Critical Success Factors (CFSs) Implementation Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) Into Building Information Modelling (BIM) Application Through Malaysian Government Healthcare Projects

The healthcare industry in Malaysia is proving to be one of the most competitive industries today. The sector is expected to grow to 127 billion ringgit (US$30 billion) by 2027, fuelled by increasing demand for healthcare services from an aging population, rising affluence, and increasing life expectancy. An advanced support system is required to ensure the deliverable and have a significant impact on national growth. One commonly used framework to support such crucial decisions in public projects and policies is Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). Integration of more support systems such as CBA and Building Information Modelling (BIM) will further enhance government construction project delivery. The objective of this research was to analyse critical success factors toward the integration of CBA and BIM implementation in Malaysian government healthcare facility projects. The outlined research objective aimed to enhance the integration of CBA within BIM implementation. A mixed-methods approach had been selected to collect the data and obtain the desired information. Via this mixed method, a questionnaire survey was conducted first, followed by the interview session. 90 numbers of respondents (populations) registered via the MYBIM Resources Network List (MyBIM CIDB), 74 numbers of respondents were set as a sampling set, and five (5) random respondents who participated in the early questionnaire survey were then selected to be further interviewed. The most CSFs quoted by the respondents are “peoples” via the interview and training and development via a questionnaire survey. This finding, comparatively, looks almost similar to what was found by previous research done in Hong Kong and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's construction industry. Since CBA and BIM are the most important tools in construction and its deliverables, it is expected that the government, via their technical agencies, will properly and strictly enforce their current policies, which will be followed by all the players in the construction industry. In addition, more training should be provided to equip our construction industry professionals with the latest technology regarding CBA and BIM

Understanding the cost overrun causation in construction megaprojects – a grounded systems thinking approach

Research background: The problem of cost overruns in construction megaprojects is a ‘complex problem’. Although a considerable amount of research has been conducted to identify the isolated factors causing cost overruns in megaprojects, there is a lack of holistic understanding of the complex causal interrelationships between the causes of cost overruns. Therefore, to fulfil this research gap, adding a novel contribution to the existing body of knowledge, adopting systems thinking approach, this thesis aims to holistically examine and understand the cost overrun causation in construction megaprojects and develop a model/substantive theory that represents the complex problem of cost overruns in construction megaprojects. Research methodology and design: The thesis adopted a qualitative research methodology based on a case study research design. California High-Speed Rail project was selected as the case study and data were collected from a range of sources. Data were analysed using grounded theory method and systems thinking approach was used to develop the model (systems map). Seven (07) theoretical propositions that emerged from the data analysis were developed to explain the drivers of each systems map and their cause and effect relationships. The developed model/substantive theory and the underpinning propositions were validated using a two-round modified Delphi survey. Important research findings: The holistic examination of the complex problem of cost overruns revealed that the project cost overruns were an emergent ‘symptom’ caused by multiple interrelated causes and events occurring at different levels and phases of the project thus cannot be attributed to one single cause. Further to the current academic explanations on cost overruns in the project management literature, findings of the research revealed that that ignorance, impulsive decision-making, immature project organisation, and political pressures collectively led to initiating the project with unrealistic cost and schedule estimates and an undefined scope. Scope creep, inflation, community pressure, lawsuits, and multiple delays were collectively responsible for cost overruns during the execution phase. Contribution to knowledge: Using systems thinking approach, this thesis holistically examined the cause and effect relationships between the drivers of cost overruns in megaprojects by developing a model/substantive theory (systems map) of cost overrun causation. The developed systems map could be used as a tool for strategic decision-making in megaprojects to understand how cost overruns emerge as a result of multiple interrelated causes and events occurring at different levels and phases of the project.James Watt Scholarshi

Need of strong university-industry partnerships: a case study in Sri Lanka

University-Industry Partnerships (UIPs) in the field of DRR have produced several innovative tools, services, and advancements in industrial applications globally. However, from the Sri Lankan perspective, the level of UIPs appear to be significantly lower compared to the global context. In Sri Lanka, a country that has suffered a lot from natural disasters such as landslides and floods especially over the past few years, DRR activities are undertaken by the governmental and private sector organizations and volunteers, mostly as separate entities. This could lead to inefficiencies, overlapping of efforts, and also to the reinvention of the wheel. The Universities as Higher Education Institutions have a key role to play in bringing the aforementioned stakeholders together not only to strengthen the work they do by effective partnerships but also to come up with innovative solutions through research and development. The purpose of this paper is to explore how effective UIPs can be created in Sri Lanka to achieve the above by exploring; 1) current status of UIPs in Sri Lanka; 2) barriers to creating UIPs; 3) needs and opportunities for creating UIPs; 4) identifying best practices in creating strong and sustainable UIPs. The purpose will be fulfilled with the use of a literature review and by gathering stakeholder opinions. The research findings revealed that there is a need to develop a policy that addresses the aspects of knowledge diffusion, production, engagement, increasing the exposure of the academia for the industry and capacity building in universities. This is in order to tackle key barriers to creating UIPs. There is also a need for strong and effective leadership initiatives from universities to ensure sustainability of UIPs in Sri Lanka

Management of Small WEEE: Future Directions for Australia

Globally, the generation of small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is rapidly increasing and accounted for over 30% of total E-waste in 2019. Managing this critical waste stream has proven challenging in Australia due to diverse product categories, short lifespans, and high frequency of disposal. To address the issue, a Multivocal Literature Analysis was conducted to identify prevailing situations, barriers, and prospects for a practical management framework. Findings were thematically analysed based on sustainability and circular-economy principles. The study revealed several critical obstacles, including the lack of involvement by local governments, the mixing of small WEEE with municipal waste, the absence of an established repair and reuse culture, and the limited domestic application of recovered metals. To address these issues, the study identifies the need for a dedicated co-regulatory stewardship scheme based on extended producer responsibility with eco-modulated fees and realistic scheme targets. Additionally, to accommodate the high product diversity, the expansion of treatment infrastructure is suggested while encouraging responsible consumption among customers. The findings of this investigation hold substantial value for the regulatory bodies in developing and implementing small-WEEE management schemes for Australia

SWOT analysis for large scale contractors of Sri Lanka

According to the Central Bank statistics of Sri Lanka, construction industry contributes around 10% of the GDP. Moreover, the construction industry output directly relies on the construction contractors’ performance out of which most of the contractors are local. Therefore, local construction contractors are the top most significant characters in the industry. Thus, enhancing the performance of local contractors assist the development of national economy. Hence, the aim of the research study is to identify significant facts about the status of large-scale local contractors. At the outset, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of contractors. With the expert interviews, factors related to local contractors were identified. Then a questionnaire survey was carried out to rank the factors in order to identify the most significant factors. As per the findings Sri Lankan construction industry is furnished with many significant strengths and weaknesses. However, external factors such as labor scarcity, frequently changing government policies, skilled labor migration and prequalification criteria in major projects are the threats that affect the local contractors. Few opportunities are available for local contractors such as gain experience on megaprojects, technology transfer and improved management and coordination capability

Net-Zero Considerations within the Delivery of Major AEC Projects in the UK: A Thematic Analysis of the Key Challenges for Project Managers

The growing emphasis on carbon considerations and the pursuit of net-zero emissions have brought about a paradigm shift in project management. To successfully facilitate the transition towards net-zero emissions, major projects must not only adapt existing systems but also embed carbon targets into their core strategies. While several studies have investigated carbon integration during the procurement phase, limited attention has been given to the construction project manager (PM) perspective. This study aims to bridge this research gap by exploring the challenges and barriers faced by construction PMs when integrating carbon targets and metrics into major Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects, as well as evaluating the readiness of project teams to deliver on these. This study deployed a qualitative exploratory research design, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 AEC project professionals actively engaged in the planning and execution of major projects in the UK. Thematic analysis of the data revealed a range of challenges and barriers faced by PM teams delivering these projects. The research findings contribute to the field of construction major projects and project management by enhancing the understanding of the challenges faced by PMs when planning and delivering major AEC projects within the context of the net-zero transition. This study uncovers a series of challenges and prevalent practices that have the potential to impede progress towards net zero. A conceptual model is also proposed, offering a synthesis of the different PM perspectives on carbon integration

Are we ready for net zero in project management? The challenges and strategies for project managers in the delivery of low-carbon major projects

Current national strategies and pledges to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 have highlighted the importance of carbon as an increasingly relevant factor for successful project delivery. Considering the significance of major projects and programmes in developing national infrastructure, the successful delivery of these projects will be a key factor in ensuring that the UK meets its net zero commitments.In addressing this, this research investigates the preparedness of the project management profession by identifying challenges faced by project professionals when planning and delivering current major projects and programmes in the UK. Furthermore, this report explores the necessary strategies and actions to successfully deliver major projects aligned with net zero commitments over the next few decades