Development of a values-based framework for predicting project sustainability performance

Construction projects are subject to scrutiny in terms of sustainability performance, for example, on environmental issues and social matters. However, the reasons which underpin why one project outperforms another do not seem to be well-articulated in literature – possibly because projects are deemed to be unique and hence incomparable. For instance, decisions which lead to better or worse sustainability performance are arguably determined by the individual values of actors, as played out in a project context. If values are a predictor of attitudes and behaviours of individuals, then it is feasible that they also guide behaviour at the organisational (and project) level. Drawing on values theory, a preliminary framework has been developed to capture and assess individuals’ personal values, within a project (organisational) context, to understand the likely implications on sustainability performance. The framework, developed from a literature review, aims to create a means by which it is possible to predict the sustainability performance of a project, and improve this through approaches that are more empathetic to individuals’ values (for example, by configuring and managing teams differently). By so doing, this may help project teams to achieve higher standards of environmental and social performance in practice

Improving hydraulic excavator performance through in line hydraulic oil contamination monitoring

It is common for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of high value products to provide maintenance or service packages to customers to ensure their products are maintained at peak efficiency throughout their life. To quickly and efficiently plan for maintenance requirements, OEMs require accurate information about the use and wear of their products. In recent decades, the aerospace industry in particular has become expert in using real time data for the purpose of product monitoring and maintenance scheduling. Significant quantities of real time usage data from product monitoring are commonly generated and transmitted back to the OEMs, where diagnostic and prognostic analysis will be carried out. More recently, other industries such as construction and automotive, are also starting to develop capabilities in these areas and condition based maintenance (CBM) is increasing in popularity as a means of satisfying customers’ demands. CBM requires constant monitoring of real time product data by the OEMs, however the biggest challenge for these industries, in particular construction, is the lack of accurate and real time understanding of how their products are being used possibly because of the complex supply chains which exist in construction projects. This research focuses on current dynamic data acquisition techniques for mobile hydraulic systems, in this case the use of a mobile inline particle contamination sensor; the aim was to assess suitability to achieve both diagnostic and prognostic requirements of Condition Based Maintenance. It concludes that hydraulic oil contamination analysis, namely detection of metallic particulates, offers a reliable way to measure real time wear of hydraulic components

Understanding values diversity within the organisation: a case study in UK Construction

Any increasing diversity in a workforce necessitates a better understanding of individual and team differences in the organisation, as well as how such differences affect the organisation itself. Previous research has highlighted that diversity in people’s values will have consequences for an organisation, and is therefore critical in the area of diversity management. Nevertheless, understanding values diversity within the organisation is not an easy task. The difficulties are exacerbated by the dearth of literature offering practical guidance. The case study presented has been conducted in a UK construction company using Schwartz’s theoretical framework of human values as a framing device. Employees’ values profiles were collected and analysed through an organisational-wide survey. The process helped identify shared values, and highlighted differences between various sub-groups. It made the divergence of values explicit, thus facilitating mutual understanding within the organisation. It is argued that values diversity should be encouraged and respected within a collectivistic culture, enabling a heterogeneous workforce to work harmoniously toward their common goals, maximising the contribution of each member, and ensuring fair treatment for all irrespective of background. In addition, Schwartz’s circumplex model of values and its associated survey instrument are helpful framing devices to reveal values diversity and facilitate values communication within the organisation

An investigation of design waste causes in construction

The construction, demolition and excavation waste arising in the UK is estimated at 109 million tonnes per year. Much had been published on ways to improve on-site waste management and recycling activities but very few attempts made to address design generated waste. This paper examines previous studies on architects’ approach towards construction waste minimisation; and by means of a postal questionnaire sent to the 100 top UK architectural practices, investigates: the origins of design waste; waste minimisation design practices in the UK; and barriers to design out waste. The findings reveal that architects consider that waste is mainly produced during site operations and rarely generated during the design stages. However, about one third of construction waste could essentially arise from design decisions. Results also indicate that a number of constraints, namely: lack of interest from clients and attitudes towards waste minimisation are seen as disincentives to a proactive and sustainable implementation of waste reduction strategies during the design process

Understanding values diversity within the organisation: a case study in UK construction

Any increasing diversity in a workforce necessitates a better understanding of individual and team differences in the organisation, as well as how such differences affect the organisation itself. Previous research has highlighted that diversity in people’s values will have consequences for an organisation, and is therefore critical in the area of diversity management. Nevertheless, understanding values diversity within the organisation is not an easy task. The difficulties are exacerbated by the dearth of literature offering practical guidance. The case study presented has been conducted in a UK construction company using Schwartz’s theoretical framework of human values as a framing device. Employees’ values profiles were collected and analysed through an organisational-wide survey. The process helped identify shared values, and highlighted differences between various sub-groups. It made the divergence of values explicit, thus facilitating mutual understanding within the organisation. It is argued that values diversity should be encouraged and respected within a collectivistic culture, enabling a heterogeneous workforce to work harmoniously toward their common goals, maximising the contribution of each member, and ensuring fair treatment for all irrespective of background. In addition, Schwartz’s circumplex model of values and its associated survey instrument are helpful framing devices to reveal values diversity and facilitate values communication within the organisation

Linking individual and organisational values: a case study in UK construction

Values hold a prominent place in both business ethics and organisational theories, and there is a detectable shift from management by instructions and objectives to management by values (Dolan and Garcia, 1999). Some organisations now devote significant energy to integrating values and beliefs into their business practices, which requires a clear and thorough understanding of the organisational values in the first place. Many believe that organisations should have values that both reflect the collective values of all employees and align with individual values (Sawhney, 2002; Peat, 2003; Jaffe and Scott, 1998). However, there persists considerable confusion about how organisational values should be developed. While many organisations have values statements, most were generated by those in a leadership position, which often fail to relate to the employees’ personal values. This paper presents a values study conducted in an organisation in the UK construction industry. By utilising a questionnaire survey instrument developed upon the Schwartz’s theoretical framework of human values (Schwartz, 1992), employees’ values profiles were collected and analysed. A follow-up workshop facilitated the identification and sharing of the common values, established the linkage between individual and organisational values, and as a result, a set of values statements were developed by the employees themselves. This bottom up approach made the organisational values explicit in an understandable and useful way, and improved the congruence between individuals and the organisation

Are housebuilders' production strategies a barrier to offsite construction uptake in the UK?

More than three-quarters of all new UK housing is currently delivered by the private sector using predominantly traditional, site-based, construction methods. Recently, the house-building industry has found itself under increasing pressure to raise production output to alleviate a shortage in housing supply and reduce house price inflation. Within this setting, there has been much interest in the potential offered by off-site construction (OSC). The production strategies employed by private house-building firms however, are a direct response to their operational environment, and the adoption of OSC would arguably alter the way that they deliver their developments. Hence, there is a clear need to understand the relationship between production strategy and construction methods. Based on a case study of one of the largest private house-building firms in the UK, the potential impacts of OSC on current production strategies have been explored. The results indicate that the adoption of OSC approaches may alter the manner in which house-building firms are able to manage their production process, reducing their control and restricting the very flexibility on which their own success relies. The findings have implications for the housebuilding industry, OSC manufacturers and construction research, given the ongoing interest in OSC as a means to address the UK’s housing supply issues

New build: materials, techniques, skills and innovation

The transition to secure, sustainable, low-energy systems will have a significant effect on the way in which we design and construct new buildings. In turn, the new buildings that are constructed will play a critical role in delivering the better performance that would be expected from such a transition. Buildings account for about half of UK carbon dioxide (CO2) production. So it is urgent to ensure that energy is used efficiently in existing buildings and that new building stock is better able to cope with whatever the future holds. Most energy used in buildings goes towards heating, lighting and cooling, but a growing percentage is consumed by domestic appliances, computers and other electrical equipment. Actual energy consumption is the product of a number of factors, including individual behaviours and expectations, the energy efficiency of appliances and the building envelope. This review focuses on the third of these, the building itself, and its design and construction. It discusses the issues faced by the construction industry today, suggesting that major changes are needed relating to materials, techniques, skills and innovation. It moves on to consider future advances to 2050 and beyond, including developments in ICT, novel materials, skills and automation, servitisation (the trend for manufacturers to offer lifetime services rather than simple products), performance measurement and reporting, and resilience. We present a vision of the new build construction industry in 2050 and recommendations for policy makers, industry organisations and construction companies

Editorial: Circular economy in the built environment

Editorial: Circular economy in the built environmen

Existing healthcare facilities, refurbishment, and energy simulation

In recent years, various experts and organisations have emphasised the need to improve existing facilities to meet targets imposed by government related to energy consumption and carbon emissions. Demolishing existing facilities and constructing new facilities is not always the best solution to achieve government targets and modernise existing healthcare facilities. Also, the National Health Service’s (NHS) focus on new construction in the past has contributed towards the deterioration of existing building stock up to certain extent. Research in the area of refurbishment of existing hospitals has been neglected despite the fact that existing facilities still account for a major proportion of NHS healthcare building stock. To accomplish the research aim and goals, a mixed methodology was used which include a literature review, web‐based case studies, questionnaire survey, interviews and site visits to hospitals. A brief study of healthcare refurbishment indicates that a specific framework for existing buildings is required because their characteristics are different to new facilities. The function of this particular framework should be to integrate modelling and assessment tools, and to reduce existing building energy consumption throughout the life‐cycle