Small Construction Projects Research Articles

The Challenges of Implementing Cognitive Computing in Small Construction Projects: A Data-Driven Perspective

This study aims to identify and analyze the challenges of implementing cognitive computing in small construction projects, where decision-making, process optimization, and sustainability enhancements are crucial yet challenging. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating a thorough literature review, quantitative evaluation, and structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the relationships between the identified barriers and the effective application of cognitive computing. The findings reveal significant hurdles, including complexity in customization (β = 0.327, t = 9.848, p < 0.001), data integrity and integration issues (β = 0.389, t = 14.534, p < 0.001), financial and cultural constraints (β = 0.295, t = 7.850, p < 0.001), and ethical and privacy concerns (β = 0.319, t = 8.963, p < 0.001). These barriers impede the seamless adoption of cognitive computing technologies. This research contributes novel insights into the specific challenges faced by small construction projects and provides practical recommendations to overcome these obstacles. By addressing these challenges, this study offers valuable guidance for stakeholders aiming to leverage cognitive computing to improve project outcomes in the construction industry. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on small-scale projects, a relatively underexplored area, and its comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted barriers that hinder the successful implementation of cognitive computing. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-09-011 Full Text: PDF

Investigating the Factors Impacting the Performance of Small and Medium-Scale Irrigation Construction Projects in Eastern Amhara

Recently due to their economic value, there has been a rapid increment of water work construction projects in Ethiopia. However, there is a problems regarding their performance, like cost overrun, time overrun, low productivity & low quality. The same is true for water work projects that are constructed by Amhara Water Works Construction Enterprise. This research work aims to identify and evaluate the main factors affecting the performance of small & medium-scale irrigation construction projects in eastern Amhara region-Ethiopia. To achieve the objectives of this research study, five irrigation construction projects were targeted as the population of the study and both qualitative & quantitative data were collected by desk study, questioner survey, and interviews. Total 75 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents and out of these 75 distributed questionnaires, 70 (93.33%) questionnaires were returned. The data collected were analysed using SPSS version 25 and the significance factors were ranked by using their Relative Importance Index (RII). The results show that the top ten critical factors that affecting performance agreed upon by all parties were an escalation of material prices, unavailability of resources, number of disputes between owner and project parties, quality of equipment or machinery and raw materials, unavailability of competent staff, financial constraints, material and equipment cost, local climate conditions cost of variation orders and leadership skills for project manager.

Barriers to risk management in small construction projects in Sri Lanka

PurposeThis study explores the current status of risk management (RM) in Sri Lanka and the obstacles in implementing RM in Sri Lankan small construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThe current research study adopted a quantitative research method. Using a purposeful sampling strategy, 100 construction companies engaged in small construction projects in Sri Lanka were selected and a questionnaire was distributed among top managerial employees of these companies. Employees belonging to 47 companies responded to the survey which provided information relating to 812 construction projects. The collected data were analyzed using the RM implementation index (RMII) and other quantitative measures such as mean, median and percentages.FindingsThe research findings indicated that RM incorporation was at a lower degree in small construction projects in Sri Lanka. The findings further indicated that RM incorporation was relatively high in the public construction projects compared to the private construction projects. The main obstacles identified through the survey for RM implementation were: “lack of funding”, “lack of time”, “low profit margin”, “not economical” and “lack of knowledge”.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to exploring RM implementation in small construction projects in Sri Lanka. The study was limited to the building construction companies under the 150-million-rupee (approx. below 450,000 USD) financial limit registered with the construction industry development authority in Sri Lanka.Originality/valueRM in small construction projects in developing countries is a relatively less explored domain. Sri Lankan construction industry is another relatively less explored domain in terms of new management technique implementation such as RM and value management. The quantitative approach used for the study revealed that RM implementation is at a lower degree in the small construction projects. Moreover, several obstacles pertaining to RM implementation were recognized through this study. These findings will be useful for the construction stakeholders to overcome the recognized barriers and effectively use RM in their respective construction projects.

Development of the conceptual business model of a third-party logistics provider for Indonesian small contractors

Third-party logistics (TPL) providers have shown positive impacts on supporting large construction projects. Nevertheless, their role in smaller construction still requires further clarification. Small contractors, facing logistics challenges in material supply, are frequently underrepresented in research. We propose a TPL model designed as an intermediary between suppliers and small contractors for consolidating materials. In the initial phase, TPL's business model should be developed for its business foundation. Therefore, this study aims to develop TPLS's conceptual business model that addresses Indonesian small contractors. Three interview themes were employed in this research, involving three distinct groups of small contractors to explore their capacities within construction work, their assessments of specific materials, and their logistical practices. Based on the nine blocks of the Business Model Canvas (BMC), this study found that TPL can ensure material supplies for small construction projects by coordinating sourcing, providing temporary storage, and delivering materials through building strategic partnerships with material suppliers, transportation service providers, and warehousing facility providers. Furthermore, TPL's conceptual business model allows small contractors to gain better access to material supply while providing suppliers with certainty of material purchasing demand. Nonetheless, achieving successful TPL implementation requires dedication from every stakeholder in their assigned roles.

Implementation of Quality Management System for a Small Scale Building Construction project Sites.

Abstract: The construction industry plays a crucial role in consistently delivering value and quality to its clients. Nevertheless, it faces challenges related to quality, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes, unsafe structures, and budget overruns. To address these issues, it is essential to establish a Quality Management System (QMS). This systematic approach ensures both product and process quality, not only satisfying customers and adhering to regulations but also reducing rework and waste. The successful implementation of a robust QMS involves tasks such as business analysis, initial planning, awareness raising, expert training, document control, deployment, measurement and control, auditing, and continuous improvement. This research focuses on the importance of quality management in small-scale construction projects during the execution phase. It involves data gathered from interviews and questionnaires with builders/contractors, consultants, and customers/building occupants. By examining the quality management practices of these small-scale building contractors and their impact on customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the matter.

Integration of passive RFID for small-scale construction project management

Passive radio frequency identification (P-RFID) is discussed previously for its sustainable usefulness in the construction industry. The subject of this research is the barriers to the implementation of passive radio frequency identification (P-RFID) technology for the digital transformation of small construction projects, and the interrelationships among these barriers. This study emphasizes notably smaller building projects. Considering technological, cultural, privacy, interest, volatility, and resource constraints that must be overcome to encourage the implementation of P-RFID in the construction business. A PLS-SEM analysis is also provided, showing how much technological, cultural, and privacy hurdles affect the P-RFID rollout. Most severely inhibiting adoption are technical obstacles, cultural ones, and privacy concerns. Findings stress the need of construction firms to adopt new technology to speed up project completion and keep up with rising demand. The use of P-RFID technology may improve the efficiency of project delivery processes and reduce the number of failed projects. Additionally, the research highlights the value of privacy as well as the need of making its protection a key priority in the development of P-RFID technology. According to the findings of the research, one of the most important things that has to be done in order to increase the usage of P-RFID in low-volume sustainable construction projects in Malaysia is to remove the barriers that prevent people from being interested in it.

Complexities to the deployment of cloud computing for sustainability of small construction projects: Evidence from Pakistan

This study examines the obstacles that impede the implementation of cloud computing (CC) in small-scale building projects. Based on a comprehensive analysis of relevant scholarly sources, this research paper aims to delineate the many obstacles that are often encountered during the implementation of CC. A comprehensive analysis is conducted based on the replies obtained from a survey of 217 stakeholders in the building sector. Using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) methodology, this research assesses the interrelated obstacles associated with technological and operational restrictions, risk and privacy considerations, cultural dynamics, behavioural variables, unpredictability, and resource barriers. Furthermore, a model is developed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in order to get a deeper comprehension of these hindrances. The results of the EFA emphasize the significant impact of risk and privacy barriers in impeding the adoption of CC. The present study offers valuable insights that may inform policymakers in their efforts to enhance the effectiveness of construction projects by addressing the issue of data fragmentation. Through the identification and addressing of these limitations, the research study makes a valuable contribution to the optimization of data fragmentation procedures. Furthermore, it promotes the sustainability of existing building projects by facilitating the more effective exploitation of cloud computing. This paper presents a novel methodology that establishes a foundation for identifying and tackling the many barriers that impede the broad adoption of cloud computing in the construction sector.

BIM in green building: Enhancing sustainability in the small construction project

The growing importance of green building practices in addressing environmental concerns, with a focus on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and occupant well-being, necessitates innovative solutions. Building Information Modeling (BIM), a sophisticated digital platform facilitating real-time collaboration and construction process visualization, emerges as a promising tool to enhance efficiency in construction projects. This study explores the role of BIM in advancing sustainability in smaller-scale construction projects. The methodology encompasses a comprehensive literature review and a quantitative analysis, including Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with a case study centered in Perak, Malaysia. The research aims to assess the impact of BIM on resource efficiency, energy performance, waste reduction, and collaborative decision-making in small-scale green buildings. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between BIM adoption and early-stage design optimization, energy efficiency analysis, material selection, life cycle assessment, waste reduction, and prefabrication. This study underscores the vital role of integrating BIM in smaller-scale construction to promote environmentally responsible practices and achieve sustainable outcomes. Future research avenues may explore strategies for optimized BIM integration and deeper insights into the financial aspects of BIM adoption.

An analysis of safety practices for small, medium, and large construction projects: A resilience engineering perspective

The varied nature of the construction industry, involving projects of different sizes, poses significant challenges to improving its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) performance. The existing literature identifying strategies for improving the performance of small construction projects has focused on a deterministic and reactive view of safety. However, recent theoretical advancements in safety criticize this view. Alternatively, a Resilience Engineering (RE)-based perspective is deemed suitable for construction projects to be adaptive in managing safety. However, none of the previous studies analyzed the prevalence of RE-based attributes within the construction industry and across projects of different sizes. This study has adapted a RE-based questionnaire to which 180 survey responses from site professionals were obtained. A concurrent triangulation mixed method was used to analyze this data, supplemented with 16 interviews and field observations from 27 building construction projects in India. The 'contract value' was used as a metric to aggregate the responses for three project types, i.e., 'small', 'medium', and 'large'. The study results indicate that most practices promoting RE-based attributes, such as Monitoring, Learning, and Anticipating, are neither prevalent in the industry nor are significantly different among projects of various sizes. The findings show that small and medium-sized projects may exceed larger projects in several RE-based safety practices, suggesting that pathways to improve safety for smaller projects may not necessarily be limited to emulating larger projects, as typically recommended in the literature. The study advances the understanding of RE-based safety practices and supports safety initiatives in all construction sites.

Exploration of challenges to deployment of blockchain in small construction projects

Blockchain technology provides a decentralized way of handling the data and supports the construction project's sustainability and performance. Small construction projects in Malaysia always need help adopting new technology like blockchain. This research aimed to investigate the challenges affecting the implementation of blockchain technology in small construction projects in Malaysia. The study examined Malaysian minor construction project blockchain implementation issues. A total of 17 challenges were found significant in affecting the implementation of Blockchain technology in small construction projects in Malaysia. Five constructs were seen: technological barriers, work environment barriers, economic and planning barriers, operational barriers, and privacy and regulation barriers. Structural equation modeling and these structures create a blockchain implementation model for modest building projects. The model's validity, dependability, and forecast accuracy for all obstacles and their potential influence on blockchain deployment in small construction projects in Malaysia are substantial. The model also has good convergent and discriminant validity, supporting it. Blockchain use in Malaysian small building projects could be improved mainly through economic and planning issues. The present study needs to highlight the Malaysian small construction sector's essential obstacles in integrating blocks and technology that are the basis for more creative technologies. This research will help the Malaysian construction sector concentrate on improvements and assess the effect of blockchain on modest projects.

Success of Implementing Cloud Computing for Smart Development in Small Construction Projects

The objective of this study is to ascertain the essential elements that contribute to the successful implementation of cloud computing in small-scale construction projects, with the ultimate goal of promoting intelligent development in Malaysia. The construction sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and the integration of cloud computing technology can make a substantial contribution to the achievement of project objectives and the promotion of sustainable development. Nonetheless, there exists a dearth of comprehension regarding the function of cloud computing in minor construction undertakings within the Malaysian context. In order to bridge this gap, a mixed-methods approach was implemented, which encompassed a comprehensive review of the literature, interviews with experts, and a preliminary survey that involved 160 participants. Utilizing the findings of the pilot survey, the process of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was employed to discern and eliminate nonessential determinants of success. A survey utilizing primary questionnaires was conducted with a sample size of 230 participants. The subsequent analysis of 16 critical success factors was carried out through the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that there are four fundamental constructs that play a crucial role in the effective execution of a project. These include cost, quality, and time management (β = 0.352); planning success (β = 0.360); organizational success (β = 0.351); and communication and coordination (β = 0.299). The research results have favorable ramifications for the construction sector in Malaysia. The integration of cloud computing technology in minor construction endeavors has the potential to augment project efficacy and foster sustainable development. This study offers a roadmap for stakeholders in the construction industry to effectively utilize cloud computing technology for smart development by identifying critical success factors.

Exploring the potential of late permian aggregate resources for utilization in engineering structures through geotechnical, geochemical and petrographic analyses

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an ongoing mega-construction project in Pakistan that necessitates further exploration of new natural resources of aggregate to facilitate the extensive construction. Therefore, the Late Permian strata of Chhidru and Wargal Limestone for aggregates resources were envisaged to evaluate their optimal way of construction usage through detailed geotechnical, geochemical, and petrographic analyses. Geotechnical analysis was performed under BS and ASTM standards with the help of employing different laboratory tests. A simple regression analysis was employed to ascertain mutual correlations between physical parameters. Based on the petrographic analysis, the Wargal Limestone is classified into mudstones and wackestone, and Chhidru Formation is categorized into wackestone and floatstone microfacies, both containing primary constituents of calcite and bioclasts. The geochemical analysis revealed that the Wargal Limestone and Chhidru Formation encompass calcium oxide (CaO) as the dominant mineral content. These analyses also depicted that the Wargal Limestone aggregates bear no vulnerability to alkali-aggregate reactions (AAR), whereas the Chhidru Formation tends to be susceptible to AAR and deleterious. Moreover, the coefficient of determination and strength characteristics, for instance, unconfined compressive strength and point load test were found inversely associated with bioclast concentrations and directly linked to calcite contents. Based on the geotechnical, petrographic, and geochemical analyses, the Wargal Limestone proved to be a significant potential source for both small and large-scale construction projects, such as CPEC, but the Chhidru Formation aggregates should be used with extra caution due to high silica content.

Assessment of Challenges to the Adoption of IOT for the Safety Management of Small Construction Projects in Malaysia: Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The Internet of Things is a comprehensive system of connected computing devices and sensors that provide extensive data sharing capability for any specific purpose. For the construction industry, the applications of the Internet of Things have been increasing over the past few years, and it is because technology can provide full support to construction projects in attaining significant efficiency. The most critical part of construction products where the internet of things can be adopted is safety management because hundreds of accidents happen every year that result in significant injuries to construction workers and even death in some cases. For small construction projects, the situation is much worse, as there are never enough resources to adopt the latest technology, such as the Internet of Things. This study is structured with the aim of identifying the critical implementation barriers of the internet of things that affect small construction projects in Malaysia specifically. A mixed methodology study design is followed in which, after identifying the implementation barriers of the internet of things from existing literature, they are filtered with expert opinion. A pilot survey was conducted on which exploratory factor analysis was applied to further identify the significant barriers relating to the Internet of Things in small construction projects in Malaysia. A main survey was conducted afterwards, on which the structural equation modelling was done to develop the model involving the final 16 barriers divided into 5 formative constructs. The most critical barriers are found to be related to databases and technology, while the least impact is created by management barriers. Positive theoretical and managerial implications are indicated for future researchers and construction workers, respectively, by which they can improve the implementation of internet of things in small construction projects in Malaysia.

Barriers to Building Information Modeling (BIM) Deployment in Small Construction Projects: Malaysian Construction Industry

Building information modeling (BIM) application in construction projects is considered beneficial for effective decision making throughout the project lifecycle, as it maximizes benefits without compromising practicality. The Malaysian construction industry is also keen on the adoption of BIM culture. However, various identified and unidentified barriers are hindering its practical implementation. In light of this, this study identified and analyzed critical obstacles to using BIM in Malaysian small construction projects. Through the use of semi-structured interviews and a pilot study using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method, the critical BIM barriers (CBBs) have been identified. Based on the findings of the EFA, CBBs were classified into five categories, i.e., technical adoption barrier, behavioral barrier, implementation barrier, management barrier, and digital education barrier. Following the questionnaire survey, feedback of 235 professionals was collected with vested interests in the Malaysian construction business, and the CBBs model was created using analysis of moment structures (AMOS). The findings revealed that although Malaysian experts with little experience in practice were fairly educated about BIM, technical adoption barriers, behavioral barriers, management barriers, and implementation hurdles were critical for adopting BIM. The study’s findings will help policymakers eliminate CBBs and use BIM in Malaysia’s modest construction projects to save costs, save time, boost productivity, and improve quality and sustainability.

Identification of Constraints in small construction projects

Constraints in construction project limit the achievement of high performance in construction that can impact quality delivery, On-time completion and cost of the project. If constraints are understood well then better performance can be achieved by avoiding the constraints from impacting the performance of the scheduled project. In this current paper, the authors have done questionnaire survey from construction professionals and identified high probable constraints using Relative Important Index (RII) method. The Cost Overrun and Time Overrun caused due to the high probable constraints are segregated. Remedial measures are suggested to reduce or to eliminate the constraints caused in a construction project.

Displacement and Livelihoods through the Construction of Small Dams: Legacies of Magunje Dam in Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe

This article examines the experiences of people in rural areas who are displaced by the construction of small dams. Scholarship on dam construction has generally focused on the impact of big dams on communities. Yet, this study argues, small dam construction projects also impact those living on the site and vicinity of small dams. Using Magunje Dam in Hurungwe District of Zimbabwe as a lens, the study traces the experiences of the changed livelihoods of communities that resisted being moved and those who were relocated to other places. By taking this approach, the study establishes the complex impact of the Magunje Dam project on the evicted people and argues that those who are affected by small dam projects sometimes suffer unwanted consequences and their challenges are difficult to remedy because they occupy the fringes of society. Their challenges go unnoticed, especially after receiving paltry compensation. The study shows that displacement and involuntary resettlement destabilise the family fabric. Through the lenses of the Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction model (IRR), the effects of dam construction on rural people are unpacked. Data was obtained through qualitative research methodologies.

Status of Value Management Implementation in Small and Medium Construction Projects in Malaysia

Value management (VM) should be implemented in construction projects to achieve the best value-for-money for clients, irrespective of project size. However, its regular implementation in Malaysia appears mostly in large projects driven by legislation. Negligence was therefore aroused towards implementing VM for smaller projects and the specific status remains ambiguous to date. This paper aims to investigate the current status of VM implementation in small and medium construction projects in Malaysia with a view to exploring the challenges and measures in improving the status. A total of 162 construction organizations directly involved in small and medium projects were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that the execution of VM by organizations for smaller construction projects is relatively low and significantly subject to project size regardless of project type. Practitioners’ levels of frequency and awareness towards implementing VM in small and medium construction projects remain low and unsatisfactory. Also, VM implementation in smaller projects was found significantly correlated with the experience of organizations and practitioners. Challenges and measures in ameliorating the observed status were explored. The findings contribute to a clear understanding of VM in small and medium construction projects in Malaysia and call for more attention from both academia and industry on VM for smaller sizes of projects.

Barriers to the implementation of value management in small construction projects

As a well-established approach for attaining cost-effectiveness and value for money, Value Management (VM) is often overlooked in small construction projects, particularly in developing countries. This paper takes Malaysia as a case study to investigate the barriers to implementing VM in small construction projects with a view to exploring possible measures in mitigating the barriers and improving VM usage in small projects. Construction practitioners directly involved in small projects were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Results of the survey revealed that the frequency with which the practitioners implement VM for small projects remains relatively low. Barriers contributing to this can be categorized under the knowledge and guidance barriers, environmental barriers, resource barriers, methodological barriers, and cultural barriers. Significant barriers were found mainly associated with the knowledge, guidance, and environment of disseminating the approach in small construction projects. Furthermore, measures that are perceived viable in overcoming the barriers were discussed. The findings of this paper provide a favorable reference for participants of small construction projects in VM decision and implementation in Malaysia as well as other countries with similar situations. As little empirical study focused on VM in small construction projects, this paper also contributes to enriching the body of knowledge related to the management of small projects.

APPLICATION OF PRIMAVERA P6 SOFTWARE FOR SCHEDULING SINGLE CONSTRAINED RESOURCE IN SMALL GAS STATION PROJECT

The Success in the use of the Primavera P6 Software to schedule the project depends on the size of the project, the level of its complexity the time allocated for its execution and the requirements dictated by owner of the project……etc. The basic idea behind the proposed system is the use of software set up for this purpose in order to delineate start- finish time by applying Critical Path Method, the Primavera P6 Software for scheduling single constrained resource in projects. They may only of solutions start by scheduling and analyzing the resource time period by time period, and resource by resource when the amount of the resources available is exceeded the method of tasks is examined and rare resources are then allocated according is the levels of priority. A major position arises then: how to increase the time necessary for the completion of the project with the remaining minimum with due respect to the labor limitations. The answer lies in the application of the Primavera P6 Software which is used in practical situations, so as to avoid mathematical complications which are characteristics of perfect model methods. In order to achieve the best solution, activities are re- scheduled based on labor constraints according to various numerous bases. These were applied on a project for the construction of a small size Gas Station, classified under small construction projects which include 29 activities. The 3 stages of implementation were applied tested to the project mainly planning, scheduling and control. We obtained the desired results with an increase in the time allocated for the completion of the project with strictest minimum possible while respecting labor constraints.

Life Cycle Assessment of Industrial Building Construction and Recovery Potential. Case Studies in Seville

In Spain, most businesses are medium to small size enterprises, representing 90% of the total, but there is a lack of studies of the types of building this sector uses. The main objective of this paper is to present a method for the evaluation of small industrial construction projects to facilitate the introduction of eco-efficient solutions. For this, it is necessary to identify the most representative buildings and the aspects of these which have the most environmental impact. A methodology in place for the evaluation of dwelling construction is adapted, for the first time, to evaluate industrial buildings. The construction solutions characterized are those traditionally used in the sector, as identified through 87 surveys. A standardized classification of work units is proposed to enable the use of environmental product information, such as eco-labels and/or EPD, and LCA databases. The carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF) are the indicators selected because of their straightforward message. Finally, a comparative analysis is performed showing the high recycling potential of concrete and cement which, along with metals and aggregates, control the impact in terms of CF. With respect to the WF indicator, plastic substitute aggregates are among the materials with the greatest impact.