Factors driving contractors to implement energy management strategies in construction projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan Enshassi ◽  
Abed Ayash ◽  
Sherif Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Energy Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
And Training

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors driving Palestinian construction contractors to implement energy management strategies during the execution of construction projects. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted by administering a questionnaire that comprised 26 drivers for adopting energy management strategies. Data were collected from 67 contractors in the Gaza Strip. Factor analysis was adopted to explore the underlying relationships among the identified drivers. Findings Drivers were grouped into one of the four categories: economic and financial, institutional and legal, organisational and managerial and educational and informational. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents were of the view that economic and financial factors were the most important factors driving the adoption of energy management strategies by construction companies in the Gaza Strip. Of the economic and financial drivers, the cost savings derived from the adoption of energy management strategies was considered the most important item. Energy management education and training programmes are scarce in the Gaza Strip, and local contractors have no formal energy management education and training. The government needs to allocate sufficient funds for policy implementation and regulation enforcement. Research limitations/implications Difficulties in accessing energy management data are deemed as a limitation to this study, as the topic of energy management in the construction has received no or very little academic attention so far. Practical implications This study provides a valuable reference for studying ongoing research in the practice of energy management development in other industries and locations. The priority of the drivers for energy management will help the local contracting companies to focus on weak and strong points of the company for energy use development to remove these weak points and invest in strong points. This paper results can increase the encouragement for greater social responsibility of the contracting organisations towards energy use. Government and concerned organisations can get benefits from the identified factors in encouraging contractors to adopt energy management strategy in their projects. Originality/value This study is the first investigation of energy management aspects in a local construction industry, especially from contracting organisations.

scholarly journals Energy Management Application in Construction Projects in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan Enshassi ◽  
◽  
Abed Ayash ◽  
Sherif Mohamed ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Management Application ◽  
The Gaza Strip

Risk Management Strategies in Construction Organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 406-413
Author(s):  
Shabbab Ajami Alhammadi ◽  
Bassam A. Tayeh ◽  
Wesam S. Alaloul ◽  
Tareq J. Salem
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
International Agencies ◽  
Construction Organizations ◽  
Risk Management Strategies ◽  
The Gaza Strip

Background: Construction projects are among the riskiest businesses due to the number of factors involved that are difficult to control; hence, the popularity of risk management as part of the decision-making process in construction organizations is increasing. Despite the advancements, there are various risks involved that lead to project failure. Aim: Thus, this study aims to assess the risk management strategies in construction organizations in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Methods: Seventy questionnaires were distributed after subjecting them to pretesting and pilot study that confirmed the validity and reliability of the questions. The target respondents included engineers and consultants from the construction organizations, Ministry of Works and Housing, and international agencies. The questionnaire was retrieved with a 65.71% response rate. Results: Results indicated that the most popular method of risk factor determination in the Gaza Strip is the “checklist” (RII=84%). For tools/methods of risk analysis, relying on experience in the direct assessment is the most prominent, with an RII of 78%. For the methods of avoiding risk before the project implementation, dependence on experience in the work for preparing and planning was ranked highest (having RII of 81.6%). Finally, follow-up on the implementation to avoid rework, with an RII of 77.6%, was ranked highest among other factors of avoiding risk during the construction projects implementation. Conclusion: This study highlights the key risk management strategies that will be beneficial for the construction industry stakeholders to resolve the unwanted risk failures in the construction industry.

scholarly journals Professional competency-based analysis of continuing tensions between education and training in higher education

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinath Perera ◽  
Solomon Olusola Babatunde ◽  
John Pearson ◽  
Damilola Ekundayo
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Exact Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Competency Based ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Training

Purpose The education and training of construction graduates are highly influenced by the higher education institutions which produced them and the relevant professional bodies, which set the competencies that guide both academic and industrial learning. Thus, it is important to ascertain what the key stakeholders perceive construction graduates should achieve in competencies. Construction is a practice-oriented collection of professions, thus, this research focussed on the quantity surveying (QS) profession that is responsible for cost control and management of construction projects, and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the expected level of competencies attained by QS graduates, assess the industry perception of the achievement of competencies by QS graduates, and the ranking of competencies in the order of perceived importance. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted three different data gathering phases to include literature review, expert forum, and two surveys – industry and academia. Findings The research revealed unrealistically high expectations by the construction industry of QS graduates achieving a high level of competency in ten mandatory, seven core, and seven optional competencies. The research found that there were significant levels of dissatisfaction with the expected level of achievement of mandatory, core, and optional competencies by the QS graduates. Thus, a perception gap was identified between the academia and the industry. Practical implications This research will provide a benchmarking tool for curricula alignment for the construction degree programmes in higher education. Originality/value The identification of the exact nature of industry competencies requirements and any variations will assist the construction graduates to connect more effectively to the industry. These research findings confirm the need for continued expansion of curricula and diversification of pedagogies.

Construction manager’s technical competencies in Malaysian construction projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abd Halid Abdullah ◽  
Siti Khalijah Yaman ◽  
Hairuddin Mohammad ◽  
Padzil Fadzil Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Computer Literacy ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Competency ◽  
Technical Competencies ◽  
Questionnaire Surveys ◽  
And Training

Purpose Problems of Malaysian construction industry have often been associated, in part to incompetent construction manager (CM) when managing the construction projects. Although various education and training provisions have been introduced, critics argue that the provisions have not been effective. Central in the debate on the adequacy of the CM education and training offered is the answer to the question of “what constitutes the technical competency of the CM?” The purpose of this paper is to present the study that identifies the technical competencies required by the CM to address the question. Design/methodology/approach Multi-layered thematic analysis of literature was first carried out to identify the technical competency elements. Then, interviews were undertaken to confirm the elements of competencies. It was followed with questionnaire surveys to test the validity of the technical competencies against different contractors’ category and grade/size. Findings The findings suggest that the technical competencies of CM are generic, regardless of the size of construction organisation or the types of projects they undertake. A total of 16 CM technical competencies were identified which include the ability to manage: staff, materials, labour, plant, sub-contractors, safety, money, quality, time, environment, site administration, pre-construction activities, project closeout and handover, third parties, computer literacy, and construction contract. Originality/value The findings suggest that generic education and training is possible to develop technically competent CM. It also provides insights to the CM technical competencies which the industry is expecting.

Drivers affecting household residents’ water and related energy consumption in residential buildings

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan Enshassi ◽  
Salam Elzebdeh ◽  
Sherif Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Sign Test ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Energy ◽  
The Gaza Strip

Purpose The Gaza Strip in Palestine is suffering from a shortage of water and energy. To manage the current situation and address future issues, practical approaches need to be adopted to enhance water and energy efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to elicit professionals’ perceptions of the drivers affecting water and related energy consumption in residential buildings in the Gaza Strip. Design/methodology/approach In total, 19 drivers were identified from previous research and modified according to the results of a pilot study. These drivers were ranked under a Relative Importance Index (RII). A questionnaire survey was then administered and non-random purposive sampling used. The population of this study comprised stakeholders, including the United Nation Refugee Work Agency, Gaza Strip Governorates Municipalities, and the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility. Findings The results of all drivers (i.e. RII=71.43 per cent, mean=3.57) indicated that the respondents agreed about which drivers were affecting water and energy consumption. The sign Test-value was a positive 4.55 and the p-value was 0.000 (i.e. smaller than the level of significance a=0.050). The means of these drivers differed significantly and were greater than the hypothesised value of 3. Accordingly, it was concluded that the drivers investigated significantly affected household residents’ consumption of water and energy in residential buildings. The study revealed that climate changes, knowledge of how to conserve water and energy and household size were the most important drivers affecting household residents’ consumption of water and related energy in residential buildings. Practical implications The study will assist the parties concerned about water and energy use to be aware and understand the drivers affecting water and related energy the consumption in order to provide household residents with the necessary knowledge to ensure conservation and sustainability. Although this study related to a narrow geographical area in Palestine, the findings could be useful to similar locations in the Middle East and Africa. Originality/value This research demonstrates the drivers affecting water and related energy the consumption in residential buildings in the Gaza Strip which is considered the first study in Palestine and in the region. The study provides a useful platform for the development of appropriate water and energy strategies in Palestine and other similar geographical locations in the Middle East.

Key barriers to the implementation of energy-management strategies in building construction projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan Enshassi ◽  
Abed Ayash ◽  
Sherif Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Energy Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Construction ◽  
Whole Life Cycle

Purpose Knowledge and application of energy management during the life cycle of construction projects are lacking. The purpose of this paper is to identify and investigate the key barriers that are faced by contracting firms in the implementation of energy management during building construction projects focussing on construction plants, as they are considered as the major energy users on site. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was employed and distributed using stratified random sampling to 100 contracting companies operating in the Gaza Strip. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Programme for the Social Sciences (SPSS; Version 22) to identify the number of components that could represent the 31 identified barriers. Findings From the factor analysis, the barriers were clustered into four factors: economic and financial (which accounted for the largest percentage of variance), knowledge and information, legal and contractual, and organisational and management. This indicates that economic and financial aspects are the most important barrier impeding the implementation of energy management; local contractors should seriously consider this issue when making decisions about energy management during project construction. In addition, the lack of energy-management codes and lack of governmental support are significant obstacles to the implementation of energy management on construction sites. Research limitations/implications Although the objective of this study was achieved, there were some study limitations. This study is limited to the perceptions and geographical boundaries (i.e. the self-governing territory of Gaza Strip in Palestine as a developing country), therefore, it cannot be generalised. However, it could form the basis for useful comparison in the future. A future study may be carried out with a much larger sample size to validate the conclusions of this study. Triangulation research methods could also be employed in future research in order minimise the bias and validate the conclusion. Further study regarding energy management throughout the whole life cycle of the development is recommended. Practical implications This paper has highlighted a number of barriers to efficient energy management during the project construction phase. It is critical for local regulators to take note of the economic and financial barriers to facilitate a more energy-conscious society where incentives (could be via tendering preferences) can encourage both clients and contractors to proactively conserve energy during construction. As for the contractual barriers, the local government should lead by example in including “energy consumption” as a leading indicator for evaluating project performance. Originality/value This study also provides practical knowledge for stakeholders so that they can develop effective methods to overcome the identified barriers to attain higher levels of sustainable energy management. This study can contribute to knowledge in the developing countries context concerning energy management and conservation in construction projects.

Making the point? The audiovisual/digital media dissertation

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-118
Author(s):  
Coral Houtman ◽  
Maureen Thomas ◽  
Jennifer Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Digital Media ◽  
Film Theory ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Practice Based Research ◽  
The University ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the advantages of education and training in creating the “Audiovisual/Digital Media Essay” (AV/DME), starting from visual and cinematic thinking as a way of setting up, developing and concluding an argument. Design/methodology/approach – Recognising the advantages to education and training of the “AV/DME” this paper explores ways of enabling visually disciplined students to work on film theory within their chosen medium, and to develop arguments incorporating audiovisual sources, using appropriate academic skills. It describes a hands-on BA/MA workshop held at Newport Film School (May 2011) and subsequent initial implementation of an examinable DME. The paper contextualises the issue in the light of practice-led and practice-based research and of parity with written dissertations. Drawing on analysis of in-depth interviews with students and tutors, it makes practical recommendations for how to resource, staff and support the implementation and continuation of the AV/DME and/or dissertation. Findings – The paper feeds back from both students and staff on the running of an initial AV/DME workshop and finds that the Film School Newport is suited to running the AV/DME and suggests a framework for its support. Research limitations/implications – The study needs to be followed up when the students complete their full dissertations. Practical implications – The AV/DME needs sufficient technical and human resources to support student learning. Originality/value – The paper provides a clear and original framework for teaching, supporting and assessing the AV/DME. This framework can be disseminated beyond the University of Wales Newport, and can be used to teach the AV/DME in further contexts and to wider groups of students.

Workplace learning for pre – service teachers’ practice and quality teaching and learning in technical vocational education and training: key to professional development

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa Chinyere Ogbuanya ◽  
Taiwo Olabanji Shodipe
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Vocational Education ◽  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Quality Teaching ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Vocational Education ◽  
And Training

Purpose With critical reviews of previous studies in workplace learning, this paper aims to investigate workplace learning for pre-service teachers’ practice and quality teaching and learning in technical vocational education and training: key to professional development. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted multistage sampling technique to select sample for the study. Empirical analysis was adopted to analyse the data collected from technical vocational education and training pre-service teachers. Findings The result of the study revealed that the constructs of social learning theory had a stronger linkage with the constructive teaching than traditional management. Originality/value This study emphasizes the need to adequately train pre-service teachers on instructional delivery processes, building strong relationship with learners and build the ability to organize and execute necessary actions required to successfully carry out a specific educational task in a particular context.

Management education: A proposal for engineers and technologists

1988 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 207-211
Author(s):  
Ray Wild
Keyword(s):  
Management Education ◽  
Business Schools ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
And Training

This paper presents some personal views of the author on management education and on the education of engineers and technologists. It looks at the relationship between education and training for these two groups. It describes a need for action in the provision of management education and proposes an experimental centre to undertake the kind of education that is beyond the means of engineering departments and business schools.

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