ORCID Profile
0000-0003-2502-2858
Current Organisations
University of South Australia
,
University of Sharjah
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Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2008
Publisher: College Publishing
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.3992/1943-4618.13.3.101
Abstract: This article aims to identify barriers to implementing waste management practices in construction projects and their interrelationship, based on the particular context of Australia. Interviews and a questionnaire survey were conducted as the primary data collection methods supported by the findings of a charrette. The findings reveal twenty critical barriers to implementing waste management practices in Australian construction projects. Four underlying factors that impede waste management practices are extracted based on results of an exploratory factor analysis. These include rigidity of construction practices, construction project characteristics, awareness, experience and commitment, and the nascent nature of waste management. The study also finds that while both human factors and technical factors act as barriers to implementing waste management practices in Australian construction projects, human factors are more dominant. Thus, it is essential to address all these barriers in the early stage of construction projects for reducing waste generation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 05-2009
DOI: 10.1108/14725960910952497
Abstract: Facilities managers have less visibility of how buildings are being used due to flexible working and unpredictable workers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current issues in workspace management and an automatic solution through radio frequency identification (RFID) that could provide real time information on the volume and capacity of buildings. The study described in this paper is based on a case study at a facilities management (FM) department. The department is examining a ubiquitous technology in the form of innovative RFID for security and workspace management. Interviews and observations are conducted within the facilities department for the initial phase of the implementation of RFID technology. Research suggests that work methods are evolving and becoming more flexible. With this in mind, facilities managers face new challenges to create a suitable environment for an unpredictable workforce. RFID is one solution that could provide facilities managers with an automatic way of examining space in real time and over a wider area than currently possible. RFID alone for space management is financially expensive but by making the application multiple for other areas makes more business sense. This paper will provide practicing FM and academics with the knowledge gained from the application of RFID in this organisation. While the concept of flexible working seems attractive, there is an emerging need to provide various forms of spaces that enable employees' satisfaction and enhance the productivity of the organisation. The paper introduces new thinking on the subject of “workspace management”. It highlights the current difficulties in workspace management and how an RFID solution will benefit workspace methods.
Publisher: WIT Press
Date: 27-05-2013
DOI: 10.2495/SDP130371
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 1998
Publisher: David Publishing Company
Date: 28-04-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 29-05-2018
DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-10-2017-0080
Abstract: The issue of low productivity has remained a very stern and chronic problem in construction projects. Previous studies have found poor communication as one of the leading causes of low-construction productivity. Recent advances in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential to enhance communication and access to information in construction projects. However, the implications of the use of mobile ICT on construction productivity have not been investigated in sufficient depth, especially from the perspectives of its users, i.e. construction management (CM) professionals. The paper aims to discuss these issues. A focus group session involving ten experienced CM professionals from different organisations of the South Australian construction industry was moderated by a group of four researchers to gather data on mobile ICT usage and its implications for construction productivity. Lack of training and guidelines on effective applications of these technologies to construction projects is a major bottleneck. Results indicate that despite noticeable advances in mobile ICT, differences in usage style and user attitude have limited their overall impact on productivity. This paper is based on data gathered from CM professionals working in the South Australian construction industry. The study highlights the importance of strategising the use of mobile ICT to achieve the desired productivity rates through policy, training, work-life balance, and deeper and wider understanding of these technologies. The study examines the perceptions of CM professionals on the usefulness of mobile ICT in construction projects and its implications for construction productivity.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-08-2014
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 16-10-2009
DOI: 10.1108/02632770910980718
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the concepts of intelligent buildings (IBs), and the opportunities offered by the application of computer‐aided facilities management (CAFM) systems. In this paper definitions of IBs are investigated, particularly definitions that are embracing open standards for effective operational change, using a questionnaire survey. The survey further investigated the extension of CAFM to IBs concepts and the opportunities that such integrated systems will provide to facilities management (FM) professionals. The results showed variation in the understanding of the concept of IBs and the application of CAFM. The survey showed that 46 per cent of respondents use a CAFM system with a majority agreeing on the potential of CAFM in delivery of effective facilities. The questionnaire survey results are limited to the views of the respondents within the context of FM in the UK. Following on the many definitions of an IB does not necessarily lead to technologies of equipment that conform to an open standard. This open standard and documentation of systems produced by vendors is the key to integrating CAFM with other building management systems (BMS) and further harnessing the application of CAFM for IBs. The paper gives experience‐based suggestions for both demand and supply sides of the service procurement to gain the feasible benefits and avoid the currently hindering obstacles, as the paper provides insight to the current and future tools for the mobile aspects of FM. The findings are relevant for service providers and operators as well.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 12-2003
DOI: 10.1108/02632770310507980
Abstract: A combined windcatcher and light pipe (SunCatcher) was installed in the seminar room at the University of Reading, UK. Monitoring of indoor environment in real weather conditions was conducted to evaluate the application of windcatchers for natural ventilation. In addition, a subjective occupancy survey was undertaken. External weather conditions and internal indoor air quality indicators were recorded. The “tracer‐gas decay” method using SF 6 was used to establish air change rate for various conditions. The results indicated that the ventilation rate achieved through the windcatcher depends on the difference between internal and external air temperatures, and on wind speed and direction, in agreement with other published work in the area. The indoor air quality parameters were found to be within acceptable levels when the windcatcher was in operation. The measured air change rate was between 1.5ac/h and 6.8ac/h. Occupants’ questionnaires showed 75 per cent satisfaction with the internal conditions and welcomed the installation of the systems in UK buildings.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-09-2015
Publisher: University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Date: 23-11-2015
Abstract: Bon, Ranko (2014). What is to be done? : Climate Change for Beginners. Hesperiaedu, Belgrade. 150 pages. ISBN: 978-8679560735
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 05-04-2011
DOI: 10.1108/02632771111120547
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present the findings and lessons learned from three case studies conducted for facilities located in California, North America. The findings aim to focus on energy and maintenance management practices and the interdependent link between energy and maintenance. The research is based on a positivist epistemological philosophical approach informed by action research. The research cycle was completed for each case study. A case study report was provided to each facility management team to foster collaboration with the researcher and to document case study process and results. Composite findings of the case studies include: there is an interdependent link between energy and maintenance management reactive maintenance and energy management methods are commonly used and more proactively operated and managed buildings require the interdependent link between energy maintenance management to be better understood. The three case studies were located in California. Although the case study results can be generalized, determination of how to generalize and apply the results to commercial buildings outside of the USA is beyond the scope of this paper. Detailed discussion of the needs of the three facility management teams are discussed by identifying a current challenge, developing a solution and documenting lessons learned using the research cycle. The paper seeks to demonstrate the interdependencies of energy and maintenance management, two topics which are often researched interdependently. Additionally, the paper provides insight about maintenance management, a topic often cited as being under researched.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 09-2006
DOI: 10.1108/02632770610684882
Abstract: To evaluate the control strategy for a hybrid natural ventilation wind catchers and air‐conditioning system and to assess the contribution of wind catchers to indoor air environments and energy savings if any. Most of the modeling techniques for assessing wind catchers performance are theoretical. Post‐occupancy evaluation studies of buildings will provide an insight into the operation of these building components and help to inform facilities managers. A case study for POE was presented in this paper. The monitoring of the summer and winter month operations showed that the indoor air quality parameters were kept within the design target range. The design control strategy failed to record data regarding the operation, opening time and position of wind catchers system. Though the implemented control strategy was working effectively in monitoring the operation of mechanical ventilation systems, i.e. AHU, did not integrate the wind catchers with the mechanical ventilation system. Owing to short‐falls in the control strategy implemented in this project, it was found difficult to quantify and verify the contribution of the wind catchers to the internal conditions and, hence, energy savings. Controlling the operation of the wind catchers via the AHU will lead to isolation of the wind catchers in the event of malfunctioning of the AHU. Wind catchers will contribute to the ventilation of space, particularly in the summer months. This paper demonstrates the value of POE as indispensable tool for FM professionals. It further provides insight into the application of natural ventilation systems in building for healthier indoor environments at lower energy cost. The design of the control strategy for natural ventilation and air‐conditioning should be considered at the design stage involving the FM personnel.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-01-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-2006
DOI: 10.1191/0143624406BSE159OA
Abstract: This paper discusses experimental and theoretical investigations and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling considerations to evaluate the performance of a square section wind catcher system connected to the top of a test room for the purpose of natural ventilation. The magnitude and distribution of pressure coefficients (C p ) around a wind catcher and the air flow into the test room were analysed. The modelling results indicated that air was supplied into the test room through the wind catcher's quadrants with positive external pressure coefficients and extracted out of the test room through quadrants with negative pressure coefficients. The air flow achieved through the wind catcher depends on the speed and direction of the wind. The results obtained using the explicit and AIDA implicit calculation procedures and CFX code correlate relatively well with the experimental results at lower wind speeds and with wind incidents at an angle of 08. Variation in the C p and air flow results were observed particularly with a wind direction of 458. The explicit and implicit calculation procedures were found to be quick and easy to use in obtaining results whereas the wind tunnel tests were more expensive in terms of effort, cost and time. CFD codes are developing rapidly and are widely available especially with the decreasing prices of computer hardware. However, results obtained using CFD codes must be considered with care, particularly in the absence of empirical data. Practical application: There exist various modelling techniques for the investigation of the performance of natural systems such as wind catchers. These modelling techniques include simple calculation procedures, wind tunnel testing, salt bath, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and real building performance (POE studies). The calculation procedural models are simple to use, however, due to their simplicity they do not provide a full picture of the performance of the natural ventilation system and air movement inside rooms. Other models such as wind tunnels and CFD are more comprehensive but expensive and time consuming to use. Various commercial CFD models are available in the market today and not many of them are specifically designed for modelling of natural ventilation. Results obtained using CFD models should be considered with care specially in the absence of empirical data and if the results were obtained by novice users. Wind catchers are innovative techniques for the application of natural ventilation in buildings in temperate climates such as that of the UK. Their performance greatly depends on wind conditions. However, they should be designed as an integral part of the overall design of the HVAC system in a hybrid or mixed mode operation. The natural ventilation system of wind catchers should be exploited whenever possible, particularly in the hot summer months to reduce the energy and environmental cost of full operation of an air-conditioning system.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2017-0035
Abstract: A significant amount of work has been performed in the area of identification of factors affecting construction productivity. Previous studies have tried to determine the most important factors affecting construction productivity in different countries for a long time. As a result of continuous effort in this direction, researchers have identified a wide range of factors. While the subject area has matured, no general agreement could be made on the factors affecting construction productivity. To fill this gap, the purpose of this paper is to undertake a comprehensive systematic review of mainstream studies on factors affecting construction productivity published in the last 30 years (1986–2016). A total of 46 articles from different sources such as journals, conference proceedings, dissertation and PhD theses were identified and thoroughly reviewed. Gaps in research and practices are discussed and directions for future research have been proposed. The literature review indicates that despite noticeable differences in the socio-economic conditions across both developed countries and developing countries, an overall reasonable consensus exists on few significant factors impeding productivity. These are, namely, non-availability of materials, inadequate supervision, skill shortage, lack of proper tools and equipment and incomplete drawing and specifications. Nevertheless, implications of technology, site amenities, process studies, project culture, and impacts of physiological and psychological factors were not adequately covered in existing literature. The study also found that traditional construction projects have remained the main focus of these studies while green construction projects have been generally overlooked. The review does not include studies that report productivity at the organisational or industry level as well as total factor productivity. The scope of the review is limited to work on identification of factors affecting productivity at the activity level in construction projects. The outcomes of this study would help researchers and practitioners by providing the findings of previous studies in a concise manner. It is also expected that presenting a deeper and wider perspective of the research work performed until now will direct a more focussed approach on productivity improvement efforts in the construction industry. This review paper undertakes a comprehensive systematic review of studies on identification of factors affecting construction productivity published during the last three decades.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-12-2010
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-06-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-04-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S00572-011-0370-6
Abstract: The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of selected mycorrhiza obtained in the urban environment on growth, leaf gas exchange, and drought tolerance of containerized plants growing in the nursery. Two-year-old uniform Acer c estre L., Tilia cordata Mill., and Quercus robur L. were inoculated with a mixture of infected roots and mycelium of selected arbuscular (maple, linden) and/or ectomycorrhiza (linden, oak) fungi and grown in well-watered or water shortage conditions. Plant biomass and leaf area were measured 1 and 2 years after inoculation. Leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and water relations were measured during the first and second growing seasons after inoculation. Our data suggest that the mycelium-based inoculum used in this experiment was able to colonize the roots of the tree species growing in the nursery. Plant biomass was affected by water shortage, but not by inoculation. Leaf area was affected by water regime and, in oak and linden, by inoculation. Leaf gas exchange was affected by inoculation and water stress. V(cmax) and J(max) were increased by inoculation and decreased by water shortage in all species. F(v)/F(m) was also generally higher in inoculated plants than in control. Changes in PSII photochemistry and photosynthesis may be related to the capacity of inoculated plants to maintain less negative leaf water potential under drought conditions. The overall data suggest that inoculated plants were better able to maintain physiological activity during water stress in comparison to non-inoculated plants.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2012
Publisher: David Publishing Company
Date: 28-04-2016
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 09-2006
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 06-07-2010
DOI: 10.1108/02632771011057161
Abstract: Innovation in facilities management (FM) is a complex process as FM is a erse discipline. This paper aims to use innovation trajectories to explore this complex process through the introduction of a technology innovation in two FM services of security and workspace management. It also aims to consider the discourse of in iduals within their trajectory to understand their positions toward the innovation. A two‐year case study was conducted and it was based in an in‐house FM department that was part of a financial institution. The specific methods used for the paper were semi‐structured interviews with key participants of the project. Critical discourse analysis was used to examine the data. In iduals who were involved in introducing the technology to the FM department were both internal and external to FM as innovation in FM does not happen in isolation to the organisation. Innovation trajectories were often intertwined or occurred simultaneously during the process of a project which sometimes resulted in conflict. Tensions within the discourse of ownership of the project were particularly apparent as this discourse had a power dimension in driving the project through to implementation. The research is limited by being a single case study so it is not possible to generalise findings but the findings may have resonances with other organisations. The paper presents an original idea about how to understand innovation processes in FM services.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2010
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2009
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
Date: 22-03-2011
DOI: 10.1061/41168(399)49
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2015
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 19-12-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2006
Publisher: University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Date: 06-2015
Abstract: Leadership and Sustainability in the Built EnvironmentOpoku, A. and Ahmed, V. (ed.), 2015. Leadership and Sustainability in the Built Environment. Routledge, London. ISBN (hbk): 978-1-13-877842-9, Hardback: $155.00.
Publisher: WIT Press
Date: 05-09-2012
DOI: 10.2495/ARC120151
Publisher: WIT Press
Date: 09-09-2015
DOI: 10.2495/BIM150211
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Abbas Elmualim.