Project Management Personnel Research Articles

Quantitative Analysis Toward Guidance for Implementing E-Ticketing for Asphalt Paving Operations

Previous research efforts into e-ticketing for asphalt paving operations have qualitatively identified benefits and concerns. However, there is minimal academic literature detailing the quantitative impact of e-ticketing in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. This research addresses this gap by gathering information from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) about e-ticketing practices to aid in determining potential implementation steps. Quantitative project information was collected from KYTC projects to compare the traditional weigh ticket collection process with e-ticketing processes for both project engineers and inspectors. The analysis shows statistically significant time savings for field employees but not project management personnel. Further, factors affecting e-ticketing implementation for both project engineers and inspectors were also investigated. For inspectors, the dataset was analyzed to determine how the project type and quality assurance responsibilities of the inspector altered the e-ticketing impact. For engineers, the dataset was analyzed to determine how the project type altered e-ticketing impacts and how e-ticketing affected the engineer reviewing and storing project data. Cluster analysis was completed for both project engineers and inspectors to group project types where e-ticketing impact was maximized, and a decision matrix was created to aid agencies in creating implementation plans. The primary contributions to the body of knowledge include a modified action research methodology applied to electronic bulk material tickets to incorporate practitioner expertise into implementation guidelines and quantitative findings indicating that state transportation agencies should first implement e-ticketing on large asphalt-resurfacing projects, such as interstate rehabilitations, where inspectors have strenuous quality assurance responsibilities to maximize benefit.

Mitigating construction delays in Indian real estate projects through effective organizational and project management

PurposeThe delay in real estate projects in India is pervasive. Organization and management (O&M) and project management (PM)-related challenges are argued to contribute to project delays. This study examined the O&M and PM factors that cause delays, the level of implementation of various O&M and PM aspects in real estate projects and how the challenges can be alleviated.Design/methodology/approachPerception surveys among the consumers and relevant stakeholders engaged in real estate projects in the Bhubaneswar and Cuttack regions of India were conducted to collect data on the factors of delay and implementation of the O&M and PM aspects. Relevant statistical methods and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for data analysis.FindingsFindings suggest that from the O&M point of view, poor decision-making, mishandling of finance, concurrent execution of many projects, diversion and misuse of finance for unrelated activities, lack of PM personnel and poor management contribute to the delay. Further, although the project initiation is satisfactorily done, most of the PM principles are not largely used, thus leading to delay.Research limitations/implicationsThe study does have limitations, including its reliance on a perception survey of consumers and stakeholders, a limited sample size and a restricted number of projects. Nevertheless, the study highlights the need to address poor O&M and the insufficient application of PM principles to combat project delays in the Indian real estate sector.Practical implicationsProper O&M and adequate application of PM will enable professional management of the projects and avoid delay.Social implicationsProper O&M and the application of adequate PM would reduce delays in real estate projects. Consequently, conflicts between the companies and consumers might be reduced and housing and infrastructure demands might be met.Originality/valueThe study manifested that the lack of adequate implementation of O&M and PM aspects leads to delays. So, it is theorized that O&M and PM play critical roles in the success of real estate projects. Appropriate implementation of the principles and best practices linked to these aspects might alleviate the challenges of delay in real estate projects in India.

A novel approach for construction disputes causal inferences based on empirical data: a case-controlled method combined with Bradford Hill criteria

PurposeThis paper aims to devise a case-controlled method combined with Bradford Hill criteria for causal inference of contractual disputes in construction projects. It is a genuine attempt in a systematic method from research design to execution for causal issues where only observational data is available.Design/methodology/approachThe authors located insufficient top management support as the putative pathogen of construction disputes based on a literature review, an interview and Delphi surveys. A questionnaire survey was then conducted to collect case-controlled data to ensure comparability, in which for each disputed project put in the experimental group, the authors sought for a dispute-free project of similar characteristics. The incidence rates of insufficient top management support in the experimental and control groups were then examined by Bradford Hill criteria as an alternative to the test of intervention effect.FindingsThe association of insufficient top management support and construction disputes was tested to conform with the Bradford Hill criteria with case-controlled data where applicable and logical deduction where statistical tests were not applicable. With a clear, positive, reasonable and statistically significant association, while excluding methodological biases, confounding and chance, the authors reached a causal verdict of insufficient top management support causing contractual disputes.Originality/valueThis paper supports the validity of applying a case-controlled method combined with Bradford Hill criteria in investigating causal issues in project management, especially the verdict of causal inference based on empirical data. In addition, the located root cause of contractual disputes could inform project management personnel with reasoned strategies for dispute avoidance.

What influences stakeholders' decision in adopting blockchain-based quality tracking systems in prefabricated construction

PurposeThe quality liability of prefabricated components (PCs) is a major issue among key stakeholders. The blockchain-based quality tracking systems are supposed to support a more transparent and trusting quality control process. However, many factors affect the stakeholders' willingness toward the adoption of such quality tracking systems. The purpose of this research is to investigate the key factors that influence the stakeholders' adoption decisions toward the application of the quality tracking system in PCs and develop coping strategies.Design/methodology/approachAn evolutionary game model is established that includes the manufacturer, constructor and developer. Four scenarios of equilibriums and the game's evolutionary stable strategies are analyzed, and the corresponding stability conditions are then obtained. Based on the tripartite game model, two representative projects are used as case studies to simulate how different factors affect the stakeholders' decisions.FindingsFirst, trade-offs between cost and benefits were the most prominent factor in the adoption decision-making. Second, the advancement of technologies would compensate for their immaturity. Third, subsidy and penalty provision of the developer and high-level trust both incentivize the stakeholders to adopt the quality tracking systems.Originality/valueThis research investigates the influence of technology, environment and participant related factors on the adoption decisions of the quality tracking system for PCs and discovered that technology maturity and advancement played an essential role. It is expected that the research findings would be of value to policy makers and project management personnel for better quality control of prefabricated construction.

Study on Hydrogeological Problems in Engineering Geological Investigation

Before the formal construction of buildings, it is necessary to carry out effective investigation on the engineering geology, hydrogeology and other contents in the construction area. Investigation is not only an important link for the project management personnel to carry out the project construction in the early stage, but also an important link to ensure the safety in the project construction process and the stability in the building construction process. Therefore, in order to effectively avoid various geological risks during the construction process or after the completion of the building, the early engineering geological survey is of great significance. In the process of engineering geological investigation, hydrogeological problems are also important investigation items. This paper will discuss and study hydrogeological problems, and propose effective measures for engineering geological exploration by analyzing the hydraulic properties of rock and soil mass and the impact of hydrogeological problems on the project.

Strategies for Strengthening Project Management and Improving Project Quality

The rapid development of our society has put forward higher requirements for engineering management technology and engineering quality. The relationship between project management and project quality is complementary and inseparable. Therefore, this paper first expounds the importance of strengthening project management and improving project quality, then analyzes the internal and external factors that affect project management and project quality, and then points out that there are problems in project management and project quality. There is a need for innovation in project management models. , The construction technology has not been innovated, and the engineering construction cost has not been effectively controlled. Finally, suggestions are put forward to improve the skills of project management personnel, conduct market research and quality inspection of raw material supply, improve the internal engineering management system of construction enterprises, and give full play to the supervision function of government functional departments.

Application of Career Ecosystems Theory and the New Psychological Contract to the Field of Project Management: Toward a Conceptual Model

The purpose of this article is to explore how different actors can operate within a project management ecosystem to sustain a pool of project management personnel with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the standards required to support successful project delivery into the future. A new conceptual model is presented offering a set of six propositions whereby professional associations mediate the relationship between project management personnel and employers. The article advances understanding of career ecosystems theory and the new psychological contract via application to a new domain of project management. Practical implications and future research opportunities are also discussed.

MECHANISM OF PERSONNEL DISTRIBUTION IN AUTOMATION OF PROCESSES MANAGEMENT TEST PLANNING

The article considers the problem of organizing the process of testing samples of weapons and military equipment in terms of selection and appointment for testing of engineering and testing personnel. A mechanism for the distribution of personnel is proposed, which should be an integral part of the automated information system for supporting the testing of weapons and military equipment.
 Based on the functional modeling of the test system, the main processes to which the personnel of the test organization are involved are detailed. The basic principles of personnel involvement, which can influence the system of appointment and distribution of test engineers at different stages of testing, are formulated. The mechanism is based on the tools of project management personnel management. Structural and functional schemes of the subsystem of personnel appointment at different stages of formation of a team of testers are offered.
 The expected beneficial effect of automating the appointment of personnel during mass tests is to reduce the time associated with the appointment of the team and the preparation of relevant guidance and accompanying documents, ensuring the best match between the tasks of testing samples of weapons and testers, establishing an effective system of analysis and assessment of compliance of individual competencies of the staff of test engineers.

Corporate Residency – Central v. Effective Management

Residency of foreign companies has never been under so much scrutiny and review in Australia until the release of the report by the Board of Taxation in 2019. The recommendations made by the Board have not been acted upon up to now, but will be a subject of much debate and conflicting opinion in the near future, especially because of the pandemic restricting travel of senior officers of companies and the changed company practices. The consequences that follow if a company is considered as resident in Australia are numerous and therefore the criteria for residence will form a significant consideration when determining the appropriate structuring of foreign incorporated companies wishing to do business in Australia. The statutory provisions relating to corporate residency have been in ITAA 1936 for quite some time and all interested parties are in agreement that the law relating to residence of foreign incorporated companies requires review to suit the current and fast evolving environment of corporate mobility and management, especially in light of the role played by online business practices, such as project management and key personnel participation in business.

Correlation Between the Management Factors Affecting PMO Implementation in UAE Construction

PMO is a very effective strategy for improving construction performance. In the UAE construction industry, PMO is a relatively new trend. Hence it is facing several challenges during construction project implementation. These challenges affect PMO performance. Thus, this study identified the major management-related issues and assessed the correlation between the identified factors better to understand PMO implementation performance in the UAE construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative approach where the data was collected using a designed questionnaire. It used simple random technique sampling and gathered 100 valid questionnaire forms against 200 distributed questionnaires forms. The reliability test shows that the data was excellent, having an Alpha value of more than 0.8. Based on the Spearman test, a correlation matrix was developed to understand the relationship between the factors. Based on the correlation matrix, it is found that “inexperienced PMO leadership and project managers”, “unskilled and inexperienced project management personnel,” and “inability to identify the required soft skills in the implementation of PMO” are mutually correlated with each other. In the project management domain, important factors are “overworked project managers due to additional administrative”, “a poorly laid communication strategy on the implementation of PMO purposes and goals”, “minimize bureaucracy to the existing organizational structure”,“unacceptance from senior management” and “selection of the right system to be used” has a high correlation with the factor “Inaccurate information for reporting”. The findings of this study will be helpful for decision making to prioritizing for mitigating or taking corrective actions.

Process evaluation of E-learning in continuing medical education: evidence from the China-Gates Foundation Tuberculosis Control Program

BackgroundE-learning is a growing phenomenon which provides a unique opportunity to address the challenges in continuing medical education (CME). The China-Gates Foundation Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program implemented online training for TB health workers in three provinces of China. We aim to evaluate the implementation of E-learning CME programs, analyse the barriers and facilitators during the implementation process, and to provide policy recommendations.MethodsRoutine monitoring data were collected through the project office from December 2017 to June 2019. In-depth interviews, focus group discussion with project management personnel, teachers, and trainees (n = 78), and staff survey (baseline n = 555, final n = 757) were conducted in selected pilot areas at the provincial, municipal, and county/district levels in the three project provinces (Zhejiang, Jilin, and Ningxia). Descriptive analysis of quantitative data summarized the participation, registration, and certification rates for training activities. Thematic approach was used for qualitative data analysis.ResultsBy the end of June 2019, the national and provincial remote training platforms had organized 98 synchronous learning activities, with an average of 173.2 people [standard deviation (SD) = 49.8] per online training session, 163.3 people (SD = 41.2) per online case discussion. In the pilot area, 64.5% of TB health workforce registered the asynchronous learning platform, and 50.1% obtained their professional certifications. Participants agreed that E-learning CME was more economical, has better content as well as more flexible work schedules. However, the project still faced challenges in terms of unmet learning needs, disorganized governance, insufficient hardware and software, unsupported environment, and lack of incentive mechanisms.ConclusionsOur results suggested that it’s feasible to conduct large scale E-learning CME activities in the three project provinces of China. Training content and format are key facilitators of the program implementation, while the matching of training supply and demand, organizational coordination, internet technology, motivations, and sustainability are key barriers.

Supply chain resilience vs. COVID-19 disruptions during the second wave

The majority of companies around the world suffered severe supply chain disruptions since the first wave of the pandemic. This paper, in contrast, focuses on how prepared were companies when the second wave struck. We focused our study on the impacts of COVID-19 disruptions on Supply Chain Management during this second wave in Saudi Arabia, though not clearly defined by a rise in number of cases, we will rely on the dates the lockdown took place during. The purpose of our study is to understand how resilient different companies supply chains were and if that resilience impacted their recovery level. We conducted our study on Saudi companies from different industries and multiple sizes. We excluded international companies operating globally, in order to focus the findings and ensure our analysis covers the local scene. We collected the data using survey questionnaires answered by employees involved in the Supply Chain, Procurement, and Project Management or C-suite level personnel. We conducted our data analysis using SPSS to run a correlation analysis between our findings on the Supply Chain Resilience and our sample Recovery Level. We used a Resilience Testing Model which consists of linking correlations derived from analysing data collected.We have found through our descriptive analysis that, even though companies vary in their scores of understanding, importance, availability of alternatives and preparedness, they all exhibited a disruption from COVID-19. The lessons learned from the correlation analysis is that companies are expected to begin searching for a more diversified supplier base in the near term, thus looking to build a versatile, but cost-effective, supply chain. Shifting supply chains nearby, decreasing the suppliers base, increasing the digitalization of supply chains are essential tactics companies have to start committing to.

Improving project management curriculum by aligning course learning outcomes with Bloom’s taxonomy framework

Purpose This study aims to investigate how to improve the project management (PM) curriculum by evaluating the nature and alignment of learning outcomes in the PM course syllabi with Bloom’s Taxonomy framework. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology for this study is an integrative approach that uses document analysis and content analysis. The data set was selected based on a purposeful sampling method and came from PM course syllabi for classes that were taught during the 2016–2018 academic years. Findings Results revealed that most of the reviewed PM course syllabi contained learning outcomes although they were written and assessed at the lower levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and knowledge dimensions. The study calls for the academy and industry to partner in improving the PM curriculum to lower the PM talent deficit and increase project success rates. Research limitations/implications The absence of PM learning outcomes or the presence of poorly written PM learning outcomes in a course implies that the academy should provide professional development programs to help professors learn how to formulate and write specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely learning outcomes. The professors should also ensure that the learning outcomes use a type of cognitive taxonomy that is aligned with the appropriate assessments to measure, monitor and guarantee assurance of learning. Practical implications Academy and industry partners can work collaboratively to provide students with opportunities that expose them to real-world experiential projects, internships and job opportunities while concurrently giving them hands-on practical applications of learned PM knowledge and skills. The society will be well served when the academy is able to produce well-qualified PM personnel capable of successfully carrying out PM activities and lowering the project’s failure rates. Social implications The society will be well served when the academy is able to produce well-qualified PM personnel capable of successfully carrying out PM activities and lowering the project’s failure rates. Originality/value To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study to specifically investigate the presence and nature of PM learning outcomes in course syllabi. By evaluating the alignment between PM learning outcomes and Bloom’s Taxonomy action verbs and cognitive processes, the study provides some exemplars of well-written and measurable learning outcomes that professors can use to inform their PM curriculum through course design or redesign.

Application of Data Mining Technology under K-means Algorithm Combined with BIM Technology in Management Engineering

The data mining technology of the K-means algorithm combined with BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology is applied to management engineering, which is convenient for project management personnel. Method: The K-means clustering algorithm is combined with the support vector machine algorithm. The support vector machine is used to ensure the high accuracy of the anomaly detection algorithm. The K-means clustering algorithm is used to divide the support vector machine into blocks. It also analyzes the different needs of the facility management staff, and clearly defines the content and level of detail required to build the BIM model. It not only meets the data requirements for operation and maintenance but also avoids waste caused by excessive modeling. Result: Compared with traditional support vector machines, the improved algorithm in this paper has a higher detection rate and lower false alarm rate. Also, it can shorten the detection time of large-scale data to provide an effective method for abnormal detection of sensor networks and processing of large-scale data sets. The improved method increases the detection accuracy by 8.13% and decreases the false alarm rate by 89.08%. In terms of detection time, the improved method increases by 3.82s, which is 4.67 times the traditional method. Conclusion: The structural health monitoring system can efficiently and accurately monitor the accuracy of the data. BIM can provide rich operation and maintenance data for facility management to effectively improve the efficiency of facility management.

Extending BIM Interoperability for Real-Time Concrete Formwork Process Monitoring

The concrete formwork process is a critical component of construction project control because failing to gain the necessary concrete strength can lead to reworks and, consequently, project delays and cost overruns during the project’s execution. The goal of this study is to develop a novel method of monitoring the maturity of concrete and providing reduced formwork removal time with the strength ensured in real-time. This method addresses the wireless sensors and building information modeling (BIM) needed to help project management personnel monitor the concrete’s status and efficiently decide on the appropriate formwork removal timing. Previous studies have focused only on the monitoring of concrete’s status using sensor data or planning the formwork layout by integrating the BIM environment into the design process. This study contributes to extending BIM’s interoperability for monitoring concrete’s maturity in real-time during construction, as well as determining the formwork removal time for project control. A case study was conducted at a building construction project to validate the developed framework. It was concluded that BIM can interoperate with the data collected from sensors embedded in concrete, and that this system can reduce formwork removal time while retaining sufficient strength in the concrete, rather than adhering to the removal time given in building code standards.

Comparison of research and industry views on project managers’ competencies

PurposeThe success of projects clearly relies on project management personnel and particularly on project managers. Their performance and capacities are based on the achieved competencies. The purpose of this paper is to address possible discrepancies between the views arising from the research results and standards of practice related to project managers’ competencies.Design/methodology/approachFor reaching the aim of the study, a comprehensive literature review, covering previous studies and related standards of practice was conducted, and analyses of competencies in the studies and standards of practice containing the rank of competencies based on frequency of appearance were developed.FindingsThe findings are proposing four discrepancies between the results of previous studies and standards of practice: commonly existing/missing competencies; uneven priority of some competencies in the view of researchers vs standards of practice; uneven degree of consensus on the importance of competencies; and research results are more context-oriented than the standards of practice. In addition, 98 project managers’ competencies were identified, from which 68 were qualified as weighty ones. Moreover, a categorization of project managers’ weighty competencies was developed. Finally, a list of competencies of relevance for different project types and their targets is presented.Originality/valueThe findings of this study provide a contribution with respect of present knowledge over project managers’ competencies by recognizing certain discrepancies between research results and standards of practice. Another contribution of the study is the comprehensive list of competencies together with considerations of their relevance in different project contexts and in different project types.

Study on evaluation and influencing factors of foreign-aid training program on traditional Chinese medicine

To evaluate the effect of foreign-aid training programs on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Xiyuan Hospital, analyze the factors affecting the training effect, and provide suggestions for further program implementation. To establish a mathematical model for analyzing the influencing factors of short-term foreign-aid training on TCM. A survey was conducted on the students who took the TCM foreign-aid training program undertaken by Xiyuan Hospital in 2018, and results on three levels of reaction, learning and behavior were evaluated in the training. The overall satisfaction towards to the training program reached 83.9%. The average score of the learning level increased by 19.5%, t=7.754, P 0.05; the pre-training preparation of the students had no significant effect on the training effect, P>0.05; the lecturers quality and program management was significantly correlated with training results on reaction and behavior level, P<0.05; the lectures qulity was significantly positively correlated with the learning level, P<0.05. The degree of satisfaction towards the Foreign-aid training on Traditional Chinese Medicine was relatively high. The programs effectively improved students’ knowledge of Chinese medicine. In order to ensure the training results, the enrollment process should be improved, the quality of the courses should be strictly controlled, and the training of project management personnel should be strengthened. Key words: Traditional Chinese medicine training; Foreign-aid training; Training evaluation; Surveys and questionnaires

Project Management Personnel Turnover in Public Sector Construction Organizations in China

AbstractThis research aims to investigate the mechanism through which job satisfaction and person–environment fit influence the turnover intention of project management personnel in public sector c...

The analysis of the conditions influencing the development efficiency of the project managing in education

Today, the role of education is increasing in order to preserve and develop the advantages of the nation and the country's social and economic development. The strategic goals of education development require new implementation tools. The project activity plays a special role in this process; however, it is often formal and chaotic. There is a need to create effective project management systems in education and to improve the management and teaching staff competencies. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to understand whether the conditions for training systems formation for project management personnel are created. The study made it possible to determine the key constraining factor for the effective implementation of project management in education - the lack of unifed training methodology basics, and also clear bias of training programs towards one of its «project» component. The study uses the methods of theoretical research, these are: comparison, synthesis, methods of grouping and classifcation. We also used the method of data collection through the analysis of regional institutions of education development websites information. All in all there were involved 24 higher educational establishments: 3 random institutions from each federal district of Russian Federation.

Application of Three-Dimensional Visualization Technology in Project Management of Offshore Platform Engineering Construction

Three-dimensional visualization technology converts engineering design drawings and data into graphics or images, realizes virtual reality perception of simulated users in future construction scene, enhances the interaction between project management and technical personnel and engineering construction achievement, and provides intuitive, flexible and strong realistic experience for project management. It can effectively improve the level of project communication, and assist the needs of project construction planning management, training, exhibition, etc. As a tool to help improve project management skills, it has good application effect and prospects.