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1 – 10 of 540Michael C.P. Sing, Venus W.C. Chan, Joseph H.K. Lai and Jane Matthews
Sustainable retrofitting of aged buildings plays a significant role in reducing energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to assess the performance and…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainable retrofitting of aged buildings plays a significant role in reducing energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to assess the performance and effectiveness of energy retrofit measures (ERMs) for an archetype of aged multi-storey residential buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology consists of three parts, namely, a desktop study including the selection of a case-study building and identification of ERM options for the building; development of a computer model to simulate the building’s energy use in the baseline scenario and different scenarios of ERMs; and evaluation of the ERMs based on energy-saving rate.
Findings
Among the 13 ERMs tested, lighting-related ERMs were found to be optimal measures while window fin is the least suitable option in terms of energy saving. Based on the research findings, a two-level retrofitting framework was developed for aged multi-storey buildings.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies may take a similar approach of this study to develop retrofitting frameworks for other types of buildings, and further research paper can be extended to study retrofitting for buildings in a district or a region.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can serve as a reference for building owners to select effective ERMs for aged multi-storey buildings, which invariably exist in developed cities.
Originality/value
This study presents a pioneering work where an energy model and a building archetype were used to analyze the energy savings of a variety of ERMs that are applicable to aged multi-storey buildings.
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Peter E.D. Love, Jingyang Zhou, Jane Matthews, Chun-Pong Sing and Brad Carey
The purpose of this paper is to present a systems information model (SIM) that is akin to a building information model (BIM) and can be used by asset managers and staff to make…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a systems information model (SIM) that is akin to a building information model (BIM) and can be used by asset managers and staff to make more informed and quicker decisions about maintenance.
Design/methodology/approach
The problems associated with managing assets are examined alongside recent international efforts to standardize methods of data collection for meeting the objectives of owners. A case study in the domain of electrical, control and instrumentation (ECI) documentation is examined in detail, with particular reference to the amelioration of errors and omissions in “as built” drawings in order to provide the underlying foundation to support effective asset management (AM).
Findings
The findings show that object oriented data models such as SIM provide a robust structure for effective and efficient AM and associated leverage of benefits throughout the entire facility lifecycle of a project. In particular object oriented data enables appropriate and reliable information to be created as a project progresses through its lifecycle, at little cost to the creators.
Originality/value
The above special approach to enabling data collection at the point of creation is in alignment with recent Government initiatives such as Construction Operations Building Information Exchange, which are beginning to gather traction within the industry. While the potential benefits for AM of such systems are espoused throughout the industry, there are few successful examples in existence with measurable realization of benefits.
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Matthew Valasik, Shannon E. Reid and Matthew D. Phillips
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the temporary disbandment of a gang unit on collecting gang intelligence and arresting gang members in one of the Los Angeles…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the temporary disbandment of a gang unit on collecting gang intelligence and arresting gang members in one of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Community Policing Areas.
Design/methodology/approach
An interrupted time series methodology (ARIMA) is utilised to examine 1,429 field interview cards and 1,174 arrests of gang members that occurred from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011 within one police division.
Findings
Results indicated that the dismantling of the gang unit negatively impacted the collection of intelligence on gang members by officers, regardless of whether the officers were officially serving in the gang unit. Suppression efforts by gang unit officers also resulted in a sustained decline.
Originality/value
Given that many urban centres have specialised gang units, this study demonstrates how organisational turnover or disbandment of a gang unit negatively impacts a department’s ability to deal with local gang issues. Furthermore, these finding suggest that police organisations should consider such ramifications on intelligence-based policing activities.
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Zaid Alwan and Barry J. Gledson
The purpose of this paper is to provide a unique conceptual framework for integrated asset management strategy that includes making use of available facility assessment methods…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a unique conceptual framework for integrated asset management strategy that includes making use of available facility assessment methods and tools such as BREEAM In-Use, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED); and highlights proposes areas of commonality between these and the use of as-built Building Information Modelling, that ultimately becomes the Asset Information Model (AIM). This framework will consider the emerging requirements for the capture of Building Performance Attribute Data (BPAD), and how these can be managed in order to assist with effective post-construction building performance evaluation.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of the current process relevant to the development of as-built BIMs and AIMs was undertaken which included a discussion of BIM standards and of the COBie process. This was combined with data provided by industry practitioners. This led to the concept of BPADs being developed, to be used within existing green building tool, BREEAM In-Use, COBIE and FM/Asset management methods. In turn these methodologies were used to identify possible synergies and areas of integration in AIM-enabled environments.
Findings
Recognising the cyclical nature of asset management and BIM, a conceptual model was generated. It was found that BPADs could be aggregated within an AIM model which could influence the delivery of effective facilities and asset management. The model considers the use of existing Building Management Systems (BMS) and Computer Aided Facility Management Systems (CAFMs) and identifies issues associated with the overall sustainability strategy.
Originality/value
A conceptual framework is generated that proposes the use of effective information management and aggregation of BPAD within an AIM.
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Studies of BIM examine the potential benefits in maintenance. There is also a perspective maintenance teams should be involved early in the building project process. The purpose…
Abstract
Purpose
Studies of BIM examine the potential benefits in maintenance. There is also a perspective maintenance teams should be involved early in the building project process. The purpose of this paper is to address the lack of understanding on learning processes for BIM in maintenance in the early building project stage.
Design/methodology/approach
Case study is used to examine the context maintenance learn about BIM. Maintenance managers and project managers were interviewed where discussions centred on a new build project which introduced BIM and how it would impact current practices.
Findings
Learning happens at the early building project stage for BIM into maintenance influenced by external and internal contexts. The external context focuses on the UK government on being a catalyst for explorative learning. Meaning is added by maintenance teams through exploiting what is learnt from the external influence which is contextualized within current activities. Internal shaping of BIM is explored through building scenarios and exploitation learning occurs from past experiences of change which are inferred onto BIM. There is a necessary balance between exploration and exploitation learning in order to shape BIM for maintenance.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is limited to one case study, however, it takes an in-depth look at the development of BIM in maintenance and how it is understood in maintenance.
Originality/value
The contribution of the paper examines the context of learning in which BIM is shaped in maintenance.
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Arnold Bosch, Leentje Volker and Alexander Koutamanis
The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Netherlands is increasing. Studies show that BIM is mainly used in the lifecycle stages of initiation, development and…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Netherlands is increasing. Studies show that BIM is mainly used in the lifecycle stages of initiation, development and realisation. Owners and operators are presumably yet to discover the added value of BIM for maintenance and information management within their organisations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate information management during the operations stage from the viewpoint of owners and determines the added value of BIM within this growing field of construction.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is based on a literature review, explorative interviews and process modelling. In total, 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted among public real estate and infrastructure owners and operators, software companies, service providers and contractors.
Findings
This paper provides empirical insights into the sources of inefficiency and ineffectiveness in the activities of Dutch semi-public and public clients. It finds that the current added value of BIM in the operations stage is marginal. The main reasons for this are a lack of alignment between the supply of and demand for information and the context-dependent role of information.
Practical implications
The authors propose a structured approach that supports client organisations in establishing greater alignment between the supply of and demand for information, and a less context-dependent role for information during the operations stage.
Originality/value
In contrast to previous studies, this paper offers a new perspective on BIM in the operations stage, a growing field of interest in practice and science.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of workplace bullying reported to human resources (HR) professionals in corrections. It compared the prevalence of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of workplace bullying reported to human resources (HR) professionals in corrections. It compared the prevalence of bullying reported to HR professionals to the prevalence of self-reported workplace bullying found in the study by Einarsen et al. (2009).
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 75 HR professionals completed the modified version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire – Revised (The Bergen Bullying Research Group, 2009) that consists of three subscales measuring work-related bullying, person-related bullying, and physically intimidating bullying. Participants indicated how often certain types of workplace bullying were reported to them. The prevalence of bullying reported to HR professionals was then compared to the prevalence of self-reported workplace bullying found in the comparison study.
Findings
The findings of the study were statistically significant and demonstrated that more workplace bullying was reported to HR professionals in corrections than was self-reported in the comparison study. The results show statistical significance in the scale as a whole, in the person-related bullying subscale, and in the physical intimidation subscale.
Practical implications
HR professionals might be more likely to accurately report workplace bullying behavior that has been reported to them, as opposed to employees who directly experienced bullying. Organizations might benefit from having designated HR professionals or some other types of independent services for reporting of workplace bullying
Originality/value
A significant amount of workplace bullying research has focussed on causes, symptoms, and consequences of the phenomenon that can be generalized across a variety of occupations. This general research has advanced understanding of the topic. However, there are limitations to this approach. Generalized literature should also be complemented by research considering factors, issues, and concerns specific to particular working environments to develop more meaningful knowledge. To this end, this research focussed on workplace bullying in corrections organizations.
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Andrew Whyte and James Donaldson
The use of digital-models to communicate civil-engineering design continues to generate debate; this pilot-work reviews technology uptake towards data repurposing and assesses…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of digital-models to communicate civil-engineering design continues to generate debate; this pilot-work reviews technology uptake towards data repurposing and assesses digital (vs traditional) design-preparation timelines and fees for infrastructure. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Extending (building-information-modelling) literature, distribution-impact is investigated across: quality-management, technical-applications and contractual-liability. Project case-study scenarios were developed and validated with resultant modelling-application timeline/fees examined, in conjunction with qualitative semi-structured interviews with 11 prominent stakeholder companies.
Findings
Results generated to explore digital-model data-distribution/usage identify: an 8 per cent time/efficiency improvement at the design-phase, and a noteworthy cost-saving of 0.7 per cent overall. Fragmented opinion regarding modelling utilisation exists across supply-chains, with concerns over liability, quality-management and, the lack of Australian-Standard contract-clause(s) dealing directly with digital-model document hierarchy/clarification/reuse.
Research limitations/implications
Representing a small-scale/snapshot industrial-study, findings suggest that (model-distribution) must emphasise checking-procedures within quality-systems and, seek precedence clarification for dimensioned documentation. Similarly, training in specific file-formatting (digital-model-addenda) techniques, CAD-file/hard-copy continuity, and digital-visualisation software, can better regulate model dissemination/reuse. Time/cost savings through digital-model data-distribution in civil-engineering contracts are available to enhance provision of society’s infrastructure.
Originality/value
This work extends knowledge of 3D-model distribution for roads/earthworks/drainage, and presents empirical evidence that (alongside appropriate consideration of general-conditions-of-contract and specific training to address revision-document continuity), industry may achieve tangible benefits from digital-model data as a means to communicate civil-engineering design.
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Ibrahim Motawa and Abdulkareem Almarshad
The next generation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) seeks to establish the concept of Building Knowledge Modelling (BKM). The current BIM applications in construction…
Abstract
Purpose
The next generation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) seeks to establish the concept of Building Knowledge Modelling (BKM). The current BIM applications in construction, including those for asset management, have been mainly used to ensure consistent information exchange among the stakeholders. However, BKM needs to utilise knowledge management (KM) techniques into building models to advance the use of these systems. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated system to capture, retrieve, and manage information/knowledge for one of the key operations of asset management: building maintenance (BM).
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed system consists of two modules; BIM module to capture relevant information and case-based reasoning (CBR) module to capture the operational knowledge of maintenance activities. The structure of the CBR module was based on analysis of a number of interviews and case studies conducted with professionals working in public BM departments. This paper discusses the development of the CBR module and its integration with the BIM module. The case retaining function of the developed system identifies the information/knowledge relevant to maintenance cases and pursues the related affected building elements by these cases.
Findings
The paper concludes that CBR as a tool for KM can improve the performance of BIM models.
Originality/value
As the research in BKM is still relatively immature, this research takes an advanced step by incorporating the intelligent functions of knowledge systems into BIM-based systems which helps the transformation from the conventional BIM to BKM.
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