Mean Score Ranking Research Articles

Challenges to implementing circular economy: empirical evidence among built environment firms in Ghana

This study examines the challenges built environment (BE) professionals (comprising Contractors/Construction Managers, Architects, Engineers, Project Managers, Real Estate Practitioners, and Quantity Surveyors) encounter in implementing the principles of circular economy (CE) in the Ghanaian building industry (GBI). A structured questionnaire survey was used to solicit the views of 162 industry professionals working in construction, consulting, and developer firms on the issue under investigation. The questions were developed through a review of related literature. Data obtained were analyzed via descriptive (i.e. mean score ranking) and inferential statistics (i.e. Kruskal-Wallis H test, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses). The findings reveal that BE professionals encounter seven major categories of challenges. These are knowledge and facilities challenges, market orientation and operational challenges, financial challenges, environmental and regulatory challenges, preferential challenges, technological challenges, and industrial and consumer-related challenges. This finding can inform the various construction industry stakeholders of the challenges currently encountered in implementing CE principles. Furthermore, these identified challenges must encourage concerted efforts among stakeholders to find ways to boost the practice of CE principles in the GBI.

WELL Building: Key Design Features for Office Environments

This study aims to explore the key design features that support office building occupants from the adverse effects on health, well-being, and productivity (i.e., the three aspects in the WELL Building Standard). To achieve that aim, the objectives are to (1) identify the key design features that support health, well-being, and productivity; (2) compare the key design features; and (3) analyze the interrelationships between the key design features. Information from a systematic literature review and semistructured interviews with 23 office building occupants was used to develop a questionnaire survey consisting of 33 design features. Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, normalized mean score ranking technique, overlapping analysis, and Spearman’s correlation analysis were used to analyze 206 valid responses. The findings highlighted 11 key design features that simultaneously support office building occupants’ health, well-being, and productivity. The design features are air quality, clean drinking water, comfortable artificial lighting, adjustable workstation, comfortable temperature, sufficient space, security system, safety at parking lots, cleanliness, efficiency in building services, and safe design. From these, the last six key design features are absent from the existing WELL Building Standard. The study findings provide new insights into the body of knowledge on WELL building. Industry practitioners can use the findings in designing, planning, and maintaining office buildings that support health, well-being, and productivity. Additionally, policymakers can establish an alternative rating tool for evaluating office buildings.

Factors affecting BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia: a critical analysis

PurposeThis study examines the underlying relationships between the critical factors of building information modeling (BIM) implementation and the factors' groupings among architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) organizations in Saudi Arabia. The objectives of the study are to (1) identify the critical factors for BIM implementation, (2) analyze the interrelationships between the critical factors and (3) compare the critical factors between the different organizational characteristics.Design/methodology/approachFirst, potential factors were identified through a systematic literature review and interviews with AEC professionals. Then, a questionnaire survey was sent to AEC professionals and the collected data were analyzed using the following techniques and tests: mean score ranking, standard deviation, normalized value, factor analysis (FA), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey test.FindingsThe analyses show that 14 factors are critical for BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia. The top critical factors include the existence of standard contracts on data security and user confidentiality, consistent views on BIM among stakeholders and the availability of guidelines for implementing BIM. Of the 14 critical factors, 9 can be grouped into 4 underlying factors: environmental, governmental, legal and organizational. The analysis shows that the criticality of the most critical factors grouped by the FA varies between different levels of BIM competency. Finally, the presence of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in realizing BIM projects is a new and emerging critical factor for BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia.Originality/valueThis study differs from prior works on BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia by using FA to explore the underlying relationships among factors of BIM implementation and the factors' groupings. Based on the FA results, a roadmap for implementing the BIM was developed. These findings will help to purposefully and efficiently customize BIM implementation strategies and initiatives to ensure successful BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia.

Evaluating the factors that influence public sector involvement in Ghanaian public-private partnership (PPP) power projects

Purpose In comparison to other countries, power generation in Sub-Sahara Africa is poor. Public–private partnership (PPP) model has become increasingly popular for addressing infrastructural challenges, especially in the power sector. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and classify the factors that influence public sector involvement in Ghanaian PPP power projects. Design/methodology/approach Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, questionnaires were used to gather responses from experts in the PPP power sector in a two round Delphi survey. Analytical tools adopted were descriptive statistics, mean score ranking, Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis. Findings The most significant factors that influence public sector involvement in PPP power projects were: achieving improved value for money; access to additional capital; increased certainty of projects; greater efficiency of project delivery services; and improved ability to deliver new infrastructure. From factor analysis, the four components were: value for money and efficiency; capital and skills; innovation and technology; and project delivery. Originality/value Government bodies in the power sector will benefit from the findings, as it would aid them develop policies that would strengthen regulatory structures as well as institutions.

Analysis of urban slum infrastructure projects financing in Ghana: A closer look at traditional and innovative financing mechanisms

Rapid urbanisation in developing countries has engendered unregulated slum development to provide residences for economic migrants who travel to cities to pursue hopes of a secure future. The development of new financial approaches could play a critical role in unravelling the issues associated with slum development, particularly in emerging economies such as Ghana. Hence, this study investigates slum emergence in Ghana and assesses traditional and innovative financing mechanisms to drive the country’s re-development. Specifically, the study assessed critical indicators of city-urban slums, established critical city-urban slums infrastructure requirements, and examined the traditional and innovative tools of financing city-urban slums to develop more socially equitable and inclusive infrastructure. This research adopted a quantitative research strategy couched within a positivist paradigm and deductive reasoning. Surveys were used to solicit responses from selected stakeholders using purposive sampling. Data was analysed using mean score ranking, one sample t-test and relative importance index (RII). Emergent findings revealed that ‘housing quality’ was the most critical measure of city-urban slum conditions, followed by ‘access to improved sanitation’. Additionally, the findings also asserted ‘virtuous sanitation’ was the most important infrastructure requirement, followed by ‘appropriate disposal of waste facilities’. Cumulatively, the findings suggest that the most prevalent and effective traditional financing tool was to incorporate a slums infrastructure development fund and use taxes and empower urban local bodies (ULB) with increased municipal budgets. Finally, in relation to innovative forms for financing, public–private partnership (PPP) was found to be most effective, followed by municipal bond. In conclusion, the study recommends the participation of industry professionals and governing agencies in the pursuance of these financing options to drive the re-development of slums to meet the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) of ensuring sustainable cities by 2030.

Spatial Assessment of Water Supply Quality to Selected Private Students’ Hostel Accommodation in Ede Township

Adequate supply and distribution of quality water to hostel accommodations is one of the basic criteria for rating standard of hostel accommodations in schools. This study examined the major water supply sources available to students in hostel accommodations; assess the factors influencing the water demand, supply, and distribution; determine the quality of water supplied to some selected hostel accommodations in the study area. The study utilizes a mixed approach for data collection. The quantitative approach was conducted using handheld (GPS) to locate the satellite images of the hostels and sources of water within the neighborhood, three samples of water collected were examined critically at Osun State Water Corporation Laboratory. The data collected were queried using ArcMAP/ArcGIS 10.7.1 with the specified NIS(554) Limit 2015. Similarly, the qualitative approach was conducted by distributing 50% of the entire student’s population which represents 110 questionnaires to randomly selected students staying within the study area. Data collected were analysed using percentages and (mean score) ranking. The results show that the major sources of water are wells and boreholes; water supply are insufficient with 55.6% of occupant’s daily supply between 75-125 liters. The critical factors influencing the adequacy and sufficiency of water supplied includes high electricity bills to pump water from wells, insufficient water in wells during dry season causing damage to water pumps, insufficient voltage drop by electricity authority to pump water regularly, insufficient capacity of water pumps to raise water head and poor maintenance of water pumps were ranked high. The study further shows that the physio-chemical analysis of the sources of water is soft and can corrode metal ion, an evidence of both biological and chemical pollution, moderately hard with high settle-able solids, micro-organism and the non-pathogenic which might have influence on the taste and this may serve as indicator that the water is not fit for human consumptions. The study concluded that the sources of water supply needed to undergoes water treatment process before they are supply to hostel accommodations.

Assessing Client Satisfaction with Health Service Delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme: The Case of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Background. Client satisfaction is the direct effect of service delivery and, in essence, the basis for quality improvement in any industry. In health financing, it is a significant determinant of clients’ enrolment in an insurance scheme. Objectives. This study sought to assess client satisfaction with healthcare delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at a tertiary facility in Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending the outpatient department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Questionnaires were administered to 300 purposively selected patients, stratified based on their insurance status. Data obtained were then analysed using mean score ranking and an independent sample t-test. Results. The client satisfaction variable with a high level of satisfaction was observed for physical environment (πins = 3.80; πunins = 3.69). The least rated construct was responsiveness (πins = 2.59; πunins = 2.51). A statistically significant difference in the means between the insured and uninsured was observed for two of the five constructs, namely, communication (πdiff = 0.36; p < 0.05 ) and service availability (πdiff = 0.33; p < 0.05 ). Conclusions. This study advocates for prioritization of measures and policy initiatives aimed at improving responsiveness in healthcare delivery, as the least rated construct. It further draws health providers’ attention to modesty in communication regardless of socioeconomic or insurance status.

Critical Government Strategies for Enhancing Building Information Modeling Implementation in Indonesia

Building information modeling (BIM) enables substantial improvement in the architect, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. To enhance BIM implementation, policymakers should develop appropriate strategies addressing local AEC industry needs. However, prior works that have explored government strategies to enhance BIM implementation in Indonesia are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the critical government strategies to enhance BIM implementation in Indonesia. A systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with AEC professionals yielded 12 potential government strategies. The data were analyzed using mean score ranking, normalization, overlap, agreement, and correlation analyses. The findings illustrate that six strategies are critical for enhancing BIM implementation in Indonesia. Two of the six strategies overlapped between all main construction project stakeholders (i.e., consultants, contractors, and clients): (1) develop programs to integrate BIM into education curricula and academia, and (2) develop BIM implementation guidelines. These two strategies were highly correlated, and all project stakeholders had consistent views on their criticality for enhancing BIM implementation in Indonesia. The findings benefit policymakers by highlighting specific strategies that should take place to enhance BIM implementation in Indonesia.

Identifying Critical Dispute Causes in the Construction Industry: A Cross-Regional Comparative Study between China and the UK

Construction disputes have long been identified as epidemics in the construction industry worldwide, which has become a more serious problem due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies on the dispute causes have primarily focused on country- or region-specific contexts and hence the results cannot be generalized in solving this chronic problem in a broader construction project worldwide. This study aims to explore and evaluate the critical dispute causes in construction projects through a comparative study between China and the United Kingdom. A total of 33 common dispute causes were identified through a comprehensive literature review and further consolidated by pilot surveys in the two countries. An online questionnaire survey was administered among construction professionals in China and the United Kingdom, with 170 valid responses returned for data analysis. Principal component factor analysis, mean score ranking approach, quartile analysis, and Mann-Whitney U testing were employed to identify the most critical dispute causes. Similarities and differences were mapped between the two countries. It was found that the five most critical categories of dispute causes in the two territories are: delay-related problems, lack of communication, contractual problems, site conditions, and design problems. The importance of variation in quantities, breach of contract, misinterpretation of contractual terms and conditions, and poor contract management was perceived significantly differently by the respondents in China and the United Kingdom, whereas design defects and failure to make compensation for additional work were the most critical common dispute causes in both countries. The research provides important findings for both academics and practitioners to holistically understand the similarities and differences of dispute causes in China and the United Kingdom and aids in preventing disputes more effectively in the global construction industry.

The Impact of Citizens’ Participation Level on Smart Sustainable Cities Outcomes: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

It is imperative to expand the concept of smart cities beyond merely focusing on technology to include human, social, and environmental capital investing to develop smart sustainable cities (SSC). In recognition of smart cities’ advantages, several cities have adopted smart city labels. Although citizens’ engagement in public urban development and decision-making has been acknowledged globally in many countries, evaluating the outcomes that allow citizens to contribute does not measure and compare with other factors. This study examines the impact between the citizens’ participation level (CPL) and the smart sustainable cities outcome (SSCO). Four factors were extracted from the literature review and interviews were conducted with 12 decision and policymakers to establish the importance of these factors and to suggest any other additional factors. In addition, a questionnaire survey was utilised to assess and validate the result by experts in the field of the built environment. The mean score (MS) ranking was used to confirm the importance of these predicted correlations with SSCO. Endogeneity tests and multivariate regression analysis were adopted to validate the causality between CLP and SSCO. The results suggest that a positive significant correlation exists between the CPL and SSCO. A higher CPL leads to a higher level of SSCO, but this does not apply the other way around. The four significant factors of CPL to engage and empower citizens are accountability and responsibility, transparency, participation, and inclusion. This paper contributes to knowledge by identifying the measures of CPL and SSCO that can support the implementation of SSC by understanding what can be expected from the government and decision-makers and what can be expected from the citizens.

Delphi study for evaluating critical success factors (CSFs) for PPP power projects in Ghana

Purpose This study aims to identify the critical success factors of public private partnership (PPP) power projects in Ghana and further evaluates the most significant critical success factors (CSFs) influencing both the public and private sector participation in PPP power projects. Design/methodology/approach Ranking-type Delphi survey in two rounds was conducted to establish a comprehensive list of critical success factors of PPP power projects. Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, experts were targeted for the Delphi survey. Mean score ranking, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Kendall’s concordance were used for analysis. Findings From the list of 37 critical success factors, 9 CSFs were deemed to be extremely significant. The five topmost CSFs were as follows: shared authority, trust and communication between public and private sectors; necessity of power project; debt guarantee to enable private partner to raise funds from the local or international financial markets; appropriate risk allocation and risk sharing; and thorough and realistic assessment of cost, projections and benefits. Originality/value The CSFs identified and prioritized in this study have the propensity to trigger policy development towards the PPP power sector in Ghana and developing countries that shares similar context. This is because the study has wide implications for financing, politics, procurement, regulations, legal and capacity building.

Critical Factors Contributing to Poor Natural Ventilation of Residential Buildings

The air tightness of buildings has the greatest potential for energy savings. Reduced fresh air intake raises concerns about natural ventilation systems and the need to provide users with a comfortable indoor climate. The pace at which heat is expelled from a building's interior surfaces increases with vent size, putting residents' health at risk and causing discomfort. The study aimed to evaluate critical factors that contribute to poor natural ventilation in residential buildings, and its associated effects. A quantitative research approach was adopted using purposive sampling for data collection due to undefined residential buildings. 215 questionnaires were distributed to occupants of residential buildings within six (6) selected communities within the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality. 210 completed questionnaires were collected and analyzed using mean and relative importance index (RII) score ranking. From the findings, nineteen (19) identified variables categorized into three (3) main factors contribute to poor natural ventilation of residential buildings. The most critical factor is unplanned building design and usage with an average RII of (0.955). Most privately owned residential buildings were built with no professional consultation aiming to avoiding professional cost. Eleven (11) variables grouped under four (4) main effects were identified as effects associated with poor natural ventilation, the top-ranked ranked effects were Health risk with an average RII of 0.930. Good natural ventilation is a determinant factor for sustaining occupants’ satisfaction and wellbeing. Therefore, it was recommended that purpose of room space should be well defined before its design and construction. Public education on the need to engage experienced professionals in design and construction should be intensified. The paper affirms to the relevance of natural ventilation for occupants in residential buildings; also, usefulness to engage construction professionals and clients.

The Impact of Stakeholders’ Management Measures on Citizens’ Participation Level in Implementing Smart Sustainable Cities

Smart sustainable cities (SSC) tend to utilise technology to promote themselves by involving their citizens in urban development. Several cities around the world have adopted the “smart city” label in recognition of these advantages. In fact, citizen engagement in public urban development and decision making has been acknowledged globally in many countries; yet, evaluations of the outcomes that allow the contribution of empowerment to be measured and compared with other influences are lacking. This study examines the correlation between stakeholder management measures (SMM) and citizen participation level (CPL) in the process of achieving an SSC. Four SMM factors were extracted from a literature review and sent out to be examined by experts in the field of built environments. Mean score (MS) ranking was used to confirm the importance of these variables in terms of predicting correlations with CPL. The results were generalised by multiple regression analysis techniques. This study shows a positive significant correlation between SMM and CPL in terms of Regulation, Collaboration, Legitimates, and Control. These four predictors make a significant contribution to escalating the levels of engagement and empowerment of citizen participation (CP). This paper contributes to knowledge in the field by identifying pillars that can increase CPL. Our findings could support the stakeholders of SSC projects to raise CPL, not only by hearing their voices but also by delegating power.

Assessing effects of moral hazard -related behaviours on quality and satisfaction of public-private-partnership (PPP) construction projects: case study of Ghana

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effects of moral hazard on quality and satisfaction of public–private–partnership (PPP) construction projects in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach After undertaking a literature review, questionnaires were used to elicit responses from respondents. Population consisted of quantity surveyors, project managers, procurement officers, consultants, public agency officers involved in PPP projects, private partners and contractors. A total of 211 questionnaires were received from 250 distributed. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were adopted. Analytical tools were Cronbach’s alpha for testing reliability, regression, mean score ranking and relative importance index. Findings Reduced mutual trust and respect, poor clarity of project objectives; consequence on decision-making; less effective construction process; and increased construction risks were the significant effects of moral hazard on satisfaction of PPP construction projects. Value-based effects; manufacturer-based effects; product-based effects; user-based effects; and transcendent-based effects were the significant effects of moral hazard on quality of PPP construction projects. Practical implications Construction stakeholders involved in delivering PPP projects ought to take note of the findings and recommendations arising. Further studies should explore the effects on other project performance indicators apart from satisfaction and quality. Originality/value This paper extends knowledge in the area of exploring the effects of moral hazard on PPP project satisfaction and quality. The findings are beneficial to both academia and industry practitioners.

Critical success factors of implementing sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) Sukuk for economic recovery from COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThere are three objectives of this paper. First, the study investigates the critical success factors critical success factors (CSFs) of implementing sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) Sukuk in Malaysia as perceived by stakeholders. Second, the study examines the differences between the developers and the investors in relation to the importance of the CSFs. Third, the study attempts to categorise the CSFs.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire survey, 260 completed and useable responses were received representing a 42.54% response rate. In examining the importance of CSFs, the descriptive statistical tests of mean, standard deviation and mean score ranking were used. Independent t-tests were conducted to investigate the differences in the perceptions of the importance of CSFs between the developer and the investor groups. In categorising the CSFs, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken.FindingsOverall, the top five most important CSFs as perceived by respondents are as follows: (1) good governance framework, (2) fulfil ethical standards, (3) transparent procurement process, (4) well-defined scope and (5) viable feasibility study. On the other hand, the five factors that are ranked last are as follows: (1) defined stakeholder roles, (2) stable macro-economic conditions, (3) existing social programmes, (4) guarantor and (5) political will. The study also found that there is a significant statistical difference in how the developers and investors scored the CSFs. Moreover, there are three main categories of the CSFs that are effective feasibility study, financial and technical considerations and political willingness and agreeability.Originality/valueThe findings highlight the critical factors to consider when implementing SRI Sukuk. This can also serve as a reference and guideline for countries considering SRI Sukuk issuances for economic recovery stimulus post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Identifying Measures of Effective Risk Management for Public–Private Partnership Infrastructure Projects in Developing Countries

The inadequate risk management of public–private partnership (PPP) projects is a principal cause of project distress or failure. This research seeks to identify and empirically validate measures of effective risk management (ERM) in the context of PPPs in a developing country, a subject that has received scant attention in the extant literature. The research is based on a comprehensive literature review, expert interviews and a questionnaire survey. Mean score ranking and factor analysis were employed to rank and group the identified measures, respectively. Tests were performed to determine the respondents’ agreement and establish the reliability and validity of the survey instrument. Analysis results indicate that all identified measures are important, are distributed over the entire project’s life cycle and exhibit a multi-organizational focus. The most significant measures focus on PPP-specific artifacts and procurement activities that are vital for ERM. Factor analysis established six critical underlying dimensions for the ERM of PPP projects. The extracted factors generally acknowledge the need for expert public- and private-sector project stakeholders with mature organizational structures, business processes and relevant experience to successfully handle and deliver PPP projects. Furthermore, a comprehensive PPP policy and sound legal and regulatory frameworks are essential for supporting the ERM of PPP projects. The findings will enable a better understanding of factors that influence the quality and outcomes of risk management efforts and promote sustainable infrastructure development via PPPs, where the success of a project strongly relies on positively managing a project’s risks in the economic and the social domains.

Analysis of risks factors associated with construction projects in urban wetlands ecosystem

ABSTRACT Within some developing countries, wetlands have long been regarded as dumping grounds. However, there has been a gradual paradigm shift in societal attitudes towards recognising their importance as landscape features that provide benefits for humans and wildlife. Unfortunately, construction activities have continually plagued their existence. Therefore, this present research examines the risks factors associated with construction projects in wetlands ecosystem, using Ghana as a case study. A quantitative research strategy leaning towards the positivist paradigm was adopted. A structured survey was developed to collect data from key stakeholders. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit construction experts in the Kumasi Metropolis, with a total of 78 experts agreeing to participate. Relative Importance Index (RII), Mean Score Ranking and a One-Sample T-Test were used to analyse primary data collected. The findings revealed that the key driving forces spurring construction projects in wetlands were rapid urbanisation; high rate of migration; and scarcity of land for development. Critical risks factors associated with construction projects in wetlands were identified as cost overruns; exploitation of biological resources; and water pollution. Finally, the findings also showed that the most critical detrimental effects of construction projects in wetlands were the destruction of aquatic and terrestrial lives; loss of flood control capability; and deterioration of wetland water quality. The study recommends the protection and conservation of wetlands environments through systematized enactment and enforcement of environmental protection regulations by government and non-governmental institutions. This would ensure the preservation of important biodiversity and aid with pollution control and flood protection.

Critical success factors (CSFs) for the adoption of green construction concepts in road construction in Ghana

The move towards green construction concepts’ implementation in road construction provides an opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint while enhancing the prowess of the built environment to uphold sustainability. The purpose of this study is to identify the CSFs for the adoption of green construction concepts in the road construction sector. Through a thorough literature review and pre-testing, 20 CSFs for green construction concepts adoption in road construction were identified. A mean score ranking was used to rank the CSFs for adopting green construction concepts in road construction. At the same time, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was run to test for significant differences in perceptions among the respondents. Exploratory factor analysis was further used to ascertain the connection among the variables. The findings of the study revealed the following four CSFs in the adoption of green construction concepts in road construction: ‘collaboration and tendering requirements’, ‘regulatory factor’, ‘leadership and standards development’, and ‘bridging industry and academia gap’. The study is known to serve as a practical reference to help adopt green construction concepts in road infrastructure projects.

Factors affecting unitized curtain wall system adoption for Hong Kong's high-rise residential buildings: a multi-stakeholder perspective

PurposeThe unitized curtain wall system (UCWS), one of the prefabricated technologies, is increasingly attracting attention in the Hong Kong construction industry. However, this innovative technology still lacks on-site implementation in high-rise residential buildings. To promote its development, this study aims at identifying the influential factors of UCWS adoption in Hong Kong's high-rise residential buildings from a multi-stakeholder perspective.Design/methodology/approachFactors were first selected through an in-depth literature review and a semi-structured interview. Then the factors were validated through a questionnaire survey using Cronbach's Alpha Reliability Test. Next, the factors were ranked regarding their importance using mean-score ranking and standard deviation. Meanwhile, different stakeholders were clustered using an experimental factor analysis (EFA) model to find the shared preferences (namely common factors).FindingsThe result shows that reduction of construction time (B1) and insufficient site storage area (C1) are the most important factors. The six stakeholder groups were clustered into two segments. B1 and improved quality control are the shared interests. While C1 and the need of specification change are the common concerns.Originality/valueThere are two major breakthroughs in this study. First is the novelty of research objects. UCWS, particularly its application preference in high-rise residential buildings, has rarely been studied, yet it is urgently required. Second is the novel research perspective. The influential factors were studied from a multi-stakeholder perspective. Not only the significant factors for six specific stakeholders but also the shared preference for stakeholder groups was identified. The findings contribute to promoting UCWS more targeted, efficient and comprehensive, as well as demonstrating the collaborative possibilities of multi-stakeholders.

Exploring influencing factors for private sector participation in PPP power projects: case of Ghana

PurposeDemand for private investment in infrastructure, notably in the power sector remains high, and this is anticipated to expand with the passage of time. Very little research currently exists on the power sector and specifically the private sector influencing factors (PSIFs) for entering into public–private partnerships (PPPs). The purpose of this study is to explore influencing factors for private sector participation in PPP power projects in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachUsing purposive and snowball sampling techniques, questionnaires were used to gather responses from experts in the PPP power sector domain in a two-round Delphi survey. Reliability analysis was conducted using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and level of agreement tested using Kendall’s concordance. Mean score ranking, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square test were the main analysis conducted on the influencing factors.FindingsThe most significant PSIFs were: obtaining of investment support; improvement in private sector’s international image; synergy with public sector; sharing of risks; and gaining of profits. From ANOVA results, all the influencing factors had no significant different perception between the number of years in PPP practice and the motivations for the private sector entering into PPP power projects. Using Chi-square, the association between the variables indicated they were statistically significant.Practical implicationsThe findings in this study are significant for multinational power generation firms that seek to enter the Ghanaian energy sector to help fill the generation gap and deficit.Originality/valueThe output of this research contributes to the checklist of influencing factors for private sector participation in PPP power projects and enhances the development of PPP practice.