Modish Kumar and Santosh Kumari
This paper aims to evaluate the available research to identify the factors contributing to the delays in road construction projects. The primary goals of this study are to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the available research to identify the factors contributing to the delays in road construction projects. The primary goals of this study are to determine the critical elements that cause delays in road projects, and to investigate the appropriate corrective actions suggested to lessen the delays in road projects. The study also assesses the theoretical background, methodology, limitations and future research prospects suggested in relevant research works related to causes for delays in road construction.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted systematic literature review in three steps: collecting relevant literature, descriptive analysis and content analysis. This study used keyword analysis and thematic content analysis on some relevant selected studies. NVivo 12 was used for thematic content analysis utilising description-focused coding, the text was thematically analysed, three other software: MS Excel, VOSviewer and Mendeley were also used for analysis in this study.
Findings
The findings revealed that road projects around the world experienced delays and the reasons for delays are many. After the analysis of literature, number of factors causing delays in road projects were identified, which were then divided into seven broad groups using thematic content analysis. The investigation shows that variations in design and inefficient management of project by contractor including inadequate planning and scheduling are the top two factors of delay. The most frequent suggested corrective measure to reduce delay was employing technically competent employees and contractor should conduct thorough survey on his part, rather than just accepting the survey report at face value.
Research limitations/implications
This review paper is addressing the issues related to delays in road construction projects and suggests remedial measure to reduce them. The paper will be useful for researchers, industry professionals, academician and policy makers concerned with the road construction projects. The study conducted the review of selected relevant articles related to causes of delay in road construction projects for qualitative analysis. The research articles using quantitative methods and studies conducted on other types of infrastructure projects were not included; however, findings from this study may be applicable to other construction projects as well.
Practical implications
The findings of this paper are useful in the fields of economy, industry, academia and public policies. The paper thoroughly examined the factors causing delays in highway projects, offering insights for practitioners to identify best practices and mitigation strategies. These findings can guide investment and policy decisions for highway infrastructure projects, promoting a holistic approach to development. Additionally, this paper can help enhance research methods in studies about delays in road infrastructure projects.
Originality/value
The literature review in the paper used a qualitative method. The causes of road project delays, remedial action, context, methodology and theoretical foundation were all examined in this paper.
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Rashed Alotaibi, M. Sohail, F.T. Edum-Fotwe and Robby Soetanto
Many construction projects exhibit poor performance in terms of fulfilling predetermined schedules and financial objectives. Project control systems (PCSs) have been used to…
Abstract
Purpose
Many construction projects exhibit poor performance in terms of fulfilling predetermined schedules and financial objectives. Project control systems (PCSs) have been used to enhance construction project performance; however, a comprehensive framework regarding the key determinants of PCS effectiveness is lacking.
Design/methodology/approach
Herein, the determinants for effective PCSs that can improve construction project performance were comprehensively identified by evaluating existing studies. A systematic strategy following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocol was employed to search for and select relevant studies, followed by a qualitative synthesis.
Findings
The significance of incorporating and managing many factors associated with PCS for effective project delivery was elucidated. The study synthesized 12 key determinants and 29 sub-determinants of PCS effectiveness in project delivery and grouped them into organizational, human, technological and operational categories. Out of the four categories examined, operational aspects received the most references, underscoring their critical role in PCS effectiveness, while human-related dimensions received the least amount of attention in the reviewed research, accounting for 4%. This also revealed a significant gap in the research addressing the interactions between all PCS aspects.
Originality/value
Understanding of the variables influencing PCS effectiveness in construction project delivery was enhanced, and a framework for future PCS research in five dominant areas was created.
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This viewpoint paper focuses on the important role played by hospices in the UK in providing specialised end-of-life care for older people with complex needs – particularly for…
Abstract
Purpose
This viewpoint paper focuses on the important role played by hospices in the UK in providing specialised end-of-life care for older people with complex needs – particularly for the growing number who choose to die at home. With demand for such care growing, the paper highlights the funding issues facing the independent hospice sector and the implications for hospices of receiving more state funding. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges that hospices in the UK face in providing home-based palliative and end of life care for older people.
Design/methodology/approach
This a viewpoint paper informed by recent reports and research findings, as well as the author’s own work within the hospice sector.
Findings
The demand for specialised community-based and home-based palliative and end-of-life care is growing. The Covid-19 pandemic prompted wider discussion about what constitutes both “a good death” and good end-of-life care. This confirmed that most older people would prefer to end their lives free from pain, in familiar surroundings and not in hospital.
Practical implications
The specialised end-of-life care provided by hospices is rated highly by the regulator and the communities which they serve. In recent years, more attention has been given to providing “hospice at home” services, but coverage is limited largely due to lack of funding, the bulk of which comes from charitable fundraising. To provide a more equitable service, the fragility of the hospice funding model needs to be addressed.
Social implications
If the state expands its funding of hospice care, it is important that charitable fundraising also continues to take place and is encouraged. This will help ensure that the good links between hospices and local stakeholders are maintained.
Originality/value
The funding of the hospice sector in the UK has been the subject of several reports both by governmental and non-governmental bodies, several in the last year. However, it is an issue of growing importance and the whole subject needs a fuller airing in academic circles.
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Adejumoke Adeoti, Chima Mordi and Toyin Ajibade Adisa
Using “on justification” theory, this article explores the rationality and justification of the West-African military migrants for joining the British Armed Forces.
Abstract
Purpose
Using “on justification” theory, this article explores the rationality and justification of the West-African military migrants for joining the British Armed Forces.
Design/methodology/approach
We utilise an interpretive qualitative research methodology in this study. We undertook semi-structured interviews with 42 military migrants who joined the British Armed Forces between 1998 and 2013.
Findings
We identify various factors that influenced the participants’ decision to join the British Armed Forces, such as individual aspirations, the need to find a “path” at a crossroad in life (e.g. a career dilemma or the loss of a parent), economic opportunities and institutional incentives. Military migrants’ career motivations are shaped by their deep affection for the Crown and their desire to give back to the country with which they share a colonial history.
Practical implications
The UK’s Ministry of Defence, government and policymakers could gain valuable insights from this study. The findings could significantly shape their recruitment and retention policies, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the military profession. This could be a crucial step in addressing the recruitment challenges and personnel deficit currently faced by the British Armed Forces.
Originality/value
This study provides a fresh perspective on the dynamics of the military service of foreign-born veterans. The article focuses on an underrepresented group (West-African military migrants) to enhance our understanding of their career motivations in the British Armed Forces. We identify and categorise the motivations and justifications for military migrants’ enlistment in the British Armed Forces according to seven justifications, each depicting a career pattern informing the participants’ motivations and justifications for their enlistment.