Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management

The case for “3D triangulation” when applied to construction management research : Table of Contents

David J. Edwards, Gary D. Holt — Sat Jan 16 08:00:28 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Construction management research (CMR) embraces many research paradigms and resultantly, methodological debate can proliferate. Triangulation is one specific method employed and this too has attracted discussion. This paper aims to subjectively but critically assess the role of triangulation within CMR. Resultantly, a “3D triangulation” (3DT) decision support model is proffered whose purpose is to improve triangulation's use. Design/methodology/approach – Following review of CMR methodological debate and the (multidisciplinary) application of triangulation to research; case study examples of triangulation applied among a sample of published CMR papers are observed in subjective detail, and contrasted with the invited opinions of researchers. Findings – Triangulation is adduced as a methodological aspect of many CMR studies – but researchers' perceptions of how it should fit within a research design and the extent to which it can contribute or should be relied upon – is varied. The authors' viewpoint is that triangulation use in CMR could sometimes be afforded more thought; and the decision to use it, be better “justified” within the broader methodological context. Accordingly, a 3DT decision support model is developed to assist in these objectives. Practical implications – It is argued that 3DT can lend toward a more robust methodological design, in the context of applying triangulation to CMR specifically, and management research generally. Originality/value – The 3DT model is entirely novel and evolves as a result of this specific study alone.

A fuzzy competence requirement (FCR) model for competitive bidding strategy : Table of Contents

Yongtao Tan, Liyin Shen — Sat Jan 16 08:00:28 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The “multi-criteria selection” has become popular practice in selecting contractors, especially for public works, which involve multiple stakeholders. In line with this development, contractors need to consider more factors apart from offering a lower bidding price in formulating a bidding strategy. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a quantitative method, namely the fuzzy competence requirement (FCR) model, for assisting a contractor to formulate a better bidding strategy by better utilising its competence for meeting the best multiple criteria imposed by clients. Design/methodology/approach – The fuzzy linear programming with multiple objectives technique is applied in this paper and an illustrative example is introduced to demonstrate the application of the proposed model. Findings – The FCR model can assist in generating a range of bidding strategies by assuming different confidence levels that contractors may perceive. These strategies could be valuable references for contractors to develop their competitive bidding strategy, which enables contractors to efficiently utilise their competence to meet clients' multiple selection criteria. Research limitations/implications – The FCR model can provide contractors with useful information for formulating their bidding strategy. However, other factors, such as the sense of the market and estimation of rivals' bidding strategy, should also be considered in the bidding decision. Practical implications – The FCR model can help contractors make better decisions in bidding by considering their competence and meeting client's multiple criteria. Originality/value – This paper introduces a new model – FCR model – for helping contractors improve the efficiency of their bidding decision.

Benchmarking a new design management system using process simulation approach : Table of Contents

Hemanta Doloi — Sat Jan 16 08:00:28 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to put forward a research-based argument on the benefits of simulation approach in managing design at an early stage of a project. Having selected an optimal design configuration, the operational uncertainties can be removed and investment decisions are fully justified over the lifecycle of projects. Design/methodology/approach – A simulation-based methodology embodying balanced scorecard (BSC) for measuring the operational and business performance has been synthesised in the research. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) has been employed to evaluate the trade-offs between feasible design alternatives and to select the optimum design configuration. Findings – The findings show that the integrated framework developed in this research by integrating simulation technology, BSC and MCDA adds significant contributions in improving the current body of knowledge in the design management practices. Research limitations/implications – The framework should further be tested by applying to large engineering projects in order for realising the benefits in the decision-appraisal process. Access to data in large projects before implementation would be the greatest challenge from a commercial-in-confidence perspective. Practical implications – The framework will help the practitioner's understanding and management of the design configuration in highly complex modern projects. This will allow the decision makers to manage interdependency of complex processes and select optimal designs upfront. The resulting framework will significantly contribute to reducing scope creeps and cost variations and thereby reducing contractual disputes in projects. Originality/value – The original design of the integrated framework of this kind for managing design complexity in projects adds significant value in the design management practices. The use of simulation embodying BSC and MCDA adds significant novelty in theoretical advancement of contemporary knowledge in the design management profession.

Holistic analysis of fuel cells for residential construction in the rural USA : Table of Contents

Angelica M. Ospina-Alvarado, Daniel Castro-Lacouture — Sat Jan 16 08:00:28 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a framework to assess the feasibility of fuel cells in both monetary and non-monetary terms. It aims to develop an index is to compare different sources of energy in the residential market of the rural Appalachian region of the USA. Design/methodology/approach – An index is developed to measure sustainable criteria and the factors that influence the user's decision-making process of adopting an alternative energy. The sustainable criteria are obtained through a literature review, and the factors that influenced the decision-making process are found through surveys to individuals who may potentially adopt alternative energies. After the index is developed, it is used to compare fuel cells and the conventional grid system using the specific case of a typical rural house. Findings – The most relevant sustainable criteria found in literature are environmental impact, energy consumption, and cost. The factors that influenced the user's decision to adopt an alternative energy are cost, environmental impact, space, reliability, and safety. Those factors are combined in an index used to compare fuel cells and the coal-fired grid system. According to the index, fuel cells have a slightly better rating than the grid system powered by a coal-fired power plant; however, further development of fuel cells will be needed in order to be fully competitive. Research limitations/implications – The index developed is based on the rural Appalachian region of the USA. If the index is used in other locations, factors, and weights should be adjusted accordingly. Practical implications – The framework discussed in the paper includes both the sustainable performance of the system, and the factors that influenced the user's decision to adopt an alternative energy. The latter has previously not been taken into consideration in the assessment of these types of technologies. Originality/value – The factors considered in the paper will make a significant difference if alternative energies are to be considered as a viable alternative to traditional energy forms. The framework took a holistic approach, and considered factors such as cost, environment, energy consumption, reliability, maintenance, space and safety, that are deemed important by the final user.

ANP-based marketing activity selection model for construction companies : Table of Contents

Gul Polat, Umit Donmez — Sat Jan 16 08:00:28 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide construction companies with an analytic model, namely a four-level analytic network process (ANP) model, to assist them in prioritising and thereby selecting marketing activities which offer maximum return on investment, for which they should primarily allocate their limited resources. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology of this study mainly involves: reviewing the literature on marketing and construction marketing in order to identify the marketing activity selection criteria and their constituent sub-criteria; determining the marketing activity alternatives in which construction companies may consider to invest; constructing an analytic model, namely a four-level ANP model – to assist them in selecting the most viable marketing activities for which they should primarily allocate their limited resources; and conducting two case studies, one in a bidding contractor and the other in a developer, in order to illustrate how the model works. Findings – This paper illustrates how to empirically prioritise marketing activities by using a four-level marketing activity selection model. Two case studies are also demonstrated in order to illustrate how the model works. The case studies indicate that the rankings of the marketing activities for these companies are rather different due to the type of the construction company (i.e. bidding contractors or building developers) and its client profile (i.e. public or private owners). The findings of the case studies concurred with the expected direction in these companies. Originality/value – This model is of benefit to construction companies and researchers. The proposed ANP model offers an efficient, convenient and simple tool that allows construction companies to select the marketing activities for which they should primarily allocate their limited resources. It also allows researchers to see the potential use of ANP in the marketing activity selection problem.

New research paradigms in the built environment : Table of Contents

Richard Fellows — Sat Jan 16 08:00:28 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review aspects of innovation, research and development paradigms and paradigmatic changes which have occurred in construction over recent years. Design/methodology/approach – The approach combines reviewing literature and some theory within the context of the author's experiences as a participant in the construction industry and associated research and education. Findings – The paper concludes that much has been re-cycled, often under amended titles. There is notable scope and advisability in paradigm shifts from reductionist/determinist approaches to stochastic approaches which accommodate complexities of interdependencies plus moves from “hard” positivism to “softer” constructivist perspectives. Research limitations/implications – The paper is limited in validity and reliability due to the methods employed. However, the conclusion does stress the essential of researchers being aware of and articulating the limitations of their work; the need for sound theoretical foundations is stressed in regard to both topics and methods. Practical implications – Proper examinations of research, including ontologies, epistemologies, validities and reliabilities, as well as the topics under investigation, promotes good research and its application and avoids recycling of “popular” topics in periodically amended guises. Originality/value – The paper expresses the author's original views, developed over a quite extensive and varied career; however, it expresses views held fairly widely but seldom expressed beyond “closed doors”.

On applications of an optimal price-time bidding model in Hong Kong foundation projects : Table of Contents

Vivian W.Y. Tam, L.Y. Shen — Sat Jan 16 08:00:28 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Traditionally, construction projects are awarded based on the lowest submitted tendering prices. However, this awarding method often causes problems on project delay, poor risk assessment and increased claims from variations. This paper aims to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Nowadays, clients require tenderers to submit both bidding prices and contract duration. This bidding method is called an optimal price-time bidding model, the details of which are investigated in this paper, using 24 Hong Kong private and public foundation price-time contracts. Findings – The results show that private foundation projects produce better time and cost savings when compared with public foundation projects, meaning that the former are generally more effective in using the optimal price-time bidding model than in public foundation projects. To further explore the effectiveness of the price-time bidding model, case studies from a private and a public foundation project are investigated to show that private foundation projects using the price-time bidding model are more effective than public foundation projects. Originality/value – This paper encourages contractors to consider both time and cost factors in tendering and construction processes, noting that high liquidated and ascertained damages (LAD) charges need to be applied. This can provide a “balanced environment” for contractors in the construction industry.