scholarly journals Risk Factors and Potential Solutions for the Construction Industry in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-47
Author(s):  
Yutian Chen ◽  
Oswald Chong
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Best Value ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Scheduled Time ◽  
Developed Nations

The Chinese construction industry (CCI) has grown to be one of the largest in the world within the last 10 years. The size of the CCI is on par with many developed nations, despite it being a developing country. Despite its rapid growth, the productivity and profitability of the CCI is low compared to similar sized construction industries. In addition to the low efficiency of the CCI, the minimal documented performance information collected, shows projects being completed over budget, over the scheduled time, with poor quality of work. A literature research was performed on other developing countries similar to the CCI, to identify if there were any solutions that had been proven to improve the productivity and performance of a construction industry. It was found that Vietnam, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and India were the closest to China with enough documentation on their construction industry. Both countries identified the Best value Approach (BVA) as the only solution with documented performance showing it could solve the issues developing countries face with their construction industry. This paper proposes that more research should be performed looking into the ability of the CCI to implement the BVA.

scholarly journals Comparing the Chinese Construction Industry with Other Developing Countries to Identify an Applicable Solution to Low Construction Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Yutian Chen ◽  
Oswald Chong
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
The United States ◽  
State University ◽  
Arizona State University ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Best Value ◽  
The World

The Chinese Construction Industry (CCI) has become one of the largest in the world within the last 20 years. However, due to its rapid growth it has been experiencing issues causing the industry to struggle with delivering high performing projects. Due to the differences between developed and developing countries construction industries, research from other developing countries that were similar to China (Vietnam and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) were used to help identify solutions to improve the CCI. Previous research has identified the major risks in Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. It has also been identified the only solution that has documented evidence that it can improve construction performance is the Best Value Approach that was developed in the United States at Arizona State University. A literature research was performed identifying the major risks and issues that have been documented in the CCI. These risks were then compared to that of the Vietnam and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s construction industry risks. It was identified that the majority of the top risks were similar in all three countries. Identifying that developing countries have been experiencing the same issues. This also identifies that the Best Value Approach might be a solution to help improve the CCI.

Quality of Design Documentation in the Construction Industry: A Review Using Meta-Synthesis Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (06) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Dodzi Kwasi Agbaxode ◽  
Sitsabo Dlamini ◽  
Ehsan Saghatforoush
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Improve Design ◽  
Documentation Quality ◽  
Design Documentation ◽  
Quality Design ◽  
Synthesis Approach

A meta-synthesis approach was used to identify, synthesize, and categorize appropriately factors in the literature that contribute to design documentation quality. The categories include factors on quality attributes, quality indicators, and quality-influencing factors. Findings indicate that the quality of design documentation in practice is unsatisfactory, therefore, there is a need for collaboration between the owner, designers, and end-users to improve design documentation quality. The results offer pragmatic data on design documentation quality in the construction industry between the years 1992 and 2019. However, further research on the significant impacts of poor-quality design documentation on construction projects is recommended.

scholarly journals Electrification, Power Outages and Employment

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 147
Author(s):  
Josephine Ofori Adofo
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Power Outages ◽  
Industrial Growth ◽  
Industrial Composition ◽  
Negative Implication ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Although electrification rates have increased in developing countries, the poor quality of electricity still remains a challenge. This paper studies the effects of electrification at the intensive margin, using a fixed effects approach. I find that power outages significantly reduce employment, earnings, and hours of work. A key channel through which outages affect employment is decreased prevalence of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) among households. Evidence indicates that severe outages reduce opportunities for households to indulge in income generating activities. The decrease in employment opportunities is further exacerbated by reduced industrial growth and changes in the industrial composition. The results suggest that unreliable electricity may have a negative implication for job creation in developing countries.

Bridging Modernity by Improving Informal Sector for Substantially Industrialized Construction in Developing Countries

2018 ◽  
pp. 1706-1735
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Informal Sector ◽  
Cost Management ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
Decision Models ◽  
Improve Performance ◽  
Construction Productivity

We have argued in Chapters 1-3 that the construction industry in developing countries is dominated by the strong presence of SMEs and “jobbers”. The informal sector workers constitute the essential provider of human resources construction industry. So far, the weaknesses of the construction industry in developing countries have been identified. As a result, various decision models were proposed for largely improving labor cost management and scheduling (time) with the aim of improving productivity. In a single volume like this, it is unrealistic to cover all aspects to improve performance. This chapter will now provide ideas on how quality of projects can also be improved so as to maintain a balance between cost, time and quality. Furthermore, the management of onsite workshops that can lead to construction productivity will be examined.

Assessing contract management as a strategic tool for achieving quality of work in Ghanaian construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Coleman ◽  
Isaac Kwesi Nooni ◽  
Samuel Korenteng Fianko ◽  
Linka Dadzie ◽  
Ebenezer Nickson Neequaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Contract Management ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Supervisory Staff

Purpose This study aims to investigate the attainment of quality in Government of Ghana’s (GoG) infrastructural projects through effective contract management and especially, relating to qualification, competence and experience of supply chain stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire and field observations were used to collect primary data from staff of the education ministry and construction professionals. Documentary analyses of contract documents were also undertaken. Findings The results show that executing agencies’ failure to apply appropriate contract management processes was linked to the gap between stakeholders’ knowledge and actual practice. This was confirmed by Spearman’s rho tests of correlation between overall mean ranks given by professionals and non-professionals, which indicated strong agreement between those groups. Factors such as contractors’ engagement of unqualified supervisory staff, lack of proper projects monitoring and evaluation by executing agencies mainly contribute to the poor quality of work. Research limitations/implications Investigations were limited to the Funds and Procurement Management Unit of the Ministry of Education, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and local contractors. Nonetheless, the methodology used could be used in future studies to analyse the socio-economic implications on the quality of education infrastructure. Practical implications Construction is booming in Ghana but the capacity to improve the work quality through effective contract management is limited. However, with the effort of stakeholder and statutory bodies’ support in capacity building initiatives, GoG projects could offer some novel solutions to improve quality of work. Social implications Construction industry professionals and students’ knowledge and perception on construction industry and contract management is significantly improved. Originality/value This study provides information on respondents’ knowledge on contract management process, which, if not properly understood, can lead to poor quality of work and loss of money.

scholarly journals Variables Affecting the Retention Intentions of Students in Higher Education Institutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 358-382
Author(s):  
Matti Haverila ◽  
Kai Haverila ◽  
Caitlin McLaughlin
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Extracurricular Activities ◽  
Study Skills ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Domestic Students ◽  
Retention Strategies ◽  
College Life ◽  
Equal Importance ◽  
And Performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between domestic and international students with regards to the variables affecting students’ retention intentions. Altogether, 15 variables related to retention intentions were examined and significant differences were found in six of these variables. Variables related to personal issues (e.g., medical or family difficulties) were of equal importance to both groups, while the importance of institution and performance-centric variables differed between the groups. Social integration, ineffective study skills, difficulty adjusting to college life, poor extracurricular activities, and poor housing arrangements were perceived to be significantly more important by international students, while poor quality of instruction was perceived to be significantly more important by domestic students. Thus, international and domestic students require different retention strategies on the part of the institution.

scholarly journals Causes of Delayed Payment in Construction Project in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 1049-1053
Author(s):  
Onyekachukwu G. Odenigbo ◽  
Koleola T Odusami ◽  
Kevin C. Okolie ◽  
Vincent C. Okafor
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Valid Data ◽  
Successful Execution ◽  
Work Done

Delay in payment to contactors and other relevant parties have caused serious problem on the successful execution of construction projects in the country. It causes several problems to the contractor and other participants. The aim of this study is to determine the causes of delayed payments in the construction industry. The objective of this study is to identify the causes of delayed payment. In order to obtain valid data for the study, questionnaires were designed and distributed to a randomly selected sample of one hundred individuals among contractors, subcontractors, consultant and clients in the Nigerian construction industry. In total, eighty five completed questionnaires were returned and then analysed statistically. The total mean score was used to determine the ranking of the results of the study. Client’s disagreeing on the valuation of work done, slow processing of variation orders and poor quality of works were the major causes of delayed payment identified in the study. It was recommended that the stakeholders should work as a team in the execution of project to avoid bottlenecks usually encountered in agreeing contractors‟ payment. In conclusion, if the necessary action can be enforced, the problem of delayed payment can be reduced drastically.

scholarly journals The connection between the dynamic remodeling of the mitochondrial network and the regulation of muscle mass

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanina Romanello ◽  
Marco Sandri
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Mitochondrial Network ◽  
Dynamic Coordination ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Muscle Changes ◽  
And Performance

Abstract The dynamic coordination of processes controlling the quality of the mitochondrial network is crucial to maintain the function of mitochondria in skeletal muscle. Changes of mitochondrial proteolytic system, dynamics (fusion/fission), and mitophagy induce pathways that affect muscle mass and performance. When muscle mass is lost, the risk of disease onset and premature death is dramatically increased. For instance, poor quality of muscles correlates with the onset progression of several age-related disorders such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and aging sarcopenia. To date, there are no drug therapies to reverse muscle loss, and exercise remains the best approach to improve mitochondrial health and to slow atrophy in several diseases. This review will describe the principal mechanisms that control mitochondrial quality and the pathways that link mitochondrial dysfunction to muscle mass regulation.

Service quality of insurance in complex project deals in the construction industry in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu ◽  
Frank Ato Ghansah ◽  
Amos Darko ◽  
Richard Ohene Asiedu
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insurance Firms ◽  
Complex Construction ◽  
Complex Project ◽  
Project Insurance

PurposeThe insurance sector provides insurance protection for complex project deals in Ghana. The study assesses the service quality of insurance of complex project deals in the construction industry of developing countries, specifically Ghana. The objectives are to identify the insurance typologies in complex project deals in the construction industry, to assess the level of construction insurance quality, and to assess the challenges faced in complex project insurance.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the previously related works on insurance in the construction industry. The study then adopted quantitative research strategy where a structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information from construction industry professionals. The data analysis was organized in accordance with the specific objectives of the study with the aid of mean score analysis and independent sample t-test. The study again measured the reliability of the adopted scale using Cronbach's alpha, which indicated that all the items reliably measured what they were intended to measure, and thereby, statistical tools can be applied to give in-depth meanings.FindingsThe insurance typologies for complex projects were discovered by the study, as well as the available service qualities of insurance. The study again made it clear that the major challenges capable of affecting complex construction project are low quality of insurance companies' services and the gap in statutory and legal systems.Research limitation/implicationsThe major constraint in this study was the issue of taking only Ghana as a developing country to generalize the result. This is then to provide lessons for other developing countries.Practical implicationThe findings from this study will be useful to construction firms, insurance firms, and regulatory bodies by identifying the effectiveness of insurance as a risk mitigation measure in construction. The study will help the insurance firms to better position themselves to meet the demands of the construction industry. As the findings of this study are Ghana-specific, it is also to provide lessons for other developing countries.Originality/valueThis study delves deep into the complex construction project insurance service quality in developing countries, specifically Ghana.

Bridging Modernity by Improving Informal Sector for Substantially Industrialized Construction in Developing Countries

2016 ◽  
pp. 307-340
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Informal Sector ◽  
Cost Management ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
Decision Models ◽  
Improve Performance ◽  
Construction Productivity

We have argued in Chapters 1-3 that the construction industry in developing countries is dominated by the strong presence of SMEs and “jobbers”. The informal sector workers constitute the essential provider of human resources construction industry. So far, the weaknesses of the construction industry in developing countries have been identified. As a result, various decision models were proposed for largely improving labor cost management and scheduling (time) with the aim of improving productivity. In a single volume like this, it is unrealistic to cover all aspects to improve performance. This chapter will now provide ideas on how quality of projects can also be improved so as to maintain a balance between cost, time and quality. Furthermore, the management of onsite workshops that can lead to construction productivity will be examined.

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