scholarly journals Tackling the impacts of Covid-19 on construction projects: an exploration of contractual dispute avoidance measures adopted by construction firms

Author(s):  
Babatunde A. Salami ◽  
Saheed O. Ajayi ◽  
Adekunle S. Oyegoke
2018 ◽  
Vol 251 ◽  
pp. 05017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azariy Lapidus ◽  
Ivan Abramov

Against the backdrop of the economic crisis and the complicated international situation, the government pays great attention to reforming the construction industry, creating the conditions for adapting construction firms to the existing situation and associated entrepreneurial and production risks. Concurrently, as the ever-increasing competition places higher requirements on potential participants in construction projects under state-financed and municipal contracts, new laws and regulations are being developed and improved, and bidding rules are systemized and optimized to help select the most reliable contractors resistant to various impacts. The purpose of this paper is to describe the term “sustainability of a construction firm” and to set the tasks of research into the ways of increasing sustainability of construction firms based on efficient organization of construction operations and up-to-date production and labor technology. The scientific problem suggested for review lies in ensuring guaranteed sustainability of construction firms amid uncertainties of construction operations. This paper focuses on research into and the methods for determining a correlation between sustainability of a construction firm and its resource potential that depends on a number of diverse factors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 2687-2713
Author(s):  
Satish Kumar Viswanathan ◽  
Kumar Neeraj Jha

PurposeA number of previous studies have investigated international construction project risks and have proposed risk mitigation measures without examining their interdependence. The purpose of the current study is to identify the influence of various risk mitigation measures on macro-level risk factors in the international marketplace.Design/methodology/approachThe authors initially identified 26 risk variables and nine risk mitigation measures through a literature review, which were then verified for their pertinence to international projects by three experts. Subsequently, 105 questionnaire survey responses were collected and analysed using factor analysis and structural equation modelling to test the interrelations between the risk variables and mitigation measures.FindingsThe findings suggest that joint ventures with local partners is emerged as the most critical risk mitigation measure that influences the international projects, which are exposed to political, project and firm-specific risk factors. Further, it is worth noting that among the recognised risk mitigation measures in international projects, offering more local employment is the least critical mitigation measure in the international projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are based on the macro-risk factors encountered by Indian construction firms in international projects, mostly from specific Asian and African regions. Thus, the opinions of construction firms from the developed countries might be different.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this study to existing knowledge is empirical evidence of the interrelationships between risk mitigation measures and risk factors that are portrayed as latent variables of different manifest risk variables. The generated model can assist construction firms in emphasising several risk mitigation methods, in order to reduce risk and enhance performance in international construction projects.


India is one of fastest growing economy in the world which attracts many foreign investors to our country. With the economy being liberalized, foreign players have a vital stake over our countries growth and it’s after effects. The Construction area has consistently been progressively to this financial development which all in all is an exceptionally divided industry. It needs to impart on a huge scale other related help business lines prone to be materials, types of gear, merchants, providers, subcontractors, customers and furthermore the undertaking plan and funds. All these elements which this sector deals with are subjected to potential risks involved which have to be predicted, monitored and managed. Construction industry has been following method for managing these risks and issues to be arising from a project. They have been managing these risks by foreseeing them with the experience and knowledge that the company has gained over the period of time. But this will be a question for a firm if they diversify or when they enter into any new venture of business domain. The conventional model is the one using the manual techniques for assessing risks involved from the experience, knowledge and competency gained in the business domain. Using Primavera (P6) the risk is been managed by creating several models generated which explains the process of additions of risks, identification of type of risk, calculation of exposure values, calculation of risk impact, assigning the person responsible to the risk, time frame of risk, preparation of control plans if the risk occurs. Finally the results thus obtained from both the methods are been compared and the results


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy O. Olawumi ◽  
Daniel W. M. Chan

The study aims to develop an effective BIM-project information management framework (BIM-PIMF) and associated assessment model for construction projects with a view to enhancing the functional management of project information. An explanatory case study technique and case study evidence from four BIM construction projects form the study’s research design. The study identified and established the three sub-criteria of the BIM-PIMF model which are the BIM process level factors, BIM product level factors, and the key indicators for a successful BIM deployment on construction project sites. These criterias were semantically linked to the development of the BIM-PIMF framework on a five-point metric scale. The deliverables of this study include the development of the BIM-PIMF framework, together with its analytical scoring system. The findings of the study will improve the information channels of and ease the integration of technological innovations in construction processes while improving the technical competencies of project staff. The study highlighted a basket of effective recommendations and strategies to enhance the deployment of BIM throughout a project lifecycle. Policymakers and government departments can utilize the model in assessing the level of usage of BIM in a construction project as one of the useful measures in gauging which construction firms to be provided subsidies.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irewolede Aina Ijaola ◽  
Godwin Iroroakpo Idoro ◽  
Michael Gbolagade Oladokun

Purpose The skills and knowledge of site supervisors play an important role in the outcome of construction projects. Evidence gleaned from the literature indicates that poor performance of construction projects remains a central concern for stakeholders in the construction sector. This suggests that the site supervisor’s training is important in the construction project outcomes. Various training programmes are available for site supervisors, yet construction firms are not satisfied with them. The purpose of this study is to determine the key training practice indicators for optimal site supervisor’s usage in construction firms. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a cross-sectional survey research design. In the approach, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to determine the key training practice indicators for site supervisors. Data were collected from 218 construction site supervisors using a questionnaire. Findings Findings show that training practices are a multidimensional concept consisting of training needs assessment, training delivery, training evaluation and transfer. From the 50 training practice variables, this study establishes 12 key training practice indicators for training site supervisors in construction firms. Research limitations/implications Future research should adopt a longitudinal survey for examining training practices in construction firms. Practical implications The identified key training indicators can inform the policies and practices used in the training of site supervisors. Originality/value This study contributes to knowledge by establishing 12 significant training practice indicators for optimal site supervisors’ usage in construction firms.


Author(s):  
Mohd Hanizun Hanafi ◽  
◽  
Ong Ming Zhen ◽  
Arman Abdul Razak ◽  
◽  
...  

The overall performance of construction projects has been seemingly low and has negatively affected its efficacy in fulfilling national development agenda. Infrastructure projects are complex and riddled with numerous construction risks, and often involve large financial investments as well as several resources, particularly labour. The objective of this research paper is to identify the main factors that influence labour on construction sites of infrastructure projects. In achieving this research objective, 26 factors were extracted from literature and subsequently distributed for assessment by 355 identified respondents via a questionnaire-based survey. 63 respondents, representing a response rate of 17.75%, participated in returning completed questionnaires for further analysis. The main factors that influence on–site labour productivity were identified through the use of Relative Importance Index analysis. The three most significant factors identified were co-ordination between sub-contractors, labour skill and expertise within specific job scopes, and, availability of updated construction drawings at the project sites. Several other factors were also extracted through the analysis conducted on the garnered data. These factors will collectively be able to accord contractors a better comprehension of the influencing elements that either impinge or promote labour productivity. These findings are pertinent for construction firms in the efforts to progressively increase the level of labour productivity in the Malaysian construction sector, particularly within the parameters of infrastructure projects.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olubimbola Oladimeji

Purpose This paper aims to assess COVID-19 (C-19) pandemic influence in the 37 factors identified from extant literature as factors influencing the viability of local construction firms (LCFs). Design/methodology/approach A sample size of 65 staff of 31 LCFs that were awarded construction projects contracts in institutions in Nigeria was purposefully selected and accessed based on relevant predetermined criteria. Respondents’ views on factors determining the viability of LCFs were obtained. Factors known to be influenced by C-19 are 25 of the 37 factors rated on a five-point Likert scale of importance by the respondents. Mean scores were used to rank the factors and principal component analysis was used to obtain key component factors (CFs) influenced by the C-19 pandemic. Findings Six of the first ten “extremely important” and “very important” factors are known to be influenced by C-19 pandemic. A total of 8 CFs having 20 variables with factor loadings of more than 0.5 each were known to be influenced by C-19. The C-19 pandemic influenced LCFs’ cash flow and management of construction labour, plant and equipment amidst variables that had above 0.8 factor loading. Research limitations/implications A limitation of this study is the inability to conduct close contact interview during this period to obtain personal views on the influence of C-19 on LCFs. However, this does not reduce the quality of findings of this study, as there are valid literature basis hinging this study findings. Practical implications The paper recommends that all stakeholders pay prompt attention to the factors adversely affected by the C-19 pandemic to improve or at the least sustain the viability of LCFs. Originality/value This paper fulfils a present pertinent need of assessing the influence of the C-19 pandemic on various factors influencing the viability of construction firms.


Author(s):  
Ali Alashwal ◽  
Kashan Pirzada

The growing need for construction of all types coupled with a tight monetary supply has provided the construction industry with a big challenge to cut cost. According to Mendelson and Greenfield (1996) the remaining part of the twentieth century would involve corporations, institutions and government in a race to survive. A tremendous demand of development worldwide has gained interest of Malaysian construction firms to venture into international construction domain. Identifying and analysing major determinants of the firm's internal and external factors are crucial in order to ease the complexity in global market expansion. This study identifies the factors that are involved in reduction of international projects and its implications on the local economy and contractor companies. Construction projects are currently progressing slowly around the world as a result of the recent global economic crisis. In order to accommodate public needs within the current economic situation, the Malaysian Government has restricted the procurement of public sector projects to "necessary to meet public need" projects only thus narrowing the number of domestic projects available. Consequently, most major contractors have decided to change their focus by looking into international projects outside Malaysia not only to ensure the viability of their businesses but also for long-term survival. Although some Malaysian contractors have managed to penetrate successfully into international construction projects, Finally, this study is of relevance to Malaysian construction firms as it systematically highlights the internal and external factors those may affect their performance in international market. Type of Paper: Review Keywords: International Market; Malaysian Perspective; Causes; Critical Factors.


2017 ◽  
Vol 728 ◽  
pp. 411-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Thanh Phong ◽  
Van Nguyen Phuc ◽  
To Thuy Hoang Le Nguyen Quyen

Materials account for a significant proportion of engineering and construction projects budget. Therefore, selecting appropriate material supplier criteria is a critical economic decision, and it plays a significant role in the success of any engineering and construction firms. Traditional supplier evaluating decision-making methods are usually based on subjective opinions of experts, resulting in irrational and inappropriate decisions. This paper proposes a quantitative model for selecting a material supplier by using the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process and TOPSIS method. In this model, the material supplier selection criteria are weighted by using Group Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (GFANP). Then material suppliers are ranked using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The proposed decision-making model can provide a robust approach for solving material supplier selection problems.


Author(s):  
Milind Jagtap ◽  
Sachin Kamble

Purpose The purpose of this paper is first to examine the effect of client-led and contractor-led supply chain initiatives on project performance in the Indian construction industry and second to assess how the client-led supply chain initiatives complement the contractor-led supply chain initiatives. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the effects of the client-led supply chain initiatives (reward power and competence trust of the construction clients) and the contractor-led supply chain initiatives (contractor integration and calculative commitment of the contractor) on project performance in construction projects are examined. The data were collected from 346 construction professionals working in Indian construction projects using purposive sampling. The proposed hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Findings The contractor-led supply chain initiatives, in the form of contractor integration and the calculative relationship commitment of a contractor, were found to be strong mediators, indirectly affecting the project performance. On the other hand, the client-led supply chain initiatives, in the form of the reward power of the client and the competence trust of the client, directly influence the project performance. Research limitations/implications This study reports the inevitable bias on the part of participants, who responded to the survey either in the capacity of client or contractor, although they might have executed projects in both capacities. Future studies could benefit from the use of objective data instead of behavioral data. Practical implications This study helps construction firms understand how to demarcate the client and contractor roles in the construction supply chain to improve the project performance. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its investigation of the influence of client-led supply chain initiatives and contractor-led supply chain initiatives on project performance.


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