Ali Mohammed Alashwal

Empirical Study to Determine Fragmentation of Construction Projects

AbstractFragmentation is a well-known problem in the construction field; however, the literature shows a lack of a precise definition and appropriate measurement of this notion. The purpose of this paper is to determine indicators of fragmentation in construction projects using a second-order formative measurement model. The data were collected using a questionnaire survey from big building projects in Malaysia. Three procedures were used to analyze the data. First, we used principal component analysis (PCA) to determine fragmentation constructs and develop the hierarchical model. Second, partial least squares-path modeling (PLS-PM) was conducted to analyze the hierarchical model and validate the constructs. Lastly, a multicollinearity test was performed to validate the formative variables. The results indicated four new constructs of fragmentation, namely: integration, spanning knowledge across boundaries, barriers, and decoupling of diversity. This paper contributes to the development of a new definitio...

Determining the relationship between conflict factors and performance of international construction projects

Purpose – Conflict was recognized as a major cause of inefficiency and limited performance of construction projects. Factors pertaining to conflict in construction are vast; however, there have been less recognition of these factors in international construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to provide in-depth understanding of conflict in this context and analyze how it influences project performance. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 161 professionals working in Malaysian companies, which are undertaking construction projects overseas. Findings – Analyzing the data using factor analysis revealed six new factors of conflict: external, internal, control-related, knowledge-related, mismanagement, and social conflicts. Further analysis of the data using partial least squares-path modeling (PLS-PM) affirmed a significant relationship between project performance and two factors of conflict only: internal and social. The results also showed that conflic...

Knowledge Utilization Process in Highway Construction Projects

The purpose of this paper is to determine knowledge utilization process and its influence on the performance of construction projects. Two cases of highway projects in Malaysia were used to develop a knowledge utilization model for managing time-related issues (i.e., factors causing project delay). The selected projects were similar in terms of size and scope, but the first project suffered from delay, while the second project was completed ahead of schedule. The findings traced the influence of knowledge utilization processes on project performance. The developed model was comprised of knowledge acquisition; knowledge conversion (knowledge sharing, creation, and integration); and new knowledge utilization. Also, the roles of three factors, namely, competence, teamwork, and time pressure, were highlighted in this model. This study shows knowledge utilization process while developing new solutions or making decisions about issues in the site and other daily problems that the project team is facing in road construction projects. The study emphasizes the significance of knowledge utilization to overcome time-related issues and enhance project performance.

Simulation techniques for cost management and performance in construction projects in Malaysia

Purpose Simulation techniques for cost management are useful for modeling uncertainties, making decisions, and improving the accuracy of cost estimation. Despite their usefulness, the application of these techniques in construction projects seems to be uncommon in the construction sector in Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to determine the application of simulation techniques for cost estimation and control and to assess their influence on project cost performance. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 83 government agencies, consultant firms, and contractor firms in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Findings The findings revealed that knowledge of respondents and usage of cost simulation techniques in the Malaysian construction industry is low. In addition, main barriers of implementing cost simulation techniques are identified. Cost performance of construction projects in Malaysia is satisfactory; however, there is no association between this performance and the application of simulation techniques. Originality/value This paper contributes to construction management field by highlighting the main simulation techniques for cost management and drawing the attention of construction professionals and contractors to implement these techniques in construction projects.

Performance strategies of Malaysian international contractors during boom and recession periods

ABSTRACT The performance of Malaysian international contractors has been deteriorated due to different factors including fluctuations of the global economy. Previous studies highlighted strategies for international contractors to sustain business such as diversification of product and region, localization, joint ventures and entry time. However, the influence of these strategies on contractors’ performance has not been studied extensively. The purpose of this paper is to identify strategies of the international Malaysian contractors and determine the influence of these strategies on their performance during different periods of economic fluctuations. The data of this study was collected from the records of 452 overseas construction projects completed between 1993 and 2016, which covered five periods of booms and recessions. Based on the regression analysis, the results showed that localization influences contractors’ performance during boom periods. Joint venture with home-country contractors may have a positive impact during both boom and recession periods. Product diversification has a positive influence during one recession period. The findings of this study provide an insight for contractors to make critical decisions pertaining to their long-term survival and growth in the international market.

A case study to assess the near-glazed workplace thermal performance

Passive solar control solutions have been widely used in buildings in tropic countries like Malaysia. It is assumed that these solutions may notably control the heat-gain of buildings. However, there is a lack of empirical studies that assess the extent of green-glazed techniques to sufficiently control solar heat-gain. The current study uses a case study approach to examine the thermal indoor performance, particularly the near-glazed workplace area. The performance of the ST Diamond Building (in Putra Jaya, Malaysia) has been examined in terms of: outdoor/indoor dry bulb temperature; glass surface temperature; heat flux through glazing; outdoor/indoor air movement; lux and; solar radiation. The results of the field analysis indicated that ST Diamond Building’s green-glazed solutions are efficient to control solar heat gain, which in turn will lead to reduce energy consumption for controlling solar heat loads.