scholarly journals Optimising maintenance cost by prioritising maintenance of facilities services in residential buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1593-1607
Author(s):  
Cheong Peng Au-Yong ◽  
Shirley Jin Lin Chua ◽  
Azlan Shah Ali ◽  
Matthew Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Variance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the maintenance prioritising for facilities services in high-rise residential buildings in Peninsular Malaysia. Maintenance prioritisation is becoming more prominent in the building maintenance industry due to budget constraints, poor maintenance management and to yield better maintenance performance. Design/methodology/approach Two main categories with eleven facilities services that require maintenance were identified through extensive literature review. A total of 321 returned questionnaires were analysed to distinguish the relationship between the maintenance priority and cost variance. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to validate the findings. Findings The findings revealed that five essential facilities services were significantly correlated to cost variance and a regression model which examines the probability of over-budget was developed. Meanwhile, the interviews recognised that maintenance prioritisation has impact towards maintenance cost. Research limitations/implications This research focusses on the maintenance priorities of facilities services and their effects to maintenance cost. However, it is undeniable that the maintenance cost can be affected by other factors, contributing to a lower percentage of the total variance in the regression model. Thus, it creates research opportunity to study the factors (i.e. manpower, materials, wear and tear, etc.) affecting the variance of maintenance cost. Practical implications This study is useful to property managers in efforts to enhance the cost performance via appropriate maintenance prioritisation. The essential facilities services should be highly prioritised compared to the value-added facilities services. Originality/value The paper signifies the importance of maintenance prioritisation. It serves as a guide to plan and execute maintenance planning in a more logical way within budget and time constraints.

Maintenance of lift systems affecting resident satisfaction in low-cost high-rise residential buildings

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheong Peng Au-Yong ◽  
Nur Farhana Azmi ◽  
Nur Aaina Mahassan
Keyword(s):  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Housing Quality ◽  
Resident Satisfaction ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Breakdown Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Poor Households

Purpose Providing quality low-cost high-rise residential housing for poor households remains a major concern worldwide and especially in Malaysia. Despite government effort to maintain the quality of the housing through the Housing Maintenance Program and 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund Program (TP1M), the maintenance industry is still faced with serious housing quality problems in terms of facilities, one of which is the lift system. As the most expensive and important transportation system in a high-rise building, a lift system requires regular maintenance and inspection to provide safe and effective service to occupants. Unfortunately, most lift systems in Malaysia are not effectively maintained. The purpose of this paper is to examine contributing factors to the breakdown of lift systems, which greatly affect resident satisfaction in low-cost high-rise residential buildings. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three stakeholders involved in maintenance management to identify the common causes of lift breakdown. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was used to investigate resident satisfaction with the system. Findings The results demonstrate vandalism as the most common cause for the frequent breakdown of lift system in low-cost housing. The study also reveals that there is a significant relationship between system breakdown rate and residents’ satisfaction. Originality/value The paper concludes with the recommendation that stakeholders, including both maintenance personnel and residents, should commit themselves to ensuring that the use and care of lift system are correct

Offsite construction in the Australian low-rise residential buildings application levels and procurement options

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tong Lin ◽  
Sainan Lyu ◽  
Rebecca Jing Yang ◽  
Linda Tivendale
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Rise ◽  
The World ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Selection Of

PurposePrefabricated housing has become a boom industry across the world; however, the uptake of offsite construction (OSC) approaches in Australian low-rise buildings is rather low compared with high-rise buildings in other countries. This study aims to investigate and analyse the adoption of different levels of OSC approaches and the selection of different procurement options in Australian low-rise residential buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe research objectives were pursued through a mixed research method. An empirical questionnaire survey was carried out with 35 professionals in the Australian building and construction industry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 interviewees and analysed using thematic analysis method in NVivo software.FindingsThe research results found that the most suitable OSC level for Australian low-rise buildings is components-based prefabrication and identified the barriers to OSC uptake for each OSC level. The study also showed that the best option of procuring prefabricated products is from Australian manufacturers, followed by Australian suppliers/dealers and overseas manufacturers. Panelised prefabrication and components-based prefabrication are ranked as the most suitable OSC approaches for Australian manufacturers. Modular prefabrication is regarded as the most suitable for overseas manufacturer, while components-based prefabrication is the most suitable for Australian suppliers/dealers.Originality/valueThe selection of various OSC approaches and different procurement options in the low-rise residential buildings are scarcely explored topic, and thus, this study provides knowledge of interest for both researchers and practitioners.

Use of 4.0 (I4.0) technology in HRM: a pathway toward SHRM 4.0 and HR performance

foresight ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajasshrie Pillai ◽  
Shilpi Yadav ◽  
Brijesh Sivathanu ◽  
Neeraj Kaushik ◽  
Pooja Goel
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the use of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology and its barriers in human resourcemanagement (HRM) for Smart HR 4.0 and its impact on HR performance. Design/methodology/approach The research has been conducted using the grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 122 senior HR officers of national and multi-national companies in India after the extensive literature review. NVivo 8.0 software was used for the analysis of the interview data. Findings I4.0 technology is used for HRM functions by HR professionals. It is revealed that Smart HR 4.0 that emerged from the I4.0 technology has leveraged the HR performance. It is also found that usage barriers, traditional barriers and risk barriers affect the use of I4.0 technology in HRM. Originality/value A model is developed using the grounded theory approach for HR managers to understand the impact of I4.0 on HRM. This study reveals the barriers affecting the use of I4.0 technology in HRM. It also provides the model for HR performance that emerged through the use of I4.0 technology in HR and Smart HR 4.0. The research delivered key insights for the HR professionals, marketers of HR technology and technology developers.

Post-tensioned concreting: its suitability for and acceptability in Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 719-735
Author(s):  
Hewa Siliyange Athushla Madhubhashana ◽  
B.A.K.S. Perera ◽  
Colombapatabendige Savindi Ranthika Perera
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Swelling Soils ◽  
Post Tensioned

Purpose Many countries have started to use post-tensioned (PT) concrete because of its sustainability and low cost. However, it is not quite popular in Sri Lanka as the required knowhow and technology are not available within the country. By introducing PT concrete to the country, unwanted costs and time overruns could be eliminated from the construction projects. This paper, therefore, aims to identify the suitability and acceptability of PT concreting for/in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature review was first carried out to gather knowledge on PT concreting. The four case studies that followed it included eight semi-structured interviews and a document review. Ten expert interviews were conducted finally to strengthen the findings of the literature review and case studies. Cross-case analysis and NVivo 11 content analysis software were used to analyze the data gathered. Findings Findings reveal that PT concreting saves cost and time of construction and that it can have a control over the resources required for construction, which makes it environment-friendly. PT concreting allows thinner concrete sections, extended spans, stiffer walls that resist lateral loads and stiffer foundations that resist the effects of shrinking and swelling soils. Originality/value It is found that PT concreting is more suitable for the construction industry in Sri Lanka than traditional concreting.

An integrated space-based building maintenance management model using multi-objective optimization

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huthaifa AL-Smadi ◽  
Abobakr Al-Sakkaf ◽  
Tarek Zayed ◽  
Fuzhan Nasiri
Keyword(s):  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fund Allocation ◽  
Building Maintenance ◽  
Window System ◽  
Optimal Maintenance ◽  
Building Condition ◽  
Maintenance Model

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to minimize cost and minimize building condition. Weibull distribution approach was employed to generate deterioration curves over time. The third floor of Concordia University’s Engineering And Visual Arts (EV) Complex in Montreal, Canada, served as a case study to test the maintenance model and determine the optimal maintenance activities to be performed.Design/methodology/approachThis research has demonstrated that there is insufficient fund allocation for the maintenance of non-residential buildings. Therefore, this research focused on designing and developing a maintenance optimization model that provides the type of spaces (architectural system) in a building. Sensitivity analysis was used to calculate weights to validate the model. Particle swarm optimization, based explicitly on multiple objectives, was applied for the optimization problem using MATLAB.FindingsFollowing 100 iterations, 13 non-dominant solutions were generated. Not only was the overall maintenance cost minimized, but the condition of the building was also maximized. Moreover, the condition prediction model demonstrated that the window system type has the most rapid deterioration in educational buildings.Originality/valueThe model is flexible and can be modified by facility managers to align with the required codes or standards.

Measuring market orientation, innovative marketing strategies and performance: evidence from the Malaysian agro-food manufacturers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman ◽  
Nurul Hasyima Khairuddin ◽  
Haslinda Hashim ◽  
Siti Rahayu Hussin
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Customer Orientation ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationship between market orientation and innovative marketing strategies and the effect of innovative marketing strategies on the performance of agro-food manufacturers.Design/methodology/approachSystematic random sampling was used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 380 agro-food manufacturers. Several statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis, were used to analyze the relationship between market orientation and innovative marketing strategies, and the effect of innovative marketing strategies on the performance of agro-food manufacturers.FindingsAll dimensions of market orientation – customer orientation, competitor orientation and inter-functional coordination – have significant relationships with innovative marketing strategies (product, price, promotion and distribution), while customer orientation and promotion showed a very strong relationship among other variables measured. Innovative marketing strategies, specifically promotion, had the most effect on the performance of agro-food manufacturers.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample for this study was selected among agro-food manufacturers in major locations in Peninsular Malaysia. Hence, the findings may only give an initial overview of the current state of the agro-food manufacturers.Originality/valueThis study highlighted the significance of market orientation and innovative marketing strategies for the betterment of performance in the agro-food manufacturing sector.

scholarly journals Integrating value management into sustainable construction projects in Hong Kong

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1475-1500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Tit Wan Yu ◽  
Arshad Ali Javed ◽  
Tsun Ip Lam ◽  
Geoffrey Qiping Shen ◽  
Ming Sun
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction And Demolition Waste ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Value Management ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
Demolition Waste ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Integrating sustainability into the value management (VM) process can provide a strategic platform for promoting and incorporating sustainable design and development during the lifespans of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) for integrating sustainability into the VM process in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach Following an extensive literature review, 45 attributes were identified and grouped into strength, weakness, opportunity and threat elements. A questionnaire survey based on these groupings was supported by semi-structured interviews with public sector clients, value managers and VM facilitators. They shared their experience and views on how to integrate sustainability into the VM exercises. Findings The triangulated results of the survey and interviews are presented in this paper. The ranking of the SWOT analysis results indicate that VM does provide opportunities for multidisciplinary professionals and stakeholders to focus on issues relating to society and the environment, which is considered a main strength. The major weakness of integration is the lack of well-trained staff and low levels of VM participant expertise in relation to the sustainable construction issue. Research limitations/implications Current practices generally neglect integration of sustainability into the VM process due to cost and time constraints. There are ample strengths and opportunities recommended by this study for integrating sustainability into the VM process which are beneficial for the clients and contractors for achieving value for money and meeting sustainability targets. Practical implications There are immense opportunities for integrating sustainability into the VM process, including encouragement of the reduction, reuse and recycling of construction and demolition waste. However, threats presented by integration include the additional time and costs required for achieving sustainability targets. Originality/value Findings and recommendations provided in this paper should be helpful to decision makers including clients and VM facilitators for the successful integration of the sustainability concept into the VM process.

Barriers in contractual scope management of international development projects in Afghanistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1574-1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmadullah Hilali ◽  
Chotchai Charoenngam ◽  
Ankita Barman
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Army Corps ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Codes Of Practice ◽  
Scope Management

Purpose For construction and management, the existing codes of practice of international organizations such as US Army Corps of Engineers, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the United Nations Office for Project Services, etc., often prove ineffective when applied in post-war countries like Afghanistan. Domestic contractors faced maximum challenges in contractual scope management, which was implemented by such organizations based on their existing codes of practice. The purpose of this paper is to understand these barriers in scope management as faced by the domestic contractors of Afghanistan. Design/methodology/approach The research employs a mixed methodology to cater to its objectives. Face-to-face structured interviews of 14 industry experts and extensive literature review were conducted to identify unique barriers pertaining to Afghanistan construction industry. Further, quantitative assessment of these barriers through the statistical tools of “mean score ranking,” “Kendall’s test” and “independent sample t-test” was carried out to understand the severity of the barriers. Findings In total, 39 unique barriers were identified under the groups of “scope formulation,” “scope completeness,” “scope pricing,” “scope implementation” and “scope change control.” The consequential impacts of these barriers and their existence at different stages of the project were illustrated. The most severe barriers were identified as the “inadequacy of site investigation reports” and the “unavailability of resources in local markets.” Originality/value The understanding of the challenges faced by local stakeholders, as highlighted by this study, can be utilized by these international organizations in their strategy and planning to ensure successful projects while also propagating the adoption of sustainable construction practices.

scholarly journals Lean approach in precast concrete component production

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suryani Ahmad ◽  
Robby Soetanto ◽  
Chris Goodier
Keyword(s):  
Production Process ◽  
Precast Concrete ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Just In Time ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Work Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Elements ◽  
Component Production

Purpose This study applied the lean approach to the reinforcement work process in the component production of industrialised building system precast concrete construction (IBSPCC). The purpose of this paper is to identify and eliminate non-value added (NVA) activities to enhance the efficiency of the production process. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via a case study of six-storey precast concrete building. A mapping of the reinforcement work process was conducted based on observations using time study technique and time-lapsed video, complemented by semi-structured interviews. Findings Through this application, several NVA activities, such as unnecessary inventory, excessive movement and coordination issues, were identified. Production performance could be enhanced by implementing Just-in-Time, Kanban, and layout improvements, which would address NVA activities. Research limitations/implications Due to the complexity of the construction process, only specific process elements were observed. To map the complete process, comprehensive observation must be conducted from beginning to end, which, though worthwhile, would be very time and resource intensive. Originality/value This paper focusses on strategies for improving the efficiency of the IBSPCC production process in Malaysian construction by developing a conceptual framework of the lean approach for the reinforcement work process. Certain aspects in the process such as layout and inventory need to be redesigned and simplified by minimising NVA activities.

Prioritization of drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics in an emerging economy using fuzzy AHP

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (9) ◽  
pp. 2166-2181
Author(s):  
Meenakshi Jakhar ◽  
Manoj Kumar Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Fuzzy Ahp ◽  
Emerging Economy ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fresh Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize the drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics improvements in an emerging economy like India. The field of agri-logistics lies at the critical intersection of the agricultural and logistics sectors and is capable of ameliorating the state of food distribution in the country. The inefficiencies inherent in the food distribution system in India lead to massive post-harvest wastage that is estimated at around 13bn dollars per annum. This paper examines the improvement drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics that can significantly contribute toward the enhancement of the agricultural supply chain. Design/methodology/approach The synthesis and prioritization of drivers, enablers and resistors was based on an extensive literature review and consultation with experts. With the help of semi-structured interviews and a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process approach, the research develops a drivers-enablers-resitors framework. Findings The outcome is a hierarchy-based framework that prioritizes the drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics. The research reveals the critical areas where decision makers should channelize their resources and efforts to gain maximum benefits. Originality/value The segmentation of the factors impacting agri-logistics into drivers, enablers and resistors provides a fresh perspective on the issue and helps improve understanding of the problem. Prioritization of the factors represents a unique contribution to the field of agri-logistics.

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