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  • Articles  (103)
  • Emerald  (103)
  • 2005-2009  (103)
  • 1980-1984
  • Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying  (103)
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  • Articles  (103)
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  • 1
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Perceptions of positive and negative factors influencing the attractiveness of PPP/PFI procurement for construction projects in the UK: Findings from a questionnaire survey (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 125-148 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - The paper aims to report the findings of research into perceptions of what makes the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) attractive or unattractive as a procurement system for projects in the UK. Design/methodology/approach - The research uses a postal survey questionnaire technique for primary data collection. Literature review is used to identify relevant factors, which are then incorporated into the design of the survey instrument. Survey response data is subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and subsequently to rotated factor analysis. Findings - Public/private partnerships (PPP)/PFI project procurement is perceived as most attractive in terms of positive factors relating to better project technology and economy, greater public benefit, public sector avoidance of regulatory and financial constraints, and public sector saving in transaction costs. Negative aspects, relating to factors such as the inexperience of the participants, the over-commercialisation of projects, and high participation cost and time, make PPP/PFI procurement less attractive. Originality/value - The procurement of public facilities and services under arrangements involving partnerships between the public and private sectors is claimed to provide a wide variety of net benefits to the public sector and to the private sector participants. In the project development process, the parties have to make decisions based on suitable evaluation criteria. At the early stage of preparing a business case, a clear and common understanding of the positive and negative factors surrounding PPP/PFI procurement will provide a more informed basis for decision making.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510584485
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  • 2
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Partnering practice and the delivery of construction projects for Housing Associations in the UK (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 181-193 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - Housing Associations in the UK are being encouraged to change the way in which they procure their building projects. This work aims to provide a snapshot of current practice in relation to the use of partnering as a procurement approach. Design/methodology/approach - Accordingly a quantitative research design was used to capture data from a sample of 100 of the largest Housing Associations involved in the commissioning of new house building projects in 2003. Two administrations of the survey generated a 43 per cent response rate. Findings - The findings of the study revealed that two differing types of partnering alliance could be identified. The types of partnering alliance identified were considered to have either a "supply side" or "demand side" focus. The results show that partnering practice, open-book cost management, risk analysis and the use of standardised and pre-fabricated components are now widespread and believed to deliver benefits in project costs, delivery times and quality levels. Research limitations/implications - The work is limited due to the size of the sample frame and the measuring instrument used which could not uncover reasons for the current practices that were revealed. Practical implications - The outcomes of the work provide practice with benchmarks that can be used to evaluate organisational approach and if necessary develop alternative approaches to the delivery of partnered projects. Originality/value - The paper contributes to the body of knowledge available on partnering practice in a client group that has been identified as being key in driving forward the post-Egan agenda in the construction industry.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510584511
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  • 3
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Current practices in building project contract price forecasting in the UK (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 446-457 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - The selection and use of the most appropriate building project contract price forecasting model contribute to the provision of strategic advice that clients can use to make value-for-money business decisions. This work seeks to provide a snapshot of current practice in model selection by practitioners based in large-sized quantity surveying, project management and multi-disciplinary practices based in the UK. Design/methodology/approach - A quantitative research design was used to capture data from a sample of 300 such organisations in 2004. An initial and follow-up administration of the postal survey generated an overall response of 54 per cent. Findings - The findings of the study revealed that the traditional types of forecasting model continue to be in widespread use irrespective of organisational type. Lifecycle cost models and in-house knowledge-based systems were also found to be in use, but not on such a widespread scale. Newly developed models such as artificial neural nets, fuzzy logic nets, as well as environmental and sustainability cost models were found, as yet, to have only very limited application in practice. Practitioner assessment of model accuracy and value in-use provided statistically insignificant levels of variance between the organisational types and the models found to be in use. Research limitations/implications - The work is limited due to the size of the sample frame and the measuring instrument used which could not uncover reasons for the selection of particular types of models. Originality/value - The outcomes of the work provide benchmarks that can be used to evaluate organisational approach and future research. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge available on the process of building project contract price forecasting that is fundamental to the assessment of project value.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510627144
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  • 4
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Worker safety issues in night-time highway construction (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 487-501 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - The research presented in this paper aims to investigate highway construction/maintenance professionals' perceptions of the effects of night-time construction conditions on worker visibility and of issues associated with safety vests in night-time activities. Design/methodology/approach - The research was conducted by administering a questionnaire survey to Illinois Department of Transportation operations personnel, resident engineers, contractors, and construction/maintenance professionals involved in night-time construction in the Departments of Transportation of states other than Illinois. Findings - It was found that most accidents in night-time construction work areas are caused by the condition of the vehicle operator, that accidents are caused by through-traffic and construction equipment operating inside the work area, and that the poor visibility of the workers plays an important role in accidents. Research limitations/implications - A national survey (rather than mostly Illinois personnel) would certainly increase the sample size and therefore allow researchers to validate the findings of this study and to conduct extensive statistical analyses. Practical implications - Night-time construction/maintenance operations on highways may be hazardous for both drivers and construction personnel because of poor visibility at night. It is recommended that the design of safety vests adhere to existing standards issued by the American National Standards Institute and the International Safety Equipment Association. It is particularly important to ensure adequate performance in wet weather conditions. Originality/value - If safety vests are perceived by workers to be effective, the frequency and severity of night-time accidents can be reduced and labor productivity can be enhanced.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510627171
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  • 5
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Use of process maps to develop a management briefing sheet for a design consultancy (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 458-469 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - Process mapping can lead to a more holistic understanding of how an organisation works. This paper seeks to discuss how an engineering design consultancy, which had developed a series of process maps on the design of steel frame buildings, developed a powerful management tool, the Management Briefing Sheet which has yielded numerous additional benefits enabling practice to be improved and quality procedures more easily accessed. Design/methodology/approach - To maximise the knowledge and expertise of its supply chain partners and to better understand how it designed steel-framed buildings, the engineering design consultancy undertook a process-mapping exercise. Various techniques for documenting the process were considered, but a modified IDEF notation was chosen for its ability to capture the iterative nature of the design process and its methodical approach for deconstructing complicated activities. Findings - Process-mapping exercises can change the way organisations work and make them more efficient, but to do this the changes that would lead to improvements need to be implemented successfully. Carrying out a process-mapping exercise in isolation from the end-user can lead to complications. Research limitations/implications - The key obstacle to implementing change identified by the engineering design consultancy, with whom the MBS was developed, was delivering the knowledge acquired from the process analysis in a format that end-users could understand easily and adopt effectively. Originality/value - This article will be of significant use to any organisation wishing to maximise the knowledge and expertise of its supply chain partners and identify inefficient working practices.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510627153
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  • 6
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Process models implementation in the construction industry: a literature synthesis (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 470-486 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - Different process models have been developed by academia and industry to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the design and construction activity in response to the need for improving performance. However, the effective and widespread adoption and use of process models have been limited, and the benefits resulting from these endeavours have been ambiguous at best and non-existent at worst. This paper synthesises the key general and construction-specific literature related to process model implementation around a generic model, providing a systematic picture on the current knowledge on implementation. Design/methodology/approach - Secondary data sources were reviewed, criticised and synthesised. The books and academic papers identified focused on the areas of process management in construction and manufacturing, change management and knowledge/technology transfer. Findings - The paper concludes that the body of literature related to process model implementation lacks an integrated focus and cohesion, and the need to appropriately locate and operate the implementation strategy within a visible organisational context is not adequately addressed. Research limitations/implications - The paper review and synthesis are limited to relevant literature within the context of implementation of process models. Practical implications - Gaps in the literature are identified and discussed, and a set of questions proposed to stipulate future research. Originality/value - The paper originality relates to providing a broad, systemic perspective on the complexity of process models implementation, analysing it from different but interrelated conceptual lenses.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510627162
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  • 7
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    A knowledge capture awareness tool: An empirical study on small and medium enterprises in the construction industry (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 533-567 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - Popularity in knowledge management has, unfortunately, not been matched by parallel empirical research on the processes, challenges and benefits of knowledge capture in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry, given the fact that 99 per cent of firms in the UK construction industry can be classified as SMEs. This paper aims to discuss the output of a research study, which is focused on knowledge capture in SMEs in construction industry. The paper also aims to present and discuss a computer-based awareness tool on knowledge capture underpinned by Kolb's experiential learning theory. Design/methodology/approach - The empirical study involved a total of 51 professionals from 26 SMEs in the construction industry. Grounded theory approach was adopted. Also, a content analysis was considered. Findings - The results show that there is lack of awareness of complex issues associated with an effective knowledge capture process as well as ensuing benefits for SMEs in the construction industry. The effective implementation of knowledge capture in SMEs is partly dependent on the vision and flair of the owner/partners of the organisation. It is also determined by culture, structure, people, finance and technology, which warrants a coherent and structured approach. Originality/value - A computer-based awareness tool which is underpinned by Kolb's experiential learning theory.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510634128
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  • 8
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Towards improved labour standards for construction of minor works in low income countries (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 617-632 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - The construction industry is one of the largest employment providers in the developing world. It is also one of the least safe industries, with a high frequency of accidents resulting in financial losses, injuries, disabilities and deaths. Decent working conditions and resulting improved worker satisfaction are key to sustainable productivity in the industry. International standards safeguarding construction workers are abundant and ratified by most low-income countries. This paper aims to examine if these standards are adequately reflected in contracts for construction works; and if they not, how contract clauses can be improved and put into operation. Design/methodology/approach - Based on research undertaken in Ghana, India and Zambia from 2000 to 2003, this paper explores the aforementioned points. The paper comprises analysis of contract clauses from the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) and developing country contracts, along with case study findings. Findings - This paper finds that more legislation is not the urgent issue; incorporating existing legislation into construction contracts and making clauses operational is a priority. This paper identifies practical and cost-effective procedures for bringing stakeholders together to implement and monitor labour standards, with the aim of contributing to the overall goal of providing "decent work" for all workers in the construction industry. Originality/value - This paper explores issues around implementing labour standards in construction of minor infrastructure works in low income countries and concludes with suggestions on how best to put contract clauses into operation through a process approach.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510634164
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  • 9
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Factors affecting ICT diffusion: A case study of three large Australian construction contractors (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 21-37 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - To address the critical issue of how best to adopt and diffuse information and communication technology (ICT) into organisations. Design/methodology/approach - During April and May 2002, a survey of ICT diffusion of ICT users from three construction organisations was conducted. Findings - Results from an earlier phase of this study indicated that 11 factors influence ICT diffusion. The aim of this paper is to report on phase 2 study results within three construction organisations based on the 11 factors found to influence ICT diffusion. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with five to six ICT users and an implementer for each of the case study companies. Originality/value - Three factors were found to have a weak influence on ICT diffusion, while eight have a strong influence. These influencing factors may be grouped into four interrelated categories: management, individual, technology, and work environment. Their inter-relationship should be coherently and comprehensively addressed.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510576871
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  • 10
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Bidding ratios to predict highway project costs (2005)
    Oxford : Emerald
    Engineering, construction and architectural management 12 (2005), S. 38-51 
    Details
    ISSN: 1365-232X
    Source: Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
    Notes: Purpose - Ratios were constructed using bidding data for highway construction projects in Texas to study whether there are useful patterns in project bids that are indicators of the project completion cost. The use of the ratios to improve predictions of completed project cost was studied. Design/methodology/approach - Ratios were calculated relating the second lowest bid, mean bid, and maximum bid to the low bid for the highway construction projects. Regression and neural network models were developed to predict the completed cost of the highway projects using bidding data. Models including the bidding ratios, low bid, second lowest bid, mean bid and maximum bid were developed. Natural log transformations were applied to the data to improve model performance. Findings - Analysis of the bidding ratios indicates some relationship between high values of the bidding ratios and final project costs that deviate significantly from the low bid amount. Addition of the ratios to neural network and regression models to predict the completed project cost were not found to enhance the predictions. The best performing regression model used only the low bid as input. The best performing neural network model used the low bid and second lowest bid as inputs. Originality/value - The nature of bid ratios that can describe the pattern of bids submitted for a project and the relationship of the ratios to project outcomes were studied. The ratio values may be useful indicators of project outcome that can be used by construction managers.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09699980510576880
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