Emerald | Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

What tensions obstruct an alignment between project and environmental management practices?

Pernilla Gluch, Christine Räisänen — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Using an activity theory lens, the interrelationships between project practice and environmental management is examined. The focus is on tensions that occur between human agents and material objects within a motive-directed, historically situated activity system, namely that of managing environmental issues in projects.Design/methodology/approach - Case studies of two large infrastructure projects were conducted 2003-2004 and 2008. The studies comprised on-site observations, text analyses, 20 semi-structured interviews and one group interview. Time was spent on the construction site to become familiarised with the context and the practices of the project community. Fifteen weekly environmental site inspections were monitored and photo-documented.Findings - The findings show how new and emergent environmental management practices and routines were inherently contradictory to the situated and established culture within the projects. In fact project practices seemed to amplify the contradictions between environmental management and project management rather than mitigating them. As a result project members and organisation members strove toward different goals and foci. It is argued that management needs to create arenas where members from the two units can align practices and merge routines. Research limitations/implications - Practical implications - Aligning the permanent structures of the organisation with the temporary organising of practices and operational activities in projects is a challenge for the construction industry. A prevalent lack of fit between the organisation and its projects causes contradictions which negatively affect the way in which long-term environmental strategies and goals are understood and implemented in the project settings.Originality/value - The system theoretical lens adopted in this study enables a holistic interpretation of complex and dynamic activities and the linking of the micro, the individual, to the macro, the organisational structure. By indicating some inherent and emergent contradictions between project practice and corporate environmental management, this paper contributes to an emergent field of research that focus on social practice in construction.

MANAGING FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION: Evaluation of Lean management principles

John Meiling, Fredrik Backlund, Helena Johnsson — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Several off-site manufacturing companies in Sweden have attempted to apply Lean management to improve process effectiveness and efficiency. A state of continuous improvement is a key goal of Lean management, as described in, e.g. Likers 4P model. The aim of this study is to test a method to measure the degree to which lean management principles have been adopted by companies that base their production on off-site manufacturing, as a prerequisite for a sustainable approach to continuous improvement.Design/methodology/approach - A survey is applied as research method, using a questionnaire based on the authors’ perceptions of best practices corresponding to each Lean management principle. Two questionnaires were distributed to both management and factory production personnel in two off-site manufacturing firms in Sweden.Findings - The Likert scores regarding the degree to which Lean principles have been applied in the two studied companies showed similar patterns (and similar differences between the management and production personnel’s responses), indicating that the results can be generalised within an off-site construction context. The study shows that continuous improvements must emerge and evolve simultaneously with a focus on processes, people and long-term thinking. Research limitations/implications - In order to obtain more generalised and detailed results a more extensive survey covering several companies, as well as more detailed case studies, and more questions regarding each principle are needed. A multivariate analysis will also scan the material for further dependences.Originality/value - The paper highlights several aspects that are important for management to be aware of when aiming for continuous improvements in off-site manufacturing.

The Impact of Contractors’ Prequalification on Construction Project Delivery in Nigeria

ISAAC OLANIYI AJE — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Prequalification of contractors is a very important step in construction project procurement under the contract "Due Process" policy in Nigeria. The purpose of this study therefore is to investigate the impact of contractors’ prequalification on cost, time and quality performance of construction projects. Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected with the aid of questionnaire addressed to construction practitioners selected form clients, consultants and contractors’ organizations. Also archival data on 77 completed building projects relating to prequalification assessment of contractors and project delivery variables were sourced from consultant Quantity Surveyors. The data were analysed with the aid of meanscore and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings - The results show that contractors’ prequalification has significant impact on time and quality performance of construction projects as evidenced by p-values of 0.039 and 0.030, respectively. Practical implications - The findings should provide a valuable reference for clients and consultants during contractors prequalification and contract award. Originality/value - The outcome of this paper will assist clients and consultants in the construction industry to carry out objective assessment of contractors’ potential performance in relation to project goals prior to contract award.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT IN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS: APPLICATION OF SUN TZU’S ART OF WAR PRINCIPLES

Florence Yean Yng Ling, Sing Yee Lee — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Career development involves how employees manage their career advancement. This study investigates the relevance of Sun Tzu’s Art of War to career development of construction professionals with the aim of suggesting strategies that may be adopted for career development. Design/methodology/approach - The data collection technique was in-depth interviews with 32 subjects who are Singapore-based construction professionals. The subjects were asked 13 open-ended questions which were developed based on the Art of War. Findings - The main findings on the effective career development strategies are: outperforming peers by developing deep job experience and delivering excellent performance; adopting a team member posture before moving on to a team leader stance; handling office politics and conflicts effectively; maintaining flexibility and maneuverability in one’s career; networking; and acquiring foreknowledge. Research limitations/implications - The study is qualitative in nature, thus, the actual effectiveness of the recommendations for career development is not known. There may also be some more strategies undisclosed by interviewees as sharing them may cause them to lose their competitive advantage. Practical implications - The effective strategies for career development are found. Construction professionals may adopt some military strategies that may help them in their career development.Originality/value - Military strategies are mapped onto career development, and relevant career advancement strategies are identified.

Health and Safety Gateways for Construction Project Planning

Billy Hare, Iain Cameron — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This paper reports on the findings from a research project, commissioned by the UK Health and Safety Executive, investigating the integration of health and safety with construction planning. Design/methodology/approach - A combination of group and individual interviews were undertaken with qualitative methods of analysis to develop an integrated process model.Findings - The model developed uses ‘Gateway’ decision points which allows flexibility and the early integration of health and safety at a strategic level, although detailed planning is still required through the use of integrated management tools.Research limitations/implications - This study will help practitioners who wish to integrate CDM principles using a process model. Practical implications - It has also informed HSE with policy decisions for their review of CDM.Originality/value - Previous research on construction H&S has tended to concentrate on site management. This study extends knowledge and understanding of how H&S can be integrated at the planning stage of projects.

Using systems thinking to evaluate a major project – the case of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Joyce Fortune, Diana White — 2012-02-24 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to set out the results of a study of a major landmark construction project and to use systems thinking to shed light on the organisation, management and performance of the project. Design/methodology/approach - The three main methods of gathering the data were a series of formal and informal interviews with representatives of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council and their main project partner Harbour and General, regular visits to the main construction site and the secondary site where the bridge was pre-fabricated and an extensive study of newspaper and magazine articles, Council minutes and memoranda and other relevant literature. A systems approach based approach whereby the project is represented as a system and compared with an ideal model of a system that is capable of purposeful action without failure.Findings - This paper has shown that shown that although many aspects of the management of this construction project such as its decision-making processes were very effective the project was over budget and significantly late. Analysis using systems thinking has been able to reveal that the problems encountered during the construction were caused by unforeseen environmental influences and failure to appreciate the viewpoints of those directly and indirectly affected by the project. It is suggested that the lessons learned from investigating this project in real time can provide a valuable insight into understanding the challenges faced by similar projects.Originality/value - Unlike many reports of similar-sized projects, this case study uses data gathered throughout the life of a lengthy construction project. It uses this data to conduct an assessment of project performance and evaluate the way the project was managed. The method used to do this is transferrable to a very wide variety of design and engineering projects and is of value to academics and practitioners alike.