scholarly journals A framework for achieving sustainability by overcoming the challenges of the construction supply chain during the design process

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 2391-2415
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Nooran AlNassar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Skills Gap ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Design Firms ◽  
Whole Life Cycle

Abstract This paper aims to develop a framework to achieve sustainability by overcoming the challenges of the construction supply chain (CCSC) during the design process. To achieve this, two approaches, namely theoretical and practical, were used to accomplish four objectives. For the theoretical approach, based on literature review and case studies, the objective used was to identify, classify and validate the challenges that the construction supply chain (CSC) encounter. For the practical approach, a survey questionnaire was employed to quantify the CCSC and investigate the perception of architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt towards achieving sustainability by overcoming the CCSC during the design process. Based on the results, the research developed a framework to overcome the CCSC as an approach towards achieving sustainability in construction projects during the design process. The research identified and validated 20 challenges that the CSC encounter towards achieving sustainability during the design process. These challenges were classified under four categories, namely (1) design and technical process; (2) coordination, information flow and accuracy; (3) material specification, technology, supplier rework and whole life cycle cost; and (4) skills gap of the qualified architects and design managers and non-compliance to building codes, regulations, laws and standards. In addition, a survey questionnaire was employed to rank these challenges according to their importance on 1–5 Likert scale using the measure of central tendency and dispersion and relative importance index (RII).

Achieving sustainability through integrating risk management into the architectural design process

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Nermeen Mohamed Amin Abdelwahab
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Design Firms

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework integrating risk management (RM) into the architectural design process (ADP) as an approach for delivering sustainable construction projects. Design/methodology/approach A research methodology, which consisted of literature review and field study, is designed to accomplish four objectives. First, to provide a comprehensive literature review of the concepts of sustainability, ADP and RM. Second, to present and synthesis the results of two relevant studies focused on identifying, quantifying and classifying the risks associated with ADP; and investigating the perception and application of Egyptian architectural design firms (ADFs) towards integrating RM into ADP as an approach for delivering sustainable construction projects. Third, to develop a framework that integrates RM into ADP towards delivering sustainable construction projects. Finally, to draw conclusions and recommendations to improve the practice of delivering sustainable construction projects among ADFs, construction professionals and governmental authorities. Findings ADP is a fundamental phase of the construction process because the decisions adopted during this phase affect the project performance throughout its life cycle. While RM is widely applied in different sectors of the construction industry, its application in ADP received scant attention in construction literature. The research identified 18 key risks that affect the sustainable delivery of construction projects during ADP. The architect, the client and the project manager are the highest ranked responsible parties for the occurrence of these key risks. The field study highlighted the need to develop a framework to facilitate integrating RM into ADP. Research limitations/implications This paper focused only on the integration of RM into ADP. Originality/value The conducted literature review and field study provided an in-depth understanding of the key risks that affect the sustainable delivery of construction projects during ADP. Through its five stages, the proposed framework is expected to serve as a foundation for integrating RM into ADP as an approach for delivering sustainable projects. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature. The developed framework represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

A roadmap for BIM adoption and implementation in developing countries: the Pakistan case

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzan Girginkaya Akdag ◽  
Uzair Maqsood
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Performance Analysis ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Cost Estimation ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Whole Life Cycle ◽  
And Training

Purpose Digital media is reshaping architectural design by introducing new tools, methods and workflows. Among various AEC tools, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has gained popularity due to its collaboration platform enabling cross-disciplinary teamwork during whole life cycle of buildings. BIM has further transformed culture and processes associated with design, construction and operation of buildings, hence triggering new building regulations in developed countries. However, in developing countries, BIM implementation is facing several barriers, such as lack of investment in technology and training, hesitation in quitting traditional tools and practices, etc. The purpose of this paper is to highlight potentials of BIM for developing countries, which are in need of more sustainable policies for enhancing their economic and environmental performances. Design/methodology/approach Throughout the text, a literature review on BIM including its dimensions and benefits, impacts on architectural design and adoption in global and local contexts is provided. In case study, surveys and structured interviews are conducted with BIM user and non-BIM user architects throughout Pakistan. Beyond 2D/3D modeling, the use of BIM applications for sustainable design process such as scheduling (4D), cost estimation (5D), performance analysis and facilities management (6D) is investigated. Findings Using analytical tools of an online surveying tool and SPSS statistical software, barriers and motivations for BIM implementation in Pakistan are determined. Strategies for further BIM adoption and implementation via “education and training institutions” and “supporting organizations and institutions” are defined. Originality/value As a developing country, Pakistan shall be moving the barriers for the spread of BIM technology. Recent research covered the entire AEC sector (Masood et al., 2014; Sohu et al., 2017; Ali et al., 2018), yet this paper focuses specifically on architectural design and practice field. In order to find out experiences and expectations about BIM technology in the architecture sector, professionals are surveyed and four chief architects are interviewed. How far have Pakistani architects adopted BIM? For which project types and scales is BIM more serviceable for them? Which BIM applications are they implementing to overcome the limitations in their professional practice? In Pakistan, where sustainability, in terms of scheduling, cost estimation, performance analysis and facilities management, is an indispensible measure for local practices, has implementation of BIM technology achieved sustainability in architectural design process? What are the motivations of Pakistani architects for becoming BIM users in future?

A framework for implementing integrated project delivery in architecture design firms in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Lamis Yasser Wagih Youssef
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Architecture Design ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Integrated Project Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrated Project ◽  
Design Firms

Purpose This paper aims to develop a framework for implementing the integrated project delivery (IPD) approach during the design process in architecture design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach A research methodology consists of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire was designed to achieve the abovementioned aim. First, literature review was used to identify and categorise the challenges of implementing IPD during the design process. Second, four case studies were analysed to investigate the values delivered to the client or missed due to the use of IPD or traditional procurement approaches, respectively. Finally, a survey questionnaire was carried out with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to investigate their perception towards the challenges of IPD implementation in Egypt. Based on the results of the above, the research developed a framework to facilitate the implementation of IPD in ADFs in Egypt. Findings Through literature review, the research identified 30 challenges that hamper the implementation of IPD in ADFs. These challenges were categorised due to their nature into five groups, namely, integration, cooperation, commitment and trust challenges, knowledge, experience skills and decision-making challenges, cultural challenges, legal and contractual challenges and technical and financial challenges. Results of data analysis showed that “poor communication and spirit of collaboration between project stakeholders” was ranked the highest influential challenge as IPD is based on collaboration and trust between project participants. In addition, “lack of training and motivation in investing for using IPD” was ranked the lowest influential challenge due to the poor attention paid to training in the construction industry. Moreover, despite the benefits of IPD implementations in many countries worldwide, it is not implemented in the Egyptian context. This necessitated taking action towards developing a framework to facilitate IPD implementation in ADFs in Egypt. Research limitations/implications The research focussed on ADFs in Egypt. Practical implications Adopting the proposed framework developed through this research will help implementing IPD during the design process in ADFs. Originality/value The research identified, categorised and analysed the challenges that obstruct the implementation of IPD in ADFs. The research tackled a topic that received scant attention in construction literature in the Middle East generally and Egypt in particular. In addition, this paper presented a framework to facilitate the implementation of IPD during the design process, which represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

scholarly journals Perceived benefits of adopting Standard – Based pricing mechanism for mechanical and electrical services installations

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganiyu Amuda Yusuf ◽  
Sarajul Fikri Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Structure Interview ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Business Decision ◽  
Price Forecast ◽  
Pricing Mechanism ◽  
Lump Sum ◽  
Whole Life Cycle

Cost is an important measure of project success and clients will expect a reliable forecast at the early stage of construction projects to inform their business decision. This study was undertaken to investigate the current practices in managing cost of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services in buildings. The perceptions of practitioners on the benefits of adopting Standard – Based Pricing Mechanism for M&E services as used for building fabrics and finishes was ascertained. The methodology adopted for the study was semi – structure interview and questionnaire survey.  Inferential statistics technique was used to analyse the data collected. The results revealed that, M&E services tender documents are often based on lump sum contract. Practitioners are of the opinion that the adoption of Standard – Based Pricing Mechanism (SBPM) could enhance the quality of M&E services price forecast; ensure active post contract cost monitoring and control; encourage collaborative working relationship; enhance efficient whole life cycle cost management; improve risk management and facilitate efficient tendering process. The study suggested the development of local Standard Method of Measurement for M&E services and proposed strategies to facilitate the adoption of SBPM as basis for forecasting contract price of mechanical and electrical services in buildings.

scholarly journals Achieving competitive advantage through the integration of disabled architects in architectural design firms in Egypt

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1547-1558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Marise Hossam Hosny Sorial
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Controversial Topic ◽  
Design Firms

AbstractThe 2030 strategy of sustainable development in Egypt is based on integrated goals, including Human Resource Development. Egypt has ~9,540 disabled architects, who can play an important role in achieving competitive advantage through their integration in Architectural Design Firms (ADFs). By neglecting the benefits of integrating disabled architects, ADFs encounter the risk of losing unique skills and competent personnel. This article investigates the integration of disabled architects in ADFs as an approach for achieving competitive advantage. To achieve this aim, a research methodology consisting of literature review, case studies, and survey questionnaire has been adopted, and it is designed to achieve five objectives. First, literature review is used to investigate the concepts of disabilities and competitive advantage, as well as the relation between integrating disabled architects and the achievement of competitiveness in ADFs. Second, six case studies are presented and analyzed to investigate the role and process of achieving competitive advantage in ADFs through employing disabled architects. Third, the results of a survey questionnaire are analyzed to examine the perception regarding and application of employing disabled architects as an approach for achieving competitive advantage in ADFs in Egypt. Fourth, a framework is developed to facilitate the integration of disabled architects in ADFs with the goal of achieving competitive advantage. Finally, the research findings are summarized and recommendations are put forth. The value of this research stems from the need to address the issue of lack of employment of disabled architects in ADFs and the benefits of making better use of their unique capabilities and skills toward achieving competitiveness. In addition, this research covers a controversial topic that receives scant attention in construction literature, especially in Egypt.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE JOB BURNOUT AMONG ARCHITECTS AT DESIGN FIRMS

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
GULDEN GUMUSBURUN AYALP ◽  
Nur Bozhuyuk ◽  
Ilhami Ay
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Fast Track ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Job Burnout ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Design Firms ◽  
Almost All

Construction industry is characterized with its complicated, risky, hazardous and demanding nature. Construction projects are comprised of variety of activities that must be completed in a timely, cost-effective, and high-quality manner. Within fast track construction projects, architects who participate at almost all phases of construction process are often expected to work erratic and long hours. Therefore, these factors can frequently result in stressful work environment. Prolonged job stress cause job burnout could decrease individuals’ level of job satisfaction, productivity and increase turnover intention that consequentially lowers the organization’s performance. Emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and diminished professional efficacy were remarked to be valid in the most commonly accepted burnout model. This research aimed to investigate the factors that cause job burnout among architects working within architectural offices in Turkey. Identifying the most important burnout factors is another goal of this study. Therefore, to reach these aims a questionnaire was composed by researchers with literature review and applied to architects who are working at architectural design firms in Turkey. At the end of data collection 360 surveys are gathered. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. Consequently, six critical factors determined causing burnout among architects.

Assessment of visibility in industrial construction projects: a viewpoint from supply chain stakeholders

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vineeth Dharmapalan ◽  
William J. O’Brien ◽  
Douglas Morrice ◽  
Minhyuk Jung
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Tier 2 ◽  
Industrial Construction ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Industrial Projects ◽  
Timely Delivery

Purpose Stakeholders of construction projects exhibit different perceptions regarding the visibility of materials in the supply chain, which affects the timely delivery and installation of materials. This study aims to quantitatively investigate the differences in viewpoints of owners, contractors, designers and suppliers about the visibility of materials at supply chain locations and different material types during the construction of industrial projects. Design/methodology/approach Survey data about visibility at nine typical supply chain locations and three common material types were collected from owner, contractor, designer and supplier groups and analyzed using frequency statistics, relative importance index and tests for equality of odds. Findings Offsite Tier-2 supplier, ports and kitting site shows the lowest visibility level for the owner, contractor, supplier and designer groups. Also, the supplier group tends to have adequate to extreme visibility at the Tier-2 supplier, kitting site and during transportation compared to owner, contractor and designer groups. An example finding concerning the visibility of material types is that owners and contractors perceive prefabricated material requires higher visibility than all other material types. Research limitations/implications The findings are limited to construction projects in the industrial sector. Further, the survey participants were based in North America at the time of participation. Practical implications The study’s findings indicate how visibility is spread across supply chain locations and for material types for the owners, contractors, suppliers and designers of industrial projects. As such, academia and industry’s research and investment efforts can be more focused on locations and material types that need improvement. Social implications Industrial projects play an essential part in improving society’s daily lives, and this study’s findings contribute to improving the efficiency of the supply chain during construction of industrial projects. Originality/value Although previous studies mentioned the need and importance of visibility improvement, none have sought to understand the perception of leading supply chain stakeholders about visibility at supply chain locations and of material types. This study’s findings provide specific insights and directions for advancing in these areas with regard to supply chain visibility.

scholarly journals Architectural Design of Building Information Model Technology in Internet Age

2021 ◽  
Vol 2066 (1) ◽  
pp. 012072
Author(s):  
Dong Wang
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Structural Design ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Information Model ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Planning Stage ◽  
Building Information Model ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Whole Life Cycle

Abstract As a revolutionary technology to realize the construction industry information, BIM technology has been vigorously developed in China in recent years. The whole life cycle of a construction project includes planning stage, design stage, construction stage, operation and maintenance stage, with many participating units. This paper mainly studies the architectural design of building information model technology under the Internet era. This paper analyzes and combs the traditional structural design process, and summarizes the problems and defects existing in the traditional structural design process. Combined with the characteristics of BIM technology application, the BIM technology is combined with the traditional structural design process. Taking Project A as an example, the causality analysis, the analytic hierarchy process and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method are used. The architectural design quality of Project a based on BIM technology is evaluated, and the effect of adopting BIM technology in the design of Project A is compared and analyzed.

scholarly journals Potentiality for the Application of Value Engineering in the Construction Industry at the Design Stage

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Abdallah M.Awadalla
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Value Engineering ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Design Firms ◽  
The Impact

Value Engineering (VE) is defined as a systematic application of a recognized approach by a multidisciplined team to identify the functions of a product or a system and to establish a worth for that function. Alternatives are generated through the creative thinking. The needed functions are provided to accomplish purpose of the project, reliability and at the lowest life cycle cost without sacrificing safety, necessary quality and environmental attributes. This paper aims at investigating the effectiveness of VE as an approach that could improve the design process which is considered as an important stage in the project life cycle. Current research has shown that the impact of design on the total cost of the project is estimated as 50%. Hence, this study is concentrated at the design stage. To assess the actual practice during the design process, a questionnaire was designed and sent to 15 respondents. This comprised design firms, engineers as well as clients. The questionnaire main objective was to find out how VE studies are conducted and to gauge the impact on the design of the studied projects. The questions were set to investigate to what extent VE components (function, quality and cost) were applied on those projects under study and their impact on design. The Statistical analysis was conduced using SPSS 10. Descriptive statistics methods were used for organizing and analyzing data. Chi-square tests were used to test the research hypotheses and to make comparisons between observed and expected frequencies. The results obtained from the analysis of the collected data showed that the poor performance in the design process which leads to cost and time overrun and low quality is due to the inefficient methods of conducting the brief with the clients. The tendency of designers to produce expensive designs to show their capabilities without achieving the required functions of the project is also found to be one of the defects in the design process. The Sudanese government and the private sector are recommended to adopt VE. Architects, engineers, and other professionals are recommended to play part in the spread of this technique among their firms. The research recommended further studies to develop and improve VE techniques and tools.

Investigation of Cost-Influencing Factors Potentially ‎Controllable by Main Contractors in Construction Projects in ‎Iraq

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (7A) ◽  
pp. 1069-1076
Author(s):  
Layth T. Ali ◽  
Raid S. Abid Ali ◽  
Zeyad S. M. Khaled
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Labor Recruitment ◽  
Supply Planning ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Cost overrun in construction projects is a common phenomenon in Iraq. This might occur due to diversity of factors. This study aims to identify the factors influencing construction projects cost that are potentially controllable by main contractors. A field study through a questionnaire survey was directed to a sample of related Iraqi professional engineers from general contracting companies at both public and private sectors. Their opinions on the impact and frequency of each factor were investigated. The questionnaire offered (59) factors classified in (8) categories namely; legislations, financial and economic, design, contractual, site management, material, labor and equipment. The factors were ranked according to the highest Relative Importance Index (RII). The study revealed (10) major factors that are potentially controllable by main contractors namely; labor productivity, sub-contractors and suppliers performance, equipment productivity, site organization and distribution of equipment, experience and training of project managers, scheduling and control techniques, planning for materials supply, planning for equipment supply, materials delivery and planning for skilled labor recruitment. Recommendations to aid contractors and owners in early identification of these factors are also included in this study.

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