Gary David Holt

Factors influencing construction time and cost overruns on high-rise projects in Indonesia

Many variables have an impact upon construction time and cost overruns in Indonesia. A questionnaire survey was undertaken of project managers working on high-rise construction projects in two Indonesian cities: Jakarta and Yogyakarta. The variables identified were ranked according to their perceived importance and frequencies of occurrence. Inflationary increases in material cost, inaccurate material estimating and project complexity are the main causes of cost overruns. The predominant causes of delay are design changes, poor labour productivity and inadequate planning. Using factor analysis techniques, delay and cost overrun variables were grouped into factors, and their relationships analysed. Although Indonesia specific, the results reflect construction management problems common to developing countries.

Which contractor selection methodology

Abstract Industrial and academic awareness of the need for judicious construction contractor selection is increasing. Earlier investigations of this client procurement decision have more recently been expanded upon; particularly, by work conducted in the USA and UK. Other countries are now also addressing this issue and procurement research abounds. This paper complements that increased activity by presenting a review of contractor evaluation and selection modelling methodologies. These methodologies include: Bespoke approaches, Multi-attribute analysis, Multi-attribute utility theory. Cluster analysis, Multiple regression, Fuzzy set theory, and Multivariate discriminant analysis. The merits/ demerits and previous/possible future applications of each methodology are discussed, and indications for future research given.

Using national input-output data for embodied energy analysis of individual residential buildings

Embodied energy (EE) analysis has become an important area of energy research, in attempting to trace the direct and indirect energy requirements of products and services throughout their supply chain. Typically, input-output (I-O) models have been used to calculate EE because they are considered to be comprehensive in their analysis. However, a major deficiency of using I-O models is that they have inherent errors and therefore cannot be reliably applied to individual cases. Thus, there is a need for the ability to disaggregate an I-O model into its most important ‘energy paths’, for the purpose of integrating case-specific data. This paper presents a new hybrid method for conducting EE analyses for individual buildings, which retains the completeness of the I-O model. This new method is demonstrated by application to an Australian residential building. Only 52% of the energy paths derived from the I-O model were substituted using case-specific data. This indicates that previous system boundaries for EE studies of individual residential buildings are less than optimal. It is envisaged that the proposed method will provide construction professionals with more accurate and reliable data for conducting life cycle energy analysis of buildings. Furthermore, by analysing the unmodified energy paths, further data collection can be prioritized effectively.

The learning organisation: toward a paradigm for mutually beneficial strategic construction alliances

Strategic alliances are becoming an important means of survival for managing construction organisations. Such alliances are a compromise between organisations doing business in isolation and in mutual partnership with another organisation(s). The key to competitive advantage and improving customer satisfaction lies in the ability of organisations to form learning alliances; these being strategic partnerships based on a business environment that encourages mutual (and reflective) learning between partners. Well-designed, successful alliances enhance co-operation and a high level of trust and commitment. A learning framework is presented to foster successful co-operative strategic alliances between construction organisations. A case study is highlighted based on Rameses Associates and Lloyds TSB Insurance of the UK, to illustrate the advantages of the thesis proffered.

Construction business performance measurement: the SPM alternative

Construction business performance measurement (BPM) is myopic, most often being project‐specific, profit‐orientated, and neglecting broader “stakeholder” issues. If construction organizations are to remain competitive in the longer term, they need to develop and better understand their relations with their customers, suppliers, employees, lenders and the wider community. Hence, performance measurement must embrace these broader business characteristics. The need for a shift in “orthodox” (BPM) beliefs from “basic” performance measurement, to an alternative “stakeholder perspective measurement” (SPM), is underlined. SPM will adequately consider relations with customers, suppliers, employees, financiers, and the wider community; all being critical for a business’s long‐term viability. The paper goes on to advocate that construction organizations should reject this myopic strategic thinking, and better consider the interests of their stakeholders, both economically and morally. The latter calls for development of a serious stakeholder perspective to business performance measurement, so that construction organizations can be monitored and judged in a socially acceptable manner.

Evaluating prequalification criteria in contractor selection

Abstract A quantitative model for selecting construction contractors which utilizes the multi-attribute analysis technique is being developed. Prequalification criteria for inclusion in the model have been identified and weightings to mirror their respective importance in the selection process determined. A series of independent evaluations which facilitate the consolidation of these criteria into a standard prequalification form is presented. The paper may help selection practitioners in reviewing both the areas of investigation and the evaluation methods they employ when selecting construction contractors.

Factors influencing craftsmen's productivity in Indonesia

Abstract Poor productivity of construction craftsmen is one of the most daunting human resource problems in developing countries. This paper reports an investigation of the problems influencing craftsmens productivity on 27 medium and high-rise building sites surveyed in Indonesia. Three main groups of craftsmen (93 bricklayers, 81 carpenters and 69 steel fixers) some 243 workers in total, participated in a comprehensive structured survey of production problems conducted over a 4-month period. The study instruments included craftsmen questionnaires and an activity sampling survey. Findings show that craftsmen in Indonesia spend on average 75% of their time working productively. Five specific productivity problems are identified, i.e. lack of materials, rework, absenteeism, lack of equipment and tools and gang interference. These Indonesian construction productivity problems are also compared with those identified from Nigeria, the UK and the USA.

A survey of constraints on Iranian construction operatives' productivity

Construction productivity is rarely analysed in Iran. If productivity is to improve, current weaknesses must be identified. To this end data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey. By utilizing the relative index ranking technique, the identified problems were prioritized for detailed analysis and discussion. Results indicate that the five highest-ranking problems are: Materials shortage, weather and site conditions, equipment breakdown, drawing deficiencies/change orders, and lack of proper tools and equipment. Devastating war with neighbouring Iraq has led to a boom in construction activities leading to shortages of construction materials. The casual employment of the majority of construction operatives and poor managerial skills are the significant contributors to low productivity on Iranian construction sites.

Applying multi-attribute analysis to contractor selection decisions

Abstract Contractor selection is made onerous by the existence of many decision parameters and several outcome options. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the multi-attribute analysis (MAA) technique facilitates this decision task in being able to evaluate alternatives and indicate optimum choice. Several variations of MAA are presented and the fundamental advantages and disadvantages associated with each are highlighted. An overview of a three-tier MAA procedure designed to encompass the entire selection process culminates in a worked example of contractor evaluation utilizing a computer spreadsheet approach. While the procedure is presented in a construction contracting context, the methodologies cited are of potential benefit in a wide selection of purchasing scenarios.

A conceptual alternative to current tendering practice

The research to date has borne a fundamental decision aid model to assist the construction owner in choosing a contractor. The model is currently being stabilized and validated. A comprehensive survey has been carried out to verify the variables and their weighting indices. Liaison with construction owners suggests that such a selection process developed into an expert system would be welcomed by the UK construction industry.