TOUFIC M. MEZHER and WISSAM TAWIL
The present paper presents the major causes of delays in the construction industry in Lebanon and the relative importance of these postponements. A survey of a randomly selected…
Abstract
The present paper presents the major causes of delays in the construction industry in Lebanon and the relative importance of these postponements. A survey of a randomly selected sample of 11 owners, 15 contractors and 10 architectural/engineering (A/E) firms from Lebanon was undertaken. The survey included 64 causes of delay, grouped into 10 major groups, in which the participants were asked to indicate their level of importance of each delay. The level of importance of the causes and the groups were measured and ranked by the importance index for owners, contractors and A/E firms. It was found that all three parties generally agreed on the ranking of the major categories of delay factors. Owners had more concerns with regard to financial issues, while contractors ranked contractual relationships highest, and finally, A/E firms ranked project management highest.
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This paper seeks to emphasise the need for changing the mindset of all the players of the construction industry in order to meet the sustainability challenges, energy and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to emphasise the need for changing the mindset of all the players of the construction industry in order to meet the sustainability challenges, energy and resources, in building future cities.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces the need for collaboration and coordination between all the players in the construction industry in order to develop construction innovation and technology to build sustainable cities.
Findings
The construction industry needs to shift to a new mindset in the development of existing or new cities. Global warming and depletion of natural resources cannot be ignored any more. Project planning should take into consideration the “From Cradle to Grave” concepts and Life Cycle Assessments.
Originality/value
This paper provides the reader with an overview of the challenges that are facing humanity and shows how to built future cities in order to improve the quality of life and preserve natural resources.
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Rabia Ferroukhi, Noor Ghazal‐Aswad, Stella Androulaki, Diala Hawila and Toufic Mezher
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efforts undertaken by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in deploying renewable energy (RE), in terms of capacity…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efforts undertaken by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in deploying renewable energy (RE), in terms of capacity assessments, research and development activities, and current and planned projects. The paper also aims to investigate the drivers and barriers for the diffusion of RE technologies in the GCC.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a literature‐based study on the status of the RE sector in the GCC, including capacities, projects, policies and frameworks in the GCC, in addition to an analysis of the main drivers and barriers to RE deployment arising from the literature.
Findings
The results of this paper illustrate growing interest in renewable energy in the GCC countries at the R&D and project implementation level.
Originality/value
The paper contributes by the provision of the latest knowledge on the status of the RE sector in the GCC and by highlighting the most significant drivers fuelling RE deployment, as well as the barriers currently hindering the greater diffusion of RE technologies in the region.
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Toufic Mezher, Samer Tabbara and Nawal Al‐Hosany
The purpose of this paper is the introduce corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Abu Dhabi, the biggest Emirate and one with the largest oil reserve in United Arab Emirates…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the introduce corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Abu Dhabi, the biggest Emirate and one with the largest oil reserve in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi set the first renewable energy policy in the region in January 2009. The policy calls for at least 7 percent of Abu Dhabi's power generation capacity to come from renewable energy sources by 2020. In 2006, the leadership of Abu Dhabi made a strategic decision to establish a globally competitive renewable energy sector in the country and hence the Masdar Initiative was created. It is driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC), also called Masdar.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper focuses on the corporate social responsibility of Masdar and the role the firm is playing as the “prime mover” in the renewable energy sector in UAE and the region. The paper is structured in the following manner. First, the literature on corporate social responsibility is reviewed. Second, the environmental challenges of UAE are highlighted. Third, the paper discusses the different business units of Masdar and their related projects and investments at local, regional and global levels. Finally, the role of ADFEC as a “prime mover” in sustainability and corporate social responsibility is highlighted.
Findings
Masdar has taken leadership in CSR and sustainable energy technologies in Abu Dhabi, UAE and the region.
Originality/value
The case demonstrates the willingness of oil‐producing countries to become more sustainable and to do something about climate change. The Masdar Initiative, which includes the first carbon‐neutral city, can be regarded as a benchmark for future similar projects in the region and around the world.