Construction Companies Research Articles

The mediating and moderating role of coping on occupational stress and psychological well-being among the construction workforce in South Africa: the psychological stress theory approach

Purpose The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine the direct relationships between occupational stress (OccS), coping and well-being (WB). The study further examined the mediating and moderating roles of adaptive coping and maladaptive coping on OccS and WB among the construction workforce in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from construction companies in South Africa, and the sample were conveniently selected based on proximity and familiarity with the researcher. A total of 201 subjects were suitable for conducting the study after data were screened. A quantitative research approach was used, and data were analysed in IBM SPSS v28 for descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. The reliability and validity of the constructs were measured and met the minimum thresholds. Furthermore, IBM AMOS v28 was used for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to test the hypothesised relationships. Process macro v4.2 was also used to test the mediation and moderation relationships. Psychological well-being was measured using the validated WHO-5 Well-being Index Measure. Findings The finding of the study revealed that subjective well-being was good, with a score of 77.97 out of 100. The finding also revealed that there were no significant relationships for the hypothesised mediation relationships between either adaptive coping and maladaptive coping as mediators between OccS and WB, although there was a partial mediation relationship when both maladaptive and adaptive coping mediated the relationship between OccS and WB. Furthermore, adaptive coping acted as a moderator between OccS and WB. Research limitations/implications The study only focuses on the mediation and moderation relationships between OccS and subjective WB. Adaptive coping was limited to social support and active coping, while WB was limited to quality of life. The study is quantitative and suffers from the limitations associated with this type of research. Furthermore, while sound measures were used to ensure validity and reliability, the study relied on the opinions of the respondents, and opinions may not necessarily present facts. Practical implications This study highlighted some of the effects of coping on mental well-being of the South African construction workforce. The findings provide insight to some areas of concern relating to OccS management to improve the overall WB of the workforce. Social implications The construction industry relies on a healthy and active workforce. To ensure sustainability of the workers and to ensure that each worker returns home safe to their family, it is important to address workers mental health especially at work where workers spend majority of their time. This is important in an industry that employs the poor and marginalised. Originality/value This study addressed both the knowledge and population gap. Majority of the study have focused on construction professionals who constitute about 30% of the entire workforce. The current study examined stress across all professions. Furthermore, the study used the psychological stress theory to examine coping and its impact on the workforce.

Effect of Stakeholders’ Engagement on Performance of Construction Projects in Rwanda: Case of Horizon Construction Company

Purpose: This research focused on the evaluation of the impact of stakeholder engagement on the performance of construction projects in Rwanda. The following specific objectives directed this study: to identify the impact of stakeholders' involvement in project planning on the performance of Horizon Construction Company's construction projects; to assess the impact of stakeholders' engagement in project implementation on the performance of Horizon Construction Company's construction projects; and to evaluate the impact of stakeholders' engagement in monitoring and evaluation on the performance of Horizon Construction Company's construction projects. Methodology: A combination of descriptive and correlational research survey design under a mixed method approach was used to guide the study. Participants in this research consisted of 182 individuals from Horizon Construction Company. Using stratified simple random sampling, this research sampled 125 people. A statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyze quantitative data along with thematic for qualitative data. Findings: The coefficient for stakeholders in project planning is 0.325, suggesting that for each unit increase in stakeholder engagement during the planning phase, project performance is expected to increase by 0.325, with this relationship being statistically significant (β = 0.325, t = 6.153, Sig. = 0.000). Similarly, the coefficient for stakeholders in project implementation is 0.268, indicating that a one-unit increase in engagement during implementation correlates with a 0.268 increase in project performance, which is also statistically significant (β = 0.268, t = 5.841, Sig. = 0.000). Additionally, the coefficient for stakeholders in monitoring and evaluation is 0.409, revealing that improvements in stakeholder engagement in oversight can enhance project performance by 0.409 units, with a statistically significant impact (β = 0.409, t = 8.030, Sig. = 0.000). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: it is recommended that Horizon Construction Company prioritize inclusive stakeholder engagement practices throughout all project phases.

Communication behavior and space utilization of office workers in a research facility's activity‐based workplace

AbstractThis study explores the pre‐ and post‐renovation differences in communication behaviors of office workers at a construction company's research facility that had carried out renovations to promote open innovation through internal and external interactions. We conducted an analysis by combining both objective survey of conversation time, conversation partners, and stay location information using sensing terminals and subjective evaluations by office workers using a questionnaire survey. As the work style transitioned from fixed seats pre‐renovation to activity‐based working post‐renovation, the attendance rate analysis around each worker's personal workspace throughout the measurement period decreased from 74% to 60%, and the tendency to use various places in the office increased. Additionally, the number of conversation partners increased by 1.9 times on average and inter‐department conversation rate increased from 46% to 53% when activity‐based working was performed post‐renovation. However, while the introduction of activity‐based working significantly increased the level of communication satisfaction among workers in other departments, it tended to decrease the level of communication satisfaction within a department. This study maintains that organizational and operational efforts must sustain and promote intra‐departmental communication when activity‐based working is introduced and confirms that the introduction of activity‐based working was effective in promoting interaction between office workers.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative: A comparative study of the China investment in construction sector in Southeast Asia

This study investigates the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the construction sector in Southeast Asia, focusing on Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Qualitative research approach is used to analyze the implications of Chinese investments in these countries, exploring both the opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese investors. Key research questions address the resilience of the construction sector, the obstacles encountered by investors, and the influence of policy on the construction business. Through interviews with CEOs and senior managers of major construction companies and a review of relevant documents, the study uncovers the economic and geopolitical motivations behind China’s BRI strategy. The findings reveal significant insights into the benefits and drawbacks of BRI financing, providing recommendations for overcoming challenges and leveraging future opportunities in Southeast Asian construction sectors.

The Role of Human Resource Management in African Construction Companies

African countries have been heavily investing in construction projects, both infrastructure and superstructure. The construction industry is one the rapidly growing sectors in the continent and it greatly contributes to employment. The population increase and the urbanization in the continent, the strong growth of the construction sector is inevitable. However, there are still many crucial challenges to overcome, financing, available electrical grids, transportation, procurement, and skilled employees. Human Resources Management plays an important role within a Construction Organizations, Institutions, Associations or Companies in terms of work distribution. It is also the principal nerve otherwise the skeleton of any business that we want to achieve an efficient and effective goal in short, medium and long run time. Our case of study, GUICOPRESS - Guinea shows the real situation of building construction in Africa in general and Guinea in particular. Guinea is a large open work place which needs to be well - structured and organized, because of the lack of modern facilities around the country. Conakry the capital city has poor architecture and infrastructures. Shanties are sharing the same zone or space with luxurious buildings here and there so that it is difficult to see the beauty of the city although it is the largest city in Guinea. According to the business local magazine “Gniouma, 2020”, GUICOPRESS employs more than 10, 000 employees in Guinea and stays the leader of small and medium size companies in Guinea. This strong capacity of that enterprise is due to the strong policy implemented by its General Management Director, who likes innovating his works, by investing some huge amount of money in manpower and machinery purchasing. Beyond its financial contribution, GUICOPRESS - Guinea contributes a lot in the charity’s field through its social unit called “KPC for Humanity” assisting beggars, building schools in remote areas for poor communities.

Co-Creating Tailored Solutions to Combat Sedentary Behaviour: Insights from Scottish SMEs

Abstract Background Prolonged sedentary behaviour (SB) poses health risks for office workers, especially in small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often overlooked by current interventions. This abstract aims to report and examine solutions developed through co-creation for SB in SMEs. Methods Three Scottish SMEs, a construction company (n = 150) and two charities (n = 100; n = 30), participated in a co-creation process to create SME-specific actions on SB. Each formed an action group of employees (n = 9-12) as co-creators. The process consisted of between 6-8 workshops (each 1.5h) depending on the company, with workshops improved during the process based on formative reflection from co-creators. The co-creation workshops, facilitated by two researchers, initially involved jointly mapping the company’s current situation and building knowledge and awareness of SB. Further workshops focused on action planning, including brainstorming, feasibility, piloting, and final action(s) development. Following the co-creation of actions, researchers identified the Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) underlying the developed actions. Results Each company created a set of actions unique to them, e.g. standing desk promotion, a games room, and innovative meeting strategies. Regarding the BCTs, all companies included adding objects to the environment, physical restructuring, prompts or cues, and addressing health or social and environmental consequences. Additionally, they all incorporated ‘step challenges’ with behaviour self-monitoring and feedback techniques. Two companies offered incentives or rewards; one emphasized role modelling, and another included social support. Conclusions The three companies created tailored actions through the co-creation process. While there were some commonalities, the differences in actions and BCTs among companies underscore the necessity for solutions tailored to the organizational context and the importance of involving employees in creating solutions. Key messages • Co-created actions to combat SB used diverse strategies, emphasising a multifaceted approach to address workplace SB. • Variability among SMEs’ co-created actions underscores the importance of stakeholder involvement to tailor solutions to organisational contexts.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Transformative Impact in the Ghanaian Construction Sector

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the construction industry holds significant promise for enhancing various aspects of project management and execution. AI offers unprecedented opportunities for streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, and elevating safety standards. The study explored AI implementation opportunities and how AI technologies can drive innovation, enhance decision-making processes, and propel the sector toward a more efficient and digitised future in the construction industry. To fill the gap, the study adopted a quantitative research approach to offer a holistic assessment of the effects and opportunities for the advancement of AI in Ghanaian construction settings. Based on the quantitative survey data obtained from 97 participants from 10 construction companies in the Central Region of Ghana and the literature review, the study revealed several benefits of AI implementation. The importance of using AI has been seen in design and planning, safety management, and the quality of delivered projects. Regression analysis also expands on the relationships between the identified AI-based efficiencies, underlining that increased utilisation can enhance productivity and safety and reduce adverse environmental impacts. Further, in the context of Ghana, the study outlined areas of importance for constructing AI in the construction industry: construction monitoring, energy efficiency, and supply chain. These findings have depicted the sector’s awareness of AI and its value as a tool for improving effectiveness in operations and implementing sustainable measures. Overall, the knowledge generated by this study proves beneficial for directing strategic planning and advancing innovation in the context of the Ghanaian construction industry. In as much as it acknowledges the gap and the prevailing theoretical literature, it ushers in a guide for availing AI-driven growth in the construction sector in terms of productivity, quality, and sustainability in Ghana and the global space.

How to improve supply chain sustainable performance by resilience practices through dynamic capability view: Evidence from Chinese construction

This study explores the relationship between supply chain resilience (SCR) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) within the context of the Chinese construction industry, a sector known for its complexity and vulnerability to disruptions. Drawing on data from 525 construction companies, the research investigates how SCR directly influences SSCP and examines the mediating role of dynamic capabilities in this relationship. The results highlight those dynamic capabilities, specifically the ability to seize and reconfigure, serve as critical mediators in the resilience-sustainability relationship while sensing does not have a significant mediating effect. This suggests that in highly dynamic environments like China's construction sector, focusing on capturing opportunities and reconfiguring resources is more effective for achieving sustainable outcomes than relying solely on sensing capabilities. This finding contributes to the growing body of knowledge by providing a nuanced understanding of how resilience practices can be leveraged to promote long-term sustainability.

Effect of implementing TQM on Corporate Performance in the Construction Industry in Saudi Arabia

Despite the significance of the contracting industry in the Saudi Arabia and the significant investments that are being made in the project sector, there exists an obstacle or delay in the timely completion of projects. This delay leads to several costs, which can impact the strategic plans of the state and impede the progress of economic, social, and developmental goals. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of total quality management on performance of the construction companies in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was used to collect the data from 272 respondents. The result revealed that there is a positive and significant effect of TQM on the organizational performance of construction companies. The study highlighted that implementing the TQM approach would enhance the overall performance of construction, Saudi Arabia. Limitation and recommendations for future studies was provided.

Redefining health, risk, and safety for occupational settings: A mixed-methods study

Clear and specific definitions are essential in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practice and research, guiding the development of methods, tools, and metrics for effective management. However, there remains a lack of consensus within the field when defining health, risk, and safety. This study addresses this gap by proposing comprehensive definitions of these constructs based on the combination of empirical data from workshops conducted at a major construction company in Australia with literature from various disciplines. The qualitative analysis of participant responses and thematic coding of definitions from various disciplines revealed diverse perspectives on health, risk, and safety, highlighting the need for context-specific definitions tailored to different organisational levels. Hence, this study recommends simplified, summarised, and comprehensive definitions of these constructs to enhance clarity and consistency in OHS communication and practice. These definitions aim to foster a shared understanding and improve the effectiveness of OHS initiatives across different contexts. The paper also discusses several theoretical, practical, and ethical implications these definitions may have for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers regarding the scope of health, risk, and safety, their relationships, and the validity of related constructs such as risk assessment and safety performance. Finally, our study advocates a shift from mainly approaching OHS as a business objective towards viewing it more as a positive duty and public health area.

Application of Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence for Risk Mitigation of Accidents in Construction Sites: A Case Study of Brazilian Construction Companies

The construction industry constantly faces challenges related to workplace safety. Managing work safety is crucial to ensuring worker protection and successful project completion. In this context, this study investigates the applicability of Internet of Things technologies and Artificial Intelligence models, such as YOLO, to enhance safety on construction sites. The research identifies significant cultural resistance to the adoption of disruptive technologies in the Brazilian construction sector, and interviews with industry professionals reveal a low level of awareness and interest in these technological innovations. Through case studies and quantitative analyses, the study demonstrates YOLO's potential in identifying risks, such as detecting PPE and structural hazards. The results highlight the need to overcome conservative barriers and invest in technological solutions to increase safety and efficiency in construction.

Impact of Internal Control in the Management of Payments to Suppliers of Construction Companies

ABSTRACT Purpose: Determine to what extent internal control affects the management of payment to construction company suppliers. Theoretical Framework: Focuses on the importance of streamlining and avoiding delays in payment to suppliers through improving internal control in construction companies, based on COSO 2013 and the theory of Arthur Holmes. Method: A quantitative study of causal correlation type was carried out in a population of less than 50 individuals (38), so that we worked with a list of 38 workers related to the tax management of construction companies, given the small population, all of them. people were included in the study. Results and Discussion: The results obtained reveal a heterogeneous perception of internal control among the workers involved. A minority of consumers (5.3%) value it positively, while a slightly larger group (10.5%) consider it negative. Regarding the management of payment to testers, 73.7% of the participants rated it as regular. These findings suggest the existence of areas of opportunity in the implementation of internal controls, particularly in relation to payment processes. Research Implications: The results of this research highlight the importance of strengthening internal control systems in construction companies, especially with regard to the management of payments to suppliers. Given the dependence of these companies on their suppliers for the acquisition of supplies and services, efficient payment management is a key factor for the success of their projects. Originality: It presents a point of view on the role of construction companies in building efficient payment to suppliers through internal control. Conclusion: Internal control has a significant impact (80.2%) on the management of payment to suppliers of Construction Companies, which supports the formulated hypothesis of the study. It is necessary to encourage the active participation of employees through a clear understanding of their roles in tax management to achieve supplier payment management with efficiency and commitment.

Management of the Territory Restoration Process Following a Disaster: The Case of the South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic

The article presents a methodology for the management of repairs to property damaged by a disaster. The article describes the procedure for the development of an organizational layout, along with planning and managing activities leading to the restoration of damaged property. Last but not least, the article deals with financial planning. The methodology presented was applied to a case study that was conducted in the village of Hrušky, South Moravian region, the Czech Republic, which was hit by a tornado in 2021. More than three years have passed since this tragedy, and repairs to the village’s property are still planned to continue until the middle of 2025. Qualitative approaches to data collection and evaluation were used for data collection, especially in-depth interviews related to the given issue. The mayor of the village, the village management, and representatives of construction companies were involved in the in-depth interviews. Another important source of data was the project documentation and the municipality’s accounting records. The main outputs include a list of construction works, which served as a basis for the financial damages; the municipality’s participation in state subsidy programs for the financing of the restoration; and, last but not least, a list of works that was used to create the project documentation for the reconstruction of individual buildings. Other outputs of the work include a structural plan, which has been developed for the purposes of planning and managing activities leading to the restoration of the damaged area, and a financial plan, which contains information on expenses and funding sources. The key contribution of the paper is a methodical procedure for the identification, the design, and the execution of crucial activities connected with the restoration of the territory after a disaster. The methodological procedure is designed considering the experience associated with a specific disaster, namely, a tornado in the southeastern part of the Czech Republic, which served as the basis for this case study.

Identifying Differences in the Application of HR Marketing Tools in Companies in the Secondary Sector – a Case Study of Mining, Construction, and Manufacturing Industries

HR marketing is a relatively new field in corporate practice. When implemented effectively and designed professionally, HR marketing can give companies a significant competitive advantage in the labour market. Increasingly, HR managers and executives focus on securing high-quality and skilled employees who are integral to building a strong brand and employer value. To date, no studies have specifically examined HR marketing within the secondary sector, which appears to be stagnating in economically developed countries. This study aims to identify differences in the application of HR marketing tools among companies operating in the secondary sector, particularly within the mining, construction, and manufacturing industries. The research was conducted in two stages: the first stage involved an analysis of HR marketing practices among a sample of 215 companies operating in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The second stage focused on a case study of 10 companies from the secondary sector, specifically three companies operating in the mining, construction, and manufacturing industries. This study offers a comparative analysis of HR marketing tool usage among companies within the secondary sector, including those in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The key findings address the research questions and hypotheses. The results indicate that companies in the secondary sector primarily use traditional HR marketing tools such as company websites, personnel agency services, and job portals. Mining and manufacturing companies employ a wider range of HR marketing tools to enhance employee loyalty than construction companies.

Navigating complex riskscapes: the Koudiet Eddraouch GIS substation project in Sub-Saharan Africa

Learning outcomes Risk identification and qualitative assessment are the learning outcomes. Case overview/synopsis The Bharat Bijlee Construction Limited (BBCL) was one of the largest construction companies operating in the power sector in India. After successfully completing a few projects in the Middle East, BBCL decided to expand its presence into African region. The BBCL was awarded a $85m contract for three sub-station projects to modernise Algeria’s power grid system by the “Shariket Karhaba Koudiet Eddraouch Spa”, a state-owned company in charge of power generation, transmission and distribution in Algeria. The project, which is the first of BBCL in Saharan region in Algeria’s, presents many unique situations that company had never encountered before, including sand dunes, severe weather, remote locations, supply chain & logistics, strict contractual deadlines and a high level of construction risk. The project manager for BBCL was sceptic about how well his company would perform under the present project circumstances. How could he better align himself with the client, the various on-site local contractors and the numerous suppliers spread around the world? The case emphasises the identification of various project risks that the project manager might encounter in the project. What do the PESTLE and ASCE frameworks for risk identification each represent, and how are they helpful for the project team in understanding various risks? How should the project’s qualitative risk assessment be conducted? And how can a heat map be a better tool for comprehending the criticality of each risk in the project? Complexity academic level Undergraduate and post graduate courses in project management, civil engineering and architecture domain. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 2: Built Environment.

Influence of macroeconomic factors on construction costs: an analysis of project cases

This study explores the relationship between price increase and project cost increase under macroeconomic shocks by considering the hierarchical structure within price categories, diversification of the cost breakdown structure, infrastructure sector, delivery system, construction methods, and type of bid. The analysis of a large construction company with five large projects as embedded units of analysis reveals significant variations in the relative influence of specific factors across the projects. Unit price categories located higher in the hierarchical breakdown structure display lower vulnerability to macroeconomic changes due to their unique and group-specific influencing factors while price categories influenced by macroeconomic factors depart at lower values in the hierarchical structure. Projects with low-cost breakdown structure diversification can either mitigate or exacerbate cost increases depending on construction methods (off-site or on-site), price drivers of most representative materials (global or local), and delivery systems risk allocation. Under macroeconomic crisis periods, public entities may consider giving high priority to projects more reliant on materials driven by regional dynamics (e.g., concrete pouring) over those driven by global market conditions (e.g., steel, aluminum) while prioritizing integrated delivery systems (e.g., design-build) that promote enhanced collaboration, proactive risk management, aligned incentives, and adaptability for managing complexities and volatilities. Complementary, for projects with higher reliance on global market-driven materials, the results suggest that contractors should prioritize early procurement and acquisition of highly volatile resources in projects under macroeconomic crises.

Forecasting financial distress in listed Chinese construction firms: leveraging ensemble learning and non-financial variables

The construction industry, characterized by high business failure rates due to complex, capital-intensive projects, is crucial for China’s economy. Predicting financial distress and early warnings is crucial to prevent crises. While financial ratios are commonly used, non-financial information remains underexplored, with limited empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness in enhancing predictive accuracy. Additionally, most studies on financial distress prediction focus on constructing single classifiers without utilizing ensemble models that integrate multiple algorithms, resulting in suboptimal prediction accuracy. To address these problems, this study presents a model that uses accounting variables and firm characteristics, construction market dynamics, and macroeconomic indicators to predict the probability of failure one to two years in advance. The model uses a soft voting-based ensemble algorithm, financial ratios refined through the recursive feature elimination with cross-validation (RFECV) algorithm, and dataset balancing via Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique + Tomek Link (SMOTETomek). The comparison results indicate that the predictive performance of the soft voting ensemble model outperforms all single classifiers across all combinations of input variables and prediction years. Additionally, incorporating non-financial variables, such as firm characteristics, construction market dynamics, and macroeconomic indicators, further enhances the model’s accuracy. The proposed model can be effectively employed to help stakeholders mitigate the risks associated with the financial distress of construction companies before the project implementation phase.

Enhancing Organizational Citizenship Behavior Through Leader Behavior and Job Satisfaction in Construction Company Associations

Enhancing Organizational Citizenship Behavior Through Leader Behavior and Job Satisfaction in Construction Company Associations

Accident Investigation Impact on Safety Climate: Moderating Roles of Management and Employees in Ghanaian Construction

This study examines the relationship between accident investigation procedures and safety climate in construction companies, focusing on the moderating roles of management commitment, enforcement, communication, and employee involvement, compliance, and awareness. Grounded in transformational leadership, social exchange, and planned behavior theories, data were collected from 208 skilled employees in Accra using questionnaires. Statistical analysis via SPSS revealed a significant positive relationship between accident investigation procedures and safety climate (B = 0.469, p < 0.001). While management commitment positively influenced the safety climate, it did not moderate this relationship. However, management communication significantly moderated the relationship (B = -0.144, p = 0.013), and staff involvement (B = -0.123, p = 0.020) and employee compliance also had significant moderating effects. Employee awareness did not show a moderating effect, though its influence on safety outcomes remains important. The findings emphasize integrating effective management practices and employee involvement to optimize safety climate in construction.

A practical approach to promoting sustainable development in the construction industry through the use of the LOTUS-Vietnamese green-building assessment tool

In the context of global climate change mitigation, building design optimization is crucial for effective and efficient resource management throughout a project’s life cycle. This study addresses the challenge of assessing green building levels using a Vietnamese perspective. A survey of over 220 participants, including investors, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders, was conducted to identify factors influencing green building assessments. Data analysis, employing SPSS software, explored 57 factors encompassing life-cycle economic optimization, energy and water conservation, material selection, project management, and strategic market benefits. The findings highlight effective energy management as a key determinant shaping sustainable building approaches and assessments. These results offer valuable insights for life cycle cost assessments and environmental impact evaluations during project implementation. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of project developers prioritizing factors that influence the achievement of green building goals based on LOTUS green building rating standards in Vietnam. The predicted results demonstrate that governments should enforce legislation and establish clear green construction regulations to promote environmentally friendly growth, and that construction companies should use environmentally friendly materials and practices in their projects. This research contributes to the knowledge base for scholars, designers, and sustainability experts by systematically identifying factors that influence green building assessments under LOTUS standards.