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Article
Publication date: 2 August 2019

Bon-Gang Hwang, Xiaojing Zhao and Jane Lim

Green building is a promising approach to improve resource efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The success of green construction projects is closely associated with…

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Abstract

Purpose

Green building is a promising approach to improve resource efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The success of green construction projects is closely associated with the performance of project managers (PMs), while job satisfaction plays a major role in the performance of PMs. However, the emphasis placed on the job satisfaction of PMs in green construction projects remains minimal. The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationships between the job satisfaction of PMs and its key influencing factors in green construction projects, and to propose feasible strategies to improve the job satisfaction of PMs.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is conducted, data collected from 105 construction PMs are analysed using structural equation modelling. Interviews with five industry experts are further conducted to substantiate the results.

Findings

The results identified four major components of job satisfaction, namely, ā€œjob contentā€, ā€œresource adequacyā€, ā€œwork contextā€ and ā€œthe personality and competence of jobholdersā€. The analysis also found that ā€œtechnical requirementā€ and ā€œsplit incentiveā€ condition of green construction projects, ā€œthe expertise and awareness of PMsā€ and ā€œdemand and support from stakeholdersā€ has significant impacts on PMsā€™ job satisfaction. Furthermore, this study developed eight strategies to improve PMsā€™ job satisfaction, including ā€œincrease recognition opportunities for PMsā€, ā€œgovernment incentives and financial supportā€ and ā€œintroductory and training courses on green construction legislation and processesā€.

Originality/value

The findings assist construction companies in formulating measures to improve the job satisfaction and performance of PMs in green construction projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2017

Bon-Gang Hwang, Xianbo Zhao and Eileen Wei Yan Chin

The purposes of this paper is twofold: first, to assess the risks associated with the international construction joint ventures (ICJVs) between Singapore and developing countries…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purposes of this paper is twofold: first, to assess the risks associated with the international construction joint ventures (ICJVs) between Singapore and developing countries and second, to investigate the risk allocation preferences in these ICJVs.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted and responses were received from 38 firms that had participated in ICJVs with developing countries. A risk criticality (RC) index was adopted to evaluate the criticality of each risk.

Findings

The survey results reported ā€œpolitical instabilityā€ as the most critical risk and market-level risks were less critical than country and project-level risks. Additionally, the results showed agreement on the risk ranking between building and infrastructure ICJVs, despite significant differences in the criticalities of five risks. Furthermore, five risks were preferably allocated to host and foreign partners, respectively, while 13 risks could be shared among partners.

Research limitations/implications

First, due to the sample size, one should be cautious when interpreting and generalizing the results. Second, the RC index proposed in this study was subjective as it was influenced by the individual experience and risk attitude of the respondents. Also, the RC values were calculated without considering the weights of the respondents. Lastly, the questionnaire survey, which has been widely used in identifying risk allocation preferences, may not identify the insights of practitioners into the risk allocation practices.

Practical implications

This study provides a clear understanding of the risks associated with forming ICJVs with developing countries and the preferred risk allocation. Although, this study is focused on the risks faced by the Singapore-developing country ICJVs, the identification of the potential risks allows companies from other countries to customize their risk profile and assess the risks before they form ICJVs with developing countries.

Originality/value

As few studies have explored the risk allocation preferences in ICJVs, this study expands the literature and provides practitioners with important information for preparing joint venture contracts or agreements. Thus, this study can contribute to the literature relating to ICJVs.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2022

Qianwen Zhou, Xiaopeng Deng, Bon-Gang Hwang and Miao Yu

Although knowledge transfer in the context of projects and project-based organizations (PBOs) has gained increasing attention from academia and industry, it is not clear how…

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Abstract

Purpose

Although knowledge transfer in the context of projects and project-based organizations (PBOs) has gained increasing attention from academia and industry, it is not clear how knowledge transfers from projects to their parent PBOs. This research aims to explore the main factors influencing knowledge transfer from projects to their parent PBOs, and analyze how these factors integrate the transfer process as system components using the system dynamics (SD) method.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, investigation and interview, this paper adopts the event analysis to obtain the influencing factors from historical cases and establishes a conceptual model of knowledge transfer from five dimensions, which simultaneously considers the knowledge sender, knowledge receiver and the relationship between the knowledge sender and receiver, knowledge features and transfer context. Then, the relationships between variables in the qualitative model were clarified, and a quantitative model including seven feedback loops was established using the SD model. Lastly, the system simulation and sensitivity analysis of the main parameters were realized in Vensim PLE software.

Findings

The simulation analysis results show that the model can simulate the knowledge transfer process from projects to the PBO to a certain extent. This research fully demonstrates the impact of variables from five dimensions on knowledge transfer and incorporates the knowledge gap and transfer threshold in the research category. Moreover, the rationality of seven feedback loops proposed in the model was verified. And the effects of various factors on the amount of knowledge transferred and the PBO's knowledge stock were examined through sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, recommendations for developing an integrated knowledge transfer mechanism of PBOs and projects to enhance transfer effect are offered.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides other researchers with a systematic understanding of transfer process from projects to PBOs, and insight for further research on knowledge transfer in project and organization contexts. Furthermore, this study guides researchers to focus on the causal processes that constitute knowledge transfer and explores the expected and unexpected phenomena generated over time. However, some variables involved in the transfer process are simplified, and the establishment of a more complex dynamic model needs further research and discussion.

Practical implications

By establishing a simulation model for knowledge transfer from projects to their parent PBOs, this study helps project teams and PBOs grasp the overall picture of the transfer process. Especially, this paper provides target-oriented recommendations for project and PBO managers to implement effective knowledge transfer practices, which have certain practical values for knowledge cultivation, coordination, reuse and innovation in the organization.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge management and project management literature by simulating the knowledge transfer process from projects to their parent PBOs. Additionally, this paper provides a reference for PBO and project managers to establish an integrated knowledge-transfer mechanism in the work process and comprehensively implement effective knowledge transfer practices.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2023

Kangning Liu, Bon-Gang Hwang, Jianyao Jia, Qingpeng Man and Shoujian Zhang

Informal learning networks are critical to response to calls for practitioners to reskill and upskill in off-site construction projects. With the transition to the coronavirus…

Abstract

Purpose

Informal learning networks are critical to response to calls for practitioners to reskill and upskill in off-site construction projects. With the transition to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social media-enabled online knowledge communities play an increasingly important role in acquiring and disseminating off-site construction knowledge. Proximity has been identified as a key factor in facilitating interactive learning, yet which type of proximity is effective in promoting online and offline knowledge exchange remains unclear. This study takes a relational view to explore the proximity-related antecedents of online and offline learning networks in off-site construction projects, while also examining the subtle differences in the networks' structural patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

Five types of proximity (physical, organizational, social, cognitive and personal) between projects members are conceptualized in the theoretical model. Drawing on social foci theory and homophily theory, the research hypotheses are proposed. To test these hypotheses, empirical case studies were conducted on two off-site construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Valid relational data provided by 99 and 145 project members were collected using semi-structured interviews and sociometric questionnaires. Subsequently, multivariate exponential random graph models were developed.

Findings

The results show a discrepancy arise in the structural patterns between online and offline learning networks. Offline learning is found to be more strongly influenced by proximity factors than online learning. Specifically, physical, organizational and social proximity are found to be significant predictors of offline knowledge exchange. Cognitive proximity has a negative relationship with offline knowledge exchange but is positively related to online knowledge exchange. Regarding personal proximity, the study found that the homophily effect of hierarchical status merely emerges in offline learning networks. Online knowledge communities amplify the receiver effect of tenure. Furthermore, there appears to be a complementary relationship between online and offline learning networks.

Originality/value

Proximity offers a novel relational perspective for understanding the formation of knowledge exchange connections. This study enriches the literature on informal learning within project teams by revealing how different types of proximity shape learning networks across different channels in off-site construction projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 May 2020

Na Zhang, Bon-Gang Hwang, Xiaopeng Deng and Fiona Tay

Collaborative contracting (CC) is the direction that Singapore is venturing into in line with the Construction Industry Transformation Map. For its successful adoption, it is…

Abstract

Purpose

Collaborative contracting (CC) is the direction that Singapore is venturing into in line with the Construction Industry Transformation Map. For its successful adoption, it is necessary to examine the potential barriers and possible solutions. Therefore, this study aims to explore the current status, major barriers and best solutions for the adoption of CC in the Singapore construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve these objectives, a comprehensive literature review was carried out and 26 barriers, as well as 21 solutions, were identified. Then a questionnaire was designed to assess the priority of these barriers and solutions. After a pilot study, 165 questionnaires were distributed, and 31 responses were received. And the survey result was validated by post-survey with three industry professionals.

Findings

Results revealed that only a small percent of projects adopted CC in Singapore. Seven significant barriers hindering CC implementation were found out. They are ā€œinherent difficulties in changing organizational culture,ā€ ā€œlack of incentives/financial support,ā€ ā€œlack of legislative regulations,ā€ ā€œresistant to change the current way of working,ā€ ā€œseeking for the lowest costā€ and ā€œdifficulties in converting strategic decisions to operational levelsā€ and ā€œunclear contract terms and objectives.ā€ Also, five best solutions were suggested to overcome the identified barriers.

Originality/value

The findings of this study could enable industry practitioners to be aware of the potential barriers to adopting CC and choose suitable solutions to overcome these barriers. It is also helpful for authorities to come up with effective policies to promote the adoption of CC.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Na Zhang, Bon-Gang Hwang, Xiaopeng Deng and Fiona Tay

The Singapore construction sector is promoting performance improvement by implementing collaborative contracting (CC). For CC's successful implementation, there is a need to sieve…

Abstract

Purpose

The Singapore construction sector is promoting performance improvement by implementing collaborative contracting (CC). For CC's successful implementation, there is a need to sieve out the critical success factors (CSFs). Hence, this paper aims to explore factors influencing the adoption of CC and investigate the potential performance improvement by implementing CC.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, 23 CSFs were identified and packaged to a questionnaire to evaluate the CSF's priority as well as CC's potential impact on the project performance. After prior validation, 165 potential respondents were drawn from survey list by using simple random sampling. Finally, 31 valid responses were received.

Findings

The survey result showed that the top five CSFs are mutual trust, all parties to commit fully, openness between parties, commitment to a winā€“win attitude and resource availability. The majority of respondents hold that CC implementation would improve overall project performance, decision effectiveness, cost, time, quality and risk performance.

Research limitations/implications

Directors, project managers, contractor managers and site engineers have different perceptions of CSFs. Also rather than meeting the same requirements in the implementation of CC, there are differences among projects with different values.

Originality/value

This study provides an in-depth understanding of the CSFs for industry practitioners adopting CC and CC's potential impact on project performance. This study is also helpful for authorities to formulate effective policies to push the implementation of CC.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2023

Min Luo, Bon-Gang Hwang, Xianbo Zhao and Xiaopeng Deng

This study aims to clarify the psychological mechanism of international contractors' fraud by linking performance pressure to fraudulent intention through the displacement of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the psychological mechanism of international contractors' fraud by linking performance pressure to fraudulent intention through the displacement of responsibility and addressing the moderating role of moral intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on moral disengagement theory, performance pressure was hypothesized to be positively associated with fraudulent intention by mediating the displacement of responsibility. Drawing on the issue-contingent theory, moral intensity was hypothesized to inhibit the relationship between performance pressure and displacement of responsibility in three aspects: magnitude of consequences (MC), probability of effect (PE) and social consensus (SC). The scenario-based questionnaire was conducted to collect information from contractors spread across 50 countries. The partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to assess the proposed model.

Findings

The results demonstrated that performance pressure was positively associated with the fraudulent intention, and displacement of responsibility exerted a positive partial mediating impact between performance pressure and fraudulent intention. Regarding moral intensity in the moderating analysis, the negative moderating role of MC and PE was significant, while that of SC was insignificant.

Practical implications

This study provides international construction practitioners with a deep understanding of the formation mechanism of fraud at the psychological level.

Originality/value

It clarifies the psychological mechanism from performance pressure to fraudulent intention by integrating a mediation impact from the displacement of responsibility and a moderation effect from MC and PE. It contributes to the sparse research on how situational factors shape individuals' fraudulent intentions in the international context. It provides a fresh perspective on fraud by constructing a formation model from moral psychological theories.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Luwei Zhao, Qing’e Wang, Bon-Gang Hwang and Alice Yan Chang-Richards

The purpose of this study is to develop a new hybrid method that combines interpretative structural modeling (ISM) and matrix cross-impact multiplication applied to classification…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a new hybrid method that combines interpretative structural modeling (ISM) and matrix cross-impact multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) to investigate the influencing factors of sustainable infrastructure vulnerability (SIV).

Design/methodology/approach

(1) Literature review and case study were used to identify the possible influencing factors; (2) a semi-structured interview was conducted to identify representative factors and the interrelationships among influencing factors; (3) ISM was adopted to identify the hierarchical structure of factors; (4) MICMAC was used to analyze the driving power (DRP) and dependence power (DEP) of each factor and (5) Semi-structured interview was used to propose strategies for overcoming SIV.

Findings

Results indicate that (1) 18 representative factors related to SIV were identified; (2) the relationship between these factors was divided into a five-layer hierarchical structure. The 18 representative factors were divided into driving factors, dependent factors, linkage factors and independent factors and (3) 12 strategies were presented to address the negative effects of these factors.

Originality/value

The findings illustrate the factors influencing SIV and their hierarchical structures, which can benefit the stakeholders and practitioners of an infrastructure project by encouraging them to take effective countermeasures to deal with related SIVs.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2023

Jianyao Jia, Ming Wu and Bon-Gang Hwang

Although previous research has recognized the pivotal role of mobile social media in knowledge sharing among project members, little is known about what factors affect knowledge…

Abstract

Purpose

Although previous research has recognized the pivotal role of mobile social media in knowledge sharing among project members, little is known about what factors affect knowledge sharing in mobile social media groups (MSMGs). Against this background, using normative social influence theory, this study attempts to explore factors influencing knowledge sharing in MSMGs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 205 Chinese construction project members are collected and used for analysis. Ordinary least squares regression by Stata 16 is used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Concerning role norms, gender difference in knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) is found, while it is not the case for knowledge quality (KQ). Work experience is found to positively affect KQ, but shows no influence on KSB. As for group norms, the inverted-U relationship between number of members and KSB is partially supported. In addition, organizational norms generally exhibit the greatest influence on both KSB and KQ among the three forms of norms.

Originality/value

This study deepens the understanding of knowledge sharing factors in mobile social media environments and affords practical implications for how to make full use of social media for knowledge management within construction project teams.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 April 2020

Wanjie Hu, Jianjun Dong, Bon-Gang Hwang, Rui Ren and Zhilong Chen

Underground logistics system (ULS) is recognized as sustainable alleviator to road-dominated urban logistics infrastructure with various social and environmental benefits. The…

Abstract

Purpose

Underground logistics system (ULS) is recognized as sustainable alleviator to road-dominated urban logistics infrastructure with various social and environmental benefits. The purpose of this study is to propose effective modeling and optimization method for planning a hub-and-spoke ULS network in urban region.

Design/methodology/approach

Underground freight tunnels and the last-mile ground delivery were organized as a hierarchical network. A mixed-integer programming model (MIP) with minimum system cost was developed. Then a two-phase optimization schema combining Genetic-based fuzzy C-means algorithm (GA-FCM), Depth-first-search FCM (DFS-FCM) algorithm and Dijkstra algorithm (DA), etc. was designed to optimize the location-allocation of ULS facilities and customer clusters. Finally, a real-world simulation was conducted for validation.

Findings

The multistage strategy and hybrid algorithms could efficiently yield hub-and-spoke network configurations at the lowest objective cost. GA-FCM performed better than K-means in customer-node clustering. The combination of DFS-FCM and DA achieved superior network configuration than that of combining K-means and minimum spanning tree technique. The results also provided some management insights: (1) greater scale economies effect in underground freight movement could reduce system budget, (2) changes in transportation cost would not have obvious impact on ULS network layout and (3) over 90% of transportation process in ULS network took place underground, giving remarkable alleviation to road freight traffic.

Research limitations/implications

Demand pairs among customers were not considered due to lacking data. Heterogeneity of facilities capacity parameters was omitted.

Originality/value

This study has used an innovative hybrid optimization technique to address the two-phase network planning of urban ULS. The novel design and solution approaches offer insights for urban ULS development and management.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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