scholarly journals Criticality of project knowledge and experience in the delivery of construction projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Ban Leong Lim ◽  
Martin Skitmore ◽  
Jason Gray
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Cost Overruns ◽  
Planning And Scheduling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Tests

Purpose Poor project knowledge and inadequate experience are frequently linked to construction time-cost overruns. This paper aims to expound on the criticality of project knowledge and experience in the successful delivery of projects in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Following a detailed literature review, a quantitative positivist approach with a questionnaire survey involving industry professionals is used to appraise the 30 prevalent causes of time-cost overruns according to frequency, effectiveness and importance indices. The data are then subjected to Spearman’s rank correlation tests and exploratory factor analysis. Findings Using the importance index, which assimilates both frequency and effectiveness indices, the criticality of knowledge and experience in the overall context is seen as fundamental for addressing the contractor’s faulty planning and scheduling, construction mistakes and defective work, site management and supervision, delayed/slow decision-making, incomplete drawings and design documents and change/variation orders. Spearman’s rank correlation tests indicate a good consensus of perceptions among the key parties involved. Next, an exploratory factor analysis uncovers six underlying knowledge-based factors affecting construction performance, relating to inaccurate resource estimates, design changes, resource shortages, lack of experience, incompetence and mistakes and defects. Originality/value The study draws out the repercussions of the hitherto limited research into the deficiencies in knowledge and experience in undertaking construction projects to enhance performance using knowledge management functions.

Drivers of e-bidding implementation in the Saudi Arabian construction industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-27
Author(s):  
Ahmed M.Z. Sayed ◽  
Sadi Assaf ◽  
Adel S. Aldosary ◽  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Abdullatif Abdallah
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Construction Costs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Public Construction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the key drivers for adopting electronic bidding (e-bidding) systems in public construction projects located in Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach Literature review was undertaken to identify the drivers of e-bidding practices. Nine drivers, classified under four categories, were identified. A questionnaire survey was developed to assess the significance of the identified drivers. Responses were obtained from 20 large contractors, classified as Grade I and II contractors in Saudi Arabia, and 12 governmental authorities, representing owners of construction projects. The drivers were ranked according to their respective significance index (SI) values. Finally, a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was employed to ascertain the extent to which the two parties agreed on the significance level of the drivers. Findings Analysis of the identified drivers revealed that the most significant driver was “reduction in the physical storage requirements of bidding paperwork.” Further, a consensus was observed with regards to the significance of the drivers. The findings of the present study highlight the strong potential of widespread e-bidding adoption in Saudi Arabia. It demonstrates the key drivers for the implementation of e-bidding through the perspective of professionals within the context of Saudi Arabia. Originality/value Prior to this study, no previous research has endeavored to assess the drivers of e-bidding adoption in Saudi Arabia. The adoption of e-bidding will benefit organizations through improved efficiencies, which could potentially lower construction costs, thereby contributing to economic growth and benefitting the society at large.

Investigating the managerial ‘‘nuts and bolts’’ for the construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-348
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Ian Ni Chow
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Construction Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Planning And Control ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
And Control

PurposeManagerial shortfalls can considerably undermine the delivery performance of construction projects. This paper appraises the project management essentials (PMEs) for successful construction project delivery.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a detailed literature review, a questionnaire survey was developed encompassing 20 PMEs that were identified. An opinion questionnaire survey was used to facilitate data collection from key construction stakeholders in the Malaysian construction industry. The survey data were subjected to descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis.FindingsFindings indicated that the leading PMEs are competency of the project team, competency of project manager, good leadership, effective planning and control and realistic cost and time estimate. Spearman’s rank correlation tests affirmed a good agreement on the ranking of PMEs across stakeholder groups. The present study found that PMEs for construction have a total of four dimensions, namely: scope, communication and competence management; stakeholder commitment and collaborative engagement; construction time–cost planning and control; and environment, health, safety and quality management.Practical implicationsThe findings could potentially contribute to the development of appropriate project management best practices to address managerial shortfalls in Malaysia and other developing countries.Originality/valueThis paper bridges the identified knowledge gap about critical managerial dimensions for successful project management in construction. The present study adds to the existing body of knowledge around this under-explored area in the construction management literature.

Feng Shui principles and the Malaysian housing market: what matters in property selection and pricing?

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 643-664
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Kah Chuan Lum
Keyword(s):  
Housing Market ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Living Room ◽  
Feng Shui ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Residential Properties ◽  
Correlation Tests ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Main Entrance

PurposeThis study aims to investigate Feng Shui elements that can influence housing selection and property pricing in the Malaysian housing market.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire encompassing 26 Feng Shui elements, which were shortlisted based on relevant previous studies, was distributed to prospective homebuyers in the Klang Valley region. The elements were inferred and ranked according to frequency, significance and importance scores. Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA tests were used to assess the ratings provided by the different respondent groups, while Spearman's rank correlation tests were utilised to measure the degree of agreement or disagreement among each pair of the ethnic group.FindingsThe results obtained indicate the following as the five most influential elements: orientation, main entrance, street location, house number and living room. Despite a multiethnic and multicultural society in Malaysia, Spearman's rank correlation tests showed that there are no differences in the prioritisation of Feng Shui elements between three distinct ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian). However, the distribution scores are statistically different between the groups. Comparing income level with Feng Shui inclinations, the three most frequently considered elements across the three income groups consistently include orientation, main entrance and street location.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are expected to provide guidance to property stakeholders (developers, real estate agencies, architects, local authorities) in their future development projects. For homebuyers, this study serves as a property Feng Shui checklist for home selection and investment.Originality/valueThis study explored the association of Feng Shui principles to housing selection and property pricing based on cultural and income factors. These findings provide useful insights for designing and positioning of residential properties in both primary and secondary housing markets in Malaysia and beyond.

Key challenges faced by Chinese contractors in Malaysian construction industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 705-726
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Sin Yi Cheah
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the major challenges faced by Chinese international contractors (CICs) in the Malaysian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential mixed-methods research approach was adopted where following a detailed literature review and semi-structured interviews with local professionals, 20 prevalent challenges experienced by CICs are identified. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was used to elicit the views of 100 construction practitioners. Descriptive statistics were used to prioritise the challenges, while exploratory factor analysis was conducted to uncover the underlying factors. Findings The five most crucial challenges identified relate to: changes of regulation, cost control, contract clauses, language barrier and quality control. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four major underlying dimensions of these challenges, in connection to financial and government policy management, organisational performance management, supplier relationship management and cross-cultural management. Research limitations/implications The challenges are considered primarily involving CICs in the context of Malaysia; further work can be extended to Western or other East Asian, such as Japanese and Korean, international contractors undertaking construction projects in Malaysia or selected developing countries around the region. Practical implications This study will benefit professionals involved with China-backed construction projects in countries sharing demographics and socio-economic characteristics akin to Malaysia. The outcome of the study is expected to facilitate project managers to devise proactive risk-mitigation measures to reduce the impact of these challenges and to improve project delivery. Originality/value The paper examined the challenges faced by CICs in the Malaysian context. This is a timely study, as China’s Belt and Road Initiative will provide considerable opportunities for Chinese companies in Malaysia.

scholarly journals ASSESSING THE RISK PERCEPTION OF COST OVERRUN THROUGH IMPORTANCE RATING

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1829-1844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Gunduz ◽  
Omar Liqaa Maki
Keyword(s):  
Cost Estimation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Importance Rating ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Cost Index ◽  
Planning And Scheduling ◽  
Labor Skill ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Contract Duration

Cost overrun in construction projects is a common issue affecting project performance. After a review of the literature, a list of 39 cost overrun attributes were gathered and presented in a survey. The survey was distributed online to construction professionals. 101 complete responses were received and analyzed by importance index, frequency index, cost index, frequency adjusted cost index, Spearman’s rank correlation, student’s t-test, risk assessment and factor analysis. The results of the survey revealed that the main causes of cost overrun in construction industry include inaccurate cost estimation, improper planning and scheduling, unrealistic contract duration and requirements, frequent changes to the scope of work, frequent design changes, inadequate labor/skill availability, inflation on costs of machinery, labor, material and transportation.

scholarly journals Diseño y validación del cuestionario “Deporteduca” para conocer la incidencia de la competición sobre algunos valores socioeducativos en el ámbito de la iniciación al fútbol Design and validation of the "Deporteduca" questionnaire to determine the influen

Retos ◽  
2016 ◽  
pp. 197-201
Author(s):  
José María Yagüe Cabezón ◽  
Azael Herrero Alonso ◽  
Belén Tabernero Sánchez ◽  
Rubén Veroz Domínguez
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Internal Consistency Reliability ◽  
Kappa Index ◽  
Varimax Rotation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Sphericity Test

El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar el diseño y la validación de un cuestionario para conocer la incidencia de la competición sobre los valores de la autonomía/responsabilidad, prosocialidad y satisfacción/diversión, en el contexto de la iniciación al fútbol. En el estudio participaron 763 sujetos repartidos en tres grupos: 334 niños con un rango de edad de cuatro a siete años, 358 padres y 71 formadores. La validez del cuestionario se efectúo con la participación de 12 expertos, el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman, el análisis factorial exploratorio de componentes principales y rotación Varimax, además del índice de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin y la prueba de esfericidad de Bartlett. La fiabilidad se evidenció con la consistencia interna a través de α de Cronbach y la aplicación de la prueba test-retest mediante el índice Kappa de Cohen. Los resultados obtenidos parecen concluir que el cuestionario resulta útil para valorar la influencia de la competición sobre los valores estudiados. Abstract. This article describes the design and validation of a questionnaire to determine the influence of competition on the values of autonomy/responsibility, prosociality, and satisfaction/fun, among football beginners. A total of 763 subjects participated in the study, divided into three groups: 334 children aged 4 to 7 years old, 358 parents, and 71 coaches. The validity of the questionnaire was determined by means of 12 experts’ analysis, Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, principle components exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index, and Bartlett's sphericity test. Internal consistency reliability was tested by means of Cronbach's α and using test-retest Cohen's Kappa index. The results obtained indicate that the questionnaire is useful for assessing the influence of competition on the values studied.

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.

An empirical study on non-physical waste factors in the construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Igwe ◽  
Fuzhan Nasiri ◽  
Amin Hammad
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Planning And Scheduling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Normality Test ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Human Material

PurposeThis study highlights the findings of an empirical study to investigate waste factors (WFs) affecting the performance and delivery of construction projects in developing countries. The objectives of this study are to identify non-physical WFs in developing nations and rank the identified factors based on their degree of influence on the key performance indicators (KPIs) of cost, quality and time.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 34 WFs were identified through a detailed literature review and consolidated using semi-structured interviews with construction practitioners. The statistical analysis involved a normality test using the Shapiro–Wilk test to determine if sample data have been drawn from a normally distributed population, ranking the WFs using the Frequency Index (FI), Severity Index (SI) and Importance Index (IMPI), ranking the WFs based on their effect on the project KPIs of cost, quality and time, and identify clustering structures for the identified WFs to using factor analysis (FA).FindingsThe results revealed ineffective planning and scheduling, rework/repair of defective work and resource quality problems (human, material and equipment) as the three most important WFs affecting construction projects. The factor analyses showed that WFs can be grouped into five interrelated components, suggesting the need for integrated and holistic strategies to overcome the identified WF.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the effects of WFs on construction projects is a first step towards designing holistic solutions to ensuring projects deliver value to the clients and other stakeholders. The findings of this study provide direction to construction practitioners on where to focus appropriate strategies to manage the identified WFs effectively and, therefore, improve the productivity of construction projects.Originality/valueThis study provides the first holistic analysis of WFs affecting the productivity of construction projects in developing countries.

scholarly journals Examining the ParticipACTION brand using the brand equity pyramid

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Lithopoulos ◽  
Peter A. Dacin ◽  
Tanya R. Berry ◽  
Guy Faulkner ◽  
Norm O’Reilly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Brand Equity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

Purpose The brand equity pyramid is a theory that explains how people develop loyalty and an attachment to a brand. The purpose of this study is to test whether the predictions made by the theory hold when applied to the brand of ParticipACTION, a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes active living. A secondary objective was to test whether this theory predicted intentions to be more physically active. Design/methodology/approach A research agency conducted a cross-sectional, online brand health survey on behalf of ParticipACTION. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis established the factor structure. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. Findings A nationally representative sample of Canadian adults (N = 1,191) completed the survey. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported a hypothesized five-factor brand equity framework (i.e. brand identity, brand meaning, brand responses, brand resonance and intentions). A series of structural equation models also provided support for the hypothesized relationships between the variables. Practical implications Though preliminary, the results provide a guide for understanding the branding process in the activity-promotion context. The constructs identified as being influential in this process can be targeted by activity-promotion organizations to improve brand strength. A strong organizational brand could augment activity-promotion interventions. A strong brand may also help the organization better compete against other brands promoting messages that are antithetical to their own. Originality/value This is the first study to test the brand equity pyramid using an activity-promotion brand. Results demonstrate that the brand equity pyramid may be useful in this context.

Constructing the ideal SRI (sustainability reporting index) framework for Indonesian market: combined perspectives from rating agencies, academics, and practitioners

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 573-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sita deliyana Firmialy ◽  
Yunieta Anny Nainggolan
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rating Agencies ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Social Rating

Purpose This study aims to focus on developing the sustainability reporting index (SRI) with combined perspectives from varied social rating agencies, along with integrated combined perspectives from academics experts and Indonesian companies. Design/methodology/approach The first section discusses the theoretical framework along with the sustainability challenges faced by companies in Indonesia. The second section develops the methodology of the study to measure the SRI by considering practical and theoretical perspectives, starting from the identification of initial disclosure, selecting the final disclosure and developing the hierarchical framework. Lastly, the third section confirms the validity of the study’s framework by the exploratory factor analysis method and its comparability by comparing the content analysis result of the study with the Kinder–Lydenberg–Domini (KLD) method. The content analysis was used to analyze annual reports, sustainability reports and companies’ websites based on indicators found in the resulted model. Findings The main finding is the SRI framework (SRIF) of the study, which is built on the basis of the stakeholder relationship theory and is focused on three main dimensions (social, economic and environmental). Specifically, the framework consists of 17 indicators and 93 sub-indicators. On the basis of factor analysis method, it can be safely said that the study’s SRIF is quite valid. The high score of correlations between the SRIF and KLD results at the composite and dimension levels, along with the statistically significant results show that the study’s SRIF results and KLD results are fairly similar. Research limitations/implications The present study has its limitation as it only gathers data from publicly available reports issued by the firms (secondary data). Owing to time limitation, primary data are not collected. However, this is also the strength of this research as it will allow investors to replicate the study’s methodology to measure companies’ sustainability. Practical implications The study is useful to organizations and statutory bodies toward finding a replicable method to measure the Indonesian companies’ social performance. In addition, the study also introduced the usefulness of the qualitative program Atlas TI to perform content analysis, the exploratory factor analysis method to ensure validity and comparability by comparing it to the KLD methodology, which is known globally as the most widely accepted methodology to measures social performance. Lastly, this study will provide implications to the Government to ascertain the level of SRI reporting among the Indonesian public-listed companies. Originality/value The resulted framework in this study simultaneously considers social, environmental and economic factors in the context of companies in Indonesia, while previous researchers have constructed reporting index separately (i.e. Sumiani et al., 2007; Zhao et al., 2012). Especially in the context of Indonesia, there is no such index simultaneously focused on the three main dimensions, namely, social, environmental and economics. The current study tries to fill the gap by using the constructed SRI index based on three perspectives combined, namely, social rating agencies, academic theorist and Indonesian companies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document