ORCID Profile
0000-0003-4786-7712
Current Organisations
Bond University
,
Queensland University of Technology
,
University Hospital Bonn
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 2021
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 11-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Date: 04-06-2013
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 26-04-2023
DOI: 10.5194/NHESS-23-1529-2023
Abstract: Abstract. Giving full play to the public's initiative for geohazard reduction is critical for sustainable disaster reduction under a government-led top-down disaster governance approach. According to the public's intention to participate in geohazard mitigation activities, this study introduces the analytical framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), with attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as the primary explanatory variables, with three added explanatory variables: risk perception, disaster experience, and participation perception. Survey data obtained from 260 respondents in Jinchuan County, Sichuan Province, China, are analyzed using structural equation modeling and combined with multivariate hierarchical regression to test the explanatory power of the model. The results indicate that attitude, subjective normative, perceived behavioral control, and participatory cognition are significant predictors of public intention to participate. Disaster experience is negatively associated with public intention to participate. In addition, the extended TPB model contributes 50.7 % to the explanation of the behavioral intention of public participation. Practical suggestions and theoretical guidance are provided for strengthening geohazard risk management and achieving sustainable disaster reduction. In particular, it is concluded that, while correctly guiding public awareness of disaster reduction activities, policymakers should continue developing participatory mechanisms, paying attention to two-way communication bridges between the public and the government, uniting social forces, and optimizing access to resources.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 21-09-2015
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-07-2014-0093
Abstract: – Traditional construction planning relies upon the critical path method and bar charts. Both of these methods suffer from visualization and timing issues that could be addressed by 4D technology specifically geared to meet the needs of the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new construction planning approach based on simulation by using a game engine. – A 4D automatic simulation tool was developed and a case study was carried out. The proposed tool was used to simulate and optimize the plans for the installation of a temporary platform for piling in a civil construction project in Hong Kong. The tool simulated the result of the construction process with three variables: equipment, site layout and schedule. Through this, the construction team was able to repeatedly simulate a range of options. – The results indicate that the proposed approach can provide a user-friendly 4D simulation platform for the construction industry. The simulation can also identify the solution being sought by the construction team. The paper also identifies directions for further development of the 4D technology as an aid in construction planning and decision making. – The tests on the tool are limited to a single case study and further research is needed to test the use of game engines for construction planning in different construction projects to verify its effectiveness. Future research could also explore the use of alternative game engines and compare their performance and results. – The authors proposed the use of game engine to simulate the construction process based on resources, working space and construction schedule. The developed tool can be used by end-users without simulation experience.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-1994
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 04-08-2022
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2021-0874
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to prioritize the appropriate generic contractor selection criteria for Engineering–Procurement–Construction (EPC) projects in the construction industry. Proceeding from a review of previous studies and validation by a small group of experts, a preliminary set of 16 criteria was first identified. This was followed by three rounds of Delphi surveys: firstly, with 64 experienced participants confirming the relevance of the 16 criteria secondly, with a reduced subgroup of 47 more experienced participants scoring the importance of each and finally, providing the opportunity for these 47 to revise their scores in the light of knowing the aggregated results of the previous round. The results show the consensus view, of which the most important criteria are ranked as past performance, project understanding, technical attributes, key personnel, health and safety, past experience, time, management, financial, contractual and legal, quality, cost, relationships, environmental and sustainability, organizational and industrial relations, and geographic location. The findings are useful for both practitioners and academics in making a significant contribution to the body of knowledge of the EPC process. This will assist in providing a better understanding of criteria importance and pave the way to developing an EPC contractor selection model involving the criteria most needed to objectively identify potential contractors and evaluate tenders.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-05-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-1998
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2001
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-1997
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 12-2007
DOI: 10.1108/13664380780001101
Abstract: The focus of this paper is on the influence of the learning climate in organisations on practitioner competence. Practitioners in the context of the paper are Chartered Quantity Surveyors, while competency is measured in terms of the accuracy of construction contract price forecasts. The results indicate that: The learning climate within quantity surveying practices is perceived to be supportive in terms of human support and to a lesser extent working practices, but less supportive in terms of staff development systems (specifically, the use of appraisal systems and the provision of resources and development facilities). The degree of accuracy of the subjects’ forecasts was found to improve as their perception of the overall learning climate, working practices, staff development systems and specifically items relating to the opportunity to introduce new skills, discussion of prob‐lems, working practices, provision of resources and the identification of needs increased. It is recommended that surveying organisations assess their ability to provide an ef‐fective learning environment and to address any deficiencies, especially in the provision of staff development systems, to improve in idual forecasting performance. Further, they should consider introducing effective feedback mechanisms that require both the in idual to critically reflect on their own performance and the organisation to provide effective constructive feedback on an in idual’s performance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Date: 04-2021
Abstract: There are few studies analysing whether different types of environmental regulation have differential impacts on the efficiency of the construction industry. Using 2012–2016 panel data from 30 provinces in China, the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of the construction industry is measured with a global Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index based on the epsilon measure model. Thereafter, a panel tobit regression model is proposed to explore the relationship between three types of environmental regulation and the GTFP of the construction industry. The results show that (a) from 2012 to 2016, the GTFP of the Chinese construction industry grew slowly at an average annual rate of 0.14% (b) both one-phase lagged command-and-control and current phase market-based environmental regulation had a positive linear relationship with GTFP, while one-phase lagged voluntary environmental regulation, on the other hand, had an inverted U-shaped relationship with GTFP (c) the three types of environmental regulation can be combined to establish a suitable environmental regulation system. The findings of this study provide guidance for the sustainable development of the construction industry by combining the actions of different types of environmental regulation.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-1994
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2012
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.1108/JEDT-10-2020-0413
Abstract: Poor project knowledge and inadequate experience are frequently linked to construction time-cost overruns. This paper aims to expound on the criticality of project knowledge and experience in the successful delivery of projects in the construction industry. Following a detailed literature review, a quantitative positivist approach with a questionnaire survey involving industry professionals is used to appraise the 30 prevalent causes of time-cost overruns according to frequency, effectiveness and importance indices. The data are then subjected to Spearman’s rank correlation tests and exploratory factor analysis. Using the importance index, which assimilates both frequency and effectiveness indices, the criticality of knowledge and experience in the overall context is seen as fundamental for addressing the contractor’s faulty planning and scheduling, construction mistakes and defective work, site management and supervision, delayed/slow decision-making, incomplete drawings and design documents and change/variation orders. Spearman’s rank correlation tests indicate a good consensus of perceptions among the key parties involved. Next, an exploratory factor analysis uncovers six underlying knowledge-based factors affecting construction performance, relating to inaccurate resource estimates, design changes, resource shortages, lack of experience, incompetence and mistakes and defects. The study draws out the repercussions of the hitherto limited research into the deficiencies in knowledge and experience in undertaking construction projects to enhance performance using knowledge management functions.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-2004
DOI: 10.1108/14714170410814971
Abstract: When construction delays occur, it is necessary to ascertain the liabilities of the contracting parties and to direct the appropriate amount of resources to recover the schedule. Unfortunately, delay analysis and schedule compression are normally treated as separate or independent aspects. This paper examines the feasibility of integrating the delay analysis and schedule compression functions into a broad‐scoped two‐stage process. The main issue is shown to be the kind of delay analysis required for each stage of the process and seven existing techniques are illustrated for use in conjunction with schedule compression. Since the current form and assumptions of delay analysis techniques are unlikely to provide the necessary level of feedback reliability for recovering delays, it is necessary to modify these techniques by incorporating some means of delay type scrutiny, excusable delays updating, and treatment of concurrent delays. The modified delay analysis techniques can serve as a basis for negotiation between the client and contractor and hence improve the interdisciplinary relations.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2003
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2001
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2009
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 19-08-2019
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2018-0353
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to address the overfitting and collinearity problems that frequently occur in predictive cost estimating models for construction practice. A case study, modeling the cost of preliminaries is proposed to test the robustness of this approach. A hybrid approach is developed based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and principal component regression (PCR). Cost information for a s le of 204 UK school building projects is collected involving elemental items, contingencies (risk) and the contractors’ preliminaries. An application to estimate the cost of preliminaries for construction projects demonstrates the method and tests its effectiveness in comparison with such competing models as: alternative regression models, three artificial neural network data mining techniques, case-based reasoning and support vector machines. The experimental results show that the AIC–PCR approach provides a good predictive accuracy compared with the alternatives used, and is a promising alternative to avoid overfitting and collinearity. This is the first time an approach integrating the AIC and PCR has been developed to offer an improvement on existing methods for estimating construction project Preliminaries. The hybrid approach not only reduces the risk of overfitting and collinearity, but also results in better predictability compared with the commonly used stepwise regression.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-1991
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-09-2023
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 15-06-2022
DOI: 10.1108/JPIF-03-2022-0022
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to analyse the current relationships between developer characteristics in terms of dominant property type (residential, commercial, retail, industrial, tourism, “other”), ownership (publicly listed, publicly unlisted, private, government), organisational structure (speculative-trader, investor developers, development managers) and size (small, medium, large) in the frequency of use and required minimum value of hurdle rate metrics. A questionnaire survey of 225 Australian and New Zealand trader developers, development managers, investors, valuers, fund managers and government/charities/other relating to the feasibility practices of different types of Australia/New Zealand property development companies. (1) Residential dominant developers are more likely to use margin on development cost (MDC) required to have a higher minimum internal rate of return (IRR) percentage (2) investor developers are more likely to use the payback period as a hurdle rate, and specific hurdle rates as a part of a go/no-go decision (3) trader developers adopt a higher percentage of IRR and deviate further from accepted financial theory in hurdle rate selection and (4) national property development organisations in multiple geographic regions use qualitative frameworks more as a decision-making process and use MDC less as a hurdle rate. The study is limited to a s le of property practitioners working in Australia/New Zealand at the time of data collection in 2016 and, further empirical research is needed spatially and temporally to determine the extent of the findings. Further research is also needed with small- to medium-sized development organisations' on the extent to which they should use different metrics in project selection and for an improved understanding of the technical and attitudinal difficulties facing their current adoption. First study to examine the feasibility practices of different types of Australia/New Zealand property developers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2005
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-1995
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 1999
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-02-2021
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 02-09-2003
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
Date: 09-11-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-0004
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 08-2023
Abstract: Governments in developing countries manage their considerable state assets for public service delivery directly. In Indonesia, the Directorate of State Asset Management responsible for developing the national strategy for state asset optimization requires the determination of key elements and prioritization tools. The purpose of this paper is to show that a simple calculation using the combination of the balanced scorecard (BCS) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) will help in the prioritization of strategy development. A questionnaire survey of 131 multistakeholder respondents to identify the most important key elements and the best alternative for asset optimization was done in this study. The respondents agree on the most important key elements, and that the best alternative for asset optimization is the efficient maintenance of assets. Competitive human resources comprise the recommended second key element, and that improvements in asset performance and value will improve public service as the second-highest alternative. This study also shows the importance of the integration of asset optimization in existing government strategic instruments supported by a comprehensive data set related to public assets and their performance. This paper provides a new contribution to integrating asset optimization strategies as the core of the organization’s performance and prioritization strategies. Additional BSC perspectives are suggested, with the inclusion of AHP for prioritization. In addition, this study includes the opinions of all the stakeholders, from external users to the central management. The flexibility of the tools to adapt to the existing strategic framework will allow their application by different agencies and in different countries.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2006
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
Date: 17-04-2014
Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
Date: 17-04-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2005
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-1994
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-1999
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 02-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 30-06-2021
Abstract: The retirement village industry in Australia has been accommodating an increasing number of residents in recent decades. However, a thorough understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the industry remains largely unknown, which prevents a better prediction of its future growth. This study incorporates system dynamics thinking into residents’ relocation decisions and aims to develop a causal loop diagram to have a full understanding of the complex interactions of variables affecting their relocation, which in turn determines the future growth pattern of the industry. Based on thematic analysis using literature review and interview data, five primary causal loops are identified, including the positive reinforcing loops of word-of-mouth effect and new-supply effect, and three negative balancing loops of the move-out effect, price effect and home-village distance effect. Of these five causal loops, the most dominant ones in determining the system behaviour are the word-of-mouth (reinforcing) and home-village distance (balancing) effects. The causal loop diagram provides a better understanding of the underlying structure of the retirement village industry and will help guide the industry and policy makers in formulating strategies to create a more ageing-friendly living environment for seniors in Australia.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2002
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2000
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 17-02-2020
DOI: 10.1108/IJMPB-02-2019-0034
Abstract: Legions of projects fail to attain their time and cost objectives due to ineffective coordination. This is often due to a lack of essential learning from projects because of insufficient communication and working experience. One of the key reasons why this occurs is that managers are unaware of what knowledge needs to be retained. In contrast with knowledge management research, which mostly focuses on the systems and processes for capturing, storing, and retrieval of knowledge, this paper investigates the nature of project communication and learning and their role on project time and cost control. A stratified proportional purposive s ling approach was adopted in choosing the interview participants for the study. They are experienced industry practitioners working on building construction projects in Malaysia. Content analysis was then performed on the interview data. The identified variables were further validated by 11 industry experts from the three primary construction stakeholders. The results of a series of 12 in-depth interviews with industry practitioners are provided to reveal the effective communication tools for sharing and learning in a project-based environment, the learning inducing situations involved, and the use of reusable project experiences to improve project time and cost control. A possible limitation of the study is its focus on a small group of Malaysian practitioners delimits the generalizability of the findings. A two-phase model with three-step project management process of input, tools, and output is developed from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide as an aid for more effective knowledge reuse in project time and cost control in the future.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 27-09-2022
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-11-2021-1018
Abstract: Total factor productivity (TFP) change is an important driver of long-run economic growth in the construction sector. However, examining TFP alone is insufficient to identify the cause of TFP changes. Therefore, this paper employs the infrequently used Geometric Young Index (GYI) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to measure and decompose the TFP Index (TFPI) at the firm-level from 2009 to 2018 based on Malaysian construction firms' data. To improve the TFPI estimation, normally unobserved environmental variables were included in the GYI-TFPI model. These are the physical operation of the firm (inland versus marine operation) and regional locality (West Malaysia versus East Malaysia). Consequently, the complete components of TFPI (i.e. technological, environmental, managerial, and statistical noise) can be accurately decomposed. The results reveal that TFP change is affected by technological stagnation and improvements in technical efficiency but a decline in scale-mix efficiency. Moreover, the effect of environmental efficiency on TFP is most profound. In this case, being a marine construction firm and operating in East Malaysia can reduce TFPI by up to 38%. The result, therefore, indicates the need for progressive policies to improve long-term productivity. Monitoring and evaluating productivity change allows an informed decision to be made by managers olicy makers to improve firms' competitiveness. Incentives and policies to improve innovation, competition, training, removing unnecessary taxes and regulation on outputs (inputs) could enhance the technological, technical and scale-mix of resources. Furthermore, improving public infrastructure, particularly in East Malaysia could improve regionality locality in relation to the environmental index. This study contributes to knowledge by demonstrating how TFP components can be completely modelled using an aggregator index with good axiomatic properties and SFA. In addition, this paper is the first to apply and include the GYI and environmental variables in modelling construction productivity, which is of crucial importance in formulating appropriate policies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-12-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2008
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2018-023455
Abstract: Postoperative morbidity and mortality in older patients with comorbidities undergoing gastrointestinal surgery are a major burden on healthcare systems. Infections after surgery are common in such patients, prolonging hospitalisation and reducing postoperative short-term and long-term survival. Optimal management of perioperative intravenous fluids and inotropic drugs may reduce infection rates and improve outcomes from surgery. Previous small trials of cardiac-output-guided haemodynamic therapy algorithms suggested a modest reduction in postoperative morbidity. A large definitive trial is needed to confirm or refute this and inform widespread clinical practice. The Optimisation of Perioperative Cardiovascular Management to Improve Surgical Outcome II (OPTIMISE II) trial is a multicentre, international, parallel group, open, randomised controlled trial. 2502 high-risk patients undergoing major elective gastrointestinal surgery will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio using minimisation to minimally invasive cardiac output monitoring to guide protocolised administration of intravenous fluid combined with low-dose inotrope infusion, or usual care. The trial intervention will be carried out during and for 4 hours after surgery. The primary outcome is postoperative infection of Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher within 30 days of randomisation. Participants and those delivering the intervention will not be blinded to treatment allocation however, outcome assessors will be blinded when feasible. Participant recruitment started in January 2017 and is scheduled to last 3 years, within 50 hospitals worldwide. The OPTIMISE II trial has been approved by the UK National Research Ethics Service and has been approved by responsible ethics committees in all participating countries. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a widely accessible peer-reviewed scientific journal. ISRCTN39653756 .
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2005
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 08-2003
DOI: 10.1108/09699980310489951
Abstract: Forecasting is an integral part of all business planning, and forecasting the outlook for housing is of interest to many firms in the housing construction sector. This research measures the performance of a number of industry forecasting bodies this is done to provide users with an indicator of the value of housing forecasting undertaken in Australia. The accuracy of housing commencement forecasts of three Australian organisations – the Housing Industry Association (HIA), the Indicative Planning Council for the Housing Industry (IPC) and BIS‐Shrapnel – is examined through the empirical analysis of their published forecasts supplemented by qualitative data in the form of opinions elicited from several industry “experts” employed in these organisations. Forecasting performance was determined by comparing the housing commencement forecast with the actual data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on an ex‐post basis. Although the forecasts cover different time periods, the level of accuracy is similar, at around 11‐13 per cent for four‐quarter‐ahead forecasts. In addition, national forecasts are more accurate than forecasts for in idual states. This is the first research that has investigated the accuracy of both private and public sector forecasting of housing construction in Australia. This allows users of the information to better understand the performance of various forecasting organisations.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 05-2020
Publisher: University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Date: 19-11-2012
Abstract: Capitalising useful knowledge for construction procurementselection (CPS) decisions would provide a valuable asset to clientorganisations, as the successful/unsuccessful experience wouldhelp decision-makers avoid the occurrence of similar errors andensure the most suitable procurement system is employed fora construction project. As a result, there is a need to examinethe potential for developing a knowledge management model tocapture and reuse experiential knowledge to guide CPS decisions.This paper begins by identifying a suitable approach for managingCPS knowledge. This is followed by a discussion of the knowledgerequired for CPS decision support. A prototype knowledgemanagementmodel is developed, using the case-based reasoning(CBR) approach, and a mechanism for the retrieval and reuse ofknowledge for guiding CPS decisions is elucidated. The resultsindicate that CBR is a suitable tool for formulating the procurementselection parameters and selecting a suitable procurementsystem for a construction project. This is primarily becausethe CBR approach is flexible enough to allow closely matchinghistoric cases to be retrieved as well as enabling the decisionmakerto adapt the proposed solution based on the predominantcharacteristics of the client, project and external environmentpertinent to the current project.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.WASMAN.2022.02.033
Abstract: The spatial distance of residents from potentially harmful facilities plays a vital role in shaping their perceptions of the facilities. Based on environmental psychology theories, such as the ripple effect, psychological typhoon eye effect, and marginal zone effect, two waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration plants in China's Zhejiang province are used as case studies to understand peoples' perceptions. Following a questionnaire survey of local residents, the results of a one-way ANOVA indicate a low acceptance of incinerators and a high level of perceived risk the impact of spatial distance on the local residents' level of perceived risk correspond to the marginal zone effect and the perception of economic benefits, trust, fairness, and acceptance of WTE incinerators have a ripple effect. Furthermore, the impact of spatial distance is effectively eliminated or alleviated by a range of community engagement approvals and various forms of economic compensation. These findings enrich the knowledge system related to environmental psychology research on NIMBY infrastructure projects and contribute toward better understanding of public psychology in order to provide a future reference for more efficient decision-making models.
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 18-01-2019
Abstract: The continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is an emerging institutional living arrangement for the increasing number of older Chinese and has attracted a variety of investors from different sectors in China. However, the development of this sector is still in its infancy and encounters various barriers. This paper aims to explore what hinders the development of the Chinese CCRC industry based on a comprehensive content analysis of news coverage retrieved from 14 major Chinese portal websites. Twenty-one barriers are identified, and they are closely related to the development and operation of CCRCs, government policies and industry management, and potential and current customers. Of all the barriers, the high risks involved in the delivery of CCRCs, lack of policy support, and affordability issue are the most frequently mentioned barriers relating to CCRC development and operation, government policies and industry management, and customers, respectively. These identified barriers call for close collaboration cross various CCRC stakeholders in order to ensure healthy development of the Chinese CCRC industry in the future. This study systemically explores the barriers hindering the development of the burgeoning Chinese CCRC sector, and its findings will benefit CCRC stakeholders and the Chinese CCRC industry in a number of ways.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 07-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-06-2023
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2002
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
Date: 07-10-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-03-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 11-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2002
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-08-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2008
Publisher: Thomas Telford Publishing
Date: 1995
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 04-2006
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 13-01-2012
DOI: 10.1108/14714171211197481
Abstract: The construction industry is well known for its high accident rate and many practitioners consider a preventative approach to be the most important means of bringing about improvements. The purpose of this paper is to address previous research and the weaknesses of existing preventative approaches and then to describe and illustrate a new application involving the use of a multi‐dimensional simulation tool – Construction Virtual Prototyping (CVP). A literature review was conducted to investigate previous studies of hazard identification and safety management and to develop the new approach. Due to weaknesses in current practice, the research study explored the use of computer simulation techniques to create virtual environments where users can explore and identify construction hazards. Specifically, virtual prototyping technology was deployed to develop typical construction scenarios in which unsafe or hazardous incidents occur. In a case study, the users' performance was evaluated based on their responses to incidents within the virtual environment and the effectiveness of the computer simulation system established though interviews with the safety project management team. The opinions and suggestions provided by the interviewees led to the initial conclusion that the simulation tool was useful in assisting the safety management team's hazard identification process during the early design stage. The paper introduces an innovative method to support the management team's reviews of construction site safety. The system utilises three‐dimensional modelling and four‐dimensional simulation of worker behaviour, a configuration that has previously not been employed in construction simulations. An illustration of the method's use is also provided, together with a consideration of its strengths and weaknesses.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2008
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 09-2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-05-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2017.07.058
Abstract: As a common source of environmental noise in China and many developing countries worldwide, construction work provokes many complaints and deterioration in acoustic climate quality. This paper describes research to obtain an improved understanding of people's community response to, and evaluation of, construction noise in three central cities of Zhejiang province, China. This involved carrying out a social survey using standard questionnaires developed by the International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise (ICBEN). A dose-response relationship model is established using a quadratic polynomial regression analysis based on construction noise exposure measurements from 40 construction sites in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou. The results of the study indicate that the majority of people have a negative attitude to construction noise the noise ranges between 60 dB and 80 dB (compared with 50 dB-70 dB traffic noise in Tianjin), with the percentage of highly annoyed people affected increasing from 15%-20% to 30%-40% over the range. There also different levels of annoyance depending on the time of day, and the location and activities of those affected. Other cultural differences are also apparent both between Ningbo/Wenzhou and the more urbane citizens of Hangzhou, and the Chinese people and their more noise-tolerant EU and Vietnam counterparts. The findings of this study provide a new perspective for the study of construction noise that can help local governments have an improved understanding of how residents react to construction noise for the purpose of selecting construction noise-mitigation projects and introducing construction noise-control regulations.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-1989
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-02-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-01-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-10-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-11-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2003
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-10-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 10-2017
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 12-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 19-06-2015
DOI: 10.3846/1648715X.2015.1029564
Abstract: Retirement villages are regarded as a viable accommodation option for the ever increasing ageing population in Australia. This paper aims to identify sustainability features and practices adopted in retirement villages and associated benefits to improve the life quality of older people. A case study of an existing retirement village 10 kms from Brisbane CBD was conducted involving a series of interviews with the village managers and residents together with documents relating to the village's operations and activities. The environmentally friendly features that were incorporated into the development mainly include green design for the site and floor plan and waste management in daily operation. More importantly, a variety of facilities are provided to strengthen the social engagement and interactions among the residents. Additionally, different daily services are provided to assist independent living and improve the health conditions of residents. Also, the relatively low vacancy rate in this village indicates that these sustainability features offer good value of money for the residents. The paper provides a first look at sustainable retirement villages in terms of triple bottom line sustainability with emphasis on social aspects, reveals the importance in maintaining an appropriate balance, and provides ex les of how this can be achieved in practice.
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 14-01-2022
Abstract: The adoption rate of new technologies is still relatively low in the construction industry, particularly for mitigating occupational safety and health (OSH) risks, which is traditionally a largely labor-intensive activity in developing countries, occupying ill-afforded non-productive management resources. However, understanding why this is the case is a relatively unresearched area in developing countries such as Malaysia. In aiming to help redress this situation, this study explored the major barriers involved, firstly by a detailed literature review to identify the main barriers h ering the adoption of new technologies for safety science and management in construction. Then, a questionnaire survey of Malaysian construction practitioners was used to prioritize these barriers. A factor analysis further identified six major dimensions underlying the barriers, relating to the lack of OSH regulations and legislation, technological limitations, lack of genuine organizational commitment, prohibitive costs, poor safety culture within the construction industry, and privacy and data security concerns. Taken together, the findings provide a valuable reference to assist industry practitioners and researchers regarding the critical barriers to the adoption of new technologies for construction safety management in Malaysia and other similar developing countries, and bridge the identified knowledge gap concerning the dimensionality of the barriers.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-09-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-05-2023
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 23-12-2015
DOI: 10.3846/1648715X.2015.1072858
Abstract: Real estate developers in China are using mergers and acquisitions (M& As) to ensure their survival and competitiveness. However, no suitable method is yet available to assess whether such M& As provide enhanced value for those involved. Using a hybrid method of data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Malmquist total factor productivity (TFP) indices, this paper evaluates the short and medium term effects of M& As on acquirers’ economic performance with a set of 32 M& A cases occurring during 2000–2011 in China. The results of the analysis show that M& As generally have a positive effect on acquirers’ economic performance. Acquisitions on average experienced a steady growth in developer Malmquist TFP, a more progressive adoption of technology immediately after acquisition, a slight short-term decrease in technical efficiency after acquisition but followed by a marked increase in the longer term once the integration and synergy benefits were realised. However, there is no evidence to show whether developers achieved any short or long term scale efficiency improvements after M& A. The findings of this study provide useful insights on developer M& A performance from an efficiency and productivity perspective.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.WASMAN.2016.07.039
Abstract: Forecasting construction waste generation is the yardstick of any effort by policy-makers, researchers, practitioners and the like to manage construction and demolition (C&D) waste. This paper develops and tests an S-curve model to indicate accumulative waste generation as a project progresses. Using 37,148 disposal records generated from 138 building projects in Hong Kong in four consecutive years from January 2011 to June 2015, a wide range of potential S-curve models are examined, and as a result, the formula that best fits the historical data set is found. The S-curve model is then further linked to project characteristics using artificial neural networks (ANNs) so that it can be used to forecast waste generation in future construction projects. It was found that, among the S-curve models, cumulative logistic distribution is the best formula to fit the historical data. Meanwhile, contract sum, location, public-private nature, and duration can be used to forecast construction waste generation. The study provides contractors with not only an S-curve model to forecast overall waste generation before a project commences, but also with a detailed baseline to benchmark and manage waste during the course of construction. The major contribution of this paper is to the body of knowledge in the field of construction waste generation forecasting. By examining it with an S-curve model, the study elevates construction waste management to a level equivalent to project cost management where the model has already been readily accepted as a standard tool.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-04-2023
DOI: 10.3390/BUILDINGS13040954
Abstract: Low-income housing plays an important, but frequently overlooked, role in energy use reduction. Barriers persist for low-income households to participate in energy efficiency programs and adopt efficient lifestyles. However, there has been only limited research into energy efficiency barriers faced by low-income households. Existing energy research studies primarily focus on homeowners whose demographic and socio-economic profiles are likely to be very different from low-income households or renters—limiting the applicability of previous findings to low-income households. This study aims to identify and evaluate the importance of the energy efficiency barriers faced by low-income households. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 212 low-income households in Australia. After randomly iding the data into calibration and validation s les, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the calibration s le identifies four energy efficiency barrier factors of financial, decision-making, information, and split incentives. These four factors are then validated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the validation s le in terms of goodness-of-fit, reliability, and validity to confirm financial as the most highly rated energy efficiency barrier. This research contributes to bridging the knowledge gap of the energy efficiency barriers of low-income households and providing a validated CFA model as a tool for assessment. The results provide a better understanding of the barriers involved and research evidence to facilitate the formulation of policies to overcome them.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-01-2023
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-1991
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.AAP.2011.06.002
Abstract: Many accidents occur world-wide in the use of construction plant and equipment, and safety training is considered by many to be one of the best approaches to their prevention. However, current safety training methods/tools are unable to provide trainees with the hands-on practice needed. Game technology-based safety training platforms have the potential to overcome this problem in a virtual environment. One such platform is described in this paper - its characteristics are analysed and its possible contribution to safety training identified. This is developed and tested by means of a case study involving three major pieces of construction plant, which successfully demonstrates that the platform can improve the process and performance of the safety training involved in their operation. This research not only presents a new and useful solution to the safety training of construction operations, but illustrates the potential use of advanced technologies in solving construction industry problems in general.
Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt
Date: 03-2004
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 26-02-2018
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to varied a conceptual model for e-Tendering readiness in any construction organisation prior of implementing e-Tendering system. Based on conceptual model called e-Tendering readiness model (e-TRM), this paper empirically examines the e-TRM’s interactions and causal relationships between e-Tendering constructs and e-Tendering readiness. The paper uses the structural equation modelling technique to test the hypothesised positive inter-relationships. A questionnaire survey is conducted for respondents of construction organisations in Saudi Arabia to understand their current e-Tendering readiness and importance of e-Tendering variables. Supported by empirical evidence, this paper recognised that three out of nine constructs have direct influences on the e-Tendering readiness. However, one of the constructs, which is for the first time hypothesised and tested has the most effect. Ultimately, the empirical test for the e-TRM is conducted in certain case (Saudi Arabia) however, the e-TRM needs to be tested in other case area for more verification. The study findings update previous information technology/information system models in construction by adding this tested model to the research literature on traditional and electronic tendering and the body of knowledge in the construction industry. The service providers construct is proposed and tested for the first time, which is necessary to support the successful e-Tendering implementation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-12-2020
Abstract: Searches for optical transients are usually performed with a cadence of days to weeks, optimized for supernova discovery. The optical fast transient sky is still largely unexplored, with only a few surveys to date having placed meaningful constraints on the detection of extragalactic transients evolving at sub-hour time-scales. Here, we present the results of deep searches for dim, minute-time-scale extragalactic fast transients using the Dark Energy Camera, a core facility of our all-wavelength and all-messenger Deeper, Wider, Faster programme. We used continuous 20 s exposures to systematically probe time-scales down to 1.17 min at magnitude limits g & 23 (AB), detecting hundreds of transient and variable sources. Nine candidates passed our strict criteria on duration and non-stellarity, all of which could be classified as flare stars based on deep multiband imaging. Searches for fast radio burst and gamma-ray counterparts during simultaneous multifacility observations yielded no counterparts to the optical transients. Also, no long-term variability was detected with pre-imaging and follow-up observations using the SkyMapper optical telescope. We place upper limits for minute-time-scale fast optical transient rates for a range of depths and time-scales. Finally, we demonstrate that optical g-band light-curve behaviour alone cannot discriminate between confirmed extragalactic fast transients such as prompt GRB flashes and Galactic stellar flares.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-1999
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-04-2015
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 11-07-2008
DOI: 10.1108/14714170810888967
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of applying non‐structural fuzzy decision support theory in modelling the negotiation between various participants with conflicting objectives so as to establish the optimum buffer stocks for a construction project. In view of the ergence in objectives between various decision makers when determining the amount of materials to be delivered to site, the concept of integrating the non‐structural fuzzy decision support system (NFDSS) to multi‐attribute decision making is reviewed. With the help of a case study ex le, the process involved in the NFDSS and the methodology of evaluation are illustrated. Finally, the paper proposes the use of the Nash criterion to measure the utility of various decision makers so as to identify an equilibrium solution on the quantity of materials to be supplied. The results indicate that the requisite number of on‐site stocks can be determined by referring to the utility of the parties involved in decision making. The NFDSS systematically evaluates each scenario under different affected factors such as cost, schedule, quality, safety, etc. Finally, a scenario utility is computed to establish the preference of each party. The paper is of value in showing how NFDSS can systematically analyse human judgements to generate relative weightings for the decision factors and elements. The NFDSS model can be applied to real‐world cases to determine the frequency of delivery and the amount of buffer stocks that would meet the interest of various project participants.
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 10-10-2018
Abstract: Construction cost and duration are two critical project indicators. It is acknowledged that these two indicators are closely dependent and highly uncertain due to various common factors and limited data for explanatory model calibration. However, the stochastic dependence underlying construction cost and duration is usually ignored and the subsequent probabilistic analysis can be misleading. In response, this study develops a Nataf distribution model of building cost and duration, in which the uncertainties of total cost, unit cost, and duration are respectively quantified by univariate distribution fitting, while their stochastic dependence is inferred by maximum likelihood estimation. This method is applied to the costs and durations of 77 China residential building projects completed between 2011 and 2016. The goodness of fit test illustrates that the data conform well to the developed model. The conditional distributions of cost and duration are then derived and the corresponding conditional expectations and variances are given. The results provide the distribution of building costs for a desired duration and the expected duration given a budget. This, together with the ability to update probabilities when new project information is available, confirms the potential of the proposed model to benefit precontract decision making from a risk perspective.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-1997
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-1997
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 09-2012
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 06-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-1993
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 09-10-2009
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-1996
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2001
Publisher: University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Date: 15-11-2020
Abstract: Despite the fast growth of project-based companies and industries, studies of the satisfaction-performance (S-P) nexus of project participants are lacking. This study aims to explore the role of contractor satisfaction in affecting contractor project management performance along with considering external effects from other key participants. Two broad dimensions of satisfaction toward noneconomic factors and economic factors were used to develop hypothesized models. Structural equation modelling techniques were applied with data collected from 117 projects, showing that it is insufficient to simply conclude that contractor satisfaction influences project managerial performance and vice versa, and that satisfaction disaggregation is necessary. Additionally, it was found that noneconomic satisfaction contributes to performance, which in turn contributes to economic satisfaction. The theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-1999
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-10-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2007
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 08-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-05-2022
Abstract: Construction megaprojects play a significant role in today’s infrastructure provision in terms of sustainable development, and their increasing proliferation worldwide means the environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) of those involved are becoming of vital importance. This study investigates how ERB can be best supported in megaprojects by first identifying the motivational factors that are involved based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), followed by a survey of 188 managers involved in China megaprojects to test the TPB model using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results strongly support the TPB model’s predictive ability, with subjective norms being the strongest predictors, followed by attitudes and perceived behavioral control. These findings provide support for decision makers in helping to cultivate and improve the level of megaproject ERB in China and many other such countries that are similarly involved.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
Date: 03-11-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-02-2020
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 04-2001
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
Date: 03-11-2014
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 02-06-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FNINS.2022.891772
Abstract: To increase the speed and efficiency of expressways construction, information management is being gradually introduced into the construction process. However, progress is limited due to the complexity of expressway engineering and application limitations of information technology. Design and delivery are still dominated by paper files, and the management of test and inspection data is still relatively extensive. Research to date into digital expressway construction has been piecemeal and fragmented with a lack of research related to the whole construction process and a data-centric information management system yet to be realized. In response, through literature research and semi-structured interviews, the framework of a data-driven digital whole-process highway construction management platform was determined. A whole process management platform was established according to the framework, and the functional application of the proposed platform was explained through a case. The framework is proposed from the perspective of the whole process of collaborative sharing., which provides a new way of thinking to solve the problems existing in the current field of expressway construction whole-process management. It also provides data-centric management, electronic design and delivery, a refined workflow, and an efficient management process.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-11-2019
DOI: 10.3390/SU11226473
Abstract: The building envelope plays a significant role in the energy performance of buildings and windows are a key element in transmitting heating and cooling between the indoor and outdoor environment, and hence an adequate window system is one of the most important retrofit strategies of existing buildings for energy conservation. Therefore, this study presents a method with a theoretical case study to examine the improvement of energy efficiency in a typical high-rise residential building through window retrofitting. A building energy design model in Designbuilder along with a building information modeling (BIM) model in Revit are developed, with 20 common potential glazing alternatives being analyzed to predict the potential energy savings in the same case building with identical orientation located in a variety of climate zones in China. Based on different parameters and considerations, the results demonstrated that the currently relatively expensive low-e window glazing has the best energy performance in all climate zones, but is sufficiently close to conventionally glazed windows in its energy efficiency to discourage its adoption at present, and that, instead, a single dark conventional glazed window is preferred in a hot summer/warm winter climate, double dark traditional glazing in a hot summer/cold winter climate, and a double clear conventional window in a cold climate. Based on the simulated results, an indicative suggestion was provided to select an adequate window system for residential building retrofitting in the studied climates or similar climatic regions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-1994
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 05-10-2012
DOI: 10.1108/14714171211272207
Abstract: Rehearsing practical site operations is without doubt one of the most effective methods for minimising planning mistakes, because of the learning that takes place during the rehearsal activity. However, real rehearsal is not a practical solution for on‐site construction activities, as it not only involves a considerable amount of cost but can also have adverse environmental implications. One approach to overcoming this is by the use of virtual rehearsals. The purpose of this paper is to investigate an approach to simulation of the motion of cranes in order to test the feasibility of associated construction sequencing and generate construction schedules for review and visualisation. The paper describes a system involving two technologies, virtual prototyping (VP) and four‐dimensional (4D) simulation, to assist construction planners in testing the sequence of construction activities when mobile cranes are involved. The system consists of five modules, comprising input, database, equipment, process and output, and is capable of detecting potential collisions. A real‐world trial is described in which the system was tested and validated. Feedback from the planners involved in the trial indicated that they found the system to be useful in its present form and that they would welcome its further development into a fully automated platform for validating construction sequencing decisions. The tool has the potential to provide a cost‐effective means of improving construction planning. However, it is limited at present to the specific case of crane movement under special consideration. This paper presents a large‐scale, real life case of applying VP technology in planning construction processes and activities.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 04-05-2020
DOI: 10.1108/JEDT-02-2020-0037
Abstract: Corruption continues to be a pervasive stain on the construction industry in developing countries worldwide, jeopardising project performance and with wide-ranging negative implications for all facets of society. As such, this study aims to identify and analyse the causes of corruption in the construction sector of an emerging economy such as Malaysia, as it is crucial to uncover the specific facilitating factors involved to devise effective counter strategies. Following a detailed literature review, 18 causes of corruption are identified. The results of an opinion survey within the Malaysian construction industry are further reported to rank and analyse the causes. The factor analysis technique is then applied to uncover the principal factors involved. The results indicate that all the considered causes are perceived to be significant, with the most critical causes being avarice, relationships between parties, lack of ethical standards, an intense competitive nature and the involvement of a large amount of money. A factor analysis reveals four major causal dimensions of these causes, comprising the unique nature of the construction industry and the extensive competition involved unscrupulous leadership, culture and corruption perception a flawed legal system and lack of accountability and ineffective enforcement and an inefficient official bureaucracy. The study presents the Malaysian construction industry’s view of the causes of corruption. Therefore, the arguments made in the study are influenced by the social, economic and cultural settings of Malaysia, which may limit generalisation of the findings. This paper helps stakeholders understand the root causes and underlying dimensions of corruption in the construction industry, especially in Malaysia. Recommendations for changing cultures that may be conducive to corrupt practices, and anti-corruption measures, are suggested based on the findings of the research. These findings can guide practitioners and researchers in addressing the impediments that give rise to the vulnerability of the construction industry to corrupt practices and understanding the “red flags” in project delivery.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1155/2014/919054
Abstract: With many developed countries experiencing the aging of the population, older people play a large role in contributing to environmental problems but also to environmental solutions. The purpose of this research is to understand the awareness and behavior of current older people living in retirement villages towards sustainability development. To achieve this, a sustainability literacy survey was conducted with 65 older residents of a private retirement village located 10 Km outside the Brisbane, Australia’s central business district (CBD). Most of residents recognized the importance of environment protection and would like to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. In addition, the majority were willing to pay higher prices for a living environment with sustainable features. The importance of positive social communications was emphasized with most residents having established good relationships with others in the village. The findings provide an important insight into consumer perspectives regarding the sustainable features that should and can be incorporated into the village planning and development.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 02-2023
Publisher: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Date: 08-2020
Abstract: Sustainable buildings are regarded as one of the most effective approaches to saving resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable development. In the absence of prior research, Delphi as a group model-building approach for building a system dynamics model is appropriate for capturing the knowledge of construction professionals to identify the relationship between procurement systems and sustainable building success by facilitating efficient group communication. The concepts of the Delphi method were reviewed. Two rounds of Delphi questionnaires were carried out to identify the causal relationships between procurement system variables, critical success factors and success criteria. A causal-loop diagram was built based on the results of the two rounds of Delphi study this will serve as a basis for building a system dynamics model of sustainable building success in a future study. The results show that some critical success factors related to sustainable building in Hong Kong include ‘market planning/business case for sustainability as sustainable objectives’ ‘top management commitment and support’ ‘sustainable strategic planning’ ‘green timing: early evaluation and adoption of sustainability considerations’ and ‘training and education’.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 06-2005
DOI: 10.1108/09699980510600125
Abstract: The purpose is to report the results of research on ascertaining whether the various stakeholders in construction projects can adequately cope with the stresses they are confronting. Thirty‐three stressors covering various aspects of project implementation, such as organisation policies, working relationships, communication and personal factors, are identified and the manageability of the common stressors faced by management of construction projects in Hong Kong is assessed by means of a questionnaire survey. The relationships among in idual stressors are similarly examined. The extent to which stress effects combine and accumulate when related stressors coexist is also considered. It is shown that the most difficult stressors to manage are “bureaucracy”, “lack of opportunity to learn new skills”, “work‐family conflicts” and “different view from superiors”. The results also revealed that the patterns of stress manageability differ between clients, consultants and contractors. The relationships among in idual stressors are similarly examined. The extent to which stress effects combine and accumulate when related stressors coexist is also considered. The research reported constitutes a significant step towards the understanding and management of potentially stressful situations and their influence on the efficiency and effectiveness of construction industry participants.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2001
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-775-6.CH021
Abstract: Delivering infrastructure projects involves many stakeholders. Their responsibilities and authorities vary over the course of the project lifecycle - from establishing the project parameters and performance requirements, to operating and maintaining the completed infrastructure. To ensure the successful delivery of infrastructure projects, it is important for the project management team to identify and manage the stakeholders and their requirements. This chapter discusses the management of stakeholders in delivering infrastructure projects, from their conception to completion. It includes managing the stakeholders for project selection and involving them to improve project constructability, operability and maintainability
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-09-2019
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-2005
DOI: 10.1108/13664380580001063
Abstract: The electrical distribution industry in South‐East Queensland is currently experiencing a period of rapid change as growth in the region far exceeds what could have been reasonably forecasted 10 years ago. It is due to this growth and the capacity requirements of customers that all distribution entities are significantly building up their program of works to meet this demand. Whilst this increased work is providing supply to the public, there is some uncertainty over the effects of this on the quality of the associated management involved due to the correspondingly increased amount of time and attention needed. Of especial concern is the extent to which effective project risk management is currently conducted or even possible under these circumstances. The research reported in this paper aimed to shed some light in this situation by capturing the ‘real world’ experiences, with respect to the risk management skills and application of those managers involved, and identify any deficiencies in current practice. This involved a questionnaire survey in 2004 of a s le of forty‐six project managers, representing a thirty‐one percent response rate, within the electrical distribution industry in South‐East Queensland. Surprisingly, in view of the supposed unusual local circumstances involved, the results agree substantially with previous studies of actual risk management practices generally in that there is an underutilisation of risk management due to manager’s concerns about the time and resources needed, together with a desire for a more thorough assessment of risks by means of a formal risk management process.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 31-01-2023
DOI: 10.1155/2023/7818070
Abstract: The building sector is the second-largest energy consumer in China. With the proposal to reach a carbon peak by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, China attaches more importance to the energy conservation and emission reduction of the residential sector. To study the connection between socioeconomic factors and residential energy consumption (REC), this paper collects the data of 13 prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2001 to 2019 to explore the REC impact factors by the STIRPAT model. The factors for modeling are identified from relevant studies and weighted by the independent weight coefficient method (IWCM). The regression result shows that the average number of persons per household, per capita housing construction area, urbanization rate, and cooling degree days have a significant positive impact on REC, while a negative correlation is found between per capita housing construction area, residential water consumption, and residential liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption. Strategies of energy conservation and emission reduction in residential building sector are explored based on the demonstration of the future REC pattern evolution and the changes in its impact factors.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-05-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-03-2022
DOI: 10.3390/LAND11030403
Abstract: The objective of this study was to establish a satisfaction evaluation model of industrial heritage renewal by evaluating the performance of old industrial buildings after renewal, then judging the adaptability and accuracy of the transformation strategy and putting forward targeted improvement suggestions. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey and analyzed by the statistical package for social science (SPSS) software using a structural equation model (SEM) and importance–performance analysis (IPA). The results show that (1) history, culture, and placeness have the largest average satisfaction and a positive and significant impact on overall satisfaction (2) the building regeneration effect has a significant impact on overall satisfaction and (3) social influence, external environmental perception, and economic benefits have no significant effect on overall satisfaction, indicating the need to strengthen public participation for further research into environmental creation, market-based operation, and land conservation. This case study reflects the distinctive features of internationalization and localization, and provides an indication of local practice in China for world urban renewal and architectural heritage theories.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 05-05-2021
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2019-0539
Abstract: Service-oriented innovation economies are becoming the new trend for the construction industry. Benchmarking the quality management level of developed countries and improving quality management are also becoming necessities for promoting innovation in the economy. The purpose of this study is to analyse the internal relationships between the five enablers of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence model, based on a market-oriented strategy, to serve as a framework for managing and improving quality. Considering the different market environment and culture, this study refines the strategy enabler based on Zebal and Goodwin's (2011) Developing Country Market Orientation Scale, and builds a market-oriented EFQM Excellence model. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to analyse the results of a questionnaire survey of 683 China construction industry top enterprises to explore the internal relationships between the model's five enablers. (1) “Leadership” has a positive influence on “Market-Oriented Strategy”, “People” and “Partnerships and Resources” (2) “Market-Oriented Strategy” has positive influence on “Partnerships and Resources” (3) “People” has a low influence on “Processes, Products and Services” (4) “Partnerships and Resources” has a medium influence on “Processes, Products and Services” and (5) the relationships between “Market-Oriented Strategy” and “People”, “Partnerships and Resources” are not significant. This study refines the strategy enabler of the original EFQM Excellence model with Zebal and Goodwin's (2011) Developing Country Market Orientation Scale. It also develops a market-oriented EFQM Excellence model that is suitable for developing countries, and it tests the implicit relationships of its five new enablers in an innovation environment where cultural differences exist.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-02-2009
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 1994
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 10-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2012
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 02-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 1994
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-11-2021
DOI: 10.3390/BUILDINGS11120577
Abstract: With the rapid development of new technologies, such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT) and intelligent sensing, the traditional asphalt pavement construction quality evaluation method has been unable to meet the needs of road digital construction. At the same time, the development of such technologies enables a new management system for asphalt pavement construction. In this study, firstly, the dynamic quality monitoring system of asphalt concrete pavement is established by adopting the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, intelligent sensing, the IoT and 5G technology. This allows key technical indicators to be collected and transmitted for the whole process of asphalt mixture, which includes the mixing plant, transport vehicle, paving and compaction. Secondly, combined with AHP and the entropy weight (EW) method, the index combination weight is calculated. The comprehensive index for the pavement digital construction quality index (PCQ) is proposed to reflect the impact of monitoring indicators on pavement quality. An expert decision-making model is formed by using the improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm coupled with radial basis function neural network (RBF). Finally, the digital monitoring index and pavement performance index are connected to establish a full-time and multi-dimensional digital construction quality evaluation model. This study is verified by a database created from the digital monitoring data of pavement construction collected from a highway construction project. The system proposed in this study can accurately reflect the quality of pavement digital construction and solve the lag problem existing in the feedback of construction site.
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 24-02-2022
Abstract: To explore the law of megaproject social responsibility behavior (MSRB) among internal organizations under institutional pressure, this paper presents a theoretical and empirical study to investigate how institutional pressure affects MSRB through the mediating role of organizational social responsibility cognition and the mediating roles of the communication mechanism and relationship strength based on new institutional sociology. Based on a total of 147 responses from a broad questionnaire survey, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The research results show that institutional pressure has a promoting effect on MSRB, and organizational social responsibility cognition mediates the relationship between institutional pressure and MSRB. Additionally, the communication mechanism and relationship strength have no effect on the relationship between institutional pressures and MSRB. The research results provide a new theoretical foundation for the analysis of MSRB and practical suggestions for policymakers on the governance of MSRB.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2005
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 20-10-2022
Abstract: Previous studies demonstrate that rework can lead to more safety incidents. However, there is an inadequate understanding of how construction rework reduction measures may significantly decrease the likelihood of safety incidents in developing countries. To explore how construction organisations can integrate rework minimisation and safety management in practice, this study examines the effectiveness of the management strategies that can reduce rework and improve safety. Based on a two-stage detailed literature review of both rework- and safety-related studies, 13 managerial measures are recognised that are capable of jointly reducing rework and safety incidents for construction projects. A field survey involving construction professionals in Malaysia was used to analyse and rank these measures according to effectiveness indices for rework, safety and joint rework-safety management. Factor analysis yielded a two-factor solution comprising (1) project management best practices and (2) proactive competency management. It is suggested that the construction industry would benefit from simultaneously ameliorating the quality and safety performance of projects by adopting effective joint measures that are predominantly guided by process (best practices) and people (competency management) components.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-06-2020
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 04-2003
DOI: 10.1108/09699980310466596
Abstract: Provides results of a small, but representative, questionnaire survey of typical project managers, architects and building contractors concerning their views and experiences on a range of ethical issues surrounding construction industry activities. Most (90 per cent) subscribed to a professional code of ethics and many (45 per cent) had an ethical code of conduct in their employing organisations, with the majority (84 per cent) considering good ethical practice to be an important organisational goal. It was agreed by 93 per cent of the respondents that “business ethics” should be driven or governed by “personal ethics”, with 84 per cent of respondents stating that a balance of both the requirements of the client and the impact on the public should be maintained. No respondent was aware of any cases of employers attempting to force their employees to initiate, or participate in, unethical conduct. Despite this, all the respondents had witnessed or experienced some degree of unethical conduct, in the form of unfair conduct, negligence, conflict of interest, collusive tendering, fraud, confidentiality and propriety breach, bribery and violation of environmental ethics.
Publisher: University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Date: 09-12-2011
Abstract: This paper reports on a fully structured interview survey investigating the relationship between the learning climate of chartered quantity surveying practices and in idual learning styles, approaches to learning, ability, measures of length of service and the size of the quantity surveying organisation. The results indicate that the learning environment is generally supportive in terms of human support, but less supportive in terms of staff development systems as in iduals rise in the hierarchy of an organisation, their perception of its ability to provide an appropriate learning environment increases. Likewise, perceptions of human support and working practices within organisations increase significantly with length of time in the profession larger organisations have more advanced staff development systems but provide less human support and the learning environment both overall and in terms of working practices correlates positively with learning styles and approaches to learning.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-08-2023
DOI: 10.3390/SU151712969
Abstract: The gradual pace of climate change means that its awareness plays a particularly important role in encouraging support for its amelioration or adopting adaptive behavior. This case study involves an action research project that engages twelve urban planning-related professionals in the experience of immersive virtual reality (IVR) as a tool to improve awareness of the effects of climate change. Mobile LiDAR technology was used to digitally recreate urban models in which the participants could navigate a simulated inundated urban environment and interact with the virtual objects involved. Feedback from the participants indicated the IVR technology to be a potentially useful educational tool for both professionals and the community, offering unparalleled immersion and interaction for climate change awareness which, based on its unique attributes, could offer insights and understanding of the necessity for building resiliency into our living environments.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 04-07-2016
DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-07-2014-0032
Abstract: – China’s accelerated urbanisation leads directly to pressure on the urban environment. The purpose of this paper is to identify best practices involved in a real sustainable community projects for the experience to be replicated in future. – To explore the practical development experiences and technological applications, a case study was conducted, involving both document analysis and semi-structured interviews. – The findings identify the green technologies and strategies used in the project planning and design process. The social considerations of the project development are also recognised in providing comfort, convenience and safety for their residents. Furthermore, the research highlights the fact that sustainable communities can incur less operational costs compared with traditional ones and therefore provide a feasible option for clients with a greater capability for upfront investment. – The results of the research provide valuable references for developers in the development of sustainable communities in both China and other countries.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 08-2001
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-05-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2001
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-07-2018
DOI: 10.1002/NML.21330
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 06-2015
Publisher: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Date: 02-2013
Abstract: In the absence of a benchmarking mechanism specifically designed for local requirements and characteristics, a carbon dioxide footprint assessment and labelling scheme for construction materials is urgently needed to promote carbon dioxide reduction in the construction industry. This paper reports on a recent interview survey of 18 senior industry practitioners in Hong Kong to elicit their knowledge and opinions concerning the potential of such a carbon dioxide labelling scheme. The results of this research indicate the following. A well-designed carbon dioxide label could stimulate demand for low carbon dioxide construction materials. The assessment of carbon dioxide emissions should be extended to different stages of material lifecycles. The benchmarks for low carbon dioxide construction materials should be based on international standards but without sacrificing local integrity. Administration and monitoring of the carbon dioxide labelling scheme could be entrusted to an impartial and independent certification body. The implementation of any carbon dioxide labelling schemes should be on a voluntary basis. Cost, functionality, quality and durability are unlikely to be replaced by environmental considerations in the absence of any compelling incentives or penalties. There are difficulties in developing and operating a suitable scheme, particularly in view of the large data demands involved, reluctance in using low carbon dioxide materials and limited environmental awareness.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-08-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-11-2018
DOI: 10.3390/SU10114110
Abstract: The relatively low level of sustainability of major public projects has been subject to criticism by the community, increasing the pressure to incorporate the concept throughout the project lifecycle and the importance of understanding the perceptions of affected groups. The study undertook this task by compiling a list from the literature of the sustainability concerns that are associated with major public projects from their economic–social–environmental implications, identifying the relevant stakeholder groups in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and their levels of influence by interviews, and evaluating various sustainability objectives from a multi-stakeholder perspective via a questionnaire survey. The results were validated through a series of interviews with purposively selected experts. The study findings indicate the need for more consideration of social concerns in Guangdong province, the proper levels of public participation in Hong Kong in order to avoid excessive interruptions to the pace of project procurement, and that Macao may have to experience a relatively slow development of construction in order to balance the social/environmental requirements that are involved. These findings contribute to both the government and construction industry at large in delivering economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable major public projects in the Bay Area and China as a whole.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 2019
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 16-11-2012
DOI: 10.1108/20441241211280891
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of service of a South East Asian country's military facilities management organisation. An interview survey and questionnaire survey were used to obtain a description and summary of stakeholders’ expectations and the extent to which they were being satisfied by the services provided. The method provides a useful means of identifying and prioritising varying expectations between stakeholder groups and of indicating any mismatch in expectations in the management of military facilities. The development and use of a method to test and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the management of military facilities helps in providing better value for money. In addition to re‐affirming Parasuraman's overall dimensions of service expectation, the empirical summary of the stakeholders’ expectations obtained in this way is of practical value for the service provider in developing a strategy for expectation management. For the case studied, it is also apparent that although the current processes in service delivery are well understood by all involved stakeholders, there is a need for further improvement with regards to their expectation levels. It is also one of the very few reported studies on the management of military facilities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 02-06-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-1998
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2010
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 20-12-2014
DOI: 10.3846/13923730.2014.945952
Abstract: Identifying appropriate decision criteria and making optimal decisions in a structured way is a complex process. This paper presents an approach for doing this in the form of a hybrid Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Cybernetic Analytic Network Process (CANP) model for project manager selection. This involves the use of QFD to translate the owner's project management expectations into selection criteria and the CANP to weight the expectations and selection criteria. The supermatrix approach then prioritises the candidates with respect to the overall decision-making goal. A case study is used to demonstrate the use of the model in selecting a renovation project manager. This involves the development of 18 selection criteria in response to the owner's three main expectations of time, cost and quality.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2001
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.3390/EN13010017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2023
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 15-04-2020
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-10-2019-0581
Abstract: Teamwork in the construction industry has attracted much attention from both academic and industrial circles. Most importantly, improving team effectiveness will increase the likelihood of successful project delivery. Recognising the factors influencing team dynamics is important for enhanced team performance. Based on a detailed literature review, a survey questionnaire containing 10 aspects and 25 attributes of teamwork relevant to construction is used to collect feedback from Malaysian construction practitioners from client, consultant and contractor organisations to prioritise these hypothesised variables. The data are then subjected to reliability analysis, descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and frequencies), a one-s le t -test, the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and exploratory factor analysis. The significance of these aspects and attributes is then presented. The three most crucial aspects are “project performance”, “decision-making capability” and “problem-solving ability”. The most influential attributes are “effective communication between project team members”, “efficient team leadership”, “well-defined team responsibilities and roles”, “clear team goals and objectives” and “good collaboration between all project leaders”. The Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA reveals five attributes having statistically significant differences with respect to company size, namely “clear team goals and objectives”, “commitment to the project”, “adequate resources”, “team or task processes” and “creativity and innovation”. Six underlying dimensions are found, comprising (1) participative engagement and task commitment (2) team responsibility structure and accountability (3) culture of trust and respect (4) leader's skills and abilities (5) top management support and (6) synergic working environment. The identification of these dimensions for team effectiveness provides rigorous basis for formulating useful team-building strategies for integrating a collaborative environment among project stakeholders and consequently improving project performance. This paper bridges the identified knowledge gap concerning the dimensionality of teamwork attributes in construction-based setting and adds to existing knowledge of how team effectiveness can be leveraged to improve project performance in the construction management literature.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-10-2022
DOI: 10.3390/BUILDINGS12101731
Abstract: Resource misallocation (RM) refers to the existence of marginal output inequalities between different industries or companies in an economy. Prior studies of RM have mostly focused on effect analysis, construction industry structure upgrades, and organization management. However, these studies have been fragmented and unrelated. This paper analyzes the status quo, consequences, and emerging trends of RM research at the macroscopic level based on current problems and with the aim of exploring potential solutions. Drawing on grounded theory, a qualitative analysis using text-mining is used to analyze the characteristics of 124 RM-related papers. The results more comprehensively and systematically reveal that current RM research encompasses four major dimensions of sources and concepts, misallocation degree measurement and characterization, focused issues (field), and RM research deficiencies. Methods for measuring RM have also been developed from the simple proportional method to current mainstream methods (e.g., growth rate decomposition and variant substitution). We conclude that, in order for this discipline to thrive and effectively reduce RM, future research into RM should focus on core categories, especially the reform of market-oriented factors, transformation of government functions, construction industrial structure adjustment, and methods of income distribution. This systematic review provides a discipline oversight and uncovers necessary and potential research directions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-1993
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 02-2019
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1093/BJA/AEX185
Abstract: The incidence and impact of postoperative complications are poorly described. Failure-to-rescue, the rate of death following complications, is an important quality measure for perioperative care but has not been investigated across multiple health care systems. We analysed data collected during the International Surgical Outcomes Study, an international 7-day cohort study of adults undergoing elective inpatient surgery. Hospitals were ranked by quintiles according to surgical procedural volume (Q1 lowest to Q5 highest). For each quintile we assessed in-hospital complications rates, mortality, and failure-to-rescue. We repeated this analysis ranking hospitals by risk-adjusted complication rates (Q1 lowest to Q5 highest). A total of 44 814 patients from 474 hospitals in 27 low-, middle-, and high-income countries were available for analysis. Of these, 7508 (17%) developed one or more postoperative complication, with 207 deaths in hospital (0.5%), giving an overall failure-to-rescue rate of 2.8%. When hospitals were ranked in quintiles by procedural volume, we identified a three-fold variation in mortality (Q1: 0.6% vs Q5: 0.2%) and a two-fold variation in failure-to-rescue (Q1: 3.6% vs Q5: 1.7%). Ranking hospitals in quintiles by risk-adjusted complication rate further confirmed the presence of important variations in failure-to-rescue, indicating differences between hospitals in the risk of death among patients after they develop complications. Comparison of failure-to-rescue rates across health care systems suggests the presence of preventable postoperative deaths. Using such metrics, developing nations could benefit from a data-driven approach to quality improvement, which has proved effective in high-income countries.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-08-2012
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 20-12-2022
Abstract: Accidents and injuries continue to be major problems in the construction industry despite persistent endeavours over the years to improve health and safety management. Novel approaches using emerging technologies can enhance construction safety performance. Given their limited adoption and lack of empirical evidence in the context of developing countries, this paper examines the predictors influencing the successful adoption of safety technologies in the construction industry. Using a survey questionnaire involving 133 Malaysian construction professionals, the significance of the predictors is prioritised. A factor analysis is used to reduce the predictors involved into a fewer number of dimensions. The most influential predictors are presented. Four underlying dimensions of the surveyed predictors are uncovered, comprising organisational commitment/technology orientation, supporting technological attributes, personal perception erformance expectancy and government support. The rate of technology implementation to improve safety risk mitigation in construction is still limited. By taking cognisance of the critical influential predictors involved, the adoption level of safety technology could be raised. This paper bridges the identified knowledge gap regarding the dimensionality of safety technology adoption predictors in construction, with findings that shed new light on the factors influencing technology adoption in a developing country to stimulate technological innovations to streamline construction safety.
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 12-07-2016
DOI: 10.3846/13923730.2016.1204362
Abstract: Governments usually guarantee the amount of investment income to private sector partners to encourage their participation in Public-Private Partnership urban infrastructure development projects, with the ‘float return on investment guarantee’ being the main method in use by the Chinese government today. The current problems with the float return on investment guarantee are analysed and a guarantee approach with embedded motivatio nal behaviour is presented as an alternative. A pricing method option is then introduced as the motivation-embedded return guarantee has similar characteristics to real options. From this, a valuation model is developed that provides the basis of a new systematic method for calculating the government guarantee value.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
Publisher: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Date: 03-2014
Abstract: Public engagement is an essential process for major municipal infrastructure and construction projects as it serves to identify the interests and concerns of citizens before the planning and design are finalised and thus ensures the schemes are beneficial to all sectors of the community. However, the success of public engagement depends on a number of factors, not least the suitability of the engagement methods used, representativeness and activeness of participants, time pressure, financial constraint and so on. In Hong Kong, the community has experienced discontent with several major projects recently, suggesting the need to examine the effectiveness of its current public engagement mechanism. This paper reports the results of a series of interviews with a variety of stakeholders – indicating the need for a carefully considered public engagement plan to be established at the beginning to drive the process and more experienced people to lead and facilitate the engagement process.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2006
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 12-2001
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Date: 24-05-2019
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
Date: 2018
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 07-04-2023
Abstract: Construction defects are one of the primary causes of deficient quality performance and constantly yield project cost and schedule overruns mostly because of rework. This study aims to propose a new method for identifying a bespoke checklist of the most recurrent defects in residential construction work and their correlated causes as a basis for developing a framework for practical improvements in managing defect risks. A literature review was first used to ground the defects within the existing theory and develop a new framework for ranking the key defects involved. This was demonstrated and tested by an analysis of Queensland Building Construction Commission (QBCC) archival data for 42,000 reported defects in new Queensland residential buildings. A questionnaire survey of 427 construction practitioners from 37 trades was then conducted to determine their causes. The developed framework consists of preconditions for defective acts, defective supervision and organizational influences and is found to be suitable for analyzing the QBCC archives to rank the 20 most frequent defects. In the demonstration study, a questionnaire survey identified the highest frequency latent causes of defective acts to be workers taking shortcuts to complete tasks, workers’ lack of skill or knowledge level, challenges and limitations of technical constructability, and incorrect material supply the failure to correct a known problem and poor supervision for defective supervision and inadequate employee training, low managerial priority for quality and high time pressure and constraints for organizational influences. The method is a new approach to identifying the key defects in residential construction work and their correlated causes for developing bespoke checklists as an aid to in managing defect risks.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-10-2017
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-2000
DOI: 10.1108/EB021150
Abstract: The selection criteria for contractor pre‐qualification are characterized by the co‐existence of both quantitative and qualitative data. The qualitative data is non‐linear, uncertain and imprecise. An ideal decision support system for contractor pre‐qualification should have the ability of handling both quantitative and qualitative data, and of mapping the complicated non‐linear relationship of the selection criteria, such that rational and consistent decisions can be made. In this research paper, an artificial neural network model was developed to assist public clients identifying suitable contractors for tendering. The pre‐qualification criteria (variables) were identified for the model. One hundred and twelve real pre‐qualification cases were collected from civil engineering projects in Hong Kong, and 88 hypothetical pre‐qualification cases were also generated according to the ‘If‐then’ rules used by professionals in the pre‐qualification process. The results of the analysis totally comply with current practice (public developers in Hong Kong). Each pre‐qualification case consisted of input ratings for candidate contractors' attributes and their corresponding pre‐qualification decisions. The training of the neural network model was accomplished by using the developed program, in which a conjugate gradient descent algorithm was incorporated for improving the learning performance of the network. Cross‐validation was applied to estimate the generalization errors based on the ‘re‐s ling’ of training pairs. The case studies show that the artificial neural network model is suitable for mapping the complicated non‐linear relationship between contractors' attributes and their corresponding pre‐qualification (disqualification) decisions. The artificial neural network model can be concluded as an ideal alternative for performing the contractor pre‐qualification task.
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-5158-6.CH001
Abstract: This chapter provides a concise overview dealing with the theory and practice in Library and Information Science (LIS) research development in Asia-Oceania. It also provides the reader with an introduction to the sections and the in idual chapters of the book. The field of LIS has experienced significant growth, both in the number of LIS schools and research outputs, in recent years in the region. As a professional field, both theory and practice are viewed as equally important for the development of the LIS discipline. In this book, both theoretical as well as practical work in LIS research in Asia-Oceania region is presented.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-1988
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2006
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 10-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1057/JORS.2013.18
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2012
Publisher: WORLD SCIENTIFIC
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-2020
Abstract: Early decision-making and the prevention of construction safety risks are very important for the safety, quality, and cost of construction projects. In the field of construction safety risk management, in the face of a loose, chaotic, and huge information environments, how to design an efficient construction safety risk management decision support method has long been the focus of academic research. An effective approach to safety management is to structuralize safety risk knowledge, then identify and reuse it, and establish a scientific and systematic construction safety risk management decision system. Based on ontology and improved case-based reasoning (CBR) methods, this paper proposes a decision-making approach for construction safety risk management in which the reasoning process is improved by integrating a similarity algorithm and correlation algorithm. Compared to the traditional CBR approach in which only the similarity of information is considered, this method can avoid missing important correlated information by making inferences from multiple sources of information. Finally, the method is applied to the safety risks of subway construction for verification to show that the method is effective and easy to implement.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 06-2006
DOI: 10.1108/14714170610710659
Abstract: To operate successfully, a commercial organization must satisfy the everchanging demands of its clients, its owners, its employees and society as a whole. To do this, it must have a good understanding of its persona as perceived by its own members and the entities it deals with. This persona, or image an organization presents of itself, and the way in which it is perceived by its external environment and its internal members, is commonly referred to as its Corporate Culture (Deal and Kennedy, 1982 Silverzweig and Allen, 1976). The tangible aspects include corporate logos, uniforms and clothing, office layout, use of ‘in‐vogue’ technology and business processes, while behavioural indicators can include relative importance of social issues and norms such as time keeping, and adherence to prescribed procedures. This paper describes research within a single, large, Australian engineering, procurement and construction management consultancy aimed at identifying the form of its current corporate culture and the extent to which this is perceived to be appropriate by those involved. Using Quinn and Rohrbaugh’s (1983) Competing Values Framework, the overall cultural profile of the organization and dominant characteristic traits is determined through an in‐house electronic survey employing the Organizational Cultural Assessment Instrument. This indicated that the company has a dominant market‐oriented culture. In contrast, the most desired form was found to be the employee focused culture ‐ indicating a misalignment between what employees thought was needed and what was perceived to exist. This finding is considered in the light of recent reports identifying the detrimental effect of market‐oriented cultures, and the supporting role of employee focused cultures, in achieving construction project quality outcomes.
Publisher: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Date: 19-02-2020
Abstract: The success of sustainable buildings can help ease the adverse impact of climate change. For this reason, sustainable buildings are becoming a worldwide trend. While defining both critical success factors and success criteria is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable building success, very few studies have been conducted to identify the factors and criteria influencing the success of sustainable buildings. In this study, the structured questionnaire survey method was applied to identify the critical success factors for procuring sustainable building projects and success criteria for measuring the success of sustainable building projects in Hong Kong, China. The results show that top success criteria for sustainable buildings can be grouped into ‘success of traditional project performance’ ‘success of sustainability performance from an environmental, social and economic perspective’ and ‘participants’ satisfaction’. Meanwhile, a factor analysis reveals five principal component factor groups as ‘top management and team competence’ ‘project performance, continuous improvement and stakeholder benefits effectiveness’ ‘life-cycle process management effectiveness’ ‘integrated design and resource management effectiveness’ and ‘budget and risk control effectiveness’. The findings of this paper should help improve understanding of the criteria for measuring sustainable building success and the critical factors leading to the success of these criteria.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2007
Publisher: e-IPH Ltd.
Date: 07-08-2016
Abstract: The construction sector is an essential in providing physical development for nations to cater to the demand for infrastructures such as education, housing, and manufacturing. However, the adverse impact of the building sector on the environment has triggered a growing awareness of the sustainable approach. Green construction is becoming expected in every construction project, and Malaysia is developing a national pathway to sustainable construction. After a comprehensive literature review, this research used semi-structured face-to-face interviews with industry experts to explore the current practices. In the Malaysian context, the compliance with government policy and industry guidelines has been the primary push factors to deliver green projects. The most common barrier faced was the low level of knowledge and awareness of project stakeholders. This paper helps provide a basis for future research and increase stakeholder awareness of green construction in the Malaysian construction industry and beyond.© 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (icenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.Keywords: Green Building Green construction, Drivers, Barriers.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-08-2019
DOI: 10.3390/EN12153011
Abstract: This paper presents the first inclusive scientometric review of the economic areas of green building (GBE). The aim is to methodically examine and summarize the state-of-the-art of the GBE body of knowledge. To this end, this study analyses 1713 GBE-related bibliographic records retrieved from the Web of Science by using the quantitative method of knowledge mapping. The knowledge base, knowledge domain, and knowledge evolution of how they interacted with each other are explored using document co-citation analysis and keywords co-citation analysis of the existing body of literature. The research findings are informative in recognizing and interpreting the underlying structure and trends in GBE. A knowledge map provides a valuable and instructive understanding of the evolution and status quo of the GBE knowledge body, as well as assisting in recognizing the gaps and deficiencies involved. The results will help in understanding how GBE knowledge is evolving and its role played in green building, and thus provide suggestions of how academic research can enhance sustainability practices in terms of economic area in the future.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-1999
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-03-2019
Abstract: Frequent changes pervasively undermine project schedule performance. Despite voluminous research into project delays, however, the persistence of the problem demands that a systemic approach be adopted to investigate design change causation and to explore the efficacy of communications and knowledge as strategic project controls. Drawing on a hybrid research design, the critical variables are identified and mapped onto causal loop diagrams to enable practical holism. The findings indicate that effective project communications engenders collaborative team dynamics and collective learning, whereas project learning contributes to knowledge reuse and the improved expert judgment needed for transforming design change management and schedule control.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-1998
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 14-10-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-07-2017
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.12445
Abstract: The study investigates and compares the services available in different types of registered retirement villages in Queensland (QLD). A content analysis based on official websites of 175 registered villages in QLD, Australia, is presented. This study identifies 82 services, with activity organisation, emergency response, hairdressing and transportation being most frequently available to residents. The number of services available is associated with the village size and financial type, with residents living in large private villages having access to significantly more services. The research findings reveal the state of the art of current industry practice. They provide useful implications for stakeholders. For instance, residents who prefer to get access to various services should focus more on large private villages. Developers can check their service delivery environment to confirm its balance with residents' competencies. The government can propose innovative initiatives to promote the delivery of appropriate services in villages.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 09-2016
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-928-1.CH023
Abstract: Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a modern approach to the design, documentation, delivery, and life cycle management of buildings through the use of project information databases coupled with object-based parametric modeling. BIM has the potential to revolutionize the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in terms of the positive impact it may have on information flows, working relationships between project participants from different disciplines and the resulting benefits it may achieve through improvements to conventional methods. This chapter reviews the development of BIM, the extent to which BIM has been implemented in Australia, and the factors which have affected the up-take of BIM. More specifically, the objectives of this chapter are to investigate the adoption of BIM in the Australian AEC industry and factors that contribute towards the uptake (or non uptake) of BIM. These objectives are met by a review of the related literature in the first instance, followed by the presentation of the results of a 2007 postal questionnaire survey and telephone interviews of a random s le of professionals in the Australian AEC industry. The responses suggest that less than 25 percent of the s le had been involved in BIM – rather less than might be expected from reading the literature. Also, of those who have been involved with BIM, there has been very little interdisciplinary collaboration. The main barriers impeding the implementation of BIM widely across the Australian AEC industry are also identified. These were found to be primarily a lack of BIM expertise, lack of awareness and resistance to change. The benefits experienced as a result of using BIM are also discussed. These include improved design consistency, better coordination, cost savings, higher quality work, greater productivity and increased speed of delivery. In terms of conclusion, some suggestions are made concerning the underlying practical reasons for the slow up-take of BIM and the successes for those early adopters. Prospects for future improvement are discussed and proposals are also made for a large scale worldwide comparative study covering industry-wide participants.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2012
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
Date: 2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 02-2003
DOI: 10.1108/09699980310466532
Abstract: The financial management of the construction procurement process is dependent on the performance of the managers involved. This paper describes an analysis of pre‐tender building price forecasts (estimates) made by a Hong Kong consulting organisation for a series of 89 building projects from 1995 to 1997 to identify factors influencing the accuracy of the forecasts made for possible improvement in performance. This involved the consideration of two distinct sets of models, the purpose of which was: (1) to identify and explain the underlying systematic causes of errors and (2) to assist in improving the predictive ability of the forecasts. The analysis for (1) used ANOVA to detect significant differences between the errors grouped according to building size (value), building size (floor area), forecasting (estimating) method (approximate quantities and superficial), nature of the work (new build and alteration work), type of client and type of project. This was followed by a Gunner‐Skitmore price intensity theoretic analysis. For (2), MRA was used by using cross‐validation analysis to simulate the ex‐post errors.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2007
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1057/JORS.2012.29
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2010
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2016
Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
Date: 26-05-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt
Date: 03-2005
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 2022
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 2022
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-2005
DOI: 10.1108/14714170510815168
Abstract: It has been said that the effective performance of the Project Manager (PM) is the single most critical factor affecting successful project outcomes. Little is known, however, of the nature and extent of the hindrances to PM effectiveness in the Construction Industry (CI). This paper reports on the results of a worldwide survey of PMs concerning these issues and shows that they have the potential to be more effective and more productive in their working. Associated with this is a need to be more aware of progress and developments in the CI generally, more aware of progress and developments in their own organization, more delegation of contract administration tasks and more general administrative support. Also highlighted is the lengthy working hours of PMs.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-1997
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-08-2020-0626
Abstract: Neglecting to wear a safety helmet can result in serious injuries at construction sites, but the cause of such unsafe behavior has not been fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a means of systematically understanding on the causes of non-helmet use behaviors at construction sites. This paper utilizes the system dynamics (SD) modeling to portray the construction system works at project, management and in idual levels to understand the relative importance of safety climate and productivity pressures. A real-time helmet use behavior tracking system (the Eye on Project (EOP)) is developed to provide an objective record of helmet use practices. Using the data collected from the EOP, the proposed SD model can be calibrated to simulate the influence of safety climate and productivity pressures on the non-helmet use behaviors of construction workers. The data collected from 91 responses through the questionnaire survey were utilized to develop the SD model, which consists of two balancing loops and two reinforced loops. The mean absolute percentage error is further used to evaluate the model. The results show that a positive safety climate significantly reduced the rate of non-helmet use behavior. This study ided the primary contributors of non-helmet use behavior into three levels for the SD model development. The SD model can be used to develop policies for mitigating helmet misuse, which in turn improves the safety performance of construction sites.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 24-03-2021
DOI: 10.1093/BJS/ZNAB101
Abstract: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18–49, 50–69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351 best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733 best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840 best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 19-12-2022
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0854
Abstract: In the absence of previous work, this study investigates how the psychological contract (PC) influences the safety performance of construction workers in China. The literature is first consulted to obtain a set of PC and safety performance measures that fits the specific situation of construction workers, which is then moderated by five construction experts. A questionnaire survey of 206 workers from 4 different construction sites is followed by a descriptive statistical analysis of the nature of the PC and level of the safety performance of the respondents. Finally, a regression analysis is used to ascertain the level of influence of the PS, and an analysis is made of the influence of PC on safety performance. A set of PC and safety performance measures is identified that fits in the construction workers' specific situation. The PC of the respondents is found to be intact and well-performed, and their safety performance is maintained at a high level. Safety performance is highly influenced by the state of the PC, with the three dimensions of safety performance (safety result, safety compliance and safety participation) positively correlated with the three dimensions of the PC (normative, interpersonal and developmental). Suggestions are made to improve safety production management and safety performance by providing adequate material and economic conditions, helping the workers establish good interpersonal relationships and realize their personal values.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2007
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-08-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ANAE.15560
Abstract: We aimed to determine the impact of pre‐operative isolation on postoperative pulmonary complications after elective surgery during the global SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. We performed an international prospective cohort study including patients undergoing elective surgery in October 2020. Isolation was defined as the period before surgery during which patients did not leave their house or receive visitors from outside their household. The primary outcome was postoperative pulmonary complications, adjusted in multivariable models for measured confounders. Pre‐defined sub‐group analyses were performed for the primary outcome. A total of 96,454 patients from 114 countries were included and overall, 26,948 (27.9%) patients isolated before surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications were recorded in 1947 (2.0%) patients of which 227 (11.7%) were associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Patients who isolated pre‐operatively were older, had more respiratory comorbidities and were more commonly from areas of high SARS‐CoV‐2 incidence and high‐income countries. Although the overall rates of postoperative pulmonary complications were similar in those that isolated and those that did not (2.1% vs 2.0%, respectively), isolation was associated with higher rates of postoperative pulmonary complications after adjustment (adjusted OR 1.20, 95%CI 1.05–1.36, p = 0.005). Sensitivity analyses revealed no further differences when patients were categorised by: pre‐operative testing use of COVID‐19‐free pathways or community SARS‐CoV‐2 prevalence. The rate of postoperative pulmonary complications increased with periods of isolation longer than 3 days, with an OR (95%CI) at 4–7 days or ≥ 8 days of 1.25 (1.04–1.48), p = 0.015 and 1.31 (1.11–1.55), p = 0.001, respectively. Isolation before elective surgery might be associated with a small but clinically important increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Longer periods of isolation showed no reduction in the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. These findings have significant implications for global provision of elective surgical care.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-05-2018
DOI: 10.3390/SU10051639
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 28-07-2023
Abstract: With the increasing complexity of public–private partnership (PPP) projects, the amount of data generated during the construction process is massive. This paper aims to develop a new information management method to cope with the risk problems involved in dealing with such data, based on domain ontologies of the construction industry, to help manage PPP risks, share and reuse risk knowledge. Risk knowledge concepts are acquired and summarized through PPP failure cases and an extensive literature review to establish a domain framework for risk knowledge using ontology technology to help manage PPP risks. The results indicate that the risk ontology is capable of capturing key concepts and relationships involved in managing PPP risks and can be used to facilitate knowledge reuse and storage beneficial to risk management. The classes in the risk knowledge ontology model constructed in this research do not yet cover all the information in PPP project risks and need to be further extended. Moreover, only the framework and basic methods needed are developed, while the construction of a working ontology model and the relationship between implicit and explicit knowledge is a complicated process that requires repeated modifications and evaluations before it can be implemented. The ontology provides a basis for turning PPP risk information into risk knowledge to allow the effective sharing and communication of project risks between different project stakeholders. It can also have the potential to help reduce the dependence on subjectivity by mining, using and storing tacit knowledge in the risk management process. The apparent suitability of the nine classes of PPP risk knowledge (project model, risk type, risk occurrence stage, risk source, risk consequence, risk likelihood, risk carrier, risk management measures and risk case) is identified, and the proposed construction method and steps for a complete domain ontology for PPP risk management are unique. A combination of criteria- and task-based evaluations is also developed for assessing the PPP risk ontology for the first time.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-11-2021
DOI: 10.3390/SU132313108
Abstract: With the rapid development of public-private-partnership (PPP) urban rail transit (URT) projects in China, their social responsibility (SR) is considered to provide a useful way of guaranteeing passengers’ rights and to help urban sustainable development. However, what remains largely unknown is how passengers’ perceptions of the SR effort of such projects’ influences their satisfaction. To bridge this knowledge gap, the current study first proposes a conceptual model based on social responsibility and satisfaction theories. Hypotheses are then tested through bootstrapping analysis based on data drawn from a questionnaire survey of 436 residents from three typical PPP URT projects. The results show that the relationship between the passengers’ perceived SR effort and their satisfaction with PPP URT projects is sequentially and doubly mediated by perceived quality and perceived value. The findings contribute to the current body of knowledge in social responsibility and user satisfaction by introducing passenger-perceived SR effort as an antecedent factor, and offer valuable practical and managerial implications for the projects’ operation management to help promote urban sustainability.
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-775-6.CH021
Abstract: Delivering infrastructure projects involves many stakeholders. Their responsibilities and authorities vary over the course of the project lifecycle - from establishing the project parameters and performance requirements, to operating and maintaining the completed infrastructure. To ensure the successful delivery of infrastructure projects, it is important for the project management team to identify and manage the stakeholders and their requirements. This chapter discusses the management of stakeholders in delivering infrastructure projects, from their conception to completion. It includes managing the stakeholders for project selection and involving them to improve project constructability, operability and maintainability
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 28-04-2014
Abstract: – This paper aims to identify the critical issues to be considered by developers and practitioners when embarking on their first green residential retirement project in Australia. With an increasingly ageing population and widespread acceptance of the need for sustainable development in Australia, the demand for green retirement villages is increasing. – In view of the lack of adequate historical data for quantitative analysis, a case study approach is used to examine the successful delivery of green retirement villages. Face-to-face interviews and document analyses were conducted for data collection. – The findings of the study indicate that one of the major obstacles to the provision of affordable green retirement villages is the higher initial costs involved. However, positive aspects were identified, the most significant of which relate to the innovative design of site and floor plans adoption of thermally efficient building materials orientation of windows installation of water harvesting and recycling systems, water conservation fittings and appliances and waste management during the construction stage. With the adoption of these measures, it is believed that sustainable retirement development can be achieved without significant additional capital costs. – The research findings serve as a guide for developers in decision-making throughout the project life-cycle when introducing green features into the provision of affordable retirement accommodation. – This paper provides insights into the means by which affordable green residential retirement projects for aged people can be successfully completed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-08-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ANAE.15563
Abstract: SARS‐CoV‐2 has been associated with an increased rate of venous thromboembolism in critically ill patients. Since surgical patients are already at higher risk of venous thromboembolism than general populations, this study aimed to determine if patients with peri‐operative or prior SARS‐CoV‐2 were at further increased risk of venous thromboembolism. We conducted a planned sub‐study and analysis from an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study of elective and emergency patients undergoing surgery during October 2020. Patients from all surgical specialties were included. The primary outcome measure was venous thromboembolism (pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis) within 30 days of surgery. SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnosis was defined as peri‐operative (7 days before to 30 days after surgery) recent (1–6 weeks before surgery) previous (≥7 weeks before surgery) or none. Information on prophylaxis regimens or pre‐operative anti‐coagulation for baseline comorbidities was not available. Postoperative venous thromboembolism rate was 0.5% (666/123,591) in patients without SARS‐CoV‐2 2.2% (50/2317) in patients with peri‐operative SARS‐CoV‐2 1.6% (15/953) in patients with recent SARS‐CoV‐2 and 1.0% (11/1148) in patients with previous SARS‐CoV‐2. After adjustment for confounding factors, patients with peri‐operative (adjusted odds ratio 1.5 (95%CI 1.1–2.0)) and recent SARS‐CoV‐2 (1.9 (95%CI 1.2–3.3)) remained at higher risk of venous thromboembolism, with a borderline finding in previous SARS‐CoV‐2 (1.7 (95%CI 0.9–3.0)). Overall, venous thromboembolism was independently associated with 30‐day mortality (5.4 (95%CI 4.3–6.7)). In patients with SARS‐CoV‐2, mortality without venous thromboembolism was 7.4% (319/4342) and with venous thromboembolism was 40.8% (31/76). Patients undergoing surgery with peri‐operative or recent SARS‐CoV‐2 appear to be at increased risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism compared with patients with no history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Optimal venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment are unknown in this cohort of patients, and these data should be interpreted accordingly.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: College Publishing
Date: 06-2022
DOI: 10.3992/JGB.17.3.259
Abstract: The traditional construction industry has a significant and far-reaching impact on the environment, economy, and society. Green-certified buildings, with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), DGNB (Deutsches Gütesiegel Nachhaltiges Bauen), or other certifications during the design stage, have great potential for increasing the effective use of resources and energy, reducing pollution, etc., and so their number has increased greatly in recent years. The post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of green buildings involves assessing whether they meet expected performance during the in-use phase and comprises four steps: (i) carrying out the research purpose/goal (ii) determining the research objectives (iii) conducting data collection, analysis, and visualization and (iv) obtaining the results and drawing conclusions. However, there is a lack of reviews of POE research and analysis of reasons for actual performance gaps. In response and through a comprehensive literature review/analysis, this article summarizes the actual performance gaps of various greencertified projects, analyzes the reasons for failures, and proposes potential solutions. It is found that 74%, 12%, and 14% of the projects perform better, similar, and worse, respectively, than their non-green counterparts. Future POE green building projects can be optimized from the perspective of the building, user, and POE system. To optimize green building actual performance, it is important to ensure the sufficient education of installation and maintenance personnel and occupants’ green behavior, while interior design and decoration, the impact of user demographics, and POE performance indicators are key factors to be considered in green building design strategies and lifecycle evaluation systems.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 07-2012
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-06-2020
DOI: 10.1002/BJS.11746
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 31-08-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-03-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-1996
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-02-2019
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 08-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2002
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 06-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2009
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-08-2010
DOI: 10.1108/13664381011063430
Abstract: The paper aims to explore the key competitiveness indicators (KCIs) that provide the guidelines for helping new real estate developers (REDs) achieve competitiveness during their inception stage in which the organisations start their business. The research was conducted using a combination of various methods. A literature review was undertaken to provide a proper theoretical understanding of organisational competitiveness within RED's activities and developed a framework of competitiveness indicators (CIs) for REDs. The Delphi forecasting method is employed to investigate a group of 20 experts' perception on the relative importance between CIs. The results show that the KCIs of new REDs are capital operation capability, entrepreneurship, land reserve capability, high sales revenue from the first real estate development project, and innovation capability. The five KCIs of new REDs are new. In practical terms, the examination of these KCIs would help the business managers of new REDs to effectively plan their business by focusing their efforts on these key indicators. The KCIs can also help REDs provide theoretical constructs of the knowledge base on organisational competitiveness from a dynamic perspective, and assist in providing valuable experiences and in formulating feasible strategies for survival and growth.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 10-08-2021
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2019-0132
Abstract: The objective of this research is to develop a decision method that can generate appropriate risk response strategies for international construction project managers (PMs) and allow these strategies to reflect their different risk preferences. The optimal model approach is adopted. A credibility-based fuzzy chance constrained programming (CFCCP) model is developed, which simultaneously minimizes the expected losses of risk events and total costs of risk response. To solve this multi-objective model, a fuzzy interactive solution method is used. Moreover, the model performance is demonstrated by a real international industrial plant project. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the model is conducted. The result of the sensitivity analysis indicates that PMs with a greater risk aversion can lead to a higher mitigation ratio of expected losses of risk events and a higher total cost of risk response. This research provides contractors with an effective decision-making model to develop a project risk response plan, and it will assist contractors to minimize risk losses and enhance the project performance in the international construction market. Previous studies overlook the risk preference, which is an important behavioral factor influencing decisions in risk response strategy selection. This research proposed a novel risk response strategy selection decision method that considers different attitudes toward risk among decision makers.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 05-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-03-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ANAE.15458
Abstract: Peri‐operative SARS‐CoV‐2 infection increases postoperative mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal duration of planned delay before surgery in patients who have had SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study included patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery during October 2020. Surgical patients with pre‐operative SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were compared with those without previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The primary outcome measure was 30‐day postoperative mortality. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted 30‐day mortality rates stratified by time from diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection to surgery. Among 140,231 patients (116 countries), 3127 patients (2.2%) had a pre‐operative SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnosis. Adjusted 30‐day mortality in patients without SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was 1.5% (95%CI 1.4–1.5). In patients with a pre‐operative SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnosis, mortality was increased in patients having surgery within 0–2 weeks, 3–4 weeks and 5–6 weeks of the diagnosis (odds ratio (95%CI) 4.1 (3.3–4.8), 3.9 (2.6–5.1) and 3.6 (2.0–5.2), respectively). Surgery performed ≥ 7 weeks after SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnosis was associated with a similar mortality risk to baseline (odds ratio (95%CI) 1.5 (0.9–2.1)). After a ≥ 7 week delay in undertaking surgery following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, patients with ongoing symptoms had a higher mortality than patients whose symptoms had resolved or who had been asymptomatic (6.0% (95%CI 3.2–8.7) vs. 2.4% (95%CI 1.4–3.4) vs. 1.3% (95%CI 0.6–2.0), respectively). Where possible, surgery should be delayed for at least 7 weeks following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Patients with ongoing symptoms ≥ 7 weeks from diagnosis may benefit from further delay.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 1994
DOI: 10.1109/17.286323
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 22-08-2019
Abstract: As a result of growing complexities in the construction industry, system dynamics modeling (SDM) has been increasingly used in construction management (CM) research to explore complicated causal relationships at the various levels of construction and management processes. Given the rapid growth of SDM applications over the past two decades, a systematic review is needed to ascertain the state of the art and further trends in the area. This paper provides the results of a systematic analysis of 103 papers from 41 selected peer-reviewed journals from 1997 to 2016. The contributions of the papers are first analyzed, structured and formulated in terms of the year of publication, software involved, the combined use with other methods, and research design. With the assistance of the a keyword co-occurrence network analysis, eight research topics involving different internal and external complexities are identified, including: (1) sustainability, (2) project planning and control, (3) performance and effectiveness, (4) strategic management, (5) site and resource management, (6) risk analysis and management, (7) knowledge management, and (8) organization and stakeholder management. The analysis results reveal the pivotal role of SDM in streamlining different complicated casual relationships at the activity, project, and industry levels across the eight topics and its significant potential in uncovering the impact of complicated contextual conditions on project planning and control, effectiveness and performance, strategic management, and sustainability at the project and industry levels. Lastly, trends and recommendations for SDM applications are provided for future CM research. This paper provides a state of the art of SDM in CM applications and insights into opportunities and useful references for the future.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-07-2019
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ORGLETT.9B01838
Abstract: The first approaches to the 10'-anthronyl-2-anthraquinone skeleton have been devised, allowing two syntheses of the marine natural product albopunctatone. Both routes involve regioselective addition of a nucleophilic masked anthraquinone to a protected chrysazin derivative the best affords albopunctatone in five steps and 35% overall yield. Albopunctatone exhibits potent inhibitory activity against
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-11-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 22-02-2013
DOI: 10.1108/09699981311303026
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide a new type of entry mode decision‐making model for construction enterprises involved in international business. A hybrid method combining analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) is used to aid entry mode decisions. The AHP is used to decompose the entry mode problem into several dimensions and determine the weight of each criterion. In addition, PROMETHEE method is used to rank candidate entry modes and carry out sensitivity analyses. The proposed decision‐making method is demonstrated to be a suitable approach to resolve the entry mode selection decision problem. The research provides practitioners with a more systematic decision framework and a more precise decision method. The paper sheds light on the further development of entry strategies for international construction markets. It not only introduces a new decision‐making model for entry mode decision making, but also provides a conceptual framework with five determinants for a construction company entry mode selection based on the unique properties of the construction industry.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-11-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2006
Publisher: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Date: 11-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 03-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-07-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2015
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 11-06-2018
DOI: 10.1155/2018/3690302
Abstract: Deciding whether bid for the construction project is classic risk-based decision-making that is crucial to the survival and prosperousness of construction companies. More contractors are adopting group bidding decision-making to reduce the number of incorrect decisions. However, previous related studies mainly focus on project factors that overlook the members of bidding groups and the interaction between bidding group members. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to investigate the potential factors that influence group bidding decision-making for construction projects. Twenty factors relating to in idual, group, and organizational levels are identified through a literature review and interviews with experienced practitioners. A questionnaire survey of 203 Chinese international contractors is conducted to obtain the importance of the factors involved. The results of the ranking analysis indicate 14 critical factors, among which “risk perception” and “team decision preference” are regarded as the two most significant. Moreover, 20 factors can be classified into five groupings: (1) values and strategic goals, (2) collaboration and learning orientation, (3) consensus reaching, (4) risk awareness, and (5) empowerment and development, with risk awareness having an especially strong influence. This research deepens the understanding of factors belonging to different organizational levels that need to be highlighted during the group bidding decision-making process and provides strategies for bidding groups and their companies to improve their decision performance.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 2010
Publisher: Ital Publication
Date: 30-11-2018
Abstract: The occurrence and severity of risks are directly associated with the project factors, and in the case of determining a logical and significant correlation between project factors and risks, the final conditions of the project based on the initial and definite project factors can be predicted. In this research, a final list of 112 risks was prepared using the views of experts. Then, the risks’ weight was determined based on their impact on time and cost and according to the repetition of each risk in the earlier studies, as well as the use of 630industry experts using online web-based forms. Afterwards, 21 project factors that could affect the probability of occurrence and severity of risks related to time and cost were identified, and these factors were prioritized for each risk using the views of 25 experts. Then, applying the Pareto Principle, 14 project factors were identified. In all 4cases, including calculating the weight of risks in the technical literature as well as the experts’ views by time and cost, 14 selected factors were the same, but the weight and effects were different. The results indicate that considering these factors, the risks of time and cost increase from the initial estimate can be accurately predicted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1992
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 29-09-2022
Abstract: In the 21st Century, the construction industry regards green building as an important breakthrough to achieve sustainable development, and energy-saving retrofits of residential buildings has been conducted globally with China no exception. In order to better understand consumers’ attitudes and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for green retrofits and identify the shortcomings of the industry’s development, this study designs a retrofit scheme and organizes a questionnaire survey to collect feedback of responds from the Pearl River Delta, China regarding their WTP for energy-saving retrofits of residential buildings and their decision factors. The study identifies a retrofit cost of $517.92 and found that 94.29% of respondents had the intention of green reconstruction. The results of a Pearson correlation analysis and one-way ANOVA show the professional background of respondents and their WTP to be negatively correlated, while education level, perceived value, perceived behavior control, and feelings of the surrounding reference group are positively correlated with participants’ expected inputs. Of all the factors considered, the level of education and feelings of the surrounding reference group influence budget most significantly. The findings will help property developers and the government to design better marketing strategies and launch corresponding policies, thereby promoting the development of the green building industry.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2000
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-03-2007
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 20-04-2010
DOI: 10.1108/14714171011037174
Abstract: Building project management (BPM) requires effective coordination and collaboration between multiple project team organisations which can be achieved by real time information flow between all participants. In the present scenario, this can be achieved by the use of information communication technologies (ICT). The purpose of this paper is to present part of a research project conducted to study the causal relationships between factors affecting ICT adoption for BPM by small and medium enterprises. This paper discusses structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis conducted to test the causal relationships between quantitative factors. Data for quantitative analysis were gathered through a questionnaire survey conducted in the Indian construction industry. SEM analysis results help in demonstrating that an increased and matured use of ICT for general administration within the organisation would lead to: an improved ICT infrastructure within the organisation development of electronic databases and a staff that is confident of using information technology (IT) tools. In such a scenario, staff would use advanced software and IT technologies for project management (PM) processes and that would lead to an increased adoption of ICT for PM processes. But, for general administration also, ICT adoption would be enhanced if the organisation is interacting more with geographically separated agencies and senior management perceives that significant benefits would accrue by adoption of ICT. All the factors are inter‐related and their effect cannot be maximized in isolation. The results provide direction to building project managers for strategically adopting the effective use of ICT within their organisations and for BPM in general.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 25-11-2020
DOI: 10.1155/2020/8866511
Abstract: With the rapid growth of the construction industry in China in recent years, its impact on society and the environment is increasing, as well as the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). In order to understand the CSR awareness and CSR practices of Chinese domestic construction enterprises, this study conducted a comprehensive content analysis of the CSR reports of China’s leading 100 domestic construction enterprises. The results show that the Chinese construction industry’s CSR awareness is generally poor and CRS practices mainly involve corporate governance, environmental management, occupational health and development, economic responsibility, community development, and overseas responsibility. State-owned enterprises are more concerned with community responsibility, while private enterprises pay more attention to economic and employee development. These findings not only reveal the CSR awareness and CSR practices of Chinese domestic construction enterprises but also provide practical implications for construction enterprises in other countries to integrate CSR into their corporate governance system and strengthen their CSR practices.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 10-03-2014
DOI: 10.3846/13923730.2013.802705
Abstract: Subcontractors contribute significantly to construction projects and their performance can seriously affect over-all project success. It is crucial, therefore, to appraise the performance of subcontractors to ensure they satisfy the client's expectations and project requirements. To increase the transparency and accuracy of subcontractor appraisal, the baseline and target performance levels should be set at the outset so that the appraisers and those being appraised realize exactly what standards are to be achieved. The balanced scorecard, being a powerful tool for performance appraisal, offers a potentially good approach for modeling the subcontractor appraisal process. In this paper, an approach to developing a balanced scorecard subcontractor appraisal model is proposed and demonstrated through a questionnaire survey administered in Hong Kong and from which the baseline and target performance levels for large-scale skilled subcontractors are identified. A case ex le is used to illustrate the operation of the model. Finally, a means by which the model may be validated is demonstrated through the use of field experts. The results demonstrate the feasibility of developing a balanced scorecard model that can help improve the transparency of subcontractor appraisal despite the baseline and target performance levels changing according to the project characteristics, subcontractor categories and size.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 27-10-2022
Abstract: Cost overruns are a ubiquitous feature of construction projects, and realistic budgeting at the development stage plays a significant role in their control. However, the application of existing models to budgeting for power plant projects is restricted by the limited amount of project-specific cost data available. This study overcomes this by using a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) approach involving mixed methods of website visits, document study, and expert opinion to predict the amount of project cost (PC) and cost contingency (CC) needed to cover probable cost increases by the use of models containing readily available project attributes and national economic parameters at the project development stage. The modeling process is demonstrated and tested with a case study involving 58 Bangladeshi power plant projects – producing average absolute errors ranging from 0.7% to 1.7% and enabling project cost, inflation rate, and GDP to be identified as significant factors affecting PC and CC modeling. The approach can be applied to predict the PC during preliminary budgeting and selecting a project type and location aligned to the country’s economic status and policy-making strategies, thus facilitating further investment decisions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2011
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 12-05-2020
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-06-2019-0321
Abstract: Cultural differences between employees of different nationalities are hindering the development of some transnational joint ventures. Describing and modelling the positive (or negative) factors that cause joint venture employees to accept (or reject) joint management business practices is of great value to all corporations operating abroad with locally sourced employees. This study uses a Sino-Japan construction joint venture project as a representative case study. First, structural equation modelling is used to identify the factors influencing Chinese employees' acceptance of joint venture management practices. Then, a system dynamics model is adopted to simulate the time-dependent effects of the incentives. The study results (1) indicate which incentives strongly affect employee acceptance of joint venture management practices (2) identify inefficient management practices in cross-cultural joint ventures and (3) provide evidence that the employees' perceptions of clear purpose, good working relationships and helpful mechanisms positively and directly also support their acceptance of joint management practices. –A dynamic simulation method is used to analyse the influence of various incentive factors on employee acceptance of joint management. This provides unprecedented information regarding how these factors interact with each other, hence how their effectiveness varies (both positively and negatively) over time. Further findings also provide new ideas for joint venture managers to adopt more effective management methods.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 20-04-2022
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-03-2020-0182
Abstract: In China, external supervision on construction safety mainly comes from the government and supervision engineers (SEs). However, the construction safety supervisory mechanism (CSSM) contains some dilemmas affecting the improvement of safety performance, such as the declining impact of SEs, the increasing rent-seeking behaviors of contractor and excessive government interference. This study aims to depict and analyze the CSSM in China from an evolutionary game view. The objectives are to understand the supervision strategy and evolutionary behaviors of different stakeholders, propose suggestions for improving safety performance and help the key safety supervision stakeholders, especially the government, formulate a suitable safety supervision strategy. This research uses tripartite dynamic evolutionary game theory to study the CSSM in China and solve the stable equilibrium solution using system dynamics. This study has revealed the game relationship of construction safety supervision mechanisms in China and solved the stable equilibrium solution. The results prove that a supervision engineer (SE) plays a crucial role in the CSSM, and “supervision engineer useless” is an unreasonable assertion. For government supervision agency (GSA), excessive inspection and free-market regulation are neither wise strategies. GSA can reduce the inspection frequency when general contractors (GCs) input high safety investments and SEs implement responsible supervision. But keeping proper government supervision to avoid GC's unlawful behaviors and SE's rent-seeking is indispensable. In addition, excessive governmental supervision will weaken SE's role, so the government should transfer some supervision powers to SE. This study focuses on the dynamic evolution process between GSA, GC and SE. This method is different from most research that neglected the dynamic characteristic of system and game solution stability. The research methods not only contribute to construction safety supervision policy-making in China but also help to improve supervision efficiency in other countries and other fields.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2002
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-12-2020
DOI: 10.3390/APP10248809
Abstract: Compared to non-megaprojects, megaprojects are often more complex and riskier, and construction employees are thus susceptible to a higher level of psychosocial hazards, which adversely affect their psychosocial health and safety performance. The psychosocial safety climate evaluates the employees’ perceived level of psychosocial health and safety of the workplace and reveals the causes of psychosocial hazards that need to be addressed it is, therefore, of great significance to determine whether the psychosocial safety climate (PSC) of megaprojects is different from that of non-megaprojects. A questionnaire survey is described involving 10 megaprojects and 143 non-megaprojects in China. The results show that, contrary to expectations, the psychosocial safety climate of megaprojects is significantly better than that of non-megaprojects. Compared with those of non-megaprojects, the employees of megaprojects have a higher common perception of the organization’s emphasis on psychosocial health and safety-related policies, procedures, and behavioral practices in work processes. This research, for the first time, demonstrates and tests the use of the psychosocial safety climate scale (PSC-12) for measuring the construction industry’s PSC, provides insights for understanding the psychosocial safety climate of megaprojects, and serves as a reference for organizational management to intervene in employees’ psychosocial health and correct unsafe behaviors. It also contributes to theoretical research and the measurement standards of psychological safety in megaprojects.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1111/CWE.12277
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 07-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-12-2016-0255
Abstract: A comparison of international construction labour productivity (CLP) is carried out by the conventional use of exchange rates to convert national construction output to a common base currency. Such measurement is always distorted by price-level differences between countries and therefore the purpose of this paper is to adopt a purchasing power parities (PPPs) approach, which eliminates price-level differences, as an alternative means of comparing CLP. PPP construction expenditure data from the World Bank’s International Comparison Programme 2011 and employment statistics maintained by the International Labour Organization are used to generate the CLP of 93 matching economies. A one-way analysis of variance is conducted to evaluate the relationship between the development status and the CLPs. The CLPs of developed economies are higher than developing economies in both PPPs (real) and exchange rate (nominal) measurements. The real CLPs are always higher than nominal CLP in high-income, upper-middle-income, lower-middle-income and low-income economies. Both real and nominal CLPs converge along with the economic growth. The average figures used in the study may not always be the most representative statistics. The CLPs determined provide an initial approximation for comparison between different economies to gain further insights into the best practices and policies for the more successful economies. Future research is recommended to uncover the underlying factors of CLPs congruence. The convergence of real and nominal CLPs when economies transit from a developing to developed status indicates that the construction product has transformed from a commonly understood non-internationally traded product to an internationally traded product.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 30-09-2022
DOI: 10.1155/2022/5398706
Abstract: China is experiencing the rapid development of infrastructure projects throughout the country, especially in the Guangdong-Hong Kong SAR-Macao SAR Greater Bay Area. This is placing the Chinese construction industry under tremendous pressure to transition to a sustainability orientation due to the various economic, social, and environmental challenges involved. The transition to more sustainable infrastructure projects requires the involvement of more stakeholders, while the multistakeholder context is of less importance when making project decisions, and this may create an adverse effect on the sustainability level of infrastructure projects. Based on the questionnaire data collected, this study addresses this issue by comparatively analysing stakeholder perceptions of sustainable infrastructure delivery between Guangdong province, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR. Through independent s le t -tests, the disparity in perceptions between paired stakeholder groups in the Greater Bay Area (as a whole) is revealed. Three pairs, i.e., government department and supervising engineers, owners and designers, and supervising engineers and operators, are found to be the most conflicting, while contractors and supervising engineers are the least. Of the 18 sustainability items analysed, shaped local identity and international reputation (SOC, social factor 8) is the most controversial, while value-for-money of the proposed project during its lifecycle (EOC, economic factor 5) and green design and construction (ENV, environmental factor 2) have the greatest consensus towards their roles in achieving project sustainability. Significantly, different stakeholder perceptions between the three are also identified, and the contractor group is found to share the least consensus geographically, while the operators have the least conflict rating of the relevant importance of various sustainability factors. The thorough analysis of sustainability-related items of economy, society, and environment contributes to understanding the attitudes of the various stakeholder groups involved, which then helps reduce their conflicts during sustainable infrastructure delivery.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2013
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 02-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2001
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-08-2019
DOI: 10.3390/SU11164439
Abstract: It is rather difficult for the stakeholders to understand and implement the resilience concept and principles in the infrastructure asset management paradigm, as it demands quality data, holistic information integration and competent data analytics capabilities to identify infrastructure vulnerabilities, evaluate and predict infrastructure adaptabilities to different hazards, as well as to make damage restoration and resilience improvement strategies and plans. To meet the stakeholder’s urgent needs, this paper proposes an information elicitation and analytical framework for resilient infrastructure asset management. The framework is devised by leveraging the best practices and processes of integrated infrastructure asset management and resilience management in the literature, synergizing the common elements and critical concepts of the two paradigms, ingesting the state-of-the-art interconnected infrastructure systems resilience analytical approaches, and eliciting expert judgments to iteratively improve the derived framework. To facilitate the stakeholders in implementing the framework, two use case studies are given in this paper, depicting the detailed workflow for information integration and resilience analytics in infrastructure asset management. The derived framework is expected to provide an operational basis to the quantitative resilience management of civil infrastructure assets, which could also be used to enhance community resilience.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-04-2018
Abstract: As a viable housing option for older people, retirement villages need to provide a sustainable living environment that satisfies their residents’ needs in terms of affordability, lifestyle and environmental friendliness. This is, however, a significant challenge for not-for-profit developers because of the high upfront costs involved in using sustainable practices. The purpose of this paper is to identify the sustainable features and practices adopted in not-for-profit retirement villages. Because of the lack of quantitative historical data, a case study approach was adopted to identify the sustainable features and practices used in a not-for-profit retirement village in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Data were collected based on interviews, direct observation and documentation, and collected data were analysed by using content analysis. The research findings indicate that similar to private developers, not-for-profit developers also have the capability to make their village environment sustainable. In this case, the sustainable practices cover various aspects including the selection of village location, site planning, provision of facilities and services, social life and living costs. Although the associated costs of adopting sustainable features is a concern for both developers and residents, some of the identified sustainable practices in this case do not result in significant cost increase but can improve the residents’ quality of life substantially. The research findings provide a number of practical implications on how to deliver sustainable retirement villages in a not-for-profit village setting. This paper provides a first look at sustainable features and practices adopted in both the development and operation stages of a not-for-profit retirement village.
Publisher: University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Date: 06-03-2022
Abstract: Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in fostering quality education. This paper examines the attributes that influence student learning experiences in a quantity surveying (QS) programme in a Malaysian private HEI and uncovers the underlying factors involved. The significance of these attributes as recognised by the students, obtained through a questionnaire survey, are subsequently presented. The findings reveal that the five most important attributes are closely related to the lecturer, namely the lecturer’s preparedness, responsiveness, interpersonal and communication skills, clarity and academic experiences. An exploratory factor analysis identifies the five major underlying factors to be the quality of academic learning to relate to professionalism and competency of lecturers, quality of academic services and support facilities, interpersonal connections and external considerations, curriculum structure and physical environment and facilities. Understanding these factors could help HEIs to devise effective strategies to enhance the quality of service and programme in higher education, which can result in a greater impact on the effectiveness of contemporary QS education and the reputation of the HEI as well as fostering student satisfaction and loyalty.
Publisher: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Date: 12-2016
Abstract: Developing major infrastructure and construction (MIC) projects is complicated, since it involves multifaceted policy issues. As a result, appropriate participatory mechanisms have been increasingly employed to improve the legitimacy of the project decision process. Yet it cannot always guarantee a mutually acceptable solution since the expectations and requirements of multiple stakeholders involved can be erse and even conflicting. Overcoming this necessitates a thorough identification and careful analysis of the expectations of various stakeholder groups in MIC projects. On the other hand, though most project stakeholder concerns are consistent across the globe, contextual differences may lead to erse priority levels being attached to these factors. This research, therefore, aimed to examine the perceptual differences between paired stakeholder groups from mainland China mega-cities and Hong Kong in rating their concerns over MIC projects. The research findings are expected to benefit both the Central Government of China and the Government of Hong Kong SAR for coping better with the rapid expansion of MIC projects in the territory and the increasing expectations of social equality, and therefore achieving the much desired harmonious development of the community.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 12-07-2022
Abstract: Malaysia’s industrialised building system (IBS) has been increasingly adopted for sustainable development by the country’s construction industry. However, although it has been used for commercial building projects, its application to sustainable infrastructure development has been limited to date. This study aims to examine the drivers and challenges involved. A preliminary conceptual framework was initially developed based on a systematic literature review. Semi-structured interviews involving 20 participants were undertaken to gain insightful thoughts from the construction practitioners to discover the perception towards IBS application in the construction industry, the applicability of IBS, particularly in infrastructure projects, the strategies of IBS delivery and the sustainable potential of its application. A two-round Delphi study was conducted with 15 experienced and knowledgeable panellists to further identify, verify and prioritise factors developed from the literature review and interview findings. Then, the results were synthesised and triangulated to demonstrate a holistic insight. The results show the main drivers to be better productivity, quality, environmental, safety and health, constructability design and cost, policy and requirements, with the main challenges being project planning and cost-related issues, inexperience and industry capacity. The study’s main contribution is in systematically determining the practical implications involved in applying the IBS to sustainable infrastructure developments in Malaysia and other similar developing countries.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-11-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-1992
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-08-2020
DOI: 10.3390/SU12176829
Abstract: With the continuous progress of urbanization, the discharge of municipal solid waste has profoundly affected human production/living and social ecological health, and waste disposal has become one of the key issues all over the world. In the context of intelligent technology, this paper innovates the way of waste disposal according to the development direction of a smart city and the requirement of sustainable development strategy. An intelligent urban waste removal system is developed using a ROS (Route Operation System) robot operating system and RRT (Rapid Exploration of Random Trees) path planning algorithm. With a background of data management, the entire process of intelligent automatic waste removal is triggered by automatic communication from in idual waste bins to a waste collection vehicle (WCV) where the bin needs to be emptied, and the automatic collection and transportation by the WCV in response. In combination with the IoT (Internet of Things), the system provides scientific data support for the intelligent layout of communities and even urban waste bins to greatly enhance the development of intelligence communities and smart cities.
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Date: 2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-08-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2000
Publisher: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Date: 19-06-2012
DOI: 10.3846/1648715X.2011.638945
Abstract: China today is experiencing a time when housing is needed more than ever and one approach satisfying this need is by industrialization – a streamlined process aimed at generating profits and promoting energy efficiency in the housing sectors. Although large housing programs have been completed in China, few housing projects have been built in an industrialized manner. One contributing factor is that industrialization is not omnipotent and, just as a coin has two sides, not all the outcomes of industrialization are beneficial. In this paper, a preliminary assessment is made of these two sides – the benefits and hindrances of industrialized housing in China – by literature review and survey. Case studies are used to verify the questionnaire survey results and from which the advantages and disadvantages involved are compared. The findings indicate the need for formulating policies to encourage industrialized housing in China and for well-planned R& D themes to be implemented simultaneously with industry practices in the near future.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-06-2021
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2021-0091
Abstract: Quantity surveying is a profession that blends engineering, construction and economics. To be competent is to have the ability to apply the set of related knowledge, skills and abilities to perform a task effectively. This paper examines the competency requirements for quantity surveyors (QSs) in the face of changing and increasing client needs. Based on a detailed meta-analysis of the literature, 12 basic/core and 16 evolving competencies are identified. Primary data were gathered through a field survey involving practicing QSs from client, consultant and contractor organisations, and university students undertaking QS programmes in Malaysia. The data obtained were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The significance of the basic/core and evolving competencies are presented. Overall, the most important contemporary skills are cost planning, valuation of works, measurement/quantification and contract documentation. The evolved roles require expertise in communication and negotiation, ethics and professional conduct and value management. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates there are misaligned expectations of the proficiency levels needed to provide contemporary and future services between practitioners in client/consultant organisations, contractors and new generation students. The findings provide guidance on the education, training and practice of quantity surveying to deal with emerging challenges in the dynamic built environments in Malaysia and beyond.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 11-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-10-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2004
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.1109/17.913169
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 25-07-2021
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-05-2020-0288
Abstract: Many large construction firms (LCFs) adopt product ersification (PD) to counter downturns and spread risks. However, no detailed information is available concerning the type of PD that improves their performance. In addition, it is still uncertain how much changes in institutional dimensions influence the effectiveness of PD. Therefore, the aim is to resolve this issue by establishing a model that shows the extent of this influence. The generalised method of moments (GMM) estimator is used to model the PD strategies of 86 LCFs in Malaysia over 14 years (2003–2016) and its impact on productivity and profitability performance. Unrelated ersification (UD) decreased firm performance in 2003–2016, while related ersification (RD) had a positive impact during the more liberal 2010–2016 phase. The models show that the impact of PD is highly dependent on changes in institutional dimensions. Firstly, managers may adjust the type of PD and its level of ersification to improve firm performance. Secondly, they may devise PD strategies based on changes in institutional dimensions to maximise their effectiveness. The study contributes to the literature by determining the optimal amount of PD (including RD and UD) and its impact on performance. Secondly, the study is the first to investigate the moderating relationship of the institutional dimensions of economic and regulatory institutions on PD-firm performance. Thirdly, the study is the first to explore the components of technical-scale-scope economies (movement towards and around the production frontier), this being crucial to the strategy that was only conjectured in previous studies.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-08-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.12153
Abstract: Facilities in retirement villages form a supportive environment for older residents. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the provision of these facilities in retirement villages, which are regarded as a viable accommodation option for the increasing ageing population in Australia. A content analysis of facilities in 124 retirement villages operated by 22 developers in Queensland and South Australia was conducted. The most widely provided facilities are community centres, libraries, barbeque facilities, hairdressers/salons and billiards/snooker ool tables. Commercial operators provide more facilities than not-for-profit organisations, and larger retirement villages normally have more facilities due to the economies of scale involved. The results of the study provide a useful reference for providing facilities within retirement villages that may support the quality lifestyles of older residents.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 11-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-04-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-1999
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 10-2002
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-1992
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 1997
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 25-09-2019
DOI: 10.1155/2019/1426139
Abstract: Megaprojects usually involve an alarmingly large number of stakeholders that form a complicated social network and lead to significant relationship risks to client/owners. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out megaproject risk management from a sociological point of view. Based on a case study of the Zhuhai Port, which connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macao, this paper analyzes the relationship risk between stakeholders and corresponding risk management strategies using social network analysis (SNA). The findings show that stakeholders with a lower density and higher centrality in the network have comparatively a lower relationship risk. Different stakeholders should choose appropriate partners to improve their centrality, reduce the network density to increase their ability to access resources, and enhance their influence and independence in the network. For megaproject client/owners, identifying and monitoring key stakeholders is the key to effective relationship risk governance. The findings provide a number of practical implications for relationship risk management and further demonstrate the importance of stakeholder teamwork, particularly for megaprojects.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-09-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2013
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 04-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2001
Publisher: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Date: 06-2017
Abstract: The Chinese construction industry is one of the biggest and most important in the world but is infamous for its relatively low efficiency and profitability. Building information modelling (BIM) has been introduced to improve the industry's efficiency, with strong commitment by the government and mandatory adoption in some localities. However, take up in China is very slow, and the reasons for this have received little systematic study to date. This paper describes a survey of 136 owners, designers and contractors aimed at systematically and comprehensively analysing the barriers involved by examining and comparing the perceptions of these three stakeholder groups. The results indicate that owners have limited understanding of BIM except for its three-dimensional visualisation and clash-detection capabilities designers are predominantly concerned with the uncertain amount of return of investment in the technology and contractors are worried about having to change their mode of operation. The conflicting perceptions of BIM implementation barriers between the three groups are identified, along with key issues such as the need for qualified BIM professionals capable of operating the software and managing construction as well as coordinating the team members.
Publisher: University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Date: 18-11-2012
Abstract: Despite its obvious theoretical benefits, there has been some reservations regarding the practical implementation of Value Management (VM) for construction projects. In particular, these concerns the extra time and costs involved in conducting VM in relation to the actual benefits gained as a consequence of its use. This paper provides the result of an interview survey of the experiences and observations of 17 professionals working in the property and construction industry to establish the extent to which this is an issue. The main conclusion is that the process is working well, with VM being popular among those with experience in its use - which has been extended into the area of consultant selection. However, in contrast with the prescriptive literature, much of the participants' experiences appear to be more concerned with VM's contribution to the identification and management of the risks involved in project delivery than the straight value-for-money aspects. This may be due to the higher levels of uncertainty involved in construction work than in VM's original use in construction.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-06-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2002
Publisher: College Publishing
Date: 03-2016
Abstract: Office buildings constitute a significant proportion of the non-residential building stock. In recent years, various rating tools have been developed to foster green office building development. The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has developed the Green Star - Office rating tools for this purpose. There are an increasing number of stakeholders adopting these tools to showcase their efforts in sustainable development. This research focuses on the challenges and barriers in obtaining GBCA ratings in Australian Office buildings. To accomplish this, the scoring sheets from the rating of 264 certified office buildings were collected and critically analysed. The findings indicated that credits related to the attributes of innovation, ecology and energy are comparatively difficult to achieve. It was also found in this study that a large number of projects did not apply for the specific credits of refrigerant global warming potential, re-use of façade, topsoil and fill removal from site, and in idual comfort control. This study provides a useful reference to both the property developer and the Green Building Council of Australia for green building developments in the future. In particular, the findings provide useful inputs to the development of the next generation of green building rating tools.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJSO.2017.08.002
Abstract: Previous research suggests that patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal surgery are at high risk of poor postoperative outcomes. The aim of our study was to describe patient outcomes after elective upper gastrointestinal surgery at a global level. Prospective analysis of data collected during an international seven-day cohort study of 474 hospitals in 27 countries. Patients undergoing elective upper gastrointestinal surgery were recruited. Outcome measures were in-hospital complications and mortality at 30-days. Results are presented as n(%) and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. 2139 patients were included, of whom 498 (23.2%) developed one or more postoperative complications, with 30 deaths (1.4%). Patients with complications had longer median hospital stay 11 (6-18) days vs. 5 (2-10) days. Infectious complications were most frequent, affecting 368 (17.2%) patients. 328 (15.3%) patients were admitted to critical care postoperatively, of whom 161 (49.1%) developed a complication with 14 deaths (4.3%). In a multivariable logistic regression model we identified age (OR 1.02 [1.01-1.03]), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III (OR 2.12 [1.44-3.16]) and IV (OR 3.23 [1.72-6.09]), surgery for cancer (OR 1.63 [1.27-2.11]), open procedure (OR 1.40 [1.10-1.78]), intermediate surgery (OR 1.75 [1.12-2.81]) and major surgery (OR 2.65 [1.72-4.23]) as independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Patients undergoing major surgery for upper gastrointestinal cancer experienced twice the rate of complications compared to those undergoing other procedures (224/578 patients [38.8%] versus 274/1561 patients [17.6%]). Complications and death are common after upper gastrointestinal surgery. Patients undergoing major surgery for cancer are at greatest risk.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2008
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 14-12-2021
DOI: 10.1108/JPIF-08-2021-0071
Abstract: The purpose is to examine the risk management processes and methods used in determining project feasibility in the early stages of the property development process by Australia/New Zealand property developers, including Monte Carlo simulation, Bayesian models and real option theory embedded in long-term property development and investment decision-making as instruments for providing flexibility and managing risk, uncertainty and change. A questionnaire survey of 225 Australian and New Zealand trader developers, development managers, investors, valuers, fund managers and government/charities/other relating to Australia/New Zealand property development companies' decision-making processes in the early stages of the development process prior to site acquisition or project commencement – the methods used and confidence in their organisations' ability to both identify and manage the risks involved. Few of the organisations s led use sophisticated methods those organisations that are more likely to use such methods for conducting risk analysis include development organisations that undertake large projects, use more risk analysis methods and have more layers in their project approval process. Decision-makers have a high level of confidence in their organisation's ability to both identify and manage the risks involved, although this is not mirrored in their actual risk management processes. Although the majority of property developers have a risk management plan, less than half have implemented it, and a third need improvement. Property development organisations should incorporate more modern and sophisticated models of risk analysis to determine the uncertainty of, and risk in, a change of input variables in their financial viability appraisals. Practical application includes using such multiple techniques as what-if scenarios and probability analysis into feasibility processes and utilise these specific techniques in the pre-acquisition stages of the property development process and, specifically, in the site acquisition process to support decision-making, including a live risk register and catalogue of risks, including identification of and plans for mitigation of project risks, as a form of risk management. First study to examine the extent of the decision-making methods used by property developers in the pre-acquisition stage of the development process.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 12-2019
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Start Date: 2009
End Date: 2011
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: Start date not available
End Date: End date not available
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 1995
End Date: 1997
Funder: City University of Hong Kong| Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors| QUT| ARC
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 1996
End Date: 1998
Funder: Queensland Government | Multiplex Pty
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 1988
End Date: 1989
Funder: University of Salford Manchester| Hungarian Government
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 1996
End Date: 1998
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 1999
End Date: 2001
Funder: Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 1995
End Date: 1995
Funder: Queensland University of Technology
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2006
End Date: 2008
Funder: Research Grants Council, General Research Fund
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2007
End Date: 2008
Funder: Hong Kong Polytechnic University | Queensland University of Technology
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2001
End Date: 2002
Funder: City University of Hong Kong
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2005
End Date: 2006
Funder: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2019
End Date: 2022
Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2008
End Date: 2010
Funder: University of Hong Kong, Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
View Funded Activity