method by the early participants. NVivo10, a qualitative research data management software and a thematic approach, was used to analyze the data and create themes. In order to achieve the general study goals, an inductive content analysis was applied.ResultsThe study classified participants' perceptions and interpretations of malaria into four categories: flu-like malaria, the rumors of malaria, the hard-to-explain confusion about malaria, and the special interpretation of malaria.ConclusionMalaria poses major health issues to Chinese construction workers in sub-Saharan Africa who lack immunity and live in an environment of high transmission. Their dearth of awareness and misunderstanding of malaria impacts their prevention and treatment behaviors and health outcomes. This study adopts qualitative methods to examine their perceptions and interpretations of malaria, which can serve as a source for future health management strategies.

Critical factors affecting Chinese construction expatriates’ living and working conditions in Thailand: a Delphi study

Expatriation management is a key concern in international construction projects, where the living and working conditions of expatriates can have a significant impact on project success. This study investigates the critical factors affecting Chinese construction expatriates’ living and working conditions in Thailand. Through a three-round Delphi technique involving twelve experts and in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight construction experts with extensive overseas experience to validate, six critical factors were identified for each living and working condition. Language and Covid-19-related (during the investigating period) factors were the most dominant factors affecting the living conditions, while technical standards, technology, and competition were critical factors for working conditions. The study categorizes the critical factors into five groups and provides suggestions for improvement. This research is the first to investigate the specific factors affecting Chinese construction expatriates in Thailand and offers insights and management directions for the expatriation process, particularly for the growing number of Chinese construction companies expanding internationally. The findings also serve as a valuable reference for future research on this topic.

A Relevance-Based Technology–Organisation–Environment Model of Critical Success Factors for Digital Procurement Adoption in Chinese Construction Companies

With the emergence of digital transformation, there is an increasing need for Chinese construction companies to adopt digital procurement (D-procurement). However, there is a lack of theoretical foundation to guide and support the adoption practices. This study aims to fill the research gap through the provision of a model by grouping a set of relevance-based critical success factors (CSFs) into the Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) framework for D-procurement adoption success (DAS). A case study approach is applied in the research. We selected H Group as it is one of the most representative D-procurement cases in China. The study includes two parts. In the first part, a systematic literature review was conducted, and 17 CSFs were identified from 12 selected studies. By grouping the 17 CSFs into the TOE framework, we put forward a basic CSF–TOE model. In the second part, an in-depth interview was carried out in H Group, where the 17 selected experts were asked to rank the previously identified CSF. Based on their order of relevance, the 17 CSFs were re-organised in the basic CSF–TOE model, and a relevance-based CSF–TOE model was finally proposed. This study is vital for D-procurement adoption because most existing CSF studies are based on the literature and questionnaire surveys, and there is a lack of actual case studies. In addition, this study significantly contributes to the field of D-procurement adoption for construction companies by providing a theoretical framework for practice and a relevance-based CSF–TOE model for research.

Book Review: The Lucky Man Bar

The action of The Lucky Man Bar is set in both Zambia and Nepal. There are also snippets of action that occur in Congo and Greece. In Zambia, the action vacillates mostly between the city of Lusaka and the small town of Kafue. The descriptive narration of the Kafue area suggests that the author is very familiar with the geography of the area in and around Kafue. A good example is the description of the physical features of the area where the drive takes place in the prologue. This is indicative of the fact that the author actually worked in the area for Sino Hydro, a Chinese construction company. Some of the similarities between the author and the narrator, as a matter of fact, invite questions regarding whether or not the novel is a palimpsest of part-fact and part-fiction.

Study on the use and effectiveness of malaria preventive measures reported by employees of Chinese construction companies in Western Africa in 2021

BackgroundAs malaria continues to be a significant global public health concern, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, Chinese workers in Africa are at increased risk of malaria. The effectiveness of malaria prevention measures implemented by Chinese companies and workers is a question that may correlate with the malaria infection rate in this population. This study explored the use and effectiveness of malaria prevention measures for Chinese employees in West Africa to provide a reference for companies and individuals on improving malaria prevention and control.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional approach, we surveyed 256 participants in 2021, mainly from Nigeria, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Senegal in West Africa. The survey duration is from July to the end of September 2021. We selected two companies from the 2020 ENR "World’s Largest 250 International Contractors" list, which featured 6 Chinese companies, all of which are state-owned and have a 61.9% market share in Africa. The participants were Chinese workers with more than a year of work experience in construction companies in Africa. A 20-minute WeChat-based structured online questionnaire was used to obtain information on malaria infection status and malaria prevention measures. Descriptive statistical analysis, chi-square test, principal components analysis, and ordinal logistic regression analysis are used to analyze the data obtained. The difference in Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsNinety six (37.5%) participants contracted malaria more than once within a year. The principal components analysis found a low correlation between public and individual preventive measures. No significant correlation was found between public preventive measures and malaria infection (p > 0.05), while standardized use of mosquito nets (P = 0.016) and pesticide spraying (P = 0.047) contributed significantly to fewer malaria infections at the individual level, but the removal of vegetation around houses (P = 0.028) at the individual level related to higher malaria infection.ConclusionsIn our sample of Chinese construction workers going to Africa, some individual preventive measures had a stronger association with malaria prevention than a variety of public environmental measures. Furthermore, individual and public preventive measures were not associated with each other. Both of these findings are surprising and require further investigation in larger and more diverse samples. This- study provides important clues about the challenges that risk reduction programs face for migrant workers from China and elsewhere.

Understanding subcontracting organizational arrangements for construction projects in China: integrating capabilities and uncertainty

PurposeChinese construction projects commonly implement subcontracting, but organizational arrangements have received little attention. Some studies have debated the impact of firm capabilities on subcontracting. To address these issues, this study differentiates the general contractor’s technological capabilities and alliance management capabilities and investigates how capabilities affect the degree of subcontracting and subcontracting dispersion based on the resource-based view and transaction cost economics.Design/methodology/approachBy conducting a survey, 219 valid questionnaires were collected from Chinese construction companies. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the influence of capabilities on subcontracting organizational arrangements and the moderating role of uncertainty.FindingsThe results show that technological capabilities decrease the degree of subcontracting, whereas alliance management capabilities increase the degree of subcontracting as well as subcontracting dispersion. The results also indicate that the positive effects of alliance management capabilities are weakened by project uncertainty.Practical implicationsThis study provides a better understanding of the diversity of subcontracting organizational arrangements in China. In addition, the findings may help general contractors carry out a rational arrangement by considering their capabilities and transaction hazards.Originality/valueThis study contributes to a holistic understanding of how capabilities determine subcontracting by distinguishing technological capabilities and alliance management capabilities and refining the degree of subcontracting and subcontracting dispersion. Meanwhile, the findings highlight the complementarity of the resource-based view and transaction cost economics by examining the moderating effect of uncertainty.

Incentives for Innovation in Robotics and Automated Construction: Based on a Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis

The current construction industry faces many challenges, such as low productivity, low material application rates, and poor environmental benefits. Robotic and automated construction (RAAC) technologies represent a breakthrough from traditional construction methods and are considered an effective way to improve productivity, ecological efficiency, and sustainability in the construction industry. However, the high cost of research and development and the lack of investment in the construction field have discouraged Chinese construction companies from innovating. In this paper, an evolutionary game model between the government, construction firms, and public universities is constructed around the choice of RAAC innovation, and the evolutionary stabilization strategy (ESS) of the three parties is discussed. Establishing a compound incentive policy of financial and reputational rewards and increasing the share of RAAC scores in academic evaluations can accelerate the realization of ESS among the government, construction companies, and public universities. This study informs policymakers to develop RAAC innovation strategies, and stakeholders such as the government, construction companies, and public universities should consider and jointly promote the development and application of RAAC technologies to improve productivity and environmental sustainability in the construction industry.

Western And Chinese Development Engagements In Uganda’s Roads Sector: An Implicit Division of Labour

Abstract How has the process of institution and governance building in Africa, a domain traditionally subject to western development interventions, been changed by Chinese-led development? Taking Uganda’s roads sector, and particularly its main implementing agency the Ugandan National Roads Authority as a case study, I argue that traditional donors’ influence on sectorial institution building has not been replaced or dislodged by China’s growing presence. This presence primarily took the form of Chinese construction companies operating as profit-driven contractors interested mainly in quick project turnaround rather than in systematically shaping sectorial governance in the host country. Moreover, not only did traditional donors’ development financing remain dominant vis-à-vis China, but the ways in which their interventions were designed, exercised, and monitored in the post-conditionality regime characteristically differed from their Chinese counterparts, ensuring their embedded and enduring role in the reforming of sectorial state institutions. As such, a tacit division of labour took shape between Chinese and western engagements in Uganda’s roads sector: China focused on ‘hard’ physical road construction whilst traditional donors on the ‘soft’ aspects of sectorial governance and policy. The availability of both forms of development engagements with their distinctive foci enables issue-specific agency for Uganda to develop its roads sector, and yet they together appear to create favourable conditions for the Ugandan leadership’s increasing authoritarianism.

Green construction supply chain management: Integrating governmental intervention and public–private partnerships through ecological modernisation

There has been global recognition of the urgent need to tackle adverse environmental impacts of the construction industry. Construction companies are called upon to switch to ecological modernisation by scaling up the implementation of environmental management practices while maintaining a level of economic development. Under ecological modernisation theory, green supply chain management has emerged as an environmental technological innovation, helping organisations to switch to ecological modernisation. Past research revealed a need to identify mechanisms aimed at resolving conflicts among construction supply chain actors, speeding collaboration among them, and managing the transition to green supply chain management. This research aims to examine whether governmental intervention can act as an effective mechanism with which to foster public–private partnerships among construction companies, thereby promoting ecological modernisation through the adoption of green supply chain management. Data were collected from survey responses from 229 Chinese construction companies and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results show that coordination between governmental support and public–private partnerships is necessary to aid construction companies in implementing green supply chain innovation and complying with environmental regulations and, thus, achieving multiple performance benefits, including environmental and short-term economic performance improvements. However, it is unlikely that green supply chain management alone could drive the long-term goal of ecological modernisation theory unless more proactive actions are taken by all stakeholders. This study demonstrates how ecological modernisation theory can be applied to advance green supply chain management studies. Enforcing and incentivising aspects of governmental intervention, i.e. environmental regulations and governmental support, have been proven to be effective in developing a regulatory framework for, and partnerships among, stakeholders. This results in the sharing of resources, knowledge and practices to contemplate a new paradigm of supply chain integration and coordination for the construction sector and promote active adaptation to green supply chain management.

Resource-Financed Infrastructure: Thoughts on Four Chinese-Financed Projects in Uganda

Increasingly common methods for financing public infrastructure in developing economies are Resources-for-Infrastructure (R4I) and Resource-Financed Infrastructure (RFI), usually involving Chinese financial institutions and Chinese construction companies. Although there are advantages to the borrowing country from these project financing arrangements, there are also various issues and governance challenges. In Uganda, expectations around future revenue from oil extraction have led to many infrastructure projects being commissioned, mostly funded by RFI arrangements. To consider the appropriateness of these arrangements and to reflect on whether they are likely to contribute to positive development outcomes or be examples of the resource curse, we examined four public infrastructure projects: Kampala–Entebbe Expressway; Karuma Hydroelectric Dam; Isimba Hydroelectric Dam; and the Malaba to Kampala section of the East Africa Standard Gauge Railway. Although R4I/RFI arrangements are viewed positively by some commentators, others (especially local companies) consider they lack transparency, create unsustainable debt, promote China’s interests over the borrowing country, increase unemployment, unfairly compete with local business, deal in corruption, have poor working conditions, and result in substandard construction. Nevertheless, we conclude that Uganda and other developing countries have generally benefited from Chinese-funded infrastructure, and there is more myth trap than debt trap. However, to ensure positive development outcomes, governments and construction companies should ensure compliance with international standards, especially relating to: environmental and social impact assessment; human rights; benefit-sharing arrangements; livelihood restoration; and project-induced displacement and resettlement.

The risk of involving foreign contractors in the Norwegian infrastructure market

Abstract As a result of globalization, high investment volume in infrastructure projects, and more use of standardization, foreign construction companies are establishing in Norway. The purpose of this paper is to explore the risks of involving foreign contractors and developing suggestions for future projects. In addition to a literature review, two Norwegian bridge projects built by Chines International Contractors studied through a document study and semi-structured interviews with key personnel. The key personnel is from a public project owner, two Chinese construction companies, and subcontractors involved in the two case projects. Some of the risks identified are language barriers, weather conditions, difficulty in managing subcontractors, and different perceptions of safety levels. In the future, project owners should consider preparing the contract documents, handbooks, and standards in both Norwegian and English. If the language risk is managed properly, it influences the other risks as well. Cross projects experience sharing will also help in identifying risks early and taking mitigation measures.

Compliance Management of Overseas Operation of Chinese Construction Companies

Compliance Management of Overseas Operation of Chinese Construction Companies

Construction Automation and Robotics: From One-Offs to Follow-Ups Based on Practices of Chinese Construction Companies

AbstractThe follow-up issue is one of the major factors that limit the application of construction automation and robotics. Specifically, many research results with fundamentally good ideas end up ...

Detecting corporate misconduct through random forest in China’s construction industry

Previous studies have identified a great number of factors associated with corporate misconduct. However, ranking the importance of those related factors and using them to predict corporate misconduct in the construction industry have been overlooked. To address this gap, this study developed a random forest (RF) model to fulfill the variable importance ranking and corporate misconduct prediction. The RF model was built on the data of 953 observations from 93 Chinese construction companies in 2000–2018. Based on the variable importance analysis of RF, the top 11 important variables were obtained, of which all indicates corporate governance. They may be associated with an increased risk of corporate illegal activities. The developed RF model can be used to predict corporate misconduct to regulate decision making for construction companies and lead sustainable business development. This RF model could also facilitate regulators and investors to timely identify violating companies so that proactive interventions may be implemented in a targeted manner.

Chinese Construction Companies and the Question of Labour Rights in Zimbabwe

This paper focuses on the question of labour rights in Chinese construction companies in Zimbabwe. Utilizing data collected from two companies through interviews with mainly artisans, the study established general discontentment with conditions of work in these companies by local workers. Concerns were raised over lack of adequate protective equipment/clothing, low salaries and poor communication systems among others. The government of Zimbabwe was urged (by respondents) to monitor the operations of Chinese companies in the sector and ensure that they follow the law in letter and spirit. The study established that Chinese business people exploit opportunities presented by high rates of unemployment in the country as well as Zimbabwe’s desperation as an internationally isolated state to their advantage. In such a situation, trade unions become the gap filler to improve the workers’ plight although the absence of total state support for them leaves workers exposed.

Improving Quantitative Assessment of Political Risk in International Construction Projects: The Case of Chinese Construction Companies

AbstractPolitical risk is one of the most prominent dangers for International Construction Companies (ICCs) to deal with in overseas countries. Despite considerable studies on political risk manage...