Case study on BIM and value engineering integration for construction cost control

Construction projects consume a considerable amount of resources and funding. Cost control is an essential process to attain project success and enhance its value. Many studies have been dedicated to studying how value engineering (VE) can be used to control construction costs. However, limited studies can be found on the integration of building information modelling (BIM) and VE for better cost control and optimization. The main purpose of this study is to determine how BIM can be integrated with VE and illustrate the benefits of this integration. The study proposed a framework based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the entropy method to calculate the weight and coefficient. A case study method of a high-rise building project in China was used to validate the framework and demonstrate how BIM can be integrated with VE. The data were collected through document analysis, interviews, and a questionnaire survey targeted on project participants. The findings show that the integration of BIM in VE facilitates design modification and information extraction such as cost data. Using this approach showed a saving of 10% in project cost and duration. Besides, the overall quality and performance of the project have been enhanced. The findings show the significance of integrating BIM and VE to enhance building project functionality and performance before, during, and after the construction stage. This study contributes to providing empirical evidence of the advantages of this integrated approach including a better understanding of project components and requirements, easy access to project data, comprehensive weight and function analysis, easy validation of recommended solutions, and ability to virtually evaluate design changes and construction site planning

Project learning enablers within fragmented construction projects

Many studies have affirmed a negative influence of fragmentation on learning and knowledge sharing in construction projects. However, the literature overlooked enablers of learning within this context. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that facilitate project learning and ways to negate any unbecoming effects of fragmentation. Qualitative study used to explore the enablers through interviews administered to 11 top management individuals working in different construction projects in Malaysia. The findings revealed the following factors: participation, relationships, togetherness, and roles of project leader and coordinator. The role of boundary objects was also highlighted including information technology (IT), contract and procedures, drawings, specifications, and reports. The outcome of this paper initiates the development of a model for better knowledge creation and sharing in construction projects. The significance of this model stems from its ability to connection both the characteristics of construction project and project learning theories using the enablers. It is envisaged that future work will be to confirm the model in a quantitative study

A literature review of waste prediction models in construction projects

Construction waste prediction and quantification contribute to effective waste management. Waste prediction enables information and data utilization at the early stage of the project to minimise waste during subsequent stages. However, waste prediction and estimation have gained less attention among researchers. The purpose of this paper is to review the available papers on waste prediction and evaluate current prediction models. Based on the review, waste prediction models can be divided into macro and micro models. The macro models use project-level data to predict waste at a city or country level, while the micro models use data to predict waste generated during construction and demolition stages. The focus of this paper is on the micro models. Most of the existing studies are theoretical-based and use descriptive analysis of waste data. The common models of waste prediction, which are evaluated in this paper are linear and regression models, S-curve and Artificial Neural Network model, Big Data framework, and designing-out waste. The outcome of this paper provides an insight into main prediction models, limitations of these models, and factors influencing accurate waste predication

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

Rural access programs in Yemen : delay of international funded road projects

Purpose: Road projects are essential for poverty reduction and the socio-economic development of Yemeni people living in rural areas. Rural access programs, which are mainly sponsored by foreign countries and international organisations, are often delayed. The purpose of this paper is to identify the delay factors of rural road projects with a focus on stakeholder-related factors. Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected using a questionnaire survey from 164 participants representing 7 groups, namely, owner, government, donors, consultants, designers, contractors and beneficiaries. The data was analysed using the partial least squares path modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings: The results show that the identified factors contribute to 16% of the variance of project delay. Donor and government-related factors have a significant relationship with delay. Further analysis of data using the IPMA procedure in PLS-SEM revealed the top factors contributing to delay, which are project selection criteria imposed by donors, government bureaucracy, decision-making process, weak laws and guidelines that regulate the work of project implementation units, procurement procedures, delay of payment to contractor and delay of transactions. Originality/value: The timely completion of rural road projects can have a positive impact on the current and future rural access programs aiming to reduce poverty and increase access to health and education services of over 70% of Yemeni people living in rural areas. Such programs will reduce the misfortune of displaced people due to the ongoing war in the country

Venturing into international construction project : Malaysian perspective

Objective – The growing need for construction of all types coupled with a tight monetary supply has provided the construction industry with a big challenge to cut cost. According to Mendelson and Greenfield (1996) the remaining part of the twentieth century would involve corporations, institutions and government in a race to survive. A tremendous demand of development worldwide has gained interest of Malaysian construction firms to venture into international construction domain. Identifying and analysing major determinants of the firm’s internal and external factors are crucial in order to ease the complexity in global market expansion. Methodology/Technique – The study is carried out through observations and literature review. Findings – This study identifies the factors that are involved in reduction of international projects and its implications on the local economy and contractor companies. Construction projects are currently progressing slowly around the world as a result of the recent global economic crisis. In order to accommodate public needs within the current economic situation, the Malaysian Government has restricted the procurement of public sector projects to “necessary to meet public need” projects only thus narrowing the number of domestic projects available. Consequently, most major contractors have decided to change their focus by looking into international projects outside Malaysia not only to ensure the viability of their businesses but also for long-term survival. Although some Malaysian contractors have managed to penetrate successfully into international construction projects. Novelty – Finally, this study is of relevance to Malaysian construction firms as it systematically highlights the internal and external factors those may affect their performance in international market

[In Press] Application of home-country joint venture (HJV) for international construction contractors

Home-country joint venture (HJV) is one of the strategies contractors can use to venture into the international construction market. In this method, contractors from the same country join to undertake a project in a host country. However, this method is not common among contractors compared with other methods. For instance, among many overseas construction projects executed by Malaysian contractors, less than 1% of projects were completed as HJV. The purpose of this paper is to understand why this method is not common and to determine its potential benefits. For this purpose, qualitative interviews were conducted with experts from Malaysian international contractor companies. The findings highlight the reasons why HJV is not common and the factors that facilitate HJV application among contractors. Factors facilitate the application of HJV include develop strategy for partnering, plan for HJV and risk, select the right partner and others. These factors are categorized into three main project management processes, which are HJV planning, HJV execution and HJV monitoring and control. The findings of this paper can promote the application of joint venture among contractors for successful construction projects and sustainable business in the international market

Knowledge utilization and decision making in construction projects in Malaysia

Knowledge utilization is the process to apply right and relevant knowledge at the right time and place for effective decision making. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to identify the characteristics of knowledge utilization in construction projects in Malaysia. Second, to test whether there is an influence of knowledge utilization on decision making. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 124 professionals in different types of construction projects. Processes, factors, and obstacles of knowledge utilization were identified and discussed in this paper. However, the results indicated that there is no significant relationship between knowledge utilization and effectiveness of decision making

Risk factors in construction projects during unrest period in Yemen

Construction projects are inherently exposed to various risk and uncertainties. Numerous studies have identified risk factors in construction projects in developed and developing countries. Yemen has witnessed revolutions and wars during the past six years, which affected the construction sector among other sectors. The purpose of this paper is to determine risk factors during the unrest period in Yemen. A list of 72 risk variables was developed based on the literature review followed by a questionnaire survey to determine relevant variables and factors. The results of this study explored new components of risk variables, namely environmental, resource-related, technical, conflict, design-related, profit-related, liquidity and revolution, and change. In addition, the results indicated critical risks affecting construction projects and main strategies to respond to them. The results of this paper provide an essential step for managing risks, so project managers and other professionals can ensure good project performance. However, further study is required to investigate the effectiveness of risk response strategies proposed in this paper

A perspective on conflict and performance of international construction projects

Conflict is unavoidable in any construction project and may influence its performance. International construction projects involve people from different backgrounds, professions, and ethnic groups. This milieu may become a trigger for sever conflict. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the influence of conflict on the performance of international construction projects. Conflict and project performance were measured using several variables synthesized from the relevant literature. Conflict variables were categorized into two types: internal and external conflicts. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was developed and sent to individuals working in Malaysian contractor companies, who have experience in overseas projects. All together, 161 questionnaires were collected. Data analysis using linear regression indicated the influence of four variables of the internal conflict on project performance. It is evident that the external conflict may not be significant in the context of international construction project. Thus, it is important to pay greater attention to the internal-related variables of conflict to enhance project performance