Assessing Organisations’ Readiness for Technological Changes in Construction Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norfashiha Hashim ◽  
◽  
Aina Syazifa Samsuri ◽  
Nur Hidayah Idris ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Technological Changes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Technological Readiness

Of late, the advancements in technology have witnessed a spike in the number of schemes aimed towards enhancing the deployment of technologies in construction-based entities, thereby increasing the demand for technological modifications. This paper intends to scrutinise the keenness of construction entities to identify technological changes within the construction sector. The goals of this research work are to ascertain the degree of willingness for technological alterations, the norms which construction entities should possess regarding the readiness for technological alterations, and the obstacles encountered by construction firms in terms of technological alterations. Ten semi-structured interviews were carried out comprising ten G7 contractors in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur regarding on the implementation and adopting the technological changes within their companies. Based on the observations, most construction firms in Malaysia are fairly prepared to encounter technological fluctuations. Furthermore, the research deliberates many norms which are essential to generate the technological readiness in construction firms along with the obstacles which could impact the organisational inclination for technological changes. This work intends to help construction companies evaluate their degree of readiness and organise themselves for better adoption of technological alterations in their businesses.

Effects of Supply Chain Characteristics on E-Procurement Institutionalization in the Construction Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 85-96
Author(s):  
Quangdung Tran ◽  
Drew Steve ◽  
Rodney Anthony Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
T Test ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ownership Type ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Silhouette Coefficient

This study seeks to investigate the effects of supply chain characteristics on e-procurement institutionalization in construction companies. Data was collected through the in-depth structured interviews with 47 managers from a sample of 31 construction firms in Vietnam. The technique of cluster analysis with the Ward algorithm, the silhouette coefficient, and the t-test were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the supply chain characteristics in terms of the size, ownership type, and operating market of strategic partners were significantly associated with the level of e-procurement institutionalization in construction companies. Along with the findings, this study's results will be helpful to policy-makers in formulating supportive policies and actions to effectively improve the low status of e-procurement adoption as well as accelerate the diffusion of the technology in the industry.

Retaining Knowledge in Smaller Building and Construction Firms

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Guido Bruns ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Critical Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Further Development

The purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs retain critical knowledge. Against the background of the underdeveloped body of knowledge regarding knowledge retention, the authors selected an explorative (qualitative) research approach. More precisely, they conducted semi-structured interviews with organization members (i.e. executive and regular staff) of five Austrian SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. This study provides fresh insights into knowledge retention in SMEs. The findings advance the limited understanding of knowledge retention in general and regarding SMEs. They also contribute to the further development of the study of knowledge management in the building and construction sector. Based on the study's findings the authors derive suitable measures to better manage the process of knowledge retention in SMEs. These measures may be useful for SMEs operating in other industries as well.

Assessment of Electronic Procurement Practices on Project Delivery, Case Study of Selected Construction Companies in Oyo State

2018 ◽  
pp. 257-266
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Electronic Procurement ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
E Mail

This study investigated the use of e-Procurement in selected construction firms in Oyo state, Nigeria. The data were derived using a well-structured questionnaire survey involving 104 respondents. Descriptive statistical and correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings show that the use of electronic procurement in the selected construction firms for carrying out procurement function is high with majority of the professionals affirming the use of the system, the four categories of e-Procurement used were e-mail, static websites, web.2.0 technologies and portals that have capabilities of supporting the execution of functions limited to intra and inter firm communication and exchange of project information and data. Consequently, between 84 percent and 76 percent of the respondents used these e-Procurement technologies for communication of information, exchange of bill of quantities, project reports, CAD drawings and project specifications. Consequently, factors with the highest positive impacts on the use of these technologies in the firms were the speed of transactions, lower transaction cost and ease of use. The study implies that the selected construction firms in Oyo state Nigeria predominantly use e-mails and websites to support the execution of pre-award phase of construction procurement. Finding also shows that there is positive relationship between e-Procurement (e-Notifying, e-Exchange, and e-Submission of bid) and Project delivery. The study suggests that to accelerate the rate of uptake of e-Procurement and maximize its benefits in the Nigerian construction industry, there is a need to improve the quality and quantity of ICT infrastructure across the country; and to embark on aggressive enlightenment campaigns, training and skill development programs in the use of e-Procurement in the construction industry in this country.

Knowledge creation in small building and construction firms

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson ◽  
Guido Bruns
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Knowledge Sources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Small Building

Studies on knowledge creation are limited in general, and there is a particular shortage of research on the topic in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the importance of SMEs for the economy and the vital role of knowledge creation in innovation, this situation is unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the purpose of our study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs create new knowledge. Data are obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten managing directors of German SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. The findings demonstrate the influence of external knowledge sources on knowledge creation activities. Even though the managing directors take advantage of different external knowledge sources, they seem to put an emphasis on informed knowledge sources. The study´s findings advance the limited body of knowledge regarding knowledge creation in SMEs.

scholarly journals The global economy and its influence on the Slovak construction sector

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-23
Author(s):  
E. Jankovichová
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
Organization Structure ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The global economy and its influence on the Slovak construction sectorFor the construction industry, globalization is a trend that means two things: many opportunities and many threats. In the conditions of globalization many management approaches, such as organization structure, strategy forming, planning, motivation and control procedures, communication channels, risk management, etc., must transform. The aim of the paper is to analyze the influence of globalization on the construction industry in Slovakia and identify the impact of globalization on construction companies in this area.

scholarly journals From the Research on Risk Management in Polish Construction Enterprises

2019 ◽  
Vol 262 ◽  
pp. 07009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Józef Myrczek ◽  
Piotr Tworek
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Synthetic Approach ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Construction Enterprises ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Financing Risk ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Managing Risk ◽  
Almost All

A variety of insurance options are used when managing risk in the construction industry. Numerous insurers operating on the Polish market provide suitable types of insurance, thus allowing participants of a construction process to obtain a comprehensive cover against almost all potential risks. Therefore, ‘all-risks’ types of insurance is of particular importance in case of construction and assembly activities. In addition to this instrument, the paper also deals with other forms of insurance used in the construction sector in Poland, which apply to various aspects of activities conducted by actors involved a construction project. This is the main topic of the paper, which also outlines the theory on the subject as well as providing the results of empirical research carried out in this area and emphasizing the practical applicability of the discussions. Consequently, the key aim of the paper is to present the issues related to insurance in the construction industry as a method of financing risk in operations of construction companies. The paper adopts a synthetic approach to these issues. The paper also reviews the related scholarly literature.

scholarly journals Outright Cash Purchase of Capital Assets and Enterprise Profitability in Nigeria: A Reflection on the Construction Industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Loveday A. Nwanyanwu
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Moment Coefficient ◽  
Capital Assets ◽  
Cash Payment ◽  
Net Profit ◽  
Profit Performance

This paper examines the influence of capital assets acquired outrightly by cash on enterprise profitability from the perspective of construction companies. Data were obtained by means of questionnaire. Analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s product moment coefficient of correlation. Results of descriptive statistics indicate 61.11% preference for acquisition of capital assets by outright cash purchase. Correlation analysis reveals a statistically significant moderate positive relationship between capital assets acquired out rightly through cash payment and net profit. Own capital assets acquired by outright cash purchase improves net profit performance of construction companies. Companies in the construction sector should aim at investing in capital assets through outright cash purchase instead of hiring or leasing.

scholarly journals Le comportement des salaires chez les travailleurs syndiqués de l’industrie de la construction au Canada

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Rabeau
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Labour Supply ◽  
International Competition ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Union Power ◽  
Skilled Trades ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Cyclical Fluctuations ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Wage Increases

ABSTRACT In this paper, we analyze the behaviour of wages of the unionized workers of the construction industry in Canada. We compare the behaviour of construction wages to those observed in the sectors exposed to and protected from international competition. One conclusion of our analysis is that the construction sector is by far the most inflationnary sector of the Canadian economy. Union power in the construction industry combined with the control of labour supply by skilled trades associations in a market which lends itself to bilateral oligopoly can thus lead to wage increases in the construction sector which in the current inflationnary context exceed those in all other sectors of the economy. This situation is possible because construction firms do not have to face the threat of international competition. The result of this situation is to reduce the level of activity and employment in the construction sector. In addition, the mechanism for fixing wages serves to accentuate the cyclical fluctuations in the construction sector.

scholarly journals Strategic framework for implementing smart devices in the construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-243
Author(s):  
Manuel Alexander Silverio-Fernández ◽  
Suresh Renukappa ◽  
Subashini Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Framework ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The decentralisation of information and high rate of mobile content access in the construction industry provide an ideal scenario for improvement of processes via the implementation of the paradigm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart devices are considered as the objects interconnected in the IoT; therefore, they play a fundamental role in the digital transformation of the construction industry. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines regarding the implementation of smart devices for digitalisation in the construction industry. Consequently, this paper aims to provide a set of guidelines for implementing smart devices in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was performed in the UK and the Dominican Republic (DR). Following a systematic approach, qualitative data collection and analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews involving professionals from construction companies in the UK and the DR. Interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed using Microsoft Word and exported to the software NVivo, where the software was used to find common thematic nodes across all interviews. Findings The findings encompass drivers, challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing smart devices in construction project. For both countries, the top five CSFs were leadership, staff training, culture, technology awareness and cost of implementation. These findings were used to develop a strategic framework for implementing smart devices in construction companies. The framework establishes the actors, elements and actions to be considered by construction companies when implementing smart devices. Originality/value This paper provides a richer insight into the understanding and awareness of implementing smart devices. A strategic framework for implementing smart devices in the construction industry and providing guidelines for adopting smart devices in construction projects was developed and validated. This study provides a better understanding of the key factors to be considered by construction companies when embedding smart devices into their projects.

A framework for the adoption of green business models in the Ghanaian construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Theophilus Lamptey ◽  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu ◽  
Alex Acheampong ◽  
Michael Adesi ◽  
Frank Ato Ghansah
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Green Business

PurposeDespite the amount of considerable investigations on business models, much studies have not been undertaken in the construction industry emphasising the adoption of green business models to drive sustainable construction. Construction activities continue to increase the carbon footprint and eject contaminated materials into the ecological environment with dire consequences for economic and social sustainability. As a result of the adverse impacts of construction activities, it is necessary for construction firms to rethink their approach to the use of conventional business models. The purpose of this study is to explore a framework for the adoption of green business models to drive sustainability in the construction industry of Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis research is exploratory due to its focus on emerging economies in which there is a perceptible gap in the adoption of green business models. As a result of this, this paper is entrenched in the interpretivist philosophical stance, which led to the adoption of the qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken involving 13 senior managers of construction firms. A thematic analysis was used with the aid of qualitative data analysis computer software package to code the interview transcripts.FindingsThe results demonstrate the six definitions of green business models among the managers of construction firms. The study also shows the need for developing green business models to address the issues of circularity and sustainability goals to reduce carbon footprints in the construction industry. Similarly, the paper found various sources of information to drive the awareness, understanding and adoption of the components for green business models. These sources include international conferences and training workshops on green business models. Finally, the study presents a framework that integrates the building information modelling (BIM) and the Internet of things (IoT) into the components for green business models adoption in construction firms.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to use the quantitative approach to undertake further empirical studies, as this paper focuses mostly on the qualitative approach to ascertain the nature of the relationship between green business model and the various components of the circular economy in the construction industry.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing knowledge on green business models by demonstrating six key pillars of green business models by the inclusion of digital technologies such as BIM and IoT, which hitherto this investigation have not been considered in the adoption of green business models in the construction industry. This study extends the existing knowledge on green business models, which has the potential to increase the awareness and understanding of practitioners and managers of construction firms.

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