Project Owners Research Articles

Do Project Management Determine Successful Completion of Projects? A Study of Indonesian Contractors

AbstractFor a successful execution of construction projects, project owners and contractors need for a good management system capable of monitoring and evaluating progress of the project. By employing a descriptive quantitative method, this study aimed to explore project management components used by contractors in the city of Kudus, Central Java Indonesia and to find out its relation to successful completion of their projects and determine the most dominant component in the management. Data for the study were in the form of numbers collected from 100 respondents through survey. Finding of the study were then quantitatively analyzed based on our pre-determined criteria. Our findings showed successful completion of projects was very much determined by the quality of project management, including planning, organizing, actuating and controlling. Among those four components of management, organization was the most dominant aspect to influence successful execution of a project. Role of organization in the project was critical to coordinate parties by which they were enabled to supervise, optimize specialization, efficiently use the budget and build harmonious relationship among parties.Keyword: Management, Contractor, Work Quality

Dealing with uncertainties in the design phase of road projects

PurposeUncertainty management (UM) in projects has been a point of attention for researchers for many years. Research on UM has mainly been aimed at uncertainty analyses in the front-end and managing uncertainty in the construction phase. In contrast, UM components in the design phase have received less attention. This research aims to improve knowledge about the key components of UM in the design phase of large road projects.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a literature review and case study. The literature review was used to identify relevant criteria for UM. These criteria helped to design the interview guide. Multiple case study research was conducted, and data were collected through document study and interviews with project stakeholders in two road projects. Each case's owners, contractors and consultants were interviewed individually.FindingsThe data analysis obtained helpful information on the involved parties, process and exploit tools and techniques during the design phase. Johansen's (2015) framework [(a) human and organisation, (b) process and (c) tools and techniques)] was completed and developed by identifying relevant criteria (such as risk averse or risk-taker, culture and documentation level) for each component. These criteria help to measure UM performance. The authors found that owners and contractors are major formal UM actors, not consultants. Empirical data showed the effectiveness of Web-based tools in UM.Research limitations/implicationsThe studied cases were Norwegian, and this study focussed on uncertainties in the project's design phase. Relevant criteria did not cover all the criteria for evaluating the performance of UM. Qualitative evaluation of criteria allows further quantitative analysis in the future.Practical implicationsThis paper gave project owners and managers a better understanding of relevant criteria for measuring UM in the owners and managers' projects. The paper provides policy-makers with a deeper understanding of creating rigorous project criteria for UM during the design phase. This paper also provides a guideline for UM in road projects.Originality/valueThis research gives a holistic evaluation of UM by noticing relevant criteria and criteria's interconnection in the design phase.

Identification of Project Construction Delay Factors in Depok City, West Java (Study in Department of Housing and Settlement, Depok City)

Depok is one of the big cities in West Java, and it is a buffer zone for the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta. Hence, the Depok city government is very active in developing the city, especially in building housing and settlements. There are many projects handled by the government but are often delayed. To solve these problems, the purpose of this research is to identify the construction project delay factor. There are 5 variables studied in this study such as project owner factors, contractor factors, consultant factors, shared responsibility factors, and external factors. This research is research with a qualitative approach by conducting a literature review and the results will be validated by experts following the provisions of the Project Management Institute. The results of the analysis show that 5 variables, namely project owner factors, contractor factors, consultant factors, shared responsibility factors and external factors are very valid in influencing construction project delays in Depok City. This research is expected to have positive implications and become a reference in mitigating the risk of delays by determining the control measures for future projects in Depok City and other cities. Keywords: Delay, Delay Factor, Construction, Housing Project, Depok

Evolutionary game analysis of the intelligent upgrading of smart solar photovoltaic projects

PurposeThe development of China's solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is in a transition period from pursuing scale and speed to focusing on efficiency and quality. “Smart PV projects” (SPVPs) were proposed by the ministries of the Chinese government in 2018 to encourage intelligent upgrading and to fill the gaps in traditional PV projects. However, only a small number of PV enterprises are in progress, and only a few SPVPs have been built. The intelligence level of China's PV projects needs to be improved. The purpose of this study is to analyze the willingness of the main participants to be involved in the intelligent upgrading of PV projects by establishing an evolutionary game model that includes three parties.Design/methodology/approachA tripartite evolutionary game model is constructed that considers PV enterprises, project owners and the government. The evolutionary stability strategies of each party and the corresponding stable conditions are obtained. The parameters that affect the decision behaviors are also analyzed.FindingsThe four stages of the intelligent upgrade of PV projects and the effects of the government subsidy strategies are examined. At different stages, adopting different measures to promote cooperation among the three parties involved is necessary. Government subsidies should be provided to PV enterprises during the initial stage and should be biased toward project owners during the intermediate stage. During the peak stage, PV enterprises constantly need to decrease project costs and improve quality and service, thus helping project owners reduce their initial investments and obtain additional gains. The government's reputation drives it to continually adopt incentive strategies.Originality/valueThis research focuses on the interactions among the three parties. Based on evolutionary game analysis, several conditions that facilitate the intelligent upgrading of PV projects are illustrated. Implications for different developing stages are proposed from the perspectives of each party for the decision-makers of SPVPs.

Tax: The Pac-Man of funding received from the crowd

Small businesses often struggle to get funding due to the lack of collateral. Alternative funding, such as crowdfunding, became increasingly popular after the financial crisis in 2008. The objective of the study was to determine if funding, received by businesses from alternative sources of funding, is subject to income tax in South Africa. A legal doctrinal research approach was applied by reviewing available literature, tax legislation and relevant case law in South Africa, the United States of America, United Kingdom and Australia. It was determined that existing income tax provisions do not specifically refer to crowdfunding and principles laid down in decided tax case law need to be considered to determine if the amount received, is a gift made out of pure generosity. The amount is likely not to fall within the ambit of ‘gross income’ of the project owner if the donor expected nothing in return and the funding was not used by the project owner to supplement trading activities. With reward-based crowdfunding, the funding is highly likely to fall within the ambit of gross income since something is expected in return for the funding provided to the business. It is imperative that South Africa issues application guidance to reflect the intended meaning of the legislature regarding the tax treatment of funding received by project owners.Contribution: This article demonstrated that it is imperative that South Africa issues application guidance to reflect the intended meaning of the legislature regarding the tax treatment of funding received by project owners.

Urban construction-based social risks assessment in hot arid countries with social network analysis

Social consequences on urban development are becoming increasingly relevant in Kuwait. Social risks associated with urban construction projects have utmost level of uncertainty for community and their significance is growing tremendously. The study aims to assess social risks of urban construction projects by using social risk analysis theory in Kuwait. A case study was conducted in Kuwait, including 17 incidents of social disputes in construction projects, and 12 factors of social risk were evaluated. Based on literature review and reported cases in Kuwait, 08 stakeholders associated with key social risk factors were identified. A conceptual framework for the analysis of social risk was established taking into account the relationships among risks and stakeholders by using Gephi and UNICET. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts from construction field. Thematic analysis was performed for social risks associated with construction engineering. The SNA model's analytical results revealed that social dangers were highly linked to challenges such as erroneous decision-making, poor reliability of government and government's inept/ineffective management. Structure difficulties and inadequate environmental protection were the riskiest elements in a complex setting, and they should be given special attention. Based on the results of the questionnaire, it was revealed that poor credibility of government had the most frequencies among the 12 other social risk factors, followed by government's lack management and improper decision making with equal proportions, site safety hazards and claim and compensation. Survey for stakeholders showed that government had the highest frequency which indicates that public and contractors are the most significant participants. The weighted degree of weighted degree of Social Risk and Stakeholders concluded that stakeholders set are the nodes with the highest weighted degree compared to Social Risk set. Moreover, the government, owner, contractor, designer, and the construction supervisor are the most weighted nodes in the stakeholder set, while communities, residents, and media are the least. Government's Lax/Improper Administration, Poor Credibility of Government, and Unsuitable Decision-Making have the most weighted degrees in the social risk set. According to centrality results, facilitators are the most important social risks with the highest capability of beginning a point of information to prevent a set of consequential social risks that has a direct effect on the general population. As a result of this role, they are the most crucial aspect in social risk management. In conclusion, the suggested social risk analysis approach can help project managers, government officials, and project owners pay more attention to social risk elements by providing a formal framework for analyzing such risks and minimizing social impacts.

Converting a face-to-face neuroanatomy course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) to an online environment: lessons learned from remote teaching.

Previously, we described a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) for first-year students that featured a unique approach to brain mapping in a model organism (rat). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted this course for an online learning environment, emphasizing image analysis (identifying immunoreactive signal in an immunohistochemical stain, making neuroanatomical distinctions in a cytoarchitectural stain) and translation of image data to the brain atlas. Using a quasiexperimental mixed methods approach, we evaluated aspects of student engagement and perceived gains in student confidence with respect to the nature and process of science and student science identity development. Additionally, we examined the dynamics of mentorship and student connectedness experienced in the online-only context. We found that the majority of students reported positive affective outcomes for the course in domains such as project ownership and project engagement in addition to positive responses toward perceived mentorship received during the course. Unsurprisingly, students expressed frustration in not being able to freely communicate with members of the course in an organic face-to-face environment. Furthermore, we found that students encountered greater difficulty in mastering image software skills causing a delay in producing consistent-quality data maps. From our analysis of the course, we have identified both useful approaches and areas for course improvement in any future iterations of the online research course.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Herein, we describe the process of converting a novel, face-to-face neuroanatomy course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) to an online-only research setting. We document student affective and skill gains resultant from participating in this course and examine best practices for structuring online CUREs to maximize student learning and success.

Development of a Risk-Control Safety Program as an Architectural Contractor Guideline on Flats Project

Construction Safety Planning is an element in the CSMS (Construction Safety Management System), which needs to be developed by the Contractor. Irrespective of this condition, the guidelines for preparing a safety program have not been appropriately disseminated by the project owner. This shows that many contractors are yet to appropriately implement the construction safety program. Therefore, this study aims to develop a safety program for Indonesian flat projects, especially architectural work. A qualitative method and secofndary data were used and obtained from a literature review, respectively. This was to determine the breakdown structure of architecture, which was then identified by hazards and operational risks. These processes led to the acquisition of the risk control used in preparing safety program targets, regarding resource analysis. The results showed that the resources needed in this architectural program included safety signs, PPE, warehouse construction, and transportation carts, which should be completed before work inception. In this case, an individual needs to be responsible for all the operational processes, namely the Safety Inspector/Supervisory Officer. These results are expected to be used as a guideline for contractors and project owners, to prepare a safety program and monitor the implementation of CS (construction safety).

Civil Liability for the Key Investment Information Sheet in Denmark

Articles 23(9) and 24(4) of the ECSPR sets out the liability of “at least” the project owner or its administrative, management or supervisory bodies for the information given in the key investment information sheet (KIIS). Further, articles 23(10) and 24(5) of the ECSPR oblige EU Member States to ensure that their laws, regulations and administrative provisions on civil liability apply to those responsible for the key investment information sheet in situations where the sheet contains misleading or inaccurate information and where the information sheet omits key information needed to aid potential investors. No Danish legislation has been enacted regulating civil liability for the key investment information sheet. This article discusses the civil liability regime between the project owner and the CSP who are involved in preparing the key investment information sheet.
 The article finds that the project owner is the main responsible for the accuracy of the key investment information sheet and as such will be the party to mainly be held responsible for any civil claims resulting from errors and omissions in the information sheet. Until legislation is enacted otherwise, the crowdfunding service providers’ civil liability for the key investment information sheet would most likely be limited to such errors, misleading information and omissions in the information sheet that result from inadequate procedures adopted by the crowdfunding service providers or their failure to comply with such procedures.

Local perception of climate change and adaptation in the highlands of Cameroon

ABSTRACT Climate change in Africa is a significant concern for rural livelihoods. In this research, we compared the perception and adaptation of rural households in the Cameroonian highlands to recent climatic trends and identified factors shaping them. Results pointed out that perception of climate change and adaptation depended mainly on local knowledge. The analyses stressed the importance of spatial exposure and agricultural involvement, which are key elements in perception studies. To this end, we encourage adaptation policies to develop participatory solutions that allow rural households to contribute their local knowledge and take ownership of adaptation projects.

Co-building trust in urban nature: Learning from participatory design and construction of Nature-Based Solutions in informal settlements in East Africa

While the amount of research on NBS is growing rapidly, there is a lack of evidence on community experiences of NBS design and implementation, particularly from low-income and informal settlements of African cities. This article adds new empirical evidence in this space through grounded analysis of NBS “niche” projects co-developed by intermediary organizations and communities in five sites across three settlements in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Findings are organized around four established NBS knowledge gaps: (1) NBS-society relations; (2) Design; (3) Implementation; (4) Effectiveness. We find that across the five studied sites, residents' perceptions and valuation of urban nature has changed through processes of co-design and co-implementation, enabling community ownership of projects, and hence playing a crucial role in NBS effectiveness over time. The integration of gray components into green infrastructure to create hybrid systems has proven necessary to meet physical constraints and communities' urgent needs such as flood mitigation. However, maintenance responsibilities and cost burdens are persisting issues that highlight the complex reality of NBS development in informal settlements. The cases highlight key considerations for actors involved in NBS development to support the replication, scaling up and institutionalization of NBS. These include the need to: (i) develop forms of engagement that align with co-production values; (ii) capture communities' own valuation of and motivations with NBS development for integration into design; (iii) elaborate technical guidance for hybrid green-gray infrastructure systems that can be constructed with communities; and (iv) help define and establish structures for maintenance responsibilities (especially governmental vs. civil society) that will enhance the environmental stewardship of public spaces.

The influence of trust networks on public–private partnership project performance

Trust relationships can improve the performance of public–private partnership projects, but current research often starts from a dual perspective of the project owner and contractor. Since there are many stakeholders in each project, it is more reasonable to consider the network structure of trust relationships from the perspective of social network theory. Given the lack of research in this area, a study was undertaken to reveal the relationship between trust network, opportunistic behaviours and project performance among all participants in public–private partnership projects. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data from 193 valid questionnaires. It was found that the density and stability of trust networks were negatively correlated with opportunistic behaviour and positively correlated with project performance. However, the centralisation of networks was positively correlated with opportunistic behaviour and negatively correlated with project performance. These conclusions are helpful in optimising public–private partnership project performance from the perspective of stakeholder management and trust network governance.

Collaborative Governance and Project Community Stakeholding in Developing Countries’ Infrastructural Governance: Lessons from Nigeria’s Experiential Knowledge

This study exhibits a departure from the existing “traditional” collaborative research agenda which emphasises rationalisation and efficiency by looking at the dynamics of collaborative governance hinged on shared governance, public accountability and stakeholders’ interests. Participants were drawn from different groups and sub-groups in communities where PPP infrastructural projects are located using both probabilistic and non-probabilistic techniques. Data were gathered and analysed through a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods. Based on the analysis, there were theoretical propositions that emerged from this study: (1) Community engagement is sacrosanct to the survival of any project located within the territorial space of the local community (2.) There was no evidence to suggest that the conventional public participation mechanisms had any positive impact on community groups’ suspicions and lack of trust in the handlers of a project. Hence, the study found a parasitic relationship between the host communities, project owners and project handlers. The study, therefore, recommends that policymakers in developing countries should entrench an endearing stakeholders’ policy that recognises and empowers the host communities for effective engagement in government’s collaborative arrangements with the private sector for infrastructural development in line with what is obtainable in the developed nations. Keywords: Collaborative Governance, Community Stake-holding, Community Exclusion, Public-private Partnership (PPP)

Important factors influencing the successful implementation of electronic tenders based on the perceptions of consultants, contractors and project owners in Palu

The implementation of e-tenders requires readiness from the aspect of human resources, technological and management capabilities and organizations. To find out the factors that influence the success of the e-tender for construction services in Palu, this research was conducted by involving stakeholders involved in the implementation of the e-tendering, namely consultants, contractors and project owners. Data were collected on the basis of questionnaire survey using Likert scale of 6 and 28 Critical Success Factors (CSFs) were used in the questionnaire survey. The total number of questionnaires distributed was 163, of which 119 were returned, giving a 71% response rate. Data were analyzed using Relative Rank Index (RRI) technique and the Spearman Rank Order Correlation statistical test among three categorical samples. The results show that there is no difference among RRIs’ consultants, contractors and project owners. It is also concluded that the successful implementation of electronic tenders is influenced by factors related to Availability of reliable, affordable, and fast internet services, Availability of reliable ICT infrastructures and computer equipment, Building positive workplace and knowledge sharing culture and also Regular education and training to develop the competence and capability of electronic tendering procedures and requirement

Building Information Modelling (BIM): insights from collaboration and legal perspectives

With the advent of the BIM technology, related guidelines have been formulated by project owners, governments and professional bodies. As an information sharing platform, BIM is applied to various kinds of construction projects for better management and collaboration. Yet, the existing off-the-shelf BIM application software does not fully consider the potential legal liabilities among the collaborating parties. In view of the above, we conducted a review of the relevant literature and legal cases to examine issues including ownership, liability and information reliance, and duty to warn from the perspectives of collaboration and laws. Common procurement initiatives were discussed in relation to BIM application. Drawn from the review and comparison, key legal issues of concern in BIM applications and the way forward for tackling the issues were identified. In conclusion, a collaborative approach under the BIM environment will work better under a project federated committee. Further research on the operation of this committee is recommended in order to make its authorities and liabilities clear.

Collaborative Governance and Project Community Stakeholding in Developing Countries’ Infrastructural Governance

This study exhibits a departure from the existing “traditional” collaborative research agenda which emphasises rationalisation and efficiency by looking at the dynamics of collaborative governance hinged on shared governance, public accountability and stakeholders’ interests. Participants were drawn from different groups and sub-groups in communities where PPP infrastructural projects are located using both probabilistic and non-probabilistic techniques. Data were gathered and analysed through a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods. Based on the analysis, there were theoretical propositions that emerged from this study: (1) Community engagement is sacrosanct to the survival of any project located within the territorial space of the local community (2.) There was no evidence to suggest that the conventional public participation mechanisms had any positive impact on community groups’ suspicions and lack of trust in the handlers of a project. Hence, the study found a parasitic relationship between the host communities, project owners and project handlers. The study, therefore, recommends that policymakers in developing countries should entrench an endearing stakeholders’ policy that recognises and empowers the host communities for effective engagement in government’s collaborative arrangements with the private sector for infrastructural development in line with what is obtainable in the developed nations. Keywords: Collaborative Governance, Community Stake-holding, Community Exclusion, Public-private Partnership (PPP)

Validation of a Semi-empirical Procedure for Estimating Steady-State, Groundwater Inflows in Shallow Rock Tunnels Through Case Study Analyses

The construction of tunnels in rock terrain has increased in importance around the world as the need for new transportation routes and water and wastewater conveyances has grown. Large cities and nearby suburbs have limited space for extensive, above-ground thoroughfares; therefore, underground systems may be the only viable means for developing new infrastructure. Excessive groundwater inflow into rock tunnels under construction can injury personnel and terminate the construction of the tunnel project. Therefore, it is important to accurately estimate groundwater inflow into rock tunnels. A semi-empirical procedure for estimating steady-state, groundwater inflow in shallow rock tunnels is presented and discussed in this paper. In addition, this paper presents two case study analyses which include the Elizabethtown tunnel in New Jersey and the Toledo tunnel in Ohio. Packer test (i.e., pressure test) data was analyzed for both case studies utilizing this semi-empirical procedure. This paper reviews the basic theory behind the procedure and validates the procedure through case study analyses. It also describes previous proposed modifications and clarifies the need for any such modifications. In general, good groundwater inflow estimates were derived for shallow rock tunnels utilizing this semi-empirical procedure. This research will benefit large and small municipalities (e.g., owners of major infrastructure tunnels projects) who need to install underground conveyances for water supply lines, sewer lines, railway, and roadways. By knowing the amount of water that might flow into the rock tunnel during its construction, the owners will save money, but more importantly lives if groundwater inflow are estimated accurately.

THE LITERATURE REVIEW OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SCHEDULING METHODS AND EFFECTIVENESS FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS IN INDONESIA

Resources in the project were definitely limited so planning must be thorough and perfect. To achieve this goal, developers, contractors, and project owners create a project implementation schedule as well as control the implementation of the project itself. Scheduling determines when activities will be started, postponed and completed, so that resource control will be adjusted to the needed that had been determined. In project planning, scheduling was very important in projecting the needed of manpower, materials, and equipment. This study aims to assess project scheduling in general based on literature sources in the form of previous research (journals). The method used in this study was a literature study related to scheduling studies based on construction projects. Data were obtained from several library sources in the form of research journals for the last 5 years related to the research topic. The results showed that each method was complementary, such as LoB combined with CPM or PDM. In scheduling a construction project, a combination of methods needed to be applied to suit the desired construction project.

FACTORS CAUSING COST OVERRUNS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

The complexity of a project often causes differences in what has been planned and its implementation in the field, resulting in delays and cost overruns. The successful implementation of a construction project is the target and expectation of the project owner and contractor, who has an effective time with a budget that is according to plan. But, in project implementation, there are often problems with the emergence of cost overruns that can cause losses. The purpose of this study was to analyze the dominant factors causing cost overruns in irrigation projects in Aceh Besar District. This study uses questionnaire data addressed to irrigation contractors, the total population obtained was 46 contractor companies, through the Slovin equation, the research sample obtained was 32 contractors. Data processing uses descriptive statistics. The results showed that the dominant factor causing the cost overrun of irrigation projects was the increase in material prices, with a mean value of 4,531.

Cross case analysis on internal early preparation of stakeholder engagement for infrastructure projects

Characterised as uncertain, complex, politically-sensitive, and extensive in nature define a mega infrastructure project which counting multiple stakeholders with various interest. Common problems during construction on stakeholder conflict were due to project stakeholders have different interests. Such problems are reworks, disagreements, cost overruns, lack of communication. As the project getting complex and massive, the importance of stakeholder engagement element in project management process is undeniable. The stakeholders in infrastructure project must be efficiently engaged and need earlier involvement during the pre-construction phase either direct or indirectly. This paper aims to recommend improvement to the initial process in stakeholder engagement in infrastructure which involved the internal preparation of engaging the stakeholder before later stage of consultation take place. Two case studies across New Zealand and Malaysia applies through a comparative qualitative analysis and observations. This research obtained information from project documentation and interviews. Such documents are engagement reports, public engagement report and project documentation. The result from the comparative analysis shows the attributes obtained from two case studies during the initial early preparation process of large/mega infrastructure projects. Lesson learnt derived from these two case studies will adding on the improvement to the stakeholder engagement process for an infrastructure project. The findings provide insight into how the factors of engaging stakeholders and public early and closely, improve transparency of information, and understanding of the design concept would help in improving international early preparation of stakeholder in both projects. The paper provides a point of reference for project owner and project team to assist them in emerging best practices of stakeholder engagement in major infrastructure construction projects.