Factor analysis of the interface management (IM) problems for construction projects in Alberta

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 848-860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesreen Weshah ◽  
Wael El Ghandour ◽  
George Jergeas ◽  
Lynne Cowe Falls
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Interface Problems ◽  
Interface Problem ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Interface Management ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Two Phases

Interface management (IM) is one of the major keys for construction project success. The severity of interface problems for different projects does not only delay the project, but also impacts overall project performance. This paper is an extension of a previous work that defined major IM problems in Alberta’s construction projects. This research study intended to investigate, identify, and classify interface problem factors in Alberta’s construction projects. The study included four stages. The first stage was a comprehensive literature review, pilot studies and face-to-face interviews in industry. In the second phase, a web-page questionnaire was conducted with participants from industry. Based on that, in the last two phases, a factor analysis and Pearson’s correlation matrix were applied on the collected data. The study identified six IM factors, namely: “management”, “information, bidding and contracting”, “by-law and regulation”, “technical engineering and site issues”, and “other interface problems”. Finally, correlation between IM factors and different construction data was tested. The data analysis results provided a comprehensive view of the main causes behind IM conflicts in Alberta’s construction industry.

Enhancing project performance by developing multiple regression analysis and risk analysis models for interface

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (11) ◽  
pp. 929-944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesreen Weshah ◽  
Wael El-Ghandour ◽  
Lynne Cowe Falls ◽  
George Jergeas
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Risk Analysis ◽  
Multiple Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Interface Problems ◽  
Interface Problem ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Analysis Models

Interface management (IM) is a main factor in the success of construction projects. The failure to correctly manage interfaces impacts a project’s performance measurements, such as scope control and schedule. Using Alberta’s data, collected using a web questionnaire from a large group of experienced industry experts, three phases are conducted in this research. The first identifies the top ten interface problems that affect IM. The second phase includes enhancing project performance by developing and applying multiple regression analysis models between the underlying interface problem factors and the project performance indicators. The last phase includes measuring the severity of the impact of each IM problem to develop an IM risk analysis model. The results of the multiple regression models indicate that the interface problems caused by the “technical engineering and site issues factor”, the “bidding and contracting factor”, and the “information factor” were the strongest influences on the schedule and cost project performance indicators. The results will assist engineers, architects, and others in analyzing and predicting the project performance. This will in turn serve to minimize project delay and cost and reduce conflict among project participants.

Development of waste occurrence level indicator in Vietnam construction industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 715-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ha Duy Khanh ◽  
Soo Yong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Level Indicator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the waste occurrence level in the construction industry. It includes: first, identifying the mean value of frequency of waste occurrence according to respondents’ characteristics; second, identifying the main predictive factors for waste occurrence based on latent relationships between initial waste factors; and third, identifying the waste occurrence-level indicator (WOLI) for the construction industry based on the main waste measurement factors. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 19 waste factors were sorted from the literature review. A structured questionnaire was adopted to carry out the survey. The respondents are professionals who have much experience in construction and management of project. Shapiro-Wilk test of normality, Levene’s test, ANOVA test, and factor analysis technique were used to analyze the collected data. Findings – Frequency of waste occurrence in construction projects is quite high. There was no statistically and practically significant difference in means for waste occurrence between selected population categories. Based on factor analysis technique, there were five principal components extracted with 56.7 percent of total variance. The WOLI in the construction industry was found as 61.55 per the scale of 100. Research limitations/implications – The non-probability sampling was applied to collect data because of several certain limitations and difficulties. The number of data sets is relatively small. This study has only examined the frequency of waste occurrence without quantitative information. Practical implications – This is another study of waste factors in the construction industry, which is different from traditional waste studies. Originality/value – The contribution of this study to the practical project management is that a proposed evaluation sheet for WOLI could be applied for any construction firm.

scholarly journals Transition to online teaching and learning for clerkship activities during COVID-19 in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
pp. 7-8
Author(s):  
A. Sha’aban ◽  
B. Ibrahim ◽  
O. Albitar ◽  
S.G. Mohiuddin ◽  
C.G. Omar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Web Conferencing ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Face To Face Learning ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Pharmacy Graduate

Prior-to the COVID-19 outbreak, undergraduate PharmCare II Clerkship activities consisted of two phases. The first phase requires pharmacy students to clerk infectious disease and endocrine-related cases of patients admitted into wards at a teaching hospital, whilst in the second phase, the students are required to present the clerked cases in front of their group members with a thorough assessment by lecturers at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Due to sudden outbreak of COVID-19, presentations at hospitals and face-to-face learning were no longer feasible; therefore an online methodology was executed. Each student was assigned a real completed case clerked by a previous Master’s in Clinical Pharmacy graduate. The students then critically evaluated any pharmaceutical care issues (PCIs) in each of the cases, recorded a video presentation for assessment by the lecturers and discussed each case with other group members in a synchronous online session via web-conferencing software.

Status of lean construction implementation among small and medium building contractors (SMBCs) in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1691-1709
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Nsiah Ankomah ◽  
Joshua Ayarkwa ◽  
Kofi Agyekum
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Lean Construction ◽  
The Body ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Status

Purpose The purpose of this study is to ascertain the extent to which the practices of small and medium building contractors (SMBCs) conform to lean construction (LC) principles. Ultimately, practical results encourage a discourse on the true potentials and challenges to the holistic uptake of LC principles in the Ghanaian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on a qualitative case study approach. The data was obtained through face-to-face structured interviews. Findings Across the cases, it was realized that there is a low-level application of LC principles among SMBCs. There was no indication that lean concepts were used on a company-wide basis in the Ghanaian construction industry. Furthermore, the study revealed that the traditional wasteful approach to managing construction projects was still prevalent among the firms. Practical implications This paper uses the 4P model as a foundation for assessing the extent to which the practices of SMBCs conform to LC principles. Practically, the study also created a certain level of awareness among the SMBCs about LC, LC principles and the benefits of the application of these principles within organizations. Originality/value This study contributes to the body of knowledge as it uncovers the status of LC implementation among SMBCs in the Ghanaian construction industry. The findings that are presented in this paper can be used as a starting point to disseminate the research and practice of LC among SMBCs.

Translation, Validation and Factor Structure of the Handling Bullying Questionnaire in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 497-510
Author(s):  
Namra Shahzadi ◽  
Bushra Akram ◽  
Saima Dawood ◽  
,Fayyaz Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Five Factor Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Translation Validation ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Two Phases

The current study was aimed to adapt, translate and validate The Handling Bullying Questionnaire (THBQ; Bauman, Rigby & Hoppa, 2008) into Urdu language. Present study was conducted in two phases, at the first phase THBQ was translated into Urdu language through standard procedures. Linguistic equivalence between Urdu and English version scale of THBQ was found (r = 0.75**) in pilot study. In the second phase of the study psychometric properties were established through Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A sample of 400 participants was selected for administration of scale. Exploratory Factor Analysis retrieved 6 factors solutions in 22 items. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed five factor model with 16 items. Thus, findings indicted the Urdu version of THBQ may be valid and reliable. The questionnaire can be used in future research for the assessment of handling bullying behaviors among school children by teachers and counselors.

scholarly journals Barriers to Sustainable Practices towards Low Carbon Emission Projects in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3.7) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Mustafa M. A. Klufallah ◽  
Idris Othman ◽  
Muhd Fadhil Nuruddin ◽  
Mohd Faris Khamidi
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Carbon Emission ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Capacity Design ◽  
Emission Level ◽  
Low Carbon Emission

The Malaysian construction  industry  significantly  contributes   as an empowerment to its development  vision  of  2020  by  reducing up to 40% of carbon emission. Moreover, the industry accounts as threat to the environment, not  only  in  terms  of natural  resources  consumption but  also  in emitting million tons of carbon emission annually. In fact, Malaysia is categorized the 30th in  the  world’s  ranking  in  carbon  emission  level. Several studies attempt to investigate and review barriers that face construction stakeholders in order to provide integration of sustainability in construction industry. However, the barriers were lacking in terms of addressing carbon emission aspects of sustainable practice and limit the emissions from construction projects in Malaysia. This paper investigates the major barriers of organization in achieving sustainability’s best practice. The identified barriers from the perspective of construction stakeholders in Malaysia were categorised based on factor analysis, which are professional and capacity, design and technologies, cost and finance, and, knowledge and culture.  

The Improvement Factors of Leadership Skills among Project Managers in Pre-Construction Phase of Sustainable Construction Projects

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (S1) ◽  
pp. 27-38
Author(s):  
Aryani Ahmad Latiffi ◽  
Noorul Adharina Zulkiffli
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Normality Test ◽  
Manager Performance

Leadership skills are required in any area, including the construction industry. Compared to conventional construction projects, the obstacles of practising leadership skills are more significant in sustainable construction projects. In the context of managing a project, a project manager is accountable for overseeing the project from the pre-construction phase to the post-construction phase. Nevertheless, project managers often encountered utmost difficulties in sustainable construction projects during the pre-construction phase. Despite that, improving leadership skills would emerge to boost project manager performance in managing sustainable construction projects. Thus, this paper aims to determine the improvement factors of leadership skills among project managers in the pre-construction phase of sustainable construction projects. A questionnaire survey was developed with 44 improvement factors of leadership skills among project managers in the pre-construction phase of sustainable construction projects, in which 153 experienced project managers in sustainable construction projects in Malaysia responded. Data were analysed using normality test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability analysis via IBM SPSS version 24 software. The finding reveals that all improvement factors were significant to improve leadership skills among project managers in the pre-construction phase of sustainable construction projects. Hence, this paper's findings would assist project managers in grasping the improvement factors that can improve their leadership skills, particularly in sustainable construction projects.

Key challenges faced by Chinese contractors in Malaysian construction industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 705-726
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Sin Yi Cheah
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the major challenges faced by Chinese international contractors (CICs) in the Malaysian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential mixed-methods research approach was adopted where following a detailed literature review and semi-structured interviews with local professionals, 20 prevalent challenges experienced by CICs are identified. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was used to elicit the views of 100 construction practitioners. Descriptive statistics were used to prioritise the challenges, while exploratory factor analysis was conducted to uncover the underlying factors. Findings The five most crucial challenges identified relate to: changes of regulation, cost control, contract clauses, language barrier and quality control. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four major underlying dimensions of these challenges, in connection to financial and government policy management, organisational performance management, supplier relationship management and cross-cultural management. Research limitations/implications The challenges are considered primarily involving CICs in the context of Malaysia; further work can be extended to Western or other East Asian, such as Japanese and Korean, international contractors undertaking construction projects in Malaysia or selected developing countries around the region. Practical implications This study will benefit professionals involved with China-backed construction projects in countries sharing demographics and socio-economic characteristics akin to Malaysia. The outcome of the study is expected to facilitate project managers to devise proactive risk-mitigation measures to reduce the impact of these challenges and to improve project delivery. Originality/value The paper examined the challenges faced by CICs in the Malaysian context. This is a timely study, as China’s Belt and Road Initiative will provide considerable opportunities for Chinese companies in Malaysia.

scholarly journals Nigeria’s construction industry: barriers to effective communication

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 652-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obuks Augustine Ejohwomu ◽  
Olalekan Shamsideen Oshodi ◽  
Ka Chi Lam
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Attribution Theory ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Research Outcome ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
Project Objectives

Purpose Communication plays an important role in the quality of the relationship, trust and collaboration among construction project teams. Literature suggests that effective communication is vital for achieving improved project performance. The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the barriers to effective communication in the Nigerian construction industry, using attribution theory paradigm. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaires detailing 15 barriers to effective communication were administered to consultants and contractors engaged in the Nigerian construction sector. In total, 100 valid responses were analysed using mean score, factor analysis and factor score. Findings Unclear project objectives, ineffective reporting systems and poor leadership were ranked as the most significant barriers to effective communication. Factor analysis uncovered that the principal reasons responsible for ineffective communication include: managerial and technical barriers and credibility and background barriers. Practical implications The results provide information on barriers which needs to be addressed in order to improve communication in construction projects in Nigeria. There is a need to conduct post-completion reviews of construction projects so that project team members can learn and share knowledge on past experiences. Although the present study was conducted in the Nigerian context, it is envisaged that the research outcome will be widely applicable to other developing countries. Originality/value The study provides insights on the perceived barriers to effective communication in Nigerian construction projects. The paper presents the direction for further research aimed at improving communication in construction projects in Nigeria.

Perceptions of trust in the US construction industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dino Zuppa ◽  
Svetlana Olbina ◽  
Raymond Issa
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Third Parties ◽  
Leadership Team ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electronic Documents ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Us

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to obtain an understanding of the perception of trust between US construction contracting parties. The research objectives were to identify the factors on construction projects that impact such trust and to identify how trust affects factors on construction project. Design/methodology/approach – A survey of construction professionals working for the Engineering News Record’s Top 400 US contractors was conducted. Findings – The findings showed that paying on time, competency, reliability and effective collaboration were the most important factors that affected contextual conditions trustworthiness. Factors perceived to strengthen trust included face-to-face communication, electronic documents, and timely and adequate responses to requests for information. The presence of construction managers on construction projects, and corrective changes orders from neutral third parties were perceived to weaken trust. Trust was perceived to assist leadership, team building, communication and information sharing. Originality/value – The main contribution of this study is the discovery of additional factors that impact trust and factors that require trust and that were not identified by previous researchers.

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