{"title":"Guest editorial: KPIs to help develop the next normal in construction practice, teaching-learning and research","authors":"Y. Sandanayake, A. Samaraweera, S. T. Ng","doi":"10.1108/bepam-09-2022-196","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-09-2022-196","url":null,"abstract":"[...]this special issue contributes to priming the construction industry for the next normal by re-examining the emerging needs for reengineering or developing novel and more relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) to better measure the performance of construction projects, online teaching-learning and research following vast digital and other transformations triggered, if not accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. [...]virtual FAT (vFAT) became a popular substitute for physical FAT. The paper showed construction digitisation such as VR, augmented reality (AR) and building information modelling (BIM) is highly cooperative as it can easily be made available for online learning. [...]the findings support construction educators to use online-based VR learning to promote efficient teaching of design buildability to students. The research papers cover findings related to a wide range of countries such as India, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and USA, and the authors of the papers also represent several different institutions within or across countries. [...]this special issue provides a snapshot of various KPIs and metrics proposed for the next normal in construction, considering different contextual factors experienced by various different geographical regions across the world.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43930815","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}
Zahirah Mokhtar Azizi, James Cochrane, N. Thurairajah, Nurul Sakina Mokhtar Azizi
{"title":"Remote working in construction: assessing the affordance of digitisation","authors":"Zahirah Mokhtar Azizi, James Cochrane, N. Thurairajah, Nurul Sakina Mokhtar Azizi","doi":"10.1108/bepam-12-2021-0148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-12-2021-0148","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeAs remote working becomes increasingly popular, remote working could unlock new ways of working through digitisation. However, the construction sector has been slow to adopt digitisation in its processes, making digitisation difficult to assess whether this affordance may be well received and the current capabilities of digitisation to achieve this effectively. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interest in remote working amongst construction sector personnel and to examine the factors affecting remote working through digitisation affordances.Design/methodology/approachBased on a case study of one of the largest contractor firms in the United Kingdom, an online questionnaire survey was used to collect responses from 125 construction professionals. Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) was used to do basic statistical analysis on the results.FindingsThe findings show that there is a general appetite for remote working on a flexible basis where a mix of “on-site” and “off-site” arrangement was deemed practical. This could potentially unlock significant time and cost savings as well as productivity gains. The main factors affecting remote working were the availability of interconnected systems allowing efficient communication and digital infrastructure that enable automated processes.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to a large contractor company and may not be appropriate for small and medium-sized companies. The findings may benefit organisations to evaluate the practical needs of ensuring effective remote working in the construction industry and unlocking efficiencies.Originality/valueThe paper adds value to understanding the affordances and constraints of digitisation for remote working from the perspective of construction professionals.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41972721","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":"Success in collaborative construction through the lens of project delivery elements","authors":"Sina Moradi, K. Kähkönen","doi":"10.1108/bepam-09-2021-0118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-09-2021-0118","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe emergence of collaborative delivery models and working practices in construction industry has created a potential area for project success research. Previous studies have addressed success factors of various collaborative delivery models (e.g. alliance and partnering). However, there is currently very limited research-based knowledge concerning core success factors for different collaborative delivery models, exploring the commonalities. Thus, this study aims to conceptualize a success model for collaborative construction projects by identifying and structuring their core success factors through the lens of project delivery elements.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted, and thematic as well as content analysis of the relevant studies led to the identification of mentioned success factors in the literature for different collaborative delivery models. Then, those common success factors were structured in a model based on factors' relation to project delivery elements.FindingsThe obtained results present eight core success factors (e.g. equality, mutual trust and commitment to win–win philosophy) for collaborative construction projects, structured in a model based on their contribution toward project organization, contractual relationships, and operational system in construction project delivery. Moreover, the differences between success factors for traditional and collaborative construction projects are discussed.Originality/valueThis study's findings provide insightful theoretical contributions on collaborative construction project success and providing a departure point for future studies based on the discussed differences between success factors of collaborative and traditional construction projects. The findings can be also practically insightful for the project professionals in collaborative construction projects to succeed in managing project organization, contractual relationships, and operational system.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41360442","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":"Sustainability learning for improved safe work environments for construction semi-skilled workers in Zimbabwe","authors":"Tirivavi Moyo, G. Crafford, Fidelis Emuze","doi":"10.1108/bepam-02-2022-0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-02-2022-0024","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeDespite “decent work” being pertinent, as situated in the International Labour Organisation's “Decent Work Agenda”, one of its substantive elements on the need for safe work environments remains a concern for semi-skilled construction workers. Evidently, sustainability learning objectives within this element must be identified and implemented as a remedy. Therefore, the aim of the reported study was to reveal sustainability learning objectives that are significant towards attaining safe work environments, through also assessing statistically significant differences due to demographic variables.Design/methodology/approachThe design of this research followed a quantitative questionnaire survey strategy to obtain insights from semi-skilled workers and site/project managers in Zimbabwe.FindingsKnowledge of relevant prevention strategies to foster positive physical and mental well-being in the workplace was considered the most critical sustainability learning objective. Semi-skilled workers revealed the most interest in objectives that affected their socio-economic beings while site/project managers preferred those that had more economic value to the organisations they work for. Educational levels are also critical when instituting any training interventions.Research limitations/implicationsThe absence of a database for semi-skilled workers was a limitation towards achieving the practical significance of the findings. Due to semi-skilled workers significantly contributing to unsafe work environments, structured on-the-job training schemes that are sufficiently planned, monitored and controlled are recommended.Originality/valueThe determination of sustainability learning objectives for construction semi-skilled workers, through on-the-job training schemes, will contribute to the improvement of safe work environments.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47138098","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}
Tharindu C. Dodanwala, D. S. Santoso, Pooja Shrestha
{"title":"The mediating role of work–family conflict on role overload and job stress linkage","authors":"Tharindu C. Dodanwala, D. S. Santoso, Pooja Shrestha","doi":"10.1108/bepam-12-2021-0153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-12-2021-0153","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe present study first explored the different dimensions of work–family conflict and job stress. It then evaluated the mediating role of time and strain-based work–family conflict on the relationship between role overload and psychological stress and role overload and physiological stress.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized a quantitative data collection approach through a questionnaire design. With the aid of the questionnaire, 308 samples were collected from the project-level staff of ten construction organizations in Sri Lanka. The collected data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach to address the research hypotheses.FindingsResults supported the mediating role of work–family conflict on the relationship between role overload and job stress. Specifically, the time and strain-based work–family conflict combined partially mediated the effect of role overload on psychological stress. While strain-based work–family conflict fully mediated the effect of role overload on physiological stress. Hence, the organizations that seek employee well-being should focus on developing a conducive working environment with a focus on a reasonable workload for everyone. Besides, the management should give special consideration to working hours as it affects both the employees' stress levels and family life.Originality/valueThis study added the mediating role of time and strain-based work–family conflict to the previous empirical research on the relationship between role overload and job stress dimensions. Besides, this study discusses the different dimensions of work–family conflict and job stress, which is a less explored area in the construction literature.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43409203","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 the Indian households' intention to adopt the solar net metering system","authors":"Prof Vikas Kumar, A. Kaushik, Gubir Singh","doi":"10.1108/bepam-10-2021-0129","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-10-2021-0129","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe present study aims to develop and offer a model to evaluate the customers' attitude and intention to adopt solar net metering systems (commonly called solar NMS) in a developing economy. Therefore, the research examines different factors affecting the Indian households' attitudes and intention to adopt solar NMS.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from 247 solar NMS users from India. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was applied using SmartPLS 3.3.2 software to analyze the impact of various factors on their adoption intention. The conceptual model comprises environmental concern, perceived ease of use (PEOU), subjective norms, perceived usefulness (PU), attitude and behavioral intention to adopt solar NMS.FindingsSubjective norms and environmental concerns significantly influence the PU and PEOU of solar NMS. Also, PU and PEOU significantly influence their attitude and intentions toward adopting solar NMS. Thus, the perceived social pressure and environmental concern affect their perception of solar NMS's usefulness and ease of use, leading to favorable attitudes and adoption intentions. Additionally, the solar NMS benefits the customers, society and the environment by enhancing environmental quality, compatibility with the modern lifestyle, and reducing dependency on the power grid and electricity bills. These benefits shape the customers' overall perception and increase the adoption of solar technologies.Originality/valueThe present research helps bridge the gaps in the existing literature by identifying (1) factors affecting customers' intention toward solar technologies in developing nations and (2) describing the significant prediction of environmental concern and subjective norms to increase solar technologies adoption.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49655102","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 new-normal challenges and IPD solutions: a Canadian case study","authors":"Sara Rankohi, M. Bourgault, I. Iordanova","doi":"10.1108/bepam-12-2021-0150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-12-2021-0150","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeAccording to the construction literature, the number of projects applying integrated project delivery (IPD) principles is expected to increase in the new-normal era. However, given that the pandemic is not yet fully over, accurate and measurable data are not yet available. Also, there is a lack of empirical studies that could provide guidelines as to the application of IPD principles at the various stages of construction projects. Thus, the goal of this paper is to address this knowledge gap through case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis paper follows a multi-step research methodology, namely, a literature review, case study and focus group discussions in the context of Canadian construction projects.FindingsBased on the conducted literature review and focus group discussions, the authors identified: (1) new challenges in the various stages of the construction projects' life cycle, (2) their related proximity aspects (technological, organizational, geographical and cognitive) and (3) IPD principles that can address the identified challenges within their associated proximities. The results show that IPD relational principles can improve a project's organizational and cognitive proximities, while IPD digital integrative principles can enhance a project's geographical and technological proximities.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the theoretical checklists of challenges that the construction industry has experienced since the beginning of the pandemic, and to the practical guidelines of implementation of IPD principles to meet these challenges. The conducted case studies are timely and relevant, and their results provide new insights for key project stakeholders into the application of IPD to tackle new-normal challenges based on their proximity perspectives.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47150659","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":"Human capacity building strategies for improving PPP implementation in Tanzanian construction projects","authors":"N. Chileshe, N. Kavishe","doi":"10.1108/bepam-08-2021-0110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-08-2021-0110","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeImplementation of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in African projects is inundated with a number of capacity building challenges which affects growth and project performance. Further, there is paucity of empirical studies on the strategies for overcoming these challenges. Therefore, this research addresses that knowledge gap by examining the human capacity building (HCB) strategies for improving PPP implementation in construction projects in developing countries, with a focus on Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachHCB strategies identified from the scoping review were administered to 81 handpicked Tanzanian practitioners attending PPP training course. To examine the differences in the perception of the identified HCB strategies, and the relationships between different pairs of the HCB strategies, the data were subjected descriptive statistics, parametric tests, Kendall’s concordance and Pearson correlational analysis, including group wise correlation analysis.FindingsBased on the overall sample, “Engagement of stakeholders on capacity development”, “Organization of PPP seminars and training” and “Introduction of in-house training to Public institutions expected to undertake PPP projects” are the top ranked HCB strategies. “Development of study tours to stakeholders involved in PPP projects” is the least ranked. Significant differences between the sub-groups of “no PPP experience” and “some PPP experience” were evident for “Invitation of International experts to share experiences” and “Sharing of responsibilities” HCB strategies. The “no PPP experience” group rated both strategies higher than those with “some PPP experience”.Practical implicationsThe identified HCB strategies can be used as a “road map” for the development of appropriate engagement strategies with various stakeholders for the successful implementation of PPP thereby, enhancing the performance of the construction firms.Originality/valueEight strategies have been identified from the literature and tested for the Tanzanian context. The uniqueness of Tanzanian PPP implementation context arising from varying cultural, organizational, political and economic conditions differentiates the priority of HCB strategies when compared to other contexts where these strategies were investigated. This is germane to the PPP research.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48849153","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}
O. Karmarkar, Shivram G. Krishnan, V. K. Delhi, N. Velaga
{"title":"Risk assessment of underground and elevated metro projects from clients' and contractors' perspective","authors":"O. Karmarkar, Shivram G. Krishnan, V. K. Delhi, N. Velaga","doi":"10.1108/bepam-07-2021-0098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-07-2021-0098","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIndia is a rapidly urbanizing developing country with a population of 1.4 Billion. Indian governments have invested USD 50 Billion) in metro rail projects in 18 cities. Metro constructions are multi-stakeholder mega-projects and are prone to a variety of risks. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the risks involved in metro rail construction projects in a densely populated developing country for two types of systems and from two perspectives. Current literature lacks an understanding of similarities and differences in the risks involved in underground and elevated metro projects from clients' and contractors' perspectives, which the paper highlights.Design/methodology/approachA total of twenty-five risks were identified, categorized and assessed through experts' opinions about the impact and probability of occurrence of the risks through a questionnaire-based survey. The survey respondents included experts in metro rail construction from client and contractor sides. Paper uses a Fuzzy Inference System to calibrate risk magnitude from occurrence probability and impact.FindingsA notable difference was observed in the views of clients and contractors, except for certain common risks. Both stakeholders had different risk perceptions for the underground and elevated metro rail systems.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to the risk assessment for different types of metro systems. This research can help policymakers as well as consultants in prioritizing their risk management strategies in developing countries like India.Originality/valueHighlighting the critical aspects of risks in metro projects in a developing country, this paper also provides system-based and stakeholder-based comparative aspects of risk analysis.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49344467","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: Smart villages, rural infrastructure and sustainable development","authors":"H. Doloi, Robert Crawford, K. Varghese","doi":"10.1108/bepam-06-2022-195","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-06-2022-195","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction Among a global population of almost 8 bn people, over 40% still live in rural areas. Yet, cities have attracted more attention than rural communities, largely because money, knowledge and power are concentrated in cities. Research and intellectual debate required for supporting growth and development of people in rural areas have been limited. However, in the current race towards rapid urbanisation, there is global interest in research associated with the creation of “Smart Villages” to address the ever growing urban-rural divide. By undertaking this timely special issue “Smart Villages, Rural Infrastructure and Sustainable Development”, the significance of the “Smart Villages” concept as an innovative form of development of rural areas was further highlighted. The Smart Villages model has been highlighted as one of the solutions for stemming the flow of people towards already overcrowded and unsustainably growing cities, globally. Realising the knowledge gap in the mainstream literature and focussing on a large range of interconnected topics, for the first time, this special issue brings together the new knowledge and theories being developed among academia, industry professionals and policymakers required for context specific development of rural infrastructure and promotion of sustainable growth, contributing towards the mitigation of the urban-rural divide. Smart Villages research being undertaken in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne has been exploring rural community development, practices and relevant policies with a focus on community-centric planning of affordable housing, infrastructure, sustainable development and growth, community empowerment and other issues related to the creation of Smart Villages. The Smart Villages Lab (SVL) within the Faculty is leading the data-driven and evidence-based original research for developing new knowledge and theory with a focus on rural planning, housing and infrastructure. Research in Smart Villages, rural infrastructure and sustainable development have global appeal because policymakers and administrators especially across developing countries are striving to harness the potential and maximise the opportunities leading to rapid upgrading of rural communities. For instance, over the past decade, massive public schemes in India are being rolled out to provide shelter and services for over 850 m people in village communities across the country. The research presented in this special issue with a particular focus on the rural community and harnessing their potential and opportunities for modernisation and sustainable growth supports a growing need for deeper insight and practical solutions within this field. The issues around Smart Villages, Rural Infrastructure and Sustainable Development provide the themes of this special issue of Built Environment Project and Asset Management (BEPAM) for advancing the new body of knowledge in the rural dev","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41882500","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}