Functional consequences of trust in the construction supply chain: a multi-dimensional view

Trust is often linked to the emergence of cooperative behaviours that contribute to successful project outcomes. However, some have questioned the functional relevance of trust in contractual relations, arguing that control-induced cooperation can emerge from enforcement of contracts. These mixed views are further complicated by the multi-dimensional nature of trust, as different trust dimensions could have varying functional consequences. The aim of this study was to provide some clarity on the functional consequence of trust in the project supply chain. Data was gathered through passive observations, document reviews and semi-structured interviews with supply chain parties on two case study projects in the UK. A thematic data analysis approach was used to uncover multiple perspectives on the functional consequences of trust in the supply chain. Findings revealed that the weaker dimensions of trust, which are impersonal (cognition-based and systems-based) and the stronger (relational-based) dimension of trust, all fostered beneficial behaviours in the supply chain (effective knowledge sharing and self-organising behaviours). However, additional behavioural consequences (relational flexibility and extra commitment) emerged when trust was relational in nature, implying that different trust dimensions and their associated behavioural consequences can be prioritized in the supply chain based on perceived work package risks

Complexity Theory of Leadership and Management Information

Implementing effective leadership strategies in management of information systems (MIS) can positively influence overall organizational performance. This study was an exploration of the general problem of failure to lead effectively in the current knowledge-based economy and the resulting deleterious effects on organizational performance and threats to continuing organizational viability. The specific problem was the lack of understanding regarding the interaction of leadership processes with MIS functions and the impact on organizational success. Managers\u27 and employees\u27 lived experiences of leadership in small- to medium-sized enterprises were explored, as well as how those experiences influenced the organization\u27s adaptive responses regarding technology and performance in the knowledge-based economy. The complexity theory of leadership was applied as the theoretical foundation for this study. A phenomenological methodology was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through open coding to identify emergent themes from the data. The themes were leaders motivate employees\u27 positive work-related behaviors, effective communication skills ensure accessibility and efficiency of the organizational information system, and leadership practices influence business productivity. This study contributes to social change by providing insights for managers and employees regarding effective strategies for working as teams and networks via the use of nontraditional leadership theory, which promotes company sustainability by demonstrating the benefits of responding to the changing economy

Life cycle cost risk calculator for green highway criteria

The negative perception of the high initial cost of investment in green characteristics into buildings or infrastructure projects is a stigma for project developers when adopting sustainable construction. A green project must ascertain the long-term cost benefits during the project viability stage. Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis is a method introduced to highlight the return of investment and cost risks that possibly encounter during the life span of the buildings or infrastructures. Besides green building, "green highway" or "green road" is among the emerging concern in sustainable construction. The establishment of Green Highway & Road (H&R) Rating Tools such as Malaysia Green Highway Index (MyGHI), offers multi-criteria of sustainable initiatives that count towards the score of the green certification of H&R. The decision to implement sustainable initiatives implementation raises questions about the cost risk of the investment. This research aims to develop Life Cycle Cost Risk Calculator (LCC-RC) for green highway criteria as a decision-making support for the green cost benefits and prediction of risk analysis. This research used the highways certified by MyGHI to identify relationships between LCC components and the green highway’s measurable criteria. The subject of cost benefit and risk analysis was based on risk associated with the green criteria of Energy Efficiency (EE) only. A questionnaire survey of 65 respondents was conducted. Friedman's Test and Spearman's Correlation Coefficient Analysis were used to validate LCC component, and the correlation was used in LCC-RC. The results show the average total LCC of RM481,156 for a green highway project and its energy efficiency green criteria cost have a positive and significant relationship except for capital, maintenance, and replacement costs. Risk contingency costs have the strongest positive relationship (0.29, p <0.005). The results of the calculator portray the descriptive statistical summary of the calculated LCC analysis, along with the simulation output chart. The electrical system of LED street lighting data from LED lantern manufacturer in Malaysia was selected to test the LCC-RC. The User Acceptance Test (UAT) resulted in agreement that the LCC-RC is a unique and user-friendly tool. It was also agreed that LCC-RC supports the decision-making for green H&R projects by accumulating the total LCC of green criteria investment. This research innovation is novel in terms of an alternative for reducing the negative perception of green highways. The LCCRC also exceptionally facilitates decision-making, hence, aiding the H&R stakeholders in foreseeing the green highway cost benefits and risks evaluation

Project Management Strategies for Success—The Case of Zambia

Construction project managers who fail to implement infrastructure projects successfully negatively impact organizational performance and profitability. Grounded in the contingency management conceptual framework, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies Zambian construction project managers use to avoid infrastructure project failure. The participants comprised five construction project managers in Lusaka, Zambia, who reduced infrastructure project failures. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and a review of organization project documents. The Marshal and Rossman seven-step process was used to analyze the data. The following themes emerged: effective project planning, execution, and closure; effective communication; and effective collaboration and coordination. A key recommendation for construction project managers is to develop communication plans based on the project context and environment. The implications for positive social change include the potential to positively impact economic growth, employment creation, and poverty reduction

Successful Project Management

High project failure rates result in billions of wasted dollars each year. Project failure does not discriminate by type of project or the industry from which they originate. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies that leaders at a health care organization located in Pennsylvania use to manage projects successfully. This population was selected due to the health care organization\u27s reputation for successful project completion. The conceptual framework for this study was Fiedler\u27s contingency theory. Data were collected by conducting semistructured interviews with 9 project leaders and reviewing project documents provided by study participants. Interviews were transcribed, thick descriptions were obtained, and participants were engaged in member checking. The thematic data analysis process consisted of compiling and coding data, identifying patterns, and organizing themes into relevant categories, iteratively. Findings were organized into 4 thematic categories, which were, essential strategies, relationship management, best practices, and self-attunement. Findings from this study may contribute to positive social change if health care leaders can use the information to enhance their project leadership capabilities. When project managers are successful, the benefits cascade to health care organizations. Leaders of those health care organizations can ensure that important health and wellness services are provided and available to those who need them, fund performance improvement initiatives, resource quality programs, and offer innovative services to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities

The relationship between project complexity and project success and the moderating effect of project leadership and roles in the construction industry of an emerging economy

University of Stellenbosch Busines Schoo

Social Capital in Network Organizations

In a dynamic network organization, member agents usually interact to coordinate their actions and to cooperate towards a common goal with which they have no previous experience. These relations allow them to produce a cohesive group to build and maintain their network. This paper will outline the effect of social capital on a network structure inside a network organization