Construction productivity assessment on Brock Commons Tallwood House

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Kasbar ◽  
Sheryl Staub-French ◽  
Angelique Pilon ◽  
Erik Poirier ◽  
Zahra Teshnizi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Virtual Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Productivity ◽  
Mass Timber ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Design And Construction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the impact of mass timber construction methods on construction performance through the successful delivery of the first-of-a-kind tall wood building, Brock Commons Tallwood House (Tallwood House). This paper is one of a set of papers examining the project; companion papers describe innovations used during the mass timber design and construction processes. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method, longitudinal case study approach was used in this research project to investigate and document the Tallwood House project. Quantitative data were collected to perform the following analysis: hook time, the variability of productivity and schedule reliability. Members of the research team observed construction progress, meetings and decision-making, conducted periodic interviews and reviewed project artifacts. Findings The research presented in this paper is the culmination of a longitudinal study aimed at studying the innovation process on a project where radical innovations of structural systems were developed. Prefabrication, combined with the use of a virtual design and construction (VDC) model for planning and fabrication and early collaboration with trades, construction managers and consultants, increased the labor productivity of the on-site erection of the mass timber structural components and envelope panels and expedited the construction schedule. Originality/value This paper details an in-depth investigation into the construction productivity for a unique building project and lessons learned. The case study chosen is the construction of Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia. Tallwood House was the tallest mass-timber hybrid building in the world at the time of its construction.

Construction process innovation on Brock Commons Tallwood House

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheryl Staub-French ◽  
Angelique Pilon ◽  
Erik Poirier ◽  
Azadeh Fallahi ◽  
Mohamed Kasbar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Virtual Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diffusion Dynamics ◽  
Mass Timber ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Design And Construction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the construction process innovations that enabled the successful delivery of the hybrid mass timber high-rise building in Canada, the Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia. It is one of a set of papers examining the project, including companion papers that describe innovations in the mass timber design process and the impact of these innovations on construction performance. The focus of this paper is on innovation in the construction phase and its relationship to innovations implemented in previous project phases. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method, longitudinal case study approach was used in this research project to investigate and document the Tallwood House project over a three-year period. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques were used. Members of the research team observed prefabrication and construction, conducted periodic interviews and reviewed project artefacts. Findings The research identified three innovation “clusters,” including the use of innovative tools, techniques and strategies in the design and construction processes and the role they played in delivering the project. The “clusters” were further characterized according to the type of “connectivity” they afforded, either facilitation, operationalization or materialization. These two perspectives support a compounding view on innovation and help to understand how it can flow throughout a project’s life cycle and across its supply chain. Three process-based innovations were initiated during the design phase, integrated design process, building information modeling and virtual design and construction and flowed through to the construction phase. These were seen to enable the creation of connections that were crucial to the overall success of the project. These innovations were operationalized and enacted through the construction phase as design for manufacturing and assembly and prefabrication, staged construction and just-in-time delivery, integration of safety and risk management and a rigorous quality control and quality assurance process. Finally, a full-scale mock-up was produced for practice and constructability assessment, materializing the radical product innovation that was the mass timber structure. These strategies are used together for a synergistic and integrated approach to increase productivity, expedite the construction schedule and develop an innovative building product. Originality/value This paper details an in-depth investigation into the diffusion dynamics of multiple systemic innovations for the construction process of a unique building project, the tools and techniques used by the construction manager and team, and the challenges, solutions and lessons learned.

Understanding the influence of technological capability and exogenous pressure on business model dynamics: insights from a longitudinal case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingqin Su ◽  
Shuai Zhang ◽  
Huanhuan Ma
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Technological Capability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Stream ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to explore how technological capability and exogenous pressure interactively influence business model (BM) dynamics over time in new technology-based ventures.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a longitudinal case study of the BM innovations of a Chinese financial technology venture. The structural approach and temporal bracket are used to analyze and theorize the data.FindingsThe findings indicate that distinct contextual changes impel a firm to refine or abandon existing BMs over time. In different stages, the antecedents interactively influence BM dynamics with three successive patterns, namely pressure dominance, parallel influence and hybrid influence. While both antecedents trigger changes during the initiation and implementation of new BMs, they also serve as the filter and the enabler, respectively, during the ideation and integration of BMs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study inductively develops three propositions regarding the relationship between BM dynamics and its antecedents, which is based on the data collected from one single firm. Future research should test the propositions in other domains and take more cross-level antecedents into consideration.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the nascent research stream of BM dynamics by offering in-depth insights into the interaction of internal and external antecedents and by linking the differentiated roles of antecedents to the BM innovation process. The research offers some practical implications for new technology-based ventures seeking to develop BMs in a fast-changing environment.

Design and construction risks in BOT type mega transportation projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2223-2242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hande Aladağ ◽  
Zeynep Işık
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transportation Projects ◽  
Construction Risks ◽  
Design And Construction

Purpose In build-operate-transfer (BOT) transportation projects, design and construction phases are critical in terms of their effect on time and cost overruns. The purpose of this paper is to identify the role of risk factors affecting these phases and their significance level for BOT transportation projects. Design/methodology/approach Design and construction risks were determined and then validated by focus group discussions. Afterwards, an illustrated case study was presented to better understand the effects of determined risks in a BOT mega transportation project. As the last step of the study, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process method was used to prioritize risk factors. Findings The prominent risk factors were found out as occupational accidents, integration between design and construction phases and excessive design variations. Research limitations/implications Different kinds of BOT transportation projects in different countries might be executed very differently considering specific social, political, economic and other factors. However, the results of the study are important in terms of the specific lessons learned from the case study that can be used as a foundation for developing possible risk mitigation measures. Originality/value Though the risk management of BOT projects has been investigated frequently in the literature, there is a knowledge gap in the quantitative evaluation of risk significance specific to design and construction risks. The prioritization of determined risks with an associated case from a mega transportation project will contribute to the BOT project practitioners about possible challenges in design and construction phases in BOT mega transportation projects.

Demystifying the benefits and risks of Lean service innovation: a banking case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiwei Gong ◽  
Marijn Janssen
Keyword(s):  
Service Innovation ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Knowledge Perspective ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Innovation Processes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demystify Lean for service innovation by investigating its benefits and risks. Lean innovation is a relatively new approach which is advocated in management literature. Little scientific work about its practice exists in the field. Although the Lean innovation principles are clear, there is limited evidence about their impact on service innovation processes. Design/methodology/approach – From the knowledge-based view (KBV) of the firm, a framework for understanding Lean innovation is developed. Using this framework, the benefits and risks of Lean innovation are analyzed in a case study. Findings – The case study not only shows that Lean service innovation can have many advantages, but also draws attention to the risks. The risks might result in the inability to follow Lean principles and might hamper the realization of the benefits. Using the case studies, study mitigation mechanisms are identified. Originality/value – This research offers a new knowledge perspective and a better understanding of Lean service innovation. There are two main contribution of this paper. First of all, it reports on the impact of Lean innovation on a bank’s innovation processes, both its benefit and risks. This has a contribution to understanding the innovation process in service organizations. Second, this paper extends Lean innovation to a service context and contributes to the knowledge basis of Lean innovation.

Understanding the contribution of effective communication strategies to program performance in humanitarian organizations

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastián Villa ◽  
Paulo Gonçalves ◽  
Tonny Villy Odong
Keyword(s):  
Communication Theory ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Humanitarian Organizations ◽  
Procedure Guidelines ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to employ concepts drawn from communication theory to develop a structural model that it is hoped will improve the understanding of the impact of effective communication mechanisms on the performance of humanitarian organizations. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on a case study of a single humanitarian organization. The authors designed a cross-sectional study, collecting data using structured questionnaires and interviews. Structural equation modeling was used to test and estimate the model. Findings Estimations show that the proper design of internal manuals and procedure guidelines, coupled with formal strategies to foster stakeholder dialogue in organizations and increase the perceived performance of humanitarian programs. Practical implications The paper discusses the importance of designing effective communication strategies that permit humanitarian organizations to use their communication channels properly and improve operations based on lessons learned and the concerns of stakeholders. Originality/value This paper builds on the foundations provided by communication theory to develop a model that explains how communication affects performance in humanitarian organizations. The study further builds on a case study to test the theoretical model.

Cultivating sustainable communities of practice within hierarchical bureaucracies

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 400-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meri Duryan ◽  
Hedley Smyth
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Social Space ◽  
Program Management ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Software Analysis ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address hierarchies in a large program of projects. It explores cultivation of communities of practice (CoP) within a hierarchical client organization that manages multi-billion-euro infrastructure programs and projects.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on an exploratory longitudinal case study approach involving action research. In-depth semi-structured interviews, company records, industry reports and observation from a case study in the hierarchical bureaucracy were translated into the language of cognitive maps for software analysis and subsequent interpretation.FindingsThe findings highlight the importance of hierarchy constraints and program management practices in project-based firms. The involvement of senior management in CoP cultivation reinforced the community’s contribution to strategic value creation in the firm under scrutiny.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper mobilizes the concepts of boundary spanning and loose coupling as a way of analyzing the role of CoPs in bureaucratic hierarchies to promote learning and knowledge transfer. The results of the study suggest that application of those concepts can contribute to sustainability of CoPs in hierarchical organizations by giving them social space to span horizontal and vertical boundaries.Practical implicationsThe authors practically contribute to the field by demonstrating the process and the impact of CoP sponsors’ engagement in their cultivation. This was enabled through the research-oriented action research component. The paper also concludes that cognitive mapping may provide a useful addition to engaged research, potentially simulating and influencing change in practice.Originality/valueThe academic contribution concerns understanding the roles of hierarchies, program management and CoP cultivation in project-based firms. It offers clear guidelines for managers of hierarchical bureaucracies to cultivate CoPs to address hierarchical constraints and how CoPs differ in organizational form.

Teaching companies how to be entrepreneurial: cultural change at all levels

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Murray Gillin ◽  
Rebecca Gagliardi ◽  
Laura Hougaz ◽  
David Knowles ◽  
Michael Langhammer
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Change ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This case study aims to show how a strategic intervention, using an in-house delivered university entrepreneurship education program, cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset and effective innovation culture amongst company staff. The intervention produces a measured change in staff decision making style from analytical to a more intuitive style. Also assessed is the resulting management-style change to the firm’s internal environment, strategic motivation and performance. Design/methodology/approach Through a qualitative longitudinal study of Partners and staff in the firm, the authors measure the impact of the selection, integration and performance of in-house entrepreneurship education on firm culture. Findings The authors identify organisation factors that inhibit staff entrepreneurial behaviour and by integrating an in-house education intervention, demonstrate unambiguously the resultant effective culture and entrepreneurial mindset. Research limitations/implications Generalising results from this single longitudinal case study requires caution. The positive outcome from the in-house education concept can be considered for further evaluation within other organisations. Practical implications Using an entrepreneurial health-audit to assess in-firm cultural behaviour enables management to identify factors fostering/inhibiting entrepreneurial activity and devise interventions to cultivate a firm-wide entrepreneurial mindset. Originality/value In-house education is not a new concept, but a targeted focus on entrepreneurship applied strategically to a committed firm shows outstanding results. The added-value is in the demonstrated enhancement to effective innovation outcomes.

scholarly journals Lessons from the “BPO journey” in a public housing company: toward a strategy for BPO

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 373-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Therese Christiansson ◽  
Olof Rentzhog
Keyword(s):  
Public Housing ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
Building Process ◽  
Context Shape ◽  
Strategy Building

Purpose Despite many efforts within organizations toward business process orientation (BPO), research on real-world experiences remains in its infancy. The purpose of this paper is to redress the existing knowledge gap by analyzing a Swedish public housing company that has made notable effects regarding BPO and to explore lessons learned from the BPO journey (from 1998 to 2013). Design/methodology/approach The point of departure is principles in the BPO foundation, principles of successful BPM and effects in empirically based literature. The reconstruction of the narrative case study describes milestones and critical junctions, as well as effects based on quantitative and qualitative data. Findings Effects in BPO are demonstrated in terms of higher customer satisfaction, increased innovative ability, improved operational performance, higher employee satisfaction and, as a result of these, increased profitability. Theoretical constructs with implications for the theory building on BPO are suggested in a three-layer management framework – with capabilities and abilities emerging from the case study used as an illustrative example. Practical implications Lessons are learned regarding critical practices related to advancement in BPO. A strategy-building process based on eight design propositions is suggested to define the pre-conditions for BPO in an organization. Originality/value This is the first longitudinal case study to provide a comprehensive view and detailed insights of a BPO journey and top management performance toward a business process-oriented organization. Practitioners and BPM community get valuable insights into how the temporality and the context shape the BPO maturity process in terms of new organizational structure and roles during the journey.

As learning systems go digital and social, can we keep up?

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 18-20
Author(s):  
Helena Moore
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Leadership Development ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Award Winning ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Internal Relationships

Purpose – This case study aims to show how one award winning organization, Bromford in the UK, has engaged with and implemented multiple social media strategies that have positively impacted the very fabric and culture of the organization. Design/methodology/approach – The author shares the lessons learned in Bromford’s social media journey so far – a journey that has resulted in numerous social media awards. Findings – The article describes the impact that social media has had on the organization in five areas: internal relationships; working with suppliers; leadership development; what the organization now measures; and organizational culture. Originality/value – This paper will be of value to all directors, leaders, managers and learning and development (L&D) professionals who are grappling with the rapid changes brought about by the ever-moving social media landscape. The experiences and advice of the author are shared in an accessible and practical way.

The impact of distance on headquarters’ network management capabilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alona Mykhaylenko ◽  
Brian V. Waehrens ◽  
Dmitrij Slepniov
Keyword(s):  
Network Management ◽  
Multinational Enterprise ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Technological Distance ◽  
Management Capabilities ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The ability of an organisation’s headquarters (HQ) to bring value to and manage a globally dispersed multinational enterprise has been questioned in the existing literature. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that HQ-subsidiary distance is an important factor that affects such ability; this report also investigates the impact of distance on the HQ’s network management capabilities in the context of a global organisation’s evolution. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a single company was chosen to take part in a retrospective, longitudinal case study that highlighted two embedded product cases. The concept of distance was viewed as a variety of distance dimensions existing between the HQ and its subsidiaries. Findings The results indicated that distance impacted the effectiveness of the HQ’s network management capabilities by affecting HQ-subsidiary interaction and, consequently, shaping HQ’s knowledgeability about the subsidiaries’ operations. Moreover, the results suggested that the impact of such distance may shift from positive to negative over the course of a global organisation’s evolution. Research limitations/implications Although this study was explorative, some generalisability to industrial-goods companies of Scandinavian origin that have transferred activities to their owned subsidiaries may be expected. Further replication of the study using multiple case companies across various industries and countries is desirable. Originality/value This work extends the understanding of technological distance, sheds light on the conditions necessary for the HQ of a globally networked organisation to engage in value creation in the context of its evolution and contributes to the overall appreciation of distance as a factor that comprises multiple dimensions.

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