Construction Organizations Research Articles

АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНОЕ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ НЕСУЩИХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ ИНВЕНТАРНЫХ ОПАЛУБОЧНЫХ СИСТЕМ ПРИ МОНТАЖЕ И ДЕМОНТАЖЕ ЖЕЛЕЗОБЕТОННЫХ ПЕРЕКРЫТИЙ

The paper substantiates the expediency of using widespread load-bearing racks, frame systems and beams for the construction of formwork monolithic floors of multi-storey civil construction in other types of construction work in prefabricated monolithic construction and reconstruction of civil facilities. Examples and descriptions of organizational and technological schemes for the construction of prefabricated monolithic frames with the use of inventory spatial frames and racks of adjustable length with glued wooden beams, mainly from well-known Doka and PERI companies, as supporting elements for the organization of alignment and temporary fixing of hollow floor slabs during their installation. Examples of the use of the same bearing elements of formwork systems in projects of reconstruction and liquidation of multi-storey civil facilities are presented. In these cases, they were intended to ensure the stability of the reconstructed parts of buildings during their separation and extraction according to the intended parts. For this purpose, the schemes of using diamond cutting technologies of reinforced concrete structures patented by the authors in reconstruction projects of civil buildings in the Crimea are shown. Subject of research: technological equipment for the production of construction, installation and reconstruction works to ensure their efficiency and safety using beams, frames and racks of inventory formwork systems of monolithic and prefabricated reinforced concrete floors. Materials and methods: analysis of the state of the issue according to literary and patent sources, justification of expediency and modeling of technology and organization of construction, installation and reconstruction works at specific civil facilities in Crimea, assessment of economic efficiency, industrial and environmental safety of the proposed innovations. Results: organizational and technological schemes for the installation of temporary supporting and regulating systems for the installation and dismantling of reinforced concrete floors made up of inventory elements of industrial formwork systems of both domestic and foreign origin are reasonably presented. The technological and economic efficiency, as well as the technical and environmental expediency of innovations for reasons of life safety are shown. Conclusions. The expediency of using elements of inventory formwork systems of monolithic floors to create temporary supporting structures from them during the installation and dismantling of reinforced concrete floors is shown. Examples of such applications are presented when installing ceilings of prefabricated monolithic frames of specific civil facilities, as well as diamond cutting of similar structures during their reconstruction or liquidation.

A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF CONSTRUCTION ORGANIZATIONS DURING THE INDUSTRY'S TRANSITION TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Current production methods have serious environmental impacts, which concerns the world. This concern has led many authorities, individuals, and organizations to prevent irreversible environmental damage. In response to this issue, the circular economy is revolutionizing production by adopting circular business models that minimize environmental impact. Numerous studies have found construction activities to be environmentally harmful. Mineral raw materials from natural sources are used in most construction procurement and production. Once their useful life is over, these mineral resources are irreparable, non-reusable, and non-recyclable. This scenario violates circular economy principles. This study predicts that the construction industry will become more circular in response to demands, obligations, and directives that encourage environmentally friendly production strategies like the circular economy. Thus, construction companies and design consultants must adapt to the circular economy. PESTEL analysis is used to predict macroenvironmental changes for construction organizations. According to the PESTEL analysis, construction companies must make changes to succeed and survive in transition to a circular construction industry. Integration into more complex business networks, adapting to a service-based economy, improving management skills, and improving workforce capabilities are among these changes.

Influence of technology-related factors on zero-carbon building development in Lagos Nigeria

PurposeThe development of zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs) is beneficial to the society and biodiversity. Despite the benefits of ZCBs, there are challenges limiting its development in construction industry. The current study seeks to examine the technology-related factors affecting the development of ZCB in Lagos Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study designed a questionnaire to achieve the main objective. Data were collected using non-probability and snowballing sampling methods. Questionnaires were distributed, and 272 valid responses were collected. Thereafter, data were analysed using mean value, percentage, frequency distribution, normality test, Kruskal Wallis test and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance.FindingsThe results from data analysis showed that, “less technical expertise in new technological advancements”, “research outcomes are not translated effectively into technology innovations”, “high cost of maintenance on ZCB”, “poor knowledge on renewable technologies” and “industry’s ability to embrace ZCB technologies (policy initiatives and industry practices)” were the topmost five technology-related factors hindering development of ZCBs in Lagos, Nigeria. Also, the results from the study show a statistically significant degree of agreement between various groups of construction organisations in Lagos, Nigeria concerning the technology-related factors hindering the development of ZCBs.Originality/valueThe study contributed to more effective ZCB studies by drawing attention to technology-related factors hindering the development of ZCBs in construction industry. An understanding of these challenges can help construction stakeholders, organisations, policymakers and governments in devising strategies targeted at minimising these challenges and fostering the development of ZCBs in the construction sector. The identified results on technological barriers to ZCBs development can guide targeted interventions and policy adjustments, promoting more effective implementation of ZCBs in Lagos Nigeria and serving as a model for addressing similar challenges in other developing countries. Recommendations for future research on ZCBs were also highlighted.

Fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the critical drivers of UAVs’ deployment for construction in Nigeria

PurposeThe slow adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the construction industry, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the critical factors influencing their adoption. This study aims to identify these factors using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and address uncertainties in their prioritization through Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE). The utility of this approach lies in its ability to provide construction organizations with actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness through effective UAV adoption.Design/methodology/approachA post-positivist philosophical stance was adopted, wherein quantitative data were gathered from construction professionals in Nigeria via a questionnaire survey. The collected data were analyzed using the Cronbach alpha test as a measure of internal consistency and the FSE test to synthesize critical drivers for the adoption of UAVs.FindingsThe study found that drivers related to technology and organization are the most critical drivers. This implies that variables related to technology and organization warrant a higher level of focus if UAVs are to continue gaining popularity within the construction industry. Additionally, this study identified that logistic management, construction monitoring and site surveying represent the most critical areas of UAV application within the construction industry.Practical implicationsThe emphasis on technology and organizational drivers as critical factors suggests that construction companies should prioritize investments in technology infrastructure and cultivate an organizational culture that embraces innovation. This may involve providing training to construction professionals to enhance their technological skills and fostering a leadership culture that champions technology adoption.Originality/valueThis study introduces novelty by applying the TOE framework, which has received limited attention in UAV adoption studies within construction. Additionally, the use of FSE addresses uncertainties in prioritizing critical drivers, particularly relevant in developing countries facing unique technological challenges. By assigning priority to these factors, this research lays the groundwork for a more informed and strategic approach to UAV adoption.

THE STATE, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF PRICING DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF CONSTRUCTION OF ANTENNA-MAST STRUCTURES OF CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS

The article examines issues related to the current state and problems of pricing in the field of construction of antenna-mast structures of cellular communications. The authors point out the peculiarity of the considered sphere of construction in terms of the mechanism for determining the estimated cost using tariffers, which differs from the generally accepted method, which implies the use of approved estimated standards, and is due to the lack of prices in the current regulatory framework that allow full marking of special types of work performed during the construction of antenna-mast structures. The disadvantages of this approach are given due to the establishment of prices in the tariff for enlarged work complexes and elements of the structure as a whole, which does not allow taking into account factors that have a significant impact on the design features of the support and, as a result, the cost of its construction and depend on the construction conditions and customer requirements. At the same time, the authors note and clearly confirm the absence of linking the rates of the tariff to the amount of work actually performed and the consumption of resources during the construction of a specific antenna-mast structure, which entails an unreliable estimate of the cost of construction. Separately, a comparison of the cost of materials for the construction of supports of the same height, depending on the projected payload, is provided, which also confirms the need to revise the existing pricing system. The authors provide recommendations aimed at improving the pricing mechanism used: options are proposed for the development and implementation of estimated standards for the construction area under consideration, as well as for improving the tariff rates in the interaction of construction organizations and customers.

Leveraging Large-scale AI Models for Transforming China's Marine Industry: A TOE Framework Analysis

As an important driving force leading a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial change, artificial intelligence is becoming a hot spot. Promoting the deep integration of "artificial intelligence + ocean" will help build a world-class Marine artificial intelligence industry cluster with global competitiveness. How to effectively apply artificial intelligence to the Marine industry to solve the problems of resource redundancy and information island caused by industrial agglomeration is urgent for innovation and breakthrough. In this paper, TOE and modified T-TOE framework are used to analyze the above problems, and the following conclusions are drawn: 1) From the perspective of technical factors, intelligent information technology plays an important role in promoting the construction of large-scale models at the level of hardware and software; From the perspective of organizational factors, enterprise digital transformation and open sharing platform play an important role in supporting organization construction. From the perspective of environmental factors, policy support and market orientation play an important role in encouraging the construction of large models. 2) From the perspective of T-T, the breakthrough and application of technology need to balance the contradiction between development and conflict; From the perspective of T-O, intelligent supply-demand matching and transition resistance have both positive and negative effects; From the perspective of T-E, there is a problem of actively promoting multidimensional interactive innovation and achieving a balance. Relevant studies provide new ideas for the comprehensive development scenario of Marine industry and inject new impetus into the development of Marine industry.

Construction simulation and scheme optimisation of complex underground cavities

Underground cavities have complex spatial structures and geological settings, their arrangement is dense and crisscrossed. The construction system involves multiple work surfaces, levels, and processes. The close integration of construction simulation with actual production conditions is crucial for enhancing the guidance that simulation results provide for practical engineering. Therefore, from the perspective of optimizing construction organization and management, this article comprehensively considers various factors in the construction process, innovatively introduces the principle of production line balance and the concept of rule cycle, and combines technology and management, an underground cavities construction simulation system (UCCSS) is developed. In UCCSS, a hierarchical model is built and calculation are performed on models with different construction methods by modifying the parameters as per the actual engineering characteristics. The simulation results are comprehensively analysed to determine the optimal construction programme. An application case is proposed based on the construction organisation design of the long and parallel diversion tunnels at the CB Hydropower Station. The results show that the system has good practicality and credibility and can provide guidance for the construction organisation design of underground cavities with various features.

Necessity of Effective Quality Control System for Bridge Construction (A Review)

As urbanization quickens and transportation systems proceed to advance, bridges, as indispensably components of urban foundation, confront progressively impressive challenges in their plan and development administration. This inquire about investigates the integration of naturally inviting, financially productive, and socially satisfactory plan standards and development administration strategies in bridge designing from the viewpoint of economical advancement. Through case investigations and information measurements, this paper presents optimized bridge plan arrangements beneath different natural conditions and examines techniques to play down asset squander and improve development effectiveness, in this way accomplishing the feasible improvement objectives of bridge building The quality parameters should easy to understand specially checklists should be easy to understand and easy for implementation In this study is carried out to analyze the scenario of Quality Control System application, to identify factors affecting the construction organization and to issue recommendations on how to improve the implementation of Quality Control System in Construction Industry. The growth in infrastructure increases in our country which leads the construction of new bridges is one most the key elements in this Initially the checklists are observed from different site the defects will identify in check lists and suggest new checklists for each items of construction. This paper finds Necessity of Effective Quality Control System for Bridge Construction by analysising the different Literature review

Investigating the Role of Change Management in Achieving Sustainable Project Management in Construction Firms

Abstract Over the past years, the construction sector has seen significant transformation driven by sustainability and change management, as most construction companies strive to lower emissions, be future-proof, and slow down the rate of climate change. While these two disciplines have distinct goals, they share essential principles. Both change management and sustainable project management emphasize addressing the environmental, social, and economic aspects while maintaining ethics, transparency, and stakeholder demands. According to previous studies, incorporating sustainability concepts into project management systems could enhance organizational value, risk control, cost savings, stakeholders’ relationships, and long-term value generation. In the context of change management, integrating sustainability into project management systems strives to ensure that initiatives are not only financially feasible but also socially and ecologically responsible. Despite previous research in those fields, further investigation and application of the implementation methodologies are still recommended. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between sustainability in the project management field, its relation to change management procedures, and how it could be beneficial for the implementation process in the construction industry. A constructive literature review was adapted to develop a potential primary framework for future implementation, which facilitates future attempts at construction organization implementation processes.

Taking It Easy: Off-the-Shelf Versus Fine-Tuned Supervised Modeling of Performance Appraisal Text

When assessing text, supervised natural language processing (NLP) models have traditionally been used to measure targeted constructs in the organizational sciences. However, these models require significant resources to develop. Emerging “off-the-shelf” large language models (LLM) offer a way to evaluate organizational constructs without building customized models. However, it is unclear whether off-the-shelf LLMs accurately score organizational constructs and what evidence is necessary to infer validity. In this study, we compared the validity of supervised NLP models to off-the-shelf LLM models (ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4). Across six organizational datasets and thousands of comments, we found that supervised NLP produced scores were more reliable than human coders. However, and even though not specifically developed for this purpose, we found that off-the-shelf LLMs produce similar psychometric properties as supervised models, though with slightly less favorable psychometric properties. We connect these findings to broader validation considerations and present a decision chart to guide researchers and practitioners on how they can use off-the-shelf LLM models to score targeted constructs, including guidance on how psychometric evidence can be “transported” to new contexts.

Valuation of Project Managers to Enhance Project Performance in Nigeria’s Construction Industry

Construction project management is critical to the success of construction projects, with the performance of project managers (PMRs) playing a central role. Despite its importance, previous studies have highlighted the poor performance of construction organizations in Nigeria, such as project delays and cost overruns and the need for proper project management practices. However, the specific performance of PMRs in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI) has not been extensively studied. To address this issue, this study aims to identify the causes of underperformance among PMRs in the NCI by examining the tasks where PMRs underperform and the extent of this underperformance and its effect on motivational support from organizations. Data were collected through 206 questionnaires and 36 semi-structured interviews with organizations and project managers. Descriptive analysis was conducted to evaluate project management (PM) practices as well as the level of motivational support provided to PMRs. The analysis revealed that PMRs underperform in more than 60% of tasks but outperform in 20%. Underperformance refers to the tasks in which PMRs performed less than the expected contributions set by the organization, while outperformance describes tasks where PMRs exceeded the organization’s expectations. The analysis also revealed low motivational support of PMR. Correlation analysis was conducted to investigate whether motivational support influences PMR performance, and the results indicated a two-way causal relationship between underperformance and low motivational support. This study integrated a game theory model with regression analysis to show that (stay, support) is the dominant solution for project managers and organizations, provided the net contribution of support is positive. In this context, “stay” refers to PMRs continuing working with their current organization, while “support” refers to the motivational support provided by the organization to enhance the commitment and performance of the PMRs. However, current support levels may not be enough to cause PMRs to begin to outperform. In addition, regression analysis was conducted between the degree of underperformance and motivational factors, and we conducted a preliminary simulation by increasing these values of regression coefficients. The results indicated that while motivational support from organizations can improve PMRs performance, its effectiveness is limited. Factors such as corruption, political pressures, and organizational culture have a greater impact on performance. Addressing these factors may be more crucial for enhancing performance and project outcomes than focusing only on motivational support. Therefore, the Nigerian construction industry needs to implement institutional changes alongside motivational strategies to improve PMRs performance and project success.

Linking organizational safety support and construction workers’ safety behavior: the roles of safety motivation, emotional exhaustion and psychosocial safety climate

Linking organizational safety support and construction workers’ safety behavior: the roles of safety motivation, emotional exhaustion and psychosocial safety climate

Validation of a quantitative instrument measuring critical success factors and acceptance of Casemix system implementation in the total hospital information system in Malaysia

ObjectivesThis study aims to address the significant knowledge gap in the literature on the implementation of Casemix system in total hospital information systems (THIS). The research focuses on validating a...

CONSOLIDATION OF STATEHOOD: URBANISATION OF BORDER REGIONS OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF SERBIA IN 1833–1839

This paper elaborates on the measures and decisions of the authorities in the Principality of Serbia that aimed to demarcate the borders and urbanise the wider border areas, with the goal of greater separation of the Principality of Serbia from the Ottoman Empire. The chronological framework of the paper spans from 1833 when the provisions of the Hattisharif finally confirmed the border between the Ottoman Empire and the autonomous Principality of Serbia, to 1839, which marked the end of the first rule of Prince Miloš. During this period, the main directions of urbanisation in Serbia were determined. The paper indicates that the urbanisation of Serbia’s border regions involved measures directly related to border arrangements (establishment of border patrols, border crossings, customs, and quarantines), as well as measures implemented throughout the territory of the Principality (spatial organisation of towns, small towns, and villages, construction and restoration of churches and monasteries). The impact of migration movements after the establishment of the border on the emergence of new settlements or repopulation of deserted settlements in the border areas of the Principality of Serbia was considered, as well as the spatial planning of border varošes/towns and varošicas/small towns, and the establishment of new road routes towards the border. Spatial organisation of villages, although incomplete, was successfully implemented in the northwestern and northern border regions of the Principality of Serbia.

Assessing the readiness for sustainable building material adoption: a study from construction organizations of different sizes

Assessing the readiness for sustainable building material adoption: a study from construction organizations of different sizes

Achieving Housing Affordability in the U.S. through Sustained Use of AI and Robotic Process Automation for Prefabricated Modular Construction

The rising housing issues occasioned by high costs in the United States (US) are traceable to the high costs of building materials and construction. This study proposes the combined leveraging of AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for prefabricated modular construction as a strategic means of reducing high costs of housing and increasing efficiency in construction. It argues that doing so would pave way for housing affordability in the US. Deploying descriptive survey and qualitative method alongside the applicable interpretive and descriptive techniques, the study demonstrates in the course of its analysis that AI and RPA are viable means of reducing costs of construction and housing, and increasing efficiency. It submits that amidst the established constraints to the ideal extent of leveraging AI for construction activities, the leveraging of AI and RPA for prefabricated modular construction yields huge positive results among which are reduced costs of construction and housing and increased efficiency in construction. Government and construction organizations are charged to play enabling roles in the adoption and sustainability of AI and RPA in construction activities, including prefabricated modular construction, so as to achieve reduced costs of housing and increase efficiency in construction.

Toward a flourishing workplace: exploring the impact of digitalization on young construction professionals’ physical–mental well-being

PurposeThe construction industry has more propensity to negatively affect employees’ physical–mental well-being due to the inherently intense and demanding nature of the work involved. Digitalization can streamline the construction processes, and reduce stress, overtime and overall job-related pressure generated due to the nature of employment, contributing to the well-being of employees. Hence, the authors examined how digitalization, technostress and individual resilience could contribute to construction professionals’ physical–mental well-being using the transaction model of stress, self-determination theory and job-demand resources theory.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 86 young professionals using a structured survey. The professionals were working in Indian construction organizations where digitalization is implemented extensively. The survey consists of 21 items to measure four latent variables namely digitalization, technostress, physical–mental well-being and individual resilience. The study employs a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to examine the theoretical model empirically.FindingsThe results revealed that digitalization was positively associated with physical–mental well-being and negatively associated with technostress. Further, individual resilience was a moderating variable in the relationship between digitalization and technostress. Finally, technostress partially mediated the relationship between digitalization and physical–mental well-being.Originality/valueDigitalization has emerged as a valuable tool to tackle these challenges and improve the overall well-being of construction personnel. In the present study, digitalization is found to augment the physical–mental well-being of young construction professionals. Also, digitalization helps to significantly reduce technostress, thereby improving the physical–mental well-being of young professionals.

An exploratory study on the application of digital twins in the Indian construction industry

Digitalization, enhancing operational performance and promoting data-driven practices, is gaining prominence globally. However, its adoption in the construction industry, particularly in developing countries like India, is still in its infancy. This study explores the role and impact of digital twins, a key component of digital transformation, in the Indian construction sector. A cross-sectional study was conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods, collecting data from various roles within organizations primarily engaged in building information modeling. The aim is to understand the feasibility, acceptability, and adaptability of digital twins in the construction sector. Results indicate that identified factors positively influence these constructs. Despite a preference for human intervention, the study predicts significant traction for automated methods in the Indian construction sector. The survey factors strongly influence the feasibility, acceptability, and adaptability of digital twins in Indian construction organizations, demonstrating the potential to adapt and incorporate innovative technologies throughout the project lifecycle. Despite risks and challenges, Indian construction firms can adopt digital twins in projects.

Problematic issues emerging during BIM implementation process in construction organizations

PurposeBuilding information modeling (BIM) is a popular technology in modern construction, but its implementation faces numerous difficulties, which are known as problematic issues of BIM implementation (PIBIs). This study aims to identify and analyze PIBIs based on the perceptions of practitioners in Vietnamese BIM-implemented construction contractors and similar BIM adoption-level countries.Design/methodology/approachThe research is conducted in three stages. After a comprehensive literature review, PIBIs are identified and ranked based on the Delphi method and questionnaire survey. Next, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to provide a hierarchy of system PIBIs. Finally, the driving and dependence power of PIBIs are determined using Fuzzy-Matrice d'Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis.FindingsThis study evaluates 32 PIBIs for small and medium contractors (SMCs) and 28 PIBIs for large contractors (LCs) in Vietnam. This study also develops a systematic framework for contextual relationships and analyzes the relationships among PIBIs using ISM-Fuzzy MICMAC analysis. The results show that different standards or techniques, modeling software limitations and information management significantly impacted LCs, while a lack of senior leadership support and incompatible software affected SMCs, causing other PIBIs.Originality/valueThis study is among the first attempts to investigate the problematic issues emerging during the BIM implementation process at the organizational level in Vietnam as well as other developing countries. The study results could be considered valuable references for BIM practitioners. Furthermore, this knowledge can enable contractors to avoid problems while adopting BIM, thereby increasing their ability to implement BIM successfully and using critical resources more efficiently.

Exploration of Construction Organization for Maintenance of Steam Turbine Equipment in Thermal Power Plants

Exploration of Construction Organization for Maintenance of Steam Turbine Equipment in Thermal Power Plants