Selecting and Evaluating Suppliers in the Czech Construction Sector

Selecting a capable contractor is one of the crucial prerequisites for the successful completion of a construction project. This paper addresses the issue of selecting and measuring the performance of suppliers. Using a web-based questionnaire survey, quantitative data was collected from Czech construction companies that act as main contractors and subcontractors within the supply chain. The data was evaluated by applying absolute and relative frequency, the relative importance index and the chi-square test of independence. The findings revealed several managerial implications for purchasing professionals in both areas. The findings were of interest with regard to the significance of individual selection criteria in the selection of suppliers. Data was analysed on both the usage of performance measurement systems and the frequency of performance measurement. We concluded that somewhat large differences exist between main contractors and subcontractors in terms of the use of selection criteria and that performance measurement is not universally applied in the Czech construction sector.

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Framework of performance measurement practices in construction companies in Egypt

Engineering Management in Production and Services ◽

10.2478/emj-2018-0007 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 7-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Krzysztof Dziekoński ◽

Omar Hesham Mohamed Fawzy Ibrahim ◽

Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu ◽

Patrick Manu

Keyword(s):

Performance Measurement ◽

Performance Assessment ◽

Performance Management ◽

Construction Industry ◽

Dominant Role ◽

Holistic Approach ◽

Company Performance ◽

Construction Company ◽

Construction Companies ◽

Performance Measurement Systems

Abstract Construction industry is considered as one of the most important sectors in Egypt. One of the major challenges faced by the industry, however, is the unavailability of suitable performance measurement systems for assessing companies’ performance. Modern performance assessment systems adopt a more universal approach to the measurement of construction company performance as opposed to the traditional project triangle. This paper aims to examine the practice of performance measurement in the Egyptian construction industry. Results show dominant role of in-house developed performance management systems as well as the use of KPIs as a method of performance assessment. The study further reveals that the highest importance is given to measures related to the time of project delivery, quality of works, clients’ satisfaction and profitability. Hence, the traditional project triangle of project’s success is the most prevalent approach to performance evaluation in the construction industry in Egypt. However, a shift towards a more holistic approach to performance assessment in larger companies was observed.

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Current Trends in Practice of Residents in the Saudi Board of Endodontics Program

European Journal of Dentistry ◽

10.1055/s-0039-3399456 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (04) ◽

pp. 619-624

Author(s):

Mothanna K. AlRahabi ◽

Ayman M. AlKady

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Root Canal ◽

Chi Square ◽

Web Based ◽

Current Trends ◽

Western Area ◽

Working Length ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Materials Used ◽

Level Of Significance

Abstract Objectives The purpose of the current study was to collect information about some techniques and armamentarium currently used by the Saudi Board of Endodontics residents in relation to the technical steps of root canal therapy. Materials and Methods A web-based survey was sent to the Saudi Board of Endodontics residents, based in the western area of Saudi Arabia. The survey assessed controversial concepts, and collected information regarding new instruments and materials, used in the technical steps of nonsurgical root canal treatment. A one-sample chi-square test, with a 95% level of significance, was applied to determine whether there were significant differences between respondents’ answers. Results A total of 45 out of 50 residents (90%) responded to the questionnaire. The majority of Saudi Board residents of Endodontics, who participated in this survey, used the mean of working length (ML) measured by periapical X-Ray and apex locator in the presence of a radiographic lesion (63.3%), and maintained apical patency in all cases (80.0%). ProTaper Universal (40%) and ProTaper Next (41.2%) were the most common NiTi rotary systems used for root canal instrumentation. Thirty percent of respondents used adjunct device with irrigation, and 80% advocated smear layer removal. Zinc oxide–eugenol-based sealers were the most common used sealers (70%), and most residents (86.6%) did not advocate sealer extrusion. Conclusions This study revealed that residents of the Saudi Board of Endodontics program adopt new endodontic technologies. There is, however, a need for more investigations regarding this objective, including responses from all residents in Saudi Arabia.

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Consumer behavior: conditioners on the purchase decision of fluid milk

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20180792 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 49 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Raquel Breitenbach ◽

Janaína Balk Brandão

Keyword(s):

Selection Criteria ◽

Prior Information ◽

Contact Network ◽

Product Price ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cultural Conditions ◽

Friend Recommendation ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Product Origin ◽

Fluid Milk

ABSTRACT: Considering economic, contingent and cultural conditions that interfere with consumer demand, the objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of importance of these variables in the decision of the Brazilian consumer to buy fluid milk. A total 1,015 milk consumers were sampled through non-probabilistic tools such as researchers’ contact network, snowballing, and self-generated samples, in a virtual questionnaire. Non-parametric tests and univariate statistical analyzes were applied, including the chi-square test. The consumer profile interferes with the selection criteria in the purchase of fluid milk as follows: (a) women consider “price”, “product origin”, “friend recommendation”, “product appearance”, “sales offers”, and “brand” as the most important conditioners; (b) young people, aged between 18 and 25, consider “product origin” a less important attribute; (c) consumers over 45 years of age value “price” the less; (d) consumers with incomes of up to one minimum wage value “sales offers” the most. This research theoretically confirmed the hypothesis that prior information regarding milk production, especially brands, lead the decision to buy fluid milk, especially in women case. Product price and availability are complementary constraints.

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Performance Measurement in Czech Construction Companies with Regard to Environmental Responsibility

IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science ◽

10.1088/1755-1315/906/1/012094 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 906 (1) ◽

pp. 012094

Author(s):

Petr Trtílek ◽

Tomáš Hanák

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Performance Measurement ◽

Construction Industry ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Original Data ◽

Environmental Responsibility ◽

Construction Companies ◽

Environmental Criteria ◽

Performance Measurement Systems ◽

The Impact

Abstract The importance of environmental protection is growing rapidly in the construction industry. Performance measurement as an important tool for a more effective construction process reflects this new direction of business thinking. Performance measurement systems have implemented new criteria for measurement with respect to the environment. The main aim of this paper is to evaluate whether Czech construction companies measure these newly implemented environmental criteria. Most important criteria such as waste management, emissions and water management were emphasised. Original data were collected using a questionnaire survey. The survey also focused on construction materials responsibility and recycle/reuse measurement. The results of the study show that less than half of construction companies in the Czech Republic actively measure the impact on the environment. However, almost three-quarters of companies are aware of its importance for the future of the construction industry and environmental responsibility. Only 2% of Czech construction companies believe that environmental responsibility is not important at all. The most frequently measured criterion is waste management; on the contrary, the number of recyclable materials used on the construction site is least frequently measured. There is a need to accelerate efforts to help construction companies identify appropriate ways to start measuring environmental criteria. Construction companies that do not measure environmental criteria need to be widely informed about the importance of sustainability in the construction industry. This could be best achieved by an information campaign. The appropriate form of such a campaign and its contents should be the main focus of a follow-up research.

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Teledentistry as a Supportive Tool for Dentists in Diagnosing MRONJ in Northern Cyprus

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/5657152 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Mujgan Firincioglulari ◽

Kaan Orhan

Keyword(s):

Chi Square ◽

Web Based ◽

Significance Level ◽

Adequate Knowledge ◽

Northern Cyprus ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Antiangiogenic Drugs ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Professional Information ◽

Undergraduate Programs

Objective. This web-based survey, as a tool of teledentistry, is aimed at assessing the level of knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding MRONJ among dental professionals in Northern Cyprus. Methods. An online self-administered questionnaire about MRONJ was sent to all dentists in Northern Cyprus through Google Forms. The first part of the questionnaire consists of demographic and professional information, and the second part included questions about knowledge and awareness questions about MRONJ. The SPSS software was used for statistical data analysis. A Chi-square test was performed to compare between the groups. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 . Results. A total of 112 dentists participated in this survey. The participants showed an insufficient level of knowledge regarding MRONJ, as only 56.6% of the participants stated that they had general knowledge about MRONJ. Regarding the practical questions of the survey, the participants showed poor knowledge about implant and tooth extraction procedures while a patient is using antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drugs, particularly the usage of oral antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drugs for less than 3 years. Participants showed adequate knowledge in terms of usage area of medications and administration of them. Conclusion. Teledentistry can be used as a supportive tool for dentists in diagnosing MRONJ. Similar to previous studies, the knowledge and awareness of MRONJ of dentists in Northern Cyprus were found to be inadequate. There is a significant need to provide more professional information as part of undergraduate programs so that the next generation of dentists can practice more confidently.

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Web-Based Health Intervention for Young People Who Have a Parent with a Mental Illness: Delphi Study Among Potential Future Users (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.10158 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Jodie L Matar ◽

Darryl J Maybery ◽

Louise A McLean ◽

Andrea Reupert

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

Young People ◽

Delphi Study ◽

Well Being ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Chi Square ◽

Web Based ◽

External Resources ◽

Professional Contact ◽

Chi Square Test

BACKGROUND Young people who have a parent with a mental illness face elevated risks to their mental health and well-being. However, they may not have access to appropriate interventions. Web-based interventions may reach and meet the needs of this at-risk group, yet their preferences regarding the features of this medium are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study sought to determine the utility of a Web-based intervention to meet the needs of young people who have a parent with a mental illness and their perspectives regarding the types of features of such a website. METHODS A systematic, 2-round Delphi study was employed to solicit the views of 282 young people aged 16 to 21 years (Round 1, n=14; Round 2, n=268) from urban and regional settings in Australia who self-reported that their parent has a mental illness. “Regional” was used to refer to nonurban participants in the study. After ascertaining whether a Web-based intervention was warranted, Web-based intervention features were identified, including how the site might be facilitated, topics, duration and frequency, and the nature of the professional contact. The extent to which young people agreed on the importance of these factors was assessed. Differences and similarities across gender and location were investigated. A mixed method analytic framework was employed using thematic analysis as well as 2-way between-groups analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlling for age and chi-square test of independence analysis. RESULTS Both rounds highlighted a strong preference for a Web-based intervention. Consensus was reached for a professionally monitored site, young people and professionals having equal input into the weekly facilitated sessions (eg, sharing the lead role in discussions or deciding on relevant session content), unlimited time access, 1-hour, open discussion, weekly sessions over 6 weeks, psychoeducation about mental illness, and considerations for the management of safety violations. There were significant main effects of location type and several of the preferred features for a Web-based intervention for young people who have a parent with a mental illness. However, effect sizes were small to moderate, limiting practical application. CONCLUSIONS Young people aged 16 to 21 years indicated a need for a professionally monitored, psychoeducational, Web-based intervention, with input from professional facilitators and other young people who have a parent with a mental illness, in addition to recommendations to external resources. These findings may inform the development of future Web-based interventions for this highly vulnerable group.

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Determinants of financial performance in Albanian economic entities, case of construction industry in Albania

WSEAS TRANSACTIONS ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS ◽

10.37394/23207.2022.19.41 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 19 ◽

pp. 453-461

Author(s):

Albana Gjoni (Karameta) ◽

Shpresa Çela ◽

Ahmad Mlouk ◽

Griselda Marku

Keyword(s):

Performance Measurement ◽

Financial Performance ◽

Economic Value ◽

Predictor Variable ◽

Value Added ◽

Financial Ratios ◽

Construction Sector ◽

Leverage Ratio ◽

Construction Companies ◽

Predictive Variables

Financial performance mainly reflects the overall financial health of the business sector over a period of time. It shows how well an entity is using its resources to maximize shareholder’s wealth. Although a thorough assessment of a firm's financial performance takes into account many other measures, the most common performance measurement used in the area of finance are financial ratios. This paper provides a comprehensive study of the financial performance measurement literature related to the construction sector in Albania. The literature covers studies from Albania, Iran, India and Pakistan, but some international evidence has also been presented. The construction sector is chosen because of its impact on economic growth in Albania, it represents the second main sector according to its share effect on Albanian GDP. The financial ratios used to measure the financial performance of the construction sector are the debt ratio, the liquidity ratio and the profitability ratio from the period 2018-2020 for 100 construction companies in Albania. Return on Assets (ROA) is taken as the predictor variable and three financial ratios are taken as the predictive variables. This research reveals that the financial ratios have positive correlation with the dependent variable whereas the leverage ratio has negative correlation. To overcome the limitations of the forthcoming studies, the considered number of years need to be increased and other models such as Market Value Added, Capital Asset Pricing Model and Economic Value Added can be used to be tested for research to analyze other factors that may affect financial performance.

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Investigation of Contemporary Performance Measurement Systems for Production Management of Renovation Projects

Journal of Construction Engineering ◽

10.1155/2014/417853 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yash Singh ◽

Tariq Abdelhamid ◽

Tim Mrozowski ◽

Mohamed A. El-Gafy

Keyword(s):

Performance Measurement ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Production Management ◽

State University ◽

Cost Overruns ◽

Measurement Systems ◽

Construction Companies ◽

New Construction ◽

Performance Measurement Systems ◽

Framework Development

Renovation projects exhibit complex characteristics due to the presence of constraints that lead to cost and schedule overruns. Numerous researchers have concluded that the performance of renovation projects is typically lower than that of new construction projects. This paper discusses the initial phases of a research conducted at Michigan State University, which focused on developing a framework for production management of renovation projects. The emphasis of this paper is on the findings from literature review and interviews, pertinent to performance measurement in renovation projects that led to the framework development. However, the framework development and the framework itself have not been discussed. This paper primarily addresses two questions: (1) what are the complexities of renovation projects that lead to underperformance in cost, time, and quality? and (2) what are the limitations of state-of-the-art construction performance measurement systems for managing production in renovation projects? Interviews of 10 construction companies were conducted to identify current practices of production management in renovation projects. This research observed a lack of a formal production management process in renovation projects, with a limited use of performance measurement systems. The research identified essential attributes for avoiding schedule and cost overruns on renovation projects.

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Attentiveness to Early Warning Drought Information: Implications for Policy Support and Climate Risk Reduction in Ghana

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science ◽

10.1007/s13753-021-00390-2 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Peter Dok Tindan ◽

Divine Odame Appiah ◽

Alexander Yao Segbefia

Keyword(s):

Risk Reduction ◽

Early Warning ◽

Policy Formulation ◽

Policy Support ◽

Drought Risk ◽

Chi Square ◽

East Region ◽

Importance Index ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Upper East Region

AbstractSuccessful drought planning is dependent on the generation of timely and accurate early warning information. Yet there is little evidence to explain the extent to which crop farmers pay attention to and assimilate early warning drought information that aids in the policy formulation in support of drought risk reduction. A socioecological survey, using a structured questionnaire administered to 426 crop farming households, was carried out in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, Ghana. The data analytic techniques used were frequency tables, relative importance index, and multinomial logistics embedded in SPSS v.20 software. The results show that crop farmers predominantly rely on agricultural extension officers for early warning drought information, with an estimated 78% of them paying little to very much attention to the information. The likelihood ratio Chi-square test showed that there is a significant improvement in fit as X2 (20) = 96.792, p < 0.000. Household status, average monthly income, and age were the significant predictors for crop farmers paying no attention at all to early warning drought information, while household status was the only significant factor among those paying a little attention. The drive to build a climate-resilient society with effective early warning centers across Ghana will receive 60% lower support from crop farmers paying no to a little attention as compared to farmers paying very much attention to early warning drought information. Broader stakeholder engagements should be carried out to harness inclusive support from crop farmers to build a climate-resilient society in Ghana.

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Thematic elements underlying risk perception amongst small and medium enterprise owner-managers

Acta Commercii ◽

10.4102/ac.v14i1.199 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Udechukwu Ojiako ◽

Maxwell Chipulu ◽

Alasdair Marshall ◽

Poonam Baboolall

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Biases ◽

Clear Understanding ◽

Creative Imagination ◽

Chi Square ◽

Decision Factors ◽

Managerial Implications ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Medium Enterprise ◽

Value Add ◽

The Relationship

Orientation: The article discusses the parameters that underlie the perception of risk amongst SME owner-managers.Research purpose: This article draws on research suggesting that interactions between industry-sector (situational) differences and cognitive biases may often be decisive in moulding risk perceptions.Motivation for the study: Literature suggests that one of the most significant challenges facing entrepreneurs is the development of a clear understanding of what it means to experience and conceptualise ‘risk’ within the context of business entrepreneurship.Research design, approach and method: Utilising data obtained from a random sample of 446 SME owner-managers in the south-east of England, this study employs a combination of tests, including a non-parametric test, Chi-square test and Cramer’s V statistics test, to derive a series of thematic propositions that contribute to our understanding of how these entrepreneurs perceive decision risk.Main findings: Findings highlight the situational decision factors that influence SME owner-managers to overemphasise possible negative outcomes, thus constraining the creative imagination upon which their entrepreneurship depends.Practical/managerial implications: It is generally accepted that decisions that may be highly innovative are not necessarily risky, unless the entity concerned is innovating in order to survive and its innovations have strategic significance. Based on this, we posit that there is an urgent need for entrepreneurs to focus less on risk associated with innovation and more on comprehensive analysis of all risk and uncertainty present around business-critical decisions.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to growing research examining the relationship between SME risk and innovation, which is at present sparse.

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