Anne Landin

A comparative study of factors affecting the external stakeholder management process

There is a natural tendency for stakeholder groups to try to influence the implementation of construction projects in line with their individual concerns and needs. This presents a challenge for construction project managers in analysing and managing these various concerns and needs in a stakeholder management process falling within the limits of the project. The aim of the research presented here was to show the factors affecting the stakeholder management process positively or negatively from the perspective of project implementation. A comparative study of two railway projects in Sweden was undertaken to analyse these factors. The study showed that the outcome of the stakeholder management process depended mainly upon how well the project managers presented the benefits and negative consequences brought on by the construction project. Techniques and tools exist for this purpose, but must be appropriate, and these are discussed in the context of the two projects. The challenge for project managers is to implement the project in such a way that the effects of negative impacts are minimized and, if possible, the benefits for all stakeholders are maximized. Project managers must communicate and interact with stakeholders so that the perceived benefits and negative impacts are realistically defined.

ISO 9001 within the Swedish construction sector

This study analysed how the ISO 9000 framework could be employed in the construction process. Interviews were conducted at twelve companies in Sweden that utilized the quality system standard ISO 9001. Many of the concepts contained in the quality system standard were experienced as being too abstract and too difficult to comprehend. Frequently quality mangement was considered as serving the function of improving the companys competitiveness and allowing the company to be more efficient. It appeared difficult, however, in view of the many stages the construction process encompasses and the diverging interests represented, to meet the needs of the construction sector by the use of ISO 9001 alone. Some of the paragraphs it contains also tended to be confused with one another and to be misinterpreted. Others, although useful elsewhere, appeared scarcely to find application in the construction sector. Developments in the area appear to be going in the direction away from using large bureaucratic inspection systems and quality handbooks aimed at impressing customers and towards employing more diversified systems. Certification was found to be a matter of concern to all of the companies investigated.

Specialist contractors' approach to quality management in Sweden

The term ‘specialist contractor’ in Sweden refers to all contractors who are involved in the construction process, apart from the general contractor. About 12 organizations from eight groups or trades were selected for interviews and the results of those interested and complying with ISO 9000 was varied with the most common problems for the specialist contractors easily identified.

Impact of construction-related rework on selected Ugandan public projects

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to assess the magnitude of the impact of construction-related rework on selected project budgets and schedule in public building construction in Uganda. The magnitude of construction-related rework was the mean determined over construction contracts under a selected project and expressed as a percentage of the construction contract sum. Design/methodology/approach A single case multi-unit study approach was adopted. A case study protocol was prepared that included a checklist, observation schedules and an interview guide. The three instruments were used to collect data from building contractors and end-users (the teaching staff and medical assistants). Representatives of the client entity and the end-users provided sufficient project documentation and related supplementary information for the study. Findings Construction-related rework was predominantly attributable to design information omissions, unacceptable workmanship and inadequate supervision of the contractor. Lightning conductor, electrical and roofing installations were the building elements that had the highest frequency of rework. It was further determined that the mean percentage of rework related impact on project budget and schedule was approximately 4.53 and 8.42 per cent, respectively. Originality/value The findings inform policy makers about likely areas that contribute to significant wastage and value loss in quality management of public sector projects. The research advocates for improved data collection protocols, integration of adequate design management and a whole life value philosophy during the public building construction process.

Housing deveopers´ perception of the planning process: a survey of Swedish companies

Purpose – The public activity of controlling land use is exerted through the planning process. The purpose of this paper is to examine how housing developers perceive different aspects of the planning process, and if these perceptions might act as a constraint for the development of new housing projects.Design/methodology/approach – A survey, based on a questionnaire, has been conducted with housing development companies having at least one project initiated during the period 2001‐2004 and with municipal housing companies with responsibility for providing affordable rental housing. The study focused on the assertions contained in the questionnaire, which were measured statistically with a t‐test, to establish if the respondents agreed with the stated assertions. Additional information was achieved from factual and open questions to the respondents of the survey.Findings – The study shows that the housing developers do perceive the planning process as a factor of uncertainty in the development of new housi...