Management of variations in the public-sector building construction projects in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
B.A.K.S. Perera ◽  
D.C. Sirimewan ◽  
A.D. Senadeera
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Project Objectives ◽  
Variation Management

Purpose Many public-sector building projects in developing countries are prone to variations owing to the changes made to their original project scopes, and economic depressions and stagnations. Cost and time-overruns are consequences of such variations. Thus, variation management in these projects is important. Hence, this paper aims to analyse the methods of managing variations in public-sector building projects in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed research approach. Seventeen expert interviews and a questionnaire survey were conducted to identify the causes and consequences of the variations, and the strategies that will help manage those variations. Manual content analysis and mean weighted rankings (MWR) were used to analyse the collected quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Findings The employer, consultant, contractor and several other factors are mostly responsible for the variations in public-sector building projects in Sri Lanka. Cost and time-overruns, rework and demolition and disputes are the major consequences of such variations. The study findings reveal that a detailed employer’s brief, clearly defined project objectives, a comprehensive design and set of specifications, and preliminary investigations are the strategies that will mostly minimise the variations in public-sector building projects in Sri Lanka. Originality/value The study proposes strategies to avoid or minimise the adverse impact of variations, which the industry practitioners can adopt for variation management in public-sector building projects. The study theoretically contributes to knowledge by revealing how variations in public-sector building projects in Sri Lanka can be managed by identifying their causes and consequences.

scholarly journals MANAGEMENT OF VARIATIONS WITH THE USE OF STANDARD FORMS OF CONTRACT IN PUBLIC SECTOR BUILDING PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. SENADEERA ◽  
◽  
D. C. SIRIMEWAN ◽  
B. A. K. S. PERERA ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Standard Form ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
The Public ◽  
Qualified Personnel ◽  
Public Construction ◽  
Variation Management

In most of the public construction projects in developing countries, a large number of ‘variations’ that result from the changes made to the original scopes of the projects urge the need of variation management by the parties to a contract. This study explores the ways of managing variations in public sector building projects executed in Sri Lanka with the use of Standard Forms of Contract. It applied a qualitative research approach and used a comprehensive literature review expert interviews for data collection. Manual content analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The findings reveal numerous causes of variations for which the Employer, Consultant, Contractor, or certain other factors are responsible. The research also reveals that the variations could be minimised by adopting strategies, such as the preparation of a fully detailed Employer’s brief, review of the design and deployment of qualified personnel. The study proposes to modify the variation clause by adding more explanations in the Standard Form of Contract to facilitate effective variation management in Sri Lanka.

Nature of construction project cultures in the public sector: case studies in Sri Lanka

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 557-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aparna Samaraweera ◽  
Sepani Senaratne ◽  
Y.G. Sandanayake
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Project Participants ◽  
Project Culture ◽  
Project Objectives

Purpose Cultural differences cause conflicts amongst construction project participants, deterring the success of projects. Understanding such different cultural manifestations could help the removal of the misunderstandings amongst sub-cultural groups and removal of formal irrationalities deterring the progress of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of project cultures in the public sector construction projects. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory case study was selected as the research strategy to achieve the research aim. Three public sector building construction projects were used as case studies. Nine semi-structured interviews and observation of two progress review meetings per case were used for data collection. Findings As per the research findings, contractors believed that construction project culture emerged and transferred through continuous interactions and socialisations with time. Consultants believed that culture was emerged focusing on clearly defined project objectives. In addition, all members assumed that project members at high authority levels were contributing more for the emergence and transfer of cultural aspects. Levels of culture and power existed within the public sector project culture as clients with the highest power, consultants the next and contractors with the least power. Public sector project culture was not leader centred. Shared behavioural norms were not much popular in project culture. Highly differentiated behavioural norms, demonstrating clear professional sub-cultures for the client, contractor and consultant, were available. Originality/value The research findings are helpful to construction project managers to enhance the level of motivation, productivity, commitment, continuous interactions and socialisations of project participants and to avoid any negative outcomes in behaviours.

scholarly journals INVESTIGATION OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OPERATORS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.G.A.S Waidyasekara ◽  
◽  
K.I. Ridmika ◽  
N.M.G.H. Sandagomika ◽  
A.N Konara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Data Collection Tool ◽  
Social Returns ◽  
The Status ◽  
Essential Input

The construction industry, which is a labour intensive and skill development of the industry would yield both economic and social returns to the national economy. Among other occupational categories, there is a significant demand for the plant and equipment (P&E) operators in the construction industry. Nevertheless, limited numbers of research are available on the said area. Hence, the aim of this paper is to investigate the status of P&E operators in Sri Lankan building construction projects. Accordingly, this study encompassed a qualitative research approach, and six semi-structured expert interviews were conducted as the data collection tool. The study revealed that mainly two categories of P&E as moveable and immovable and further identified subcategories under each. Based on the results, occupational map was developed for the P&E operators in building construction projects in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the study revealed that technical and mechanical skills as an essential input for an efficient P& E operator. Moreover, the paper discussed issues with P & E operators. Accordingly, inconsistency, taking long leave, poor health conditions, less experience, and less motivation were identified as prominent issues.

Public service motivation, workplace spirituality and employee well-being: a holistic approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sobia Hassan ◽  
Nighat Ansari ◽  
Ali Rehman
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Workplace Spirituality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Service Motivation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public

PurposeThe present research aims to examine the effect of workplace spirituality (WPS) and employee well-being (EWB) on public service motivation (PSM) in the public institutions. Workplace spirituality and EWB are two concepts related to the optimal level of human performance, while the motivation of academic staff is a vital concern in higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly in the public sector. In this competitive age, it is a challenge to improve the motivation of academic staff due to limited resources in developing countries. This study examines the association between WPS and PSM through the lens of EWB in the context of HEIs.Design/methodology/approachThis study opted for a quantitative research method by using a stratified sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the academic staff of renowned public sector universities located in Lahore, Pakistan. Hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling through AMOS: 22.FindingsThe results supported the established conceptual model that WPS is positively associated with PSM through the mediating role of EWB.Research limitations/implicationsThe research approach chosen may lack generalizability of the results because the data were collected from a specific population. Moreover, self-report measures were used, which may have led to common method bias which is also another drawback of the study.Practical implicationsThis study is a pioneer in conceptualizing and testing a model that links WPS, EWB and PSM in the context of HEIs. The implications regarding enhancing the culture of spirituality in the workplace, EWB and PSM are elaborated in the specific context of academic staff, attempting to fill a gap in the extant literature.Originality/valueThis study accomplishes a recognized need to study how PSM can be improved by facilitating EWB and WPS.

Streamlining the management of payment delays: the case of Sri Lankan Government building construction projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
B.A.K.S. Perera ◽  
Kaveesha Gihani Dewagoda
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Approach ◽  
Implementing Strategies ◽  
Government Construction

Purpose Delayed payments have been long standing, pressing issue in construction projects, especially in Government-funded construction projects. The root causes and the consequences of delayed payments must be identified before implementing strategies to mitigate the consequences of such delayed payments. However, these causes and consequences and the parties responsible for managing the delayed payments have not been identified so far. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the management of payment delays in Government-funded construction projects. Design/methodology/approach The study used a mixed approach comprising four case studies and a questionnaire survey. The empirical data collected from the case studies and the questionnaire survey were analysed using manual content analysis and mean rating, respectively. Findings The study identified the most significant causes and the most significant consequences of delayed payments that occur in Government-funded construction projects. It also revealed the strategies that clients, consultants, contractors and other parties can adopt to mitigate the adverse consequences of such delayed payments. Originality/value This study identified the most significant causes of delayed payments in Government-funded construction projects, the most significant consequences of such delayed payments and the most suitable strategies the clients, consultants and contractors can adopt to mitigate the consequences of such delayed payments. Thus, this study supports streamlining the management of payment delays in Government construction projects and identifies the roles that different parties must play in managing payment delays in Government building projects, which is an under-researched area.

Thermal comfort practices for precast concrete building construction projects: towards BIM and IOT integration

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zul-Atfi Bin Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Precast Concrete ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Objectives

PurposeImproper evaluation and information mismanagement concerning thermal comfort appears to negatively affect occupants' satisfaction and building energy consumption in precast concrete (PC) building contexts. Predictive models are particularly problematic in PC building construction projects where natural ventilation levels do not coincide with occupants' thermal comfort and thermal sensation specifications.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review is undertaken to explore the viability and benefits of a new ICT-based approach for meeting social and environmental objectives.FindingsSophisticated thermal comfort system solutions are essential for optimising thermal comfort and saving energy in PC building construction projects.Originality/valueIt is imperative that designers and manufacturers are kept up-to-date with the possibilities and potentials associated with new and nascent technologies so that building projects can meet key sustainability criteria.

scholarly journals Innovation through implementation of a quality improvement method

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 987-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni Mättö
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Resource Consumption ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Improvement Method ◽  
Quality Improvement Method

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effectiveness of a quality improvement method in driving innovation in the public sector. The study expands on the concept of innovation and analyses the types and usefulness of the innovations observed. Design/methodology/approach The study utilizes an action research approach. The aim of the quality improvement method introduced is to generate innovations enhancing efficiency. An interventionist research method is required to produce the findings. Data collection methods include a preliminary question sheet, interview, workshops, observation and the examination of other material concerning the case organization. Findings The study supports the notion that innovations created with a quality improvement method can be more oriented towards process improvement, particularly in the public sector. Further, when the method enables professionals from different functions to participate in the process, the innovations created can be more comprehensively designed. Innovations can be classified according to their degree of novelty, type, resource consumption and the projected outcome. A project follow-up makes it possible to compare the projected outcome of the innovation against its actual outcome. Practical implications The method applied could be a viable option for practitioners considering public sector quality improvement and innovation capacity building. The paper provides guidelines for prioritizing innovations in terms of their resource consumption and usefulness. Originality/value Integrating quality improvement with innovation generation as a potential efficiency source for public-sector organizations has received relatively little research attention. Further, the paper provides a categorization for innovations in the public sector that provides guidelines for prioritizing innovations.

Identifying and prioritizing safety practices affecting construction labour productivity

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (8) ◽  
pp. 1457-1474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Argaw Tarekegn Gurmu
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Health Practices ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Safety And Health

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritise the safety and health practices, which are suitable to improve labour productivity in building construction projects, and to investigate the association between company profiles, project characteristics and the safety practices. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed-method research design which involves two phases. In Phase I, qualitative data were collected and analysed to identify safety and health practices. In total, 19 experts who have experience in building construction projects were involved in the interviews. During Phase II, quantitative data were collected from contractors that are involved in the delivery of building projects using questionnaires which were administered via face-to-face interviews. After analysing the quantitative data, the safety and health practices were prioritised and the relationships between the practices and company profiles were investigated. Findings Safety and health policy, safety and health plan and hazard analysis are found to be the three most important practices that can improve productivity in building construction projects. The results of Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the level of implementation of the safety and health practices increases with project costs. Company experience and company size are positively associated with safety and health practices. Project delay is negatively correlated with safety and health practices. Originality/value The study provides useful information for international developers and contractors who want to do the construction business in Australia. Furthermore, contractors involved in the construction of building projects in Australia can implement the identified safety and health practices to improve labour productivity.

Authentic leadership and organizational citizenship behaviour: the role of psychological capital

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Subramaniam Sri Ramalu ◽  
Nadira Janadari
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Organizational Citizenship ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Authentic Leadership ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and indirect effects of authentic leadership on organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) with the presence of psychological capital as a mediating factor.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative research was conducted among 396 front-line employees in six public sector organizations in Sri Lanka. A survey method was employed to collect the data.FindingsIt was found that psychological capital partially mediates the relationship between authentic leadership and OCB. In other words, the relationship between authentic leadership and OCB is both direct and indirect, mediated though psychological capital.Research limitations/implicationsThe authenticity of leaders' conduct, psychological capabilities and the outcomes of the performance, are rooted in and reinforced by the culture of the particular organization; hence, the findings should be interpreted cautiously.Practical implicationsThe framework of the present study provides a guideline to the top management of the public sector in Sri Lanka to design leadership programs that can develop authentic leaders.Originality/valueThe direct and indirect relationships established between authentic leadership and psychological capital and OCB signifies the critical importance of authentic leadership in the development of psychological capital and OCB among employees.

scholarly journals Causes of delays in the construction phase of Chinese building projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1534-1551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Kwei Wang ◽  
David N. Ford ◽  
Heap-Yih Chong ◽  
Wei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Causes Of Delays ◽  
Survey Approach

PurposeDelays during construction are one of the common scenarios in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to identify the primary causes of delays in the construction phase of building construction projects in China.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire survey approach was adopted across the four typical cities in China, namely, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Shenzhen. In total, 115 sets of valid responded questionnaires were collected and analyzed.FindingsThe results show that the causes of variations, delays in progress payments, exceptionally low bids and subcontractors’ poor performance and communication issues were the most important causes of delays in China.Originality/valueThis research is the first questionnaire survey on the causes of delays in the construction phase of building construction projects in China. The comparative analysis shows two unique causes of delays in the Chinese construction industry, such as “difficulty in claiming indemnity” and “unreasonable upfront capital demanded by client.” It also reveals different ranked causes of delays as per distinguished political and economic situations in China. The research findings can be referred by construction projects in other countries that are funded or partnered with China.

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