scholarly journals NEGLIGENT USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT BY CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN SRI LANKA: ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL MANIFESTATIONS

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.P.M DASANDARA ◽  
◽  
D.M.P.P. DISSANAYAKE ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Individual

The construction industry can be identified as one of the main sectors in Sri Lanka where the majority of occupational accidents happen. When considering the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), occupational accidents have been significantly happened due to many reasons. Among those reasons, negligence of the use of PPE by construction workers has become prominent. Different factors can affect this situation. Among them, individual manifestations such as perceptions, beliefs, experiences and attitudes of the workers can make a significant impact. Hence, there is an emerging need to explore the reasons under these individual manifestations, which encourages the negligence use of PPE. This paper therefore aimed to analyse the individual manifestations to unveil the reasons behind the negligence of use of PPE by construction workers in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research approach was followed to achieve the aim of the study. Case studies were conducted using two SME construction projects. Fourteen semi structured interviews were conducted in both cases with managerial and worker level respondents. Collected data were analysed using code based content analysis. ‘Considering PPE as a disturbance’, ‘lack of experiences of the workers’, ‘poor education level of the workers’, ‘inadequate knowledge and skills of the workers’, ‘poor income level’, ‘age of the workers’, ‘number of dependencies’, ‘poor health condition’ and ‘different lifestyles of the workers’ were revealed through the empirical research findings as the key reasons under individual manifestations, which affect for the neglect usage of PPE by the workers. The knowledge generated through this study can be used in many ways by the industry practitioners to make safe working environment within the construction sites.

scholarly journals Skill shortage of bricklayers in Scotland

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Lawani ◽  
Sarah McKenzie-Govan ◽  
Billy Hare ◽  
Fred Sherratt ◽  
Iain Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Housing Stock ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Strain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Skills Shortage ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose This study identifies that bricklaying trade has not benefited much from off-site production, and bricklaying has been highlighted as a trade significantly affected by the documented skills shortage in Scotland with 66% of small and medium enterprises reporting difficulties in recruiting bricklayers. Design/methodology/approach This study used an interpretivistic philosophy adopting the phenomenological qualitative research approach using purposeful sampling technique and semi-structured interviews to allow for emergent themes to develop. The theory of proximal similarity that connects the study’s characteristics and the characteristics of the group under study was adopted. Findings Findings from the emergent themes identified issues grouped into key themes such as inconsistency of income, lack of care and self-employed workforce. The sub-themes included the Scottish climate, risk and profit, physical strain and government expectations and the cost of innovation. These were considered in relation to their existing and future implications for the industry. Research limitations/implications A wider and more diverse group of industry participants from different parts of Scotland would have made the study more representative. Practical implications It is imperative that the Scottish construction industry supports, develops and trains future bricklayers capable of maintaining existing housing stock and to deliver on future construction projects in Scotland. Originality/value This study explores the shortage of skilled bricklayers within the Scottish construction sector.

scholarly journals The Awareness Of ICT Implementation For Materials Management In Construction Projects

2011 ◽  
pp. 159-168
Author(s):  
N. B. Kasim ◽  
Peniel Ang Soon Ern
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Materials Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ict Implementation ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Main Barrier

Construction materials usually constitute a major portion of the total cost in a building construction project. Despite the potential benefit of ICT, convincing construction organisations to embrace its use and implementation has proved a difficult task. This research seeks to identify the implementation of ICT in construction materials management processes and to investigate on the acceptance of contractors for ICT transformation to the materials management in construction projects. In relation to that, current constraints that are found hindering the acceptance of ICT in materials management processes are also identified. A triangulation research approach which consists of standard derived questionnaires, semi structured interviews with class A contractors and review of previous research were conducted. The findings from this research reveal that the implementation of ICT in the materials management for construction projects in Malaysia is at early stage. Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and handheld devices are found to be the common ICT tools adopted in the materials management processes. Meanwhile, there is only an average level of acceptance towards the transformation of ICT implementation in the construction materials management. The main barrier is found to be the cost involvement at the initial stage or overall implementation of ICT in the materials management processes. Finally, it can be concluded that there is a lack of awareness towards the ICT implementation of materials management in the construction projects.

Post-tensioned concreting: its suitability for and acceptability in Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 719-735
Author(s):  
Hewa Siliyange Athushla Madhubhashana ◽  
B.A.K.S. Perera ◽  
Colombapatabendige Savindi Ranthika Perera
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Swelling Soils ◽  
Post Tensioned

Purpose Many countries have started to use post-tensioned (PT) concrete because of its sustainability and low cost. However, it is not quite popular in Sri Lanka as the required knowhow and technology are not available within the country. By introducing PT concrete to the country, unwanted costs and time overruns could be eliminated from the construction projects. This paper, therefore, aims to identify the suitability and acceptability of PT concreting for/in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature review was first carried out to gather knowledge on PT concreting. The four case studies that followed it included eight semi-structured interviews and a document review. Ten expert interviews were conducted finally to strengthen the findings of the literature review and case studies. Cross-case analysis and NVivo 11 content analysis software were used to analyze the data gathered. Findings Findings reveal that PT concreting saves cost and time of construction and that it can have a control over the resources required for construction, which makes it environment-friendly. PT concreting allows thinner concrete sections, extended spans, stiffer walls that resist lateral loads and stiffer foundations that resist the effects of shrinking and swelling soils. Originality/value It is found that PT concreting is more suitable for the construction industry in Sri Lanka than traditional concreting.

scholarly journals INVESTIGATION OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OPERATORS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.G.A.S Waidyasekara ◽  
◽  
K.I. Ridmika ◽  
N.M.G.H. Sandagomika ◽  
A.N Konara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Data Collection Tool ◽  
Social Returns ◽  
The Status ◽  
Essential Input

The construction industry, which is a labour intensive and skill development of the industry would yield both economic and social returns to the national economy. Among other occupational categories, there is a significant demand for the plant and equipment (P&E) operators in the construction industry. Nevertheless, limited numbers of research are available on the said area. Hence, the aim of this paper is to investigate the status of P&E operators in Sri Lankan building construction projects. Accordingly, this study encompassed a qualitative research approach, and six semi-structured expert interviews were conducted as the data collection tool. The study revealed that mainly two categories of P&E as moveable and immovable and further identified subcategories under each. Based on the results, occupational map was developed for the P&E operators in building construction projects in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the study revealed that technical and mechanical skills as an essential input for an efficient P& E operator. Moreover, the paper discussed issues with P & E operators. Accordingly, inconsistency, taking long leave, poor health conditions, less experience, and less motivation were identified as prominent issues.

scholarly journals Towards safe campus environments through environmental design: two universities as case studies

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 28-46
Author(s):  
Stephanus Coetzee ◽  
Karen Puren
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
University Of Applied Sciences ◽  
Spatial Environment ◽  
The Individual

Universities are often considered to be safe sanctuaries. However, many higher education institutions have increasingly been confronted with crime and unrest. Violence and other crimes on campuses are currently an international concern. This paper reports on a study that investigated student’s perceptions of safety on two campuses namely Lahti University of Applied Sciences in Finland and the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Theories from Environmental Psychology and Urban Planning are combined in this study in order to incorporate aspects of the individual, social setting and spatial environment. Increasing people’s safety help to optimise their experience of their environment and can in turn create an enabling context for people to flourish and improve their quality of life. The research followed a qualitative research approach. In this study, 21 participants from a Finnish university and 16 participants from a South African university were selected through purposive sampling. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews supported by visual data of the spatial environment. All data were transcribed verbatim and analysed through qualitative content analysis. The literature and findings of the research both support that the spatial and social environment influences safety. It is therefore recommended that safe campus environments require a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to proactively develop a Comprehensive Safe Environment Plan (CSEP). From a planning perspective, students’ perceptions of campus environments’ safety may include the creation of compact dedicated campus areas, land uses, building placing and orientation, territoriality, landscaping, visibility, control over fear-inducing activities, maintenance, security measures and pedestrian orientated areas.

Project Management and Scheduling through National Project Management Phases in Government Construction Agencies

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Jesper Kranker Larsen ◽  
Thomas Ditlev Brunoe ◽  
Søren Munch Lindhard ◽  
Kim Noergaard Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Project Phases ◽  
Project Management And Scheduling ◽  
Project Coordination

Effective project coordination and management of time and cost scheduling in public funded construction projects receive a considerable focus from academics, politicians, and the construction industry itself with opposing points of view. The study objective is therefore to investigate the process of time and cost scheduling during the different project stages, and their relationships between critical factors affecting project schedules. Applied data collection was based on semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey with publicly agency employed project managers and property managers. A multiple research approach was thus utilized to mix the two dataset. Findings demonstrate that project complications in the execution stage is associated to lack of project requirements and design with too optimistic project deadline and budget from the initial project stages. Moreover, a relationship was found between the presence of experienced consultants and the achievement of project success throughout the project phases as particular vital.

scholarly journals Indigenous Agricultural Systems in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka: Management Transformation Assessment and Sustainability

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuwan Abeywardana ◽  
Brigitta Schütt ◽  
Thusitha Wagalawatta ◽  
Wiebke Bebermeier
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Agricultural System ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Current Management ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Dry Zone

The tank-based irrigated agricultural system in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest historically evolved agricultural systems in the world. The main component of the system consists of a connected series of man-made tanks constructed in shallow valleys to store, convey and utilize water for paddy cultivation. Up to 10,000 tanks originating from the heydays of ancient kingdoms are still integrated in the current agricultural landscape. During the last two millennia, this indigenous system has undergone many changes in technological, management and socio-cultural norms. This research aimed to analyze the current management practices and existing indigenous aspects of the Dry Zone irrigated agricultural system from the viewpoint of farmers who are the main stakeholders of the system. Altogether, 49 semi-structured interviews were conducted in seven villages in the Anuradhapura district and a detailed survey was conducted in the village of Manewa with a mixed research approach. The basic elements of the indigenous landscape, agricultural practices and management structures based on Farmer Organizations were mapped and examined in detail. The analysis of results shows that the sustainability of the indigenous agricultural system is vulnerable to rapid changes due to modernization, market changes, education levels, and inconsistent management decisions. The case study demonstrates the value of preserving indigenous agricultural systems and the negative outcomes of current management interventions that neglect the indigenous system. Therefore, careful interventions and innovations are needed to adapt the tank-based indigenous agricultural system of the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka so as to preserve ecological and socio-economic sustainability.

A training program to qualify people with intellectual disabilities for inclusive research

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Grebe ◽  
M Voß ◽  
L Heitland ◽  
S Nadolny ◽  
ÄD Latteck
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Related ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background Inclusive research aims to involve people with intellectual disabilities (ID) with their views and values in all steps of the research process. But there is a lack of published training programs that address the qualification of people with ID for their roles as co-researchers. Objectives The aim was to develop a training program, based on constructivist didactics, in order to empower people with ID to act as initiators of health-related research, interviewers, data analysts and authors. In addition, the program aims to promote social self-organization and health literacy. The program consists of four steps: 1) Recruiting, relationship and team building; 2) Analysis of communication skills; 3) Choice of topic and formulation of a research question relevant to the lifeworld of the co- researchers 4) Exercises, carried out with an open, flexible approach, taking into account the individual biographies, knowledge, skills and interests of the team. Professional researchers moderate this process and promote the activation of knowledge and experiences. The whole process comprised weekly team meetings over a period of 7 months. Results The co-researchers were successfully empowered to deal with new kinds of demands and tasks. As of March 2020, the co- researchers selected pain as their topic and successfully formulated research questions, developed a guideline for semi-structured interviews and acquired essential interviewing skills. Data collection and analysis are still pending. Conclusions The implemented inclusive research approach pursued here, offers opportunities for generating research findings that are more relevant for the target group and their lifeworld. Consequently, professionals can better address the needs of their clients and develop tailored interventions. For the involved co-researchers with ID the training program seems to be successful in empowering them in decision-making and in reflecting on their own and other's health-related needs. Key messages People with intellectual disabilities can successfully be qualified as co-researchers with a 7-months weekly training program. The training program helps the co-researchers in reflecting on their own and other’s health-related needs.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing on Export Engagement of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Sri Lanka: Resource Based View

2021 ◽  
pp. 38-49
Author(s):  
Hashen Madushanka ◽  
Vilani Sachitra
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Financial Capability ◽  
Management Capability ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Marketing Information ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose: Sri Lankan government has recognized small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of the economy. Export is the most adapted internationalization mechanism by SMEs. Export activities of SMEs are caused to reduce trade balance deficit, increase capital inflow, increase employment, create balance of payment surplus and increase the production. In the most of the developing countries, considerable amount of total export activities is performed by SMEs. However, a few numbers of SMEs are exporting in Sri Lanka. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence on export engagement of SMEs in Sri Lanka. Methods: Explanatory research approach followed by quantitative method used in this study. Based on literature, financial capability, management capability, government policy and marketing information were selected as influencing factors on export engagement of SMEs. Scope of the study consisted with SMEs in the manufacturing sector, located in Western province. A structured questionnaire was used for the primary data collection. Findings: The survey was conducted on 151 SMEs. The multiple regression analysis results revealed that 72.6% of the variation in export engagement can be explained by financial capability, management capabilities and government policies. However, marketing information was not a significant determinant of export engagement of SMEs. Among the factors, management capability recorded the highest beta value (beta = 0.487) followed by financial capabilities.  Research Implications: This study helps to enhance the development of the country through assisting the SMEs to enhance their exports by having a better understand about the factors influence for export engagement of SMEs. The SMEs which are not engaged with export, can get a knowledge about the most important factors of the export-engaged enterprises have. Further Study Suggestions: Future studies might concern in depth analysis of problems face by SMEs when engaging with exports and remedies for those problems by using many sample size within a long period of time.

scholarly journals CHALLENGES AND ISSUES OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INSTRUMENTS RELATED TO INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.V.M.K. Wijerathna ◽  
◽  
M.D.T.E. Abeynayake ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Regulatory Instruments ◽  
Level Of Significance

The construction industry is required to improve sustainability to increase the rapid growth of the economy of Sri Lanka. The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has introduced Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) survey, Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), and Environmental Protection License (EPL) as environmental protection instruments that have been correlated with construction projects. To interrupt the smooth performance of the EIA, IEE, and EPL, many challenges have been associated with these procedures. The research problem was approached through six preliminary interviews to refine the identified challenges and issues related to EIA, IEE and EPL with their processes within the Sri Lankan context. Based on the preliminary interview results, forty questionnaires were distributed to investigate the level of significance of the challenges and issues with regard to EIA, IEE, and EPL related to development projects. For this research, mixed research approach is used. Collected data were analysed in terms of statistical analysis and content analysis using NVivo 12 software respectively. The analysed data were revealed different issues of EIA, IEE, and EPL instruments in Sri Lanka. Especially challenges related to regulatory bodies were identified. According to the research, there were many adverse effects due to the ineffective implementation of environmental protection regulatory instruments. Similarly, it revealed that issues were affected to the time, cost, and quality of the construction projects. Ultimately, it provided proper guidance for implementing EIA, IEE, and EPL instruments and the necessity of implementation of a post-monitoring mechanism for environmental protection instruments.

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