Project Communication Research Articles

RISK MANAGEMENT IN PROJECTS OF RESTORATION THE REGIONAL TRANSPORT STRUCTURE ON THE BASIS OF PARTICIPANTS' COMMUNICATION

The subject of the article is the processes of risk management and project communications. The components of the content of transport infrastructure rehabilitation projects, including communications between stakeholders, are considered. The aim of the work is to develop a method for assessing and managing the risks in transport infrastructure rehabilitation projects, taking into account the communication processes of the participants. The following tasks are solved in the article: systematization of risks in transport infrastructure rehabilitation projects in the form of relations between the project participants, creation of a graphic scheme of stakeholder communications, formalization of stakeholder communications with regard to the causes and possible parry of risks, development of a quantitative assessment model of the project risks with regard to stakeholder interests. Methods used: project management methodology, stakeholder theory, value theory, systems approach, matrix models. The following results were obtained: Opportunities, impact and risk status in relation to stakeholders of the transport infrastructure rehabilitation project were analyzed. The possibility of grouping risks in relation to the stakeholders of the project and the possibility of influence of stakeholder interaction on the available risk groups were considered. The risks that can directly affect the project or be affected by the interaction between the project stakeholders were identified. The formalized representation of risks and communications of project participants is presented. Opportunities to optimize the process of project risk management through the management of stakeholders and project communications have been identified. Quantitative project risk value model was developed to assess the effectiveness of actions to parry risks from stakeholders. Conclusions: project risk management can be more effective if tools and methods specific to stakeholder management and project communications are applied. The proposed formalization establishes a clear model of stakeholder interaction to parry risks. The model of quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of actions to parry risks will allow to evaluate the effectiveness of the management strategy and to make adjustments in time. In the future, this work will continue scientific research in the direction of developing models and methods of research of communications and risks of the project

Rancang Bangun dan Analisis Penggunaan Sistem Informasi Manajemen Proyek Berbasis Free Open-Source Software (FOSS) pada Perusahaan Berskala Besar di Jawa Tengah

Design and Analysis of the Use of a Project Management Information System Based on Free Open-Source Software (Foss) in Large-Scale Companies in Central Java. To increase knowledge about project communication management and organizational communication in the cigarette industry at PT. Aman Indah Makmur, especially with regard to the use of FOSS as a tool for internal interaction and communication. Design and Analysis of the Use of a Project Management Information System Based on Free Open-Source Software (Foss) in Large-Scale Companies in Central Java. Qualitative methods were used, literature research, online ethnography, and observations were carried out to better understand important events where FOSS Google Spreadsheet users interacted, communicated, and collaborated. As the Collaboration Metric Model shows, FOSS Google Sheets can be an effective and efficient tool in large companies with 50 to 100 employees.

The Role of Construction Cost Management Practices on Construction Organisations’ Strategic Performance

Cost management practices have remained a vital aspect of project management functions. Despite the efforts of project management, construction projects are still being delivered above budget, with schedule overrun, poor quality and amongst other problems. Poor cost management approaches have been blamed for these problems. Effective cost management improves project performance and the strategic performance of construction organisations. This study aims to assess the role of cost management practice on construction firms' strategic performance in Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to determine the benefits of cost management of the project on the competitive position of construction firms, and the factors influencing cost management strategies of construction firms. This study adopted a well-structured questionnaire administered to construction professionals via electronic means and using snowball sampling technique in the six states of the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. With a response rate of 65.48% and a reliability of index of over 0.70, the gathered data were analysed using frequency, percentage, and relative importance index (RII). It was found that major factors influencing construction cost management are; experience and competence of the project managers, weak management support and control, poor project communications, external economic environment, and lack of use of project management tools (technology). Also, effective cost management was found to play a critical role in the strategic performance of construction organisations; with most benefits being in the areas of waste and expenses reduction, improves operational efficiency need, helps to predict future expenses, ensures procurement effectiveness, and improve profit maximization. Project managers should continuously upgrade their skills for effective cost management to boost the strategic competitive position of their firms.

Enhancing the Activity of Employees of the Communication Department of an Energy Sector Company

Currently, companies in the energy sector are focus on sustainable growth, although they face many challenges, including the peculiarities of their operations. One of the features of companies in the energy sector is the need for effective communication with the media and the public. This is of paramount importance due to the current trends and challenges in the energy sector, the market requirements and the low level of development in such companies. The object of this study invovles the employees of the communication departments of energy sector companies, while the subject is the intensification of their activities based on the use of motivational tools. The authors chose the tools of the game theory, which is a game that the company and employees of the project team engage in when implementing information and communication projects. The study developed a method for motivating the employees of communication departments, which based on the game theory, allows the formation of many possible parameters of the optimal structure of fixed and commission remuneration payments for the employees to maximize their utility, depending on the propensity or unwillingness of these employees to take risks, which contributes to the development of staff motivation tools. This method was applied to the activities of several Ukrainian energy companies. The proposed approach differs from the existing ones based on the opportunity to intensify the activity of the employees of the communication departments, taking into account their willingness to take risks in each case, and will increase the interest of such personnel in the effective implementation of each stage of the information and communication project, better meet the needs of the end-users and ultimately affect the sustainable growth of energy companies.

Development of Transversal Competences: A Current Challenge in Teacher Education

This study responds to the growing demand to adapt the content and methods of teacher training programs to reflect the rapid emergence of new, nonpareil 21st century professions in the labour market, predominantly due to the information technology revolution. It is clear that future teachers will increasingly be expected to have a wider range of professional teaching skills, but also transversal skills and competences. For this purpose, a Slovak research team at Matej Bel University prepared an experiment by transforming a traditional foreign language CLIL course into a new course Global Encounters in Local Settings, aimed at developing not only pre-service teachers’ multilingual and intercultural competences, but also a variety of other transversal skills and competences (critical thinking, intercultural competence, time management, teamwork, plurilingual and interpersonal communication skills and others). The innovative components in the new course are student-centredness, service learning and the collaboration between domestic and foreign students. GELS pilot teaching was launched in February 2020 and has been repeated during four following semesters (up to December 2021), despite severe pandemic constraints. The author presents some results from the verification of this pedagogical innovation in the teachers’ university training curriculum. It has been tested by three quantitative-qualitative research methods: pre-term and post-term questionnaires, content analysis of students’ seminar work, reflective individual diaries and group reports. Although the results from all of them are briefly stated, this focused on the results from the last mentioned analysis – diaries and group reports. The results of the data analysis show that this innovation has proved to be feasible and effective in achieving an increase in students’ transversal skills, especially project management skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, ICT skills, time and project management, tolerance and flexibility, critical and reflective thinking skills and open-mindedness.

The influence of communication on project success

In any successful project, communication plays a significant role and forms the basis to ensure effective project results. Only a few studies in South Africa have considered the influence of communication on the perceived success of a project. Thus, this research investigates the influence and explores the role of communication in project management success within the case example of Gauteng’s SANRAL e-toll project in South Africa. This study highlights some of the areas in the project communications processes. The practical importance of the study shows that communication is the key to effective project management. The research design of this correlational and exploratory study entailed a positivist research philosophy using a deductive approach. The quantitative research was conducted by means of a survey questionnaire. A questionnaire was designed and used to determine the level of influence of communication on stakeholders in the case example of Gauteng’s SANRAL e-toll project. A qualitative study was conducted by meansof a semi-structured interview. An interview guide was designed and used to determine insight about Gauteng’s SANRAL e-toll project. The answers provided on these questions were then analysed to determine how project communications might contribute to the outcome of projects.

PROJECT MANAGER'S LEADERSHIP STYLES AFFECTING CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY

Productivity in the construction industry is essential for business sustenance. Project Managers play a significant in achieving productivity in construction. Therefore this study examined the critical project manager's leadership style to influence construction productivity. The study adopted a quantitative research approach; thus, closed-ended questionnaires were distributed to construction professionals via the Survey Monkey platform. Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify frequencies and weighted scores. The findings indicate the main factors affecting construction productivity as incompetent supervising and management, poor leadership, lack of skilled and experienced labour, and poor project communication. Therefore project managers should exhibit supportive (ability to delegate and assign tasks to the employees), charismatic (ability to transform attitudes and beliefs in employees), transformational (ability to inspire others), and democratic (ability to include employees in decision making) leadership styles to influence construction productivity positively. There is an urgent need for project managers to be trained on the appropriate soft skills aspect of managing construction projects to effectively improve construction productivity, reduce project cost and time overruns, and sustain construction businesses.

An Analysis of Project Management Competency Factors in the Construction Industry of Botswana

This study analysed project management competency factors which contribute to project success in the construction industry in Gaborone, Botswana. Primary data was collected from 60 randomly sampled project managers from construction companies in Gaborone using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in the form of graphs and tables. Findings revealed that clear goals of project, roles and responsibilities of project team, communications and consultations with stakeholders and compliance with the planned budget, time frame and performance criteria have a high impact on the success of a project. It was also concluded that experience of a project manager has significant influence on their performance thus contributing to the overall project success. Furthermore, despite the technical nature of the construction industry, management competency has become almost as equally as important as technical competency in the undertaking of projects.

Short Science Comics for a Broad Audience - An Interview with Jessica Burton and Serge Haan from LUX:plorations

 In 2020, the University of Luxembourg launched a series of science comics called “LUX:plorations”. Each volume comprised of a collection of eight stories about science and research in Luxembourg and it is available in five different languages. Produced in collaboration between local scientists and artists, this science communication project serves as a proof of concept for multi-lingual and collaborative comic productions. The comic is available for free in the form of hard copies as well as in several digital formats online under a Creative Commons licence. This article introduces the concept behind LUX:plorations via an interview with two members of the organization team, namely Serge Haan and Jessica Burton. It gives insights into the production and translation process as well as the distribution of the comic.

Predicting communication quality in construction projects: A fully-connected deep neural network approach

Establishing high-quality communication in construction projects is essential to securing successful collaboration and maintaining understanding among project stakeholders. Indeed, poor communication results in low productivity, poor efficiency, and substandard deliverables. While high-quality communication is recognized as contingent on the interpersonal skills of workers, the impacts of communication quality on job performance remain unknown. This study addresses this deficiency by developing a method to evaluate construction workers' communication quality. A literature review is undertaken to capture salient interpersonal skills. Leadership style, listening, team building, and clarifying expectations are identified. A questionnaire survey is drafted to capture construction practitioners' perception of these skills' effects on communication quality, returning 180 responses. Next, an artificial neural network model, or communication quality predictor (CQP), is developed, able to predict the quality of workers' interpersonal communication. The model accuracy on training is 87%; for testing, 79%. Finally, CQP is deployed in a real-time context in order to validate the reliability, returning an 80% prediction accuracy. This study is the first of its kind in offering a quantified, predictive model associating interpersonal skills with quality of communications in the context of the construction sector. In practical terms, the CQP can flag interpersonal conflicts before they escalate, while also guiding construction managers in the design of interpersonal skills training

Proposal for Life Course Intervention Researcher Core Competencies.

Proposal for Life Course Intervention Researcher Core Competencies.

Portfolio Literacy and the Transition to Work for Graphic Design Graduates

AbstractThe graphic design industry has moved beyond its traditional focus on printed matter to deliver multidimensional communication projects involving diverse audiences and media channels. No longer a skills and service industry, graphic design increasingly informs business strategy and innovation processes, requiring heterogeneous expertise, a rigorous design process and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. This shift raises the question of the relevance of a traditional design portfolio in demonstrating employability, especially when employers prioritise generic over disciplinary and technical skills. Our article reports the results of a survey of 53 Australian employers of graphic design graduates on the role of the portfolio in evidencing design‐specific and more general employability skills, capacities and attributes. The article provides a deeper understanding of the role of a portfolio in the transition to work. We argue that graphic design graduates need ‘portfolio literacy’—which combines insight in the curation of the portfolio and its use in interview performance—to demonstrate both core graphic design and creative skills and capacities in communication, collaboration and problem‐solving. This significant know‐how is best developed during graduates’ tertiary studies.

Language-based approach in achieving Sustainable Development Goals: A qualitative meta-analysis

Language-based approach in achieving Sustainable Development Goals: A qualitative meta-analysis

Improving government communication and empowering rural communities: Combining public relations and development communication approaches

This article proposes combining public relations and development communication insights so that organizations, particularly in the public sector, can engage and empower rural communities to adopt and exploit infrastructure developments for mutual benefit. Applying appreciative inquiry to explore the communication process involved in the development of micro-hydro power plants in Kulon Progo Regency, Indonesia, this article offers a view from those who are regarded as the target of communication, as the opposed to those take an organizational standpoint. The study proposes a new development project communication model which seeks to initiate, secure and sustain positive community outcomes and meet the project initiators’ requirements. This is achieved through collaboration and the gradual relinquishment of power and decision-making from the latter to the former. The model emphasizes the importance of the processes of communication as well as outcomes, and considers rural communities as having agency, rather than as objects of or for development. By embracing community assets such as local knowledge and contextual wisdom and the characteristics of collective communities in non-Western countries such as togetherness, reciprocity, a strong sense of shared destiny, locality, and fraternity, the model offers a community centric approach which encourages progressive community empowerment and ownership. The evidence points to the impacts for both communities and governments being more beneficial and sustainable than current communication practices.

Interface management of offsite bathroom construction: a conceptual model

Purpose This paper aims to identify and discuss how process and people factors influence the successful implementation of organisational interface management in offsite bathroom construction. Design/methodology/approach A literature review identified 16 process and people factors. A mixed method approach was used to analyse data from eight offsite bathroom case study projects. A ranking approach determined the main process and people factors, consequently analysed using (Minitab) Frequency analysis, the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and thematic analysis to establish the contributing sub-factors and their inter-relationships, to each other and to the literature. These factors and sub-factors formed the final conceptual model, bringing together interface management and offsite bathroom construction. Findings The nine factors instrumental to the conceptual model include six process factors: procurement, design management, supply chain management, health and safety, tolerance and quality and three people factors: communication, client/design team and project manager, reflecting the construction industry focus on hard processes over soft. The role of the project manager and communication, however, are the main factors which contribute to overall project success. Direct management of the offsite works by the contractor’s project manager is also highly significant. Research limitations/implications Limitations include the (UK) geographical focus of the research and the focus on bathroom pods in buildings. Social implications The research recognises three people (social) factors: communication, client/design team and project manager, with the first and third being the main factors which contribute to overall project success. Originality/value Originality stems from the focus on organisational interface management and how this relates to offsite bathroom construction (a practice gaining considerable momentum in industry) and the resultant model. Being grounded on more than one body of academic literature as well as 8 case studies and 82 industry interviews, there is value to both researchers and construction industry practitioners alike.

Use of Computer Technology to Help Students with Special Needs

Millions of students across the United States cannot benefit fully from a traditional educational program because they have a disability that impairs their ability to participate in a typical classroom environment. For these students, computer-based technologies can play an especially important role. Not only can computer technology facilitate a broader range of educational activities to meet a variety of needs for students with mild learning disorders, but adaptive technology now exists than can enable even those students with severe disabilities to become active learners in the classroom m alongside their peers who do not have disabilities. This article provides an overview of the role computer technology can play in promoting the education of children with special needs within the regular classroom. For example, use of computer technology for word processing, communication, research, and multimedia projects can help the three million students with specific learning and emotional disorders keep up with their nondisabled peers. Computer technology has also enhanced the development of sophisticated devices that can assist the two million students with more severe disabilities in overcoming a wide range of limitations that hinder classroom participation--from speech and hearing impairments to blindness and severe physical disabilities. However, many teachers are not adequately trained on how to use technology effectively in their classrooms, and the cost of the technology is a serious consideration for all schools. Thus, although computer technology has the potential to act as an equalizer by freeing many students from their disabilities, the barriers of inadequate training and cost must first be overcome before more wide- spread use can become a reality.

Improving public science communication: a case study of scientists’ needs when communicating beyond the academy

ABSTRACT We investigated how to improve PSC at a large, public university with high research activity by examining scientists’ interest and enjoyment in PSC, their perceived aptitude of PSC skills, the channels they use for PSC, their reasons for choosing to participate in PSC, and the tools they need to engage effectively. We conducted a case study and collected data from scientists across five colleges (n = 266). Results suggest that scientists who do not engage in PSC need external support from their institution, and scientists who do engage in PSC continue to engage because they feel intrinsically motivated. Results revealed that communication skills development training is needed to improve scientists’ perceived ability to mitigate science controversies, evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies, and manage science communications projects. We also found that scientists who used social media for PSC enjoy and contribute to PSC more than those who did not use social media. However, PSC contribution varied based on scientists’ ethnicity, years of research experience, faculty title, and college. Female scientists need more help than males do in developing their confidence and increasing their enjoyment in PSC. These results can help provide insight into the PSC environment at universities of similar stature.

Communication Project as a Tool of a Professional Communication Development: Case Study

Background. Applied bachelor's degree involves the training of practice-oriented graduates, and the main goal of training in this case is the acquisition of the most practical knowledge, skills and abilities that allow them to be involved in production processes straight after the graduation. In addition to the system of work placement the implementation of a communicative project at the graduation course is an important tool allowing graduates to work out their skills and abilities, and to form the basis of the student's thesis.Purpose. This study analyzes the pathways of the communication project implementation of such projects in the context of the educational activities of future specialists.Materials and Methods. The project is a multi-level practical activity for establishing partnerships between the “Dialogue of Hearts foundation” with the media and the commercial sector. The main research methods applied are analysis and a systematic approach. Classification and comparison methods were also used. The communication project implementation was based on a four-stage marketing model. The goal setting of the project was carried out according to the five-stage model of P. Drucker. The contractor had a crowdfunding task to raise funds for one of the fund's programs. The results of the project were monitored using the the set of KPIs (the number and quality of publications in the media, media coverage, the amount of funding raised).Results. The result of the project was a developed instruction for establishing communication support for the foundation's charitable activities, illustrating the development of the graduate's key competencies.Implications. The article may be of interest to teachers of communication disciplines, practitioners in the field of communication support for charity, and recent graduates in the field of crowdfunding, as it contains a description of the key mechanism for solving the problem of attracting funds to a charitable foundation.

ANALISIS KORELASI FAKTOR KOMUNIKASI PROYEK TERHADAP PENCAPAIAN KINERJA WAKTU DI KOTA BANDA ACEH

A communications project is the key to success in managing work. Poor communication can lead to a project success rate of only 52%, whereas with good communication the project success rate can reach 80%. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship of project communication factors to time performance achievement in Banda Aceh. Respondents in this study were project managers from contractor companies in Banda Aceh. Data processing techniques are carried out by correlation analysis. Based on the results of the data research showed the project communication factors have a very high relationship to time performance achievement. Performance reports, facilities and technology used, information delivery, communication skills, and coordination relationships partially have a very high relationship with Pearson coefficients of 0.823; 0.837; 0.940; 0.864, and 0.879. In this case, the 5 communication factors reviewed, all of them have a significant relationship with the value of Sig. 0.000 < 0.05 and simultaneously has a very high relationship of 98.4% to time performance achievement in Banda Aceh.

Management of the Contract Claim Presentation and Response in Ethiopia: The Case of Addis Ababa

This research aimed to investigate the difficulties interrelated to contract claim management from the client, contractor, and consultant’s perspective by studying the claim process in public housing construction projects in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data were collected based on the survey strategy through 72 questionnaires and 250 organizational documents. The data were analyzed using Relative Importance Index, Spearman’s correlation Coefficient, framework analysis, and linear multiple regression model. The research findings showed that the most potential sources of claims were: delays in the supply of input materials; design change; weather conditions; undue delay in the release of payment; and failure to give written instruction. In addition, the contractors' main problems in the contract claim management process are high project managers’ workload, lack of contract knowledge, late notification of claims, poor communication, and unorganized project office administration. The variables of claim notification, identification, and presentation are positive and significantly affected the project claim management process, whereas claim examination and documentation haven’t significance to the project claim management process. The researcher recommended that the three major parties client, the Contractors, and the Consultants shall prevent disputes and minimize claims in the project by attaching through seeking legal advice early, setting up the Disputes Adjudication Board, and improving contract knowledge.