Communication In Construction Projects Research Articles

A Review on Impact of Ineffective Communication in Construction Projects leads to Complicated Litigation and Arbitration

A Review on Impact of Ineffective Communication in Construction Projects leads to Complicated Litigation and Arbitration

Safety communication in construction projects in Vietnam from contractors’ perspective

Little is known about how specific participants send and receive safety information and training whilst safety is always an essential factor contributing to the success of a project. Research examining the patterns of safety communication, especially in emerging markets like Vietnam, is therefore necessary. Data was collected through case studies and interviews with six contractor’s managers in different projects. This paper presents a social network analysis approach that has been used a wide range of applications and disciplines to analyse and measure how safety communication occurs between project participants. The results show that there is a clustering in the way the organization communicates about occupational safety. At the same time, there is a relationship between the frequency of exchanging information on occupational safety and the satisfaction with the work safety in the project of the contractor's managers. Initially, it can be surmised that the frequency of information exchange on occupational safety in Vietnam is similar to that in many other countries. In addition, the projects have a variety of occupational safety communication channels. In terms of applicability, metrics like ones presented in this paper can perfectly serve as a leading set of safety performance indicators, which can be rapidly measured and modeled at the outset of a project and throughout project implementation.

Impacts of building information modelling (BIM) on communication network of the construction project: A social capital perspective.

Building information modelling (BIM) is considered to be significant for organisational communication in construction projects. However, the role of BIM has not been fully shown in practice. To this end, this study examined the impact of BIM on communication network from inter- and intra- organisational relationships in the construction project. First, the structures of the communication networks before and after the use of BIM in a project in China were determined based on the social capital perspective. Then, the social network analysis was adopted to measure the changes in network metrics (i.e., number of ties, density, centrality, centralisation, and clique). Results shows that the connections among nodes are denser, and all the values of the network centralisation decrease after BIM application compared with the situation before BIM use. Nevertheless, results also shows that some construction project participants, who originally have interaction and communication needs, remain unable to establish effective connections among one another even after BIM use. Accordingly, some suggestions were proposed to solve the issues and deficiencies. This research contributes to (a) the state of knowledge by proposing social capital perspective that can identify inter- and intra-organizational relationships of the construction project from social interaction and common cognition to build communication network, and (b) the state of practice by identifying conditions and proposing strategies for strengthening organisational communication and collaboration in BIM-enabled network relationships.

Application of Augmented Reality for Remote Collaborative Work in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction – A Systematic Review

Augmented Reality (AR) enhances the user’s view of the existing world by adding a computer-generated model. AR technology is used in many domains to help users complete tasks more efficiently. This paper reports a systematic review of literature on where and how AR is used in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries for remote collaboration, identifying the devices adopted as well as their impact and challenges. The initial search resulted in a total of 695 studies, of which 12 were screened for final review. We found that integrating AR results in a significant reduction in time to complete the task, errors, and workload while at the same time improving the performance and accuracy of risk communication in construction projects. This review concludes with a discussion of the findings and the opportunities for future research

Predicting communication quality in construction projects: A fully-connected deep neural network approach

Establishing high-quality communication in construction projects is essential to securing successful collaboration and maintaining understanding among project stakeholders. Indeed, poor communication results in low productivity, poor efficiency, and substandard deliverables. While high-quality communication is recognized as contingent on the interpersonal skills of workers, the impacts of communication quality on job performance remain unknown. This study addresses this deficiency by developing a method to evaluate construction workers' communication quality. A literature review is undertaken to capture salient interpersonal skills. Leadership style, listening, team building, and clarifying expectations are identified. A questionnaire survey is drafted to capture construction practitioners' perception of these skills' effects on communication quality, returning 180 responses. Next, an artificial neural network model, or communication quality predictor (CQP), is developed, able to predict the quality of workers' interpersonal communication. The model accuracy on training is 87%; for testing, 79%. Finally, CQP is deployed in a real-time context in order to validate the reliability, returning an 80% prediction accuracy. This study is the first of its kind in offering a quantified, predictive model associating interpersonal skills with quality of communications in the context of the construction sector. In practical terms, the CQP can flag interpersonal conflicts before they escalate, while also guiding construction managers in the design of interpersonal skills training

THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: A PERSPECTIVE FROM CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

In recent years, internet usage and social media have been widely used in Malaysia, the construction industry is one of the industries that are not excluded from this technological trend. This research intended to identify the benefits and challenges of social media in the construction industry among the construction professionals particularly in the northern region area. To identify the usage, the benefit and challenges of social media were also determined in the construction industry whereby it also reflects how far construction professionals rely on social media in their daily works. This research uses quantitative approach in order to collect data via questionnaires distribution from construction professionals. The results revealed that, most of the construction companies agreed that social media provides more advantages and benefits than challenges in the construction industry. This research provides significant data for construction professionals regarding the effectiveness of social media platform particularly in disseminating information for daily communication in construction projects.

Studying the relationship between causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects using PLS-SEM approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a structural relationship model to study the relationship between causes and effects of poor communication and information exchange in construction projects using Smart-PLS.Design/methodology/approachThe first method of this research is to identify the causes and effects factors of poor communication in construction projects from the extant of literature. The data used to develop the model was collected using a questionnaire survey, which targeted construction practitioners in the Malaysian construction industry. A five-point Likert type scale was used to rate the significance of the factors. The factors were classified under their relevant construct/group using exploratory factor analysis. A hypothetical model was developed and then transformed into Smart-PLS in which the hypothetical model suggested that each group of the cause factors has a direct impact on the effect groups. The hypothesis was tested using t-values and p-values. The model was assessed for its inner and outer components and achieved the threshold criterion. Further, the model was verified by engaging 14 construction experts to verify its applicability in the construction project setting.FindingsThe study developed a structural equation model to clarify the relationships between causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects. The model explained the degree of relationships among causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects.Originality/valueThe published academic and non-academic literature introduced many studies on the issue of communication including the definitions, importance, barriers to effective communication and means of poor communication. However, these studies ended up only on the general issue of communication lacking an in-depth investigation of the causes and effects of poor communication in the construction industry. The study implemented advanced structural modeling to study the causes and effects. The questionnaire, the data and concluding results fill the identified research gap of this study. The addressed issue is also of interest because communication is considered one of the main knowledge areas in construction management.

Potential use of Augmented Reality in pre-contract design communication in construction projects

ABSTRACT The proactive management of a design can prevent design errors. Design changes can be mitigated by using Augmented Reality (AR) prototype digital models. However, the use of these models in construction is still in its infancy. Thus, this study assessed how AR could be used to overcome traditional pre-contract design communication related issues in construction. The study used a qualitative approach. The data required were collected through interviews conducted with experts in the fields of construction and information technology. Manual content analysis was used to analyse the collected empirical data. The study revealed that design communication issues could be related to architectural design, structural design, service design, and design collaboration. AR toolkit models, 360-degree model visualisation, walkthroughs, model registration, clash detection, and digital information overlays would minimise design communication issues, while AR features would enable design knowledge acquisition and negotiation. However, in construction, technical and social challenges are found to hinder AR implementation.

Improving project communication in the architecture, engineering and construction industry: Coupling virtual reality and laser scanning

In recent years, the demand for accurate, clear and easy-understandable information has been steadily rising within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry's stakeholders. Despite this, a sizeable portion of this industry still considers the traditional approach to Construction Engineering, disregarding major innovations and technologic advances. This not only poses a great obstacle to proper communication between project-related entities but also presents a significant challenge for retrofitting projects.This article proposes a workflow for the improvement of communication in construction projects, in particular between professionals who lack specific BIM skills. Thus, by coupling laser scanning and Virtual Reality (VR), within a Building Information Modelling (BIM) work environment, this workflow comprises the entire process from on-site geometric data acquisition, through data treatment and analysis, culminating with the point-cloud importation into a game engine and the development of navigation and interaction tools within the VR environment. The framework is validated through its application to a proof of concept, from which conclusions regarding the workflow success, limitations, optimization, among other topics are discussed.

Nigeria’s construction industry: barriers to effective communication

PurposeCommunication plays an important role in the quality of the relationship, trust and collaboration among construction project teams. Literature suggests that effective communication is vital for achieving improved project performance. The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the barriers to effective communication in the Nigerian construction industry, using attribution theory paradigm.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires detailing 15 barriers to effective communication were administered to consultants and contractors engaged in the Nigerian construction sector. In total, 100 valid responses were analysed using mean score, factor analysis and factor score.FindingsUnclear project objectives, ineffective reporting systems and poor leadership were ranked as the most significant barriers to effective communication. Factor analysis uncovered that the principal reasons responsible for ineffective communication include: managerial and technical barriers and credibility and background barriers.Practical implicationsThe results provide information on barriers which needs to be addressed in order to improve communication in construction projects in Nigeria. There is a need to conduct post-completion reviews of construction projects so that project team members can learn and share knowledge on past experiences. Although the present study was conducted in the Nigerian context, it is envisaged that the research outcome will be widely applicable to other developing countries.Originality/valueThe study provides insights on the perceived barriers to effective communication in Nigerian construction projects. The paper presents the direction for further research aimed at improving communication in construction projects in Nigeria.

The effect of leader emotional intelligence on leader–follower chemistry: a study of construction project managers

Extending Nicolini’s notion of project ‘chemistry’, a ‘leader–follower chemistry’ model associated with the quality of dyadic interpersonal communication in construction projects is developed. The focus is on the project manager as leader in an attempt to deepen understanding of the effect of a project manager’s emotional intelligence (EI) on the quality of interpersonal communication with their followers, being other members of the project team. While a project manager’s EI, with its associated emotional competencies, is often seen as critical in achieving good relationships with members of the project team, it remains a largely understudied concept, particularly in construction projects. Primary data collected using a series of analytical surveys and live observations of site-based project meetings was used to examine the relationship between a project manager’s emotional competencies, particularly sensitivity and expressiveness, and leader–follower chemistry. Overall, 68 construction professionals participated in the study. The findings suggest that a project manager’s emotional sensitivity and expressiveness (particularly head gestures) may explain variance in the quality of leader–follower chemistry. Based on the empirical evidence in the context of team communication, a leader–follower chemistry model is introduced, which emphasizes the importance of leaders’ emotional sensitivity and expressiveness in a leader–follower communication dyad. The model may be particularly salient in complex project networks with a large number of prominent actors.

Information and communication technology in the construction industry

Although communication is an essential value in construction projects, the construction industry is confronted with the importance and use of information and communication technology (ICT). As most firms in developed countries have increased and will increase further their investment in ICT, this has raised productivity within their construction industry and resulted in an increase in the quality and speed of work, financial controls, communications, and access to common data. Firms in the third world countries are yet to understand this essential value and its importance to the development of their construction sector. However, the benefits of ICT come at a cost since the complexity of work, the administrative needs, the costs of doing business, the continual demand for upgrading and the greater knowhow required. In this study, the objective is to document and analyse ICT, its importance, obstacles and preconditions for an effective use by focusing on literatures and journals concerning communication in construction projects. The two most important areas of future research are the implementation of computer-integrated design and construction, and the development of new tools to support concurrent practice and to assist construction project managers in the conceptual stages.

Managing crisis response communication in construction projects – from a complexity perspective

PurposeThe number of crisis incidents and their severity is rising along with the growing complexity of technology and society. There are enumerable incidents that can interrupt progress in construction projects. The crisis response phase puts the project organization's established normal communication systems and processes under enormous and additional pressure. The aim of this paper is to make a contribution to link and extend the knowledge of complexity theory on communication management in the context of the crisis response. This paper aims to propose and refine a conceptual framework for understanding the underlying pattern of communication behavior and decisions of human systems in response to a crisis and to investigate how to enhance the organization's adaptability and resilience in the event of a crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews, proposes and refines a conceptual complexity‐informed framework for effective crisis response communication management.FindingsConventional crisis response communication models and management are grounded on the linear, command‐and‐control principles of “scientific management”, that they are rather limited in describing flexible reactions to the changing circumstances and explaining the dynamic and complex crisis response situations. The paper breaks out of this mould to propose an alternative model for crisis response communication based on complexity theory.Practical implicationsThe conceptual model proposed in the paper suggests that while the behavior of these complex systems cannot be predicted all the parts nevertheless self‐organize, learn and adapt to their dynamically changing environment.Originality/valueIn terms of this proposed conceptual framework, a flexible and adaptive management approach for the construction project manager to communicate and respond quickly and effectively in the midst of a crisis is suggested.

Interactional perspective on environmental communication in construction projects

Drawing on theories of social interaction, a critical discourse analysis approach is used to examine the resources and constraints on environmental-communication practices in four construction projects in Sweden. The assumption is that talk and action work together to construct, maintain and change organizational structure, social practices, and contractual arrangements. The empirical data were collected through in-depth interviews and field observations where photo documentation was extensively used. The study showed mismatches between information and action, both within the project and between the project and its stakeholders. The mismatches were not caused by a lack of information, but rather by inconsistencies between the communication cultures, the status of the communicator, and the tools used to mediate the information, e.g. the media, discourses and genres used. These discrepancies resulted in a lack of engagement in environmental work in the projects. If environmental and other performances in construction projects are to be improved, more effort needs to be exerted on understanding the dynamics of the social context, human interaction, and the mediating tools used to communicate. This paper suggests an approach that can enhance such an understanding. S'appuyant sur les théories de l'interaction sociale, les auteurs procède à une analyse du discours critique pour examiner les ressources et les contraintes liées aux pratiques en matière d'environnement et de communication dans le cadre de quatre projets de construction en Suède. On suppose que la parole et l'action fonctionnent ensemble pour construire, entretenir et modifier la structure organisationnelle, les pratiques sociales et les dispositions contractuelles. Les données empiriques ont été recueillies au cours d'interviews approfondies et d'observations sur le terrain où la documentation photographique a été largement utilisée. L'étude a montrer des décalages entre l'information et l'action, à la fois dans le cadre de projets et entre projets et parties intéressées. Ces décalages ne sont pas dus à un manque d'information mais plutôt à des incohérences entre cultures de la communication, état du communicateur et les outils utilisés pour médiatiser les informations comme, par exemple, les média, les discours et les genres. Ces différences se sont traduites par un manque d'engagement dans les travaux environnementaux des projets. Si les performances environnementales et d'autres dans le cadre de projets de construction doivent être améliorées, il faut faire davantage d'efforts pour mieux comprendre la dynamique du contexte social, les interactions humaines et les outils de médiatisation utilisés pour communiquer. Cet article suggère une approche qui pourrait améliorer une telle compréhension. Mots clés: communication, projets de construction, engagement, information sur l'environnement, médiateur, contexte social, efficacité du lieu de travail

Interorganizational communication and ICT in construction projects: a review using metatriangulation

Although communication is of vital importance in construction projects, the construction industry is confronted with great communication difficulties and an ineffective use of information and communication technology (ICT) systems. In this study, the objective is to analyse obstacles and preconditions for an effective use of ICT by focusing on characteristics of interorganizational communication in construction projects. Interorganizational communication and ICT are studied by elaborating on these phenomena from the perspective of two paradigms – the traditional functionalist and the radical humanist – and theories representative for these paradigms – the agency theory and Habermas’ critical social theory. By using the method of metatriangulation, it is shown that in addition to the functionalist perspective, the critical social theory of Habermas is an appropriate theory for analysing obstacles and preconditions for an effective interorganizational communication and use of ICT. Based on this analysis, a critical research agenda on communication and ICT in construction is formulated. It is concluded that this type of research will lead to a more articulated view on the alignment between ICT applications and communication in construction projects and will show new directions for ICT development in the future.

Interorganizational communication and ICT in construction projects: a review using metatriangulation

Although communication is of vital importance in construction projects, the construction industry is confronted with great communication difficulties and an ineffective use of information and communication technology (ICT) systems. In this study, the objective is to analyse obstacles and preconditions for an effective use of ICT by focusing on characteristics of interorganizational communication in construction projects. Interorganizational communication and ICT are studied by elaborating on these phenomena from the perspective of two paradigms – the traditional functionalist and the radical humanist – and theories representative for these paradigms – the agency theory and Habermas’ critical social theory. By using the method of metatriangulation, it is shown that in addition to the functionalist perspective, the critical social theory of Habermas is an appropriate theory for analysing obstacles and preconditions for an effective interorganizational communication and use of ICT. Based on this analysis, a critical research agenda on communication and ICT in construction is formulated. It is concluded that this type of research will lead to a more articulated view on the alignment between ICT applications and communication in construction projects and will show new directions for ICT development in the future.

Alignment between ICT and communication in construction projects

Through rapid advancements in ICT, opportunities arise in enhancing communication between participants of different organisations in construction projects. The use of ICT in construction is, however, relatively limited and ineffective compared to other sectors such as the automotive or the aerospace industry. An understanding of the project context and the nature of communication between organisations is an essential prerequisite in analysing and designing ICT in an effective way. The objective of this paper is to analyse the alignment between ICT and the actual communication processes in construction projects. The major question is what types of action need to be supported by ICT, and those that can be supported by the available ICT applications in construction projects. The critical social theory of Habermas (1984, 1987) is used as a classification scheme for analysing the alignment of communication and ICT applications in construction projects.