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Article
Publication date: 22 August 2008

Sai On Cheung, Peter S.P. Wong, Ada Y.S. Fung and W.V. Coffey

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of bid information, including both price and non‐price factors in predicting the bidder's performance.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of bid information, including both price and non‐price factors in predicting the bidder's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The practice of the industry was first reviewed. Data on bid evaluation and performance records of the successful bids were then obtained from the Hong Kong Housing Department, the largest housing provider in Hong Kong. This was followed by the development of a radial basis function (RBF) neural network based performance prediction model.

Findings

It is found that public clients are more conscientious and include non‐price factors in their bid evaluation equations. With the input variables used the information is available at the time of the bid and the output variable is the project performance score recorded during work in progress achieved by the successful bidder. It was found that past project performance score is the most sensitive input variable in predicting future performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows the inadequacy of using price alone for bid award criterion. The need for a systemic performance evaluation is also highlighted, as this information is highly instrumental for subsequent bid evaluations. The caveat for this study is that the prediction model was developed based on data obtained from one single source.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is in the use of an RBF neural network as the prediction tool because it can model non‐linear function. This capability avoids tedious “trial and error” in deciding the number of hidden layers to be used in the network model.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

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Article
Publication date: 21 March 2016

Debby Willar, Bambang Trigunarsyah and Vaughan Coffey

The review of literature found that there is a significant correlation between a construction company’s organisational culture and the company quality performance. The purpose of…

3837

Abstract

Purpose

The review of literature found that there is a significant correlation between a construction company’s organisational culture and the company quality performance. The purpose of this paper is to assess the organisational culture profiles of Indonesian construction companies, and to examine the influence of the companies’ organisational culture profiles on their quality management systems (based on QMS-ISO 9001:2008) implementation. Prior to conducting the examination, there are examinations of the relationships among the quality management system (QMS) variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed a survey questionnaire of construction industry practitioners who have experience in building and civil engineering works. The Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument was selected due to its suitability in assessing organisation’s underlying culture.

Findings

Within the examination among the QMS variables, it was found that problematic issues associated with the implementation of QMS-ISO 9001:2008 in Indonesian construction companies can affect the implementation of the QMS and contribute to the lower level of companies’ business performance. It was also found that there is no significant relationship between the QMS implementation and the companies’ business performance. By using the Competing Values Framework diagram, it was found that most of the construction companies’ organisational culture is characterised by a Clan type which is reflected in how employees are managed, how the organisation is held together, and how the organisation’s success is defined; the leadership style is Hierarchy-focused, while the organisation’s strategy is Market type. It was also found that different culture profiles have different influences on the QMS implementation.

Originality/value

A strong mixed Hierarchy and Market culture needs to be developed within the construction companies in Indonesia, as the driver to support proper and successful implementation of their QMS in order to enhance business performance in a quality performance-oriented Indonesian construction industry.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 30 September 2019

Vishal Singh Patyal, Sudhir Ambekar and Anand Prakash

The purpose of this paper is to establish the relationship between organizational culture (OC) and total quality management (TQM) practices in the Indian construction industry.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the relationship between organizational culture (OC) and total quality management (TQM) practices in the Indian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted to draw valid empirical data from 200 construction firms in India. The dominant culture was identified using cluster analysis.

Findings

The findings of cluster analysis show four emergent clusters, namely, internal, flexible, comprehensive and control. The OC profile of the Indian construction organizations is dominated by internal focus characterized by the features of both group and hierarchical cultures of Competing Values Framework (CVF). Furthermore, the results revealed that the comprehensive focus culture is the most suitable culture in addition to the internal and flexibility focus cultures for the implementation of TQM in India.

Practical implications

Before implementing the TQM practices, managers in construction organizations need to be aware of cultural orientation emphasized in their organizations to facilitate the effective implementation of TQM.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence that leads to the association between OC and TQM practices. The study proposes besides the internal and flexibility focus cultures, the comprehensive focus culture within the Indian construction industry are key drivers for the successful implementation of TQM practices.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 69 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Debby Willar

The Indonesian construction industry has to considerably rise due to the issues of quality product, organisational performance and global competitiveness faced today, along with…

1213

Abstract

Purpose

The Indonesian construction industry has to considerably rise due to the issues of quality product, organisational performance and global competitiveness faced today, along with settling several national challenges that continue to plague the construction industry. Delivering high-quality construction products and services is non-negotiable when competing for contracts with international constructors. Developing such an assessment system to evaluate the performance of Indonesian construction companies is an urgent need in order to encourage and motivate the construction companies to continually improve their performance in the execution of construction works. The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the key attributes related to the evaluation of quality and performance in the construction project-based case of Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in the five provinces in Indonesia involving 216 construction practitioners from medium and large qualifications of construction companies.

Findings

On the basis of the data analysis results, the study develops the 39 key attributes that can be a basis for the development of Indonesian building construction project performance assessment system. The attributes cover construction companies’ performance during project implementation, in delivering final project results and in implementing quality procedures for building construction works.

Originality/value

The outcome of this study is considered significant to provide a tool for the government to assess the quality performance of contractors in delivering projects against specified standards, and a guideline for the contractors to improve their competitiveness by implementing continuous quality improvement. The confirmed attributes developed from this study is an initial step towards developing an Indonesian construction comprehensive quality performance assessment system.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

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Article
Publication date: 12 January 2015

Debby Willar, Vaughan Coffey and Bambang Trigunarsyah

The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of quality management systems (QMSs) of Grade 7 (G-7) Indonesian construction companies. This includes the initial…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of quality management systems (QMSs) of Grade 7 (G-7) Indonesian construction companies. This includes the initial motives that have driven the development of QMSs, barriers to effective QMS implementation, the current practice and integration of QMS-ISO 9001 principles and elements, and the performance of contractors implementing such QMSs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted involving 403 respondents (Quality Management Representatives, Managers, and Project and Site Engineers) from 77 G-7 as well as ISO 9001 certified Indonesian construction companies.

Findings

The main motive for G-7 contractors in establishing and implementing ISO 9001 based QMSs are identified as being to effectively and efficiently control project activities. Respondents apparently do not often experience problems related to QMS implementation. However, issues of management attitude and purpose are identified as barriers that may affect effective QMS implementation. The study highlights the ISO 9001 principles and elements that still require to be more critically applied by G-7 contractors in order to fully implement and improve their current QMS effectiveness. The findings also suggest that, although certified, many G-7 contractors have not yet achieved a satisfactory level of performance to be truly competitive in global markets outside Indonesia.

Originality/value

To date, only limited research has been conducted into the application of ISO 9001 in the Indonesian construction industry. The research findings reinforced the value of pursuing more effective QMS implementation. They also support current attempts to introduce ISO 9001 QMSs to a much wider base of Indonesian construction companies, particularly small and medium sized contractors and builders.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

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Article
Publication date: 27 February 2018

Partha Pratim Ray

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a notable invention introduced in the biomedical industry. It provides valuable information about intermittent capillary blood glucose that…

993

Abstract

Purpose

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a notable invention introduced in the biomedical industry. It provides valuable information about intermittent capillary blood glucose that is normally unattainable by regular clinical blood sample tests. CGM includes several progressive facilities such as instantaneous and real-time display of blood glucose level, “24/7” coverage, continuous motion of alerts for actual or impending hypo- and hyperglycemia and the ability to characterize glycemic variability. CGM allows users and physicians to visualize and diagnose more accurate and precise rate of change of glucose by capacitating small, comfortable, user-friendly sensor devices. Sometimes, this vital information is shared to the personal message box over Internet. In short, CGM is capable to inform, educate, motivate and alert (IEMA) people with diabetes. Despite the huge expectation with CGM, the available solutions have not attracted much attention among people. The huge potential of CGM in future diabetic study relies on the successful implication of the CGM. This paper aims at disseminating of state-of-the-art knowledge about existing work around the CGM.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review on the recent developments in CGM development techniques that have been reported in credible sources, namely PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Springer Link, Scopus and Google Scholar. Detailed analysis and systematic comparison are provided to highlight the achievement and future direction of CGM deployment.

Findings

Several key challenges are also portrayed for suitable opportunistic orientation. CGM solutions from four leading manufacturers such as Tandem, Dexcom, Abbott and Medtronic are compared based on the following factors including accuracy (% MARD); sensor lifetime, calibration requirement, smart device, compatibility and remote monitoring. Qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed.

Originality/value

This work can be a valuable source of reference and guidance for future research in this field.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2006

Carol Mutch

Qualitative data analysis requires methodological knowledge and intellectual competence. Analysis is not about adhering to any one correct approach or set of right techniques; it…

478

Abstract

Qualitative data analysis requires methodological knowledge and intellectual competence. Analysis is not about adhering to any one correct approach or set of right techniques; it is imaginative, artful, flexible, and reflexive. It should also be methodical, scholarly, and intellectually rigorous. (Coffey and Atkinson, 1996, p.1.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

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Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Morteza Shokri-Ghasabeh and Nicholas Chileshe

The purpose of this study is to investigate and rank the critical factors influencing the bid/no bid criteria and their importance in the Australian construction industry.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate and rank the critical factors influencing the bid/no bid criteria and their importance in the Australian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study has been undertaken by conducting an extensive literature review on bid/no bid decision-making criteria. As a result, the researchers identified 26 most common bid/no bid decision-making criteria that are accordingly grouped into five distinct categories, namely, “project”, “market”,“contractor”, “client” and “contract”. The literature review was followed by a national survey that was designed and utilised by the researchers to collect data for this purpose. The survey was sent to potential 450 Australian construction companies in various locations and responses were received from 81 Australian construction companies. Response data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Kruskal Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to detect significant differences between the mean score grouped according to the organisation size (contract value).

Findings

The descriptive and empirical analysis demonstrated a disparity of ranking of the 26 bid/no bid criteria factors among the groups; however no statistically significant differences among the 26 bid/no criteria factors despite the absolute differences in the rankings and mean scores in the following four factors: (1) “bidding condition”, (2) “strength/weaknesses”, (3) “contract payment terms” and (4) “number of competitors/bidders”. Based on the overall sample, the highly ranked four factors were “client financial capability”, “project risk”, “project future benefits and profitability” and “number of competitors/bidders”. The following were the least ranked: “contractors’ financial situation”, “project duration” and “contractors’ material availability”. “Client financial capability”and “project risk” were jointly ranked as the most important by large, whereas “client financial capability” was also rated highly for smaller Australian construction contractors (ACCs). The medium ACCs had “project risk”as highly ranked.

Research limitations

The majority of the participants were small construction contractors in Australia. The reason is that the researchers were not aware of the contractors’ size prior to inviting them for participation in the research study. Second, the findings may not generalise to other industries or to organisations operating in other countries.

Practical implications

The identified “bid/no bid criteria” increase the awareness of existing decision-making practices and play a critical role in the future decisions of the construction companies, where decision makers need to evaluate the next opportunities encountered. Furthermore, knowledge and possession of these identified “bid/no bid” criteria would enable contractors to select a project with a higher probability of success in the future, which will accordingly result in long-term financial benefits and higher performance. Finally, the awareness of these factors could contribute to changing the contractor’s behaviours when bidding in a competitive environment or market conditions.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of knowledge on tendering and bidding practices among contractors in Australia, an area previously under explored. Second, this study provides some insights on the factors influencing the bid/no bid decisions among the ACCs.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1983

W.T. Coffey, C. Rybarschry and W. SCHRÖER

The Debye theory of dielectric relaxation as corrected for inertial effects has as yet been only considered in the linear approximation. There, the rise and decay transients are…

28

Abstract

The Debye theory of dielectric relaxation as corrected for inertial effects has as yet been only considered in the linear approximation. There, the rise and decay transients are identical. Here a method recently developed for the treatment of a rotator in a periodic potential is applied to calculate the transient behaviour when the linear approximation is discarded. The Kramers equation for the problem is expanded in a set of orthogonal functions which lead to a set of linear differential difference equations giving the relaxation behaviour. It is shown that the Mori formalism for the problem leads to the same set of differential difference equations as the Kramers equation.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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Article
Publication date: 31 July 2009

O.I. Aje, K.T. Odusami and D.R. Ogunsemi

Management capability is one of the major criteria for evaluating construction contractors during prequalification and tender evaluation This paper aims to investigate the impact…

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Abstract

Purpose

Management capability is one of the major criteria for evaluating construction contractors during prequalification and tender evaluation This paper aims to investigate the impact of contractors' management capability as a prequalification criterion on cost and time performance of selected building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Prequalification assessments of management capability of wining contractors as well as cost data relating to 77 completed building projects executed between 2004 and 2007 are obtained. The data obtained from a questionnaire and archival data are analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and multiple regression.

Findings

The results reveal that contractors' management capability has significant impact on cost and time performance of building projects as evidenced by p‐values of 0.042 and 0.039, respectively.

Practical implications

The research could be of significant benefit at the research implementation stage of public procurement practice especially in relation to the construction industry in Nigeria. Construction practitioners involved in prequalification and tender evaluation should continue to seek relevant information relating to management capability from the candidate contractors during prequalification and tender evaluation.

Originality/value

Models capable of predicting the final cost and duration of building projects are eventually derived based on prequalification assessment of contractors on management capability, proposed contract duration and the initial contract figure. The goodness of fit of the models as defined by the value of R2 is found to be 96.2 percent and 90.01 percent for cost and time, respectively; thus signifying high predictive efficacy of the models.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

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