Search results

1 – 6 of 6
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 July 2024

Daniela Cortés, Albert Anton Traxler and Dorothea Greiling

While research on sustainability reporting in the construction industry has already provided comprehensive findings, the purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how…

Abstract

Purpose

While research on sustainability reporting in the construction industry has already provided comprehensive findings, the purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how construction companies anchor the topic of sustainability in their strategic and operative management control practices. The implementation of sustainable business models and sustainability strategies requires proper management control instruments or mechanisms that support the transformation process or make it possible in the first place.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative content analysis based on deductive and inductive procedures was conducted. 39 sustainability reports published by the largest construction companies in the EU were examined.

Findings

Valuable insights are provided by showing which control instruments and mechanisms are used to improve corporate sustainability performance as well as how these are linked systematically. The results show that the focus is on strategic planning, cultural and administrative controls, while short-term targets, which could set out the path to achieving the long-term sustainability goals set, are often not reported. Strategic stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory provide explanations for the use of management control practices identified.

Originality/value

Previous studies often focus on selected single control practices and miss holistic approaches for investigating corporate sustainability in construction companies. Furthermore, theoretical perspectives with instrumental and socio/political views on corporate sustainability help us explain the control practices applied. Moreover, practitioners, standard setters and legislators can use the findings for sustainability management or for developing standards and legislation.

Details

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1832-5912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2024

Hong Kok Wang, Chin Tiong Cheng, Gabriel Hoh Teck Ling, Yan Yan Felicia Yong, Kian Aun Law and Xuerui Shi

This paper aims to explain the factors shaping collective action within low-cost housing communities, focusing on parcel holders, through the utilisation of an expanded…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the factors shaping collective action within low-cost housing communities, focusing on parcel holders, through the utilisation of an expanded institutional analysis development (IAD) framework, which extends upon Ostrom’s foundational framework. Additionally, the paper explores four different property management approaches accessible to these communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a mixed-method approach comprising four sequential steps. Firstly, a quantitative inquiry entailed a questionnaire survey administered to 633 parcel holders across four low-cost housing schemes, aimed at discerning factors influencing collective action. Subsequently, a qualitative investigation involved face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders to elucidate the contributing factors of collective action, with a specific focus on Nursa Kurnia (a successful low-cost housing scheme comprising 200 units), accessible via Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road II. Thirdly, the study explored the social practice of “commoning the governance”. Lastly, the paper advocated for housing policy interventions, specifically proposing government subsidies for lower-income parcel holders.

Findings

Exemplified by the success of Nursa Kurnia, the research findings emphasised the importance of shifting local management’s mindset from a zero-sum approach to a win-win perspective. It highlighted the pivotal role of four factors (resource system, governance system, context and historical development) in shaping collective action and fostering improved property management practices. Moreover, the study highlighted the potential of “commoning the governance” as a new approach capable of addressing collective action challenges in low-cost housing management, presenting a promising avenue for future endeavours.

Research limitations/implications

As more studies utilising the expanded IAD framework become available in the future, there is potential for further refinement and enhancement of the framework.

Practical implications

This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, property developers, local management and local communities, shedding light on challenges associated with the self-organisation of shared resources. Moreover, it highlights the potential of “commoning the governance” as a new property management approach to mitigate the impact of collective action problems.

Social implications

The well-being of society’s most vulnerable segment is indicative of the overall societal health. This underscores the significance of addressing the interests and needs of these lower-income groups within the broader social context.

Originality/value

Exploring collective action within the context of self-organising low-cost housing, the study delves into an area marked by persistent challenges like free-riding tendencies and vandalism. Despite significant attention given to collective action issues in the past, the novel approach of “commoning the governance” remains unexamined in the realm of low-cost housing maintenance and management.

Details

Property Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 February 2023

Michael Nii Addy, Titus Ebenezer Ebenezer Kwofie, Divine Mawutor Agbonani and Adikie E. Essegbey

Building information modelling (BIM) and augmented reality (AR) are unique technologies in the digitalized construction industry. In spite of the numerous benefits of BIM-AR, its…

Abstract

Purpose

Building information modelling (BIM) and augmented reality (AR) are unique technologies in the digitalized construction industry. In spite of the numerous benefits of BIM-AR, its adoption has been at a relatively slow pace. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the factors within technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework influence the adoption of BIM-AR in the context of construction companies in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a mainly deductive quantitative design, survey data were collected from senior management of built environment companies in Ghana using questionnaires. The study adopted a mixture of both purposive and snowball sampling approaches. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse how the factors within the TOE framework explain BIM-AR adoption in Ghana.

Findings

Findings from the study show that the top three factors within the TOE framework that facilitate the adoption of BIM-AR include ICT infrastructure within construction firms; the size of the construction firm, which may influence the financial capacity to accommodate BIM-AR; and competitive pressure. The inhibitors of BIM-AR at the company level included external support and trading partners’ readiness.

Research limitations/implications

Implicit is that the significant factors will be useful to policymakers and companies in developing programs that appeal to non-adopters to aid in mitigating their challenges and further enhance BIM-AR adoption.

Originality/value

The value of this paper has been the use of the theoretical framework TOE to explain the adoption factors of BIM-AR in the Ghanaian construction industry. The originality of the paper is further anchored in consideration of BIM-AR, which is quite nascent in emerging countries.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 22 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 November 2024

Brandsford Kwame Gidigah, Kofi Agyekum and Bernard Kofi Baiden

There is proliferation of regulatory frameworks and guidelines globally to implement social considerations in the procurement of construction projects. However, there are scanty…

Abstract

Purpose

There is proliferation of regulatory frameworks and guidelines globally to implement social considerations in the procurement of construction projects. However, there are scanty empirical studies that have researched into the implementation of social consideration in the procurement of construction projects in Africa, particularly Ghana. Therefore, this study aims to examine the challenges that hinder the implementation of social value in the procurement of construction works in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design with an initial quantitative instrument phase, followed by a qualitative data collection phase. A critical comparative review of the related literature resulted in the identification of 29 challenges. A total of 100 questionnaire responses from professionals in the construction industry in Ghana based on the challenges on the implementation of social value were retrieved. The data obtained were coded with SPSS version 22, analysed descriptively (mean scores and standard deviation) and via inferential analysis (exploratory factor analysis). These data were then validated through semi-structured interviews with 10 professionals. The data obtained from the semi-structured validation interviews were analysed through the side-by-side comparison of the qualitative data with the quantitative data.

Findings

The results revealed that the critical challenges to the implementation of social value in the procurement of construction works can be clustered into three major components, i.e. weak processes and bureaucracy, the incongruence of social value with the traditional procurement process, and the misaligned social targets and erosion of public procurement principles. The interviewees agreed to and confirmed the criticality of these factors as challenges to the implementation of social value in the procurement of construction works.

Research limitations/implications

A substantial number of studies have identified numerous challenges to the implementation of social value. This study presents a major cluster of challenges to the implementation of social value. Social value through construction procurement is a strategic tool globally and Ghana can leverage on its multiplier effects for social development.

Originality/value

The study extends the global discourse on social value in construction management literature by providing empirical evidence on the cluster of challenges that have the potential to hinder the implementation of social value in the procurement of construction works.

Details

Journal of Responsible Production and Consumption, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2977-0114

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2024

Richard Kadan, Temitope Seun Omotayo, Prince Boateng, Gabriel Nani and Mark Wilson

This study aimed to address a gap in subcontractor management by focusing on previously unexplored complexities surrounding subcontractor management in developing countries. While…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to address a gap in subcontractor management by focusing on previously unexplored complexities surrounding subcontractor management in developing countries. While past studies concentrated on selection and relationships, this study delved into how effective subcontractor management impacts project success.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the Bayesian Network analysis approach, through a meticulously developed questionnaire survey refined through a piloting stage involving experienced industry professionals. The survey was ultimately distributed among participants based in Accra, Ghana, resulting in a response rate of approximately 63%.

Findings

The research identified diverse components contributing to subcontractor disruptions, highlighted the necessity of a clear regulatory framework, emphasized the impact of financial and leadership assessments on performance, and underscored the crucial role of main contractors in Integrated Project and Labour Cost Management with Subcontractor Oversight and Coordination.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not considered the challenges subcontractors face in projects. This investigation bridges this gap from multiple perspectives, using Bayesian network analysis to enhance subcontractor management, thereby contributing to the successful completion of construction projects.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2024

Peter Dodzi Kwasi Agbaxode, Ehsan Saghatforoush, Sitsabo Dlamini and John Kwesi Korsah

The purpose of this study was to identify specific enablers intrinsic to integrated project delivery (IPD) that can be adapted into the conventional project delivery (CPD…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify specific enablers intrinsic to integrated project delivery (IPD) that can be adapted into the conventional project delivery (CPD) approach to enhance the quality of design documentation produced under the CPD within the Ghanaian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews for data collection. The sample size was 235 responses for questionnaires while 15 participants were interviewed. The survey instrument was piloted with industry professionals to ensure validity. IBM SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data by determining frequencies, percentages, correlation and regression, while content analysis was used on qualitative data with the aid of QSR Nvivo software.

Findings

Key findings include the need to adapt the early involvement of key participants for collaborative design input, tie individual success to overall project success with incentives and establish shared accountability for design errors and encourage open communication.

Practical implications

Adapting IPD enablers into the CPD approach would ensure higher-quality design documentation and more efficient project delivery. This has the potential to improve project outcomes, reduce errors, and foster better collaboration among stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to identify specific enablers inherent in IPD that can be adapted into the CPD approach to improve the quality of design documentation within the Ghanaian construction industry.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

1 – 6 of 6