Construction Supply Chain Management

Success in infrastructure projects requires success in all phases of the project, including design, construction, and operation. One of the necessary actions for developing countries to construct their economic infrastructures, is implementing infrastructure plans. This industry should focus more on the construction process and utilizing creative tools and new concepts for construction development. The reason of it is because of delivering the project with certain quality, in time and with the given budget. Contractors should have new strategies for construction to optimize project completion, and constructability. Accordingly, constructability improvements have become the concern of construction industry practitioners. Considering constructability issues in the early stages of the project enhances identifying design limitations that prevent capabilities of contractors to take part in planning and improving project performance. The purpose of this study is identifying the prerequisites of constructability to resolve the current problems of projects, including inappropriate plans without implementability, poor decision making in design, and lack of sufficient implementation experience in the design engineering team. This study provides a list of prerequisites for constructability implementation in infrastructure projects. Accordingly, it identifies the prerequisites, using Systematic Literature Review (SLR) technique. The NVivo software is used to facilitate the qualitative analyses.

Extant research in construction supply chains focuses on new asset construction projects, with little addressing longer duration asset and network renewal and maintenance programmes. The purpose of this research is to address a gap in construction supply chain research, and consider if supply chain integration is applicable in long-term work programmes in civil infrastructure. This qualitative research draws on data provided by semi-structured interviews with contractors, clients, sub-contractors and materials providers from two roading network case studies. The data were analysed using ethnographic content analysis in three stages, which generated propositions aligned to aggregate dimensions identified in the literature. The findings suggest that thereis an underlying demand and value for increased integration, and a willingness and trust amongst the focal actors to integrate more with upstream and horizontal partners. However, implementation would be hindered by the focal actors’ ...

Egyptian investment in infrastructure projects is considerable, especially in bridge construction projects that commonly face delays, cost overruns, rework, and poor productivity. A proper construction readiness (CR) assessment can enhance project performance. This study aims to identify the critical factors that impact the CR of bridge projects in Egypt. Through a literature review and a pilot study with ten highly experienced professionals, a list of 43 construction readiness factors (CRFs) was prepared. To quantitatively rank these CRFs and identify the critical ones, a questionnaire was administered through structured interviews with 92 project managers and engineers experienced in bridge construction projects in Egypt. The participants represented the perspectives of contractors, owners, and consultants. A CRF with a normalized mean score greater than or equal to 0.5 was classified as a critical construction readiness factor (CCRF). For these CCRFs, agreement analysis among contractors, owners, and consultants was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The correlation strength was also investigated using Spearman's correlation. In total, 16 CCRFs were identified, with the top five: verification of underground utility locations, completion of land surveying work, issuance of clear and sufficient construction drawings, adequate geotechnical investigations, and obtaining all necessary permits and approvals from local authorities. This study provides practitioners with critical factors necessary for assessing the CR of bridge projects in Egypt. From an academic standpoint, it enhances understanding of CR, which is rarely discussed.

Global competitiveness and the adoption of new business strategies have placed most manufacturing industries under pressure, and this has led organisations to adopt different strategies in their supply chain (SC) processes to enhance their competitiveness. Included in these are green manufacturing, business process re-engineering, and total quality management. The implementation and adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) remains a problem in developing countries, including Nigeria's Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturing industry. An exploratory study was therefore conducted on green SC initiatives within the FMCG manufacturing industry in Nigeria to establish how this has affected both its performance and competitive advantage. Primary data were collected from 41 selected respondents at a FMCG manufacturing industry based in Lagos, Nigeria using quantitative methodology through the distribution of a questionnaire. A significant number of respondents (32 of 41; 77.54 percent) agreed that the implementation and adoption of green SC initiatives would enhance organisational performance, and the proper integration of all processes used for GSCM, which practice can lead to enhanced competitive advantage. The results furthermore indicate that the success of GSCM in the FMCG manufacturing industry requires a collaborative approach which differs from those traditionally used for SCs.

Organisational characteristics are distinctive features of an organisation that enable it to perform its statutory roles, take strategic decisions and get recognition as a business entity within the industry. It has a lot of influences on organisational performance but less study has indicated the role it plays in improving the performances of organisations. The nature of the relationship might depend upon the strategic circumstances confronting the organisation. These are crucial organisational practice and theory issues, especially in the construction industry. This study appraised different types of organisation characteristics in the Nigerian construction industry and their roles in improving the performances of organisations. In achieving the aim of the study exploration method of survey was used by the use of questionnaires distributed purposefully to management members of construction organisations practising in Abuja. 310 of the 366 questionnaires that were handed out and retrieved represented an 82% response rate. The data were analysed using multiple regression analysis. The p-values of all the models were 0.000; these indicated that these characteristics significantly affect organisational performance improvements and concentrations on them will significantly affect organisation performances. The study recommended that more attention should the given to organisational characteristics models to achieve effective performances of organisations in Nigeria.

The Construction industry is one of the key economic industry in India and is the main motivating force in Indian national economy. But, it suffers from a number of problems that affect time, cost and quality performances. Successful management of construction projects is based on three major factors i.e. time, cost and quality. The successful completion of construction projects within the specified time has become the most valuable and challenging task for the Managers, Architects, Engineers and Contractors. How to achieve this task is a problem, which should be solved. The overall objective of this study is to identify the factors resposinle for overruns in time and cost of the construction project and suggest the suitable remedial solutions. Poor planning, implementation and management are the main reasons for time and cost overruns in construction projects in India. Since most of the reasons are well known and can be controlled if a proper arrangement is made.

This paper outlined the information of Radio frequency identification technology in tracking the tool in the construction jobsite. Tool accessibility is very important in the productivity of construction team. This research has developed to improve the efficiency of tracking tool and to study the system of storing operational and maintenance data by using radio frequency identification technology. This paper demonstrated that active radio frequency identification technology can be used to track the small tool and storing the operation and maintenance data on the tools in the construction site despite metal inference and low temperature. The methodology includes the involvement of two electrical construction firms; the technique is experimented on many construction job sites. Economics, lack of up gradation, lack of vision and range data from the tally were recognised as the most significant factors limiting radio frequency identification commercialization for tool tracking.

This study assessed the impact of social media marketing on small businesses in Lagos, Nigeria, with a focus on brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales growth. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research gathered survey data from 384 small business owners and conducted interviews with 30 key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using regression models, while qualitative insights were examined through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that social media significantly boosts business growth, but challenges persist, such as inconsistent metrics for measuring success and the need for more localized strategies. The study recommends developing standardized metrics and creating tailored social media marketing approaches to address the unique business environment in Lagos. By tackling these challenges, this research provides valuable insights for small business owners and marketers aiming to optimize their social media strategies in similar contexts.

Most interpretations of sustainability in construction stem from the definition of sustainable development, which is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future generation's needs. Various research and sustainability studies within the construction industry focus on finding economical, social, and environmental balance. Construction professionals, such as Quantity Surveyors, begin their learning journey by studying in colleges and progressing to higher education. As the construction industry evolves through modern techniques, higher education institutions must also follow suit. These modern techniques have arisen due to the shift of ethos towards sustainability. Without the higher education institutions including this new knowledge in their curriculum, future professionals will not be equipped with the correct skills. Few research have been conducted in relation to students' views on sustainability. Although such research is at a minute level, thus the converse side of the argument is how professional Quantity Surveyors view these topics on sustainability and whether they implement them in their daily duties. Hence, the research explores the differences in understanding between practicing and academic Quantity Surveyors on sustainable development in their various professional duties. The research was conducted using questionnaires that was distributed using survey monkey. The results were analysed through Spearman and ANOVA statistical tests to check their correlations. The study found a difference in the knowledge acquired by practicing and academic Quantity Surveyors. This finding conveys the importance of sustainability knowledge and how it is fundamental in achieving the UN sustainable goals and using such knowledge in practice.

Most interpretations of sustainability in construction stem from the definition of sustainable development, which is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future generation’s needs. Various research and sustainability studies within the construction industry focus on finding economical, social, and environmental balance. Construction professionals, such as Quantity Surveyors, begin their learning journey by studying in colleges and progressing to higher education. As the construction industry evolves through modern techniques, higher education institutions must also follow suit. These modern techniques have arisen due to the shift of ethos towards sustainability. Without the higher education institutions including this new knowledge in their curriculum, future professionals will not be equipped with the correct skills. Few research have been conducted in relation to students’ views on sustainability. Although such research is at a minute level, t...

The literature on sustainable business models suggests a large potential for radical environmental benefits in many industries based upon current technological opportunities. However, there is a lack of empirical knowledge on how to design, implement and spread such business models in complex value chains. Based on a qualitative exploratory study, a concept for sustainable business models to reduce carbon emission when using construction machinery has been developed and measures needed to implement and design such a model within the construction industry is identified. The study is based upon interviews, study visits and a workshop, with participants representing all important actors in the value-chain. In conclusion, business and environmental objectives can be aligned through a result-oriented business model, supported by life-cycle data, contractual incentives, standardised emission measures and driver visualization. The concept is generalisable to the greening of value chains be...

Site managers need to be kept abreast of the challenges of ever-changing construction technology, knowledge ideology, management techniques, dynamic nature of construction site works and this requires training and retraining. The aim of this paper is to examine and evaluate the specific training needs of construction site managers handling selected construction projects in Lagos State of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information on construction site managers in Lagos State. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean score, weighted average, and t-test distribution. The result of the study revealed that there is common agreement that training of site managers should address human and industrial relations, building production and project management, then communication skills and computing. The paper concludes with recommendation to establish training institutes to take up the managerial training addressing the skill shortages of site managers to enhance efficiency in the construction industry. Field visit with site managers on weekend basis should be considered as the most effective method of training.

It is estimated that Africa needs $93 billion annually until 2020 in order to bridge its infrastructure deficit. It is through significant investment in infrastructure development that economic growth and poverty alleviation can be enhanced. However central to all construction projects is an effective and sustainable procurement system. There is a notable shift by some African governments to turn to the private sector to design, build, finance and operate infrastructure facilities previously provided by the public sector in the form of Public Private Partnerships (PPP’s). As an innovative financing model, PPPs present an opportunity to governments to improve service delivery. Accordingly, this paper focuses on assessing international best practices as to how some developing nations tap into the resources of the private sector in implementing their infrastructure projects. The study is a result of critical review, synthesis and contextualization of relevant academic literature, confe...

This research investigates the interfaces, flows, and problems of construction supply chains in the infrastructure sector. The discussion focuses on how construction companies should manage different interfaces between suppliers and project sites, not only from a temporary project perspective but also from a long-term enterprise viewpoint. Such interfaces are studied according to the flows of information, capital, and materials connecting the different parties in supply chains. In this context, a framework comprising interfaces and flows is developed. Based on such framework, problems of construction supply chains are identified and positioned accordingly. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to develop and implement a framework for addressing interfaces, flows, and problems of construction supply chains. This underlying research was developed in a Brazilian contractor, responsible for infrastructure projects such as tunnelling, earthworks, and highways construction. In addition, eleven of its suppliers were included in the empirical investigation. Data has been collected in semi-structured interviews, meetings, collection and analysis of documents, observation of meetings, workshops, site visits, and from the company's ERP database. It was found a lack of awareness regarding the existence of the abovementioned supply chains' interfaces and flows, the root causes of supply chain problems, and the implications of supply chain issues in project delivery. This research has two limitations: was developed in the context of infrastructure projects and investigates a single case-study. Implications from this paper are directed to the research field of frameworks for managing construction supply chains.

Procurement in use surveys have confirmed a steady increase in the use of design and build procurement method. However, there was also a criticism that the out turn cost of design and build procurement method makes it more expensive than the traditional procurement method. The conjecture in this study is that risk factors inherent in design and build projects are responsible for the observed variance between the contract sum and the out turn cost. Using a set of 37 risk factors, the study utilized an online survey of UK-based construction professionals to evaluate risk impacts on the variance between contract sum and final account in contractor-led design and build projects. Survey responses were analyzed using mean ranking analysis and oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result showed that ‘scope changes’, ‘ambiguous client brief’, ‘scope creep’, ‘insufficient design completion during tender’, and ‘change in employer’s requirement’ are top risk factors impacting the variance betwe...

The aim of this paper is to identify the various managerial issues encountered by UK/Irish contractors in the management of materials in confined urban construction sites. Through extensive literature review, detailed interviews, case studies, cognitive mapping, causal loop diagrams, questionnaire survey and documenting severity indices, a comprehensive insight into the materials management concerns within a confined construction site environment is envisaged and portrayed. The leading issues highlighted are: that contractors’ material spatial requirements exceed available space, it is difficult to coordinate the storage of materials in line with the programme, location of the site entrance makes delivery of materials particularly difficult, it is difficult to store materials on-site due to the lack of space, and difficult to coordinate the storage requirements of the various sub-contractors. With the continued development of confined urban centres and the increasing high cost of ma...

As processed energy becoming more expensive, people have started to look for natural sources for option to provide their needs and comfort. Natural ventilation is one of the passive approaches that have recently become one of the important approaches in building design. However, architecturally, this approach is not considered new as a lot of previous buildings before industry era are totally depending on natural sources to ventilate their indoor spaces. Therefore this study was done to look into how these architectural details in Malay vernacular houses may affect the air movement performance around them. Two case studies of vernacular houses were chosen with design elements identified as natural ventilation attributes. Several points were identified inside and outside of the house where the wind speed of their surrounding were taken hourly in daytime for three days. The data were than compared to the building elements of the spaces. Both houses shows how building orientation and position of ventilation openings play the major role in determine the indoor air movement performance. However due to having other unintentionally openings such as gaps on roof design and gaps in flooring construction installation may also allow air flow to sip into the building despite of not having proper opening facing the cross ventilation. Besides that, by having openings at high level at the high roof may also encourage natural air flow via stack effect ventilation. Wide and full height window design may also become one of the most significant element to allow ventilation as proven in this research.

A research project or thesis will take at least two semesters to complete. Prior to starting a research, i.e. enrolling in the first semester research course, students must go through the proposal stage, during which students will develop their proposal and have it reviewed by his/her research advisor. This means that students need months of planning and background research work before the start of the first semester research. Students are not allowed to enroll in a research course without an approved proposal. For students planning to start their research in the fall semester, the deadline for the proposal submission (to your advisor) is July 15. For those who plan to start in the spring semester, the proposal deadline is December 1. During the proposal stage, students should discuss their research interests with CM faculty members, identify a research topic, conduct preliminary literature review and develop a project proposal. The proposal should discuss problem statement, objectives, research methodology, research activities, and a time schedule in about 3-5 pages. A sample proposal is attached here for your reference.

Simone Ribeiro Sarges (ssarges@hotmail.com) Department of Production and Systems University of Minho CAPES – Brazil Marcelo Oliveira (maoliveira.0312@gmail.com) Department of Production and Systems University of Minho Fernando Romero (fromero@dps.uminho.pt) Department of Production and Systems -University of Minho Sérgio Sousa (sds@dps.uminho.pt) Department of Production and Systems -University of Minho

With the increased interest in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the construction industry and related research efforts, future construction sites can be expected to carry an abundance of RFID tags. These RFID tags at site have the potential to be used in order to improve context awareness during the construction phase. Specifically, semantic information about and between components and resources can be projected onto the RFID tags to create a semantically connected RFID network. Such semantic information might already exist when an integrated project model exists for the project. However, in cases where integrated project models for projects are uneconomical or cannot be made available due to other factors, the semantic information can still be made available for supporting context awareness on construction sites. A wide range of on-site tasks, ranging from actual construction to facility management, can benefit from the relationships represented in the RFID network and the resulting increased context awareness. This paper discusses the opportunities for creating such semantic RFID networks, and highlights challenges and benefits that the authors identified throughout their ongoing research activities.

With the increased interest in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the construction industry and related research efforts, future construction sites can be expected to carry an abundance of RFID tags. These RFID tags at site have the potential to be used in order to improve context awareness during the construction phase. Specifically, semantic information about and between components and resources can be projected onto the RFID tags to create a semantically connected RFID network. Such semantic information might already exist when an integrated project model exists for the project. However, in cases where integrated project models for projects are uneconomical or cannot be made available due to other factors, the semantic information can still be made available for supporting context awareness on construction sites. A wide range of on-site tasks, ranging from actual construction to facility management, can benefit from the relationships represented in the RFID network and the ...

The complexity and fragmented nature and the multiple stakeholders in the construction industry often make it difficult to come up with a firm decision regarding sustainable building materials selection. The wrong choice could negatively impact the project objective and performance outcome. This study assessed the critical factor influencing the choice of sustainable building materials (SBM) selection on construction projects in the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire, non-probability (purposive and snowball) sampling techniques, and an internet-mediated survey. Data analyses were carried out using the appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tools and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The study revealed recycled plastic, natural clay and mud, stone, bricks and tile, cellulose, stray bales, grasses, limestone, and wood timber, are the commonly used sustainable building materials. Also, their level of awareness...

Construction projects are risky. However, in practice, contractors may be unable or unwilling to make appropriate allowances for the risk. Formal risk models that contractors can incorporate into the bidding process have proliferated in recent years but they are not used in practice. Introducing more models may, therefore, not necessarily help. A better understanding is needed of how contractors arrive at a price, and how that price is influenced by the apportionment of risk. This question is the starting point for an ethnographic investigation into how contractors price risks. The purpose is to develop a model for assessing risk and opportunity in construction projects for the purpose of contingency allocation in a risk and reward sense. As risks can be spread, the price of building up a contingency will generally be smaller than the impact of a risk. Price of risk is smaller than the impact of risk.

One of the critical factors responsible for the successful management of construction projects is individual factors. These factors play a significant role in the decision-makers' attitudes towards risks management. Many previous studies regarding the management of construction projects have focusedon the factors contributing to the success of risk management. However, little attention has been given to factors severely affecting the decision-makers' risk attitudes with particular reference to an individual's risk factors in the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors affecting contractors' risk attitudes and then determine its relationship with government policy. Theoriesof planned behaviour and organisational control wereused to develop the theoretical framework that investigated G-7 contractors in the Kuantan Pahang, Malaysian construction industry. A review of relevant literature and questionnaire was employedto identify the fact...

Supply chain management (SCM) is a concept that has lourished in manufacturing, originating from Just-In-Time (JIT) production and logistics. Today, SCM represents an autonomous managerial concept, although still largely dominated by logistics. SCM endeavours to observe the entire scope of the supply chain. All issues are viewed and resolved in a supply chain perspective, taking into account the interdependency in the supply chain. SCM offers a methodology to relieve the myopic control in the supply chain that has been reinforcing waste and problems.

This project, funded by Smart Built Environment (SBE), aimed at investigating the way a site-specific solution for construction supply chains and logistics – where the information, material and economic flows are integrated and getting transparent through a blockchain-enabled solution – can be conceptualized, developed, tested and incorporated into a new digital business model for an independent building logistic consultant. In a collaboration with such a consultant firm, Prolog, the insights, opportunities and shortcomings of blockchain as found in the current literature, were used to conceptualize a sociomaterial solution for construction logistics featuring blockchain for integrated flows, and embed this solution in the value proposition of a digital business model for independent logistics consultants. This, first, resulted in a generic digital business model for building logistics consultants as a business type, and then, in a Prolog-specific business model featuring a value proposition which focuses on facilitating logistics planning and flow integration. The Prolog-specific digital business model emphasizes consultancy over digitalization in its value proposition, focuses on the customer segment of public clients, and opts for an information flow integration system. Moreover, Prolog awaits further development of cryptocurrencies, before entering such economic flow-oriented solutions. The conceptual sociomaterial solution emerged into a blockchain-supported flow integration from the issuing of purchasing orders until the completion of on-site deliveries. The development, tests, and evaluation of the solution prototype – named Building Logistics BlockCHAIN (BLogCHAIN) – involved the collaboration with a building site, the initial mapping of the prospective users’ (and testers’) experiences, and on-site testing (in two iterations) to inform both the first and the second version of the prototype. The created value for the users and companies involved demonstrated the utility of blockchain in increasing integration and transparency, and prospectively reducing the number of transactions and facilitating value creation. The integration and transparency occurred among site managers supporting coordination. Reducing transactions and facilitating value creation remained as future options, since the system was tested as a stand-alone prototype. As such, the test context needed a system integration between planning, purchasing, and accounting, and a revision of existing purchasing contracts with regard to payment conditions. BLogCHAIN also highlighted the possibility of a more active and digitally supported role of the client, through enabling online monitoring of economic flows. Recommendations for future work include preparing actual business cases via the conduct of larger-scale field tests, as well as innovation projects expanding on the potential of blockchain and digital systems’ integration for building logistics. Blockchain, when further developed, can become a driver of digitalization in construction supply chains, but also other application fields in construction. It can complement well-established previous generation technologies such as BIM, but also cutting-edge technologies, such as IoT and machine learning. We hope that our study will push research and development in the direction of continued efforts of strong contextualization that will enable the competitiveness of the Swedish construction industry – and society.

Procurement in use surveys have confirmed a steady increase in the use of design and build procurement method. However, there was also a criticism that the out turn cost of design and build procurement method makes it more expensive than the traditional procurement method. The conjecture in this study is that risk factors inherent in design and build projects are responsible for the observed variance between the contract sum and the out turn cost. Using a set of 37 risk factors, the study utilized an online survey of UK-based construction professionals to evaluate risk impacts on the variance between contract sum and final account in contractor-led design and build projects. Survey responses were analyzed using mean ranking analysis and oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result showed that 'scope changes', 'ambiguous client brief', 'scope creep', 'insufficient design completion during tender', and 'change in employer's requirement' are top risk factors impacting the variance between contract sum and final account. The implication of this finding is that it alerts the design and build contractors to specific risk factors they need to pay attention to in their delivery of design and build projects and to devise a proactive approach to their management so as to avoid significant cost overrun.

ndigenous construction firms in Nigeria operate in one of the harshest economic climates while competing with their foreign counterparts. ICFs require strategic and innovative marketing skills in selling their products and services to current and prospective clients. The paper examined the use of social media marketing strategies by indigenous construction firms in Nigeria; a tool for sustainable growth. The study used quantitative data through a questionnaire survey instrument at company-level. A total ofseventy-nine (79) questionnaires at firm level were utilised. The data collected were presented using stacked bars, radar charts and matrix correlation. The study identified the social media platforms mostly utilisedby ICFs and the major barriers resisting the adoption of the innovative marketing strategy in Nigeria. The perceived benefits accrued to ICFs in the use of social media as a marketing tool differs across the type of social media platforms in use by the ICFs. ICFs need t...

The operational benefits of close coupling value chain functions as embodied in the principles of concurrent engineering and supply chain management are well known and have been closely examined by researchers across a range of manufacturing sectors. However, their deployment in the field of construction is less well understood. The aim of the research reported in this paper was to investigate whether 'best practices' such as these, could be applied in sectors of the construction industry to provide sustainable competitive advantage. To facilitate the investigation an action research based methodology was employed in which the researchers took an active role in the change process. This method was chosen because of its practical orientation, its predisposition to longitudinal case based applications and its suitability to 'proof of concept' initiatives. This research was carried out over a three year period and focused on the implementation of these practices with a view to improving the performance of a subcontractor in the construction industry. The outcomes of the research indicate that, despite the high levels of uncertainty and product variety that characterise the industry the principles of close coupling value chain functions can be applied to subcontractor operations that are primarily manufacturing orientated and that improvements in production and assembly productivity are possible with the result that total costs can be reduced and delivery performance improved.

ABSTRACT: In the Malaysian context, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) experience a significant
burden of workplace accidents. A consensus among scholars attributes a substantial portion of these incidents to
human factors, particularly unsafe behaviors. This study, conducted in Malaysia's northern region, specifically
targeted Safety and Health/Human Resource professionals within the manufacturing sector of SMEs. We
gathered a robust dataset comprising 107 responses through a meticulously designed self-administered
questionnaire. Employing advanced partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) techniques
with SmartPLS 3.2.9, we rigorously analyzed the data to scrutinize the intricate relationship between safety
behavior and safety performance. The research findings unequivocally underscore the palpable and
consequential impact of safety behavior variables, namely safety compliance and safety participation, on
improving safety performance indicators such as accidents, injuries, and property damages. These results
strongly validate research hypotheses. Consequently, this study highlights the pivotal significance of cultivating
safety behavior among employees, particularly in resource-constrained SME settings, as an essential step toward
enhancing workplace safety performance.

Concerns on the effect of construction industry to the environment has driven an increase in sustainable construction activities as well as green initiatives. Life cycle costing (LCC) which is a method of assessing the total cost of ownership of an asset or project has been commonly associated with sustainable-related studies and are used around the world for the last few decades. Even though many benefits have been associated with LCC, its implementation in construction industry is still limited, particularly in green construction projects. This paper aimed to identify the main challenges in implementing LCC in Malaysia’s green construction projects. A quantitative approach via questionnaires survey was conducted on 200 respondents from various backgrounds, namely architects, quantity surveyors, engineers and other professionals typically would be involved in LCC preparation for green construction projects in Malaysia. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents via trad...

This study empirically examines the predictive relationship between sustainable procurement practices and its dimensions (staff competence, sustainable IT infrastructure and top management support) and the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Using the explanatory research design, structured questionnaires were administered to 317 managers and owners of selected SMEs. The Structured equation modeling (SEM) via Smart PLS 4.0 was used for analyzing and testing the hypotheses. The findings show that top management support and sustainable IT infrastructure have moderately significant and positive impact on SMEs performance whilst staff competence did not have any statistically significant effect on SMEs performance. Even though staff competence did not have a statistically significant effect on SME performance in this context, managers and owners should not avoid training and developing staff competence as it may translate in affecting other aspects of business operation not accounted for by SME performance. Through the lens of the institutional theory, resource-based theory and the theory of altruism, the study proves the predictive relationship between sustainable procurement practices and small and medium enterprises in Ghana.

The characteristics, strategies, capabilities, and resources of an organisation contribute to its competitive advantage and superior performance. A model to explain performance differences in the New Zealand context will be developed by examining the relationships between construction organisational performance and these constructs. The information was obtained using a questionnaire survey. A total of 101 organisations participated in the research. For the instrument used to elicit data, the literature was used to identify indicators associated with characteristics of organisational strategies for competition, resources and capabilities, and performance of the organisation. Analyses of descriptive, parametric, and linear regression were conducted to examine the effects of these constructs on organisational performance. The results suggest that organisational characteristics are significantly associated with internal business processes, learning, and the growth perspectives of an org...

The growing population and consumer income have led to more consumption activity globally. The increased consumption requires further extraction of resources and pressure on existing resources. The damage effects are reflected in global warming, environmental pollution, and decreased flora fauna. In addition, human activities are perennially damaging the environment. High resource extraction and consumption activity require a more prudent use of resources and product choices. This study attempts to identify and prioritize the potential drivers for sustainable consumption through the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) approach. ISM helps to obtain qualitative data instead of quantifiable factors resulting from modeling. Thirteen drivers of sustainable consumption were finalized after extensive literature review and expert’s consultation. Thirty respondents were sampled to collect data. The relationship between drivers was further established. Incentives, Labeling and Values Norms...

The procedures and tactics used to successfully manage and resolve disputes within people, teams, organisations, or larger social contexts are collectively referred to as conflict management. It includes a number of strategies designed to resolve conflicts, reduce unfavourable effects, and encourage favourable results. When conflicts emerge inside organizations, they stem from conflicting interests and activities among individuals or groups, preventing the accomplishment of one party's objectives. Ineffectively overseen conflicts lead to displeased workers who may disturb agreeable connections pivotal for organizational victory. Because different people and groups have different interests, viewpoints, and objectives, conflict within organisations is unavoidable. However, an organization's overall success is greatly impacted by the way it handles these disagreements. The vital role that efficient conflict resolution plays in organisational dynamics, productivity, and worker well-being is examined in this essay.
Based on theoretical frameworks and empirical research, the study looks at how different conflict management techniques are implemented and how that affects organisational results. The research also explores the processes by which proficient dispute resolution builds strong interpersonal bonds among staff members, improves communication, and creates a favourable work environment. The handling of conflict in an organisation is the subject of this essay. Because it evaluates using the body of existing literature, the method used is theoretical. Conflicts that are both dysfunctional and functional were investigated in addition to five conflict management philosophies or methods.
The broad perspective and philosophy that underpins conflict suggests that the appropriate approach will mostly rely on the circumstances. The article comes to the conclusion that conflict arises in all spheres of life, but particularly in organisations. It suggests raising employee knowledge of, and acceptance of, individual diversity in beliefs and behaviours inside the organisation in order to promote friendly relationships between people on their own, in groups, and throughout the organisation in order to achieve goals and objectives.

Modern slavery is an urgent issue in construction supply chains. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) response to this risk has been to introduce modern slavery regulation for its Members. Just how this might be achieved in practice is the subject of this critical research.

The role of public procurement professionals in achieving value for money in public procurement activities is widely acknowledged around the globe. This has inspired the organisation of training programmes and workshops for procurement professionals, particularly those in developing countries in order to hone their knowledge and skills for proper management of government projects. This paper sought to explore the opportunities in networking for knowledge in capacity building of procurement professionals in Ghana. The study adopted mixed research methods for both data collection and analysis. The paper revealed that professional networking can offer procurement professionals the opportunity to acquire new knowledge from external professionals, knowing global trends about procurement practice and glean new information from other institutions about procurement. It is recommended that a platform that can support a network of procurement professionals in Ghana should be developed in orde...

Various factors identified from the literature that caninfluence quality of building projects in Nigeria have beenstudied by means of questionnaire survey sent to architects,engineers and quantity surveyors in the industry. From atotal response of 107 consultants, the importance of eachfactor was obtained via severity and frequency responsesof the factors. Data analysis includes comparisons ofranking among consultants using severity, frequency andimportance indexes, correlation analysis, and percentagerank agreement factor (PRAF) to measure the agreement inthe importance ranking among the consultants.Correlation results between the professionals are architects/quantity surveyors (0.75), architects/engineers (0.21 ),and engineers/quantity surveyors (0.24). The percentagerank agreement factor (PRAF) shows that the five mostimportant factors affecting quality are 'design changes'(78.9%); 'inadequate involvement of other professionalsduring the design stage' (78.9%); &#3...

With the popularity of Chinese education and the progress and development of higher education, in order to further enhance their own school-running level and teaching quality as well as improve the level of the teachers, universities has been constantly introducing advanced teaching laboratory equipments. On the one hand, it not only can help the teachers with their teaching, but also can well improve the students' learning efficiency. However, there are also many problems existed in management of the large number of laboratory equipments, for the traditional artificial unintelligent managing way of using pen and paper in daily record already cannot meet the needs of the presented situation. Collecting data by manhood will cause such problems as collecting not in time or collecting incorrectly. And collecting data by manhood puts forward higher request for laboratory managers in equipment management. But if increase the laboratory management personnel, it also causes problems su...

The supply chain plays a vital role in the successful completion of a construction project. Lack of proper supply chain management in any construction project results in cost overrun, time overrun, claims, disputes, and low productivity, which may ultimately lead to failure of the project. The overall objective of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of the need and importance of supply chain management based on stakeholders' perceptions of the selected building construction projects in Kathmandu valley. A total of thirty-four projects were taken for the study. Among these, 16 projects were executed by DUDBC and NRA, and 18 projects from private developers. The primary data collection tool used for the study was a questionnaire survey based on the Likert scale. A key informant interview along with a desk study was also conducted. The responses of questionnaires were ranked using the Relative Importance Index (RII). The findings were based on the comparison of views of public and private stakeholders on factors influencing the importance, challenges, and solutions of the problems of supply chain management. The findings show that both the public and private stakeholders agree on the high importance of proper supply chain management in the construction industry, but their perceptions differ on factors contributing to and benefits obtained from an efficient supply chain. Additionally, public and private stakeholders have differing opinions on the most pressing challenges facing supply chain management, its efficiency, and material management. Public stakeholders focused more on quality and delayed delivery of materials, while private stakeholders focused more on cost and efficiency issues. On the solutions and approaches for improvement of supply chain management, both the public and private sectors agree that improved integrated management between the supply chain and project site is essential to maintain a reliable and efficient supply chain. However, both stakeholders differ slightly on the approaches needed to improve supply chain management. Finally, the study shows that public and private stakeholders in building construction projects in Kathmandu agree that while major challenges exist in supply chain management, solving these problems through proper integration and communication will lead to an efficient and qualitative supply chain vital for a project's completion.

Keywords: Supply chain management, Building construction projects, Private sectors, Public sectors

Paper aims: This paper identifies variables that differentiate the relationship between small and medium-sized construction companies and suppliers; and impact the integration of the supply chain of the construction sector with the aim of obtaining performance gains. Originality: The data was collected through a questionnaire to two specific groups of business: small and medium-sized construction and suppliers. Research method: Survey with a sample of 50 construction companies and 50 suppliers. Through the discriminant analysis it was possible to identify the variables related to the relationship between construction companies and suppliers which distinguish more both groups of business. Main findings: The biggest points of divergence are: operational relationship, degree of commitment with the product cycle, expectation of compliance with the agreement and pressure for a rise in quality. Implications for theory and practice: The researched companies are not committed with the performance of the supply chain in the sector.

Affordable housing is a challenging problem which needs to be solved through both government and industry initiatives. Improving construction supply chain has the potential to expedite the supply and achieve affordable housing. However, there is need to develop linkages between affordable housing problem and construction supply chain problems. A problem taxonomy approach has been used to develop problem clusters (as housing, affordable housing and construction supply chain) through detailed literature review of studies and reports related to New Zealand. A problem taxonomy is proposed which showed generic, main and specific configuration problems of construction supply chain in New Zealand. This taxonomy helps to develop relationships, research hypothesis, questions and ontologies to investigate affordable housing problem, and drive solutions through configuration of construction supply chain. 

The lean literature emphasizes that one should involve suppliers in early stage decision-making, work cross-functionally, and long-term. Simple principles but how does one put this into practice in more than 2000 construction projects in multiple countries and with 26,000 suppliers? This paper proposes a model for building a longterm preferred supplier program. The specific objectives of the paper are: 1. To describe a model for a preferred supplier program, for both goods and service suppliers, in development within an international construction firm. 2. To explain the theoretical foundations and design choices involved in the preferred supplier program. The model is developed theoretically following the current state/future state methodology for process improvement. Proactive management of supplier relations goes beyond simple ‘buy for less’ or ‘select the best’ strategies. Grounded in the realization that competition is increasingly between production systems (supply networks) ra...

Identification of cost-determinant variables and evaluation of their degree of influence play an essential role in building reliable cost models and enhance the competitive edge of quantity surveyors as well as contracting organisations. Sixty-seven variables affecting pre-tender construction cost estimates are identified through literature and interviews. These factors are grouped into six categories and a comparison analysis of their impact is conducted. Priority ranking of cost-influencing factors is carried out using a questionnaire survey commissioned amongst quantity surveyors based in the UK. Findings of this survey indicate that there is a strong agreement between quantity surveyors in ranking cost-influencing factors of construction projects. Comparisons between the outcomes of this research and other related studies are presented.

Globalisation has created both drivers and pressure for Chinese organisations to enhance their business performance as well as environmental performance. Green and lean practice is emerging as a critical approach for Chinese organisations to achieve sustainable development and improve organisational performance. By conducting empirical studies from 172 respondents on green and lean practice in different Chinese organisations, this research shows how green and lean practice affects organisational performance and how this association is affected by guanxi. The findings explain that guanxi between organisational partners improves the positive effect of green and lean practice on organisational performance. The results of this paper offer helpful insights into how managers should enhance their guanxi initiatives, in order to improve environmental and business performance over their supply chains. The paper also suggests the limitations of this research, as well as directions for future research.

Patient safety initiatives throughout the anatomic laboratory and in biorepository laboratories have mandated increasing emphasis on the need for accurately identifying and tracking biospecimen assets throughout their production lifecycle and for archiving/ retrieval purposes. However, increasing production volume along with complex workflow characteristics, reliance on manual production processes, and required asset movement to disparate destinations throughout asset lifecycles continue to challenge laboratory efforts. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, use of radio waves to communicate data between electronic tags attached to objects and a reader, shows significant potential to facilitate and overcome these hurdles. Advantages over traditional barcode labeling include readability without direct line-of-sight alignment to the reader, ability to read multiple tags simultaneously, higher data storage capacity, faster data transmission rate, and capacity to perform multiple read-writes of data to the tag. Most importantly, use of radio waves decreases the need to manually scan each asset, and at each step, identification or tracking event is needed. Temperature monitoring by on-board sensors and three-dimensional position tracking are additional potential benefits of using RFID technology. To date, barriers to implementation of RFID systems in the anatomic laboratory include increased associated costs of tags and readers, system software, data security concerns, lack of specific data standards for stored information, and potential for technological obsolescence during decades of specimen storage. Novel RFID production techniques and increased production capacity are projected to lower costs of some tags to a few cents each. Potentially, information security concerns can be addressed by techniques such as shielding, data encryption, and tag pseudonyms. Commitment by stakeholder groups to develop RFID tag data standards for anatomic pathology and biorepository laboratories could avoid or mitigate the "islands of data" dilemma presented by barcode usage where there are innumerable standards and a consequent paucity of hardware or software "plug and play" interoperability. Work remains to be done to establish the durability and

Front-end planning (FEP) may be a key element in project success because it helps project participants more efficiently mitigate risk and define project objectives in the preplanning phase. However, very little is known about the effect of FEP for industrial project performance under different project delivery systems. To this end, this study investigated the impact of FEP on project performance by focusing on two widely used fast-track delivery methods: design-build (DB) and construction manager at risk (CMR), compared to the benchmarking conventional design-bidbuild (DBB). The Spearman's correlation analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed on a real-world dataset, obtained from the Construction Industry Institute (CII), which comprised 438 industrial projects built between 1990 and 2010 in the US. The correlation analysis results revealed that better FEP resource allocation could help more design packages be completed efficiently and accurately to accelerate the fasttrack process. The pair-wise comparison analysis results confirmed that there is no significant evidence to examine particular difference of schedule performance between CMR and DB. On the other hand, the results highlighted that project cost performance under DB were better than CMR. The results and findings of this study will help decision-makers choose appropriate project delivery methods for given project priorities.