A knowledge based system for valuing variations in civil engineering works: a user centred approach

There has been much evidence that valuing variations in construction projects can lead to conflicts and disputes leading to loss of time, efficiency, and productivity. One of the reasons for these conflicts and disputes concerns the subjectivity of the project stakeholders involved in the process. One way to minimise this is to capture and collate the knowledge and perceptions of the different parties involved in order to develop a robust mechanism for valuing variations. Focusing on the development of such a mechanism, the development of a Knowledge Based System (KBS) for valuing variations in civil engineering work is described. Evaluation of the KBS involved demonstration to practitioners in the construction industry to support the contents of the knowledge base and perceived usability and acceptance of the system. Results support the novelty, contents, usability, and acceptance of the system, and also identify further potential developments of the KBS

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

Control of soft scales (Homoptera: Coccidae) in British Columbia peach and apricot orchards

n/

Codling moth importation control by sterile insect release: Of fruit and fruit containers as a source of reinfestation

A program of codling moth, Laspeyresia pomonella (L.), control by the sterility principle is planned for the entire Similkameen Valley of British Columbia. If the program is successful, reinfestation by moth fly-in is unlikely because the valley is fairly well isolated. Importation of host fruits and fruit containers (bushel boxes) for roadside fruit stands could lead to reinfestation unless the boxes are fumigated. Localized annual releases of sterile moths around fruit stands may also be necessary. Orchard bins, used by commercial packinghouses, are unlikely to be a serious source of codling moth reinfestation