Investigation into post-adoption usage of mobile ICTs in Australian construction projects

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abid Hasan ◽  
Seungjun Ahn ◽  
Raufdeen Rameezdeen ◽  
Bassam Baroudi
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
System Quality ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Mobile Ict

Purpose While mobile Information and Communication Technologies (mobile ICTs) have been adopted by many construction organisations, research on the usage of mobile technologies in the context of construction project management has been scarce. Against this background, the purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of how Construction Management Professionals (CMPs) currently use mobile ICTs at work and the factors affecting their usage of mobile ICTs in the context of the Australian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach In this research, the aim is addressed by a survey-based empirical research approach. A questionnaire was used to collect data about CMPs’ current mobile ICT usage and the factors affecting the usage. Then, relative importance index, factor analysis and χ2 test were used to identify the most significant factors affecting their mobile ICT usage. Findings This research found that user characteristics such as age or years of experience are not the major factors affecting CMPs’ mobile ICT usage. The research also found that there are several barriers hindering an effective usage of mobile ICTs, namely work-family spillover, system quality issues, inconsistency in the way of using mobile ICTs among CMPs and the lack of organisational support. Originality/value The results of this research imply that to fully reap the potential benefits of mobile ICTs in construction projects, those barriers need to be addressed appropriately at the individual, organisational and industry levels. Also, this research informs construction organisations of how mobile ICTs can be deployed and used in the most cost-effective way in their projects.

scholarly journals An exploratory study on the impact of mobile ICT on productivity in construction projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abid Hasan ◽  
Abbas Elmualim ◽  
Raufdeen Rameezdeen ◽  
Bassam Baroudi ◽  
Andrew Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Productivity ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Major Bottleneck ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mobile Ict

Purpose The issue of low productivity has remained a very stern and chronic problem in construction projects. Previous studies have found poor communication as one of the leading causes of low-construction productivity. Recent advances in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential to enhance communication and access to information in construction projects. However, the implications of the use of mobile ICT on construction productivity have not been investigated in sufficient depth, especially from the perspectives of its users, i.e. construction management (CM) professionals. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A focus group session involving ten experienced CM professionals from different organisations of the South Australian construction industry was moderated by a group of four researchers to gather data on mobile ICT usage and its implications for construction productivity. Findings Lack of training and guidelines on effective applications of these technologies to construction projects is a major bottleneck. Results indicate that despite noticeable advances in mobile ICT, differences in usage style and user attitude have limited their overall impact on productivity. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on data gathered from CM professionals working in the South Australian construction industry. Practical implications The study highlights the importance of strategising the use of mobile ICT to achieve the desired productivity rates through policy, training, work-life balance, and deeper and wider understanding of these technologies. Originality/value The study examines the perceptions of CM professionals on the usefulness of mobile ICT in construction projects and its implications for construction productivity.

Managing integration in infrastructure alliance projects

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Maija Hietajärvi ◽  
Kirsi Aaltonen ◽  
Harri Haapasalo
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Projects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Project Organizations ◽  
Integration Mechanisms ◽  
Organizational Integration ◽  
Time Critical

Purpose The effective management of inter-organizational integration is central to complex projects. Such projects pose significant challenges for integration, as organizations struggle with constantly changing inter-organizational interdependencies and must develop and adapt integration mechanisms to meet new demands. The purpose of this paper is to understand what kinds of integration mechanisms are used and how they are developed and adjusted during the infrastructure alliance projects. Design/methodology/approach This study provides empirical evidence of integration dynamics in project alliancing by analyzing two infrastructure alliance projects – a complex tunnel construction project and a railway renovation project. The research approach is an inductive case study. Findings This paper identifies integration mechanisms adopted in two case projects and three central triggers that led to changes in the integration mechanisms: project lifecycle phase, unexpected events and project team’s learning during the project. Practical implications Integration capability should be a precondition for alliance project organizations and requires the adoption of a wide range of integration mechanisms, as well as an ability to adjust those mechanisms in response to everyday dynamics and emergent situations. Originality/value Although unplanned contingencies and the responses to them represent important influences in organizations, there is limited amount of research on the dynamics of integration. The findings will be of value in supporting the management of inter-organizational integration in complex, uncertain and time-critical construction projects.

Factors affecting the delivery of optimum health and safety on construction projects during the covid-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benviolent Chigara ◽  
Tirivavi Moyo
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Monitoring And Enforcement

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of construction professionals relative to factors that affect the delivery of optimum health and safety (H&S) on construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative design which entailed the distribution of a web-based questionnaire among construction professionals, namely, architects, construction/project managers, engineers, H&S managers and quantity surveyors working for contractors and construction consultants in Zimbabwe. The data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis was used to reveal interrelated significant sets of factors affecting the delivery of optimum H&S. Findings Factor analysis revealed nine components/factors: change and innovation-related, monitoring and enforcement-related, production-related, access to information and health service-related, on-site facilities and welfare-related, risk assessment and mitigation-related, job security and funding-related, cost-related and COVID-19 risk perception-related factors as the significant factors affecting the delivery of optimum H&S during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe. Research limitations/implications The results highlighted the need for social dialogue among construction stakeholders to support initiatives that will enhance the delivery of H&S on construction projects. Construction stakeholders may find the results useful in highlighting the areas that need improvement to protect workers’ H&S during the pandemic. However, the small sample limits the generalisability of the results to construction sectors in other regions. Originality/value The study investigated factors affecting the delivery of optimum H&S during the COVID-19 to inform interventions to enhance H&S.

Network approach to public-private organizing of destinations

IMP Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörgen Elbe ◽  
Sabine Gebert Persson ◽  
Fredrik Sjöstrand ◽  
Karin Ågren
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Network Approach ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Private Interests ◽  
Private Context

Purpose This paper explores a type of organizing that can be found in tourist destinations that are administratively bound to a specific geographic area in the intersection of public and private context. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the organizing of activities within destinations and also to contribute theoretically and conceptually to how place dependency and public/private can be understood from an industrial marketing and purchasing (IMP) network perspective. Design/methodology/approach The research approach has its origin in an ongoing multi-disciplinary and longitudinal case study. Findings By applying a network approach to the organizing of destinations, where interaction of relationships, resources, actors and activities play an essential role, a number of propositions have been put forth so as to provide for a better understanding of place-specific organizing, in the intersection between public and private interests. Research limitations/implications The paper is conceptual and more empirical studies are needed to test the findings. One implication to consider in future empirical studies is the tensions between created and organic networks that exist in public and private place partnerships. Practical implications The paper provides insights into factors affecting destination management. Social implications With an emphasis on a socio-political context, the opportunities and limitations that exist between public and private sectors are discussed. Originality/value The paper sheds light on a neglected aspect of a contemporary phenomenon where the IMP network approach could contribute to the understanding of destination marketing or management organization that are bound to a specific place in the intersection between the public and private context. The area of public-private organizing is a topic that may also add new aspects to the IMP community.

The applications of Kaizen methods in project settings: applied study in Jordan

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 831-849
Author(s):  
Khalil Ahmad Al-Hyari ◽  
Mohammed Khair Abu Zaid ◽  
Omar Suleiman Arabeyyat ◽  
Laith Al-Qwasmeh ◽  
Mohamed Haffar
Keyword(s):  
Job Shop ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Applied Study ◽  
Quality Control Tool ◽  
Fishbone Diagram

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the results of implementing the Kaizen approach in a caravan repairing project near the Jordanian–Syrian border in the Zaatari camp. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on the exploratory qualitative research approach. The data were collected through interviews and on-site observation with employees who were involved with the caravan maintenance project and have adequate knowledge and information about this project. In this process, a fishbone diagram, a quality control tool, is used to recognize and explain a causal-effect relationship under the selected Kaizen theme. Findings The findings suggest that the Kaizen approach was economical in terms of both money and time. Also, waste elimination can be achieved through a variety of tools and easily combined with the Kaizen approach. Implementing the Kaizen approach is an effective and reliable system that allows for the tackling of all types of inefficiencies in the caravan repairing project. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study will help policy makers and managers put together suitable and effective policies that will assist those firms in overcoming the demands of customers and competitors to deliver high quality, inexpensive products in less time through the application of the Kaizen approach. This, in turn, will lead to improved quality, efficiency and productivity in the most cost-effective way. However, these results should not be generalized since they are only confined to the context of caravan repairing project. Originality/value Very little research has been done that takes into account the contexts of developing countries. Additionally, most literature presents the use of Kaizen applications only in the manufacturing or production sectors. This study is the first to implement Kaizen as a continuous improvement technique in a caravan repairing project – a job shop industry different from the repetitive batch work environment that is usually associated with implementation of Kaizen. The current research should be of great interest to researchers, managers and professionals who wish to apply Kaizen approach as it is sustainable over time in similar projects.

Understanding continuance usage intention of mHealth in a developing country

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Abdul Kaium ◽  
Yukun Bao ◽  
Mohammad Zahedul Alam ◽  
Md. Rakibul Hoque
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Continuance Usage ◽  
The Government ◽  
Continuance Usage Intention

Purpose This study aims to understand the factors affecting the continuance usage intention (CUI) of mHealth among the rural elderly. Design/methodology/approach An integrated model was proposed with the constructs derived from multiple models such as the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, information system success model and expectation confirmation model. Data were collected from 400 participants who had prior experiences with mHealth services in Bangladesh. The research model was tested using the partial least squares method based upon structural equation modelling. Findings The findings indicated that system quality, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions and social influence were significant to the degree of confirmation and ultimately affect satisfaction and CUI. Surprisingly, service quality and information quality were insignificant. Research limitations/implications This study has added in the field of knowledge by contributing some new thoughts and interpretations of continuance usage modelling for mHealth services. The findings may become beneficial for the government agencies, policymakers, mHealth systems developers and service providers. Originality/value As limited research was found on CUI of mHealth in the integrated view of rural elderly’s value, this research contributes to the extant literature by categorizing key factors that might support to proliferate the continuance usage of this service. Moreover, the contextualization of the related variables and integration of the existing model is theoretically original. Furthermore, because of a generic approach, the findings could be easily modified to assist other developing countries in the planning and up-take of mHealth.

PKC Laundries: a start-up business at the crossroads

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Ammani Pagadala ◽  
Rajiv Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Vendor Management ◽  
Management Issues

Subject area Strategy Study level/applicability Strategic Management course in an undergraduate programme. Case overview PKC Laundries started a technology-driven laundry service that would be just a click away for their customers and would provide a quick and satisfying cost-effective solution to the customers’ laundry needs. The business, conceived as a start-up, was based on the asset-light aggregation model which used existing vendors to provide the service. The business has been running for almost two years now but has encountered certain operational challenges of vendor management and in generating sufficient operating profits. At this juncture, the question that is bothering the owners is would it be right if PKC went in for backward integration by investing in an automatic laundry plant to manage the risk of dependency on their vendors or should they strengthen and scale-up the present business model? The owners seem to be in a muddle about their strengths and weaknesses and the foreseeable opportunities and threats and going forward what sort of challenges should they prepare themselves for? This case requires the reader to understand the scenario in which a small and medium enterprise (SME) operates within its micro and macro environment. It then makes the reader think and critically analyse the dilemma the young entrepreneurs are facing and identify the problems and possible strategies to overcome these problems. The case highlights the challenges faced by PKC as an aggregator business and the scope of what PKC can do in the future to strengthen its position. It also explores various marketing management issues such as segmenting, targeting and positioning. The case also helps in understanding strategic management issues such as analysis and formulation and implementation of the strategy. Expected learning outcomes The expected learning outcomes are as follows: To understand the micro and macro environmental factors affecting a firm; to understand the issues involved in formulating and implementing a strategy; to understand the challenges faced by a start-up (both operational and for scaling up); and to understand the strategies adopted by the company to develop their business. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

Exploring influential factors leading to the poor performance of public construction project in Ethiopia using structural equation modelling

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benti Gadisa ◽  
Hong Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Project Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Public Construction

PurposeIt is well recognized that the construction industry is characterised by inefficient and ineffective service delivery due to various causative factors. Thus this study aims to examine the influential factors affecting public construction project performance in Ethiopia to improve the industry's service delivery.Design/methodology/approachFrom the extensive literature reviewed, 58 potential factors affecting construction project performance have been compiled. Based on the evidence accumulated, the conceptual model of this paper has been developed. By using survey questionnaires, valuable data were collected from the construction industry professionals in Ethiopia; analysed and interpreted with the use of both SPSS and AMOS software.FindingsIt is concluded that failure factors related to the “performance” of the contractor, the “capability” of the owner, the “project design-procurement process,” and project contract management can significantly contribute to the poor performance of public construction projects in Ethiopia. Ten key factors include inadequate contractor capacity, weak project site management and supervision, weak project management skills and capabilities of the owner, additional work orders, delayed payment, lack of comprehensive project plans between parties and incomplete project design, rising material prices, ineffective project schedules, and cost management, rising market prices and devaluation of the currency.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this study confined to public projects in Ethiopia. It suggests that further research needs to consider public and private construction from a comprehensive perspective in the developing countries.Practical implicationsIt provides practitioners with information and guidance on the factors that affect the performance of construction projects.Originality/valueIt provides inclusive evidence related to many factors that affect the performance of public construction projects.

Assessment of factors affecting maintenance cost of public school facilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 528-546
Author(s):  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Mohammad Al-Zahrani ◽  
Abdullatif Abdallah ◽  
Ahmed M.Z. Sayed
Keyword(s):  
Public School ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
School Facilities ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Design Phase ◽  
Effective School ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Operations And Maintenance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the significance of various factors affecting maintenance costs of public school facilities. Design/methodology/approach Detailed literature review resulted in identifying 54 factors that were categorized under nine groups. This was followed by a questionnaire survey completed by 60 experienced professionals. The relative importance index was used to determine the in-group ranking, as well as the overall ranking of these factors. Findings The study established that the five most significant factors affecting the maintenance cost of public school facilities were “not providing operations and maintenance manuals to maintenance group” in the “construction phase” category, “ignoring maintainability studies in design” in the “design phase” category, “specification of low-quality materials” in the “design phase” category, “selection criteria of contractors” in the “regulations and contracting” category, and “lack of quality control during work execution” in the “construction phase” category. Originality/value The present research represents the first research covering the maintenance cost of public school facilities in Saudi Arabia. The study also presents the unique landscape of facility maintenance in the Saudi Arabian context. The outcome of this research has the potential to significantly cut down unnecessary costs rooted in expensive maintenance of public school facilities, enhancing the quality of these facilities. The findings also underscore the necessity of collaboration and coordination of the various key disciplines toward the realization of cost-effective school facilities.

Factors affecting tender price in the Ghanaian construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Kissi ◽  
Theophilus Adjei-Kumi ◽  
Edward Badu ◽  
Emmanuel Bannor Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose Tender price remains an imperative parameter for clients in deciding whether to invest in a construction project, and it serves as a basis for tender price index (TPI) manipulations. This paper aims to examine the factors affecting tender price in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Based on the literature review, nine independent constructs and one dependent construct relating to tender pricing were identified. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted among quantity surveyors in Ghana. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) examined the influences of various constructs on tender price development (TPD) and the relationships among TPD and TPI. Findings Results showed that cultural attributes, client attributes, contractor attributes; contract procedures and procurement methods; consultant and design team; external factors and market conditions; project attributes; sustainable and technological attributes; and TPI have a positive influence on tender price, whereas fraudulent attributes exert a negative influence. Practical implications The findings offer construction professionals broader understanding of factors that affect tender pricing. The results may be used in professional decision-making in the pricing of construction projects, as they offer clearer causal relations between how each construct will influence pricing. Originality/value This study adds to the body of construction pricing knowledge by establishing the relationships and degree of influences of various factors on tender price. These findings provide a valuable reference for practitioners.

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