CONTENT

Editorial

1. Li Shan, Florence Ling Yean Yng, George Ofori & Low Sui Pheng:
Military principles of chinese origin to improve competitiveness

2. Andrzej Minasowicz:
Feasibility study of construction investment projects assessment with regard to risk and probability of NPV reaching

3. Jozef Gašparík:
Integrated management system in construction company - effective tool of quality, environment and safety level improving

4. Kim Haugbølle & Marianne Forman:
Shaping concepts, practices and strategies: arbitration and Expert appraisals on defects

5. Roine Leiringer & Stuart D. Green:
In search of high value construction: adding value through Service-led projects

6. Constanta-Nicoleta Bodea & Radu Mogos:
Assessment, review, and evaluation of the project management education and training portfolio

1. Li Shan, Florence Ling Yean Yng, George Ofori & Low Sui Pheng:

Military principles of chinese origin to improve competitiveness

Abstract:
An old but still significant topic is that managers need to understand how to improve competitiveness. This paper describes the contributions of the Chinese military principles to enhance firm’s competitiveness. The re- search method used in this paper is literature review. The contributions obtained through four steps. First is to identify traditional Chinese mili tary principles. Secondly, Sun Tzu’s Art of War was identified by making a comparison among seven Chinese military principles. Thirdly, Sun Tzu’s Art of War was reviewed and its relevance to business competi tiveness was identified. Finally, a brief comparison between Sun Tzu’s principle and Porter’s strategy for competitiveness is made. At last, this paper suggests that swiftness, adaptability and intelligence are useful principles for operating in China.

Keywords:
Chinese military strategy, the Art of War, competitiveness

2. Andrzej Minasowicz:

Feasibility study of construction investment projects assessment with regard to risk and probability of NPV reaching

Abstract:
the paper presents an analysis of npv and investment risk at the stage of assessment of the strategy and the feasibility study. This analysis, for a specific project value profile, allows for specification of probability of occurrence of a given value of cash flows and NPV and for presentation
of their fuzziness.

Keywords:
NPV, fuzzy logic, risk

3. Jozef Gašparík:

Integrated management system in construction company - effective tool of quality, environment and safety level improving

Abstract:
Contribution Presents the struCture of integrated M anageMent systeM (iMs) according to international standards ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and STN OHSAS 18001:2009, which consists of 3 management systems focused to quality, environment and safety of building processes. The purpose of paper is to describe basic steps concerning the development of IMS. Paper analises basic processes of IMS like company vision, IMS planning, implementing, monitoring, revive and improving. The paper presents documents concerning the IMS as result of IMS standard analysis. Special part of contribution is IMS planning and brief steps of environment and safety risk evaluation and management. This methodology was successfully implemented into 20 Slovak construction companies. Author, on the bases of practical experiences, during the process of IMS development and implementation in construction firms and buildings, informs about effects influenced by this management system during the process of building planning and realization.

Keywords:
management, system, quality, environment, safety

4. Kim Haugbølle & Marianne Forman:

Shaping concepts, practices and strategies: arbitration and Expert appraisals on defects

Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the concept of defects is being shaped by arbitration and expert appraisals along with construction practices and strategies. This study applies the social-constructivist concept of technological frames. The research design included participant observation, documentary methods and qualitative interviews. This paper will illustrate the interpretative flexibility of the concept of defects. The four interpretations are deviance as normalisation, deviance as leverage/liability, deviance as a random effect, and deviance as precedent. Further, the paper will demonstrate how defects are constructed through three processes: concrete negotiations on the gap between expectations and realisation, setting and applying game rules, and by producing structures in the shape of codes of conduct. Finally, this paper will argue that the construction of defects is the result of interaction between two dominant
technological frames: the building frame and the juridico-legal frame. Consequently, the system of arbitration and expert appraisals along with construction practices and strategies is co-shaping a culture of deviance/defects that both intentionally prevent defects but simultaneously
foster defects unintentionally.

Keywords:
defects, arbitration, constructivism, building process

5. Roine Leiringer & Stuart D. Green:

In search of high value construction: adding value through Service-led projects

Abstract:
The uK ConstruCtion industry is inCreasingly exhorted to operate on the basis of adding value externally rather than focus on cost efficiency. Industry champions and policy setters advocate the need for construction companies to refocus firm orientation and add services to their traditional core product business. Major clients look to procure built facilities on the basis of added value, rather than capital cost. These trends towards ‘high value construction’ embrace design, production and facilities management and emphasise the need for the sector to shift its attention away from product delivery towards the satisfaction of clients’ needs. In consequence growing emphasis is given to whole
life considerations and to the service dimension of projects. Of particular interest in this emerging commercial landscape is the concept of service-led projects. These projects are seen to provide a radically different context where the whole rationale for the project is driven by the client’s business strategy and objectives for a new or enhanced service to its own customers. As such they are characterised by a localised ‘vision’ driven by downstream service delivery. Arguably this introduces a new realm of project complexity given the way in which the number of stakeholders increases. The paper examines the persuasive appeal of this vision and the difficulties that individual firms face in making such a transition. The case is made that the ideas of adding value and service-led construction projects have emerged in parallel with broad-
er trends within manufacturing at large. Particular focus is given to how this new context challenges deeply-ingrained working practices in construction and why it presents a major challenge for the sector.

Keywords:
service-led projects, high value construction, integrated solutions

6. Constanta-Nicoleta Bodea & Radu Mogos:

Assessment, review, and evaluation of the project management education and training portfolio

Abstract:
the paper presents a portfolio approach that facilitates strategic planning for education programs and trainings, and guides the operational activities. The portfolio approach assure a holistic view of all education programs,
and trainings delivered by the organizer, assuring that all education programs are aligned with the strategy and the selection and assessment of the new and ongoing education investments are made properly. The roles and responsibilities, and other organizational issues related to the portfolio management are presented. An important part of the paper deals with the education programmes evaluation. The paper address this issue using a case study developed for the Academy of Economic Studies is finally discussed.

Keywords:
project management, education, training, portfolio