Selecting an appropriate alternative for a major infrastructure project with regard to value engineering approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (03) ◽  
pp. 395-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Mousakhani ◽  
Mohammadreza Yavarkhani ◽  
Soheyla Sohrabi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Value Engineering ◽  
Engineering Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
A Value ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Practical Model

Purpose Road construction projects are one of the strategic industries in each country and their construction and development requires spending huge funds. Regarding the increased demand and resource constraints; a technique which reduces costs by maintaining and improving the functioning is of great importance for the authorities of each country. Value engineering is a comprehensive and coherent means based on innovation and team work which, in addition to maintaining the quality and improving the project function, reduces its cost and is not limited to the design and construction phase; however, it includes exploitation and maintenance as well. This study aims to present a practical model for the implementation and application of value engineering process in a construction project located in a special region (in terms of tourism, positioning in an economic growth path, and the East-West strategic axis of the region). In this regard, after reviewing the advisor's design, considering the interests of the project stakeholders, reviewing design criteria and assessment methods and with the use of value engineering techniques, a new option was presented which led to a significant reduction in costs and time and an increase of quality, safety, and environmental factors. Finally, including initial costs, repair, maintenance, income and expenses, the relative value index of this option, compared to the advisor's option, increased from 0.9 to 3.5. Based on the increased need for development of roads in the country, exploiting this model in similar projects can significantly improve the project value and the effectiveness of investments. Design/methodology/approach This research project was selected with regard to the extremely high credit of the project and its potential in terms of Value Engineering implementation. In this study, technical and financial information were first collected after forming a value engineering team including a value engineering expert who was responsible for coordinating the work, some representatives of the employer, designer, executor, and budget estimator. In functional analysis phase with the use of FAST graph, advantageous, costly, and risky functions were identified. In the creativity phase, ideas related to selected functions were created and investigated and developed in the evaluation phase. Finally, calculating the value index, two variants with higher value index than the baseline plan, were proposed and implemented. Findings Since the determining criteria of designing and implementation of road construction projects including increased safety, reduced travel time, user satisfaction, ease of implementation, cost of construction and maintenance and so on are almost similar in most projects, using this study results and implementing its practical framework in other construction projects can be beneficial. These parameters lead to an increase in quality, value, and safety of the project. With regard to done steps and resulted incomes, this essay can be known as a practical and theoretical model to promote the value of crucial projects especially in developing countries. Research limitations/implications Sanandaj-Hamedan road with the length 176km connects central provinces of Iran. This study is regarding the first part of this route. Based on the specific topography of the region and the existing road limitations, selecting a good variance with all the features of an ideal road from geometric, economic, and safety aspects is a difficult task. Originality/value Employers and project sponsors are always looking for products with greater value and lower cost; therefore, present a practical model for the implementation and application of value engineering process in a construction project and providing a similar work experience can encourage the use of value engineering techniques and significantly improve the project value and the effectiveness of investments.

Road project termination and rebidding strategies in Nigeria

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilson Udo Udofia ◽  
B. H. W. Hadikusumo ◽  
Djoen San Santoso
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Public Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Road ◽  
Road Project ◽  
Contractual Obligations

Purpose – This paper aims to identify and examine valid project termination reasons and the rebidding strategies of road construction project. Rebidding strategies is one of the measures to restructure terminated/troubled road construction project. Design/methodology/approach – An instrument which comprised 82 items entitled “Project Termination and Rebidding Strategies in Road Construction Projects in Nigeria” (PTRS) was developed to evaluate 60 randomly sampled road projects using qualified project/site managers and engineers as project respondents for the purpose of securing valid information on the terminated and rebid road construction projects. Mean, standard deviation and factor analysis shall be used as analytical tools in identifying valid termination reasons and rebidding strategies and as well as the relationship between them through regression analysis. Findings – The paper’s findings revealed major project termination reasons and rebidding strategies. It further indicated significant relationship between variables which constitutes project termination reasons and rebidding strategies through regression analysis. Practical implications – The outcome of the paper could be of immense benefits during the procurement phase of public project, especially regarding road construction. Stakeholders involved in the road procurement should seek relevant information concerning the road project reprocurement from the expert prior to contractual obligations. Originality/value – Major challenges confronting the road construction project involve inappropriate procurement practices which frequently culminate into late deliveries of project. Rebidding strategies serve as a model through which cost, time and quality needs of the project client can be reassured in restructuring a terminated/troubled project.

scholarly journals Identification of geodetic risk factors occurring at the construction project preparation stage

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Kowacka ◽  
Dariusz Skorupka ◽  
Artur Duchaczek ◽  
Paweł Zagrodnik
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
The Road ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Preparation Stage

AbstractThe work contains information on the implementation of surveying works in the road construction process. The aim of the research was to identify geodetic risk factors occurring at the stage of preparation of a construction project, the presence of which can greatly disrupt the undertaking such as the road construction. The research was carried out on the basis of expert knowledge, documentation obtained from various road construction projects and the analysis of disturbances at the initial stage of works.

Quantitative analysis of the impact of craft worker availability on construction project safety performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Karimi ◽  
Timothy R.B. Taylor ◽  
Paul M. Goodrum ◽  
Cidambi Srinivasan
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Poisson Regression ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Poisson Regression Analysis ◽  
Incident Cases ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Craft Worker

Purpose This paper aims to quantify the impact of craft worker shortage on construction project safety performance. Design/methodology/approach A database of 50 North American construction projects completed between 2001 and 2014 was compiled by taking information from a research project survey and the Construction Industry Institute Benchmarking and Metrics Database. The t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to determine whether there was a significant difference in construction project safety performance on projects with craft worker recruiting difficulty. Poisson regression analysis was then used to examine the relationship between craft worker recruiting difficulty and Occupational Safety and Health Administration Total Number of Recordable Incident Cases per 200,000 Actual Direct Work Hours (TRIR) on construction projects. Findings The result showed that the TRIR distribution of a group of projects that reported craft worker recruiting difficulty tended to be higher than the TRIR distribution of a group of projects with no craft worker recruiting difficulty (p-value = 0.004). Moreover, the average TRIR of the projects that reported craft worker recruiting difficulty was more than two times the average TRIR of projects that experienced no craft recruiting difficulty (p-value = 0.035). Furthermore, the Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that there was a positive exponential relationship between craft worker recruiting difficulty and TRIR in construction projects (p-value = 0.004). Research limitations/implications The projects used to construct the database are heavily weighted towards industrial construction. Practical implications There have been significant long-term gains in construction safety within the USA. However, if recent craft shortages continue, the quantitative analyses presented herein indicate a strong possibility that more safety incidents will occur unless the shortages are reversed. Innovative construction means and methods should be developed and adopted to work in a safe manner with a less qualified workforce. Originality/value The Poisson regression model is the first model that quantifiably links project craft worker availability to construction project safety performance.

The role of site manager transformational leadership in the construction project success

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masoud Zavari ◽  
Mohammad Reza Afshar
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Innovation ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
A Site ◽  
Site Manager ◽  
Site Managers

PurposeIn the construction industry, site managers are responsible for the day-to-day on-site running of a project. Site managers are required not only to ensure that work is done safely, on time, within budget and to the right quality standards, but also to manage any delays or problems encountered on-site during a construction project. Thus, a site manager has a significant position in the success of a construction project. However, there is a lack of studies considering the role of the leadership style of a site manager in construction project success. In this study, not only the effect of the transformational leadership (TL) style of site managers on the success of construction projects is assessed, but also the mediating role of team-building (TB) and team innovation between TL and project success is studied.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed hypotheses are tested by comparing the performance criteria of construction projects with the TL style of site managers. The success criteria of the projects are examined using project documents and client opinions, and the TL of site managers, TB aspects and team innovation in projects are assessed by asking from their subordinates. The Pearson correlation coefficient is employed to investigate the relation between every two variables.FindingsThe results illustrate that the TL of a site manager is directly related to project success; thus, the findings would confirm the importance of selecting appropriate site managers for construction projects. Moreover, while there is a mediating role of TB between TL and construction project success, team innovation does not have a mediating impact in design-bid-build (DBB) construction projects.Originality/valueAs there is a lack of studies assessing the TL effects on the success of construction projects and the significant role of site managers, this study is one of the first researches that tested these impacts and evaluated the mediating role of TB and team innovation between TL and project performance.

scholarly journals The Importance of Communication Management Improving the Performance of Construction Project Managers in Developing Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-484
Author(s):  
Zulkifli Lubis
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Public Relations ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Communication Management ◽  
The Public ◽  
Study Results

The biggest threat that results in the project not being successful is failure to build a stakeholder project. Based on research on construction projects in developing countries, the lack of communication among workers due to cultural uniformity and the uniqueness of their respective regions can become work constraints that can affect implementation performance and productivity, namely, there is a 69.61% decrease in time performance. The main objective of this research is to analyze the role of communication management in improving the performance of construction project managers in developing countries, particularly the role of construction managers in implementing a construction project. This research uses a qualitative approach and a case study method. Sampling using purposive sampling. Forum Group Discussion to see how the opinions of construction project managers in Indonesia view the importance of communication management in the success of construction projects. The study results explain that the need for Public Relations Infrastructure management plays a role in ensuring various policies and communication to the public. This is a reflection of the effective function of public relations in the implementation of infrastructure development. In carrying out the construction, the construction project manager must pay attention to communication dynamics to support the success of infrastructure development projects. Contractors and other parties involved in infrastructure development must raise awareness of the essence of effective communication in fostering trust in the public concerned with infrastructure development.

scholarly journals ANALISIS KUALITAS MANAJER PROYEK TERHADAP PELAKSANAAN PROYEK KONSTRUKSI (STUDI KASUS : DI DENPASAR DAN BADUNG)

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Gde Eka Dharsika ◽  
IN Budiartha ◽  
I W Yansen
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
A Value

Abstract: Problems in construction projects caused by the extension of working time and an increase in labor costs. A limited ability of project management contribute to the decline in the quality of project work. The quality of project manager has an important role to smooth a construction project. Dedication in this profession requires project managers to carry out the work going according to plan. Analyzing the quality of the project manager for the implementation of construction projectsis one wayto measure the quality of a project. It needs  a right measurements way to providean accurate assessment of qualified and reliable project managers. This study aimed to obtain and analyze the factors that affect the quality of the project manager and its to construction projects.This used a sample of 45 respondents from several construction projects in the area of Badung and Denpasar during the period 2007-2012. The method used in this study is the method of multiple linear regression analysis by testing for the F-test and t-test. The results found 8 dominant factor that has a value eigen values??> 1. Sequentially, the factors that have been named are experience 41.63%,  education 9.278%, knowledge 7.240%, ability 5.088%, character 4.047%, network 3.843%, relationship communication 3.550%, confidence 3.357%. Influence the quality of the project manager on the performance fee of 51.9%, against 43.1% for quality performance, on-time performance, with a value of 57.9%. The results of this study prove that the powerful influence between the quality of the construction project manager to the implementation of construction projects.

Identifying the key factors in construction projects that affect neighbourhood social sustainability

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 765-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Essam Almahmoud ◽  
Hemanta Kumar Doloi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Social Functions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
New Construction ◽  
Questionnaire Surveys ◽  
Physical Comfort

Purpose Construction projects have huge impacts on the social sustainability of the neighbouring community. The purpose of this paper is to identify and understand the key factors of a construction project that contribute to the social sustainability of a neighbourhood. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaire surveys relating to two case studies of regeneration projects in Saudi Arabia were carried out to ascertain and analyse the perceptions of residents of the neighbourhood communities in which the projects were built. Findings The results derived from factor analysis suggested five significant underlying social factors: health and physical comfort, accessibility, integration, economy and participation. These are defined as the core social functions necessary for enhancing social sustainability in the neighbourhood community as a result of new construction. Originality/value Ideally, a construction project will create spaces where people can interact socially, develop a sense of community and grow and prosper. This study reveals how the neighbours of the project felt about it and what sort of input they wanted to have in the design, construction and operation of the facility. For developers emphasising sustainability, this is the essential data.

Factors that trigger bullying amongst subcontractors toward intention to quit in the construction projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-152
Author(s):  
Alireza Jalali ◽  
Nur Izzati Hidzir ◽  
Mastura Jaafar ◽  
Norziani Dahalan
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Intention To Quit ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between three key factors that cause workplace bullying among subcontractor managers toward intention to quit the undertaken project within the context of Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This study utilized the simple sampling method to select its study sample, while the questionnaire survey approach was implemented amidst 500 G6 and G7 contractor managers across Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 210 completed questionnaires were returned. Partial least square-structural equation modeling was administered to analyze the data via SmartPls 3.0 software. Findings This study discovered three significant factors (main contractor leadership, construction culture, work organization and job design) that displayed positive effect on workplace bullying among subcontractor managers toward intention to quit. The study outcomes can serve as a direction for policy makers to reduce bullying within the construction project environment. Practical implications This study serves as an instruction for main contractors to reinvent their style of management in overcoming bullying in construction projects. This paper guides that collaborative relationship among various parties in construction projects, including the representatives of main contractors and subcontractor managers, may assist in addressing the hostile environment of construction project, in order to create a constructive relationship between them that leads to overall project success. Originality/value Recognition of the three key factors that lead to workplace bullying among subcontractor managers in the construction industry, which are bound to enhance intention to quit based on the data set with strong statistical results, has made the research original.

Exploring influential factors leading to the poor performance of public construction project in Ethiopia using structural equation modelling

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benti Gadisa ◽  
Hong Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Project Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Public Construction

PurposeIt is well recognized that the construction industry is characterised by inefficient and ineffective service delivery due to various causative factors. Thus this study aims to examine the influential factors affecting public construction project performance in Ethiopia to improve the industry's service delivery.Design/methodology/approachFrom the extensive literature reviewed, 58 potential factors affecting construction project performance have been compiled. Based on the evidence accumulated, the conceptual model of this paper has been developed. By using survey questionnaires, valuable data were collected from the construction industry professionals in Ethiopia; analysed and interpreted with the use of both SPSS and AMOS software.FindingsIt is concluded that failure factors related to the “performance” of the contractor, the “capability” of the owner, the “project design-procurement process,” and project contract management can significantly contribute to the poor performance of public construction projects in Ethiopia. Ten key factors include inadequate contractor capacity, weak project site management and supervision, weak project management skills and capabilities of the owner, additional work orders, delayed payment, lack of comprehensive project plans between parties and incomplete project design, rising material prices, ineffective project schedules, and cost management, rising market prices and devaluation of the currency.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this study confined to public projects in Ethiopia. It suggests that further research needs to consider public and private construction from a comprehensive perspective in the developing countries.Practical implicationsIt provides practitioners with information and guidance on the factors that affect the performance of construction projects.Originality/valueIt provides inclusive evidence related to many factors that affect the performance of public construction projects.

Identification of knowledge assets in construction projects and their impact on project performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harish Kumar Singla ◽  
Abhishek Shrivas ◽  
Ashu Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
Knowledge Assets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structural Capital ◽  
Building Process

PurposeThe previous researchers have identified human capital, relational capital and structural capital as knowledge assets in knowledge-driven organizations. The current study is an attempt to identify and validate the knowledge assets in construction projects. The study also aims to understand the interrelation of these knowledge assets and their impact on project performance through the development of a conceptual model.Design/methodology/approachThe study is divided into three phases. In phase I, the constructs of “knowledge assets” and “project performance” in construction projects are identified using the exploratory factor analysis. In phase II, these constructs are validated using confirmatory factor analysis. Two separate surveys are conducted for phase I and phase II, respectively. In phase III, the authors develop two conceptual models based on the literature review and two construction project cases in India. The models examine the inter-relationship of knowledge assets and measures their impact on project performance. The models are empirically tested using the responses of the second survey through a structural equation model.FindingsThe study extracts four knowledge asset constructs and one performance construct which are named human capital, structural capital, relational capital, human capital capacity building process and project performance, respectively. The study finds that both the conceptual models are statistically excellent fit. The results of the models suggest that relational capital and structural capital have a direct positive impact on project performance, whereas human capital has an indirect effect on project performance mediated through relational capital, structural capital and human capital capacity building process.Research limitations/implicationsThe items for knowledge asset constructs and measurement of project performance are moderated by experts, working in construction projects in India, hence the process may contain subjective bias. Further, two construction project cases were selected by authors in the study that originate from India.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for the project executors (contractors) as well as for project owners. The contractors must maintain healthy relations with all the stakeholders in a project like a client, suppliers, architects, etc. They must develop systems that are people-friendly to avoid the problems of time and cost overruns in projects. The owners must also maintain healthy relations. This can result in a win-win situation for both parties and can lead to superior project performance.Originality/valueThe study develops and empirically tests two conceptual models that explain the interrelations of knowledge assets and how it benefits the construction project performance in India. Therefore, the generalization of the results is difficult; however, the results can be replicated in projects with similar settings.

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