The innovation potential of integrated services and its utilisation through co‐operation

2004 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 335-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Hartmann ◽  
Gerhard Girmscheid
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Structure ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Integrated Services ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Market ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Innovation Potential ◽  
Increasing Demand

In the last few years an increasing demand for integrated services could be recognised on the construction market. For construction firms this means that there is a wider scope for achieving advantages in competition. Based on a research project on the innovation behaviour of two Swiss contractors this paper presents the innovation potential of integrated services and the advantages and disadvantages of the present organizational structure of medium‐sized contractors with respect to the usage of this potential. Moreover, possibilities for construction firms to build up and benefit from internal and external co‐operation and to generate innovative constructional solutions are discussed. It is concluded that an innovative construction industry requires the ability of construction firms to co‐operate.

scholarly journals PROBLEMS OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OF UKRAINE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maksym Borodin ◽  
Anastasiia Lazebna
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Innovative Development ◽  
Innovative Technologies ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Innovation Potential

Today's idea of the living environment is inextricably linked with the high-tech development of the construction industry, the result of which is the creation and transformation of areas into a spatial system of comfortable living and successful business. Innovative development of the construction complex involves the implementation of national, regional, sectoral and corporate innovation programs and projects, the development of innovation potential and innovation culture of enterprises in the industry. Currently, Ukraine faces the task of modernizing the national economy and its transition to an innovative path of development. One of the most important sectors of the economy is the construction industry, which also needs innovation and technological re-equipment. Creation and introduction of innovative technologies in construction, new building materials, management systems of innovative activity will allow to modernize a building complex that in turn will promote increase of rates of economic growth of our country. Despite the development and use of new technologies, the construction industry is slow and reluctant to respond to innovation. One of the factors hindering the innovative development of the construction industry is conservatism in relation to the introduction of innovations. The article considers the main directions of innovative development of construction, the theoretical foundations of innovations in construction, analyzes the state of the construction industry of Ukraine over the past five years. The main advantages and disadvantages of the construction industry are identified, the innovations used in construction are considered, the problems that hinder the innovative development of the construction industry are highlighted. It is established that the development and implementation of innovative technologies, materials, systems are conditioned by the need to solve problems of modern construction, which affect the development and improvement of the entire construction industry and increase the economic growth of the construction industry. For successful activity and innovative development of construction enterprises it is necessary to create such conditions that promote further implementation of innovations.

The driving process of technological innovation in construction: a firm-level CDM analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Gong ◽  
Nannan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Market ◽  
Innovation Output ◽  
And Performance ◽  
D Investment

Purpose Innovation has been acknowledged as the key for modern industries. However, the construction industry is criticised for being poor in innovation performance compared to other industry sectors. Large construction firms are the main contributor to technological innovation in the construction industry, but the driving process of their technological innovation has not yet been fully investigated in previous studies. The purpose of this paper is to provide quantitative analysis of the technological innovation driving process of large construction firms. Design/methodology/approach An extended crépon, duguet and mairesse (CDM) model has been developed to analyse the key influencing factors for technological innovation in construction firms. The sample data are selected from the world’s largest construction market, China, and include 129 listed construction firms. Findings The results show significant positive correlation between R&D investment and innovation output and also between innovation output and performance. The effect of influencing factors on the R&D investment, innovation output and performance are also revealed by the empirical study. The underlying reasons are discussed and suggestions are given for the construction industry to improve the technological innovation capacity of construction firms. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature of construction innovation and benefits practitioners by providing a quantitative approach to demonstrate the driving process of innovation in construction firms.

scholarly journals Role and challenges of customs representative institute in foreign economic activity development

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-118
Author(s):  
Elena Viktorovna Krasova ◽  
Violetta Mikhaylovna Ostanina
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Structure ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Legislative Procedures ◽  
Clearance Process ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Main Factor

The article considers the scientific and practical aspects of customs representative institution activity in Russia in the conditions of intense and challenging foreign economic activity (FEA) of enterprises. On the basis of customs process specifics identified in Russia and comprehending approaches to the development of the customs representative institution, a role of this institution’s subjects is determined, and the ambiguity of attitude towards them from the customs authorities is represented. The complication of FEA was noted as the main factor in increasing demand for the customs representatives’ services. The accelerated digitalization of the customs process that is carried out by Russian Federal Customs Service was noticed as a factor potentially limiting their activities. There has been presented the dynamics of customs representatives in Russia, the substantive coverage is studied, and the most requested customs brokerage services are listed. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of engaging customs representatives by FEA participants for customs clearance are also shown in this article. Among the merits of engaging customs representatives for customs clearance are particularly highlighted competence, flexibility in working methods, and responsibility of customs representatives with the variability of legislation and technique of working. Shortcomings are the risk of malpractice in providing services and the involvement of the declarant in illegal schemes in the customs clearance process. There has been given the analysis of the current practice, considered the issues of the actual and relevant challenges in the development of customs representative institution. Special attention focuses on the influence of legislative procedures, which regulate the activity of customs representatives and affairs related to digital problems of the customs process, the internal problems connected with the work of customs representatives, such as improvement of the organizational structure and competence of the staff. There have been provided general recommendations for improving the customs intermediaries’ efficiency by revising and adjusting the principles of their interaction with customs authorities, as well as by optimizing their internal organizational structure through a competent division of responsibilities between employees.

scholarly journals Advantages and Disadvantages of Modular Construction, including Environmental Impacts

2021 ◽  
Vol 1203 (3) ◽  
pp. 032002
Author(s):  
Dita Hořínková
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Construction Technology ◽  
Modular Construction ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Buildings

Abstract Similar to other fields, the construction industry tends to constantly evolve. There is an increasing demand for the construction of new buildings regarding the speed of the construction process, economy, and minimization of the negative effects on the environment, i.e. sustainability. These requirements can be met by using prefabrication for this construction. Modular construction represents one of the prefabrication technologies that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The topic of this article is the use of modular construction, even from the sustainability point of view. There is a basic overview of modular construction, its history in the construction field, an overview of the materials used, and the possibilities of its implementation. Furthermore, this article provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of modular construction. The advantages are listed in terms of quality, economy, time, and ecology as well as in terms of construction flexibility and work safety, both during production and assembly on the construction site. The disadvantages of modular construction discussed in this article are the complicated transportation of modules, demanding coordination of production and construction, the requirement for detailed construction planning, and the non-acceptance of this construction technology by the general, and sometimes professional public. This article also deals with the comparison of modular construction technology with conventional construction technologies. It points out the possibility of reusing materials from disassembled modular buildings. It also points out the ways to control and mitigate the impact of modular construction on the environment throughout the life cycle of modular building. Only after a thorough analysis of these aspects of modular construction, is it possible to explore other ways to further increase the efficiency of this technology in all directions and also to make even better use of its environmental impact minimization potential.

Assessment of Electronic Procurement Practices on Project Delivery, Case Study of Selected Construction Companies in Oyo State

2018 ◽  
pp. 257-266
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Electronic Procurement ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
E Mail

This study investigated the use of e-Procurement in selected construction firms in Oyo state, Nigeria. The data were derived using a well-structured questionnaire survey involving 104 respondents. Descriptive statistical and correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings show that the use of electronic procurement in the selected construction firms for carrying out procurement function is high with majority of the professionals affirming the use of the system, the four categories of e-Procurement used were e-mail, static websites, web.2.0 technologies and portals that have capabilities of supporting the execution of functions limited to intra and inter firm communication and exchange of project information and data. Consequently, between 84 percent and 76 percent of the respondents used these e-Procurement technologies for communication of information, exchange of bill of quantities, project reports, CAD drawings and project specifications. Consequently, factors with the highest positive impacts on the use of these technologies in the firms were the speed of transactions, lower transaction cost and ease of use. The study implies that the selected construction firms in Oyo state Nigeria predominantly use e-mails and websites to support the execution of pre-award phase of construction procurement. Finding also shows that there is positive relationship between e-Procurement (e-Notifying, e-Exchange, and e-Submission of bid) and Project delivery. The study suggests that to accelerate the rate of uptake of e-Procurement and maximize its benefits in the Nigerian construction industry, there is a need to improve the quality and quantity of ICT infrastructure across the country; and to embark on aggressive enlightenment campaigns, training and skill development programs in the use of e-Procurement in the construction industry in this country.

Knowledge creation in small building and construction firms

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson ◽  
Guido Bruns
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Knowledge Sources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Small Building

Studies on knowledge creation are limited in general, and there is a particular shortage of research on the topic in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the importance of SMEs for the economy and the vital role of knowledge creation in innovation, this situation is unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the purpose of our study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs create new knowledge. Data are obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten managing directors of German SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. The findings demonstrate the influence of external knowledge sources on knowledge creation activities. Even though the managing directors take advantage of different external knowledge sources, they seem to put an emphasis on informed knowledge sources. The study´s findings advance the limited body of knowledge regarding knowledge creation in SMEs.

Forestry Working Groups/Groupes du travail

1989 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-224
Author(s):  
J. J. E. Dosne
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
New Caledonia ◽  
International Organisations ◽  
Tropical Forestry ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Definition Of

The advantages and disadvantages of working in developing countries are reviewed. The definition of a developing country and the aid it receives from Canada are analysed. Projects in these countries do not harm the Canadian industry. The development of natural resources is a priority of international organisations, after health, sanitation and education. Organisations interested in this development are listed. A few notes of forestry projects in Turkey, Jamaica, Honduras, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Costa Rica are enclosed; as well as an ideal project in New Caledonia where they have assumed their own responsibility. A message: all Canadian faculties of forestry, should give a few courses on tropical forestry because of its need and the increasing demand for Canadian foresters in this field. All who have worked overseas agree that there is a certain satisfaction in having contributed to the advancement of developing countries.

scholarly journals Creating relationship continuity across projects in the construction industry

IMP Journal ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malena Ingemansson Havenvid ◽  
Elsebeth Holmen ◽  
Åse Linné ◽  
Ann-Charlott Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Mutual Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Relationship Continuity ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Strategy Types ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship continuity across projects among actors in the construction industry, and to discuss why and how such continuity takes place. Design/methodology/approach The authors draw on the results from four in-depth case studies illustrating different strategies for pursuing relationship continuity. The results are analysed and discussed in light of the oft-mentioned strategies suggested by Mintzberg (1987): emergent, deliberate and deliberately emergent strategies. Furthermore, the ARA-model is used to discuss why the relationship continuity strategies are pursued, and which factors might enable and constrain the relationship continuity. Findings The main findings are twofold. First, the authors found that the strategy applied for pursuing relationship continuity may, in one-time period, contain one type of strategy or a mix of strategy types. Second, the type of strategy may evolve over time, from one type of strategy being more pronounced in one period, to other strategies being more pronounced in later periods. The strategies applied by construction firms and their counterparts can thus contain elements of emergent, deliberate and deliberately emergent strategies, in varying degrees over time. It is also shown that the strategies of the involved actors co-evolve as a result of interaction. Also, the main reasons for pursuing continuity appear to lie in the re-use and development of important resources and activities across projects to create efficiency and the possibility to develop mutual orientation, commitment and trust over time, and thus reduce uncertainty. Research limitations/implications Further empirical studies are needed to support the findings. For managers, the main implication is that relationship continuity can arise as part of an emerging interaction pattern between firms or as part of a planned strategy, but that elements of both might be needed to sustain it. Originality/value The authors combine Mintzberg’s strategy concepts with the ARA-model to bring new light to the widely debated issue of discontinuity and fragmentation in the construction industry.

Conceptual framework of value management adoption in the Nigerian construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lekan Damilola Ojo ◽  
Deji Rufus Ogunsemi ◽  
Olusola Ogunsina
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Value Management ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Market ◽  
Innovative Management ◽  
Coefficient Of Concordance ◽  
Global Construction

Purpose The Nigerian construction industry is bedeviled with poor project performance and outcomes which value management (VM) could address if applied. The application of VM on Nigerian construction projects is very minimal due to certain obstacles, namely, lack of VM experts, paucity of knowledge on the techniques, etc., which inhibits the adoption into the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework of the adoption of VM on construction projects in a typical developing economy. Design/methodology/approach This study engaged 15 selected VM experts in two rounds of Delphi survey to develop a conceptual framework of VM adoption. The method of data analysis includes mean score, standard deviation, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, chi-square (χ2) test, interrater agreement analysis and significant level analysis. The developed conceptual framework was sent to a team of local and international VM experts for validation. Findings This study reveals that the adoption of VM requires the collective effort of relevant stakeholders in the construction industry. The framework developed presents individual and collective activities to be undertaken by the stakeholders. The activities include training, legislation, government-funded research, etc. Thus, the adoption of innovative management methodology like VM requires the collaboration of academics, construction professional bodies and government parastatals. This will assist in the judicious use of limited construction resources and boost the relevance of the Nigerian construction industry among developing nations and in the global construction market. Originality/value This study used the opinions of few construction professionals that can be regarded as VM experts in Nigeria, as against engaging a pool of construction professionals who may not be knowledgeable in VM process. Engaging the few VM experts in the Nigerian construction industry is important to have a valid basis for drawing conclusion, as large questionnaire survey could be possibly filled by inexperienced or unqualified respondents if stringent criteria are not considered at the outset of this study.

Diagnosis of Current Employment in Architectural Student Responding to Korean Construction Market

2012 ◽  
Vol 450-451 ◽  
pp. 140-144
Author(s):  
Sang Chul Kim ◽  
Jae Hyun Lim ◽  
Jun Ho Park ◽  
Tae Hwa Jung
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Major Area ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Construction Market

Construction market in Korea has been decreased for 3 or 4 years, and it brought the problem in supply and demand of workforce. Therefore, new workforce in construction industry could not been enter, and some of them have been employed in non-major area. This research intends to analyze construction industry as well as demand and status of construction companies and to diagnose status of new workforce for architectural works, and a survey is conducted for enrolled students and graduates to diagnose problems of current status in order to suggest the alternatives in Korea.

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