scholarly journals ENHANCING VALUE ENGINEERING APPLICATION IN THE SRI LANKAN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: A FRAMEWORK

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.V.P.U. Sandupama ◽  
◽  
T. Ramachandra ◽  
U.G.D. Madushika ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Engineering Application ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Value Engineering ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Concept Design

The concept of value engineering (VE) is used to optimise the cost, time, quality, and functional performance toward achieving the best value for client money. However, the application of VE in construction industries is limited as there are differences in the use of the VE concept to developing economies, application of cost-oriented procurement systems, and lack of a practically applicable framework. In the local construction context, VE is practiced in an ad hoc manner. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop a framework including a tailored approach to enhance the VE application in the building construction industry. A qualitative approach was adapted to solicit views of twenty-two (22) construction professionals who involved in the six (6) high-rise building construction projects and practiced the VE concept. Views of professionals were synthesised using content analysis and finally developed a framework including a tailored VE approach. The findings conclude that cost and time as the main value criteria which motivate the VE application. Further, VE application in the construction industry is initiated mostly in the construction stages while professionals’ preference is laid on the initial project phases. Consequently, the contractor change proposal was identified as the sound approach to deliver VE since motivations emerge during physical construction. Finally, a tailored VE approach was developed considering concept design, developed design, and construction stages with related VE motivations to enhance the VE application in the Sri Lankan building construction context in a simplified manner.

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 Characteristics of Procurement Methods in Malaysia – Comparing Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build and Construction Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Azeanita Suratkon ◽  
◽  
Riduan Yunus ◽  
Rafikullah Deraman ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Technical Expertise ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Project Complexity ◽  
Design Build ◽  
Procurement Method ◽  
Design Bid Build

Design-Bid-Build (DBB) or commonly known as Traditional method is the earliest and most prevalent procurement method used in Malaysian construction industry. Design-Build (DB) and Construction Management (CM) procurement methods were later introduced in Malaysia as an endeavour to satisfy and accommodate the increase in project complexity and the need for avoiding drawbacks of the Traditional methods. Each procurement method has different nature and possesses certain characteristics. Therefore, this study was carried out to ascertain and compare the characteristics of these three procurement methods that are implemented in building construction projects in Malaysia. A questionnaire survey was conducted among architects, consultants, contractors and owners or developers to elicit their feedback on the characteristics which were categorised into time, cost, quality, complexity and flexibility, degree of involvement and responsibility allocation and technical expertise. The findings indicated that only DB method almost fulfils all the characteristics under the six categories, whereas, DBB methods garnered agreement only for certain characteristics under time, cost, complexity and flexibility and technical expertise categories. Meanwhile, the only CM method’s characteristics that satisfy agreement from the respondents are the often used of fast track approach and lack of certainty in price. This study concludes that when a procurement method is adopted for a construction project, not all the features or characteristics will turn out as expected. There are many factors that contribute and are influential on the success in procurement methods that are worth for further investigation.

A decision-making formula for value engineering applications in the Sri Lankan construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayani Karunasena ◽  
Kosala Rajagalgoda Gamage
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Cognitive Mapping ◽  
Value Engineering ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Bodies ◽  
Research Outcome ◽  
Analyse Data

Purpose The construction industry in many developing countries is reluctant to apply value engineering (VE) due to uncertainty of outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing practices of VE techniques and make recommendations to organisations and national construction regulatory bodies, to standardise VE practices. A decision-making formula is introduced to determine profitability of VE applications prior to implementation. Design/methodology/approach A broad literature review and six case study projects that applied VE were selected. Thirty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data within cases. Six expert interviews were conducted as confirmatory interviews to clarify and validate research outcome. Content analysis and cognitive mapping were used to analyse data among case studies. Findings Application, knowledge and experience on VE techniques among construction professionals are unsatisfactory. Recommendations include reducing contractor’s design responsibility, introducing proper VE guidelines and statutory regulations. A framework is introduced to assist authorities to standardise application of VE techniques. A decision-making formula is suggested to determine margins of contractor’s portion due to VE techniques and original profits gained. Originality/value The formula can be used as a decision-making tool by construction industry practitioners to determine successfulness of proposed VE techniques, and the proposed framework can be used to guide construction professional bodies to standardise VE practices.

Selecting suitable procurement system for steel building construction

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
G.P.P.S. Perera ◽  
T.M.M.P. Tennakoon ◽  
Udayangani Kulatunga ◽  
Himal Suranga Jayasena ◽  
M.K.C.S. Wijewickrama
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Steel Building ◽  
Selection Factors ◽  
Procurement System ◽  
Procurement Method ◽  
Critical Literature

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to select a suitable procurement method for steel building construction in Sri Lanka following a systematic method which weigh, both procurement selection factors and existing procurement systems.Design/methodology/approachAn abductive research stance is followed in this empirical study. Procurement selection factors were selected through a critical literature review which was followed by a quantitative questionnaire survey. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and relative important index.FindingsThe critical literature review outlined 46 procurement selection factors, out of which 26 factors were very important in steel building procurement selection. Short construction period and higher constructability of design are ranked at the top with the highest priority rating factors. Management-oriented procurement system was selected as the most appropriate procurement system for steel building constructions within the Sri Lankan context.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to widely use three procurement systems in Sri Lankan construction industry. Yet, the process followed in selecting the most appropriate procurement system could be applied for other contexts. The implications of the study are mainly identifying management-oriented procurement as the most suitable procurement method for steel building construction in Sri Lanka.Practical implicationsThe systematic procedure of procurement method selection for steel building construction may use in the Sri Lankan construction industry to limit the resource loss due to wrong selection of procurement.Originality/valueA study which critically and comprehensively presenting a procurement selection process for steel building construction is not recorded in Sri Lanka prior to this study.

Factors leading to design changes in Jordanian construction projects

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Ghazi Gharaibeh ◽  
Sandra T. Matarneh ◽  
Mazen Arafeh ◽  
Ghaleb Sweis
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Value Engineering ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Construction Market ◽  
Design Changes ◽  
Major Factors

PurposeThe problem of design changes in the construction industry is common worldwide, and the Jordanian market is no exception. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors causing design changes in construction projects in Jordan in both the public and private sectors. Furthermore, this research will examine the effect of these factors on project's performance during the construction phase.Design/methodology/approachThis research commences by identifying the factors causing design changes in construction projects worldwide through an intensive literature review. The identified factors were then filtered to those applicable to the Jordanian construction market based on the results obtained from a questionnaire survey and real case construction projects. In total, 252 professionals from the Jordanian construction industry and 10 completed and/or ongoing construction projects in different parts of Jordan were compared.FindingsThe results find that the top major factors affecting design changes are owner's requirements; design errors and omissions and value engineering. The research also studies and documents the impacts of design changes on project cost, schedule and quality.Originality/valueThe results obtained from this research will assist the construction professionals representing owners, consultants and contractors in applying control measures to minimize the occurrence of the identified factors causing design changes and to mitigate their sever impacts on projects in terms of cost, schedule and quality.

scholarly journals Factors impeding the industrialized building system (IBS) implementation of building construction in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 2209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massofia Md. Ali ◽  
Nor Haslinda Abas ◽  
Haryanti Mohd Affandi ◽  
Nor Ain Abas
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Housing Construction ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Building System ◽  
The Government ◽  
Traditional Construction

In Malaysian construction industry, Industrialised Building System (IBS) has been introduced to replace the traditional construction method. While the government has been making significant efforts to encourage the IBS adoption, the uptake of IBS in Malaysia construction projects remains low. This study seeks to identify the barriers to the uptake of IBS and to propose the strategies to enhance the implementation IBS in Malaysian housing construction process from the perspectives of consultants. Interviews were conducted with five selected experienced individuals who were working with consultants (civil and structure engineer and quantity surveyor). The results revealed that, lack of knowledge and insufficient skilled workers are the main factors that impede the IBS uptake in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the most strategy proposed by the interviewees is to increase the facilities and incentives in order to expand research and development in IBS.  

Integrating sustainability concepts and value planning for sustainable construction

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayani Karunasena ◽  
Uthpala Rathnayake ◽  
Dushan Senarathne
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Industry Data ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Local Construction

Purpose Sustainable Construction (SC) is a vital requirement to safeguard the world for future generations. However, there are several potential barriers such as initial costs of implementation of sustainability concepts (approaches used to safeguard three dimensions of sustainability namely environmental, social and economical). This paper intends to integrate sustainability concepts to Value Planning (VP) which attracts clients as it is used to reduce unnecessary costs. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature survey was carried out to develop a conceptual linkage between SC and VP disciplines. This was followed by a questionnaire survey with 40 respondents and 16 semi structured expert interviews to ascertain prevailing status of these concepts in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Data was analysed using statistical and content analysis, respectively. Findings Findings revealed even though knowledge is fairly good, application and experience of experts are not satisfactory regarding these concepts. However, it is established that there is a huge requirement to apply these concepts in local construction projects. In order to overcome barriers identified, a framework has been developed to integrate sustainability concepts and VP disciplines in construction projects. Originality/value The framework can be used as a guide by construction industry practitioners for betterment of construction projects, ultimately steering the industry towards sustainability.

scholarly journals Exploring the Causes of Design Changes in Building Construction Projects: An Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9578
Author(s):  
Shahab Shoar ◽  
Nicholas Chileshe
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Structural Modeling ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Value Engineering ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modeling ◽  
Change Orders ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Design Changes ◽  
New Construction

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mutual interactions between the causes of design changes using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and to classify the causes using the “Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement” MICMAC technique. This study further identifies and proposes strategies to mitigate design change occurrence and map them onto the identified connections between the causes. To achieve these goals, critical causes of design changes were identified through a comprehensive literature review; 23 key causes were then refined according to the opinions of relevant experts involved in the Iranian building construction sector. Stakeholders associated with each cause and the management areas from which causes arise were also considered. The factors “Unfamiliarity with new construction methods”, “Design errors”, “Value engineering”, “Scope uncertainty”, “Change orders”, and “Constructability ignored in the design phase”, which are highly influenced by other factors, emerged at the highest level of the ISM diagram, and “Clients’ attitudes and experience” as the main root cause of design changes at the bottom of the diagram. The MICMAC technique results showed that consultant-related causes significantly influence other causes, and policy and client-related causes have a feedback effect on the whole system. The findings of this study provide a better insight into how various causes of design changes are connected to one another and can ultimately assist project managers of different parties, even in other countries, to choose influential strategies to mitigate design changes in building construction projects.

Streamlining the management of payment delays: the case of Sri Lankan Government building construction projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
B.A.K.S. Perera ◽  
Kaveesha Gihani Dewagoda
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Approach ◽  
Implementing Strategies ◽  
Government Construction

Purpose Delayed payments have been long standing, pressing issue in construction projects, especially in Government-funded construction projects. The root causes and the consequences of delayed payments must be identified before implementing strategies to mitigate the consequences of such delayed payments. However, these causes and consequences and the parties responsible for managing the delayed payments have not been identified so far. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the management of payment delays in Government-funded construction projects. Design/methodology/approach The study used a mixed approach comprising four case studies and a questionnaire survey. The empirical data collected from the case studies and the questionnaire survey were analysed using manual content analysis and mean rating, respectively. Findings The study identified the most significant causes and the most significant consequences of delayed payments that occur in Government-funded construction projects. It also revealed the strategies that clients, consultants, contractors and other parties can adopt to mitigate the adverse consequences of such delayed payments. Originality/value This study identified the most significant causes of delayed payments in Government-funded construction projects, the most significant consequences of such delayed payments and the most suitable strategies the clients, consultants and contractors can adopt to mitigate the consequences of such delayed payments. Thus, this study supports streamlining the management of payment delays in Government construction projects and identifies the roles that different parties must play in managing payment delays in Government building projects, which is an under-researched area.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document