J.E. Tookey, P.A. Bowen, C. Hardcastle and Murray
The construction industry in the UK has been subject to frequent reports over recent years, all focusing on perceived inefficiencies within the industry and how processes can be…
Abstract
The construction industry in the UK has been subject to frequent reports over recent years, all focusing on perceived inefficiencies within the industry and how processes can be improved to deliver construction projects on time, and within cost and quality targets. Most notable of these reports have been Latham (1994) and Egan (1998), which contend that construction should come closer to manufacturing in design, development and supply chain practices to achieve ambitious improvement targets. The most frequently mentioned industries for such “benchmarking” are the aerospace and automotive industries. Concurrent Engineering (CE) appears to offer significant potential to the construction industry as a means to achieve these targets. This paper identifies key aspects of CE practice in aerospace manufacturers and, in the spirit of the Egan report, possibilities for their adoption in UK construction projects.
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Temidayo Oluwasola Osunsanmi, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala and Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke
The idea of implementing supply chain management (SCM) principles for the construction industry was embraced by construction stakeholders to enhance the sector's performance. The…
Abstract
The idea of implementing supply chain management (SCM) principles for the construction industry was embraced by construction stakeholders to enhance the sector's performance. The analysis from the literature revealed that the implementation of SCM in the construction industry enhances the industry's value in terms of cost-saving, time savings, material management, risk management and others. The construction supply chain (CSC) can be managed using the pull or push system. This chapter also discusses the origin and proliferation of SCM into the construction industry. The chapter revealed that the concept of SCM has passed through five different eras: the creation era, the use of ERP, globalisation stage, specialisation stage and electronic stage. The findings from the literature revealed that we are presently in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) era. At this stage, the SCM witnesses the adoption of technologies and principles driven by the 4IR. This chapter also revealed that the practice of SCM in the construction industry is centred around integration, collaboration, communication and the structure of the supply chain (SC). The forms and challenges hindering the adoption of these practices were also discussed extensively in this chapter.
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This study aims to determine barriers to innovation and to develop a quantitative model for the barrier to innovation in Vietnamese construction organizations of different sizes.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine barriers to innovation and to develop a quantitative model for the barrier to innovation in Vietnamese construction organizations of different sizes.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review and discussions with experienced practitioners were implemented to determine barriers to innovation in construction organizations. The rank-based non-parametric test analyzed collected data from a questionnaire survey to examine if there were significant differences between the three groups of organizations, including small, medium and large construction organizations. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) technique was employed to develop barrier indexes (BIs) for organizations of different sizes in Vietnam.
Findings
The findings showed 17 barriers to innovation which were categorized into four groups, including organizational, human resources, economic and market barriers. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences regarding barriers to innovation between small, medium and large construction organizations in Vietnam. The post hoc test highlighted barriers to innovation differently separated into two groups: SMEs and large construction organizations. The FSE analysis integrated the identified barriers into the comprehensive BIs for SMEs and large construction organizations. The FSE analysis illustrated that the organizational barrier is the most critical barrier for SMEs. On the other hand, the market barrier received the most significant attention in large construction organizations.
Originality/value
This research is one of the first integrated barriers to innovation into a comprehensive formulation. The indexes provide the decision-makers with a practical and reliable tool to evaluate barriers to innovation in construction organizations of different sizes.
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Aguinaldo Santos, Carlos Torres Formoso and J.E. Tookey
Discusses the effectiveness of construction practices on standardisation based on six case studies developed both in Brazil and in the UK, focusing on the “bricklaying” process…
Abstract
Discusses the effectiveness of construction practices on standardisation based on six case studies developed both in Brazil and in the UK, focusing on the “bricklaying” process. The case studies showed a paradox: construction companies developing written standards but failing to implement and maintaining standard practices. Written standards were extremely ineffective in the case studies due to the lack of teamwork and problem solving activities. It became clear that the abstract meaning of standardisation has far larger possibilities than simply developing descriptions of practice in written documents. Information on standards could be displayed in the packing system or equipment, for instance. Most importantly, information on standard procedures should be available when and where the construction worker needs it, despite the great need for workstation mobility. Hence, concludes that there is an urgent need for promoting a more widespread use of “visual management” approaches in order to enable effective dissemination and use of standard practices within the construction environment.
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Mark Kirby, Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi and Nicola Naismith
The New Zealand (NZ) construction industry significantly impacts the country's economy and is one of the largest sectors in terms of total employment. However, a persistent and…
Abstract
Purpose
The New Zealand (NZ) construction industry significantly impacts the country's economy and is one of the largest sectors in terms of total employment. However, a persistent and pressing need for improvement exists. Meeting the ongoing demand for housing and urban development requires enhancing residential construction productivity. The purpose of this paper is to determine what factors improve construction productivity in the NZ residential construction sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained from construction industry bodies using a semi-structured online questionnaire survey. From 305 online questionnaires administered, 106 samples were completed by residential industry construction professionals across NZ. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to establish the importance of empirical factors for improving construction productivity in the NZ residential construction sector.
Findings
The Garrett ranking technique revealed this study's top five factors for enhancing construction productivity: adequate design, communication, quality management (QM), supervision and organizational training. Other factors, such as unskilled workers, skilled workers, reworks and employee motivation, ranked less important.
Research limitations/implications
While providing a valuable exploration of factors that can positively impact residential construction productivity in NZ, this study contains certain limitations. The study's focus on a specific geographic location and a small sample size (n = 106) may restrict the generalizability of its findings to other regions or countries. Furthermore, the reliance on self-reported data from industry professionals introduces the possibility of bias or inaccuracies in the results. In addition, this study did not investigate the potential influence of external factors, such as economic conditions or regulatory changes, on residential construction productivity. Despite these limitations, this study presents a foundation for future research on this topic. Future research could address these limitations by conducting multi-country studies and using objective productivity measures to provide a broader context. In addition, open-ended questions could be used to collect more detailed qualitative data, enhancing this study's dependability. This methodological constraint could have omitted important experiential nuances, which could be explored in future research to provide more comprehensive and rigorous findings.
Practical implications
Research studies indicate that several construction productivity factors have remained unchanged for over three decades (Arditi and Mochtar, 1996; Hasan et al., 2018). The implications of this study are significant for the residential sector in NZ. By identifying the key factors that can improve productivity in the sector, such as complete design and specifications, effective communication, quality management, adequate supervision, training, skilled labour and employee motivation, this study provides valuable insights for industry practitioners and policymakers. It expands the existing productivity literature around factors for improving NZ residential construction productivity. One important implication of this study is the link between QM and improved productivity, highlighting the significance of strategic organizational investments in QM and the added opportunity presented to policymakers concerning industry-wide improvements. Moreover, the findings suggest that investing in worker training is essential. Ensuring workers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their tasks efficiently can enhance productivity and project outcomes. In conclusion, this study's findings emphasize the factors that can improve construction productivity in residential projects in NZ, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for all stakeholders.
Originality/value
This research offers a unique perspective on improving residential construction productivity in NZ by identifying and analysing specific factors that can enhance efficiency across the sector. It provides novel findings and valuable insight into possible organizational improvement strategies yet considered in the NZ residential sector.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of construction procurement within the supply chain management framework and develop a model for information flow…
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of construction procurement within the supply chain management framework and develop a model for information flow. This paper adheres to the supply chain perspective and integration as theoretical point of departure, typically the role that information plays in a complex network such as construction procurement. The co‐ordination within partners and the integration across partners are critical in effective project management. Sharing information is a key component for tight integration to optimize the chain‐wide performance. It helps produce highest quality, low cost and minimum time to service. The tender offer from the procurer or invitation from a supplier triggers the requirement process. In response to the requirements there has to be an opposite flow of information, termed the fulfilment flow in the model described. The requirement information from a procurer is broken down to the project requirements for various partners in the project. Once the supply chain is identified in the postcontracting phase, information regarding specific tasks, materials, and so on, are communicated to the project partners. Information must be managed to bring in value. The quality of information received, the timeliness of the manner it is received and the costeffectiveness in obtaining the information determine the efficiency of a project partner. Another classification considered is that of the changing role of the partner with regard to information handling, i.e., the project partner as a recipient, decision‐maker and communicator of information. All these factors jointly contribute to increasing efficiency in construction procurement. This framework needs to be explored in future research to define subsequent steps in construction supply chain management, as the challenge is to adapt a totally integrated supply chain.
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Christos Vidalakis, John E. Tookey and James Sommerville
The purpose of this paper is to consider the applicability of logistics management in construction and facilitate a better understanding of construction supply chains by studying…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the applicability of logistics management in construction and facilitate a better understanding of construction supply chains by studying the logistical functions of builders' merchants.
Design/methodology/approach
Given that logistics application in construction is still in its infancy, conceptual understanding of the problem is a prerequisite. Thus, a grounded theory approach is followed utilising pre‐existing data as a means of building a model faithful to evidence. The model is analysed by following a discrete‐event simulation modelling approach.
Findings
This research demonstrates that examining supply chains from a logistics viewpoint can provide significant insight into the performance of construction supply chains. The analysis also shows that logistics costs are exponentially related to the levels of material demand and number of vehicle movements.
Research limitations/implications
The developed model has to be further investigated and tested for different scenarios. Supplementary refinements of the model are necessary in order to allow the generalisation of the results and the development of an analytical planning tool.
Practical implications
This research illustrates the increased potential of construction for benefiting from an improved capability within logistics which can lead to further developments within the field of logistics in the industry.
Originality/value
This paper considers the significant function of builders' merchants in the supply chains in order to balance the contractor‐centric research efforts that dominate existing literature and take into consideration the holistic nature of supply chain management and its operational aspects.
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Minh Van Nguyen and Tu Thanh Nguyen
This research aims to identify the climate for innovation variables and to propose an innovative tool to quantitatively assess the degree of climate for innovation of construction…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to identify the climate for innovation variables and to propose an innovative tool to quantitatively assess the degree of climate for innovation of construction firms.
Design/methodology/approach
14 climate-for-innovation variables were identified from a literature review and discussion with experienced practitioners. After that, a questionnaire survey was developed to collect data. Factor analysis was used to analyze data gathered from 157 completed responses. Then, fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) was employed to assess the degree of climate for innovation in Vietnamese construction firms.
Findings
Climate-for-innovation variables were categorized into four factors by factor analysis. The FSE analysis shows leadership is the most critical category of four factors, followed by working culture, organization and employee commitment. The calculation also illustrates that the climate for innovation in Vietnamese construction firms is at a moderate level.
Originality/value
This research is one of the first integrated climate for innovation of construction firms in a comprehensive formulation. The formulation provides the decision-makers with a reliable tool to evaluate the degree of climate for innovation, thus having appropriate strategies to develop sustainable innovation performance within their organizations.
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J. Fei Ying, John Tookey and Johannes Roberti
The purpose of this paper is to understand the nature and extent of current practice of construction supply chain management (CSCM) in the New Zealand (NZ) construction industry;…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the nature and extent of current practice of construction supply chain management (CSCM) in the New Zealand (NZ) construction industry; consequently, to examine the challenges and issues that the industry is confronted in implementing an efficient CSCM. The construction industry, which contributes around 5 per cent to gross domestic product, is a vitally important industry in NZ. With over 50,000 businesses, the construction industry is the third largest industry by business count in NZ’s economy (Statistics New Zealand, 2009). Although it is widely accepted that productivity can be improved by adoption of effective supply chain management (SCM), no studies have investigated this at the tactical level in the NZ context.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach is used for probing SCM practice on a NZ$75-million commercial project located in Auckland Central Business District. The supply chain network of the principal ground works and superstructure construction stages was studied.
Findings
The key findings of the case study suggest that the flow of materials remains the main focus of CSCM practice. It was found that essential skills training for CSCM was extremely limited and largely ill-defined in terms of its nature and content. Finally, it was identified that as the NZ construction industry moves towards a significantly more collaborative framework, the efficacy of CSCM operations is expected to substantially improve. However, this last point did not negate the requirement to expand and improve skills training in CSCM.
Originality/value
The results of the case study present that our best industry proponents are inadequate in their knowledge of CSCM as a result of education and training. This is a key issue that needs to be addressed through education at all levels. Similarly, they have virtually nil capability with logistics and the efficiency of transportation as a result of standard contractual costing procedures. Until the SCM/logistics knowledge gap is recognised and addressed, the improvements in logistics and, therefore, SCM will not occur in the NZ construction industry. That said, the findings related to partnering and collaborative thinking in NZ are encouraging. NZ has these elements largely in place already and a willingness to engage, particularly in alliances, in the future. It remains to be seen whether there will be sufficient energy expended in NZ by the leading players to create effective partnering and alliancing through improving SCM and logistics competencies.
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Christos Vidalakis, John E. Tookey and James Sommerville
The purpose of this paper is to present a logistical analysis of construction supply chains by assessing the impact of varying demand on the performance of builders' merchants'…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a logistical analysis of construction supply chains by assessing the impact of varying demand on the performance of builders' merchants' logistics.
Design/methodology/approach
Taking into consideration that the vast majority of construction materials are distributed through intermediary organisations, the paper focuses on the logistics of builders' merchants. The study follows a field study approach to develop a conceptual logistics model facilitating experimentation using simulation modelling.
Findings
The paper highlights the importance of incorporating intermediary organisations in the study of construction supply chains and reveals the implications of varying demand on logistics performance related to inventory and transportation costs.
Research limitations/implications
In order to limit assumptions associated with individual company characteristics, the sample has included data from one builder's merchant company. To allow external benchmarking, the suggested approach has to be applied to a wider sample.
Practical implications
The paper provides a practical understanding in terms of the function of intermediary organisations in construction supply chains and the application of logistics management in construction.
Originality/value
Considering the complexity involved in construction supply chain operations, the value of this research is twofold. First, the research contributes to an interdisciplinary approach to the study of construction supply chains and second, provides a risk‐free environment for modelling supply chain cost performance.