Construction Project Delivery Research Articles

BEST PRACTICES FOR THE DESIGN PROCESS FOR THE HORIZONTAL DESIGN-BUILDER

In early 1990s, the American driving public insisted that planned highway and bridge projects be completed quicker than was possible using the Design-Bid-Build (DBB) construction project delivery system, which had dominated the industry since 1930s. This led state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to explore fast-track methods of construction. In late 1980s, some DOTs had experimented with Design-Build (D-B) delivery system. Forty-two state DOTs and numerous county and municipal transportation agencies now use the system and it remains the most popular integrated construction project delivery system in US transportation construction despite Federal Highway Administration efforts through the Every Day Counts initiatives to popularize newer methods such as Construction-Manager-as-General-Contractor and Alternative Technical Concepts. Its popularity is due to the speed with which projects move from conception through to completion and the ability through early contractor participation to implement innovative ideas that improve quality and further enhance the speed of the project. With all this speed, however, the design process has struggled to stay ahead of construction, especially when the Design-Builder is faced with new responsibilities such as Right-of-Way acquisition, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, the environmental permitting process, utility re-location, etc. This paper recounts the research performed by a team led by the University of Florida to produce a guidebook to help both design-builder and owner with the design management process for transportation infrastructure construction.

Evaluating the effect of TQM on MEP construction productivity and project delivery in Dubai

Management techniques, such as Total Quality Management (TQM), have been proven to provide a positive impact on construction productivity. Despite this, TQM is rarely employed on construction projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This paper quantitatively documents the effect of applying TQM on construction productivity in the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) sector of construction using an active MEP subcontract. The utilized project consisted of two mirror-image sides; each managed independently using alternative managerial approaches: TQM on side A and status-quo procedures on side B. Data was collected and Earned Value analysis was used to compare the performance of both sides over the life of the subcontract. The study showed measurable benefits in terms of productivity and project progress through the implementation of TQM. Applying TQM through integrated management, better communication and involvement of all participants resulted in an increase of productivity up to 3%. Results are hoped to influence the willingness of the construction community to implement TQM and to further explore other management approaches.

Creating social value within the delivery of construction projects: the role of lean approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the current knowledge surrounding social value (SV) and show how lean approach supports SV realisation in the delivery of construction projects.Design/methodology/approachA critical literature review was adopted, to gather the current knowledge surrounding SV from mainstream management sciences, construction management and lean literature. A total of 70 studies were critically reviewed.FindingsThe study establishes that the current level of awareness on SV is still low and there is a dearth of scholarly publications on SV especially in the construction management literature. The investigation reveals the potentials of lean approach in supporting the delivery of SV on construction projects.Social implicationsThis study conceptualises the community and the physical environment around where the construction project is executed as customers using lean production approach. It shows that the transformation, flow and value view supports smooth workflow, which enhances the achievement of SV objectives. This creates a new insight into how SV can be realised in construction project delivery.Originality/valueThis study extends the on-going debate around the need for SV in construction project delivery and contributes to construction management and lean construction literature on SV. Future studies could build on this to obtain empirical data and develop an approach/method that would support the evidencing of SV delivery on construction projects.

Role of BIM+GIS checker for improvement of technology deployment in infrastructure projects

There has been a focus in construction industry, on creating, sharing and reusing digital project information, throughout the project lifecycle, which includes Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). These co-existed technologies are said to have the ability to improve the efficiency and delivery of the infrastructure projects. Having said that, this can only be achieved through the right strategy, and proper collaborative environment, rather than relying on the cutting-edge technology alone. The involvement of 3rd party experts or “checker” is necessary to ensure the use of technology does not go off on a tangent from its original objectives. This paper will define what constitutes to successful process of infrastructure implementation, and how it helps to improve the use of technology with the correct methodology. Two ongoing mega infrastructure projects in Malaysia were selected as case studies. Comparison is being carried out on both projects to study the effectiveness of the technology that is being utilised during the construction works. Finally, the paper established a conclusion whether there is a need for a 3rd party “BIM+GIS checker” in order to ensure the right processes are being adhered to achieve efficiency in the delivery of linear construction projects.

Impact of organization size and project type on BIM adoption in the Chinese construction market

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is perceived as an effective tool for improving the delivery and coordination of construction projects. The Chinese construction sector has demonstrated significant interest in implementing the 3-dimensional modelling-based process. BIM adoption is influenced by several factors which can either be operational or strategic related. Factors which can have a significant impact include the size of the construction organization and the type of projects that the organization has to deliver (i.e. building vs infrastructure projects). This study aims to evaluate the effect of project type and size on BIM adoption in the Chinese market, via an adoption model which analyses factors impacting the adoption decision. The study examines 200 samples collected from the Chinese construction industry, split equally between infrastructure and building construction data groups, as well as SMEs and large organizations. The collected data are first analyzed by principal component analysis and then through a Structural Equation Modelling-based multiple group analysis. Results demonstrate that essential factors such as operational risks are considered by small organization, whereas large organizations focus on implementation challenges. Implementation benefits and challenges are significant on the adoption decision in infrastructure organizations, but not in building organizations. In addition, the study reveals that “technical support” is an important factor when it comes to BIM adoption among all types of organizations, regardless of the organization’s size and project type delivered.

Application of Knowledge Management by Indigenous Contracting Firms for Construction Project Delivery

This study aims to assess readiness of Nigerian Indigenous Contractors (NIC) to adopt Knowledge Management (KM).This is achieved by identify in requirements for adopting KM; evaluating NICs preparedness to meet these requirements; and examining benefits of KM to NICs. Purposive sampling technique was adopted for the survey. Fifteen factor requirements for adoption of KM was identified from literature and structured into a questionnaire which was administered to NICs. Eighty-four copies of questionnaires were retrieved from the total sample size of 129, representing 65% response rate. Data was analyzed using percentages, and Relative Importance Index (RII). The factor requirements used for the survey achieved a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.70 showing a high relationship between them. Results revealed that management’s strategic plan to adopt KM; and training/education of personnel are factors highly prioritized by NICs, but mechanism to enhance storing & retrieval of knowledge is yet to exist in 98% of the NICs sampled. Improvement of profitability and process enhancements are considered more important by NICs amongst derivable benefits from KM. The Study concluded that NICs are not yet prepared to adopt KM but are willing to explore its benefits for improved organisational performance.

Organisational Commitment of Construction Skilled Workers in Selected Construction Firms in Nigeria

Skilled construction workers are crucial to the successful delivery of construction projects. However, there have been reports of their shortage within the Nigerian construction industry. Ensuring commitment of the few available ones to their organisation is important as this is bound to influence the service delivery of these organisations. This paper presents the result of the assessment of the organisational commitment of skilled construction workers in Abuja, Nigeria. A quantitative survey design was adopted, and data were gathered from selected skilled construction workers in 31 construction companies registered with Nigeria's Federation of Construction Industry. Organisational Commitment Scale was adopted in assessing the commitment of these set of workers, and data were harnessed through the use of a questionnaire. Percentage, mean item score and Kruskal-Wallis H-Test were used in analysing the data gathered. Cronbach Alpha test was also conducted to test the reliability of the research instrument. The study revealed that the common type of commitment exhibited by skilled construction workers is the continuance commitment. Factors such as getting feedback from supervisors, payment received being equal to work done, and the availability of opportunities to grow, play a major role in the commitment type being exhibited. The practical implication of this result is that construction companies within the country need to improve in the aspect of human resource management to attain better commitment and at the same time improve their productivity. It is believed that the findings of this study will assist construction organisations in adopting the right method that will help enhance the organisational commitment of their skilled workers. Keywords: Construction workers, Nigeria, Organisational commitment, Skilled workers, Workers satisfaction.

Organisational Commitment of Construction Skilled Workers in Selected Construction Firms in Nigeria

Skilled construction workers are crucial to the successful delivery of construction projects. However, there have been reports of their shortage within the Nigerian construction industry. Ensuring commitment of the few available ones to their organisation is important as this is bound to influence the service delivery of these organisations. This paper presents the result of the assessment of the organisational commitment of skilled construction workers in Abuja, Nigeria. A quantitative survey design was adopted, and data were gathered from selected skilled construction workers in 31 construction companies registered with Nigeria's Federation of Construction Industry. Organisational Commitment Scale was adopted in assessing the commitment of these set of workers, and data were harnessed through the use of a questionnaire. Percentage, mean item score and Kruskal-Wallis H-Test were used in analysing the data gathered. Cronbach Alpha test was also conducted to test the reliability of the research instrument. The study revealed that the common type of commitment exhibited by skilled construction workers is the continuance commitment. Factors such as getting feedback from supervisors, payment received being equal to work done, and the availability of opportunities to grow, play a major role in the commitment type being exhibited. The practical implication of this result is that construction companies within the country need to improve in the aspect of human resource management to attain better commitment and at the same time improve their productivity. It is believed that the findings of this study will assist construction organisations in adopting the right method that will help enhance the organisational commitment of their skilled workers.
 Keywords: Construction workers, Nigeria, Organisational commitment, Skilled workers, Workers satisfaction.

New Zealand Building Project Cost and Its Influential Factors: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Construction industry significantly contributes to New Zealand’s economic development. However, the delivery of construction projects is usually plagued by cost overruns, which turn potentially successful projects into money‐losing ventures, resulting in various other unexpected negative impacts. The objectives of the study were to identify, classify, and assess the impacts of the factors affecting project cost in New Zealand. The proposed research model was examined with structural equation modelling. Recognising the lack of a systematic approach for assessing the influencing factors associated with project cost, this study identified 30 influencing factors from various sources and quantified their relative impacts. The research data were gathered through a questionnaire survey circulated across New Zealand construction industry. A total of 283 responses were received, with a 37% response rate. A model was developed for testing the relationship between project cost and the influential factors. The proposed research model was examined with structural equation modelling (SEM). According to the results of the analysis, market and industry conditions factor has the most significant effect on project cost, while regulatory regime is the second‐most significant influencing factor, followed by key stakeholders’ perspectives. The findings can improve project cost performance through the identification and evaluation of the cost‐influencing factors. The results of such analysis enable industry professionals to better understand cost‐related risks in the complex environment.

A principal component analysis of monitoring and evaluation determinants for construction projects delivery in developing countries

A data reduction technique is adopted to identify the critical determinants of effective monitoring and evaluation in the construction industry. The views of randomly selected construction professionals from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa were collected through a questionnaire survey. Adopting a quantitative research approach for the study, extant literature was conducted to identify monitoring and evaluation determining factors. Subsequently, a five-point Likert scale was drawn for respondents to rank the factors. A Cronbach's alpha value of 0.953 was achieved based on standardised items. Similarly, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett's test of sphericity was conducted before the data were subjected to principal component analysis. The study provides a new contribution to knowledge by introducing three new variables of uncorrelated determinants that better explain effective monitoring and evaluation. These variables are described as M&E management and human relation, M&E participation and information and M&E implementation and approach. The study, therefore, recommends consideration of these factors by project managers to ensure M&E is effective and delivers successful construction project.

Graph-based ontology reasoning for formal verification of BREEAM rules

Globally, the need to check regulation compliance for sustainability has become central in the delivery of construction projects. This is partly due to policies by various governments requiring existing and new buildings to comply with certain standards or regulations. However, the verification of whether a building complies with any particular standard or regulation has proven challenging in practice. The purpose of formal verification is to prove that under a certain set of assumptions, a building will adhere to a certain set of requirements, for example the minimum performance standards of key environmental issues. Compliance checking requires different criteria often difficult to straightforwardly define and combine in an integrated fashion for providing holistic interpretation to facilitate easy decision-making. Such criteria, their various flows and combinations can easily be dealt with using conceptual graph theories and Semantic Web concepts which allow rules to be imbued to facilitate reasoning. The aim of this study is to tap on conceptual graphs and Semantic Web concepts to develop a system for checking Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) sustainability standard compliance in the French construction industry. A conceptual graph-based framework that formally describes BREEAM requirements and visually analyse compliance checking processes has been proposed. When implemented in a software that integrates conceptual graphs and Semantic Web knowledge, automatic reasoning allows both the logical specification and the visual interpretation to be displayed and further provides a semantic support for compliance checking information.

Perceptions towards risks involved in off-site construction in the integrated design & construction project delivery

This study aimed to address the gap in research regarding the application of integrated design and construction (IDC) project delivery into off-site construction Projects (OSC) within China. A questionnaire survey was designed and delivered to reach Chinese professionals in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) disciplines to assess their risk perceptions. Risk was considered in terms of probability and severity. Two main research hypotheses were proposed that AEC professionals' perceptions towards applying IDC in OSC projects would be affected by their experience in OSC or in IDC. Based on a total of 112 valid questionnaire responses, statistical analyses were conducted, including the relative importance index analysis, internal consistency analysis involving Cronbach's Alpha, the one-way analysis of variance, and post-hoc tests. It was indicated that AEC practitioners' experience in both OSC and IDC did affect their perceptions towards the risks. It was further identified that compared to professionals' OSC experience, their experience or knowledge in IDC played a more significant role in affecting their risk perceptions. Those with little experience in OSC or IDC tended to perceive risks with a higher degree of significance. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in terms of integrating OSC with IDC, by addressing the research question of whether the experience level in OSC and in IDC would impact AEC professionals' risk perceptions. Future research could continue this study by adopting empirical case studies to evaluate risks when applying IDC in OSC projects.

DIGITALISATION IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS PERSPECTIVE

This study presents the result of an assessment of digitalisation within the South African construction industry from the construction professionals' perspective. The study adopted a quantitative approach through a questionnaire survey carried out among construction professionals in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Appropriate descriptive statistical tools were used in analysing the data gathered. The study revealed that the major stages of construction where digitalisation is evident are the design phase, and the feasibility phase. The major construction processes where it is mostly visible are, construction cost control, cost planning, preliminary cost estimate and building system analysis. In addition, the most significant benefits to be derived from digitalisation in the industry includes time-saving in construction projects delivery, increase productivity, increase speed of work, increase document quality, speeding up of response time, and simpler working methods. This study contributes to the body of knowledge as it reveals the happenings surrounding digitalisation within the South African construction industry; an aspect that seems to be lacking research attention.

THE ROLE OF EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION FOR SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

This paper is written with the purpose of assessing the role of effective collaboration for successful delivery of construction projects. Generally, in construction industry, to come up with the successful project delivery; the construction management team has to work against any factor that may lead to cost overruns, project delays, poor quality delivery and high level of variation. Construction projects present extreme varieties and occur in different size, shape and quality. Undertaking any construction project is a process that involves many bodies and organizations. Effective collaboration between the various parties is crucial for successful completion of both design and construction. Based on a case study of a commercial building project, this work discusses how project managers can use collaboration approach to solve project challenges that may arise during execution such as high level of project variations, endless time extension and disputes between parties to the contract. Collaborative Approach in Problem Solving helps the integration of knowledge and gain of experience, to reduce payment delay, achieve the proper evaluation and control of the schedule of activities and to motivate the contractor to achieve effectiveness and efficiency. The effective collaboration between the various parties and the early involvement of the contractor are crucial for successful completion of both design and construction and the early integration of knowledge.

CONCEPTUAL BUSINESS MODELS OF STRATEGIC LOGISTIC SERVICES FOR SMALL-SIZED CONTRACTORS

The new Indonesian Construction Service Act has explicitly introduced the importance of supply chains for construction project delivery and sustainable supports of small-sized contractors to the Indonesian construction industry's efficiency. Most of the construction cost comes from the material cost to be delivered to the project site that needs proper logistic management. For large and medium-sized contractors, their capacities and projects values enable them to access closer tier of the supply chains; to the producers of strategic materials with more efficient transactions. This is not the case for small-sized contractors, therefore, there should be a strategic logistic service provided for helping them. This paper presents a development of a conceptual business model of a strategic logistic service, especially the third-party logistic service, for small-sized contractors in a small coverage area of operation. Seven business models were identified with the preliminarily identified potential to be the model for the region of Greater Bandung, Indonesia. The models were derived based on the origin entity that could transform or be created as a new business or extended business. The conceptual business models will be used for further research to develop proper and feasible business models of strategic logistic services for small-size contractors in the Greater Bandung area.

Document Management System Using Text Mining for Information Acquisition of International Construction

Acquiring timely and proper information of host countries is a crucial element to lead successful and lucrative delivery of international construction projects. This information, however, commonly exists in forms of unstructured text data such as news articles and reports, which calls for the need of text mining. The aim of this research is to develop a prototype of construction document management system for global contract, which provides the user-needed information in a timely manner. The system named UNI (User Needed Information)-Tacit collects text data containing the recent information of the global construction market by using the web crawling algorithm, automatically allocates tags for each document with the most representative keywords based on Natural Language Processing, and eventually visualizes the results in the form of word clouds. The developed system, the survey validated its usefulness, is expected to contribute to collecting and organizing the latest issues on the global construction market, which provides better understanding of the target countries for decision makers.

Assessment of Project Monitoring and Control Techniques in Ondo State Agency for Road Maintenance and Construction (OSARMCO)

Monitoring and control is an essential process in construction project management and delivery. It is therefore imperative for construction companies to employ the usage of the most effective monitoring and control techniques available to meet project objectives. This study examined project management techniques employed by Ondo State Agency for Road Maintenance and Construction, a construction company in Ondo State, Nigeria. The research design that was used for this study is the survey method where copies of a well-structured questionnaire were distributed to elicit appropriate information from respondents. The results showed thatthere is a relationship existing between the type of project monitoring and control technique used by a construction company and project delivery/success and that the use of Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) for time/schedule control and Earned Value Management (EVM) (alongside other monitoring and control techniques) for cost control as used by the company are very effective in meeting set project objectives. Based on the findings, a number of recommendations were made. Among these are, that monitoring and control units should be established withinconstruction companies and welltrained workers/professionals should be put in charge of handling these units and the techniques and tools used therein.

Timing of Cost Certainty in Highway Construction Project Delivery: Perceptions versus Empirical Results

The early timing of cost certainty during highway project delivery is a primary reason for using alternative contracting methods, but the relative performance of these delivery methods has not been quantified by previous researchers. This research addresses the gap in knowledge by quantitatively showing how the traditional design-bid-build delivery method and the alternative contracting methods of construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) and design-build (D-B) compare in the timing of cost certainty on U.S. highway construction projects. A novel comparison of the performance of CM/GC versus D-B projects procured by best value is performed. The results reveal a difference between the perceptions of agency decision makers and empirical project performance. By comparing empirical project data with findings aggregated from experts in a Delphi study and with a review of the limited relevant literature, this paper highlights contradictory findings and inconsistencies in the relative performance among the different sources of information. For the alternative contracting methods, the empirical project results show earlier timing for cost certainty than perceived by agency experts. Results reveal that agency personnel underestimate the potential time savings of CM/GC because they believe that D-B is faster to the point of cost certainty. However, empirical data show that CM/GC is substantially faster. The authors emphasize the need for further research to clarify the contradictions and inconsistencies in order to produce reliable, validated results that can provide useful recommendations for application in highway construction project delivery.

Critical success factors influencing performance outcome of joint venture construction projects in South Africa: Comparison of first and second order models

Joint ventures (JVs) have become increasingly common, because of the complexity and challenges associated with the delivery of construction projects globally and in South Africa. However, it has been established that JV projects have experienced unsatisfactory performance leading to clients’ dissatisfaction. The purpose of this paper is therefore to determine the critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the performance of JV construction projects in South Africa. A positivist philosophy position was adopted using a structured questionnaire survey administered to the construction professionals. Prior to the main study, a content validity of the questionnaire was achieved using a pilot study. The data was collected from 115 conveniently sampled respondents, and analysed using principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis. The exploratory factor analysis revealed two empirical models to be tested; namely the first and second order factor models. The result of the first order model revealed that, management control influenced achievement of project objective of JV, whereas, the second order model established that understanding of contractual agreement, which was explained by six components of CSFs influenced achievement of project objective. It is suggested that stakeholders who prefer to be involved in JV projects should acquire good understanding of the contractual agreement in managing JV projects in order to successfully achieve the project objectives. This study adds to the discourse and literature on CSFs of JVs. It provides new empirical evidence of the CSFs that influence project performance outcome of JV in the context of South Africa which can also be replicated in other countries globally. However, the study may not be generalised because of the geographical setting and respondents.

Editorial

Welcome to the fourth issue of the Journal of Construction Business and Management. The themes covered in this issue are related to information technologies, building materials, risk factors and practices used in the procurement of construction projects. These papers expose the readers to innovative technologies, career advancement, risk factors, alternative building materials and cost analysis that fills the key gaps in knowledge. The issue contains five articles that were written by authors based in Nigeria and South Africa. Overall, twelve authors produced these articles aimed at strengthening the debate in and improving research undertaken in the area of the management of construction project organizations and delivery processes.
 The first paper by Olugboyega and Aina examines the Levels of Details of Building Information Models being generated by two hundred and eighty-two construction professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria using respondents driven sampling techniques. The authors found that the levels of generating BIM visualization purposes were very high in the study area. Paper two by Dada investigates the progression of Quantity Surveyors towards developing a career path framework for Quantity Surveyors in private practice in Nigeria. The proposed framework demonstrates the benchmark necessary for resolving common problems about career progression towards promoting harmonious working relationship and quality service delivery in Quantity Surveying practice. Leo-Olagbaye and Odeyinka’s paper assessed the risk factors encountered in the delivery of road projects in Osun State, Nigeria. The study results revealed that the risk factors on these projects with a high likelihood of occurrence are the scope of work, defective design, error and rework and change in design, in order of magnitude. Paper four by Alade, Oyebade and Nzewi examines the availability and level of usage of Local Building Materials (LBM) in Ado-Ekiti, South Western Nigeria. Based on information provided by One Hundred and Fifty construction professionals, the research found that LBMs such as stone, timber, laterite, clay and bamboo were available in sufficient quantities in the study area for building construction. The final paper by Windapo, Moghayedi, Oliphant and Adediran explored the components of cost on construction projects in South Africa using a qualitative research approach. The study found that the primary cost constituents of construction projects were building materials and sub-contracted work, accounting for 63.69% and 74.6% of the value of renovation and new construction work respectively, and recommends that the sub-contractor and building material inputs in construction projects should be carefully managed to ensure that construction projects are completed effectively and efficiently.
 Lastly, I wish to acknowledge all authors who submitted papers for consideration, members of the JCBM Editorial Board and panel of reviewers for their support, timeous review and comments that have helped in defining and improving the quality of manuscripts submitted to the JCBM for review. In conclusion, we welcome feedback and suggestions from readers towards improving the quality of the journal and in maintaining the integrity of the findings published.
 Abimbola Windapo PhD
 Editor-in-chief