scholarly journals ACCURACY OF TRADITIONAL CONTINGENCY ESTIMATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Jeyananthan ◽  
◽  
A. Shandraseharan ◽  
U. Kulatunga ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Hypothesis Test ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Traditional System ◽  
Motivating Factor

Contingency amounts are allocated in the construction projects to deal with uncertainties arising during the projects. Contingency amounts are usually estimated traditionally by simply adding a percentage of the estimated contract amount. However, the traditional system of contingency estimation is heavily criticised as ineffective due to several reasons. Therefore, this research focuses on evaluating the level of accuracy of current contingency estimation techniques in the Sri Lankan context. This study adopted a mixed-method research approach. Empirical data were collected using expert interviews and questionnaire survey. Data collected from the expert interviews were analysed using manual content analysis. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyse the questionnaire survey data. Findings revealed that inexpensiveness is the highly motivating factor for the rigid usage of the traditional method to estimate contingency in the Sri Lankan context. Estimated contract amount, procurement method, payment method, and type of client were identified as highly influencing factors in contingency estimation. Finally, the hypothesis test of this study revealed that the traditional contingency estimation is ineffective. Since the traditional contingency estimation proved ineffective and highly inaccurate, experts in the industry should consider a flexible alternative approach in contingency estimation to improve the accuracy of the contingency amount.

Prospects and restraints of green roofs for high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-260
Author(s):  
Subaskar Charles ◽  
Herath Vidyaratne ◽  
Damithri Gayashini Melagoda
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Rise ◽  
The Government

Purpose Green roofs are acknowledged as a method to substitute greenery washed out by the urbanization. They provide many ecological and sustainable benefits of greenery; reduce the adverse effects of high-rise building constructions. Though this concept is more popular across many countries over the past few decades, still, implementation of this technology in Sri Lanka is new and scant. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the potential of green roofs in high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach The data collection was conducted through expert interviews and questionnaire survey. Expert interviews were carried out to validate the prospects and restraints identified through literature review to the Sri Lankan context and analyzed using content analysis. Questionnaire survey identified the most significant prospects and restraints using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Findings Reduction of air pollution, aesthetical appearance, thermal benefits and energy savings, reduction of an urban heat island effect, the addition of points in the green rating system are the top most significant prospects that need to be highlighted in promoting green roof systems in Sri Lankan high rises. Less space allocation on rooftops, lack of technical competence and lack of awareness and research are restraints that need most effective elimination strategies to encourage green roof systems. Originality/value The first identified and quantified prospects and restraints for green roof system in Sri Lankan high-rise buildings can be utilized by the government, donors, multi-lateral agencies to promote the sustainable development in Sri Lanka and this knowledge could be used in different scale awareness programs. The value of this paper is such that the paper discusses the links of green roofs with the other facets of sustainability. The new legal reforms and amendments in Sri Lanka could potentially be pending with findings of this study.

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 Resolution of management issues with mega projects

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Scelo Mhlongo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Logistic Management ◽  
Design Changes ◽  
Effective Delivery ◽  
Management Issues

South Africa is a developing country with many construction projects that are being undetaken. The study aims to contribute to the resolution of issues around the management of projects. Previous studies have revealed that there are many failures in the erection of mega projects. This study was based in three provinces in South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape. A mixed method research approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitive methods was used to collect empirical data from stakeholders working on mega projects. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire and focused individual interviews. The study established that management issues such as the lack of stakeholder engagement and poor logistics planning play a role in the failure of mega projects. The level of use of this research targeted companies which are at 8GB and 9GB and within those companies, professionals such as project managers, architects, quantity surveyors, foremen and site agents. The study recommends that in order for mega projects to be successful, stake holders must mitigate turnaround time on taking decisions. Also, sound decisions must be taken for effective delivery of mega projects. Findings suggests that plant down time contributes to the failure of a project. Regular plant schedule checking is done daily prior to plant operation. Findings on logistic management revealed that the leading factor is public safety. It is recommended that safety of public around projects needs to be managed closely by responsible site agents and safety officers. The change of designs during construction must be avoided since this brings unexpected material expenditure which impacts on the project costing. All cost occurring during design changes must be charged to the architect fees, unless the changes were unforeseen.

scholarly journals A Study on the Benefits of Transit Oriented Development in Malaysia And Incoporation of Those Benefits in Planning

2019 ◽  
Vol 266 ◽  
pp. 06016
Author(s):  
Christy P. Gomez ◽  
Masitah Omar ◽  
Rameson Nallusamy
Keyword(s):  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Personal Perspective ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Transit Oriented Development ◽  
Local Council ◽  
On The Road

In Malaysia Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is increasingly becoming a priority for developers and property companies to lead urban planning towards creating a quality, prosperous and sustainable living environment. Malaysia is still relying heavily on traditional planning for its infrastructure development. The objectives of this study are to analyze current planning related to TOD in Malaysia and identify the economic, social and environmental benefits of TOD. A mixed method research approach was used. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaire survey and qualitative data obtained through interviews. The respondents for the questionnaire survey aimed at determining the benefits of TOD consisted of the transit community using the KL Sentral Station. Whilst the investigation on the current planning by the local authority with regards to TOD was undertaken based on data obtained from Johor state local council town planners. The results indicate that from a general perspective social benefits are perceived to be the greatest and from a personal perspective the environmental benefits are greatest. Whilst the current planning regarding TOD in Malaysia is very much at initial planning stages in the case of Johor state and the main emphasis is on reducing the number of people using private transport vehicles on the road. This study provides a reliable transit community perspective regarding the real economic, social and environmental benefits of TODs and provides a timely reflection for local council town planner and key stakeholders to review thier approach to leverage on the wider benefits of TOD.

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.

scholarly journals AN INVESTIGATION ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTION ORGANISATIONS IN DISASTER IN SRI LANKA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.B. NANAYAKKARA ◽  
◽  
Y.G. SANDANAYAKE ◽  
B.J. EKANAYAKE ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Disaster Situation ◽  
Corporate Social

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept, which is broadly determined as ensuring the efficacy of the organisation in integrating social and environmental considerations into organisational operations. In Sri Lankan context, a great enthusiasm can be seen among organisations to engage in CSR initiatives. Having considered the importance and impact, the study aims to investigate the importance of CSR initiatives by construction organisations in disasters in Sri Lanka. Thus, a mixed method research approach was followed as the methodology of this study. Findings are based on semi-structured interviews held with construction industry professionals. Findings of this study revealed that the implementation of CSR initiatives is more important during a disaster situation in the aspects of both affected party and aiding party. Moreover, construction organisations implement CSR during disaster situations by considering it as a mandatory responsibility of an organisation. Further, most of the construction organisations engage in CSR implementation during natural disaster situations. In practice all the construction organisations tend to engage in reactive initiatives. More importantly, it is revealed that both the organisational work force and society are benefitted through CSR implementation in disaster situations.

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.

Towards sustainability practices deployment in building construction projects in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Gbolagade Oladokun ◽  
Inimbom Walter Isang ◽  
Fidelis Emuze
Keyword(s):  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Resource Conservation ◽  
Construction Method ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
The Right ◽  
Awareness Level

PurposeWith recent extreme weather change from global warming, the ever-increasing volume of waste, and the unsustainable use of natural resources, there is the need to evolve a new way by which building construction projects are constructed to reduce carbon emissions, environmental degradation and excessive resource consumption. It is based on this premise that this paper presents the level of implementation of sustainability practices during building construction projects in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted the mixed methods research approach that involves collecting quantitative and qualitative data through the use of questionnaire and interviews. The numeric data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such average percentages, mean item score, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests whereas the textual data were analysed thematically.FindingsFrom the questionnaire survey, the result shows that the awareness level of sustainability practices by construction professionals is high in the study area. Also, the findings indicate that “choosing the right construction method for resource conservation and consideration of the client’s satisfaction” is the major sustainability practices that construction professionals implement in the construction phase of building projects in the study area. Insights from the interviews align with the findings from the questionnaire survey.Originality/valueThis study concluded that the awareness level of sustainability practices is high in the study area and “choosing the right construction method for resource conservation” and “consideration of the client's satisfaction” are the major sustainability practices that construction professionals are aware of and is being implemented in the study area. Based on these findings and conclusions reached, it is recommended that construction professionals should improve their knowledge of sustainability to enhance their competence for the effective implementation of sustainability practices during building construction projects in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Innovative Use of Low-Cost Digitisation for Smart Information Systems in Construction Projects

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 270
Author(s):  
Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar ◽  
Feiya Shu
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Human Intervention ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Implementation Processes ◽  
Is Development

The low-level application of digital tools and information systems in construction implies that many projects cannot meet modern requirements and standard of work of advanced industries. This study adopts a practical and diagnostic approach to identify key attributes and implementation processes of information systems in construction and logistics. To have triangulation of knowledge, a three-step methodology is adopted. Initially an exploratory analysis of previous literature is performed. Secondly a diagnostic analysis of IS applications in construction is achieved by case studies. Finally, expert interviews are performed to examine and consolidate the findings. The study illustrated practical and innovative applications of low-cost digital tools in IS development and created a framework for documentation of these discrete and mostly unshared practices. It is recommended that the construction sector should embrace more advance technologies to minimise human intervention and enhance real-time capabilities. The practicality of how different low-cost and off-the-shelf tools and digital platforms can be combined is discussed and demonstrated. The study provides a clear distinction for practitioners and academics as to what is being practiced in comparison to the dominant theories.

Managing integration in infrastructure alliance projects

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Maija Hietajärvi ◽  
Kirsi Aaltonen ◽  
Harri Haapasalo
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Projects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Project Organizations ◽  
Integration Mechanisms ◽  
Organizational Integration ◽  
Time Critical

Purpose The effective management of inter-organizational integration is central to complex projects. Such projects pose significant challenges for integration, as organizations struggle with constantly changing inter-organizational interdependencies and must develop and adapt integration mechanisms to meet new demands. The purpose of this paper is to understand what kinds of integration mechanisms are used and how they are developed and adjusted during the infrastructure alliance projects. Design/methodology/approach This study provides empirical evidence of integration dynamics in project alliancing by analyzing two infrastructure alliance projects – a complex tunnel construction project and a railway renovation project. The research approach is an inductive case study. Findings This paper identifies integration mechanisms adopted in two case projects and three central triggers that led to changes in the integration mechanisms: project lifecycle phase, unexpected events and project team’s learning during the project. Practical implications Integration capability should be a precondition for alliance project organizations and requires the adoption of a wide range of integration mechanisms, as well as an ability to adjust those mechanisms in response to everyday dynamics and emergent situations. Originality/value Although unplanned contingencies and the responses to them represent important influences in organizations, there is limited amount of research on the dynamics of integration. The findings will be of value in supporting the management of inter-organizational integration in complex, uncertain and time-critical construction projects.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document