scholarly journals Identifying the Non-Traditional Safety Risk Paths of Employees from Chinese International Construction Companies in Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1990
Author(s):  
Chi Jin ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
Zhaoying Ye ◽  
Pengcheng Xiang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Safety Risk ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
International Construction ◽  
Risk Sources

In recent years, more and more construction enterprises are expanding into overseas markets, especially in underdeveloped regions such as Africa. Compared to domestic construction projects, international construction projects have been faced with more uncertainties and increased levels of safety risks to the employees in the context of political turmoil, racism, and religious conflict in the host country. This study aims to answer what risk factors contribute to the threat to the safety of overseas employees and how safety risk factors interact, using employees from Chinese international construction companies (CICCs) in Africa as an example. A total of 39 safety risk factors were selected by literature review and case study based on Heinrich’s Domino Theory of Accident Causation. To identify the critical safety risk sources and significant risk paths, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 208 professionals who have participated in construction projects in Africa. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), a total of twelve critical risk paths and five controllable risk sources were identified. The improper behaviors of the CICCs and their employees were shown to have the largest impact on the safety of Chinese employees, through the mediating effect of the criminal offense. This study provides some insights into safety risk management in international construction projects. Meanwhile, the quantitative approach proposed can also be used by other international companies or governments in identifying the safety risk paths of their overseas workers involved in international construction projects.

Risk mitigation modelling of international construction projects executed by Indian firms: a structural equation modelling approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 2687-2713
Author(s):  
Satish Kumar Viswanathan ◽  
Kumar Neeraj Jha
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
International Construction ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
International Projects

PurposeA number of previous studies have investigated international construction project risks and have proposed risk mitigation measures without examining their interdependence. The purpose of the current study is to identify the influence of various risk mitigation measures on macro-level risk factors in the international marketplace.Design/methodology/approachThe authors initially identified 26 risk variables and nine risk mitigation measures through a literature review, which were then verified for their pertinence to international projects by three experts. Subsequently, 105 questionnaire survey responses were collected and analysed using factor analysis and structural equation modelling to test the interrelations between the risk variables and mitigation measures.FindingsThe findings suggest that joint ventures with local partners is emerged as the most critical risk mitigation measure that influences the international projects, which are exposed to political, project and firm-specific risk factors. Further, it is worth noting that among the recognised risk mitigation measures in international projects, offering more local employment is the least critical mitigation measure in the international projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are based on the macro-risk factors encountered by Indian construction firms in international projects, mostly from specific Asian and African regions. Thus, the opinions of construction firms from the developed countries might be different.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this study to existing knowledge is empirical evidence of the interrelationships between risk mitigation measures and risk factors that are portrayed as latent variables of different manifest risk variables. The generated model can assist construction firms in emphasising several risk mitigation methods, in order to reduce risk and enhance performance in international construction projects.

Unravelling the risks of construction digitalisation in developing countries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Aghimien ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Tsholofelo Meno ◽  
Matthew Ikuabe
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Security Operations

Purpose This study aims to present the result of an assessment of the risk of construction digitalisation with a view to sensitising and preparing construction organisations for unforeseen issues that might arise in the course of their digital transformation. Design/methodology/approach The study took a post-positivist stance through a quantitative research approach. A survey of construction professionals actively involved in construction projects in South Africa was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The analysis of the data gathered was done using mean item scores, Kruskal–Wallis H test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings EFA revealed five principal risk factors (human and financial, technological, legal and security, operations and socioeconomic risk factors) associated with the digitalisation of construction organisations. However, SEM revealed that four out of these risk components have significant direct relationships with some selected digitalisation outcomes. These significant risk factors are technology, legal and security issues, operations and socioeconomic issues. Originality/value This study provides practical insight into the risk inherent in construction digitalisation, and its result can help organisations seeking to be digitally transformed make informed decisions. Theoretically, the study reveals the risks associated with construction digitalisation – an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the current fourth industrial revolution discourse. Therefore, its findings can form a basis for future studies on the risk of digitalising construction organisations.

Examining the effect of xenophobia on “transnational” mega construction project (MCP) success

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1119-1143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umer Zaman
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Research Direction ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Global Construction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue that modern-day xenophobia has emerged as one of the high-risk factors for transnational mega construction projects (MCP’s). While research in transnational MCP’s remains surprisingly under-explored, this study aimed to examine how transformational leadership (TFL) and HPW practices can still achieve MCP success despite the rise of xenophobia in the global construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This study examined survey-based sample evidence from 220 respondents including project team members (operational, quality and technical), project stakeholders (e.g. regulatory authority, subcontractors, functional managers, etc.) and project clients/sponsors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was employed to test the theoretical hypotheses and to highlight significance of a holistic and novel framework of MCP success. Findings This study’s core finding unveiled a significantly negative effect of xenophobia on MCP success (ß=−0.389, t=5.574, p<0.000). Interestingly, PLS-SEM results also showed a significantly negative effect of TFL on MCP success (ß=−0.172, t=2.323, p<0.018), whereas HPW practices demonstrated a significantly positive effect on MCP success (ß=0.633, t=9.558, p<0.000). In addition, xenophobia and MCP success relationship were positively moderated by TFL (ß=0.214, t=2.364, p<0.018) and HPW practices (ß=0.295, t=3.119, p<0.002), respectively. Research limitations/implications This study underscores the importance of TFL and HPW practices in explaining the linkage between xenophobia and MCP success. Besides advancement of broader multi-disciplinary research and cross-pollination of research ideas, this study also offers unique research direction to explore the potential impact of TFL and HPW practices in demographically diverse project settings especially in countries where xenophobia has swiftly become inevitable. Practical implications As many countries undertake MCP’s with national pride and high strategic importance, this study provides an exemplary model of transnational MCP success. This study shows that conscious use of TFL and HPW practices could guard against escalating xenophobia in the global construction industry. Originality/value This study is first to provide an empirically grounded model of MCP success that collectively examines the role of xenophobia, TFL and HPW practices. This research has developed practical references for transnational construction companies in strategic planning and management of MCP’s.

scholarly journals Exploring Critical Factors Affecting Contractors’ Coopetition Relationship in International Construction Projects

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Lili Gao ◽  
Xiaopeng Deng ◽  
Weimin Yang ◽  
Tengyuan Chang
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Competition And Cooperation ◽  
International Construction ◽  
Comprehensive Literature Review

Coopetition is a revolutionary mindset that combines competition and cooperation. This paper aims to determine and to explore the critical factors affecting contractors’ coopetition relationship (CR) in international construction projects (ICPs). In order to improve CR between international contractors in ICPs, a comprehensive literature review was performed to identify the potential variables affecting the CR. A questionnaire survey of 151 professionals in both academia and industry, which included 53 variables, was conducted to explore the critical factors affecting international contractors’ CR in ICPs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to evaluate the multivariate interrelationships among those variables. As a result, nine underlying factors, including six internal factors and three external factors, were extracted and interpreted. The findings can help international contractors to understand more accurately how the coopetition relationship between contractors is affected and can provide a basis for follow-up research on how to evaluate the coopetition status of contractors and the coopetition strategies adopted in ICPs.

Analysis of Natural Resources and Environment, Politico-Economic Conditions and their influences on Tourist Behavioural Intentions in Hunza: Mediating effect of Tourist Satisfaction

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 55-74
Author(s):  
Faqeer Muhammad ◽  
Kifayat Ullah ◽  
Rehmat Karim
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Tourist Satisfaction

This study aims to explore the influence of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), Politico-Economic Conditions (PEC) on Tourist Behavioral Intension (TBI) in Hunza, Pakistan. The study further investigates the mediating role of Tourist Satisfaction (TS) on the given variables. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique has been applied to conceptualize the research frame and to test the proposed hypotheses. Primary data was collected by using convenient sampling technique for analysis from 220 tourists who visited tourism nucleus sites of Hunza. The finding of the study reveals that Natural resources and Environment, Politico-and Economic Conditions have a significant positive impact on Tourist’s Behavioral Intensions. Moreover, Tourist’s Satisfaction partially mediates the positive relationships among Natural Resources and Environment, Political & Economic Conditions and Tourist’s Behavioral Intensions. The findings of the study extend the understanding that presence of natural resources along with healthy environment and stable political & economic conditions of a destination are the key determinants for sustainable tourism development.

scholarly journals Impact of Industry 4.0 on Corporate Financial Performance: A Moderated Mediation Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6069
Author(s):  
Hong-Long Chen
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Moderated Mediation ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Corporate Financial Performance ◽  
Bootstrap Sampling ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
Moderated Mediation Model

Many studies advance the contemporary technologies of Industry 4.0. However, relatively little is known about how Industry 4.0 affects corporate financial performance. Using a survey, bootstrap sampling, and structural-equation modeling, this study evaluates the moderated mediation effects of Industry 4.0 maturity on financial performance. The results show that Industry 4.0 maturity significantly affects internal business process performance (IBPP), which influences customer performance through the mediating effect of supply chain performance (SCP), and IBPP and SCP affect financial performance fully through the mediating effect of customer performance. The results also show that Industry 4.0 maturity moderates the positive relationship between customer performance and financial performance. Customer performance and IBPP have the largest direct and total effects on financial performance in the context of Industry 4.0 implementation, respectively. The results indicate that Industry 4.0 magnifies the potential returns to companies mainly through IBPP, SCP, and customer performance. This study offers an enhanced understanding of the financial implications of Industry 4.0 implementation and provides insights into the factors through which Industry 4.0 maturity influences financial performance.

scholarly journals Perceived Environmental Responsibilities and Green Buying Behavior: The Mediating Effect of Attitude

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Guang-Wen Zheng ◽  
Abu Bakkar Siddik ◽  
Mohammad Masukujjaman ◽  
Syed Shah Alam ◽  
Alvina Akter
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Buying Behavior ◽  
Exploratory Testing ◽  
Green Business ◽  
The Government ◽  
Questionnaire Surveys

The unsustainable operations of producers account for significant carbon emission and subsequent adverse impacts on nature. This study aims to identify the factors that influence consumers’ green buying behavior. The research focuses on the exploratory testing of theories using standardized questionnaires and interviews. Using a convenience selection approach, questionnaire surveys were used to gather primary data from a sample size of 305. The sample demographic reflects people who often make purchases; data were also obtained from shopping centers and elsewhere. The hypothesis testing of variables measured via five-point Likert scale questions was performed using structural equation modeling. We applied closed-ended questions relating to green buying behavior for the convenience of respondents. The empirical result established the effects of attitude, perceived severity of environmental problems, environmental concern, and subjective norms on Bangladeshi consumers’ green buying behavior. Additionally, it was discovered that attitude mediates the association between the perceived environmental responsibility and green buying behavior. Therefore, the government should play a constructive role in educating the public and promoting green business initiatives through improved coordination and legislative intervention.

How Community and Individual Risk Factors Mutually Impact Youth’s Perceived Safety: A Syndemic Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110283
Author(s):  
Yingwei Yang ◽  
Karen D. Liller ◽  
Martha Coulter ◽  
Abraham Salinas-Miranda ◽  
Dinorah Martinez Tyson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Latent Factor ◽  
Community Factors ◽  
Individual Risk Factors ◽  
Syndemic Theory

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mutual impact of community and individual factors on youth’s perceptions of community safety, using structural equation modeling (SEM) conceptualized by syndemic theory. This study used survey data collected from a county wide sample of middle and high school students (N=25,147) in West Central Florida in 2015. The outcome variable was youth’s perceptions of community safety. Predictors were latent individual and community factors constructed from 14 observed variables including gun accessibility, substance use, depressive symptoms, and multiple neighborhood disadvantage questions. Three structural equation models were conceptualized based on syndemic theory and analyzed in Mplus 8 using weighted least squares (WLS) estimation. Each model’s goodness of fit was assessed. Approximately seven percent of youth reported feeling unsafe in their community. After model modifications, the final model showed a good fit of the data and adhered to the theoretical assumption. In the final SEM model, an individual latent factor was implied by individual predictors measuring gun accessibility without adult’s permission (β=0.70), sadness and hopelessness (β=0.52), alcohol use (β=0.79), marijuana use (β=0.94), and illegal drug use (β=0.77). Meanwhile, a community latent factor was indicated by multiple community problems including public drinking (β=0.88), drug addiction (β=0.96), drug selling (β=0.97), lack of money (β=0.83), gang activities (β=0.90), litter and trash (β=0.79), graffiti (β=0.91), deserted houses (β=0.86), and shootings (β=0.93). A second-order syndemic factor that represented the individual and community factors showed a very strong negative association with youth’s safe perception (β=-0.98). This study indicates that individual risk factors and disadvantaged community conditions interacted with each other and mutually affected youth’s perceptions of community safety. To reduce these co-occurring effects and improve safe perceptions among youth, researchers and practitioners should develop and implement comprehensive strategies targeting both individual and community factors.

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