{"title":"Perception of the benefits of sustainable construction in Ghana","authors":"M. Ahiabu, Fidelis Emuze, Dilip Das","doi":"10.1108/bepam-06-2022-0088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-06-2022-0088","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe need to adopt sustainable construction (SC) practices in project activities will be appreciated when clear benefits are known to the stakeholders in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived benefits of using SC practices in building projects.Design/methodology/approachA modified Delphi method (MDM) was used to solicit the views of an expert panel on 33 benefits identified from the literature and validated by a pilot panel to ensure robustness. Statistical tools were used to analyse the data collected. The comparative analysis among the expert panel lends credence to the strong consensus reached on the 26 benefits of SC. The consensus reached by the expert panel after the three rounds were validated using the median and important scale of 70% response rate and above.FindingsThe essential benefits included the ability to enhance efficiency and improve the overall quality of life for all. Factors such as mandatory government policies and regulations are recommended as essential drivers to promote and sustain the implementation of SC in Ghana. The findings will enhance the drive for sustainability practices in construction projects in Ghana.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the benefits of SC from the perspective of experts in the Ghanaian construction industry. The paper would enhance stakeholders understanding the critical benefits of promoting and adopting SC practices in building projects.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45574867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of purchasing in raising the maturity of smart maintenance management","authors":"Koos Johannes, H. Voordijk, G. Aranda-Mena","doi":"10.1108/bepam-01-2022-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-01-2022-0004","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe aim of this study is to provide insights into how the purchasing function can increase the maturity of smart maintenance management (SMM) in construction clients by (1) assessing current SMM maturity and (2) developing an adapted service triad for purchasing's meaningful involvement in SMM.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case research design was used, and data were collected from four higher education institutes in the Netherlands through an assessment of their current SMM maturity. Coding and a cross-case analysis were used to qualitatively analyze the data to identify roles and value chain integration factors as intermediate steps in adapting the service triad to a service hexad.FindingsWithin construction client organizations, collaboration between maintenance management, project management and ICT services requires improvement. The proposed service hexad redefines the client's SMM roles with the aim of improving collaboration. The authors discuss how this enables a transition to higher levels of SMM maturity.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings were derived from a particular class of construction clients: higher education institutes that operate owner-occupied properties. Although the service hexad could be adapted, to owner-occupied multi-user properties, further research is necessary to assess its relevance for investor-owned properties.Practical implicationsImplementing the service hexad provides construction clients with a stronger position in supply networks. It clarifies the briefing process in construction management and emphasizes the data supply responsibilities of construction management professionals.Originality/valueThe study draws on the service triads and meaningful involvement concepts from the purchasing literature and applies them to SMM.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49183331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Guest editorial: Transforming the construction industry towards the next normal","authors":"U. Kulatunga, T. Omotayo, M. Victoria","doi":"10.1108/bepam-01-2023-197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-01-2023-197","url":null,"abstract":"[...]this special issue (SI) proposed a nexus between the construction industry trends within the niches of the circular economy (CE);building information modelling (BIM);cost reduction and maintenance;construction digitalisation;designing for sustainability;low-zero carbon technology and transitioning construction stakeholders, projects and organisations towards the next normal. [...]the limitations of transforming the construction sector towards the next normal were studied in the last paper. Labour productivity has been a challenge for the construction industry before the 2020 pandemic and more so in the new normal. [...]construction labour performance and grading evaluations for enhanced productivity were studied by Manoharan et al. [...]in transforming the construction industry towards the next normal, previous studies on the CE and OSC may spur the furtherance of waste reduction philosophies in the construction sector, as studied by Obi et al.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44327178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
W. Gyadu-Asiedu, Firmin Anewuoh, Kennedy Appiadu-Boakye
{"title":"The real estate market in Ghana: the nexus between price and income levels","authors":"W. Gyadu-Asiedu, Firmin Anewuoh, Kennedy Appiadu-Boakye","doi":"10.1108/bepam-12-2021-0152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-12-2021-0152","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aimed to identify the link between the income levels of government workers and the prices of real estate houses in Ghana to identify the prevailing mortgage gaps and to stimulate both reactive and proactive government policies backed by continuous stakeholder engagements under the new normal.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative approach was used for this study. Two data collection methods were used to achieve the objectives of the study: the survey method, using a questionnaire to collect the primary data, and the use of documentary information as the source of secondary data. For the primary data, prices of two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses were collected. The secondary data collected were: (1) salary levels of government employees and (2) mortgage values prevailing. The three data sets were analysed and structured to identify the relationship between income levels and the prices of real estate houses within the prevailing mortgage system.FindingsIt will require a quadrupling of the salaries of only the highest income earners of government employees to afford the average price of a basic two-bedroom and three-bedroom housing in Ghana. Largely, government employees cannot afford these houses with the current price levels and the mortgage systems available. The real estate market in Ghana has not focused on lower-earning groups. The effects of the new normal resulting from the effects of Covid-19 require a paradigm change.Originality/valueThe paper established the relationship between salary levels of government employees and the process of basic accommodation types on offer in the Ghanaian market by the real estate industry: two- and three-bedroom houses. The findings will help real estate developers to consider their approach to housing designs and construction methods and the pricing to ensure that they meet the needs of the public sector workers who could form a large customer base.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42794527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L. Obi, M. Arif, E. Daniel, O. Oladinrin, J. Goulding
{"title":"Establishing underpinning concepts for integrating circular economy and offsite construction: a bibliometric review","authors":"L. Obi, M. Arif, E. Daniel, O. Oladinrin, J. Goulding","doi":"10.1108/bepam-01-2022-0009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-01-2022-0009","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeCircular economy (CE) and offsite construction (OSC) are two innovations for improving the construction industry's overall performance against a myriad of sustainability-driven agenda/initiatives. There is a real opportunity to conjoin OSC and CE to provide new insight and opportunities to deliver more evidence-based sustainable systems. This study analyses extant literature in CE and OSC (between 2000 and 2021) through a bibliometric review to tease out critical measures for their integration and transformation.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a science mapping quantitative literature review approach employing bibliometric and visualisation techniques to systematically investigate data. The Web of Science (WoS) database was used to collect data, and the VOSviewer software to analyse the data collected to determine strengths, weights, clusters and research trends in OSC and CE.FindingsImportant findings emerging from the study include extensive focus on sustainability, waste, life cycle assessment and building information modelling (BIM), which currently serve as strong interlinks to integrate OSC and CE. Circular business models, deconstruction and supply chain management are emerging areas, with strong links for integrating CE and OSC. These emerging areas influence organisational and operational decisions towards sustainable value creation, hence requiring more future empirical investigations.Originality/valueThis study is a novel research using bibliometric analysis to unpick underpinning conduits for integrating CE and OSC, providing a blueprint for circular OSC future research and practice. It provides the needed awareness to develop viable strategies for integrating CE in OSC, creating opportunities to transition to more sustainable systems in the construction sector.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41791513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fawaz Alshihre, E. Chinyio, C. Nzekwe‐Excel, E. Daniel
{"title":"Pursuing alignment of clients' and contractors' perceptions of client satisfaction in Saudi Arabian projects","authors":"Fawaz Alshihre, E. Chinyio, C. Nzekwe‐Excel, E. Daniel","doi":"10.1108/bepam-05-2022-0065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-05-2022-0065","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe study explored the disparity between construction clients and contractors on what constitutes “client satisfaction”. Such disparity is important because it can lead to different conclusions and thus disagreement on the assessment of project success.Design/methodology/approachThe philosophical stance was interpretivism, thus the qualitative methodology was adopted. Employing purposive sampling, 30 interviews with clients and another 30 interviews with contractors were conducted in Saudi Arabia. The data obtained were evaluated by thematic analysis.FindingsThe results indicate differences in the consensus ad idem (meeting of the minds) between clients and contractors in terms of both their perceptions and prioritisation of the attributes that underpin client satisfaction. For example, some contractors thought that using advanced technologies was very important for client satisfaction, whereas some clients preferred the contractors to be honest with them.Research limitations/implicationsThe data collection was limited to Saudi Arabia and only the views of clients and contractors were studied, thereby limiting the generalisability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe identification of the differing priorities of clients and contractors on client satisfaction provides an informed basis to make more concerted efforts to satisfy clients and minimise disputes on projects in Saudi Arabia.Originality/valueThe study contrasted the views of clients and contractors simultaneously on the subject matter of client satisfaction in relation to project success, and analysed this through the lens of consensus ad idem. The key influences on clients' satisfaction in Saudi Arabia are also presented.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44112344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Framing the barriers to construction industry transformation","authors":"G. Watts, P. McDermott, Shaba Kolo","doi":"10.1108/bepam-01-2022-0010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-01-2022-0010","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose“Transforming construction” is a wide-ranging strategic term, under which sit numerous initiatives. It is the latest, in a long line of strategies and reports introduced to with the intention of industry improvement. Arguably, many of these fail to achieve their aim. The barriers preventing the adoption of transforming construction initiatives are therefore limiting the potential benefits of the strategy. The aim of this research is to formally identify and understand how these barriers are framed and how these frames can be changed so that the barriers can be overcome, and the wider strategy benefits realised.Design/methodology/approachA literature review is undertaken to identify “transforming construction” initiatives. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews are then undertaken with construction professionals and analysed via narrative analysis to identify and understand perceived barriers to these initiatives. Framing is utilised as a theoretical lens to categorise these barriers and understand how “shifts” in the frames held can be achieved and the barriers overcome.FindingsBarriers to transforming construction initiatives are identified as wicked problems. This allows a new perspective on such initiatives to be gained. The results also reveal how construction professionals frame such barriers, viewing themselves as bystanders with initiatives and practices “bigger” than themselves and their roles. How these frames can be “shifted” from bystander to active participant is identified. Such a shift can serve as a blueprint for industry professionals so that the initiatives identified can be successfully implemented thereby increasing the success of the transforming construction strategy.Originality/valueThis paper addresses a gap in current research around the perceptions held by construction professionals of the initiatives that sit under the transforming construction strategy. Addressing this gap allows the diagnosis of barriers that have previously served to prevent initiatives gaining traction. The findings contribute to both the existing literature and current industry practice by highlighting how the barriers are framed, and how such frames can be “shifted” to support the realisation of long promised strategy benefits.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41494080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An assessment of prevalence of poor sleep quality among construction workers in Southern India","authors":"S. Sathvik, L. Krishnaraj, B. Awuzie","doi":"10.1108/bepam-03-2022-0041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-03-2022-0041","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeSleep quality has been associated with health and safety issues influencing construction labour productivity in developing countries. Despite its significantly adverse contribution to these facets if left unattended to, limited studies have sought to establish its prevalence and causal factors in labour-intensive contexts. This study aims to bridge the gap between the prevalence and casual factors of poor sleep quality among construction workers.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a case study research design, data were collected from a randomly selected sample of construction workers (n = 475) recruited from four construction-based corporations in Southern India. Self-administered questionnaires comprising a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale was used to measure sleep quality among respondents alongside demographic characteristics, lifestyle preferences and work-habits data. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and descriptive statistical techniques.FindingsSlightly more than a third of the construction workers (n = 33.9%) surveyed experienced poor sleep quality based on a PSQI method score of = 5. Also, the nexus between demographic characteristics, lifestyle preferences and work habits on the incidence of poor sleep quality among construction workers was confirmed.Practical implicationsThe study contributes to the contemporary discourse on improving sleep health of construction workers to enhance their well-being thereby enabling their contribution towards achieving improved construction labour productivity.Originality/valueThis study makes an original contribution to the extent that it seeks to not only determine the prevalence of sleep quality within the construction industry and associated causal factors but to explore its implications on construction labour productivity.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49094292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Modeling of planning function management in Vietnam’s public construction works","authors":"Nguyen Luong Hai, Ngo Anh Tuan","doi":"10.1108/bepam-05-2022-0069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-05-2022-0069","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe planning function is a central component of management principles, enabling the success of construction project management. Many works have been highlighting the topic of critical success factors within construction organizations, yet the results have rarely covered planning behaviors within public construction work management; these less investigated areas were the aims of this study.Design/methodology/approachTo fulfill this research aim, seven attributes of planning function were first derived through focus group studies, a focused literature review and focal interviews with industry practitioners. Then, a regression analysis design was employed with data collected from 139 professionals who are involved in public construction works management in Vietnam. The structural equation modeling technique with partial least-squares estimation was utilized to analyze the data.FindingsThe results revealed seven behavioral dimensions (i.e. Goals planning (PL1), Planning guidance (PL2), Strategic planning (PL3), Financial mobilization (PL4), Action plan (PL5), Expenditure planning (PL6) and Responsibility assignment (PL7)) to measure planning function management in terms of public construction works. The study also reveals that Goals planning (PL1), Financial mobilization (PL4), Expenditure planning (PL6) and Responsibility assignment (PL7) have significant effects on management effectiveness. At the same time, Goals planning (PL1) acts as the mediator of Planning guidance (PL2) and Strategic planning (PL3); while Action plan (PL5) specifies an indirect influence through the mediator of PL4, PL6 and PL7.Originality/valueThe success of this approach is expected to reinforce the contribution of the planning function and suggest a useful tool for supporting the professionals in managing public construction works.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46073042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Buildability attributes for improving the practice of construction management in Nigeria","authors":"I. Osuizugbo, O. Oshodi","doi":"10.1108/bepam-03-2022-0051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-03-2022-0051","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe awareness and practice of buildability is still at its infancy stage in the construction sector of developing countries. Information gleaned from literature shows that embedding buildability into practice is beneficial to construction projects. This study seeks to examine the buildability attributes that are important for improving the practice of construction management.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was developed to address the aim of the study. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires to purposively selected group of architects, engineers, builders and quantity surveyors. A total of 368 questionnaires were administered and a response rate of 60% (219 questionnaires were returned) was achieved. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the data.FindingsThe results revealed that discussion centred on buildable designs among builders and designers as the most critical attribute of buildability for improving the practice of construction management in the Nigerian construction industry. The finding also revealed that, there is a statistically significant agreement between different groups of construction organisations in Lagos state, Nigeria concerning buildability attributes for improving the practice of construction management.Originality/valueThis study highlights the buildability attributes which are important for improving the practice of construction management. An understanding of these attributes is essential for improving and embedding buildability as a practice in the construction industry.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47845079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}