Effectiveness Of Construction Projects Research Articles

CONSTRUCTION ANTICORRUPTION MEASURES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Corruption poses a significant ethical challenge within the construction sector, which is often characterized as one of the most susceptible industries to corrupt practices. Corruption has a substantial negative impact on the quality and effectiveness of construction projects. In an effort to address this issue, the authors conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify effective strategies for reducing corruption in the construction industry. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework, the researchers meticulously assessed 19 relevant peer-reviewed articles. The review yielded a set of six key measures that can be employed to mitigate corruption within construction workplaces. These measures encompass regulatory, administrative, compliance, promotional, investigative, and disciplinary strategies. Accordingly, the study provides a thorough explanation of these identified measures, offering valuable insights for construction practitioners and policymakers alike in their battle against corruption. Consequently, this research makes a substantial contribution to the field of construction engineering and management.

Systematic Review of the Time-Cost Optimization Models in Construction Management

The construction sector is a crucial contributor to the national and global economy. Therefore, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of construction projects can have a significant impact on gross domestic product (GDP). However, managing construction projects can be challenging due to the uncertainties and complexities involved. The three primary interrelated constraints of construction projects, namely, time, scope, and cost, require effective management to ensure successful completion. To optimize the time and cost of construction projects, various optimization models and techniques have been proposed in the literature. This paper presents a systematic review of the time-cost optimization models in construction management and proposes some future work to improve the solution of the considered problem. The review categorizes the existing models into three categories: exact models, approximate models, and hybrid algorithm models. The exact models provide optimal solutions but require a lot of computational time and may not be efficient in solving multi-objective and large-scale problems. The approximate models provide near-optimal solutions and reduce computational effort but may not be efficient in solving large-scale projects. The hybrid algorithm models combine the good properties of different algorithms to provide high-quality and efficient solutions. The purpose of this paper is accomplished through a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The paper analyzes the contribution, advantages, and limitations of each category and provides recommendations for future work. Based on the review, several recommendations for future work are provided, including the development of hybrid models that combine different optimization techniques, the incorporation of risk management into optimization models, and the use of advanced data analytics techniques to improve the accuracy of optimization models. Overall, this paper provides an up-to-date comprehensive review of the time-cost optimization models used in construction management and offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in this field. The findings of this review can be used to guide future research and improve the effectiveness of optimization models for construction projects.

Drivers of cost and time overruns: A client and contractor perspective

Abstract Large infrastructure investments are expected to be of sustained value to society for a long time. Such investment projects include, for instance, hospitals, tunnels, sport arenas, power plants, roads, railways, and bridges. They involve a complex organization of contracts and agreements. The client is expected to plan, procure, and determine the critical steps of a project, while the contractor should solve issues raised by the client. Many of these agreements are path-dependent and reflect past routines, experiences, and contacts. As such, many investments tend to return to similar sources instead of replacing routines and collaborations that did not work. This can cause change orders that furthermore reflect consequences such as cost and time overruns. While much is known about these effects in construction projects, this paper sheds light on the drivers of change orders. We build upon a sample of 234 observations responding to a survey on investment planning. The results show that project assumptions are often wrong and inadequate in large investments. Such wrong assumptions are caused by interpersonal and leadership issues, poor planning, or sometimes even intentional profit-seeking. Our results show that clients and contractors have different perceptions and enter contractual obligations differently. The implication is, therefore, that better routines of documentation, more frequent feedback, and more accurate or precise standards may close the gap between planning and what is actually achieved. More precise contractual agreements may also create a better process to procure, manage projects, and allocate resources.

Identification and classification of change causes and effects in construction projects

Managing changes has become a critical issue in the construction industry in recent years. Changes are inevitable throughout the lifecycle of the construction project. Understanding change causes and effects can support project teams to manage changes proactively. Although various research articles are published in this field, a comprehensive and systematic overview of change causes and effects is missing due to different terminologies and perspectives, lack of distinction between generic and project-specific causes, and lack of validation with industry experts. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify and classify change causes and effects in construction projects. A multi-case study research method is utilised to achieve the objective of the study. The study provides two contributions to the body of knowledge of change management. First, a comprehensive list of 85 change causes and 45 change effects which are identified from the literature and multi-case study are presented. Around 3951 changes from 19 construction projects are investigated to identify causes and effects. Second, a taxonomy is proposed to classify change causes and effects. The proposed taxonomy consists of three levels with an increasing level of detail of the change cause and effect and it can support project teams to develop strategies to eliminate or minimise changes in the construction project.

Effects of inter-organizational conflicts on construction project added value in China

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of inter-organizational conflicts on the project added value in the Chinese construction industry, and also to examine the mediating effect of conflicts on project added value and the moderating effect of conflict management strategies.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model was developed, and a structured questionnaire survey was conducted with 667 professionals. The structural equation modeling technique was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results showed that task conflict, relationship conflict and process conflict were influenced by subject characteristics of project participants, bilateral relationship characteristics and project characteristics. Similarly, these three types of conflicts interact with each other. Meanwhile, these three types of conflicts influence the added value in construction projects, which are moderated by conflict management strategies. Under a collaborating strategy, task conflict and process conflict were positively associated with project added value, and relationship conflict was negatively associated with project added value. Under a competing strategy, task conflict, process conflict and relationship conflict were negatively associated with added value in construction projects. Therefore, the constructive and destructive effects of conflicts on project added value under different conflict management strategies are verified in Chinese construction projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe variables may not be exhaustive for construction projects and most of them were applied in construction projects for the first time. As a result, their rationality and effectiveness could be further improved. The results implied that inter-organizational conflicts had a constructive effect on project added value and should attract broad attention for future research. Additionally, different driving factors had different influences on these conflicts, and even the driving factors can be divided into different dimensions.Practical implicationsThis study provides a better understanding of the relationship between inter-organizational conflicts and added value in construction projects, and a reliable reference for the project manager to effectively deal with these conflicts. In addition, this research reveals the effects of conflicts on project added value and the path of conflicts transformation. This provides a useful reference for project managers to take advantage of the positive effect of task conflict and process conflict, and to avoid the negative effect of relationship conflict.Originality/valueVery few studies attempted to examine the effects of inter-organizational conflicts on project added value in construction projects. Therefore, this research makes significant theoretical and practical contributions to the existing body of knowledge on the conflict management and project added value. This research provides an empirical evidence to support the viewpoint that different types of conflicts can be mutually transformed. Similarly, this study explains how conflicts present functional and dysfunctional effects in construction projects. Both of them are potential theoretical contributions to the existing body of knowledge.

Detrimental changes and construction projects: need for comprehensive controls

Changes are inevitable and put harmful effects on construction projects in the form of delay, cost overrun and productivity degradation. This study aimed to investigate the major causes of detrimental project changes in design and construction phases of construction projects of Pakistan, the mentioned phases are critical in project execution. Moreover, a set of change controls are also identified for minimising the intensity of negative effects of project changes. Data are collected through structured questionnaires from construction industry located in Pakistan. Various statistical data analysis techniques such as reliability analysis, validity analysis, correlation, multi co-linearity, and regressions analysis are performed for data analysis and results inference. The findings show that client associated project changes are most critical hindrance in the construction projects, and their intensity is more than other change factors. Moreover the 'freezing design' and 'clarify change order procedures' are found to be the most important change control methods to minimise the severity of the project variations. The study is expected to provide significant insights to the project managers so that they can formulate the strategies to address the change and its effects in construction projects.

Procuring Governmental Megaprojects: Case Study

Procurement route structures adequate for governmental megaprojects and commonly used worldwide are to be appraised in the paper. Effectiveness of construction projects’ delivery is vastly dependent upon the form of relationship between the parties involved, and hence liabilities imposed on one another with particular emphasis on the risk distribution. Latter implied a necessity of a diligent assessment of procurement alternatives as a prerequisite to assure the value for money for the project. The paper aims to demonstrate a development of a strategic approach to procurement on the basis of the large scale governmental investment such as the Olympic Village in Kraków which was planned to be delivered as a part of Kraków Olympic Games 2022. Factors that influence the choice of delivery scheme are to be further specified. The latter will set grounds for the critical analyze of alternative procurement types applicable for the proposed project which, in turn, will be supported by the pairs comparison matrix of client's value drivers together with further evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of procurement systems. Since the Kraków Olympic Games 2022 project failed to embark, the availability of relevant data was quite restricted. Nonetheless, what was found out is that one of the main issues encountered at the inception stage was lack of the linkage between the construction project and the governmental core activity that certainly ought to be oriented on enhancing the life of tax-payers. Bearing in mind the importance of meeting stakeholders’ requirements the paper will suggest relevant solutions oriented on the attainment of a long-term profitability for the assets through the implementation of integrated delivery process. After examination of relevant alternatives for the project procurement schemes, the Design Build Operate Maintain (DBOM) is to be analyzed as a procurement route worth adopting in order to ensure an alignment of discussed project with the governmental principles set beforehand based on the efficiency of project performance in the long-run.

Experience Curve Effects in Bridge Construction

Learning is an essential part of life through which we accumulate experience, which then can help us to improve our ability to solve problems. In economics experience can improve productivity. The concept of the experience curve as a form of organizational learning was developed during the second half of the 20th century. It was especially promoted by the Boston Consulting Group and found its way into most textbooks on management and strategic planning; empirical data have been published for a number of industries. In the construction industry, however, very few data areavailable to support the concept. The largest obstacle for all researchers is to obtain the cost information as these are typically not shared by companies. Consequentially we have gathered cost data from four very large expressway bridges to study experience effects in construction projects. These were built in Bangkok, Thailand, by the same joint venture for the same owner during the periodfrom 1990 to 2000 using segmental bridge construction technology. The square meters of bridge deck serve as basic units and the four projects comprise some threemillion of these, so that impacts of increasing experience could be observed. The data for all four projects have been evaluated and adjusted for inflation. They support the idea that a costreduction of 20% can be achieved. The cost reductions must be actively pursued, there exists no automatic process.

공공건설사업에서의 건설공사 사후평가시스템 구축에 관한 연구

Construction post-evaluation (CPE) boosts the efficiency of public construction projects by assessing the performance results of public construction projects and using the results to pursue similar projects. This evaluation comprehensively analyzes and assesses the planning of construction work, the estimated and actual construction costs, the construction period, the demand for construction projects, and the effects of construction projects after the construction work to ensure efficiency. The data was used to prevent lax project execution and enhance the quality and efficiency of similar construction projects. On the other hand, CPE results information must be managed systematically to refer to and use CPE data in similar construction projects. Therefore, in this study, the CPE system was developed as a measure of the systematic and comprehensive management and use of the CPE results information of individual ordering agencies. Therefore, the groundwork was laid for the assurance of quality enhancement and efficient project execution in public construction projects. This system is expected to serve as a useful tool for comprehensively analyzing and assessing construction works.

Testing Coordination System through a Case Study

Coordination has been regarded as a critical factor of successful projects. Because construction projects are highly fragmented with many participants involved at different construction stages, coordination is more complicated for contractors. A coordination systems and procedure developed by simulating circulatory system could improve coordination effectiveness of construction projects due to the natural and effective physiological functions of the human body. To verify the applicability and effectiveness of the system and procedure, two tools to quantify coordination needs and supply were proposed and a case project was tested for ten months. The results showed that the more fit between coordination needs and supply, the better the task performance, meaning that the coordination system and procedure is effective. During construction the contractor can follow the coordination procedure and assign an engineer to evaluate variation of coordination needs and supply periodically or at emergent conditions. As coordination supply does not meet needs, time and frequency of coordination methods should be adjusted.

Determination of Contract Time and Incentive and Disincentive Values of Highway Construction Projects

Although ultimately bringing long term economic benefit, highway construction activities temporarily increase highway user costs and non-user costs, and affect highway safety and the environment. In order to minimize the negative effects of construction projects, state highway agencies have been using incentive/disincentive clauses in contracts to reward contractors for early completion of projects, and to recover the engineering and administrative costs incurred when contractors miss completion deadlines. Evaluation of excess user costs of traffic delays caused by the presence of work zones is essential for assessment of the impact of the work zones on the public. The estimated user costs provide highway engineers and construction managers with useful information for effective highway construction planning. For any highway construction project, there exists a construction time that would minimize the construction cost with given manpower and equipment. If the project is shortened or prolonged from this construction time, the construction cost will increase. This article shows that reasonable incentive and disincentive values can be determined by including a portion of the work zone user costs in the relationship between construction time and construction costs.

Taxonomy for change causes and effects in construction projects

During many construction projects frequent changes often result in time delays, cost overruns, quality defects and other negative impacts. In recent years, many researchers worldwide investigated the effects of project change and more importantly the common causes behind the changes from different perspectives. A large number of research papers have been published in this field. While most existing papers presented valuable empirical work, very few offered a comprehensive and systematic overview. There is also a certain degree of confusion in the terminology used by different authors. The objective of this paper is to fill this knowledge gap by: (1) reviewing and synthesising existing literature on project change causes and effects; (2) developing two taxonomies for change causes and change effects; and (3) illustrating how the taxonomies can be used during the project change management process.

Developing environmental management systems to deliver mitigation and protect the EIA process during follow up

Developmental projects are dynamic in the manner in which proponents react to issues or events arising during the conceptual planning, design or construction phases. The basic challenge of integrating environmental impact assessment (EIA) into an existing environmental management system (EMS) is to provide adequate control while allowing flexibility to cope with site-specific project requirements. Environmental management plans (EMP) are one way of controlling the environmental effects of construction projects. These contain project-specific protocols that act as an EMS interface between the EIA and subsequent project planning and development phases. This paper developed from the EIA follow-up session of IAIA 2001 in Cartagena, Columbia outlines the framework for an EMP and its application in respect of the development of an electrical infrastructure project within the UK.