ASSESSING THE FACTORS CAUSING PROJECT COMPLETION DELAYS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR OF OMAN USING SEM-PLS

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to investigate the causes of the delays to analyze the factors causing the construction delay in Oman and to investigate the effects of such delays. Design/methodology/approach: To carry out this study 210 samples were collected through a well-defined questionnaire from the construction stakeholders viz. the consultants, contractors, and the clients who were selected on a random sampling basis. Smart PLS for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was used to analyze the data to obtain the formative measurement models, the structured model, and the goodness of fit. Findings: The results of the study reveal that the client-related factors, equipment-related factors, and material related factors have a significant impact on the completion delay in construction projects. The findings of the study also revealed that the Client related factors were – Delay in providing services, Delayed decision-making process, Allocation of insufficient time. Equipment related factors were – Existing low productive equipment, Unskillful Equipment operator, Breakdown of equipment and Outdated equipment; Material related factors were – Delay in supply of raw materials, Non-availability of materials, Change of materials during construction, Non-availability of accessories and Damaged materials. Research limitations/Implications: The present study covers the stakeholders of the construction projects from selected regions only. The future studies can be extended to other projects and other regions as well. Social implications: The study suggested that the clients’ cooperation especially in providing the contractors with the necessary equipment, facilities, and sufficient time will avoid such delays of the construction projects in Oman. Originality/Value: Only very few have examined the completion delay of the construction projects in Oman using SEM-PLS and it is a first-hand study of its kind and the results will be useful to the stakeholders.

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Rethinking balanced scorecard (BSC) measures: formative versus reflective measurement models

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management ◽

10.1108/ijppm-08-2015-0109 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 66 (1) ◽

pp. 92-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Sungbum Park ◽

Heeseok Lee ◽

Seong Wook Chae

Keyword(s):

Balanced Scorecard ◽

Latent Variables ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Model Comparison ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Content Type ◽

Formative Measurement ◽

Measurement Models ◽

Formative Indicators

Purpose Most empirical balanced scorecard (BSC) studies have shown a tendency to wrongly employ reflective indicators instead of the more theoretically suitable formative indicators. However, formative indicators are difficult to apply due to the lack of statistical software support and a standardized model testing method. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This study empirically compares the reflective and formative measurement method with standardized model comparison criteria. After collecting 217 valid questionnaires from companies in South Korea, the authors applied a structural equation modeling technique to analyze the data. Findings The result shows that the formative measure provides greater validity for the corporate performance measurement using BSC. Further, this study shows the indicators’ relative influence on each BSC perspectives using the formative measure. Practical implications This study proved the usefulness of the formative measure analysis method and suggested its practical use, focusing on the indicators most useful in developing corporate strategies. In addition, the authors showed that formative indicators could be used in the corporate environment by overcoming the limitations of conventional studies that were confined to causal relationships with latent variables. Originality/value This study may be the pioneering work that compares formative and reflective indicators simultaneously, addressing the usefulness of formative measurement and its application validity in the existing empirical studies using reflective measurements.

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Re-examining the relationships among perceived quality, value, satisfaction, and destination loyalty

Journal Of Vacation Marketing ◽

10.1177/1356766717690572 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 118-135 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Rob Hallak ◽

Guy Assaker ◽

Rania El-Haddad

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation ◽

The United States ◽

Perceived Quality ◽

Second Order ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Order Model ◽

Destination Loyalty ◽

Formative Measurement ◽

First Order ◽

Measurement Models

Drawing on the literature on service quality, marketing, and tourism, the present study tests a comprehensive model of the effects of perceived quality (PQ) on loyalty in the context of a tourism destination. Using a sample of 249 residents from the United Kingdom and the United States who visited Australia between 2008 and 2012, this research applies partial least squares–structural equation modeling to examine these relationships. PQ is operationalized as a multidimensional construct determined by six destination dimensions: natural and well-known attractions, variety of tourist services, quality of general atmosphere, entertainment and recreation, general environment, and accessibility. Our results support the conceptualization of PQ as a “reflective first-order, formative second-order” model (also referred to as a molar, or type II, higher order model, see Diamantopoulos A, Riefler P, and Roth KP (2008) Advancing formative measurement models. Journal of Business Research 61(12): 1203–1218). Results from this study found that the six reflective first-order dimensions of PQ form the higher (second)-order PQ construct. Moreover, PQ has a stronger effect on loyalty (both direct and indirect through satisfaction) compared to perceived value, which only exercises an indirect effect on loyalty. The study presents new insights on the operationalization of PQ and the network of causal relationships among PQ, value, satisfaction, and loyalty in tourism destinations.

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Key BIM Adoption Drivers to Improve Performance of Infrastructure Projects in the Ethiopian Construction Sector: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Advances in Civil Engineering ◽

10.1155/2021/7473176 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Solomon Belay ◽

James Goedert ◽

Asregedew Woldesenbet ◽

Saeed Rokooei ◽

José Matos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Action Plan ◽

Equation Model ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Construction Sector ◽

Infrastructure Projects ◽

Public Infrastructure ◽

Related Factors ◽

Analysis Application

The aim of this paper is to explore the critical BIM adoption drivers across the Ethiopian public infrastructure construction sector. In this regard, a comprehensive systematic literature review was employed to identify potential BIM implementation attributes in developing countries and validated through a pilot test. Then, quantitative data was collected from experts working in various organizations using a structured questionnaire survey. A structural equation model was then developed based on five key BIM adoption constructs and 14 adoption drivers. Based on the path analysis, Application, Environment, and Project related factors positively affect BIM adoption in infrastructure projects, whereas Organization and Information Management are insignificant and negatively affect BIM adoption in the Ethiopian construction industry. The study highlighted key BIM adoption attributes that are helpful to enhance the overall project management performance in infrastructure projects. The proposed action plan is beneficial to various professionals, government, and stakeholders in an effort to improve the current level of BIM uptake in the horn of Africa. More so, the findings of this paper can be used to facilitate and promote BIM adoption in public infrastructure construction projects across the Ethiopian construction market.

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Multilevel Pathways of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Low-Income Vietnamese Americans: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

Cancer Control ◽

10.1177/10732748211011077 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 ◽

pp. 107327482110110

Author(s):

Grace X. Ma ◽

Lin Zhu ◽

Timmy R. Lin ◽

Yin Tan ◽

Phuong Do

Keyword(s):

Health Beliefs ◽

Low Income ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Limited English Proficiency ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Vietnamese Americans ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Community Based ◽

Related Factors ◽

Crc Screening

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) disproportionately affects Vietnamese Americans, especially those with low income and were born outside of the United States. CRC screening tests are crucial for prevention and early detection. Despite the availability of noninvasive, simple-to-conduct tests, CRC screening rates in Asian Americans, particularly Vietnamese Americans, remain suboptimal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interplay of multilevel factors – individual, interpersonal, and community – on CRC screening behaviors among low-income Vietnamese Americans with limited English proficiency. Methods: This study is based on the Sociocultural Health Behavior Model, a research-based model that incorporates 6 factors associated with decision-making and health-seeking behaviors that result in health care utilization. Using a community-based participatory research approach, we recruited 801 Vietnamese Americans from community-based organizations. We administered a survey to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, health-related factors, and CRC screening-related factors. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify direct and indirect predictors of lifetime CRC screening. Results: Bivariate analysis revealed that a greater number of respondents who never screened for CRC reported limited English proficiency, fewer years of US residency, and lower self-efficacy related to CRC screening. The SEM model identified self-efficacy (coefficient = 0.092, P < .01) as the only direct predictor of lifetime CRC screening. Educational attainment (coefficient = 0.13, P < .01) and health beliefs (coefficient = 0.040, P < .001) had a modest significant positive relationship with self-efficacy. Health beliefs (coefficient = 0.13, P < .001) and educational attainment (coefficient = 0.16, P < .01) had significant positive relationships with CRC knowledge. Conclusions: To increase CRC screening uptake in medically underserved Vietnamese American populations, public health interventions should aim to increase community members’ confidence in their abilities to screen for CRC and to navigate associated processes, including screening preparation, discussions with doctors, and emotional complications.

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Age and gender differences in socially aversive (“dark”) personality traits

European Journal of Personality ◽

10.1177/0890207020988435 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089020702098843

Author(s):

Johanna Hartung ◽

Martina Bader ◽

Morten Moshagen ◽

Oliver Wilhelm

Keyword(s):

Personality Traits ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Age Groups ◽

Dark Triad ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Age And Gender ◽

Measurement Models ◽

And Gender ◽

Latent Means

The strong overlap of personality traits discussed under the label of “dark personality” (e.g., psychopathy, spitefulness, moral disengagement) endorses a common framework for socially aversive traits over and beyond the dark triad. Despite the rapidly growing research on socially aversive traits, there is a lack of studies addressing age-associated differences in these traits. In the present study ( N = 12,501), we investigated the structure of the D Factor of Personality across age and gender using local structural equation modeling, thereby expressing the model parameters as a quasi-continuous, nonparametric function of age. Specifically, we evaluated loadings, reliabilities, factor (co-)variances, and means across 35 locally weighted age groups (from 20 to 54 years), separately for females and males. Results indicated that measurement models were highly stable, thereby supporting the conceptualization of the D factor independent of age and gender. Men exhibited uniformly higher latent means than females and all latent means decreased with increasing age. Overall, D and its themes were invariant across age and gender. Therefore, future studies can meaningfully pursue causes of mean differences across age and between genders.

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Sustainable procurement model for publicly funded construction projects in developing nations – a structural equation modeling approach

International Journal of Construction Management ◽

10.1080/15623599.2021.1889087 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-24

Author(s):

Oluwabukunmi A. Ogunsanya ◽

Clinton O. Aigbavboa ◽

Didibhuku W. Thwala

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation Modeling ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Developing Nations ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Publicly Funded ◽

Modeling Approach ◽

Sustainable Procurement

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Research for Risk Management of Construction Projects in Taiwan

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13042034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 2034

Author(s):

Chien-Liang Lin ◽

Bey-Kun Chen

Keyword(s):

Risk Management ◽

Risk Analysis ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Construction Project ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Sustainable Operation ◽

Management Procedure ◽

Risk Managers

Risks inevitably exist in all stages of a project. In a construction project, which is highly dynamic and complex, risk factors affect the expected achievement rates of the three main performance goals, namely schedule, cost, and quality. A comprehensive risk management procedure requires three crucial steps: risk confirmation, analysis, and treatment. Risk analysis is the core of risk management. Through structural equation modeling, this study developed a risk analysis model that takes a different perspective and considered the occurrence probability of risk events and the extent to which these events affect a project. The contractor dimension was discovered to exert the strongest influence on an overall project, followed by the subcontractor and design dimensions. This paper proposes a novel construction project risk analysis model, which considers the entire project. The proposed model can be used as a reference for risk managers to make decisions about project risks, so as to achieve the ultimate goal of saving resources and the sustainable operation of the construction project.

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Contractual Complexity in Construction Projects

Project Management Journal ◽

10.1177/8756972818770589 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 49 (3) ◽

pp. 46-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Wenqian Wang ◽

Yongqiang Chen ◽

Shuibo Zhang ◽

Yu Wang

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation Modeling ◽

Scale Development ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Construction Project ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Modeling Technique ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Empirical Testing ◽

Item Scale

Building on the multifunctional perspective from current contract theory, we conceptualize contractual complexity as a three-dimensional construct to depict the explicitness and elaborateness of control, coordination, and adaptation provisions in a construction project contract. A 13-item scale with construction project features is developed for measuring the different aspects of contractual complexity following rigorous scale development procedures. Using the structural equation modeling technique, empirical testing results demonstrate that all of the three components contribute significantly to contractual complexity. Further analysis indicated that treating contractual complexity in the three-functional way outperforms the unidimensional one regarding power to explain satisfaction and strong-form opportunism.

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Risk Assessment of Ex-Post Transaction Cost in Construction Projects Using Structural Equation Modeling

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su10114017 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 4017 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Zaigham Ali ◽

Fangwei Zhu ◽

Shahid Hussain

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation Modeling ◽

Life Cycle ◽

Transaction Cost ◽

Life Cycle Cost ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Structural Model ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Ex Post ◽

Industry Professionals

The transaction cost (TC) escalation is the pervasive problem in the construction industry, which is continuously a threat to maintaining the life cycle cost of projects. Researchers have described the reality of risk for economic transactions. This study has taken the risk as a phenomenon to explore its influence on ex-post TC in construction projects. A questionnaire survey was undertaken from industry professionals to assess the risk of ex-post TC escalation in public-sector construction projects. In total, 475 surveys were conducted in Pakistan and used in the analysis. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and the measurement and structural model was validated to determine the influence of risk on ex-post TC. The final SEM results show that internal and external risk, including sub hypothesized risks, positively influence TC. The weight of relative importance shows technical risk (23.82%) and environmental risk (22.88%) as significant sub-contributors from internal and external sources, respectively. This study recommends substantial investment in human capacity development to reduce the deficiencies in the ex-ante phase of the projects that help to reduce the risk of ex-post TC escalation. It also suggests the adoption of strict policies on contingency claims, and recommends nontraditional ways of monitoring to overcome the risk of ex-post TC. This study’s results provide valuable information for industry professionals and practitioners to maintain life cycle costs as a contribution to sustainable construction.

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Explanation of Children’s Health through Parents’ Mental Health and Job Satisfaction by Structural Equation Modeling

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v9n2p166 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 166

Author(s):

Majid Golzarpour ◽

Meroe Vameghi ◽

Homeira Sajjadi ◽

Gholamreza Ghaedamini Harouni

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Job Satisfaction ◽

Structural Equation Modeling ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Goodness Of Fit ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Children's Health ◽

Children’S Health ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Health Questionnaire

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, much evidence exists on the influence of parents’ socioeconomic conditions, including employment, on children’s health. However, the mechanisms for this affect are still being investigated. Few studies have been conducted in Iran to investigate this issue. This study investigated working conditions, job satisfaction, and mental health of employed people and the association between these variables and their children’s health.MATERIALS & METHODS: In this correlational work, 200 male and female staff of the official part of Educational Organization and the schools of Mashhad with children aged 5-18 years was randomly selected. The data were gathered using a demographic questionnaire, the 20-item Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, the 28-item General Health Questionnaire, and the 28-item Child Health Questionnaire. The data were then analyzed using SPSS. The associations under study were investigated by structural equation modeling in AMOS.RESULTS: Approximately 17% of the variation in the parents’ job satisfaction could be explained by the parents’ insurance, income, and work hours; 6% of the variation in their mental health was explained by job satisfaction, and 26% of the variation in children’s health was directly explained by the parents’ job satisfaction and mental health. However, approximately 32.2% of the variation in children’s health could be explained in the light of the direct effect of the parents’ mental health and direct and indirect effects of the parents’ job satisfaction. The goodness of fit index was 0.94.CONCLUSION: Parents’ job satisfaction was associated with and considerably explained children’s health. Although this finding may be partially related to the job satisfaction effect on mental health, the reasons for the affect of job satisfaction on children’s health and the potential mechanisms of this association require further studies.

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