scholarly journals Collaborative Interorganizational Relationships in a Project-Based Industry

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 502
Author(s):  
Ahmed Khouja ◽  
Nadia Lehoux ◽  
Yan Cimon ◽  
Caroline Cloutier
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Collaborative Design ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Interorganizational Relationships ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Network Resource ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Paradoxical Situation ◽  
History Of

The project-based construction industry finds itself in a paradoxical situation: while it weighs heavily in the world economy, it does have a history of low productivity. One important issue that plagues the industry is related to the challenges that stem from collaborative efforts (or lack thereof) between actors. The objective of this paper is to explore how actors of the construction industry organize their inter-firm relationships while examining the characteristics of such interactions and the elements affecting them (drivers, barriers, facilitators, outcomes). These interactions and elements were uncovered using a systematic literature review. A qualitative content analysis was carried out to categorize these elements and to generate dimensions describing the forms. The 139 articles retrieved depicted 12 relational forms established between construction companies (in descending order of citation): partnering, alliancing, project delivery methods, supply chain integration, joint ventures, integrated project delivery, joint risk management, collaborative design, contingent collaboration, quasi-fixed network, resource sharing, and collaborative planning. A multitude of drivers, barriers, facilitators, and outcomes were found. An analysis of the results led to the conceptualization of a multidimensional profile, which allows for a practical and flexible identification of the relationship form potential partners in the construction sector intend to establish. To provide guidelines for the implementation of this profile, a three-step framework was developed.

Assessment of Electronic Procurement Practices on Project Delivery, Case Study of Selected Construction Companies in Oyo State

2018 ◽  
pp. 257-266
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Electronic Procurement ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
E Mail

This study investigated the use of e-Procurement in selected construction firms in Oyo state, Nigeria. The data were derived using a well-structured questionnaire survey involving 104 respondents. Descriptive statistical and correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings show that the use of electronic procurement in the selected construction firms for carrying out procurement function is high with majority of the professionals affirming the use of the system, the four categories of e-Procurement used were e-mail, static websites, web.2.0 technologies and portals that have capabilities of supporting the execution of functions limited to intra and inter firm communication and exchange of project information and data. Consequently, between 84 percent and 76 percent of the respondents used these e-Procurement technologies for communication of information, exchange of bill of quantities, project reports, CAD drawings and project specifications. Consequently, factors with the highest positive impacts on the use of these technologies in the firms were the speed of transactions, lower transaction cost and ease of use. The study implies that the selected construction firms in Oyo state Nigeria predominantly use e-mails and websites to support the execution of pre-award phase of construction procurement. Finding also shows that there is positive relationship between e-Procurement (e-Notifying, e-Exchange, and e-Submission of bid) and Project delivery. The study suggests that to accelerate the rate of uptake of e-Procurement and maximize its benefits in the Nigerian construction industry, there is a need to improve the quality and quantity of ICT infrastructure across the country; and to embark on aggressive enlightenment campaigns, training and skill development programs in the use of e-Procurement in the construction industry in this country.

scholarly journals A project-based purchasing portfolio matrix applied to the Australian construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Bildsten
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Effective Collaboration ◽  
Timely Delivery

AbstractFor a project to be delivered on-time and to an agreed cost in accordance with the specification, it is important to have an appropriate purchasing strategy. A project succeeds due to many factors, one of which is cost alongside timely delivery and quality. Formal purchasing strategies for different purchasing categories are common in the manufacturing industry, but less so in a project-based industry such as construction. The paper argues that purchasing strategies suited to the project-based nature of construction would improve project delivery and other success factors. The purpose of this study is to determine if a matrix could assist companies in the project-based industry to formulating their purchasing strategies. Case studies of five Australian construction companies’ purchasing practises were undertaken to support this work. There is evidence that, to remain competitive, it is necessary for companies to develop a network of well-established relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. Purchasing strategies need to be adapted to each purchasing situation as projects are rarely, if ever, the same. It is necessary, therefore, to adopt an approach that combines the best commercial deal and most effective collaboration.

scholarly journals The role of business models in Finnish construction companies

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aki Pekuri ◽  
Laura Pekuri ◽  
Harri Haapasalo
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Model Concept ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Customer Values ◽  
A Company

Business models are seen as an essential part of successful businesses as they define the way companies create value for their customers and subsequently make profit from their operations. A good business model has a potential to separate a company from its competitors by creating a competitive advantage. The purpose of this research is to explore how managers understand and deploy the business model concept in construction. For this, eight experienced managers have been interviewed and their answers have been analysed using the theoretical aspects of business models as a reference. In the interviews, managers deployed business model concept very differently than what is accustomed in practice and in academia; they relate these models to different project delivery and contract structures or to companies’ business segments rather than to analysing how their companies provide value for customers in the selected markets. The results of the interviews indicate that the managers in construction do neither understand the concept properly nor exploit any similar value creation analysis in their business. The interviewees had significant problems describing their companies’ business models and value creation logic, pointing out the lack of analysis and understanding of customer values and needs in the project delivery process. This may be one of the overtones of the persistent client dissatisfaction in the construction industry. 

scholarly journals ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AS A DRIVER FOR SUSTAINABILITY: STATE OF IMPLEMENTATION, BENEFITS AND BARRIERS IN GERMAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan-Simon SCHMIDT ◽  
Rainard OSEBOLD
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
The State ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Environmental Management Systems ◽  
Large Measure ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Ecologically Sustainable ◽  
Corporate Business

The construction industry, as one of almost every economy’s major generators of environmental impact, can contribute in large measure to achieving the goals of sustainability. However, most publications in this field deal with sustainability with reference to selecting construction materials and improvements in the operating phase of buildings. When considering ecological sustainability the focus has to be extended from the finished building to the building pro­cess. Therefore the actors of the construction sector who are responsible for the production process have to be studied: the construction companies. The goal of this paper is to study the state of ecologically sustainable corporate business management in construction. The state of application of elements of environmental management systems (EMS) is used as an indicator of the current situation in German construction companies. EMS can help continuously to environmen­tally improve the operating processes of the firms. A broad survey about the extent of EMS has been conducted consid­ering the barriers and drivers. In general, a relatively low interest in EMS and a lack of knowledge is noticeable within the sector. As a result, strategic recommendations are made on how to promote environmental management to foster sustainable thinking in the German construction industry.

scholarly journals Examining the implementation of ISO 9001 in Indonesian construction companies

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debby Willar ◽  
Vaughan Coffey ◽  
Bambang Trigunarsyah
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Iso 9001 ◽  
Quality Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Main Motive ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Management Attitude

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of quality management systems (QMSs) of Grade 7 (G-7) Indonesian construction companies. This includes the initial motives that have driven the development of QMSs, barriers to effective QMS implementation, the current practice and integration of QMS-ISO 9001 principles and elements, and the performance of contractors implementing such QMSs. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted involving 403 respondents (Quality Management Representatives, Managers, and Project and Site Engineers) from 77 G-7 as well as ISO 9001 certified Indonesian construction companies. Findings – The main motive for G-7 contractors in establishing and implementing ISO 9001 based QMSs are identified as being to effectively and efficiently control project activities. Respondents apparently do not often experience problems related to QMS implementation. However, issues of management attitude and purpose are identified as barriers that may affect effective QMS implementation. The study highlights the ISO 9001 principles and elements that still require to be more critically applied by G-7 contractors in order to fully implement and improve their current QMS effectiveness. The findings also suggest that, although certified, many G-7 contractors have not yet achieved a satisfactory level of performance to be truly competitive in global markets outside Indonesia. Originality/value – To date, only limited research has been conducted into the application of ISO 9001 in the Indonesian construction industry. The research findings reinforced the value of pursuing more effective QMS implementation. They also support current attempts to introduce ISO 9001 QMSs to a much wider base of Indonesian construction companies, particularly small and medium sized contractors and builders.

Operational process stages of brand alliances

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-408
Author(s):  
Chung-Ju Tsai ◽  
Tzong-Ru (Jiun-Shen) Lee ◽  
Szu-Wei Yen ◽  
Per Hilletofth
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Brand Alliances ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Process ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Reinforcing Bar ◽  
Brand Alliance ◽  
Interview Survey ◽  
Alliance Partners ◽  
Development And Management

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate how companies in the reinforcing bar industry and the construction industry operate and implement brand alliances. Design/methodology/approach – This research uses a qualitative interview survey and the grounded theory method to extract key factors of brand alliance development and management in the targeted industries. The interview survey included six managers from different construction companies in Taiwan. Findings – This research identifies four common firm-level operational process stages (core categories) of brand alliances including different multidimensional factors, and proposes a conceptual model based on these identified core process stages. The four common core process stages include selection of brand alliance partners, communication with brand alliance partners, enforcement of brand alliances and assessment of brand alliances. Originality/value – The proposed model offers a tentative explanation of the development and management of brand alliances between the reinforcing bar industry and the construction industry. This study represents an initial research attempt in this field and explains how reinforcing bar and construction companies operate and implement brand alliances.

scholarly journals Work Stress among Professionals in Building Construction Industry in Nigeria

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 45-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eziyi Offia Ibem ◽  
Michael Nwabueze Anosike ◽  
Dominic Ezenwa Azuh ◽  
Tim O. Mosaku
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Structural Engineers

This study was undertaken to identify key stress factors among professionals in building construction industry in Nigeria. This is in view of the fact that to date, very little is known about work stress among professionals in building construction industry in this country. The study involved the administration of questionnaire to 107 professionals including architects, builders, civil/structural engineers and quantity surveyors randomly selected from 60 ongoing building projects in Anambra, Ogun and Kaduna States, Nigeria. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and findings show that the principal sources of stress were high volume of work, uncomfortable site office environment, lack of feedback on previous and ongoing building projects, and variations in the scope of work in ongoing building projects. The paper suggests that taking responsibility for work which one has adequate capacity to handle, establishing realistic budgets and time frame for project delivery, provision of spatially adequate, visually and thermally comfortable site offices, adoption of appropriate job design practice and education of professionals on stress management strategies will reduce the incidence of stress among professionals in building industry in Nigeria. 

A New User Implicit Requirements Process Method Oriented to Product Design

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Guo ◽  
Chengqi Xue ◽  
Mingjiu Yu ◽  
Zhangfan Shen
Keyword(s):  
Product Design ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Collaborative Design ◽  
Cloud Service ◽  
User Requirements ◽  
User Requirement ◽  
Service Platform ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Design Activities ◽  
Cloud Service Platform

User requirements play an important role in product design activities. Customer satisfaction has a direct bearing on the acquisition of user requirements for product design. However, these implicit requirements are equipped with the attributes of potentiality, fuzziness, and subjectivity. In this paper, a new implicit user requirement processing method based on a cloud service platform is proposed to resolve the difficulty of acquiring implicit requirements. Initially, this method collects user requirement data via a metaphor extraction technique using a cloud service platform. Then, the requirement data are clustered and mapped with product attributes. Finally, the mapping results are visualized to intuitively instruct product design and optimization. Overall, the method is a user-centered innovation paradigm implemented on a cloud service platform to realize collaborative design and resource sharing. Finally, an application case is presented to illustrate the method, and the results indicate that the method is effective and could serve as a reference for product design.

Diagnosis of Current Employment in Architectural Student Responding to Korean Construction Market

2012 ◽  
Vol 450-451 ◽  
pp. 140-144
Author(s):  
Sang Chul Kim ◽  
Jae Hyun Lim ◽  
Jun Ho Park ◽  
Tae Hwa Jung
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Major Area ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Construction Market

Construction market in Korea has been decreased for 3 or 4 years, and it brought the problem in supply and demand of workforce. Therefore, new workforce in construction industry could not been enter, and some of them have been employed in non-major area. This research intends to analyze construction industry as well as demand and status of construction companies and to diagnose status of new workforce for architectural works, and a survey is conducted for enrolled students and graduates to diagnose problems of current status in order to suggest the alternatives in Korea.

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