Quantity surveyor's ethical responsiveness on construction projects: issues and solutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Ebekozien ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Angeline Ngozika Chibuike Nwaole ◽  
Emmanuel Okhatie Dako ◽  
Andrew Igiebor Awo-Osagie
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Professional Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Contract Administration ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Public Construction ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeStudies showed that construction consultants' ethical negligence is a contributing factor to the time and cost over-run of projects. There is limited research on the issues that may have hindered construction consultants' ethical responsiveness during contract administration. Studies regarding influencing factors in the context of Nigeria's quantity surveyors' (QS) ethical responsiveness are rare. Thus, the study aims to investigate the perceived issues and proffers initiatives to promote QSs' ethical responsiveness on construction projects in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachTo determine the perceptions of QS regarding ethical responsiveness, a phenomenologically driven perspective via face-to-face interviews was conducted with 12 senior professionals in Lagos and Abuja that showed interest in participating in the study and were interviewed. A thematic approach was adopted to analyse the collated data.FindingsEconomic, societal and professional issues emerged as the three groups of issues that hindered QS's ethical responsiveness on construction projects in a developing country setting such as Nigeria. Findings show that for ethical responsiveness to be expressed on projects, key stakeholders should be ethically responsible. This is currently missing, especially in public construction projects. Initiatives that can promote key stakeholders' ethical responsiveness on construction projects are examined in this paper.Practical implicationsThe paper embraces an important practical implication because practices associated with QS's unethical responsiveness and behavioural impacts on construction projects were identified. This will stir both the regulatory professional bodies and policymakers to enforce and implement feasible initiatives that can promote key stakeholders' collaborative ethical responsiveness on construction projects.Originality/valueThis paper is amongst the few papers that attempted to uncover issues that hinder QS's ethical responsiveness on construction projects in a developing country setting via a qualitative approach. Since these issues are rampant in developing countries, findings from this paper can be used to promote QS's ethical responsiveness in other nations with similar unethical issues.

Dave Snowden on KM and big data/analytics: interview with David J. Pauleen

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Pauleen
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Scientific Officer

Purpose Dave Snowden has been an important voice in knowledge management over the years. As the founder and chief scientific officer of Cognitive Edge, a company focused on the development of the theory and practice of social complexity, he offers informative views on the relationship between big data/analytics and KM. Design/methodology/approach A face-to-face interview was held with Dave Snowden in May 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. Findings According to Snowden, analytics in the form of algorithms are imperfect and can only to a small extent capture the reasoning and analytical capabilities of people. For this reason, while big data/analytics can be useful, they are limited and must be used in conjunction with human knowledge and reasoning. Practical implications Snowden offers his views on big data/analytics and how they can be used effectively in real world situations in combination with human reasoning and input, for example in fields from resource management to individual health care. Originality/value Snowden is an innovative thinker. He combines knowledge and experience from many fields and offers original views and understanding of big data/analytics, knowledge and management.

scholarly journals “Happy slaves”? The adaptation problem and identity politics in the writings of Amartya Sen

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (12) ◽  
pp. 1178-1193
Author(s):  
Tony Burns
Keyword(s):  
Identity Politics ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Mary Wollstonecraft ◽  
Amartya Sen ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Amartya Sen’s notion of adaptation and his views on identity politics by focussing on the issue of slavery and, more specifically, on the example of the happy or contented slave. Design/methodology/approach The paper is text based. The methodological approach adopted is that of conceptual analysis, as is typical for work of this kind. Findings The paper concludes that the example of the happy or contented slave is indeed a fruitful one for those interested in exploring the relationship between Sen’s views on “the adaptation problem” and his views on identity politics, especially in relation to the subjection of women. Here Sen’s debt to the ideas of Mary Wollstonecraft and John Stuart Mill is particularly important. Research limitations/implications One implication of the argument of the paper is that there is a need to consider more carefully the differences that exist between the views of Wollstonecraft and Mill, so far as the example of the happy or contented slave is concerned. Practical implications One practical implication of the paper is that, hopefully, it establishes the continued relevance of the ideas of thinkers such as Wollstonecraft and Mill today, not least because of the influence that they have had on theoreticians such as Amartya Sen. Social implications The paper addresses issues which are of considerable social and political significance, especially for women in underdeveloped societies today. Originality/value The example of the happy or contented slave has not received much discussion in the literature on Sen, although Sen himself has suggested that the distinction between happiness and contentment is an important one, which does merit further discussion.

Moving beyond traditional sponsorships: understanding the structure and dynamics of minority equity sponsorship agreements

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Furkan Amil Gur ◽  
Adrien Bouchet ◽  
Brian R. Walkup ◽  
Jonathan A. Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
European Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the structure and dynamics of minority equity sponsorship agreements and the motivations for organizations to go beyond traditional sponsorships by acquiring minority equity in the sponsored organization. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a qualitative methodology and presents interview data from key actors involved in minority equity sponsorship agreements. Findings The findings of the paper include major characteristics of minority equity sponsorship agreements including the motivations, dynamics and resources exchanged by sponsoring firms and clubs in these relationships, based on the experiences of key actors from firms, clubs and other key stakeholders, and a conceptual model for forming and maintaining these relationships. Practical implications Sponsorships are increasingly evolving into minority equity sponsorship agreements, particularly in the European market. The findings of this study assist sponsoring firms and the executives of clubs in better understanding the dynamics and stakeholder-related consequences of these relations. Originality/value The findings of this paper illustrate the differences between minority equity sponsorship agreements and both traditional sponsorships and minority equity alliances. The findings also identify major characteristics of these relationships and the interdependencies among these characteristics.

Collaboration in the context of micro businesses

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Duarte Alonso ◽  
Alessandro Bressan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
External Pressures ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Collaboration among businesses, particularly in the current global economic downturn, can be a key strategy contributing to their survival. This study examines the case of micro firms involved in Terracotta art in Impruneta, Italy, and the extent to which collaboration occurs among the local artisans. In doing so, the study aims to consider collaboration theory in the context of micro firms. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured, face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted among the owners and managers of ten of Impruneta's 16 Terracotta firms. Findings – Whilst much of the academic literature highlights the multiple benefits of collaborative relationships, most participants acknowledge very limited engagement in collaboration. From the comments gathered, two distinct groups emerged, one composed of members of the local Terracotta association, who to some extent collaborate with one another, and the second, the non-members, who pursue their interests individually, or marginally collaborate outside Impruneta. Further, a number of barriers preventing collaboration were identified. Practical implications – The apparent weak collaborative relationships among respondents may have ramifications for the further development of their sector, for instance, restricting innovation and marketing know-how, both of which could help address such external pressures as competition. The involvement of third parties, such as the local town hall or chambers of commerce, was suggested by several participants to help increase collaboration. Originality/value – The study focuses on micro firms, a group that, despite its relevance for many countries' economies, has received limited attention from academic research, including with regard to collaboration and collaboration theory.

Bonding capability of Nigerian contracting firms

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 707-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Legal Capacity ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Past Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Strength ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The ability of construction contractors to engage in construction bond agreement with guarantors depends on capital, experience, capacity and continuity. Using these criteria, the purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the bonding capacity of Nigerian contractors. Design/methodology/approach Factors required for bonding were examined based on a set of questions addressed to managers of contracting firms and personnel involved in issuing bonds and guarantees in commercial banks and insurance companies. The scorecard approach was employed to determine the bonding capability of the contractors. Findings Contractors’ financial strength and past performance on previous projects are the two important factors considered by guarantors in granting bond to contractors. However, the condition surrounding the bond, the legal capacity of the guarantor to issue bond and the identity of the guarantor are mostly considered by contractors in approaching a potential guarantor. Using the scorecard approach, about one-third of contractors have the necessary requirements to engage in construction bond agreement with guarantors. This ability of contractors is affected by years of experience of the firm but not by their location nor years of experience of their manager. Practical implications It is necessary for contracting firms to increase their capital base through merging, borrowing, etc., and also engage experienced professionals and workers in the execution of construction projects, as this will eventually improve their bonding ability. Social implications The study is limited to construction contractors registered with Ondo and Lagos State Governments and guarantors that are banks and insurance companies in Nigeria. Originality/value The paper specified various areas of concerns for Nigerian contracting firms in their bid to enhance their bonding ability. This will help them in overcoming various challenges and bottlenecks that may arise in securing bonds and guarantees from guarantors.

Collaboration strategy selection in BIM-enabled construction projects: a perspective through typical collaboration profiles

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangchong Chen ◽  
Jiayu Chen ◽  
Yuchun Tang ◽  
Yan Ning ◽  
Qiming Li
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Strategy Selection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comprehensive Literature Review ◽  
Collaborative Behavior ◽  
Selection Framework ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeCollaboration is essential to BIM-enabled construction projects (BECPs). To facilitate collaboration, various strategies have been proposed. Usually, project team adopts single collaboration strategy for convenience. However, BIM-based collaboration is rather dynamic and exposed to a lot of barriers and risks, which easily changes collaboration conditions among partners. Therefore, better understanding of collaboration conditions in BECPs is crucial to develop flexible and suitable strategies. To fill in the gap, this study intends to identify typical collaboration profiles in BECPs and develop a profile-oriented strategy selection framework.Design/methodology/approachThis study establishes a six-dimensional collaborative behavior matric based on a comprehensive literature review to profile collaboration. Then a questionnaire survey is conducted to collect the collaboration data from 162 BECPs in China. Finally, latent profile analysis (LPA) is utilized to identify the typical collaboration profiles in BECPs.FindingsThrough LPA, four profiles are identified, including restricted collaboration profile, smarmy collaboration profile, intuitive collaboration profile, and modest collaboration profile. A profile-oriented strategy selection framework is also established to match strategies with collaboration profiles. Two major categories of strategies are proposed to promote these collaboration profiles including trust building and elevating strategies and collaborative behaviors facilitating strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThese identified profiles can provide an insightful understanding on the diversified collaboration conditions in BECPs.Practical implicationsThe profile-oriented strategy selection framework will help managers develop strategies flexibly to promote collaboration in BECPs.Originality/valueThis study validates four typical collaboration profiles in BECPs. Moreover, a profile-oriented strategy selection framework is also established for collaboration facilitation in BECPs.

Impact of corruption on Chinese investment in African countries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilin Yuan ◽  
Haiyang Chen ◽  
Wei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Control Variables ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Evidence

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of host country corruption on foreign direct investment (FDI) from China to developing countries in Africa. With the opposing arguments that corruption is detrimental to or instrumental in FDI and mixed empirical evidence, this paper contributes to the literature by providing new evidence on the issue. Additionally, little research has been done on the impact of corruption on FDI made by developing country multinationals to developing countries. This paper fills a void in this area. Design/methodology/approach Based on the published literature, as well as China and Africa contexts, the authors develop hypotheses that host countries with low corruption receive more FDI and resource-seeking investments weaken the relationship. The annual stock of Chinese FDI in 35 African countries, host country corruption data and other control variables from 2007 to 2015 are collected. Feasible generalized least squares models are used to test the hypotheses. Additional robustness tests are also conducted. Findings The findings support the hypotheses. Specifically, Chinese investors make more investments in host countries with low corruption except for resource-seeking investments in resource-rich host counties. The results are statistically significant accounting for various control variables. The results of the robustness tests show that the main findings are robust. Originality/value First, this study provides new evidence on the impact of corruption on FDI. Second, this study also fills a void by examining FDI from a developing country, China to other developing countries in Africa. Finally, this study also has a practical implication for Chinese multinationals investing in Africa.

Quantifying costs of the productivity loss due to schedule changes in construction projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Seob Lee
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Impact Analysis ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Impact ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Lost Productivity ◽  
Change Order ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to develop a method to integrate the schedule-based analysis with a productivity-based analysis to prove and support the result of the damages calculation.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a “cost and schedule impact integration” (CSI2) model is proposed to objectively show and estimate lost productivity due to changes in construction projects.FindingsA schedule-based analysis to include separate tracking of change order costs can be used to predict productivity due to the delay and disruption; changes in construction projects almost always result in delay and disruption. However, the schedule-based analysis needs to be integrated with a productivity-based analysis to prove and support the result of the damages calculation.Practical implicationsThe results of this study expand upon construction practices for proving and quantifying lost productivity due to changes in construction projects.Originality/valueThe contribution of the paper is summarized as the introduction of a “schedule impact analysis” into a “cost impact analysis” technique to assess the damages, as well as to demonstrate the labor productivity impact due to delay and disruption in construction projects.

Anatomy of successful tourism shopping districts

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 831-846
Author(s):  
Bob Mckercher
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Local Stakeholders ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Operational Issues ◽  
Retail Shopping ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the factors that make tourist shopping districts successful. Design/methodology/approach In total, 12 sets of face-to-face interviews were conducted in 7 cities on 4 continents in September and October, 2019. In total, 21 individuals participated in the interviews. Interviews were conducted in Bangkok Thailand, Singapore, Melbourne and Brisbane Australia, Ottawa Canada, New York USA (three sets of interviews) and London England (four sets of interviews). Findings The literature focusses on operational issues, while respondents highlighted higher order issues relating primarily to organisational structure, governance and funding. Research limitations/implications The study focusses primarily on English speaking jurisdictions, with the exception of Bangkok. As such, the results may not be generalisable to non-English speaking economies. Practical implications Insights into factors influencing the success of tourism retail shopping districts are highlighted, especially the role of governance and creativity. Social implications The paper indicates that local stakeholders also play a key role in the success of such districts. Originality/value This is the first comprehensive, global study of the factors that make tourism shopping districts successful.

Progression to intermediate level courses; is a “pass” enough?

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-287
Author(s):  
Nicola J. Beatson ◽  
David A.G. Berg ◽  
Jeffrey K. Smith ◽  
Christine Smith-Han
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Intermediate Level ◽  
First Year ◽  
Prior Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test the impact of a rule that affects tertiary students progressing from an introductory level finance course to intermediate level. The rule restricted students from progressing until they achieved a higher grade than just a “pass” mark. Design/methodology/approach Archival data were gathered from 11 semesters regarding student performance pre and post the rule being introduced. Findings Results show that the rule was associated with an increase in the chances of success at intermediate level for those students enrolled after the rule was introduced. Practical implications This paper’s main contribution regards the evidence that increasing prior learning at an introductory level has a positive follow-on effect for students learning at intermediate level. This has a practical implication for educators, as the rule has shown to increase the chance of success for knowledge development in the first year of studies. Originality/value The setting for this paper is unique and could potentially be replicated elsewhere. In 1980, Schaffer and Calkins called for an evaluation of the pre-requisites necessary for finance education at the tertiary level, and this paper answer this call stating that pre-requisites can contribute to the academic success of finance students.

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