Construction Industry Of Pakistan Research Articles

A NOVEL BIM-ENABLED SOFTWARE-BASED SOLUTION FOR MITIGATING CONSTRUCTION RISK MANAGEMENT

This paper presents a novel Software-based solution to mitigate the most prevalent construction risks with systematic implementation of Building Information Modeling Software at the lifecycle stages of the project and provides practical recommendations for industry practitioners. The construction industry has a complex and uncertain process presenting different opportunities and challenges at various project phases. Incorporating traditional risk management methods with BIM helps identify and manage risks effectively. This research paper presents a systematic approach to implementing BIM throughout the lifecycle of an eight-story building project, from feasibility to construction, to manage major risks in each phase. The paper addresses a gap in the literature by identifying and mitigating prominent risks in the construction industry of Pakistan through BIM modeling, based on a review of 180 common risks and detailed interviews. The research methodology involved surveys and data analysis to identify and prioritize the most significant risks and suitable BIM mitigation measures. The study suggests that BIM’s collaboration software resolves communication issues while Clash Detection mitigates Design-related risks before the start of construction. Simulation of Planned vs. Actual Progress and accurate Quantity Estimates achieved by BIM’s estimation software contribute to the successful completion of the project. BIM and its tools have the potential to revolutionize the construction process if used as a structured risk management tool throughout the project lifecycle. The paper advises designing out most project risks in the Planning and Design phase while reserving monitoring and control for later stages as early identification and management of risks is critical for success.

Construction safety challenges and opportunities at design stage for building industry in Pakistan

The implementation of Design for Construction Safety (DfCS) at the early design phase can proactively identify and address potential hazards in construction projects. By integrating safety considerations into the design process, it becomes possible to eliminate or minimize risks before they become costly and dangerous issues can also be avoided during construction. To gain insights into the current practices and barriers faced by professionals in the construction industry of Pakistan regarding DfCS, a comprehensive study was conducted. This study utilized a combination of questionnaire-based surveys and interviews to gather data from various stakeholders involved in the design and construction processes. The research revealed that DfCS was absent in the standard design practice. The weaknesses identified for the implementation of DfCS were designers’ inevitable doubts about increasing cost, schedule problems, absence of contracts and regulations, designers’ lack of safety knowledge and skills. The largest influential factors were regulatory liability on the designer (29%) and increasing costs (27%). The study identified that less trained worker were rated 59% for site accidents. 87% of respondents suggested revision of contract and regulations. The study proposed a framework to check constructability with respect to safety standards. Alternative project delivery method i.e., Design Build (DB) was recommended to reduce health and safety accidents and barriers.

A NOVEL BIM-ENABLED SOFTWARE BASED SOLUTION FOR MITIGATING CONSTRUCTION RISK MANAGEMENT

This paper presents a novel Software based solution to mitigate the most prevalent construction risks with systematic implementation of Building Information Modeling Software at the lifecycle stages of the project and provides practical recommendations for industry practitioners. The construction industry has a complex and uncertain process presenting different opportunities and challenges at various project phases. Incorporating traditional risk management methods with BIM help identify and manage risks effectively. This research paper presents a systematic approach to implementing BIM throughout the lifecycle of an eight-story building project, from feasibility to construction, to manage major risks in each phase. The paper addresses a gap in the literature by identifying and mitigating prominent risks in the construction industry of Pakistan through BIM modeling, based on a review of 180 common risks and detailed interviews. The research methodology involved surveys and data analysis to identify and prioritize the most significant risks and suitable BIM mitigation measures. The study suggests that BIM’s collaboration software resolves communication issues while Clash Detection mitigates Design-related risks before the start of construction. Simulation of Planned vs. Actual Progress and accurate Quantity Estimates achieved by BIM’s estimation software contributes to the successful completion of project. BIM and its tools have the potential to revolutionize the construction process if used as a structured risk management tool throughout the project lifecycle. The paper advises designing out most project risks in the Planning and Design phase, while reserving monitoring and control for later stages as early identification and management of risks is critical for success.

Environmental Management Framework for Road Network Demolition Wastes for Construction Industry of Pakistan

Demolition waste from construction industry, especially from road networks, is one of the most voluminous and harmful categories of waste worldwide; therefore, its proper handling is essential for sustainable waste management for environmental, social, and economic benefits. Prolific and unregulated construction activities, conflicts, and defective works are major reasons. The current work aims to address the issue by presenting a framework for an enhanced understanding of sustainable demolition waste management (DWM). A critical analysis of the literature aided to identify major concerns related to different causes, their impacts, and challenges being faced by the construction industry in such management endeavors. The study adopted questionnaire-based methodology to understand the critical relation among the three variables. The Delphi technique supported by industry professionals and pilot study helped to formulate a realistic questionnaire tool. Using the concept of multivariate statistical analysis, structure equation modeling (SEM) helped to assess the structural relationships between the three variables. The research instrument met the reliability, validity and internal consistency criteria required. Each variable achieved a high effect size, f2, with a value of co-efficient of determination of more than the threshold value of 70%. Thus, this supported the fitness criterion of the SEM-based measurement model. Path coefficients yielded the acceptance of all alternate hypotheses, resulting in a strong positive relationship among the three constructs. Therefore, demolition waste impacts are deemed as an effective mediator when explaining the impact between the other two variables. The developed framework presents a coherent and systematic approach and identifies strategies that could be used to address these issues and lead to DWM, including options available for capacity building and implementation and evaluation for supporting sustainability.

Data-Driven Predictive Analysis and Sustainable Management of Concrete Waste in Pakistan

The construction sector of Pakistan is on a cross-growth trajectory, developing under the twin pressures of emerging infrastructure-based demands and sustainable practices that need to be inculcated urgently. This article focuses on the critical evaluation of sustainable waste management practices within the fast-developing construction industry of Pakistan, and clearly delineates a research gap in the current methodologies and use of data combined with the absence of a strategy for effective management of concrete waste. This research aims to utilize an algorithm based on machine learning that will provide accurate prediction in the generation of construction waste by harnessing the potential of real-time data for improved sustainability in the construction process. This research has identified fundamental factors leading systematically to the generation of concrete waste by creating an extensive dataset from construction firms all over Pakistan. This research study also identifies the potential concrete causes and proposed strategies towards the minimization of waste with a strong focus on the reuse and recycling of the same concrete material to enhance the adoption of sustainable practices. The prediction of the model indicates that the volumes of construction are to increase to 158 cubic meters by 2030 and 192 cubic meters by 2040. Further, it projects the increase in concrete construction waste volumes to 223 cubic meters by the year 2050 through historical wastage patterns.

Unveiling Construction Quality Factors: Insights from Asian Economy's Building Projects

Economic growth of any country depends on the construction projects and industry in the region. Therefore, the construction industry in Pakistan is directly related to quality and continual improvements in construction projects. Quality is a sensitive and high-priority issue in global construction including in Pakistan. The prime objective of this research study was to investigate major factors influencing the quality of building construction projects in Pakistan. The intended of this research study was to provide guidelines and information to all stakeholders such as owners, project consultants, and project contractors during the construction site of projects so that they are completed on time and with quality. The descriptive survey method was utilized with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative approach was used to collect data through project documents and in-depth interviews. N-Vivo software were used at the preliminary stage for the analysis of qualitative data to identify these factors and the linked sub-factors. Analysis of this qualitative data identified 32 factors that influence building construction projects. Questionnaire design was based on qualitative data analysis. The quantitative approach was used to collect data from building construction projects in Pakistan through via questionnaires. The 150 questionnaires links were sent to Pakistan building construction companies in Google form, and 120 respondents filled out the questionnaire. In this way, the response rate is 80%, enough to get accurate results. The SPSS software was used for analysis of collective data. The important quality factors were resulted from a stepwise RFI, RSI, IRII on the quality factors resulted from the factor analysis approach. The correlation coefficient was used to find the relationship between consultants and contractors with the owner. On the basis of analysis, it is concluded that the most significant factors influencing the quality of a building construction project were identified. the Findings of this study were: the skill and interest of labor during construction are a significant impact on the quality in Pakistan, escalation of material prices had influenced the quality of construction projects, making decisions based on price rather than the value of work, Lack of implementation of quality standards of work has greatly influenced the quality of construction industry projects, lack of comprehensive and accurate bill of quantities (BOQ), excessive design changes during construction and shortage of resource materials. In Pakistan, all the stakeholders should consider and take action for these influencing quality factors before starting construction projects.

Benchmarking lean construction conformance in Pakistan’s construction industry

PurposeLean construction (LC) is an innovative approach in the construction industry that has shown significant success in developed countries. Although LC has potential in the construction sector of Pakistan, it has not been extensively explored. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by identifying and predicting current lean practices and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of LC implementation in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachUsing robust statistical methods to analyze 92 valid responses, the study reveals that approximately 54% of lean practices are currently in use in the construction industry of Pakistan, with a population mean ranging from 52.7% to 55.6%.FindingsSurprisingly, the research identifies instances where some construction firms in Pakistan are implementing LC practices, even though they have only a limited understanding of its underlying principles. Notably, certain subprinciples, such as visual management, top management commitment to change, employee training, process cycle time reduction and production optimization, are less integrated within the construction industry. Exploring the possibility of implementing LC, recommendations for strategies to implement LC in Pakistan are suggested, aligning with the conceptual model proposed by the researchers.Originality/valueThe novelty of this work offers insights that can serve as a comprehensive guide for developing nations. It provides a structured approach to assess and benchmark LC practices, which, in turn, can contribute to a more efficient and effective construction industry. Moreover, the strategies proposed in this research can aid developing countries in the efficient implementation of LC. This will have a positive implication for both economic and developmental outcomes.

An impact overview of COVID-19 on the construction industry in Pakistan

Abstract The construction and development sector is considered as the backbone of any growing economy. Globally, the construction industry (CI) has experienced significant growth alongside increasingly complex projects that involve multi-disciplinary stakeholders such as clients, consultants and contractors, known as the 3Cs. Despite modern efforts towards digitalisation and the introduction of technology, this industry was among the most impacted by COVID-19 in many countries. The 3Cs have faced impediments in practicing their respective roles. This research utilises a mixed methodology approach by utilising an extensive literature review combined with statistical analysis to study the impacts on working practices of the 3Cs of the CI in Pakistan. The six major impact factors were related to planning and overhead cost, manufacturing and shipping, permit issuance, liquidated damages, cash flows, material availability and delivery. Among the six factors, delays in permit issuance and materials availability were the two global factors investigated in the study. The significance of the impact factors was further justified by comparative analysis with existing literature. The study further revealed that contractors were the most affected party within the 3Cs of the CI in Pakistan. The findings of this study are significant to tackle such a pandemic in the future, by suggesting effective emerging practices which may also be made and enforced as regulations by the government.

Circular building design: a case study in Pakistan

A major transformation from the current, linear practice to a closed-loop system, linked with a circular economy, is required to transform the negative effects of buildings on the environment. Pakistan has one of the fastest growing populations, and conventional building construction is increasing in urban areas due to urban sprawl. This research aims to demonstrate the possible shift to a circular construction industry in Pakistan by comparing the linear design components with the circular design components of exterior walls of a case study taking advantage of life cycle assessment. The results of life cycle assessment applied to the external walls of a house in Karachi show that finding the solution with the lowest impacts is not obvious and that use of apparently “green” solutions may turn out to have higher impacts. Study suggests that building components can be gradually replaced with more circular ones to create a circular built environment.

Causes of Delays in Construction Projects in Peshawar Region and It’s Preventive Measures

Abstract: Construction delays means that tasks are finished later than expected time or required by contract. Finding the source of construction delays is crucial to reducing them. This study tries to identify the major causes for project delays and typical remedies in Peshawar region, Pakistan's construction industry. Additionally, by correlating the criteria found in the literature review with perceptions from construction specialists working in Peshawar region, Pakistan. This research confirms the validity of the factors found there. This study was carried out utilizing a combination of evaluating previous research and conducting a questionnaire-based survey. To collect opinions from a range of construction professionals, including clients, contractors, and consultants, the survey questions were purposefully designed to include both open-ended and close-ended forms. These questionnaires were distributed to a number of people working in the construction business. The primary factors contributing to delays were mostly associated with financial challenges, including the slowness in receiving progress payments from project owners and difficulties contractors encountered in obtaining project financing. In addition to these difficulties, the study determined that cost overruns were the main effects of these delays. Notably, the study also identified effective communication as the most important aspect of controlling project delays. This study will help to improve business procedures and lessen the negative effects of construction delays in addition to offering helpful information to legislators, the individuals who hold decision-making authority, as well as other relevant parties involved in the construction sector.

Cost Analysis and Economical Suitability of Prefabricated Concrete Structures in Building Construction

Construction industry of Pakistan has a great contribution in uprising the GDP of the country. When compared with the construction industries of some developed countries of the world it still lacks in utilizing the modern methods of construction. Most of the organizations are relying on traditional ways of construction and are not ready to equip themselves with the advanced techniques of construction that may help them do their projects more effectively and efficiently. Prefabrication is the future of modern and sustainable construction which can maximize the capability of constructing the structures without compromising not only the time, cost and quality of project but also the environment. Prefabrication is rapidly increasing in construction, and previous researchers have identified various positive impacts of prefabrication on projects. However, prefabricated construction is less preferred over traditional methods of construction in Pakistan. Therefore, a comparison is required between conventional RCC building and a prefabricated (precast RCC) building to unearth the potential benefits of adopting prefabrication on overall cost of project. To achieve this, a BIM based multi-dimensional model of conventional and prefabricated building is developed using Autodesk Revit. A detailed comparison between both the methods of construction with respect to material, labor, transportation and time made the benefits of prefabricated construction clear over conventional construction. Prefabrication method is 84% faster and costs about 13.46% less than conventional method of construction. This comprehensive contrast will help to better understand and encourage the construction industry to move towards the prefabricated construction.

Effect of Changes in Planning on Project Objectives in Construction Industry of Pakistan

Effect of Changes in Planning on Project Objectives in Construction Industry of Pakistan

How various stakeholder pressure influences mega-project sustainable performance through corporate social responsibility and green competitive advantage.

Although numerous research studies have revealed that mega-projects are closely linked to globalization and civilization, few researchers have performed logical assessments of mega-projects using stakeholder theory. As stakeholders demand greater sustainability in the construction industry, sustainable development (SD) has become a priority. However, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green competitive advantage (GCA) have often been overlooked. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by creating a comprehensive model to predict mega-project sustainable performance (MSP). Data was collected from 289 respondents in Pakistan's construction industry, and hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. The results indicate that both secondary and primary stakeholders' pressure positively impacts CSR and MSP. Moreover, CSR significantly affects GCA and MSP, with CSR and GCA partially mediating these relationships. Thus, the proposed model could offer innovative insights for decision-makers and engineering managers, recommend adopting social and green practices to enhance MSP with the support of concerned stakeholders' pressure, and help achieve SD objectives.

DO HUMBLE LEADERS AFFECT THE SUCCESS OF A PROJECT, OR DOES COMPLEXITY PLAY ITS ROLE? EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM PUNJAB

The existing study aims to assess the association between humble leadership and project success by analysing the moderating effect of the project. Cross-sectional data was extracted from 231 project managers, nominated by convenience sampling, working in project organisations in the construction industry in Punjab, Pakistan. By using SPSS and AMOS, the results are verified. The outcome exhibited that humble leadership assists in achieving the project's success, and project complexity plays its role as a moderator. This research shows how the chosen leadership style (humble leadership) deals with the project complexities and helps in the smooth implementation of projects that help achieve a successful project. For the construction projects to be completed successfully, it is essential to identify a leadership style that helps to identify and resolve the complexities of the project. The investigation yields favourable results for the project managers in Pakistan's construction industry. Since a project's success depends on the roles and perspectives of its leader and his leadership style, the recognition and participation of the leader play a part in its achievement. This study also encourages academics to focus on project management by connecting the leadership style and outcomes that should be understood and implemented from the project's initial planning stages.

Impact of corporate social responsibility on sustainable competitive advantages: The mediating role of corporate reputation.

This study investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Moreover, building on the stakeholder theory, this study investigates the mediating effects of corporate reputation (CR) between the relationship of corporate social responsibility and sustainable competitive advantage. We used a questionnaire survey to collect data from the employees working in the construction industry of Pakistan. Using the sample of 239 respondents, a structural equation modeling technique was used to verify the hypothesis relationship. The findings indicated that CSR directly and positively influences sustainable competitive advantages. Moreover, corporate reputation positively mediates the connection between corporate social responsibility and sustainable competitive advantage. This research fills knowledge gaps and highlights the significance of CSR in fostering sustainable competitive advantages within the construction industry.

Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Employee Performance in the Construction Industry of Pakistan

Organizations focus on human resources to improve performance as a result of high global competition and a dynamic business environment. In today’s competitive environment, employee performance and job satisfaction are critical to the achievement of a company’s goals. Job satisfaction is an organization’s unnoticed success. Employee performance and job satisfaction are powerful tools that help in continuously developing and improving organizational performance to achieve strategic objectives. Job satisfaction is critical to the overall productivity of any given industry. Job satisfaction is important for both the employer and the employee. According to studies, employers greatly benefit from satisfied employees because they are more productive. One of the most important goals of a company is to maximize employee performance to achieve those goals. As a result, the focus of this study was on identifying the factors of job satisfaction and employee performance. It also evaluated the relationship between job satisfaction and employee performance in Pakistani construction projects. A detailed literature review was used to identify various factors, which were then shortlisted based on their relevance to the Pakistani construction industry by interviewing ten experienced practitioners. Totals of 11 job satisfaction and eight employee performance parameters were discovered. In total, 85 samples were collected as part of the data collection process via a questionnaire survey and statistically analyzed using multiple regression analysis. According to the results, all of the models have a high ability to compute the increase in employee performance criteria via the predicting variables. The overall models are significant because a value less than 0.05 indicates that they are. The study’s findings will assist practitioners in understanding the critical criteria that will increase employer satisfaction and improve performance.

Utilizing Bentonite Clay as a Pozzolanic Material to Reduce Cement Consumption and Cost in Construction Industry

This research focuses on finding an alternative to expensive cement in the construction industry in Pakistan by utilizing pozzolanic materials, specifically volcanic ash/bentonite clay. By replacing a portion of the cement with bentonite (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%), the study demonstrates the potential to reduce the net consumption and cost of cement while also contributing to more durable concrete and reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Physical properties such as setting time and fineness were studied, and the compressive, flexural, and split tensile strength of the mixes were compared at 7 and 28 days of curing. While the strength of the mixes decreased with the successive addition of bentonite, the rate of reduction was much lower at 28 days than at 7 days. The results validate the feasibility of developing low-cost concrete using bentonite as a partial replacement for cement.

Structural model of cost overrun factors affecting Pakistani construction projects

Cost overruns are a global challenge to successfully completing construction projects. Cost overrun has a substantial impact resulting in most construction projects failing to be completed. Several factors have contributed significantly to the industry's decline. The factors were discovered in the literature, assessed, and applied to the construction industry in Pakistan. This study scrutinized and identified the relationships between the factors causing cost overruns in the Pakistani construction industry using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. The structural model was created and tested with Smart-PLS software using data from a questionnaire survey of 131 construction practitioners. Six constructs were used to categorise the factors. The model identifies 21 critical factors in Pakistani construction projects, with resource management ranking first. Contract management issues can also contribute significantly to project cost overruns. Model assessment results indicate that the developed model has a substantial power of explaining the factors of cost performance while R2 value showed that 45.7% variance is explained by the model. The model developed model will serve as a jumping-off point for academics, researchers, and practitioners in developing a cost-control system. It is suggested that establishing an efficient and effective contract management protocol among stakeholders throughout the design and supervision stages is extremely beneficial for improving project cost performance and significantly reducing time overruns.

Effectiveness of Methods for Selection and Recruitment: Evidence from Construction Industry of Pakistan

Effectiveness of Methods for Selection and Recruitment: Evidence from Construction Industry of Pakistan

Impact of knowledge management capabilities on organisational performance in construction firms: the mediating role of innovation

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the mediating effect of innovation on the relationship between KM (KM) capabilities and organisational performance in the context of construction firms operating in Pakistan. Worldwide innovation predicts the performance of any firm. Today, the construction industry in Pakistan is booming, which reinforces the need for a study on innovation and KM in this sector.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical study uses a correlational research design. An online survey questionnaire was used as a data collection method. Through convenient sampling, the sample comprised 277 employees from different construction firms working under the Defence Housing Authority (a construction company operating in major cities) in Pakistan. Data were analysed through partial least squares-structural equation modelling (Smart PLS-SEM version 3) to assess the hypothesis.FindingsData analysis reveals that KM dimensions, knowledge acquisition, application and protection positively and significantly influence organisational performance; however, knowledge conversion is insignificant. Furthermore, innovation positively and substantially mediates the relationship between knowledge acquisition, application, protection, organisational performance and the insignificant terms of knowledge conversion.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to the construction industry, and future research should be conducted on larger scales for better generalisation. Other mediators between KM and organisational performance (i.e. organisational complexity, workplace environment, employee knowledge-sharing attitude) should be investigated.Practical implicationsThese results are crucial and encourage managers in the construction industry, especially from a developing country like Pakistan, to understand the importance of innovation, the application of KM and the essential role it has in boosting business performance.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the scholarly debate on the mediating role of innovation in the relationship between KM and organisational performance. It also expands the literature on KM through an empirical investigation on the innovation of the construction industry in Pakistan from a management perspective.