Principal component analysis of professional competencies of architects in the Ghanaian construction industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 571-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Titus Ebenezer Kwofie ◽  
Samuel Amos-Abanyie ◽  
Samuel Owusu Afram
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Professional Competencies ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Efficient Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The identification and development of appropriate competencies remain very critical and central to performance measures in mainstream human resource management genre towards effective teams. It is posited as a viable means for validating and engendering best practices and developing suitable competencies towards acceptable performance outcome in construction project delivery. The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical professional competencies of an architect in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI) towards effective performance in the construction project delivery. Design/methodology/approach From a mixed method design involving semi-structured qualitative interview and a questionnaire survey of architects in Ghana, 16 professional architectural competencies were identified for respondents to indicate their importance to effective architectural practice and consulting in the GCI on a five-point Likert scale. Factor analysis was used to explore the interrelations among the variables and make possible empirical explanations. Findings Factor analysis revealed four underlying clusters named in order of their significance as efficient design response to client needs, legal aspects of practice, sustainable design and construction and efficient project management skills. The study provides insight into the contextual practice, characteristics and the critical professional architectural competencies needed by architects in the construction industry in Ghana. Originality/value The findings have rigorously revealed and provided clear understanding and insight into the thematic critical professional competencies of architects important to the construction industry in Ghana which should be the focus of architectural training and practice. It is also very important towards developing and stimulating a continuous professional development agenda, developing a body of knowledge of professional practice in architecture and conducting curriculum review to meet current emerging competency profiles necessary for influencing performance levels in the GCI.

scholarly journals Analysing the causes of corruption in the Malaysian construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1823-1847
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Kai Yee Lee ◽  
Martin Skitmore
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Culture ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
The Social ◽  
Unique Nature ◽  
Principal Factors ◽  
Competitive Nature

Purpose Corruption continues to be a pervasive stain on the construction industry in developing countries worldwide, jeopardising project performance and with wide-ranging negative implications for all facets of society. As such, this study aims to identify and analyse the causes of corruption in the construction sector of an emerging economy such as Malaysia, as it is crucial to uncover the specific facilitating factors involved to devise effective counter strategies. Design/methodology/approach Following a detailed literature review, 18 causes of corruption are identified. The results of an opinion survey within the Malaysian construction industry are further reported to rank and analyse the causes. The factor analysis technique is then applied to uncover the principal factors involved. Findings The results indicate that all the considered causes are perceived to be significant, with the most critical causes being avarice, relationships between parties, lack of ethical standards, an intense competitive nature and the involvement of a large amount of money. A factor analysis reveals four major causal dimensions of these causes, comprising the unique nature of the construction industry and the extensive competition involved; unscrupulous leadership, culture and corruption perception; a flawed legal system and lack of accountability; and ineffective enforcement and an inefficient official bureaucracy. Research limitations/implications The study presents the Malaysian construction industry’s view of the causes of corruption. Therefore, the arguments made in the study are influenced by the social, economic and cultural settings of Malaysia, which may limit generalisation of the findings. Practical implications This paper helps stakeholders understand the root causes and underlying dimensions of corruption in the construction industry, especially in Malaysia. Recommendations for changing cultures that may be conducive to corrupt practices, and anti-corruption measures, are suggested based on the findings of the research. Originality/value These findings can guide practitioners and researchers in addressing the impediments that give rise to the vulnerability of the construction industry to corrupt practices and understanding the “red flags” in project delivery.

scholarly journals Critical success factors for implementing integrated construction project delivery

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2432-2446
Author(s):  
Seoung-Wook Whang ◽  
Kenneth Sungho Park ◽  
Sangyong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Integrated Project Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Integrated Project ◽  
Potential Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) to implement integrated project delivery (IPD) systems in the Korean construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This study categorized potential CSFs and analyzed them using factor analysis and multiple regression analysis to choose the best ones based on responses from Korean construction experts. Findings In total, 29 potential factors were selected and categorized into 7 CSFs using factor analysis. Originality/value The outcomes of the study are useful as a reference for applying the IPD system in different developing countries and mid-sized construction industries.

Biases in construction project dispute resolution

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sai On Cheung ◽  
Keyao Li
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Dispute Resolution ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to propose a framework of bias in construction project dispute resolution (CPDR hereafter).Design/methodology/approachWith reference to the literatures on effects of bias, manifestations of bias in CPDR were developed. Based on data obtained from construction professionals about their frequency of having these bias manifestations, the underlying constructs of biased behaviors were explored by a principal component factor analysis. A confirmatory factor analysis was further conducted to validate the framework of bias in CPDR.FindingsFour types of bias were identified as the constructs that underlie biased behaviors in CPDR. These four biases were included in the bias framework proposed: preconception, self-affirmation, optimism and interest-oriented. The potency of these types of bias was also evaluated.Practical implicationsFirst, the findings inform that the existence of bias in CPDR is real. Early detection allows management to intervene and steer CPDR team back to rational courses. Second, this study suggests optimizing CPDR procedures to diminish the chance of bias occurring.Originality/valueBias is almost an uncharted area in CPDR. The study fills this research gap by conceptualizing the underlying constructs of biased behaviors. The findings inform construction professionals of the likelihood of practicing biased behaviors in CPDR. Repeated dispute decisions in the commonly used multi-tiered dispute resolution process would enable the creeping in of biases.

scholarly journals Modeling for incentive payoffs in the Nigerian construction industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 543-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amaka Chinweude Ogwueleka ◽  
Marthinus Johannes Maritz
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Incentive Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Staff ◽  
Frequency Counts

Purpose Incentives are mechanisms used to create genuine opportunity for contracting parties to work together to achieve good results, rational returns and bear appropriate risks. The question of how to motivate the construction workforce rightly so as to achieve best performance has remained paramount to project owners. This paper aims to investigate on how to model for incentive payoffs in the Nigerian construction industry to effectively use the benefits of incentive mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach The collected data are analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as frequency counts, charts and principal component analysis. Findings The findings reveal the metrics for measuring organisational incentive payoff and the scaling factor for each metric. The study further develops the employee incentive payoff models for both operational workers and management staff in the construction sector. Originality/value This study provides a practical solution to the application of incentive mechanisms in construction projects. The paper recommends the need for restructuring of incentive mechanisms to significantly impact on other performance criteria, therefore contributing to best performance in project delivery.

The impact of rework and organisational culture on project delivery

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luqman Oyekunle Oyewobi ◽  
Ojo Abiola-Falemu ◽  
Olajide Timothy Ibironke
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
The Impact

Purpose It is generally accepted that organisational culture is capable of influencing how project organisation performs. It can also impact on how people set individual goals and objectives, perform their roles, tasks and deploy resources to achieve set objectives. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organisational culture on the occurrence of rework in Nigerian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach The research adopted mixed method research using both quantitative and qualitative approaches to elicit information. Though, the result of the questionnaire survey was presented in this paper. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify which variables measured attributes of the same underlying proportions, while descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to establish the influence of organisational culture on rework. Findings The study identifies 14 factors as causes of rework from the result of factor analysis. The outcome also indicates that leadership style, success criteria and management style are important organisational culture dimensions. Poor management practices and lack of teamwork are found to be largely responsible for poor project delivery due to rework occurrence. Practical/implications The research will be of significant benefit to both the academic and industry practitioners. The result of the research will provide academics with useful insights into the influence of organisational culture on project delivery by undertaking future research to inform better understanding. The research will also provide practitioners with good understanding of how culture within their organisations can influence the performance of their subordinates or employees. Further research is encouraged to investigate the influence of management and leadership style on project delivery in the context of Nigeria. Originality/value This study is the first attempt to investigate the influence of organisational culture on occurrence of rework empirically in the Nigerian construction industry. There is paucity of research focusing on this area as it affects project delivery.

scholarly journals Integrated Project Delivery Implementation Challenges in the Construction Industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 1672-1683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Kahvandi ◽  
Ehsan Saghatforoush ◽  
Ahad ZareRavasan ◽  
Christopher Preece
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Integrated Project Delivery ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
The World ◽  
Integrated Project

Huge financial resources are spent in the construction industry all over the world, which are frequently wasted largely due to a lack of proper planning. In recent decades, in an attempt to overcome challenges, various contractual and administrative systems have been used by construction owners/clients. One such system has been Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Its implementation has, however, experienced drawbacks. Identifying such drawbacks is an initial step in attempting to resolve them, and this paper aims to identify and prioritize the IPD implementation drawbacks in the context of the Iranian construction industry. A comprehensive list of IPD implementation drawbacks is prepared using a questionnaire survey. An in-depth literature review of the IPD concept has been combined with a review of various case studies applying the IPD system. The results were analyzed using the Robust Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method. 22 drawbacks in the Construction Industry were categorized under four themes; contractual, environmental, managerial, and technical. Results show that contractual drawbacks are the most significant. The implication of this research is that identifying and classifying IPD implementation drawbacks provides a useful reference to managers and owners of the construction industry, for identifying and codifying solutions to overcome them.

Barriers to bond financing for public-private partnership infrastructure projects in emerging markets

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Olusola Babatunde ◽  
Srinath Perera
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Public Private Partnership ◽  
Bond Markets ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Private Partnership ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify and critically assess the barriers to bond financing for public–private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects in Nigeria using an empirical quantitative analysis. Innovative ways to finance long-term infrastructure projects had been documented. However, there is a dearth of empirical studies on the barriers to bond financing for PPP infrastructure projects. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the barriers to bond financing for infrastructure projects, which were employed to design a questionnaire. A questionnaire survey was carried out which targeted financial experts in the Nigerian financial institutions/local banks. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to include mean score, chi-square (χ2) test and factor analysis (principal component analysis). Findings The analysis of the ranking in terms of the mean score values for the 12 identified barriers indicated that all the identified barriers are considered by respondents as critical barriers to bond financing for PPP infrastructure projects in Nigeria. The study, through factor analysis, grouped the 12 identified barriers into 5 principal factors. These include governance and institutional capacity issues, higher issuance cost and risk, difficulties in getting approval for changes, the small size of bond markets and stringent disclosure requirements. Practical implications This research is significant by providing the empirical evidence of the barriers to bond financing for PPP infrastructure in emerging markets, especially in Nigeria. Originality/value The findings would enable the policymakers to draw some policy recommendations that will positively influence the development of bond markets in Nigeria and emerging markets at large. These study findings are crucial, as not many empirical studies have been conducted in Nigeria.

Who are sustainably minded apparel shoppers? An investigation to the influencing factors of sustainable apparel consumption

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyo Jung Chang ◽  
Kittichai (Tu) Watchravesringkan
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
College Student Sample ◽  
Buying Behaviour

Purpose Consumers’ environmental behaviours are not only the result of their positive attitudes towards environments, but also different reasons and motivations exist. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to find out important factors affecting sustainable apparel buying behaviour. Applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study further examines how knowledge about sustainable apparel, perceived money availability, and perceived accessibility to the store influence sustainable apparel consumption. Design/methodology/approach Using a purposive college student sample, 235 usable responses were collected to answer the questions. An exploratory factor analysis with principal component analysis was first performed followed by confirmatory factor analysis, and a structural equation modelling analysis. Findings Results revealed that the TPB was successfully applied in the context of sustainable apparel buying behaviour. Furthermore, it was found that consumers’ perceived money availability and perceived store accessibility are important factors that affect control beliefs and sustainable consumption. Research limitations/implications This study found the needs of educating college students for contexts of environmental apparel and textiles issues. Originality/value Even though previous literature often found the gap between the behavioural intentions and the actual behaviour, this study found the respondents of this study walk their talk. This study successfully applied the TPB to explain consumers’ sustainable apparel buying behaviour.

scholarly journals Integrated model for the stressors, stress, stress-coping behaviour of construction project managers in the UK

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 761-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamil George Naoum ◽  
Carlos Herrero ◽  
Charles Egbu ◽  
Daniel Fong
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Structural Equation Modelling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Stress Coping ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Purpose It is axiomatic that construction is a fast-paced and competitive industry, which goes hand in hand with many construction professionals suffering from stress including construction project managers (C-PMs). The role of C-PMs is crucial to achieving project success as they are responsible for planning the project, organising human resources, controlling operations and the budget, and forecasting probable difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causal relationships between stressors, stresses, stress-coping behaviours and their impact on the performance of C-PMs. Design/methodology/approach To investigate the relationships between stress and performance among C-PMs, a questionnaire was designed based on the extensive literature, and was sent to 150 C-PMs who had amassed at least five years’ direct working experience in the construction industry. A total of 44 completed questionnaires were returned. Correlation analysis and structural equation modelling were employed to understand the integrated relationships between these factors. Based on the data collected and analysis of the results, an integrated structural equation model of the stresses and performances of C-PMs was developed using AMOS version 22.0. Findings The results of structural equation modelling reveal the following: burnout is the type of stress that has the highest impact on the performance of C-PMs, being detrimental to their interpersonal performance (IPP) and positive for their organisational performance (OP), whereas physiological stress worsens the task performance of C-PMs and objective stress improves their IPP. The most active stressor towards the performance of C-PMs is “workgroup cooperation”, which has an impact on the IPP in a positive way but is detrimental to the OP. Career-developing environment, poor organisational structure and role conflict affect both stress and performance together. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the impact of various types of stress on the performances of C-PMs. The result constitutes a significant step towards the stress management of C-PMs in the dynamic and stressful construction industry.

Improving Construction Supply Chains through Collaborative Modelling, a case of South Africa

2016 ◽  
pp. 61-75
Author(s):  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Neo Malose Masemeni ◽  
Wellington Thwala
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Private Partnership ◽  
Collaborative Models ◽  
Collaborative Modelling

This chapter report on some of the challenges faced and successes achieved during the construction of the recently completed Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) headquarters in South Africa. Qualitative interviews where conducts with five (5) professionals which were part of the construction supply chain team that completed the DEA project in South Africa. Findings summary were that the South African construction industry exists in a very dynamic and volatile environment with common challenges as evident in other countries. This challenge, necessitates the use of collaborative means of managing the various phases of the supply chain. It was also found that the use of collaborative models such as Public Private Partnership (PPP) can prove rewarding when stakeholders involved in a project have an understanding of the model and its dynamics. This chapter contributes to the use of PPP collaborative models in construction project delivery in South Africa.

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