scholarly journals User-focused office renovation: a review into user satisfaction and the potential for improvement

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 470-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minyoung Kwon ◽  
Hilde Remøy ◽  
Andy Van Den Dobbelsteen
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
The Body ◽  
Office Work ◽  
Indoor Climate ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Functional Quality

Purpose This paper highlights the importance of user satisfaction in office renovation. A user-focussed renovation approach can enhance user satisfaction in offices and their functional quality while meeting energy performance goals. The purpose of this paper is to investigate users’ needs and the physical and psychological factors affecting user satisfaction, as input to office renovation projects. Design/methodology/approach The selected articles are collected from Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Searching was limited to the main key terms of office, work environment, and user satisfaction and comfort. The important factors were searched through empirical-based international literature mainly. Based hereupon, a guide will be developed for the analysis and evaluation of user satisfaction in office renovations. Findings From a comprehensive overview, the findings present ten main factors to increase user satisfaction in office renovation. These are associated with physical and psychological satisfaction and comfort. In addition, the influential factors were categorised into three levels based on needs theories to organise the hierarchy of priorities. Practical implications This research adds to the body of knowledge about which factors are important for user satisfaction, based on what previous research has found in that field. This is important to improve the sustainability in use. Originality/value User satisfaction is often studied through separate aspects: health and indoor climate vs functionality and productivity. This paper examines overall user satisfaction of workplaces by integrating the perspectives of physical and psychological conditions, and by providing insight into the priority of satisfaction factors.

Review and assessment of factors affecting adaptive reuse of commercial projects in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad B. Hamida ◽  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Abdul-Mohsen Al-Hammad
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Adaptive Reuse ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting

PurposeThis paper intends to review and assess the factors influencing adaptive reuse of commercial projects, throughout their life cycle, in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachA mixed approach of literature review, pilot-testing and questionnaire survey was utilized to identify and assess the factors affecting adaptive reuse of commercial projects. Thirty-eight factors were identified and categorized under four groups, corresponding to the key phases of the project life cycle. The questionnaire survey was administered to a targeted group of 90 architecture/engineering, construction and facilities management (AEC/FM) practitioners of building adaptive reuse, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The relative importance index (RII) for each factor was calculated. Three levels of agreement, based on the ranking of the factors, among the respondents were determined.FindingsThe most important factors affecting adaptive reuse of commercial projects are: structural integrity of the building, municipal approval for the land use change, enforcement of safety procedures at the project site, compliance with health and safety measures and accuracy and completeness of the contract documents. A high level of agreement was observed among the three groups of respondents, on the ranking of the factors.Originality/valueThis research expands the body of knowledge, through providing AEC/FM practitioners, with the type, importance and ranking of the influential factors on adaptive reuse of commercial projects, throughout their life cycle.

Mixed qualitative–quantitative approach for bidding decisions in construction

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad Mohamed ◽  
Parinaz Jafari ◽  
Ahmed Hammad
Keyword(s):  
Expert System ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
The Body ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Quantitative Approach ◽  
Rule Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Mixed Approach

PurposeThe bid/no-bid decision is critical to the success of construction contractors. The factors affecting the bid/no-bid decision are either qualitative or quantitative. Previous studies on modeling the bidding decision have not extensively focused on distinguishing qualitative and quantitative factors. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to improve the bidding decision in construction projects by developing tools that consider both qualitative and quantitative factors affecting the bidding decision.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach to deal with both qualitative and quantitative factors. The mixed qualitative-quantitative approach is developed by combining a rule-based expert system and fuzzy-based expert system. The rule-based expert system is used to evaluate the project based on qualitative factors and the fuzzy expert system is used to evaluate the project based on the quantitative factors in order to reach the comprehensive bid/no-bid decision.FindingsThree real bidding projects are used to investigate the applicability and functionality of the proposed mixed approach and are tested with experts of a construction company in Alberta, Canada. The results demonstrate that the mixed approach provides a more reliable, accurate and practical tool that can assist decision-makers involved in the bid/no-bid decision.Originality/valueThis study contributes theoretically to the body of knowledge by (1) proposing a novel approach capable of modeling all types of factors (either qualitative or quantitative) affecting the bidding decision, and (2) providing means to acquire, store and reuse expert knowledge. Practical contribution of this paper is to provide decision-makers with a comprehensive model that mimics the decision-making process and stores experts' knowledge in the form of rules. Therefore, the model reduces the administrative burden on the decision-makers, saves time and effort and reduces bias and human errors during the bidding process.

Post-occupancy evaluation of University of Uyo buildings

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1711-1730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dubem Ikediashi ◽  
Godfrey Udo ◽  
Maureen Ofoegbu
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Indoor Climate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
The University

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the performance of buildings in the University of Uyo using the post-occupancy evaluation (POE) technique. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative questionnaire survey is adopted in which 333 copies of a validated questionnaire are administered to academic, administrative and maintenance staff and some students who occupy four buildings used for the survey. However, 124 valid responses are received giving a response rate of 37per cent. Data collected are analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools while the Kruskal Wallis chi-square (χ2) test is used to analyse hypotheses postulated for the study. Findings Findings reveal that the General Administration (GA) building has high ratings in five technical performance criteria of ambient level of sound in offices, the integrity of materials used for walls, and correctness of stair risers, threads in the building quality of lighting and quantity of lighting. Findings on the functional performance of GA building show that cleaning, friendliness, parking space, landscaping and indoor climate are the top five rated. Findings also reveal that lack of awareness about POE is a top-rated barrier, followed by a lack of orientation of stakeholders and a lack of adequately trained staff. Originality/value The study contributes to the body of knowledge on POE, particularly in universities by conducting an empirical evaluation of both technical and functional performance of the University of Uyo buildings. Besides, it establishes a set of factors that significantly hinder the implementation of POEs in universities. From a practice perspective, it provides valid feedback on which universities can build upon to improve conditions of their facilities and ultimately bolster the conducive environment for teaching and learning.

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.

Key risk factors affecting renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) set-up projects in developing countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1340-1355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Nii Addy ◽  
Stephen Akunyumu ◽  
Barbara Simons
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Set Up ◽  
High Level ◽  
Survey Approach

Purpose Sustained access to efficient electricity plays an essential role in improving living conditions of people and contributes to the economic development of the nation as a whole. Volta River Authority (VRA) mainly manages the generation plants (hydropower sources and thermal plants) alongside independent power producers (IPPs). Power generation in the country has been influenced by myriads of factors. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the key risk factors affecting renewable energy of IPPs set-up project in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative approach was adopted for the study. Empirical investigation was carried out using the survey approach. The likelihood of occurrence of the risk and the degree of impact of same motivated the use of risk significance index to analyze the data and make deductions from the results. Findings From the study, three key risk factors have high level of severity, which include long and complex procedures for authorization of project activities, stability of the policy environment and ease of obtaining rights to land. These risks could be found in the business/strategic risks and policy/regulatory risks categories, respectively. A total of 25 key risk factors had moderate level of severity and 12 key risk factors have low level of severity on renewable energy IPP set up projects. Practical implications Top-ranked risk factors require maximum attention. The identified risks should be alleviated with strategies to reduce levels of severity by targeting either the likelihood of occurrence or the level of impact. This will serve as a catalyze to promoting renewable energy IPP set-up projects in Ghana. Originality/value Key contribution of the paper to the body of knowledge is demonstrated by the empirical evidence of the risks IPPs are likely to encounter in setting up renewable energy plants in Ghana. The distinctive attribute of this study is further demonstrated by the fact that it focused on the set-up stage, which is a critical stage in the renewable energy provision value chain.

Factors affecting tender price in the Ghanaian construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Kissi ◽  
Theophilus Adjei-Kumi ◽  
Edward Badu ◽  
Emmanuel Bannor Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose Tender price remains an imperative parameter for clients in deciding whether to invest in a construction project, and it serves as a basis for tender price index (TPI) manipulations. This paper aims to examine the factors affecting tender price in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Based on the literature review, nine independent constructs and one dependent construct relating to tender pricing were identified. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted among quantity surveyors in Ghana. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) examined the influences of various constructs on tender price development (TPD) and the relationships among TPD and TPI. Findings Results showed that cultural attributes, client attributes, contractor attributes; contract procedures and procurement methods; consultant and design team; external factors and market conditions; project attributes; sustainable and technological attributes; and TPI have a positive influence on tender price, whereas fraudulent attributes exert a negative influence. Practical implications The findings offer construction professionals broader understanding of factors that affect tender pricing. The results may be used in professional decision-making in the pricing of construction projects, as they offer clearer causal relations between how each construct will influence pricing. Originality/value This study adds to the body of construction pricing knowledge by establishing the relationships and degree of influences of various factors on tender price. These findings provide a valuable reference for practitioners.

EXPLORING FACTORS AFFECTING SUPPLY CHAIN RELATIONSHIPS CONSTRUCTION

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
VIET THANH NGUYEN
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
The Body ◽  
Additional Contribution ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Supply Chain Relationships ◽  
Trust Business

Managing business relationships between the parties in construction supply chains (CSCs) is the essential element of construction supply chain management (CSCM). Therefore, in order to have success in the CSCM, the relationships between the parties should be noticed. This study aims to identify and discover important factors affecting supply chain relationships in construction. The study identified 12 key factors affecting the supply chain relationships in construction and ranked them according to their degrees of impact. The findings showed that “working relationship”, “top management support”, “trust”, “business attitude”, and “communication” are the five most influential factors. The study can be considered as valuable additional contribution to the body of knowledge relating to the CSCM. The findings could help practitioners to have an insight into the CSCM and obtain success in managing the CSCs.

Purchasing performance of engineering procurement and construction companies using a fuzzy quality function deployment approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gitesh Chavan ◽  
Ranjan Chaudhuri ◽  
Wesley J. Johnston ◽  
Benjamin Garner
Keyword(s):  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment

Purpose This paper aims to empirically validate an integrated model, combining fuzzy analytical hierarchy processing and quality function deployment, used to construct a purchasing performance (PP) matrix for engineering procurement and construction companies (EPCs). The relationship is established by linking internal customer needs (“whats”; product-related factors), with engineering requirements (“hows”; buyer-related factors [BRFs] and organization-related factors). Three different of buying types are included: new task, straight rebuy and modified rebuy. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to determine the factors affecting PP and the extent of their influence. Evaluation of the factors affecting the PP of EPC companies is based on 32 industry experts’ opinions, supported by the academic literature. Findings The most significant finding is that researchers should explicitly consider BRFs like buyer knowledge, which has been missing in earlier PP models. BRFs appear to be a link between different types of buying; ignoring their importance can lead to less optimized PP and erroneous findings. Originality/value This research is unique, as PP models of EPC firms have neither been published nor validated empirically, either nationally or internationally. This exploratory study adds to the body of knowledge both by identifying the emerging factors that constitute the construct of the PP of EPCs and by filling the gap between theory and practice concerning an evaluation of the PP of EPCs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

An ensemble-based model for prediction of academic performance of students in undergrad professional course

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 769-781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Preet Kamal ◽  
Sachin Ahuja
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Ensemble Model ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Behavioural Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a prediction model to study the factors affecting the academic performance of students pursuing an undergraduate professional course (BCA). For this purpose, the ensemble model of decision tree, gradient boost algorithm and Naïve Bayes techniques is created to achieve best and accurate results. Monitoring the academic performance of students has emerged as an essential field as it plays a vital role in the accurate development and growth of students’ critical and cognitive thinking. If the academic performance of students during the initial years of the graduation can be predicted, different stakeholders, i.e. government, policymakers, academicians, can be helped to make significant remedial strategies. This comprehensible practice can go a long way in shaping the ideologies of young minds, enhancing pedagogical practices and reframing of curriculum. This study aims to develop positive steps that can be taken to enhance future endeavours in the field of education. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was prepared specifically to find out influential factors affecting the academic performance of the students. Its specific area of investigation was demographic, social, academic and behavioural factors that influence the performance of the students. Then, an ensemble model was built using three techniques based on accuracy rate. A 10-fold cross-validation technique was applied to access the fitness of results obtained from proposed ensemble model. Findings The result obtained from ensemble model provides efficient and accurate prediction of student performance and helps identify the students that are at risk of failing or being a drop-out. The effect of previous semester’s academic performance shows a significant impact on current academic performance along with other factors (such as number of siblings and distance of university from residence). Any major mishap during past one year also affects the academic performance along with habit-based behavioural factors such as consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Research limitations/implications Though the existing model considers aspects related to a student’s family income and academic indicators, it tends to ignore major factors such as influence of peer pressure, self-study habits and time devoted to study after college hours. An attempt is made in this paper to examine the above cited factors in predicting the academic performance of the students. The need of the hour is to develop innovative models to assess and make advancements in the present educational set-up. The ensemble model is best suited to study all factors needed to accomplish a robust and reliable model. Originality\value The present model is developed using classification and regression algorithms. The model is able to achieve 99 per cent accuracy with the existing data set and is able to identify the influential factors affecting the academic performance. As early detection of at-risk students is possible with the proposed model, preventive and corrective measures can be proposed for improving the overall academic performance of the students.

scholarly journals Heritage retrofit and cultural empathy; a discussion of challenges regarding the energy performance of historic UK timber-framed dwellings

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 386-404
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Whitman ◽  
Oriel Prizeman ◽  
Pete Walker ◽  
Julie Amanda Gwilliam
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Cultural Significance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emotional Connection ◽  
Timber Frame ◽  
Energy Retrofit ◽  
Frame Buildings ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The energy retrofit of the existing building stock, and specifically the thermal upgrading of the buildings’ envelopes, has been identified as a key action for both the decarbonisation of the built environment and the reduction in fuel poverty. When considering the energy retrofit of heritage buildings it is, however, important to recognise both the technical issues that this entails and the potential impact on their cultural value and the emotional responses to it. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the thermal upgrading of historic timber-framed buildings in the UK. Design/methodology/approach The paper begins by exploring the cultural significance of this form of building construction, before examining three case studies using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Findings The results show that whilst the application of energy retrofit actions to this emblematic typology may have limited success, the emotional connection of the buildings’ occupants often results in the work resulting in higher user satisfaction than would otherwise be expected. Research limitations/implications Although limited in number, the three case studies provide an insight into the complex issues surrounding the low energy retrofit of historic timber-framed buildings. Further research into this area is encouraged. Practical implications The paper contains the monitoring of specific retrofit details, the results of which should inform future projects. Social implications The review of the cultural significance of historic timber-frame buildings in the UK underlines the importance of the conservation and continuing survival of these buildings. Originality/value Previous heritage retrofit research in the UK has focussed on solid wall construction with little investigation into the issues surrounding the retrofit of historic timber-frame buildings. This paper explores this previously under-researched area. Additionally, this paper begins to explore the possible links between occupants’ emotional connection to historic buildings and their perceived levels of comfort.

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