Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management

Enhancing knowledge management in construction firms : Table of Contents

Francisco Loforte Ribeiro — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Construction is an information and knowledge driven industry. Construction firms all over the world are increasingly being challenged by high-cost pressure, shortened project cycles and increasing competition. Within a business environment, where fast and reliable access to knowledge is a key success factor, the efficient handling of organisational knowledge is crucial. The purpose of this paper is to look at ways knowledge and expertise are managed in project-based firms, based on three case studies. The knowledge management (KM) effort established in these cases studies is analysed. Finally, the findings from the case studies from the perspective of the construction firm are presented. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology of the study is that of interpretative case study and grounded theory based on a strong empirical foundation, on which new theoretical insight into KM as an autonomous action is developed. Case study research is one of the most widely-used research designs in qualitative research. The grounded theory method develops theory from data collected through direct contact with research situations. The methodology looks at large, successful companies already using KM, which not typical companies, but which provide useful insights for others. Findings – This paper analyses KM effort, based on three case studies and offers recommendations and insights for enhancing KM in construction firms. Research limitations/implications – Construction firms need to be aware of the advantages of KM initiatives and practices. KM requires an environment that allows workers to create, capture, share, and leverage knowledge to improve performance. Firms are increasingly utilizing interdisciplinary organisational structures in which employees share knowledge and expertise within and between groups in order to cope with complex tasks. Originality/value – This paper presents the findings from case studies of three large, high-performing project-based firms, involving exploratory, open-ended interviews with managers at various levels, and identifies key KM implementation issues in construction firms; it also provides valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing the capture, sharing and use of corporate knowledge assets.

Benefits of collaborative ICT adoption for building project management : Table of Contents

Vanita Ahuja, Jay Yang, Ravi Shankar — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Effective flow of data and communication at every stage of a construction project is essential for achieving required coordination and collaboration between the project participants, leading to successful management of the projects. In present scenario, when project participants are geographically separated, adoption of information communication technology (ICT) enables such effective communication. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to focus on ICT adoption for building project management. Design/methodology/approach – It is difficult to quantitatively evaluate the benefits of ICT adoption in the multiple enterprise scenario of building project management. It requires qualitative analysis based on the perceptions of the construction professionals. The paper utilizes interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique to assess importance of perceived benefits and their driving power and dependence on other benefits. Findings – The developed ISM model shows that all the categories of benefits, i.e. benefits related to projects, team management, technology, and organization are inter-related and cannot be achieved in isolation. But, organization- and technology-related benefits have high-driving power and these are “strategic benefits” for the project team organizations. Thus, organizations are required to give more attention on strategically increasing these benefits from application of ICT. Originality/value – This analysis provides a road map to managers or project management organizations to decide that if they are planning ICT adoption for achieving certain benefits then which are the other driving benefits that should be achieved prior to that and also which are the dependent benefits that would be achieved by default.

Innovation and interorganizational cooperation: a synthesis of literature : Table of Contents

Maarten E.J. Rutten, André G. Dorée, Johannes I.M. Halman — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – In construction, literature interorganizational cooperation is argued to be an important aspect of construction innovation. From this perspective, several distinct bodies of literature provide relevant insights. In literature on complex product systems (CoPS), it is argued that construction industry is a CoPS industry and that in CoPS industries systems integrators set-up and coordinate interorganizational innovation. Furthermore, various bodies of literature provide information about factors that affect the success of innovation and interorganizational cooperation. The purpose of this paper is to integrate the findings from these bodies of literature. Design/methodology/approach – To uncover the present state of knowledge about systems integrators, a comprehensive literature review is conducted. Furthermore, the paper analyzes various fields of literature to derive an overview of factors which have been empirically related to the success of innovation and interorganizational cooperation. Findings – First, this paper structures the current knowledge on the role and characteristics of systems integrators. Subsequently, the paper translates this knowledge to the context of construction industry and discusses the basis for classifying a firm as a systems integrator in construction industry. Furthermore, the paper presents a list of relevant success factors derived from literature on new product development, strategic networks and alliances, open innovation, and construction innovation. Originality/value – By integrating various bodies of literature, this paper provides a solid base for future theory development on how firms achieve interorganizational innovation in construction industry.

Exploration of an agenda for transparency in the construction industry : Table of Contents

Andre Nijhof, Johan Graafland, Oskar de Kuijer — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – In enhancing the market operation of the building sector, transparency is of great importance. The purpose of this paper is to propose an inventory of aspects of the relationships between public clients and executing parties that have the most urgent need for greater transparency. Design/methodology/approach – The main methods used include a literature study and 20 interviews with managers of various organisations in the Dutch construction industry. Findings – Based on this study, four essential points for transparency are determined: openness about risks and costs, measuring of quality-price ratios, reasons for award or rejection and enhancement of the reputation mechanism. Research limitations/implications – This paper takes the Dutch context as a reference point for the analysis. When the findings are used also in other settings, it is necessary to address the differences in characteristics of the building sector. Practical implications – The essential points for transparency addressed in this paper have consequences for especially the interaction between public clients and executing parties. Furthermore, conditions for transparency – like possibilities to judge quality in a more robust and transparent manner and methods for enhancing the reputation mechanism – point at necessary future research for improving transparency in the construction industry. Originality/value – The Dutch construction industry is working through a transition process focused on improving its market operation, integral processes and societal added value. In this transition, transparency between clients and executing parties is of great importance.

A surface water management model for the Integrated Southern Ghor Project, Jordan : Table of Contents

Malek Abu Rumman, Mohammad Hiyassat, Bashar Alsmadi, Ahmad Jamrah, Maha Alqam — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the long-term ability of the Integrated Southern Ghor Project (ISGP) to meet the required water demands, assess the resulting energy requirements, pumping costs, water transfers, benefits of the current system with respect to predevelopment conditions and effect of projected water demands increase on the resulting water deficits. Design/methodology/approach – A surface water resources management model is developed using dynamic programming. The model inputs are the hydrological inflows from the different wadis in the project area, reservoirs characteristics and evaporation rates, system water demands. The model outputs are water deficits at the different demand areas, reservoirs storage and release sequences, water transfers and energy requirements and the associated costs. The average annual values of different performance criteria with the annual frequency curves are used to evaluate the implications of different water scenarios on the ISGP. Findings – The results show the efficiency of the ISGP model in reducing the water deficits in the demand areas as compared to predevelopment conditions. Increased demand scenario showed the importance of finding new water projects to supplement the Southern Ghor Area in the future in order to meet the increasing water demands. The proposed water transfer will reduce the resulting deficits at the agricultural areas without the expenses of increasing the water deficits at other demand areas. The application of this model is expected to enhance decision making regarding water policies in Jordan. Originality/value – This paper provides critical quantitative information to decision makers in Jordan about the potential of the different storage facilities and proposed transfers in meeting the required water demands in the Southern Ghor Project and assesses the required energy for that. This can help decision makers to have a holistic view about the expected water deficits in the area and therefore assist them in determining the areas impacted most and what alternative solution to use. The paper also shows the importance of using optimal control/management models to support water resources decision making in Jordan.

Towards next-generation knowledge management systems for construction sector organisations : Table of Contents

Chimay J. Anumba — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the need for next-generation knowledge management (KM) systems in the construction sector and outline the key features that such systems should have. Design/methodology/approach – First, an overview is presented of KM and its benefits to construction sector organisations, and then the important considerations in KM implementation are discussed, highlighting the additional considerations that will be necessary in next-generation KM systems. The main features that these systems should have are then briefly outlined. Findings – KM is beginning to deliver value to many construction sector organisations but there is the need for next-generation systems that can provide much more added value. Originality/value – The paper provides guidance on what construction sector organisations need to look out for in next-generation KM systems, while reiterating the benefits and implementation considerations with which they should now be conversant.

Automated measurement of earthwork volume in construction projects : Table of Contents

Tariq Shehab — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to present an automated system that measures the volume of excavated soil in earthmoving operations. It focuses primarily on presenting the use of the radio frequency identification – real time location technology and image analysis techniques in isolation of stockpiles from their noisy backgrounds, extraction of their geometrical attributes and determination of their location. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive literature review of image analysis techniques is performed to identify the ones most applicable in developing the proposed automated system. A set of techniques are selected and experimented to evaluate their effectiveness in the proposed application. A review of the state-of-the-art distance measurement technologies is also conducted to identify the most suitable system to be used in the proposed system. Findings – A set of image analysis techniques that positively contribute to the accuracy of the proposed system is identified. Geometrical attributes of stockpiles are automatically extracted for volume measurement purposes. The use of an affordable and reliable automated distance measurement tool is also suggested. Research limitations/implications – Although the proposed methodology is believed to be applicable to most configurations of stockpiles, it was tested on conical ones only. Originality/value – The current practice of measuring the volume of excavated soil is time consuming and costly. Furthermore, it does not facilitate monitoring of excavation activities on close time intervals. The proposed system overcomes the problems associated with the current practice and provides an automated strategy that can be easily used by field personnel and/or home office management staff to closely monitor the progress of their earthmoving operations without physical human intervention.