DESIGN AND BUILD-A DELAY REDUCTION METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Crossman ◽  
Innocent Musonda ◽  
Annlize L Marnewick ◽  
Jan Harm C Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Delivery Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Delivery Methods ◽  
Delay Reduction ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Critical Choice ◽  
The Impact

The paper reports on a study of the impact of traditional and design & build delivery methods to ameliorate schedule delays in the South African construction projects. A case study approach of two similar projects was adopted for the study. Data was compiled from document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Selection of projects was purposive and convenience based. A comparative analysis of the two projects was performed on delays to inform on which delivery method ameliorated better the impact of schedule delays. Findings were that design and build marginally reduced the impact of consultant related delays. Little impact was however found for client, contractor and design change related delays. Most construction projects suffer delays, which inevitably increases the contract sums. Reducing the impact of delays is therefore critical. Choice of a delivery method offers an opportunity to reduce the delays and therefore it is valuable to understand which delivery method offered better results. Findings underscore the importance of seeking alternative methods to improve performance. The design and build method seemed to perform better than the traditional method on delay reduction. The implication is that although clients prefer "safe" methods, alternative delivery methods offered better results.

Experience and impact of the 1-2-3 magic parent programme for children with ADHD on the family unit from the mothers’ perspectives: A narrative analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 136749352110399
Author(s):  
Stephanie Allen ◽  
Stephen K Bradley ◽  
Eileen Savage
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Family Unit ◽  
The Family ◽  
Narrative Constructions ◽  
The Impact

Parent programmes are often used in the clinical management of children with ADHD. Research into parent programmes has predominantly been concerned with their effectiveness and much less attention has been paid to the impact that they may be having on the family and the inter-relationships between family members. This study explores the perspectives and experiences of parents of children with ADHD, who participated in a parent programme, including its impact on the family unit. A purposive sample of six mothers of children with ADHD who completed a 1-2-3 Magic parent programme in Ireland was invited to take part in this qualitative study. Data were collected by means of individual in-depth, semi-structured interviews and a narrative inquiry approach further informed analysis of the interview data. Two major narrative constructions of experience: ‘parent programme as positive’ and ‘parent programme as negative’ were identified. Outcomes from this study illustrated some unintended consequences caused by the parent programme (i.e. sibling rivalry and conflict arising between family members). Mothers believed that the parent programme was a beneficial intervention, but it was not without its flaws and they felt it was helpful for their family when used in conjunction with other supports and mediations.

Administrative Leadership Mindset and Philosophical Approaches

2021 ◽  
pp. 89-121
Author(s):  
Susan S. Reutter
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Cultural Capital ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Administrative Leadership ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Prison Wardens ◽  
Fourth Theme

Corrections is a multi-layered business containing all aspects of life for the employees, clients/inmates, and the general public. Therefore, the findings of the study are transferable to many types of administrators. The chapter uses a case study approach and qualitative research methods. The study findings focuses on corrections administrative leadership mindset, philosophical approaches, and practice policies.. The conceptual and theoretical approaches included effective corrections administrators are promoting the growth of social capital (e.g., social skills and relationships), human capital (employable skills), and cultural capital (e.g., community and public safety). Four state prison wardens/administrators participated in this study. Data was collected via Creswell's in-depth portrait of cases: three-part series of semi-structured interviews. Four themes emerged during data analysis. This chapter focuses on the fourth theme and the conceptual framework.

scholarly journals The Contribution of Workers’ Attributes on Sustainability of Construction Project Realization Goals—Survey on the Impact on Productivity in Croatia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (23) ◽  
pp. 9946
Author(s):  
Držislav Vidaković ◽  
Marijana Hadzima-Nyarko ◽  
Saša Marenjak
Keyword(s):  
Labor Productivity ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Strength ◽  
Previous Decade ◽  
Worker Characteristics ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

The work of workers is still dominant in the realization of most construction projects and therefore has a great impact on the productivity of contractors and, thereby, on the sustainability of realization of the goals of contractors and clients. This article provides an overview of the results of more than 100 studies from the previous decade on the impacts of factors related to the personal attributes of workers on the productivity and performance of construction projects. Based on the reviewed literature and semi-structured interviews with experienced professionals in the construction industry, the relation between worker characteristics and other influences on labor productivity is defined and a list of worker characteristics suitable for research in Croatia is compiled. A survey of 262 workers, engineers, and managers from construction industries of Croatia’s eastern region, Slavonia and Baranja, showed that the worker characteristics that most influence labor productivity are experience and dexterity. It was also noticed, with a high correlation between the different groups of respondents, that physical strength and morale and morality of the workers were rated as highly influential, while education level was rated as the least influential. The research results are useful because they indicate the possibility of significantly improving the productivity of construction contractors by selecting workers with appropriate physical abilities and cognitive and non-cognitive skills, as well as developing a suitable system for training and motivation of employees.

Assessing the impact of risk allocation on sustainable energy innovation (SEI)

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulafa M Badi ◽  
Stephen Pryke
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Risk Allocation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Energy Innovation ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The allocation of risk among project participants is an important determinant of innovation success in construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to examine the capacity of risk allocation to encourage the implementation of environmental innovation, particularly sustainable energy innovation (SEI), within the private finance initiative (PFI) project delivery model. Design/methodology/approach – A four-case qualitative research methodology is adopted within the context of the UK government’s building schools for the future programme. Findings – The findings identify that SEIs are encouraged on the innovative projects by the perceived clarity, appropriateness, and manageability of the risks associated with the project’s energy performance on the PFI contract. The main SEIs were largely developed as strategies to manage long-term energy performance risks allocated to private sector actors and safeguard their long-term commitment to the project. However, the findings indicate that excessive perceived innovation-related risks, particularly capital cost risk, may restrict further SEIs to be implemented. Research limitations/implications – The qualitative case study approach adopted may limit the generalisability of the findings. Practical implications – The study and provides practical guidance to policymakers and project managers in developing strategies to support the implementation of SEI in PFI projects. Originality/value – The study attends to a significant gap in knowledge as there is a lack of conceptual and empirical work on managing innovative processes for sustainable energy in PFI projects.

Examining cohort models in the education doctorate

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-262
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Leland ◽  
William A. Firestone ◽  
Jill A. Perry ◽  
Robin T. McKeon
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Collective Learning ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Education Doctorate ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose This study aims to present a thematic analysis on cohort-based teaching and learning from four education doctorate degree programs. Recommendations are then presented to other scholars engaging in research on cohort-based, graduate degree programs. Design/methodology/approach Yin’s (2018) embedded, multiple case study approach guided the design of this study. Data collection consisted of three- to four-day site visits to each program and included the following data sources: program documents (e.g. handbooks, syllabi and third-party evaluations), class observations and semi-structured interviews with students, faculty and program directors. Findings This study describes how collaboration and collective learning were key components in each program’s coursework and milestone expectations, arguing that such an emphasis contributed to opportunities for collaboration and collective learning experiences. Originality/value Research has documented a number of outcomes associated with cohort-based programs in terms of group dynamics. The authors examine this quality further by showing how specific structures and practices within each program’s cohort model supported not only peer collaboration but also overall student learning.

Neoliberal governance in Indonesian universities: the impact upon academic identity

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 666-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurdiana Gaus ◽  
David Hall
Keyword(s):  
Academic Identity ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
State Universities ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Personal Project ◽  
Neoliberal Governance ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the under life of Indonesian academics during ongoing implementation of government-driven policy enacted in higher education instititutions in Indonesia. The attention was specifically focused on the new programme of accountability and quality assurance moderated by the implementation of online assessment system to monitor and evaluate the perfromance of lecturers directly and how this system impacted upon the meaning of academic identity perceived by them. Design/methodology/approach – This study was drawn from a qualitative research of case study approach. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to collect data and conducted with 30 academics from three state universities. Findings – This study revealed that academics were grappling to balance their schism between keeping their existing identity tenable and excercising new prescribed roles from external environment. However, academics were still able to practice their preceived identity through their principled personal project that legitimate them to become academics and pursue their success rather than use instrumental means. Practical implications – The results of this study will be expected to contribute to a better understanding on the dynamics of academics’ world as it is encountered against government-driven policy, and provide indications for policy makers to take into account this issue in the formulation and enactment of their policy. Originality/value – A new aspect of identity in academic profession was found, that is to say religion.

scholarly journals The Influence of Critical Factors on Business Model at a Smart Factory: A Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrej Jerman ◽  
Ivan Erenda ◽  
Andrej Bertoncelj
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Major Change ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Smart Factory ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The crucial elements of a smart factory, employees, machines, and products, have an important effect on current business models. Objectives: The main aim of our study is to present a case study of the impact of Industry 4.0 on the business model in a smart factory. The paper discusses the changes of business models of the organisation and determines critical factors that influence the business models in a knowledge society. Methods/Approach: Our sample included managers, from the company TPV, who are in charge of implementing a digital business model, and who are the most knowledgeable informants on the topic of our study. Data was obtained from, most widely used method for data collection in qualitative research, semi-structured interviews with managers. Content analysis was conducted for the purpose of our study. Results: Results of our study show that the major change will be that machines will have a “mind” of their own, whose main goal will be to work in production, and the role of employees will be primarily in expressing their creativity, carrying out urgent interventions and performing custody of processes. The key critical factors influencing business models in a smart factory are top management and leadership orientations, motivation of employees, collective wisdom, creativity and innovations. Conclusions: The study represents useful guidelines for strategic management of innovative companies in the earliest stages of the process of decision-making process.

Status of lean construction implementation among small and medium building contractors (SMBCs) in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1691-1709
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Nsiah Ankomah ◽  
Joshua Ayarkwa ◽  
Kofi Agyekum
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Lean Construction ◽  
The Body ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Status

Purpose The purpose of this study is to ascertain the extent to which the practices of small and medium building contractors (SMBCs) conform to lean construction (LC) principles. Ultimately, practical results encourage a discourse on the true potentials and challenges to the holistic uptake of LC principles in the Ghanaian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on a qualitative case study approach. The data was obtained through face-to-face structured interviews. Findings Across the cases, it was realized that there is a low-level application of LC principles among SMBCs. There was no indication that lean concepts were used on a company-wide basis in the Ghanaian construction industry. Furthermore, the study revealed that the traditional wasteful approach to managing construction projects was still prevalent among the firms. Practical implications This paper uses the 4P model as a foundation for assessing the extent to which the practices of SMBCs conform to LC principles. Practically, the study also created a certain level of awareness among the SMBCs about LC, LC principles and the benefits of the application of these principles within organizations. Originality/value This study contributes to the body of knowledge as it uncovers the status of LC implementation among SMBCs in the Ghanaian construction industry. The findings that are presented in this paper can be used as a starting point to disseminate the research and practice of LC among SMBCs.

Mitigating the effects of COVID-19: an exploratory case study of the countermeasures taken by the manufacturing industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem Butt
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Process Manufacturing ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand how manufacturers (both discrete and process) are managing disruptions amid the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, using UAE as an empirical context. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a multiple case study approach and undertakes 36 semi-structured interviews with senior management of four discrete and four process manufacturing firms that outsource products/components from overseas and domestic suppliers. Findings Results reveal that manufacturing firms are using six distinct actions to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, they are relying on the automation process, transferring new and updated knowledge to the current and new suppliers, managing workforce diversity, understanding the impact of demand’s disruption, managing the ecosystem and finally using digital technologies to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations. Firstly, the results of this study cannot be generalized to a broader population as it attempts to build an initial theory in manufacturing supply chains within the context of a pandemic outbreak. Second, the study uses a cross-sectional approach to explore the actions used by manufacturing firms to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications Manufacturing firms can replicate the actions proposed in this study to lessen the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge stronger in the post-COVID-era. Originality/value This study contributes to the manufacturing supply chain literature within the context of pandemic outbreaks by exploring the steps taken by manufacturing firms to minimize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, it explores such steps by considering both the discrete and process manufacturing industries within the United Arab Emirates.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Chinese and Tanzanian employees regarding intercultural collaboration

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claude-Hélène Mayer ◽  
Christian M. Boness ◽  
Lynette Louw
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
The Other ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Intercultural Collaboration ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: Chinese organisations have a long tradition of operating in Tanzania, and even today, Tanzania is the gateway for Chinese interests entering sub-Saharan markets.Research purpose: The purpose of this article was to explore and understand the perceptions of Chinese and Tanzanian employees working in a private Chinese organisation in Tanzania.Motivation for the study: The authors would like to contribute to the discourse on Chinese and Tanzanian collaboration in southern Africa to improve context-based intercultural collaboration from a human resource management perspective.Research design, approach and method: The study used a case study approach within a hermeneutical research paradigm. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observation in a selected private Chinese organisation. Data were analysed by content analysis using Terre Blanche’s five-step model of content analysis.Main findings: The findings show that intercultural collaboration is a challenge for both Chinese and Tanzanian employees. Chinese employees share a mostly positive view of their organisation, while Tanzanians tend to be more critical. Members of both groups, however, feel that intercultural collaboration could improve if members of ‘the other group’ made recommended changes. Despite this, both groups adhere to their perceptions of ‘the other’ and maintain a favourable view of the self.Practical/managerial implications: Chinese organisations need to create opportunities for the improvement of intercultural collaboration by reflecting on the self and ‘the other’ in terms of understanding thought styles, experiences, knowledge, and the impact of cultural values on collaboration behaviour. As such, cultural knowledge-sharing might contribute to a sustainable long-term intercultural collaboration.Contribution: The study contributes to filling the gap of in-depth qualitative research on perceptions of Chinese and Tanzanian intercultural collaboration between employees in the field of human resource management in Africa.

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