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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1996

THOMAS E. UHER

The aim of the paper is to examine attitudes of general contractors operating in the Sydney region to the potential use of probability estimating and databases in cost estimating…

796

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to examine attitudes of general contractors operating in the Sydney region to the potential use of probability estimating and databases in cost estimating. A sample of 10 large general contractors with a turnover over $100m was selected for the study, which took place in 1993. Responses of the contractors to a standard questionnaire were obtained using face to face interviews. The research described in this paper confirmed the popularity of traditional single value estimating and highlighted the lack of use of probability cost estimating by the general contractors surveyed. The limited availability of client‐prepared bills of quantities for tendering has neither diminished their popularity among bidding contractors nor increased the use of elemental cost planning. Although databases are generally available, subjective judgements of estimators are of greater value in cost estimating. The research has concluded that a change in the estimating paradigm towards probability cost estimating, and the use of databases, are unlikely to occur in the near future.

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Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 3 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1998

THOMAS E UHER and JAN RITCHIE

The present paper reports on research which attempted to ascertain the attitudes of the management and site personnel of general contractors and subcontractors on the issue of…

592

Abstract

The present paper reports on research which attempted to ascertain the attitudes of the management and site personnel of general contractors and subcontractors on the issue of health promotion in the workplace. The main focus was on fitness and nutrition programmes, and the existence of a relationship between the health of employees and their productivity. The data were collected using questionnaires from a sample of eight large general contractors and 14 subcontractors operating in the Sydney region of the Australian construction industry. The responses in the sample were received from eight occupational health and safety (OHS) managers and 34 site workers employed by general contractors, and 14 site workers employed by subcontractors. The attitudes of the respondents toward health promotion in the workplace were found to be highly positive, and supportive of the development and implementation of health promotion programmes. In the opinion of the respondents, job performance and productivity may be increased through health promotion programmes in the workplace.

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Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 20 April 2010

Michael Charles Brand and Thomas Uher

The purpose of this paper is to report on findings of follow‐up research into the performance of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW), which…

1067

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on findings of follow‐up research into the performance of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW), which was undertaken in 2007. The research aims to re‐assess the performance of the Act in the light of strong demand for adjudication of construction payment claims in New South Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional survey of member firms of The Master Plumbers & Mechanical Contractors Association of NSW and the National Electrical & Communications Association (NSW Chapter) was undertaken using a comprehensive multiple‐choice questionnaire administered by post. The questionnaire comprised 23 questions, whereby all but one question was of a multiple‐choice type. In answering the questions, the sampled claimants were required to draw on their understanding of the Act, and their experience with the adjudication process. Results were compared with a pilot study undertaken by the authors in 2004.

Findings

The results indicate that the object of the Act is generally being achieved. Whilst the culture of making late payments remains well entrenched in the construction industry, there appears to be a modest downward trend in the frequency of late payments since the 2004 study. It is now reasonably certain that the act of endorsing payment claims encourages communication between the parties, thus providing an opportunity for early dispute avoidance or resolution. However, the level of knowledge of the Act amongst subcontracting organisations overall has not improved since 2004 study, and may have even declined. It is clear that contractors and subcontractors are not taking full advantage of the Act.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence of the performance of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) between 2004 and 2007. The research compares key performance indicators for the purpose of determining whether or not the Act produces the expected result of increasing security of payment, and whether the results are consistent with the reason for the Act. It also provides important insights into the operation of similar legislation in other jurisdictions.

Details

International Journal of Law in the Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-1450

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Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 February 2022

Kimmo Keskiniva, Arto Saari and Juha-Matti Junnonen

This study aims to provide a foundation for the development of subcontracts that suit takt production in construction.

1199

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a foundation for the development of subcontracts that suit takt production in construction.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a non-empiric conceptual study, which integrates takt production and general construction literature into new proposals for subcontract clauses suitable for takt production in construction. This study uses literature reviews, from which proposals regarding takt production viable subcontract clauses are conducted via logical reasoning.

Findings

A total of 13 proposals for takt production applicable subcontracts are provided in this study. The proposals emphasize detailed and collaborative planning, suitable payment methods and flexibility for takt plan modification.

Originality/value

Previous takt literature has not properly addressed the development of subcontracts for takt production, despite regular attempts to use subcontracting in takt production. This study aims to aid main contractors to create fair and suitable subcontracts, so that adhering to takt schedules could be more viable in practice. This study also acts as a foundation for further empirical studies regarding the subject.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Book part
Publication date: 19 October 2022

Ayodeji E. Oke

Sustainable building development involves several stakeholders, team participants and their fulfilment can affect the performance and outcome of succeeding construction…

Abstract

Sustainable building development involves several stakeholders, team participants and their fulfilment can affect the performance and outcome of succeeding construction development. The effect of the individual or human component is one of the most desperate reasons for the realisation of any progress in the building sector. Organisations are developing an increasing number of project teams to meet diverse organisational goals as they acknowledge the value and importance of project teams. However, in order to ensure that the project team achieves positive results, management, particularly the project manager, must focus on crucial elements such as team satisfaction. Project success can be influenced by team satisfaction. The project leader usually oversees and manages the team, organising and managing project activities between stakeholders and other team members. The study found that gratitude, enhanced morale, increased responsibility, putting in extra effort and job quality are all reasons why team satisfaction might affect a construction project's success.

Details

Measures of Sustainable Construction Projects Performance
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-998-2

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2007

AMR A G Hassanein and Halaa M F Afify

This research aimed at identifying the most significant risks relevant to construction contracts of two power station projects in Egypt. These were large scale, fast‐track…

1602

Abstract

This research aimed at identifying the most significant risks relevant to construction contracts of two power station projects in Egypt. These were large scale, fast‐track projects where a multi‐package contracting plan was utilized. Further, the study investigated how risks were perceived and managed by a large sample of Egyptian and international contractors who participated in the execution of these two major projects. A checklist of risk categories was developed to aid contractors in their risk identification effort. The compilation of this checklist identified the following risk categories: 1) owner’s obligations; 2) interface with other contractors; 3) liability risks; 4) financial risks; 5) risks related to changes; 6) technical risks and 7) consortium risks. Research results identified a marked lack of consistency in the contractors’ risk identification effort. Contractors possessing past experience in Egypt were far better able to identify the relevant risks. On the other hand, local Egyptian contractors with vast experience in Egypt but limited project management experience were shown to lack the necessary expertise to properly identify risks and to take the appropriate exceptions. Furthermore, the results revealed that bidders do not include in their proposals their “true” lists of exceptions which represent genuine risks to them.

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Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

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Article
Publication date: 26 June 2019

Titus Ebenezer Kwofie, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa and Seja Olgah Machethe

Non-traditional procurement is thought to offer enhanced benefits over traditional contracts. However, several factors significantly impacting the optimization of the benefits…

790

Abstract

Purpose

Non-traditional procurement is thought to offer enhanced benefits over traditional contracts. However, several factors significantly impacting the optimization of the benefits have been suggested. Even though effective communication is ranked high among these factors, not enough empirical insights have been given to the nature of communication performance in non-traditional procurements in construction project delivery. The purpose of this paper is to focus on understanding the taxonomy of communication performance in non-traditional procurements in the South African Construction Industry, given the centrality of communication to team effectiveness, performance, project success and managerial efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a deductive research approach, an empirical questionnaire survey was conducted drawing on the practical communication experience of project teams engaged in projects using non-traditional procurement systems.

Findings

Using aggregated mean scores and inter-rater agreement index and Mann‒Whitney tests, the results revealed inaccuracies, barriers and procedural challenges as frequently occurring in the interpersonal and organizational communication in the adopted non-traditional procurement systems. Additionally, untimeliness and distorted information were noted to be occurring occasionally, whereas incomplete communication, misunderstood information and gatekeeping rarely occurred. Lastly, protocol-related communication challenges were deemed to have never occurred in their interpersonal and organizational communication in their project delivery. In the assessment of communication performance, the less frequently occurring assessment indicator is a testament to good communication performance, whereas the frequently occurring indicator represents a poor performance in the communication.

Originality/value

This systematic approach toward understanding the taxonomy of the interpersonal and organizational communication performance in non-traditional procurement is very significant toward communication performance improvement in the industry. The insight given by the findings may help construction project practitioners to focus their attention on the necessary aspects of communication in non-traditional procurements to optimize their benefits over traditional procurement models.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 26 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Book part
Publication date: 26 October 2021

Denise Bedford and Thomas W. Sanchez

In this chapter, the authors highlight the emerging discipline of network sciences and the evolution and adaptation of human networks. The change is considered in the context of a…

Abstract

Chapter Summary

In this chapter, the authors highlight the emerging discipline of network sciences and the evolution and adaptation of human networks. The change is considered in the context of a shifting economic landscape and the importance of knowledge in the twenty-first-century knowledge economy. The chapter offers a fundamental definition of networks and explores the shifting geography of networks. Specifically, the authors explore door-to-door, place-to-place, and person-to-person network geographies. The authors model economic systems as networks and explain the role of human, structural, and relational capital as nodes, messages, and links in networks.

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Knowledge Networks
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83982-949-9

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2001

MOHAN KUMARASWAMY and MOHAMMED DULAIMI

The heightened state of flux in the construction industry in general and construction procurement strategies in particular, provides welcome opportunities to inject innovative…

1767

Abstract

The heightened state of flux in the construction industry in general and construction procurement strategies in particular, provides welcome opportunities to inject innovative improvements. While some improvements are generated from within the construction industry itself, these evolve sluggishly along prolonged learning curves. These are compared with lessons to be learnt and examples to be drawn from manufacturing in the development of a marketable product. A product development focus is thus advocated in re‐integrating segregated groups and in empowering and inspiring the innovations that are needed to achieve the dramatic productivity gains now demanded from the construction industry.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 8 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1958

WE must congratulate Mr. Filon on his promotion to the post of Director of the National Central Library. He will bring many years of practical experience to his job, and there is…

24

Abstract

WE must congratulate Mr. Filon on his promotion to the post of Director of the National Central Library. He will bring many years of practical experience to his job, and there is every reason to expect that the National Central Library will indeed flourish during the very important years ahead. It will not be long before the N.C.L. will be moving with Chaucer House to a new site. (Perhaps the Library Association Council will tell us where before long.) This new appointment has made me wonder what the N.C.L. is for. How long is it since anyone thought whether the N.C.L. is desirable? Every year we pay our subscriptions, which are modest enough, and every year we lend and borrow—and how long it takes—but that is hardly the N.C.L's fault.

Details

New Library World, vol. 59 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

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