Ximena Ferrada and Alfredo Serpell
The purpose of this paper is to report and summarize the findings from a doctoral thesis that analyze the construction methods' selection process, from a knowledge management…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report and summarize the findings from a doctoral thesis that analyze the construction methods' selection process, from a knowledge management perspective. The first author also reports her PhD journey.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology is based on the development of case studies in three construction companies. In each case study, semi‐structured interviews, direct observation and review of companies' documentation were applied. The results of the case studies allowed the development of a prototype system for the construction methods' selection. The thesis research methodology is described in detail in this article.
Findings
It was concluded that the construction methods' selection process is based in individual knowledge, therefore the construction industry needs to understand how to identify, acquire, store, transfer and use this knowledge. The construction methods knowledge system proposed in this research could help to resolve this problem.
Practical implications
A knowledge management system for construction companies must incorporate knowledge management technologies and techniques to be a real solution for the industry problems regarding information and knowledge management.
Originality/value
This research expands the analysis of the construction methods' selection process with a deeper analysis of this activity, understanding how it is applied in a project, what knowledge is required to make a good decision and offering a system to manage this knowledge, recognizing the particular characteristics of the process and the industry.
Details
Keywords
Alfredo Serpell and Ximena Ferrada
To analyze the role of construction site supervisors, including foremen and general foremen, as front‐line managers. The role is treated as a critical labor function and a source…
Abstract
Purpose
To analyze the role of construction site supervisors, including foremen and general foremen, as front‐line managers. The role is treated as a critical labor function and a source of value‐added for construction management.
Design/methodology/approach
An original model based on the labor competency management framework is proposed for training, developing and certifying construction supervisors in Chile and other developing countries. This model was developed from the findings of a case study in which the competency framework was applied to a specific construction company.
Findings
This case study has demonstrated the significant potential of the competency framework for the Chilean construction sector, with its underdeveloped human resources management methods. In particular, this framework can be an effective approach to achieving the competencies required by construction site supervisors who must deal with inadequately trained workers, as is the case in many developing countries. The structured approach of the competency framework can help companies create more objective schemes for the design and implementation of training programs.
Practical implications
The application of the competency approach can greatly improve the human resources management function in construction companies as well as the site performance of their personnel. The findings obtained so far in Chile can also be projected to construction companies in other developing countries in the region.
Originality/value
This paper presents the first application of the competency framework to a Chilean construction company. This study is also original in the sense that the application described here was carried out in an environment where human resource conditions are quite deficient.
Details
Keywords
Alfredo J. Artiles, Aydin Bal, Stanley C. Trent and Kathleen King Thorius
Little research has been conducted regarding the disproportionate representation of minority learners in programs for students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (E/BD). To date…
Abstract
Little research has been conducted regarding the disproportionate representation of minority learners in programs for students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (E/BD). To date, the majority of the disproportionality literature examines multiple eligibility categories, most frequently the high incidence disabilities of Mild Intellectual Disabilities, E/BD, and Learning Disabilities. This chapter narrows analytical attention to a single category to add specificity and depth to disproportionality knowledge through a review of the E/BD literature between 2000 and 2010. Of the 16 studies reviewed, we found 11 socio-demographic, quantitative studies that analyzed E/BD special education placement patterns or office discipline referrals for students with E/BD. Two quantitative studies explored ecological conceptualizations of behavioral problems to understand interactions between institutions' special education eligibility processes, and socio-cultural and spatial contexts of schools. Finally, we located three studies that targeted families' perceptions of student behavior, and professionals' biases related to disproportionality. We conclude with reflections about what the current literature suggests as necessary for the next generation of research on this important topic.