scholarly journals Cognitive Mapping of Geotechnical Practices as Cost Overrun Drivers in Highway Projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alolote Amadi ◽  
Anthony Higham
Keyword(s):  
Niger Delta ◽  
Cognitive Mapping ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Social Constructs ◽  
Cost Overruns ◽  
Highway Projects ◽  
High Level

Cost overruns experienced in transportation infrastructure projects continues to remain an issue of wide scholarly interest throughout the developed and developing world. Adopting a geotechnical trajectory, this research investigates the cause of unusually high cost overruns experienced in highway projects, executed in the tropical wetland setting of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Using the case study research strategy, archival data is sourced along with sixteen interviews conducted within the three highway agencies responsible for infrastructure project delivery in the region. The qualitative data gathered was comprehensively analysed using deductive-inductive thematic analysis. The results of the analysis identified latent triggers such as non-adherence to geotechnical best practices, amidst a wide array of unanticipated social constructs, which festered in the practises of the highway agencies. The interplay of the emergent social constructs with the fundamental geotechnical triggers is cognitively mapped out, relaying the intricate web of the contextual dynamics, driving the unusually high level of cost overruns experienced in highway project delivery in the Niger Delta. The study submits that the phenomenon of cost overruns in highway projects is multi-hydra headed, driven by a complexity of technical and social variables, contextually specific to the practices of highway organisations.

Latent geotechnical pathogens inducing cost overruns in highway projects

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alolote Ibim Amadi ◽  
Anthony Higham
Keyword(s):  
Niger Delta ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Cost Overruns ◽  
Highway Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
Geotechnical Risk

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the statistical validity of geotechnical risk factors in accounting for cost overruns in highway projects. The study hypothesises that “latent pathogens” because of mismanaged geotechnical risk, which lay dormant in organisational practices of highway agencies, trigger cost overruns. Design/methodology/approach To test this hypothesis, cost and geotechnical data gathered for 61 completed highway projects, executed in the Niger Delta, recording unusually high cost overruns, along with qualitative data from 16 interviews with the project commissioners, were comprehensively analysed via regression modelling, to statistically explain recorded cost variance. Findings The results provide empirical evidence supporting a cause–effect relationship between the extent of cost overrun and key geotechnical factors. It is suggested that positive changes made in the geotechnical practices of the highway agencies will produce an expected exponential decrease in the level of cost overruns recorded in highway projects. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to explaining the propagation of unusually high cost overruns in the geologic setting of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. As such there is a need to test the generalisability of the theory presented. Practical implications The emergent view of geotechnical practice calls for further research, necessary to align geotechnical best practice into highway project delivery in the Niger Delta region. Originality/value The study used a robust methodological approach to understanding the propagation of cost overruns in highway projects, based on a characterisation of geotechnical intricacies, which is unprecedented in cost overrun research.

scholarly journals Toward a Systemic View to Cost Overrun Causation in Infrastructure Projects: A Review and Implications for Research

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic D. Ahiaga-Dagbui ◽  
Peter E. D. Love ◽  
Simon D. Smith ◽  
Fran Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Popular Press ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Cost Overruns ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
High Level ◽  
Systemic View

Infrastructure cost overruns receive a significant amount of attention in the academic literature as well as the popular press. The methodological weaknesses in the dominant approaches adopted to explain cost overrun causation on infrastructure projects are explored in this article. A considerable amount of cost overrun research is superficial, replicative, and thus has stagnated the development of a robust theory to mitigate and contain the problem. Future research should move from single-cause identification and the traditional net-effect correlational analysis to a search for causal recipes through systems thinking and retrospective sensemaking to address the high-level interactions between multiple factors.

AN ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS COST OVERRUNS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerminah Khabisi ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Wellington Thwala
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Cost Overruns ◽  
Design Changes ◽  
Response Rate Data ◽  
High Level

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence project cost overrun within public sector construction projects with specific reference to Gauteng Province of South Africa. The primary data was collected by means of structured questionnaires which were distributed to practicing construction professionals who are engaged in various dimension in public sector construction projects. The secondary data was derived through reviewed literature. Out of 120 questionnaires sent out, 119 were received, which represented 99% response rate. Data received from the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistical procedures. Findings from questionnaire survey revealed that the most dominant factors of cost overruns in public sector project include: variation orders, change in scope of the project, cash flow and financial difficulties faced by contractors, delays in decision making by professional consultants representing the clients, inadequate planning, frequent design changes, lack of coordination between parties, amongst others. The study thus revealed that it is necessary to identify factors that influence construction cost overruns at the start of the project in order to minimize cost overruns and to improve the cost performance on public sector construction projects. This is because of the high level of accountability necessary required for the management of tax payers money.

scholarly journals Cost Over-Run in Civil Works: A Case-Study of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Gas Depot Construction Projects in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chukwuemeka Patrick Ogbu ◽  
Raphael Ehigiator-Irughe
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Petroleum Products ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Cost Overruns ◽  
Cumulative Difference ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cost Of Construction

Engineering, procurement and Construction (EPC) projects in the oil and gas sector of Nigeria are under-researched. This leaves investors with little or no guide on the cost-overrun risks of oil and gas depot projects. Using the qualitative case study research technique, this study investigated cost overrun in the civil works of a petroleum products depot project in Lagos, Nigeria. The objectives were to ascertain the reasons for cost overrun and the areas of substantial cost overrun in the project. It was found that except for the cost of construction of “gantry” which was under-measured as a result of use of a wrong method of costing, the rest of the major facilities experienced cost overrun with a cumulative difference of 106%. It was also discovered that the cost overruns mainly originated from design and construction activities. The study recommends the timely engagement of consultants to review the conceptual designs of contractors and monitor the activities of EPC contractors for oil and gas depot projects on behalf of clients. Such consultants should not, however, have powers to control the contractors. As much as possible, parties to EPC contracts should use standard conditions of contract that will better reflect their intentions rather than contrive bespoke conditions.

scholarly journals Exploring Suppliers’ Approaches toward Workplace Safety Compliance in the Global Garment Sector: From Bangladesh Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Md Sultan Mahmood ◽  
Nilima Haque Ruma ◽  
Toufiq Ahmed ◽  
Yukari Nagai
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Workplace Safety ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Labor Laws ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Safety Compliance ◽  
Health Rights

The readymade garment (RMG) sector is one of the main drivers of the Bangladesh economy with over 4 million employed. In the 2013 Rana Plaza accident aftermath, the implementation of workplace safety compliance (WSC) became imperative. The paper investigated the WSC initiatives implemented by the RMG sector to overcome safety challenges and their effectiveness for a safe and healthy workplace. We employed a multi-case study research strategy over three Bangladeshi garment manufacturers to resolve these queries. The result revealed that the manufacturers joined in the safety governance programs to protect workers’ health safety rights immediately after the accidents. They participated in inspections and remediations programs over structural, electrical, and fire protection as a priority. Moreover, several other human rights conventions, national labor laws and, buyer code of conduct were also adopted as regulatory and voluntary initiatives to settle workers’ health rights and social needs. The WSC enforcement empowered workers to bargain their rights toward a safe workplace and made them responsible for responding during an emergency. Finally, the paper argues that the WSC in the RMG sector nowadays covers a wide range of initiatives in three broad areas: physical environment safety, workers’ health issues, and workers’ rights.

scholarly journals AN INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURE FORECASTING

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 759-711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Ross ◽  
Katie Dalton ◽  
Begum Sertyesilisik
Keyword(s):  
Cash Flow ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Improved Model ◽  
Work Affect ◽  
Cash Flow Forecast ◽  
Parameter Values

This study aims to determine the accuracy of the cash flow models and to investigate if these models could be more accurate if they accounted for the potentially influential variables specific to individual construction projects. An analytical case study research strategy has been implemented in collecting data for the construction projects. The data collected has been tested against recognised models. Statistical analyses have been carried out on the data for the specified variables, culminating in the potential proposal of an improved model with respect to these identified variables. The results revealed that the independent variables (type of construction, procurement route and type of work) affect the cash flow forecast. The findings suggested that a model could be more accurate with the input of more job-specific variables and that Hudson's DHSS model is best suited to a construction project procured traditionally. Adopting the ‘trial and error’ approach, Hudson's DHSS model has been recognised as an accurate model that could be adapted slightly, through changing the parameter values. The clients and the contractors are the main beneficiaries approached for this study.

Juggling on the line

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Evans
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Employee Relations ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
High Level

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay between the role of front line managers (FLMs) and their contribution to the reported gap between intended and actual human resource management (HRM). Design/methodology/approach – The findings draw on case study research using 51 semi-structured interviews with managers across two UK retail organisations between 2012 and 2013. Findings – This paper argues that FLMs are key agents in people management and play a critical role in the gap between intended and actual employee relations (ER) and HRM. The research found that these managers held a high level of responsibility for people management, but experienced a lack of institutional support, monitoring or incentives to implement according to central policy. This provided an opportunity for them to modify or resist intended policy and the tensions inherent in their role were a critical factor in this manipulation of their people management responsibilities. Research limitations/implications – The data were collected from only one industry and two organisations so the conclusions need to be considered within these limitations. Practical implications – Efforts to address the gap between intended and actual ER/HRM within organisations will need to consider the role tensions of both front line and middle managers. Originality/value – This research provides a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between FLMs and the gap between intended and actual HRM within organisations. It addresses the issue of FLMs receiving less attention in the HRM-line management literature and the call to research their role in the translation of policy into practice.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Public–Private Partnerships in Highway Development: The Case of Virginia

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (4) ◽  
pp. 43-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yin Wang ◽  
Zhirong Jerry Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Partner Selection ◽  
Public Private Partnerships ◽  
Risk Allocation ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Efficiency Gains ◽  
Highway Projects ◽  
Public Benefits ◽  
Financial Arrangements

Given the current momentum for public–private partnerships (PPPs), it is critical to review the experiences of PPP highway projects to see whether they succeed in serving public benefits. This article applies a goal-centered approach to evaluate the effectiveness of nine PPP highway projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia, U.S.A., that were implemented and opened to traffic between 1990 and 2016. Virginia has used highway PPPs more for financing or risk reduction than for efficiency gains. The authors examine four elements of contract agreements—PPP type, private partner selection, financial arrangements, and risk allocation—in these Virginian projects, and find that these arrangements have been effective in accessing innovative finance and preventing cost overrun, while the evidence is limited regarding shifting revenue risk or achieving efficiency gains.

scholarly journals Assessing organisational governance maturity: A retail industry case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-71
Author(s):  
Hendrik Marius Wessels ◽  
Naomi Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Decision Making ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Retail Industry ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Johannesburg Stock Exchange ◽  
Tone At The Top ◽  
High Level

For any business to operate effectively, a governance framework that operates at the relevant maturity level is required. An organisational governance maturity framework is a tool that leadership can use to determine governance maturity. This study aims to determine whether the organisational governance maturity framework (developed by Wilkinson) can be applied to the selected retail industry organisation to assess the maturity of the organisation’s governance, limited to the ‘leadership’ attribute. Firstly, a high-level literature review on ethical leadership, ethical decision-making, ethical foundation and culture (‘tone at the top’), and organisational governance and maturity was conducted. Secondly, a Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed South African-based company was selected for the empirical part of the study using a single case study research design. The empirical results confirmed that the organisational governance maturity framework can be used to determine the maturity level of organisational governance for the selected attribute of ‘leadership’.

scholarly journals Comparison of DB to DBB on highway projects in Washington State, USA

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Okere ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Washington State ◽  
The Body ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Delivery Methods ◽  
Highway Projects ◽  
Change Orders ◽  
Contract Duration ◽  
Comparative Results ◽  
Washington State Department

Comparative evaluations of design-build (DB), to design-bid-build (DBB), aredocumented in literature. However, a recent study suggests that even though several studies have been completed to compare DB and DBB, there are few statistically significant comparative results. Comparative analyses of highway projects of the same scope, size, and type could provide the basis to make the argument for the use of either DB or DBB on highway projects. The objective of this research is to compare DB to DBB on highway projects. The basis of comparison includes project cost, contract duration, number and type of contract change orders. Projects used for this research were obtained from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The projects were subsequently selected based on project scope,size, and type, and then analysed using quantitative methods. The research found that there is enough evidence to support the use of DB over DBB on highway projects. The findings of this study have significant implications for practitioners and policymakers on highway projects and should inform decisions on the choice of project delivery method. The main limitation of the research is that the study used only 14 projects due to the difficulty of finding matching projects,and as such the results could not be generalized. However, the findings add to the body of research on criteria for comparing DB to DBB. To enhance understanding of how project scope, size, and type might affect or be affected by project delivery methods,the research recommends the standardization of project types classification for highway projects

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document