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Article
Publication date: 16 January 2009

A. Sabharwal, M. Syal and M. Hastak

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the impact of the component assemblies redesign on the material handling costs associated with the facility layout and also, on the…

1438

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the impact of the component assemblies redesign on the material handling costs associated with the facility layout and also, on the productivity of the assembly process. Component assemblies are the sub‐assemblies that are incorporated into the manufactured house as it progresses on the assembly line.

Design/methodology/approach

Floor assembly is used as an example to demonstrate the impact of the component assembly redesign process. A step‐by‐step process of assembling a floor in the case study factory is described and changes to the process are proposed. The existing and redesigned floor assemblies are analyzed using the factory layout analysis models and the production simulation models.

Findings

The proposed redesign resulted in a small savings of less than 1 per cent in the material handling costs and a substantial savings of around 20 per cent in the production time.

Research limitations/implications

The work described in this paper is based on the existing floor assembly process in a case study factory. Due to the practical limitations, material handling routes and production activities associated with the redesigned assemblies were estimated. The results from this research show that redesign of component assemblies can provide potential avenues of savings for the manufactured housing industry. Such analysis can be performed for any component assembly individually or in combination with other assemblies in order to realize potential savings with relatively minor changes.

Originality/value

Production‐related research in manufactured housing has traditionally focused on either improving the facility layout or the assembly line process but not the combined impact of these two aspects. This paper presents a possible approach to investigating the combined impact by analyzing the impact of redesigned floor assembly.

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Article
Publication date: 29 March 2022

Juntae Jake Son, Suk-Kyung Kim and M.G. Matt Syal

The purpose of this study is to examine the energy savings in the indoor environment, using strategies that adopt the characteristics of nature, called biomimetic solutions. This…

405

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the energy savings in the indoor environment, using strategies that adopt the characteristics of nature, called biomimetic solutions. This research designed a biomimetic window system to bring daylight into interior spaces in educational buildings where daylight cannot be reached. Specifically, this study assessed how the daylight that was achieved via a biomimetic window system would affect energy savings using an energy simulation method.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explored how biomimetic methods would affect the building environment and which biomimetic method would involve the building's energy saving with daylight. The research intended to develop a novel biomimetic window system that can bring daylight to the basement floor of an existing building on a university campus to find out how much the biomimetic window system would affect the energy savings of the building. Referring to the existing building's layout and structure, energy simulation models were developed, and the energy consumptions were estimated.

Findings

Simulation models proved that the biomimetic window system has sufficient performance to bring more daylight to the basement floor of the building. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the use of the biomimetic window system for the building could reduce energy usage compared to the actual energy usage of the current building without biomimetic windows.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study was adopted as a computer-designed simulation method instead of using a real-world system. Although this study designed the biomimetic window system based on previous studies, it should be considered the possibility of other problems when the system is actually built in. Second, it is necessary to predict how much an initial budget is required when the system is built. It means that this study did not calculate the lifecycle cost of the biomimetic window system. It will also be necessary to compare energy consumption to the required initial budget. Lastly, this study was simulated based on weather data in cold regions, and it did not compare/analyze different climate regions. Different results may be predicted if the biomimetic window system is built in different climatic regions.

Originality/value

This research showed new practical ways to capture and transmit solar heat and light using a biomimetic solution. Furthermore, using the proposed novel biomimetic window system, the amount of energy reduction can be calculated, and this method could be applied in the interior non-window spaces of academic and related types of buildings.

Details

Open House International, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

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Article
Publication date: 16 January 2009

Jae G. Jeong, Makarand Hastak and Matt Syal

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current customer relationship management (CRM) with regard to manufacturers and retailers in the US manufactured housing (MH) industry…

1792

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current customer relationship management (CRM) with regard to manufacturers and retailers in the US manufactured housing (MH) industry and to present an MH industry‐specific framework of CRM system.

Design/methodology/approach

An overall CRM system was investigated through a questionnaire survey and interviews with industry experts. Based on the analysis of current CRM and the specific data collected, a framework of manufacturer‐retailer relationship optimization model (MRROM) for the MH industry was developed and validated trough the MH industry practitioners.

Findings

MRROM describes the overall framework of an industry‐specific CRM solution for the MH industry and suggests a new paradigm for the MH customization process as a focus area.

Research limitations/implications

This research only focused on the framework of optimal CRM system at the macro levels and an optimization model in the critically constrained manufacturer‐retailer relationship areas.

Practical implications

The proposed framework of MRROM can be used for developing the CRM vision and CRM strategies for the MH industry. It can then be the basis of an assessment of the current and required CRM capabilities of the enterprise.

Originality/value

Supply chain management for the MH industry is a new area of research. The proposed MRROM will contribute to improving the effectiveness and long‐term success of the supply chain in the MH industry. In addition, the proposed MRROM can be applied to other industries in the similar circumstances as well and is expected to facilitate the overall sales process.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Article
Publication date: 5 July 2013

Qingwei Li, Matt Syal, Nova Turner and Mohammed Arif

As green buildings have become more widely accepted, constructors (general contractors, construction managers and subcontractors) have become more involved and are playing an…

1570

Abstract

Purpose

As green buildings have become more widely accepted, constructors (general contractors, construction managers and subcontractors) have become more involved and are playing an increasing role in the success of these projects. As a result, constructors need and want a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects, while exploring ways to provide a “value‐added” service to the projects. Past research has identified “Innovation in Design (ID)” credits as a potential “value‐added opportunity” for constructors to become preferred members of LEED project teams. Similar opportunities may also exist on Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) project teams. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology encompassed an overview of “Innovation Credits (IC)” in LEED‐NC, BREEAM green building guidelines and an analysis of the ID category in LEED‐NC from a constructor's viewpoint in general, and electrical contractors in particular.

Findings

The findings of this research have identified ID credits as a potential “value‐added opportunity” for constructors to become preferred members of the LEED project teams. In contrast to LEED, this research has identified that similar opportunities for constructors do not exist for ICs under BREEAM as past or current ICs are not available in the public domain unless accessed by a BREEAM Assessor or Approved Person. This lack of access to information could have a negative impact and stifle future innovations and is an area worthy of further research.

Originality/value

This research provides an understanding of the constructor's role in the ID category and contributes to the broader literature related to the role of the construction industry in the green building movement. It is envisioned that the research output will serve as easy to use reference resources for the electrical contracting industry for proposing and achieving ID credits on LEED projects. It is also envisaged that this research will lead to recognition of the need for BREEAM ICs to be accessed within the public domain.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Article
Publication date: 4 November 2014

Daniel Yaw Addai Duah, Kevin Ford and Matt Syal

The purpose of this paper is to develop a knowledge elicitation strategy to elicit and compile home energy retrofit knowledge that can be incorporated into the development of an…

572

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a knowledge elicitation strategy to elicit and compile home energy retrofit knowledge that can be incorporated into the development of an intelligent decision support system to help increase the uptake of home energy retrofits. Major problems accounting for low adoption rates despite well-established benefits are: lack of information or information in unsuitable and usable format for decision making by homeowners. Despite the important role of expert knowledge in developing such systems, its elicitation has been fraught with challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Using extensive literature review and a Delphi-dominated data collection technique, the relevant knowledge of 19 industry experts, selected based on previously developed determinants of expert knowledge and suitable for decision making was elicited and compiled. Boolean logic was used to model and represent such knowledge for use as an intelligent decision support system.

Findings

A combination of comprehensive knowledge elicitor training, Delphi technique, semi-structured interview, and job shadowing is a good elicitation strategy. It encourages experts to describe their knowledge in a natural way, relate to specific problems, and reduces bias. Relevant and consensus-based expert knowledge can be incorporated into the development of an intelligent decision support system.

Research limitations/implications

The consensus-based and relevant expert knowledge can assist homeowners with decision making and industry practitioners and academia with corroboration and enhancement of existing knowledge. The strategy contributes to solving the knowledge elicitation challenge.

Originality/value

No previous study regarding a knowledge elicitation strategy for developing an intelligent decision support system for the energy retrofit industry exists.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

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Article
Publication date: 27 March 2009

Varun Potbhare, Matt Syal, Mohammed Arif, Malik M.A. Khalfan and Charles Egbu

The purpose of this paper is to identify the characteristics of green building guidelines in developed countries and to analyze their influence on the evolution and adoption of…

2374

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the characteristics of green building guidelines in developed countries and to analyze their influence on the evolution and adoption of similar guidelines in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This research reviews the green building guidelines in the developed as well as the developing countries such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design guidelines for new construction (LEED® NC‐USA), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)‐UK, Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency (CASBEE)‐Japan, and LEED®‐India and further performs a comparative analysis of these guidelines.

Findings

Based on the comparative analysis of LEED® NC‐USA, BREEAM‐UK, and CASBEE‐Japan, the characteristics that might have affected their current acceptance were identified. The catalysts and hindrances associated with the acceptance of LEED‐India in India were identified based on the comparative analysis of LEED® NC‐USA and LEED®‐India.

Originality/value

With an exponential growth of construction industry in the rapidly developing countries, there is a definite need to promote the adoption of green building guidelines. The methodology adopted in this research can be applied to understand the evolution as well as future adoption of green building guidelines in other countries that are facing similar circumstances.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

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Article
Publication date: 10 December 2024

Elif Keser Kurşun, Dima Albadra and Stephen Emmitt

Social sustainability (SS) is one of the key pillars of sustainability along with environmental and economic sustainability. Several impact assessment frameworks (IAF) exist to…

15

Abstract

Purpose

Social sustainability (SS) is one of the key pillars of sustainability along with environmental and economic sustainability. Several impact assessment frameworks (IAF) exist to evaluate sustainability in the built environment, yet SS is often neglected. This paper is the first to investigate the effectiveness of the B-Corp certification scheme as an IAF to promote SS in architectural practice. With almost 3.5 folds increase in the number of B-Corp-certified UK-based architectural offices, in the last two years, and the neglect of the social dimension of sustainability in IAF application; the key question of this research is “What roles does B-Corp play in architectural practice to promote SS in the UK?”

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on qualitative data collection and thematic analysis. Eight semi-structured online interviews were conducted with B-Corp-certified architectural offices in the UK. The interview questions focused on understanding the offices' B-Corp experiences around three categories: motivations, challenges and changes. Through a coding process, the interviews were analysed to find the similarities and differences between the offices' approaches to SS and their experiences as B-Corps. Keywords were identified and themes with an inductive approach, applying the research question as a lens.

Findings

Data was analysed to understand how B-Corp and its IAF relate to the architectural offices. The study concluded that B-Corp can make it easier to establish inter-actor relationships and B-Corp’s IAF can provide a holistic approach in which architectural offices can better measure their sustainable values by switching the evaluation scale from “building” to “business” unlike common IFAs in the built environment; with these two roles, it can effectively contribute to social sustainability.

Originality/value

It is the first research to introduce the B-Corp certification to the architectural literature. Even though over 90 publications are covering B-Corp in other domains, there has yet to be any research looking at B-Corp-certified architectural offices, its merits as an IAF and limitations. This paper presents novel contributions to the knowledge concerning the assessment of social sustainability in architecture.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 16 January 2009

Dr Mohammed Arif

491

Abstract

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Article
Publication date: 27 February 2020

Johannes A.W.H. Van Oorschot, Johannes I.M. Halman and Erwin Hofman

The purpose of this study is threefold. First, to provide a taxonomy of innovations in the housing sector. Second, to create a coherent framework that includes the mechanisms that…

709

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is threefold. First, to provide a taxonomy of innovations in the housing sector. Second, to create a coherent framework that includes the mechanisms that stimulate and hinder the adoption of innovation in the housing sector. Third, to develop propositions for future innovation adoption research.

Design/methodology/approach

A search in Clarivate Analytics’ Web of Science, Elsevier’ Scopus and the ARCOM database, followed by ‘snowballing’ as a backward search technique, revealed 94 scientific studies about innovation adoption in the housing sector. These studies were used to conduct a systematic narrative literature review about innovation adoption in the housing sector.

Findings

This study presents the state of knowledge about the adoption of innovation in the housing sector. Based on the unit of analysis by the studies included in our review, we present a taxonomy of housing innovation and we conclude that, typical for low-tech industries, no radical, discontinuous innovations were reported in the field of housing. Based on the data set of this review, a coherent framework has been developed, which includes four categories of determinants and underlying variables. Subsequently, 21 propositions have been deduced, which reflect the key mechanisms affecting the adoption of innovation in housing.

Originality/value

This paper is the first in which the various innovation adoption mechanisms for housing projects are integrated in a coherent innovation adoption framework. This framework not only provides an explanatory overview about innovation adoption in the housing sector but also provides insight to managers how to increase the chances to get their innovations adopted in the housing sector.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2021

Afiqah R. Radzi, Rahimi A. Rahman and Shu Ing Doh

Various approaches have emerged to assist practitioners in making more informed decisions in highway construction projects. However, industry practitioners are still using…

628

Abstract

Purpose

Various approaches have emerged to assist practitioners in making more informed decisions in highway construction projects. However, industry practitioners are still using subjective ways to make decisions. Also, researchers have developed tools and techniques with similar objectives. Lack of information on what has been developed might lead to those issues. Therefore, this paper aims to review trends of evolution, pinpoint strengths and gaps in the literature and identifies potential future directions for decision-making research in highway construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted on published articles on decision-making in highway construction projects using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) technique.

Findings

The analysis of 101 articles revealed that existing decision-making research in highway construction projects targets improvements in four areas: feasibility, conceptual, detailed scope and detailed design. The four areas consist of sixteen subthemes that are detailed in this study. In addition, most research involved developing decision support tools and systems as well as decision-making models, techniques and frameworks. Lastly, several research areas have emerged, such as adding more decision criteria including those with uncertainties, expanding existing decision-making models into decision support systems, benchmarking decision criteria between different sample populations and exploring inter-and intra-relationships between decision criteria.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of existing research on decision-making in highway construction projects. Also, it reveals research gaps in the body of knowledge to point out directions for future research. Finally, industry practitioners can use the findings to develop strategies for effective decision-making processes.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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