Effects of Organisational Characteristics on Contractors’ Construction Cash Flow Forecasting Capabilities

Inadequate cash resources resulting from poor cash flows have been among the fundamental causes of construction project failures. Despite the panoply of cash flow forecasting (CFF) tools, the cash flow performance of many construction firms have been reported to be poor due weak Cash flow forecasting (CFF) process capabilities influenced by a couple of organisational characteristics. Although these organisational characteristics have been reported to significantly influence firms’ CFF process capabilities, the underlying mechanisms of how these organisational features and characteristics exhibit their specific influences on the cash flow forecasting capabilities of construction firms still remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aims at empirically exploring the influence of some organisation characteristics on the CFF process capabilities of construction firms. Best practices in CFF identified from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Cash Flow Forecasting (CFF) guide were used to develop an assessment criteria used to assess the CFF capabilities of construction firms. The assessment was conducted through a questionnaire survey involving contracting organisations involved in both building and civil engineering works in Nigeria. The key best practices in CFF were ranked based on arithmetic mean value scores and averages were also determined for each of the four CFF components assessed (Knowledge and understanding CFF concepts and principles, Practical application, Practical considerations, and other Managerial issues). Hierarchical regression analysis was then used to examine the relationships between contractors’’ CFF process capabilities and some organisational characteristics. Results of the study reveals that organisational characteristics are strongly associated to firms’ abilities to prudently manage cash flows. The results of this study could serve as a basis for the strategic planning and improvement of Cash Flow Forecasting process by contractors in Nigeria

Prospects and Challenges of Workplace Diversity in Modern Day Organizations: A Critical Review

Workplace diversity (WPD) is a holistic concept that denotes the differences that exist between people working within an organisation. It describes the complex physical, sociological or psychological attributes such as gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs that define an individual or group. Therefore, WPD transcends the recruitment, representation or preferential treatment of people within an organisation. The complexity of WPD has become one of the most challenging issues currently of critical importance in business and organisational management. Therefore, the paper presents the critical issues currently impacting on WPD in modern day organisations. It identified and highlighted the various prospects and challenges of WPD. The results revealed that diversity in the workplace enhances the critical thinking, problem-solving, and employee professional skills. Furthermore, it enables organisations to attract talent, improve corporate attractiveness, productivity. However, it is currently hampered by the hostility, disrespect and discrimination people with diverse background encounter in the workplace. Such behavioural attitudes as ascribed to prejudices and biases towards people with varied lifestyle choices, ethnic and cultural differences, disabilities, and generational gaps. These factors can stifle morale, teamwork, profitability and the attractiveness of the organisation. Consequently, modern day organisations need to address the causes of these issues to exploit the benefits of WPD. These can be addressed strategies that foster an empowerment culture, build communication and team spirit with organisations. These efforts will promote acceptance, productivity, and profits in future organisations

Journal of Public Procurement : Volume 10 Number 1 Spring 2010

VOLUME 10, NUMBER 1, Spring 2010 CONTENTS Optimizing the Size of Public-Private Partnership Contracts in the Water Sector: Implications from An Estimated Cost Function of Private Operators A. Iimi Construction Procurement Strategies of National Health Service In the UK: A Critical Review A. D. Ibrahim, A. Price, M. M. A. Khalfan and A. Daint Social Cohesion, Groupthink and Ethical Behavior of Public Procurement Officers J. M. Ntayi, W. Byabashaija, S. Eyaa, M. Ngoma and A. Muliira The Economics of Procurement Contract Awarding: Problems and Solutions in Theory and Practice P. A. Mori and N. Doni Local Public Procurement: How to Deal with a Creative Bidder? A Case Study from The Netherlands M. P. v. d. HoekBOOK REVIEW Buying Social Justice: Equality, Government Procurement, and Legal Change Y. Qiaoe140 hlm.; 23 cm