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Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Janet Chang, Xiang Xie and Ajith Kumar Parlikad

This research investigates the capabilities of Cloud-based Building Information Modelling (CBIM) in managing quality asset information, drawing upon software engineers'…

Abstract

Purpose

This research investigates the capabilities of Cloud-based Building Information Modelling (CBIM) in managing quality asset information, drawing upon software engineers' perspectives. Compelling statistics highlight the relationship between building information and environmental sustainability. However, despite the growing utilisation of CBIM in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, a significant knowledge gap remains concerning its effectiveness in maintaining quality asset information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed an exploratory qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with thirteen software engineers actively developing technological solutions for the AEC industry. Following thematic analysis, the findings are categorised into four dimensions: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and technological limitations. Subsequently, these findings are analysed in relation to previously identified information quality problems.

Findings

This research reveals that while CBIM improves project coordination and information accessibility, its effectiveness is challenged by the need for manual updates, vulnerability to human errors and dependency on network services. Technological limitations, notably the absence of automated updates for as-built drawings and the risk of data loss during file conversions in the design phase, coupled with its reduced capability to validate context-specific information from the user's viewpoint, emphasise the urgent need for managerial strategies to maximise CBIM's capabilities in addressing information quality problems.

Originality/value

This study augments the understanding of CBIM, highlighting the managerial implications of a robust information management process to safeguard information integrity. This approach fosters sustainable practices anchored in reliable information essential for achieving desired outcomes. The findings also have broader managerial implications, especially for sectors that employ CBIM as an instrumental tool.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 July 2020

Xiang Xie, Qiuchen Lu, David Rodenas-Herraiz, Ajith Kumar Parlikad and Jennifer Mary Schooling

Visual inspection and human judgement form the cornerstone of daily operations and maintenance (O&M) services activities carried out by facility managers nowadays. Recent advances…

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Abstract

Purpose

Visual inspection and human judgement form the cornerstone of daily operations and maintenance (O&M) services activities carried out by facility managers nowadays. Recent advances in technologies such as building information modelling (BIM), distributed sensor networks, augmented reality (AR) technologies and digital twins present an immense opportunity to radically improve the way daily O&M is conducted. This paper aims to describe the development of an AR-supported automated environmental anomaly detection and fault isolation method to assist facility managers in addressing problems that affect building occupants’ thermal comfort.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed system focusses on the detection of environmental anomalies related to the thermal comfort of occupants within a building. The performance of three anomaly detection algorithms in terms of their ability to detect indoor temperature anomalies is compared. Based on the fault tree analysis (FTA), a decision-making tree is developed to assist facility management (FM) professionals in identifying corresponding failed assets according to the detected anomalous symptoms. The AR system facilitates easy maintenance by highlighting the failed assets hidden behind walls/ceilings on site to the maintenance personnel. The system can thus provide enhanced support to facility managers in their daily O&M activities such as inspection, recording, communication and verification.

Findings

Taking the indoor temperature inspection as an example, the case study demonstrates that the O&M management process can be improved using the proposed AR-enhanced inspection system. Comparative analysis of different anomaly detection algorithms reveals that the binary segmentation-based change point detection is effective and efficient in identifying temperature anomalies. The decision-making tree supported by FTA helps formalise the linkage between temperature issues and the corresponding failed assets. Finally, the AR-based model enhanced the maintenance process by visualising and highlighting the hidden failed assets to the maintenance personnel on site.

Originality/value

The originality lies in bringing together the advances in augmented reality, digital twins and data-driven decision-making to support the daily O&M management activities. In particular, the paper presents a novel binary segmentation-based change point detection for identifying temperature anomalous symptoms, a decision-making tree for matching the symptoms to the failed assets, and an AR system for visualising those assets with related information.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 19 July 2023

Serhat Yüksel, Hasan Dinçer and Gülsüm Sena Uluer

With the increase in population, the energy needs of countries are also increasing. These countries have difficulties in meeting these increasing needs. Countries that cannot meet…

Abstract

With the increase in population, the energy needs of countries are also increasing. These countries have difficulties in meeting these increasing needs. Countries that cannot meet this need have to import energy from abroad. This situation adversely affects the current account balance of countries. Nuclear energy investments allow countries to obtain their own energy, although there are some criticisms. In this framework, while some countries in the world increase their nuclear energy investments, some countries do not have any nuclear power plants (NPP). There are 32 such countries where nuclear energy projects are running till date. Therefore, it is very important to determine the socio-economic variables of countries that have nuclear energy investments. In this context, a detailed literature analysis will be made first to determine socio-economic criteria. Then, the importance weights of these factors will be calculated using the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The profiles of the countries that make nuclear energy investments demonstrate that education level is the most essential socio-economic factor for the improvement of nuclear energy investments. Also, income inequality is another important variable in this regard. However, consumption behaviour and saving behaviour have the lowest weights.

Details

Inclusive Developments Through Socio-economic Indicators: New Theoretical and Empirical Insights
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-554-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2024

Amirreza Rashidi, Hadi Sarvari, Daniel W.M. Chan, Timothy O. Olawumi and David J. Edwards

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the transition from Building Information Modelling (BIM) to digital twins (DT) in the construction industry. Specifically, the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the transition from Building Information Modelling (BIM) to digital twins (DT) in the construction industry. Specifically, the research explores the current state (themes and trends) and future directions of this emerging research domain.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-stage approach was employed that combines scientometric and systematic review approaches. The scientometric analysis involves quantitative assessment of scientific publications retrieved from the Web of Science database – using software tools like VOSviewer and HistCite. The systematic review involved a rigorous synthesis and evaluation of the existing literature to identify research gaps, themes, clusters and future directions. Clusters obtained from the scientometric analysis of the co-occurrence network were then used as a subject base for a systematic study.

Findings

Emergent findings reveal a rapidly growing interest in BIM-DT integration, with over 90% of publications since 2020. The United Kingdom, China and Italy are the leading contributing countries. Five prominent research clusters identified are: (1) Construction 4.0 technologies; (2) smart cities and urban environments; (3) heritage BIM and laser scanning; (4) asset and facility management; and (5) energy and sustainability. The study highlights the potential of BIM-DT integration for enhancing project delivery, asset management and sustainability practices in the built environment. Moreover, the project’s life cycle operation phase has garnered the most attention from researchers in this field compared to other phases.

Originality/value

This unique study is comprehensive in its approach by combining scientometric and systematic methods to provide a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the BIM-DT research landscape. Unlike previous reviews that focused solely on facility management, this study’s scope covers the entire construction sector. By identifying research gaps, challenges and future directions, this study establishes a solid foundation for researchers exploring this emerging field and envisions the future landscape of BIM-DT integration in the built environment.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2024

Xin Huang, Ting Tang, Yu Ning Luo and Ren Wang

This study aims to examine the impact of board characteristics on firm performance while also exploring the influential mechanisms that help Chinese listed companies establish…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of board characteristics on firm performance while also exploring the influential mechanisms that help Chinese listed companies establish effective boards of directors and strengthen their corporate governance mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses machine learning methods to investigate the predictive ability of the board of directors' characteristics on firm performance based on the data from Chinese A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges in China during 2008–2021. This study further analyzes board characteristics with relatively strong predictive ability and their predictive models on firm performance.

Findings

The results show that nonlinear machine learning methods are more effective than traditional linear models in analyzing the impact of board characteristics on Chinese firm performance. Among the series characteristics of the board of directors, the contribution ratio in prediction from directors compensation, director shareholding ratio, the average age of directors and directors' educational level are significant, and these characteristics have a roughly nonlinear correlation to the prediction of firm performance; the improvement of the predictive ability of board characteristics on firm performance in state-owned enterprises in China performs better than that in private enterprises.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide valuable suggestions for enriching the theory of board governance, strengthening board construction and optimizing the effectiveness of board governance. Furthermore, these impacts can serve as a valuable reference for board construction and selection, aiding in the rational selection of boards to establish an efficient and high-performing board of directors.

Originality/value

The study findings unequivocally demonstrate the superiority of nonlinear machine learning approaches over traditional linear models in examining the relationship between board characteristics and firm performance in China. Within the suite of board characteristics, director compensation, shareholding ratio, average age and educational level are particularly noteworthy, consistently demonstrating strong, nonlinear associations with firm performance. Within the suite of board characteristics, director compensation, shareholding ratio, average age and educational level are particularly noteworthy, consistently demonstrating strong, nonlinear associations with firm performance. The study reveals that the predictive performance of board attributes is generally more robust for state-owned enterprises in China in comparison to their counterparts in the private sector.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2023

Xuezhu Wang, Runze Zhang, Zheng Gong and Xi Chen

This study aims to empirically examine how blockchain, one of the emerging Industry 4.0 technologies, can combat climate change by improving their green innovation performance…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine how blockchain, one of the emerging Industry 4.0 technologies, can combat climate change by improving their green innovation performance, particularly under conditions of policy uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes the difference-in-difference-in-difference (DDD) method to explore the effect of blockchain on enterprises' green innovation performance. The analysis is based on data from Chinese-listed enterprises spanning the period from 2013 to 2021.

Findings

First, the adoption of blockchain in enterprises registered in areas designated as low-carbon pilot cities can significantly improve their green innovation performance. Second, the enhancement of green innovation efficiency emerges as the primary driving force behind the adoption of blockchain, thereby leading to improved green innovation performance. Lastly, it is observed that blockchain adoption has a greater positive impact on improving green efficiency in private enterprises compared to state-owned enterprises in China.

Practical implications

For managers, the findings can provide valuable insights to help them better prepare for the challenges and opportunities presented by the era of Industry 4.0. For policymakers, this study offers valuable insights into the interaction between new technologies in Industry 4.0 and the performance of green innovation, thereby aiding in the formulation of effective policies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to bridging the existing gap between the adoption of new technologies, such as blockchain, and their potential impact on climate change. Moreover, this research enriches practitioners' understanding of how new technologies in the era of Industry 4.0 can be applied to address significant challenges like climate change.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 123 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Zheng-Xin Wang and Lingling Pei

– This research aims to establish an index system and a grey comprehensive evaluation model for analyzing the sustainability of urban tourism.

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Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to establish an index system and a grey comprehensive evaluation model for analyzing the sustainability of urban tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The sustainability evaluation of urban tourism is regarded as a multi-level and multi-index evaluation problem in this study. The evaluation index system of urban tourism sustainable development is constructed based on the ideas of holism and systems thinking. Then based on grey system correlation analysis theory, a new evaluation model is proposed to effectively solve the complex and uncertain problems in the sustainability evaluation system of urban tourism. An actual example of the five cities (Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Changzhou, Wuxi and Suzhou) in Southern Jiangsu Province of China is adopted to demonstrate the feasibility and practicability of the proposed model.

Findings

The grey comprehensive evaluation model can effectively convert the complex indices into comprehensive optimal membership degrees which are easy to be understood. The empirical study on the urban tourism sustainable development of South of Jiangsu found that: Suzhou, Nanjing and Wuxi were in the basic stage of sustainable development; Changzhou and Zhenjiang were in the preliminary stage of sustainable development. The social responsibility fulfillment of urban tourism in five cities fails to reach a satisfactory level, especially Zhenjiang and Changzhou remain in a low level in fulfillment of social responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the difficulty of data collection, the authors can only use the data on 2010 to do a static evaluation in this study. If the authors can have more data on different years, it is feasible to develop a dynamic evaluation model to analyze the evolution law of the sustainability of urban tourism.

Practical implications

The evaluation results provide the necessary support to assist the tourism management departments of the five cities with their policy making.

Originality/value

This study not only supplements the evaluation modelling methods widely used in the area of tourism management, but also promotes the development of the grey systems theory itself.

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1996

Daniel Z. Ding

This paper centers on the exploration of Chinese conflict management styles in the context of international joint ventures in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Based on…

Abstract

This paper centers on the exploration of Chinese conflict management styles in the context of international joint ventures in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Based on interviews conducted with directing managers in U.S.‐Chinese joint ventures and seminars held in China on conflict management in such ventures, major characteristics of Chinese conflict management styles are discussed. Influenced by the traditional Chinese values, norms, and philosophies, Chinese managers in joint ventures tend to adopt contingent, long‐term, contextual, and holistic approaches to conflict resolution.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 19 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2024

Zhitian Zhang, Hongdong Zhao, Yazhou Zhao, Dan Chen, Ke Zhang and Yanqi Li

In autonomous driving, the inherent sparsity of point clouds often limits the performance of object detection, while existing multimodal architectures struggle to meet the…

Abstract

Purpose

In autonomous driving, the inherent sparsity of point clouds often limits the performance of object detection, while existing multimodal architectures struggle to meet the real-time requirements for 3D object detection. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to significantly enhance the detection performance of objects, especially the recognition capability for small-sized objects and to address the issue of slow inference speed. This will improve the safety of autonomous driving systems and provide feasibility for devices with limited computing power to achieve autonomous driving.

Design/methodology/approach

BRTPillar first adopts an element-based method to fuse image and point cloud features. Secondly, a local-global feature interaction method based on an efficient additive attention mechanism was designed to extract multi-scale contextual information. Finally, an enhanced multi-scale feature fusion method was proposed by introducing adaptive spatial and channel interaction attention mechanisms, thereby improving the learning of fine-grained features.

Findings

Extensive experiments were conducted on the KITTI dataset. The results showed that compared with the benchmark model, the accuracy of cars, pedestrians and cyclists on the 3D object box improved by 3.05, 9.01 and 22.65%, respectively; the accuracy in the bird’s-eye view has increased by 2.98, 10.77 and 21.14%, respectively. Meanwhile, the running speed of BRTPillar can reach 40.27 Hz, meeting the real-time detection needs of autonomous driving.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a boosting multimodal real-time 3D object detection method called BRTPillar, which achieves accurate location in many scenarios, especially for complex scenes with many small objects, while also achieving real-time inference speed.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2022

Siyuan Huang, Limin Liu, Xiongjun Fu, Jian Dong, Fuyu Huang and Ping Lang

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the existing point cloud target detection algorithms based on deep learning, and provide reference for researchers in related fields. In…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the existing point cloud target detection algorithms based on deep learning, and provide reference for researchers in related fields. In recent years, with its outstanding performance in target detection of 2D images, deep learning technology has been applied in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point cloud data to improve the automation and intelligence level of target detection. However, there are still some difficulties and room for improvement in target detection from the 3D point cloud. In this paper, the vehicle LiDAR target detection method is chosen as the research subject.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the challenges of applying deep learning to point cloud target detection are described; secondly, solutions in relevant research are combed in response to the above challenges. The currently popular target detection methods are classified, among which some are compared with illustrate advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, approaches to improve the accuracy of network target detection are introduced.

Findings

Finally, this paper also summarizes the shortcomings of existing methods and signals the prospective development trend.

Originality/value

This paper introduces some existing point cloud target detection methods based on deep learning, which can be applied to a driverless, digital map, traffic monitoring and other fields, and provides a reference for researchers in related fields.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 42 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000