Issue 1

CONTENT

Editorial

1. Wu Tao:
Deepen Construction Project Management, Promote "Project Productivity" Theory

2. Ayman A. E. Othman, Mayar A. Ghaly, Nazirah Zainul Abidin:
Lean Principles: An Innovative Approach for Achieving Sustainability in the Egyptian Construction Industry

3. Omotayo Olugbenga Aina, Alao Taiwo Omoniyi:
The Effect Of Job Enrichment Schemes On Selected Construction Workers In Nigeri

4. Zlatko Barilović, Mirna Leko Šimić, Helena Štimac:
Marketing Orientation Of Educational Institutions In The Field Of Project Management

5. Jozef Gašparík, Veronika Gašparíková, Helena Ellingerová:
Improvement Of Quality Management Level In Construction Company Using EFQM Model

6. Zoran Pučko, Nataša Šuman, Uroš Klanšek:
Building Information Modeling Based Time And Cost Planning In Construction Projects

7. K.W. Andy NG, Andrew D.F. Price:
Essential Causes Of The Critical Site Coordination Problems In Building Projects: A Hong Kong Study

8. Olumide Afolarin Adenuga,Gboyega Sotunbo:
An Assessment Of Time Variation In Solid And Hollow Floor Construction In Lagos State

9. Lana Lovrenčić Butković, Sandra Mišić:
Concentration Of Construction Industry In Croatia For The Period 2004-2013

1. Wu Tao:
 

Deepen Construction Project Management, Promote "Project Productivity" Theory

Abstract:
In the report to 18th National Congress, The Communist Party of China(CPC) made incisive explanation and scientific illustration for the social and economic development of China from the height of practical theories, and put forward the overall layout of building socialism with Chinese characteristics is Five in One, with the overall task and main object of establishing the moderately prosperous society in an all-round way on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the CPC, building the strong, democratic, civilized and harmonious modernized socialism country on the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
It has emphasized that eight do's should be carried out to grab the new victory of socialism with Chinese characteristics in new historical conditions, among which insisting of liberating and developing social productive forces is specially emphasized, and it further ensured to take the transformation of economic development mode as a strategy choose for realizing each target in the new era. So how can the construction industry of our nation alter its way of development, and achieve sustainable development? In recent years, we have been researching and exploring how to deepen and innovate construction project management. In 2010, the Construction Project Management Committee (CPMC) of China Construction Industry Association (CCIA) has organized a research group, they did a further investigation on speeding up the transformation of construction development mode and deepening the engineering project management, have convened conversaziones and seminars for several times, and finally proposed this basic train of thought based on synthesizing demonstrations from specialists and scholars and all enterprises, i.e. Innovatively improve “one theory", definitely transfer "two competitions", pointedly insist on "three improvements", precisely hold "four trends", and accelerate the realization of "five transformations".

2. Ayman A. E. Othman, Mayar A. Ghaly, Nazirah Zainul Abidin:
 

Lean Principles: An Innovative Approach for Achieving Sustainability in the Egyptian Construction Industry

Abstract:
In spite of the economic and social contributions of the Construction Industry (CI) in terms of achieving national and international development plans, offering employment opportunities, increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as providing community members with buildings and infrastructure projects that meet their needs and fulfil their requirements, it has a major impact on the environment. The construction industry is a very large consumer of non-renewable resources. In addition, it is a significant source of waste and pollution of air and water as well as an important contributor to land dereliction. Furthermore, it is responsible for 50% of the material resources taken from nature, 40% of energy consumed and 50% of total waste generated. Towards saving the planet, it became crucial to stop the depletion of the natural capitals of the earth thorough developing creative and innovative solutions that achieve the objectives of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This paper aims to investigate the role of Lean Principles (LPs) as an innovative approach for achieving sustainability in the Egyptian Construction Industry (ECI). Towards achieving this aim, a research methodology consisting of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire, is designed to accomplish five objectives. Firstly, reviewing literature related to sustainability, (LPs) and highlighting their relationship as well as discussing the ability of (LPs) to achieve sustainability objectives. Secondly, presenting and analysing four case studies benefited from applying (LPs) to deliver sustainable projects. Thirdly, presenting and analysing results of a survey questionnaire directed to a sample of Egyptian Construction Firms (ECFs) to investigate their perception and application of (LPs) towards achieving sustainability objectives. Fourthly, developing a conceptual framework to promote the use of (LPs) as an innovative tool for achieving sustainability in (ECI). Finally, summarising research conclusions and recommendations useful to governmental authorities and construction professionals.

3. Omotayo Olugbenga Aina, Alao Taiwo Omoniyi:
 

The Effect Of Job Enrichment Schemes On Selected Construction Workers In Nigeria

Abstract:
There is a need to ascertain the effect of job enrichment schemes on workers in construction industry in Nigeria in order to justify its continuous use as tools for motivation. This study was designed to determine the relative performance of job enrichment schemes used by selected construction firms in Lagos, Nigeria and the effects of the schemes on the workers in these firms. The study was conducted with data from questionnaire retrieved from forty two project sites. The project managers and craftsmen on these sites were required to evaluate the performance of the job enrichment schemes they had used previously and the effect of those schemes on the workers. Ranking of the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) vectors used for performance evaluation revealed that high performing job enrichment schemes were increased decision making ability,
total quality management and training programmes. Factor analysis was further used to extract the following factors as the major effects of the job enrichment schemes on the construction workers; core job enrichment effects, workers self actualization effects, peer surveillance effects, workers dissatisfaction effects, workers behavioural effects and positive time effects. The ascertained effects justify continuous use of job enrichment schemes.

4. Zlatko Barilović, Mirna Leko Šimić, Helena Štimac:
 

Marketing Orientation Of Educational Institutions In The Field Of Project Management

Abstract:
In the conditions of modern business, all business systems, therefore also in the field of construction,need to find new solutions on a daily basis in order to maintain and increase their competitiveness on the market. It is possible to achieve competitiveness primarily by performing non-standard procedures, such as projects. Having in mind that the number of projects is constantly rising in the world, it is necessary to achieve the highest possible level of successful and efficiently carried out projects. In order to achieve this it is necessary to develop certain elements of project competence in people who participate in planning, preparing and conducting projects. Developing these competences is possible by combining knowledge and experience, primarily through a lifelong learning process. Since the number of organizations that carry out certain forms of formal or informal education in the field of project management is rising in the Republic of Croatia, each of these institutions needs to build their competitiveness on the implementation of a marketing business concept. Because of the aforementioned reasons the authors analyse the supply of educational services in the field of project management in the Republic of Croatia, with a special overview of the specialist graduate professional study of Project Management conducted at the “B. A. Krčelić“ College of Business and Management in Zaprešić. This paper places an emphasis on projects based on the marketing orientation of the study, by means of which the College increases the quality of its educational services and tries to achieve a competitive advantage on the educational market.

5. Jozef Gašparík, Veronika Gašparíková, Helena Ellingerová:

Improvement Of Quality Management Level In Construction Company Using EFQM Model

Abstract:
The purpose of this contribution is to increase quality level of construction organization applying the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) excellence model. It provides analysis of current quality management trends, defines EFQM model structure, criteria and possibilities of its introduction in construction companies. The purpose of this contribution is also proposal of electronic manual and automated system of evaluation the criteria and sub-criteria of EFQM model by company management and also by external auditors. Selected scientific methods of problem solution can be divided into two main groups: empirical and logic (scientific analysis and synthesis). Empirical methods are applied to an electronic survey that aimed to determine knowledge of the EFQM model and its use in practice among organizations operating in Slovakia. The logical method was utilized for the problem solving analysis and synthesis. Application of the methodology and manual enables in a short time to evaluate company quality management level and to identify opportunities for continually quality improvement in construction company.

6. Zoran Pučko, Nataša Šuman, Uroš Klanšek:
 

Building Information Modeling Based Time And Cost Planning In Construction Projects

Abstract:
This paper presents time and cost planning in construction projects using building information modeling (BIM) approach. The BIM technique can be incorporated into the time and cost planning process through several steps. At the beginning, a 3D model of the construction object is developed using an adequate modeling application. After that, the 3D model is imported into suitable BIM construction management software. Thereupon, the project costs are estimated on the basis of quantities of required resources, consumptions, production rates and unit costs. The project activities are then defined and linked to the construction elements of the 3D model as well as updated with allocated resources and costs. The activities with established durations are mutually connected together into a project network plan by taking into account relevant precedence relationships. The project duration is automatically determined from the generated network plan. Finally, the BIM model of the construction object is completed by upgrading the 3D model with defined scheduling and cost data. An application example is presented in the paper to demonstrate the advantages of BIM implementation in architecture, engineering and construction industry.

7. K.W. Andy NG, Andrew D.F. Price:
 

Essential Causes Of The Critical Site Coordination Problems In Building Projects: A Hong Kong Study

Abstract:
In Hong Kong, main contractors of building projects tend to subcontract most of their work. However, many of the subcontractors complain that they are unable to perform to their full capacity due main contractors’ poor site coordination of temporary works and interfacing works and plant supports etc. Six critical site coordination problems caused by main contractors that had adversely influence to the performance of subcontractors were identified in previous study. Twelve essential causes to the problems were identified from literatures and previous studies. A questionnaire survey was conducted to establish a model that explain how the essential causes contributed to the occurrence of the critical site coordination problems which subsequently affected the performance of subcontractors. The survey results were validated by neural network analysis. Backward elimination method was adopted to identify the ‘most essential’ causes that enable main contractors to formulate measures to eliminate the critical site coordination problems. The survey findings show that ‘design of the temporary work provided by main contractor cannot meet the requirements requested by the subcontractors’ is the ‘most essential’ causes of four out of the six critical site coordination problems.

8. Olumide Afolarin Adenuga,Gboyega Sotunbo:
 

An Assessment Of Time Variation In Solid And Hollow Floor Construction In Lagos State

Abstract:
The choice of construction method employed for constructing suspended slabs in buildings tend to impact significantly on the delivery time of building project. Thus, this study aims at assessing the impact of various construction methods on duration for constructing hollow and solid floor slabs in buildings in Lagos State, Nigeria. The research design for this study was a survey design approach and the populations of the study were professionals involved in construction projects; Architects, Civil Engineers, Builders, Quantity Surveyors, Building Services Consultant and Contractors. These are the major participants in the construction industry in Lagos State, Nigeria. The analysis is based on 46 (forty-six) returned questionnaires out of the 60 (Sixty) questionnaires administered. The data from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics tools such as frequency, percentage mean ranking while the hypothesis were tested with a paired sample t-test tool. It was found that the systems or methods of slab construction well known to the respondents are cast in situ, precast and semi-precast. The Cast in-situ beam and slab construction ranked as the most frequently adopted method followed by flat slab, hollow clay pot and waffle slab construction. In terms of construction time, placing reinforcement and construction of formwork takes more time than other processes in solid slab construction while in construction of reinforced cast in situ concrete hollow slab; formwork construction, placing hollow bricks or blocks or moulds on formwork and curing concrete takes more time than the other processes involved. The study’s major recommendation is that, adequate and careful analysis should be conducted before taking a decision on the choice of floor system been adopted for any project.

9. Lana Lovrenčić Butković, Sandra Mišić:
 

Concentration Of Construction Industry In Croatia For The Period 2004-2013

Abstract:
A constant decline of the construction industry in the Croatian GDP is very concerning. The Croatian construction industry is facing with a significant decline of the whole sector. The share of the construction industry within the Croatian GDP was 7.8 percent in 2008. In 2013, that number declined to a devastating 4.4 percent. The concentration ratio shows significant fragmentation. The number of employees shows a negative trend, the number of companies is growing. A study has shown that Croatian construction industry is strongly fragmented, and has been such even more so after the economic crisis of 2008. Until 2008, the construction industry in Croatia showed constant growth. However, soon after we could notice a decline in employment, concentration ratio of the biggest companies and total revenue decline. Nevertheless, since 2008 there have been strong changes in the sector. Within the context the construction sector within Croatia, this paper mainly focuses on the level in the industry within the past ten years. From 2004 to 2008, shares of construction in the GDP increased from 4.2 to 7.3 percent. Results from this increase have also spread on the employment, which shows an increase of 61.1 percent. In 2004, there were 6471 registered construction companies with 84642 employees working in the sector. In 2013 there were 11989 companies employing 77129 people. The 2014 construction industry has fallen on its knees and is continuing to fall. Data from 2013 shows the share of construction in the GDP to be 4.2 percent. Industrial concentration is measured by the 4; 8; 20 and 30 construction company concentration ratio. The industry is characterized as strongly fragmented: in 2008, 4 biggest companies had a share of 2.95 percent, and in 2012, the share of 4 biggest construction companies held 1.51 percent of total revenue. The construction industry has a meaningful impact on the Croatian economy, since it is traditionally an important and strong sector. We found that strategic alliances and government incentives can have significant impact on forming the steady ground for a better future in the Croatian construction companies.