scholarly journals The Awareness Of ICT Implementation For Materials Management In Construction Projects

2011 ◽  
pp. 159-168
Author(s):  
N. B. Kasim ◽  
Peniel Ang Soon Ern
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Materials Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ict Implementation ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Main Barrier

Construction materials usually constitute a major portion of the total cost in a building construction project. Despite the potential benefit of ICT, convincing construction organisations to embrace its use and implementation has proved a difficult task. This research seeks to identify the implementation of ICT in construction materials management processes and to investigate on the acceptance of contractors for ICT transformation to the materials management in construction projects. In relation to that, current constraints that are found hindering the acceptance of ICT in materials management processes are also identified. A triangulation research approach which consists of standard derived questionnaires, semi structured interviews with class A contractors and review of previous research were conducted. The findings from this research reveal that the implementation of ICT in the materials management for construction projects in Malaysia is at early stage. Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and handheld devices are found to be the common ICT tools adopted in the materials management processes. Meanwhile, there is only an average level of acceptance towards the transformation of ICT implementation in the construction materials management. The main barrier is found to be the cost involvement at the initial stage or overall implementation of ICT in the materials management processes. Finally, it can be concluded that there is a lack of awareness towards the ICT implementation of materials management in the construction projects.

scholarly journals Automatic Materials Tracking Practices Through RFID Implementation in Construction Projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 266 ◽  
pp. 05001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narimah Kasim ◽  
Norliana Sarpin ◽  
Hamidun Mohd Noh ◽  
Rozlin Zainal ◽  
Sulzakimin Mohamed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Materials Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ict Implementation ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Frequency Identification

Materials tracking for materials management play a vital role and contributed a major portion of the total cost in a construction project. In addition, the improper handling and storage of materials at the construction site has made it difficult to track and locate at the time are needed to carry out construction works. These problems subsequently contribute to the project delays and increase in the total project costs. Thus, this paper seeks to identify problems regarding current material tracking practices in materials management processes. In this paper, ICT and potential implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for automatic materials tracking is also scrutinised. Data for this paper was obtained from the literature review and the case studies conducted in several construction projects. Semi-structured interviews with construction practitioners were carried out in order to gain insights into current problems, information and communication technologies (ICT) implementation, and RFID capability in assisting materials tracking practices. This paper reveals that construction projects in Malaysia are still using manual materials tracking practices, basic ICT implementation, and totally none RFID existence. Thus, there is a need for the application of RFID in order to facilitate materials tracking automatically for enhancing construction industry processes through IR 4.0.

scholarly journals The integration of mobile learning among esl teachers to enhance vocabulary learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Hafizah Muhamad Kassim ◽  
Nur-Ehsan Mohd Said
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Esl Teachers ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Positive Attitudes

<p>This study intended to describe seven ESL teachers’ integration and their attitudes toward mobile learning (m-learning) as a tool to facilitate students in vocabulary lessons. Mobile learning is a new way to access learning content using handheld devices where mobile technology is integrated into routine teaching activities. The concept is grounded on a theoretical foundation where the mobile application is used as a tool to enhance learning. A qualitative research approach was employed for data collection and analysis in the study. Seven respondents of ESL teachers at secondary schools participated in a series of semi-structured interviews. The interview protocol was adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to understand the ESL teachers’ practice regarding the integration of mobile learning. Findings from the study indicated that the ESL teachers integrated mobile learning in their teaching due to its functionality in enhancing English language learners’ vocabulary learning. The study indicated that the teachers considered mobile learning as necessary and a convenient type of learning while displaying positive attitudes towards the integration of mobile learning. Regardless of their length in service or volition, mobile learning is seen as one of the many useful tools that facilitate vocabulary lessons.</p>

Project Management and Scheduling through National Project Management Phases in Government Construction Agencies

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Jesper Kranker Larsen ◽  
Thomas Ditlev Brunoe ◽  
Søren Munch Lindhard ◽  
Kim Noergaard Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Project Phases ◽  
Project Management And Scheduling ◽  
Project Coordination

Effective project coordination and management of time and cost scheduling in public funded construction projects receive a considerable focus from academics, politicians, and the construction industry itself with opposing points of view. The study objective is therefore to investigate the process of time and cost scheduling during the different project stages, and their relationships between critical factors affecting project schedules. Applied data collection was based on semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey with publicly agency employed project managers and property managers. A multiple research approach was thus utilized to mix the two dataset. Findings demonstrate that project complications in the execution stage is associated to lack of project requirements and design with too optimistic project deadline and budget from the initial project stages. Moreover, a relationship was found between the presence of experienced consultants and the achievement of project success throughout the project phases as particular vital.

DEVELOPMENT OF FRAMEWORK FOR BUILDING MATERIALS-RELATED DECISIONS: A CASE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Don Amila Sajeevan Samarasinghe
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Materials Management ◽  
Construction Costs ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Collaborative Efforts

Building materials occupy a large proportion of construction costs, comprising of nearly 50%, although the exact percentage varies from project to project. Given how important building materials are, due attention must be given to the strategies for procuring them. This study investigates building material purchasing practices and examines significant factors that could impact the optimum building materials for a specific project selection. This paper is an outcome of a PhD study conducted to improve supply chain practices relating to building materials for residential buildings in New Zealand in such a way that delivers the highest possible value to all stakeholders. The broader PhD study employed both qualitative (subject matter expert interviews) and quantitative (questionnaire survey) methods to gather information from those who supply and manufacture building materials, architects, builders, and homeowners. It found that the facilitation of effective materials management processes is reliant on the collaborative efforts of the entire supply chain in any construction project. When determining “best buy” decisions for key material inputs, the roles of the contractor, clients, and suppliers cannot be disconnected. Decisions relating to building materials were categorized into demand-side or supply-side choices, and a framework was developed to support supply chain stakeholder decisions in selecting appropriate materials for residential construction projects.

scholarly journals NEGLIGENT USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT BY CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN SRI LANKA: ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL MANIFESTATIONS

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.P.M DASANDARA ◽  
◽  
D.M.P.P. DISSANAYAKE ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Individual

The construction industry can be identified as one of the main sectors in Sri Lanka where the majority of occupational accidents happen. When considering the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), occupational accidents have been significantly happened due to many reasons. Among those reasons, negligence of the use of PPE by construction workers has become prominent. Different factors can affect this situation. Among them, individual manifestations such as perceptions, beliefs, experiences and attitudes of the workers can make a significant impact. Hence, there is an emerging need to explore the reasons under these individual manifestations, which encourages the negligence use of PPE. This paper therefore aimed to analyse the individual manifestations to unveil the reasons behind the negligence of use of PPE by construction workers in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research approach was followed to achieve the aim of the study. Case studies were conducted using two SME construction projects. Fourteen semi structured interviews were conducted in both cases with managerial and worker level respondents. Collected data were analysed using code based content analysis. ‘Considering PPE as a disturbance’, ‘lack of experiences of the workers’, ‘poor education level of the workers’, ‘inadequate knowledge and skills of the workers’, ‘poor income level’, ‘age of the workers’, ‘number of dependencies’, ‘poor health condition’ and ‘different lifestyles of the workers’ were revealed through the empirical research findings as the key reasons under individual manifestations, which affect for the neglect usage of PPE by the workers. The knowledge generated through this study can be used in many ways by the industry practitioners to make safe working environment within the construction sites.

scholarly journals SUITABILITY OF ICTAD FORMULA AND CIDA PRICE INDICES TO CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF PRICE ESCALATED IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.A.B. Janardana ◽  
◽  
A. Samaraweera ◽  
H.S. Jayasena ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Price Indices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Context Analysis ◽  
Price Fluctuation ◽  
Price Escalation ◽  
Actual Price

Price fluctuation is a significant risk factor, in every construction project market. It is unavoidable and difficult to forecast. However, it is often argued that there is a difference between the amount calculated with the CIDA price fluctuation formula method and the actual price fluctuation. Therefore, the aim of this research is to investigate the industry opinion on whether there is a difference between price escalations calculated using the CIDA price fluctuation formula and actual price fluctuation. A qualitative research approach was selected to achieve the aim of this research. Through a broad study of literature, it was identified the most critical factors which affected actual price fluctuation deviation. Meanwhile, semi-structured interviews were carried out to identify the reasons affecting fluctuation difference by analysing the data, which was used, and comparing the opinions given by the interviewees. The data was analysed using context analysis. The results of the research confirm that. there is a difference between the amount of price escalation using the ICTAD price fluctuation formula and the actual being used. The main reason behind this difference is the less accuracy of cost indices. To improve the accuracy of the results of this formula, appropriate data collection using an appreciate sample of contractors in producing price indices is recommended as the main.

scholarly journals A Taxonomy of Sources of Waste in BIM Information Flows

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Martin Michaud ◽  
Julien Meyer ◽  
Daniel Forgues ◽  
Claudiane Ouellet-Plamondon
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Design ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Information Flows ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Building Information

Since its introduction, Building Information Modelling has evolved into a major technology in the construction industry, where information flows play a major role. However, the very presence of waste within these flows prevents the technology from reaching its full potential. This paper aims to develop a taxonomy focused on the sources of waste within information flows in BIM projects, as existing taxonomies focus primarily on work and material flows. Using a collaborative design science research approach, the study was divided into two phases: first, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data on BIM practices. The data was then used to identify similarities and contradictions in the information flows using process maps. Second, the ShareLab approach was used to validate the findings through a common agreement. The paper’s main contribution is the taxonomy of sources of waste in BIM project information flows, as it closes knowledge gaps in one of the main flows of construction projects. Another contribution is its use of a new approach to validate an artefact in a Design Science Research methodology named the ShareLab approach.

scholarly journals Skill shortage of bricklayers in Scotland

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Lawani ◽  
Sarah McKenzie-Govan ◽  
Billy Hare ◽  
Fred Sherratt ◽  
Iain Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Housing Stock ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Strain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Skills Shortage ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose This study identifies that bricklaying trade has not benefited much from off-site production, and bricklaying has been highlighted as a trade significantly affected by the documented skills shortage in Scotland with 66% of small and medium enterprises reporting difficulties in recruiting bricklayers. Design/methodology/approach This study used an interpretivistic philosophy adopting the phenomenological qualitative research approach using purposeful sampling technique and semi-structured interviews to allow for emergent themes to develop. The theory of proximal similarity that connects the study’s characteristics and the characteristics of the group under study was adopted. Findings Findings from the emergent themes identified issues grouped into key themes such as inconsistency of income, lack of care and self-employed workforce. The sub-themes included the Scottish climate, risk and profit, physical strain and government expectations and the cost of innovation. These were considered in relation to their existing and future implications for the industry. Research limitations/implications A wider and more diverse group of industry participants from different parts of Scotland would have made the study more representative. Practical implications It is imperative that the Scottish construction industry supports, develops and trains future bricklayers capable of maintaining existing housing stock and to deliver on future construction projects in Scotland. Originality/value This study explores the shortage of skilled bricklayers within the Scottish construction sector.

THEORETICAL STUDY OF THE COST OF POOR RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yisakor Solomon Ferede ◽  
Nokulunga Xolile Mashwama ◽  
Didibhuku Wellington Thwala
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Poor Risk ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Construction Risk ◽  
The Cost

This study examines previous literature on construction risk management with the specific aim of identifying the cost incurred for poor risk management implementation in construction projects. One of the salient ways risk can be curbed is at the cost level, and standardized bodies such as corporate or government has tried to formulate remedies for high project cost of risk management. Primary findings emanating from this work reveals that past and other underground empirical studies have identified a number of important causes for poor risk management. These include the costs of procurement of equipment; technologies and safety; storage of data; quality and training of labor; equipment replacements and staff re-buildings; and failure in administration amongst others. The method adopted in this study is based on the cross analysis of inferences from structured interviews with reference to existing theoretical literature, published research, and unpublished research. This work contributed to the identification and comparison of important cost factors which contribute to poor risk management, assessed the cost risks which militate against the successful completion of construction projects, and suggested various consolidated way outs like the maximizing of the employee’s skills, avoidance of over-insurance, customer priority and application of value-chain in decision support. This theoretical research will further help the stakeholders and contractors to fix time-based cost of management processes to the barest minimum.

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