scholarly journals Cyber Security Threat Modeling in the Construction Industry: A Countermeasure Example During the Commissioning Process

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharadwaj Mantha ◽  
Borja García de Soto ◽  
Ramesh Karri

The digitalization and automation of the construction sector, known as Construction 4.0, are transforming positively the way we plan, design, execute, and operate construction projects. However, they are also increasing the vulnerability of construction projects and making the architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management (AEC-FM) industry subject to cyberattacks. Although current cybersecurity practices are relevant, they cannot be directly adopted because of the unique challenges faced by the AEC-FM industry, such as complex supply chains, interoperability, and dynamic workforce from project to project. Current literature suggests that, though current standards and practices are relevant, industry-specific studies need to be conducted before they can be successfully integrated. To that extent, this study investigates the cybersecurity threat modeling for construction projects by developing a framework that identifies what might be compromised, how might it happen, why would someone intend to do it, what would be the impact, and what could be done to prevent it. Specifically, the objectives are to a) develop a preliminary threat model relevant to construction that can be used by construction stakeholders with minimal cybersecurity expertise, b) show the feasibility of the approach by using illustrative threat models for each of the life cycle phases of a construction project, and c) use the commissioning phase of a building as a case study to show a possible countermeasure for the cyber threats that could occur during the testing or certification process of a given system. This study addresses essential components to enable the full potential of (i.e., digitalization and automation of the construction industry) and define research areas needed to pave the roadmap for the future of the construction industry and successful development of Construction 4.0. The proposed framework will help analyze, examine, and address the safety and security of stakeholders and systems during crucial phases of a construction project (e.g., pre-construction, construction, and operation).

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Ashraf Mohd Fateh ◽  
Tan Hee Yee

Every activity in a construction project is related to time and cost. Delay is considered common and often occurred in a construction project. A slight delay can be very costly. It will impact all of the related stakeholders. This paper seeks to identify the financial issues in the construction industry and the impact of the financial issues towards the projects in Malaysia. Literature reviews and questionnaire surveys were used to carry out the study. The data collected were analysed via Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. The paper reveals that the withholding of payment by the approval parties is the critical financial issues in Malaysia’s construction industry, while the main impact when the financial issues occurs is where the project is delayed/postponed/terminated. The findings of this research will give a good insight to the industry and help to improve the local players’ competitive capabilities as highlighted by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in the Construction Transformation Programme (CITP) 2016-2020 and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that was introduced by the United Nations (UN).


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sami Ur Rehman ◽  
Muhammad Tariq Shafiq ◽  
Muneeb Afzal

Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the global economy and, thus, the global construction industry. This paper aims to study the impact of COVID-19 on construction project performance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative and exploratory approach to investigate the impact of COVID-19 and its policies on project performance in the UAE construction industry in critical areas of the project management body of knowledge (e.g. schedule, cost, resources and contracts). Semi-structured interview questions were asked from ten construction professional to obtain valuable insights into the pandemic’s effects on the UAE construction industry and the effectiveness of policies implemented to rectify the damage and identify the industry’s new normal. Findings The findings indicate that the construction industry faced several challenges such as schedule delays, disrupted cashflows, delayed permits, approvals and inspections, travel restrictions, serious health and safety concerns, material and equipment shortages, among others which hindered the timely delivery of construction projects. It also indicates that efforts made by the government institutions and the construction industry of the UAE such as economic support programs, digitization of processes, fee and fine waivers, health facilities, among other statutory relaxations proved effective in supporting the construction industry against the adverse effects of the pandemic. Research limitations/implications The research findings are limited to the literature review and ten semi-structured interviews seeking an expert’s opinion from industry professionals working in the UAE construction industry. The research team did not get access to project documents, contracts and project progress reports which may be required to validate the interview findings, and to perform an in-depth analysis quantifying the impact of COVID 19 on construction projects performance, which is a limitation of this research. Practical implications The implication is that, owing to the imposed lockdowns and strict precautionary measures to curb the rapid spread of the pandemic, smooth execution of the construction project across the country was affected. The government institutions and stakeholders of the construction projects introduced and implemented various techniques and solutions which effectively handled the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction industry of the UAE. Originality/value This study has identified the challenges faced by the construction industry of the UAE in the context of the management of project schedule, project cost, construction contracts, health and safety of construction employees and other related aspects of the construction projects. This study also identified the techniques and solutions adopted by various public and private institutions of the country and their implications on construction projects. Therefore, this study provides guidelines for policymakers and future research studies alike.


Neutron ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-59
Author(s):  
Liliana Hannes ◽  
Julistyana Tistogondo

Accelerating infrastructure development in Indonesia is a good thing, but this is not without problems. The COVID-19 pandemic is a problem that has a large and global impact, not least in Indonesia, especially in the construction industry sector. The construction project of the Soedono Madiun Hospital is one of the construction projects that have experienced the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review and analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on construction projects in the case study of the construction project of the Soedono Madiun Hospital, and to find out the biggest impact of the covid-19 pandemic which has the most influence on construction projects in the case study of the construction project of the Soedono Hospital. Madison. The research method used to determine the biggest impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the cost and time aspects is the multiple linear regression analysis method with the help of Microsoft Excel. The other data analysis methods used in this study were the validity and reliability tests used in testing the questionnaire. The results of data analysis conducted in this study indicate that there are seven independent variables affect the dependent variable, namely the suitability of planning and project realization with the equation y= 94.186-0.376x1-0.108x2-1.014x3+0.873x4 for the time aspect, and the equation y=87,009 -0.0006x5-0.001x6-0.0002x7 for the cost aspect. With this equation, it can be seen that the independent variable that has the most influence on the dependent variable on the time aspect is the independent variable X3, namely the change in the time schedule due to delays in the arrival of construction materials by 1.014, while in the cost aspect is the independent variable X6, namely changes in costs due to instability. the price of construction materials is 0.001. So, it is hoped that there will be a project management handling that focuses on the most influential variable, namely construction materials.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-84
Author(s):  
Wadhah Amer Hatem ◽  
Samiaah M. Hassen Al-Tmeemy

     Suicide attacks, bombings, explosions became the part of daily life in Iraq. Consequently, the threat of terrorism put the Iraqi construction sector in the face of unique and unusual challenges that not seen on other countries. These challenges can have extensive impact on construction projects. This paper seeks to examine the impact of the terrorist attacks on construction industry and determine the extent to which the impact of terrorism on construction projects in terms of cost, schedule, and quality. This study adapted quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data using questionnaire survey and interviews, as well as historical data. The study focused on projects that have been the target of terrorist strikes in Diyala governorate. A variety of statistical procedures were employed in data analysis. The results revealed the extent to which terrorist attacks impact construction projects in terms of cost, time, and quality. The results of this study will enhance the awareness of all construction parties to the impact of the terrorist attacks against construction projects. Eventually, this can develop a risk management assessment and assist contractors to properly protect projects and buildings to minimize injuries and fatalities in the event of terrorism.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 02020
Author(s):  
Hery Suliantoro ◽  
Nurul Fitriani ◽  
Bagus Hario Setiadji

Risk is a condition caused by uncertainty. Risks will occur on any construction project, including bridge construction projects. Efforts that can be taken to minimize the impact of these risks are to engage in risk management activities. This research was conducted on bridge construction work on toll road procurement project in Pejagan-Pemalang, Pemalang-Batang and Salatiga-Kertasura. The purpose of this research is to analyze the risk of bridge development project in toll road project using Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) method and then the result as database in discussing risk response strategy. The bridge construction project has 36 risks that are divided into six groups: materials and equipment, design, human resources, finance, management, nature and environmental conditions. Bad weather risks are the higest risk and seasonal risk causing temporary work stoppages. This risk-response strategy is avoidance. Short-term avoidance response strategy is to add shift workers, install tents and add additives in the acceleration of the process of maturation of concrete. The long-term avoidance response strategy is to evaluate and rearrange the work schedule by considering the weather forecast report.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Karimi ◽  
Timothy R.B. Taylor ◽  
Paul M. Goodrum ◽  
Cidambi Srinivasan

Purpose This paper aims to quantify the impact of craft worker shortage on construction project safety performance. Design/methodology/approach A database of 50 North American construction projects completed between 2001 and 2014 was compiled by taking information from a research project survey and the Construction Industry Institute Benchmarking and Metrics Database. The t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to determine whether there was a significant difference in construction project safety performance on projects with craft worker recruiting difficulty. Poisson regression analysis was then used to examine the relationship between craft worker recruiting difficulty and Occupational Safety and Health Administration Total Number of Recordable Incident Cases per 200,000 Actual Direct Work Hours (TRIR) on construction projects. Findings The result showed that the TRIR distribution of a group of projects that reported craft worker recruiting difficulty tended to be higher than the TRIR distribution of a group of projects with no craft worker recruiting difficulty (p-value = 0.004). Moreover, the average TRIR of the projects that reported craft worker recruiting difficulty was more than two times the average TRIR of projects that experienced no craft recruiting difficulty (p-value = 0.035). Furthermore, the Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that there was a positive exponential relationship between craft worker recruiting difficulty and TRIR in construction projects (p-value = 0.004). Research limitations/implications The projects used to construct the database are heavily weighted towards industrial construction. Practical implications There have been significant long-term gains in construction safety within the USA. However, if recent craft shortages continue, the quantitative analyses presented herein indicate a strong possibility that more safety incidents will occur unless the shortages are reversed. Innovative construction means and methods should be developed and adopted to work in a safe manner with a less qualified workforce. Originality/value The Poisson regression model is the first model that quantifiably links project craft worker availability to construction project safety performance.


2012 ◽  
Vol 226-228 ◽  
pp. 2253-2257
Author(s):  
Ren Hui Liu ◽  
Bo Yu

It is a nonlinear complex system for project emergency response system, that is a continuous process for the evolution of emergency construction project development process. The nonlinear differential equations that can describe the sudden emergency construction project the evolution of mathematical models. Emergency system by Logistic model was modified, taking into account the development of emergency systems will certainly be outside the system during the impact, combined with the project incidents of law principles of the role of Heinrich proposed TS-based emergency response system evolution equation Model, demonstrated the system at different stages of the emergency rules and features. For the emergency system in which the different stages of development, the corresponding measures to improve emergency response capabilities.


2012 ◽  
Vol 174-177 ◽  
pp. 3360-3363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi Lu Zhen

Based on analyzing the complexity of construction projects, we established a collaborative management framework for complex construction project and presented the main content of collaborative management. The main content includes three parts, the first part is the collaborative management for system itself, the second part is to reduce the system complexity in order to reduce the difficulty of management and the last part is to reduce the complexity caused by the uncontrollable external environment. We can use the method of risk pre-assessment and take risk prevention measures to reduce the impact for collaborative management caused by the dynamic external environment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 236 ◽  
pp. 03002
Author(s):  
Yingying Wu

The Environmental Impact Assessment system, referred to as the EIA system, is to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the plan or the construction and operation of the project on the environment, combine the surrounding environmental quality status, propose ecological or environmental protection measures,then evaluate the effectiveness of the measures, and draw a conclusion on the feasibility of the project(planning) in terms of environmental protection.This article summarizes the role and progress in environmental protection in the two aspects of planning and construction projects in recent years.Comprehensively selected cases found that both planning or construction project environmental assessment have played an important role in predicting the possible impact of planning or construction projects on the environment and ecology, and proposed feasible and effective environmental protection measures.After the planning or construction project adopts the conclusions and suggestions, as long as the "Three Simultaneous" regulations are followed, the impact of the planning or construction project on the environment or ecology can be prevented or effectively reduced. When it is necessary to conduct postevaluation of environmental impact, verify the actual conditions of the construction project, such as emissions and actual production processes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 761-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamil George Naoum ◽  
Carlos Herrero ◽  
Charles Egbu ◽  
Daniel Fong

Purpose It is axiomatic that construction is a fast-paced and competitive industry, which goes hand in hand with many construction professionals suffering from stress including construction project managers (C-PMs). The role of C-PMs is crucial to achieving project success as they are responsible for planning the project, organising human resources, controlling operations and the budget, and forecasting probable difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causal relationships between stressors, stresses, stress-coping behaviours and their impact on the performance of C-PMs. Design/methodology/approach To investigate the relationships between stress and performance among C-PMs, a questionnaire was designed based on the extensive literature, and was sent to 150 C-PMs who had amassed at least five years’ direct working experience in the construction industry. A total of 44 completed questionnaires were returned. Correlation analysis and structural equation modelling were employed to understand the integrated relationships between these factors. Based on the data collected and analysis of the results, an integrated structural equation model of the stresses and performances of C-PMs was developed using AMOS version 22.0. Findings The results of structural equation modelling reveal the following: burnout is the type of stress that has the highest impact on the performance of C-PMs, being detrimental to their interpersonal performance (IPP) and positive for their organisational performance (OP), whereas physiological stress worsens the task performance of C-PMs and objective stress improves their IPP. The most active stressor towards the performance of C-PMs is “workgroup cooperation”, which has an impact on the IPP in a positive way but is detrimental to the OP. Career-developing environment, poor organisational structure and role conflict affect both stress and performance together. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the impact of various types of stress on the performances of C-PMs. The result constitutes a significant step towards the stress management of C-PMs in the dynamic and stressful construction industry.


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