Tertiary delivery modes and construction industry sector habits, do they match yet?

Collaboration has become a buzzword, whether describing tertiary educational delivery modes or themes in industry related conferences, or touted by leaders in the construction industry sector. Educational organisations would not thrive without collaboration, and hence the term collegiality. Over the last two or so years Unitec has been developing and facilitating delivery modes involving blended learning, and project based learning for the undergraduate construction management and construction economics students. Teamwork and real-world learning is the norm. The question is, “How real is integrated collaboration in our construction industry as yet and does it yet match the focus of the Integrated design and construction management undergraduate course run at our institute?”. How the course is delivered and assessed is compared with the findings and trends from the industry assignment, and presented in this paper. The findings suggest that whilst the majority of projects are still being run on the Design-Bid-Build basis of design then construct in that order, that there appears to be a slow but obvious shift toward several companies working collaboratively with clients, stakeholders, designers and contractors from the earliest stages of the project

Deterministic and Probabilistic Risk Management Approaches in Construction Projects: A Systematic Literature Review and Comparative Analysis

Risks and uncertainties are inevitable in construction projects and can drastically change the expected outcome, negatively impacting the project’s success. However, risk management (RM) is still conducted in a manual, largely ineffective, and experience-based fashion, hindering automation and knowledge transfer in projects. The construction industry is benefitting from the recent Industry 4.0 revolution and the advancements in data science branches, such as artificial intelligence (AI), for the digitalization and optimization of processes. Data-driven methods, e.g., AI and machine learning algorithms, Bayesian inference, and fuzzy logic, are being widely explored as possible solutions to RM domain shortcomings. These methods use deterministic or probabilistic risk reasoning approaches, the first of which proposes a fixed predicted value, and the latter embraces the notion of uncertainty, causal dependencies, and inferences between variables affecting projects’ risk in the predicted value. This research used a systematic literature review method with the objective of investigating and comparatively analyzing the main deterministic and probabilistic methods applied to construction RM in respect of scope, primary applications, advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and proven accuracy. The findings established recommendations for optimum AI-based frameworks for different management levels—enterprise, project, and operational—for large or small data sets

The framing of construction management responsibilities in job advertisements in the UK and the USA

Responsibilities in construction management can be looked at from many perspectives: individually and organizationally, within the organization and outside the organization. They spread from the daily tasks of a site manager to contractual responsibilities of a whole organization forming a wide and complex topic. The aim of this research was to enhance the understanding of construction management responsibilities by looking at how job advertisements frame the responsibilities of construction management professionals. A documentary research approach with genre and content analyses was used to analyze a selection of job advertisements from large main contractors in the UK and the USA qualitatively. The genre analysis revealed that job advertisements present the construction management responsibilities through a breakdown of three levels: the role name, the overview of the work functions and the description of the responsibilities. The qualitative content analysis resulted in a redeveloped definition of construction management and typology of responsibilities. Recommendations are given for job advertisement writers to ensure that the role name, overview of the work functions and description of the responsibilities all align and contain an appropriate amount of accurate information to attract suitable candidates to apply.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Remote Site Design Management

The aim of this research was to develop and validate a conceptual design management model for international, collaborative remote site projects. In the last decade or so there has been an increasing number of remotely located and often environmentally sensitive sites becoming the focus for development work involving potential investors/entrepreneurs/stakeholders or government and non-government agencies. There were no previously documented empirical examples, nor theoretical models, for remote site design management. Projects on remote sites are frequently government funded, making the approval processes, and timelines for example, subject to political influence, which means that the projects are potentially more difficult to manage, at all levels of involvement. The conceptual model was developed in association with the development of a typology for remote sites, and an investigation of three previously completed eco-resort and Antarctic science projects located on environmentally sensitive world heritage sites. The model responded to and reflected the perceived need for a well-integrated management approach to remote site projects. The research aimed to also demonstrate the potential portability of the model, in terms of offering a basis for a relevant management framework for built environment projects, international scientific drilling projects and international humanitarian aid projects. Grounded theory and case-study methodology were adopted when developing the typology, the conceptual model and when validating the design management model, as it involved empirical enquiry that afforded investigation of the remote site design management phenomenon within a real-life contexts. Two main case studies were undertaken to test the model, one being an historical Antarctic Science Drilling Project and the other, a current UN Humanitarian Project in Sudan. The findings to date support the conceptual design management model as being relevant for not only non-profit and/or Humanitarian Aid projects in the Post-disaster Reconstruction context, but also for commercially based Antarctic Science projects. Subsequently, the model has also been applied to a Post-disaster Reconstruction project in Aceh managed by the Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS)

Are we listening, are we learning?

New Zealand is said to be coming to grips with the post-disaster situation in Christchurch according to articles published by politicians, government agencies and business entrepreneurs. Christchurch has been subjected to over 13,000 earthquakes since September 10th 2010, and in particular the destruction and devastation that resulted from the February 22nd 2011 earthquake. However, key learnings from the Christchurch post-disaster experiences do not appear to have been heeded with the publication of the 30 year Auckland and Unitary Plan for Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where almost half of New Zealand’s population live, compared with just 400,000 who lived in Christchurch in 2010/11. Therefore the consequences of a similar scale disaster would be catastrophic for Auckland and New Zealand. The paper reviews the short-comings of the Auckland and Unitary Plan with regard to ‘disaster preparedness and response’, based on those Christchurch lessons, but also in respect of the ‘Resilient Cities Framework’(RCF). Therefore the question is posed as to whether we are really listening or learning, or not? The conclusion is, that tragically we are not, and whilst we can plan and write up ‘lessons learned’, the only apparent lesson to be learned is that we do not learn from the ‘lessons learned’. Something is missing

How well did a multi-stakeholder management framework for remote sites model the realities on and off-site of a Scottish Highlands infrastructure marine project: reflective case study

The next 20 years will see inward investment of up to £100 billion in construction (and energy) projects in northern Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands. The majority of these projects will take place in locations which are, to a greater or lesser extent, remote. However the performance of many remotely-sited projects across the world highlight the need for more effective management strategies and models. The multi-stakeholder management framework for remote site projects, developed by Kestle (2009), synthesised production and sociological design and management approaches, and has already been tested and validated on Antarctic, humanitarian aid and post-disaster reconstruction projects globally. Participants for this research were designers, construction, and project managers involved on a commercial scale marine infrastructure project in the Scottish Highlands. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the findings analysed to establish and reflect on whether the framework modelled the realities on this remote site project, and actually provided the value-added sought by the multi-stakeholders involved. The findings suggested that the stakeholders’ value criteria expectations were indeed met, and that the management framework did reflect the realities of designing and managing this particular remote site project.Non UBCUnreviewedFacultyOthe

An Analysis of the Built Environment of Scott Base, Antarctica

I. Introduction 1.1 The Analysis The Built Environment at Scott Base, Antarctica has evolved over time from a series of fairly rudimentary sheltering enclosures in 1957 to the present day sophisticated yet simple building designs, incorporating technologically advanced structural and mechanical systems. This analysis focusses on the built environment in terms of the following themes: • Contextualising the challenges of building at Scott Base • Evolution of the Construction Techniques • Evolution of the Construction Technologies Evolution of Statutory Compliance for buildings at Scott Base The analysis has involved, researching existing literature and documentary evidence, discussions with design consultants and operational personnel ( in their official capacities) familiar with the Scott Base projects so that an evaluative Summary could be effected. 1.2 Scott Base — the starting point The idea Of a third Polar Year (previously 1882 and 1932) to coincide with maximum sunspot activity, evolved in 1950 in the USA at a private function. In effect an International Geophysical year ( IGY) extending to stations worldwide, and focussing on geophysical observations. Hence 'Bases' would form important components of this network. • 1953 the New Zealand Antarctic Society made continued submissions to the Ministry of External Affairs for the establishment of a New Zealand station in the Ross Dependency, followed by letters to Prime Minister Sid Holland to ask for "very serious consideration to a station being operational in 1957 for the IGY." • 1955 (February) Britain gave approval for a Trans Antarctic Expedition (TAE). In May the New Zealand Government promised 50,000 to the expedition and the Ross Sea Committee was formed. This in effect was a cofimitment to the IGY and to the Commonwealth TAE. Further New Zealand agreed to lay depots for the British Expedition on the Ross Sea side. The cost to I. Introduction 1.1 The Analysis The Built Environment at Scott Base, Antarctica has evolved over time from a series of fairly rudimentary sheltering enclosures in 1957 to the present day sophisticated yet simple building designs, incorporating technologically advanced structural and mechanical systems. This analysis focusses on the built environment in terms of the following themes: • Contextualising the challenges of building at Scott Base • Evolution of the Construction Techniques • Evolution of the Construction Technologies Evolution of Statutory Compliance for buildings at Scott Base The analysis has involved, researching existing literature and documentary evidence, discussions with design consultants and operational personnel ( in their official capacities) familiar with the Scott Base projects so that an evaluative Summary could be effected. 1.2 Scott Base — the starting point The idea Of a third Polar Year (previously 1882 and 1932) to coincide with maximum sunspot activity, evolved in 1950 in the USA at a private function. In effect an International Geophysical year ( IGY) extending to stations worldwide, and focussing on geophysical observations. Hence 'Bases' would form important components of this network. • 1953 the New Zealand Antarctic Society made continued submissions to the Ministry of External Affairs for the establishment of a New Zealand station in the Ross Dependency, followed by letters to Prime Minister Sid Holland to ask for "very serious consideration to a station being operational in 1957 for the IGY." • 1955 (February) Britain gave approval for a Trans Antarctic Expedition (TAE). In May the New Zealand Government promised 50,000 to the expedition and the Ross Sea Committee was formed. This in effect was a cofimitment to the IGY and to the Commonwealth TAE. Further New Zealand agreed to lay depots for the British Expedition on the Ross Sea side. The cost t

Urban resolutions : Auckland and Vancouver comparisons

The topic of Urban Resolutions is a research piece on Auckland’s urban plan, with the inclusion of heritage builds for reuse or repurpose. An international comparative analysis with Vancouver’s EcoDensity initiative was conducted, to establish whether that model or a similar one, might work for Auckland city; bearing in mind Auckland’s unique landscape and culture. The key Research Question was - ‘How does Auckland Supercity intend to integrate a feasible and well-structured urban plan, that includes its heritage buildings?’ This question was derived from a sense that there is a general lack of knowledge, regarding the continuous development of Auckland. In addition, there are the complications which occur in communities, when large cities such as Auckland become disconnected. By including the historic buildings in the research, this highlights the opportunities of restoration, to create new uses for heritage to suit today’s lifestyles within society. This research was conducted by undertaking qualitative semi-structured interviews with design and urban planning professionals within the construction industry, that were based in Auckland and Vancouver. This enabled access to experience and knowledge within their individual fields and their unique case studies in which they have been involved. Auckland is large and growing rapidly, and this research gives an overview into the city’s current status and attempts to highlight the obstacles that Auckland faces. Overall, undertaking this research, into ‘urban resolutions’, has provided an opportunity to open up discussion and review – of what makes a city liveable, and how communities can be created by developing usable integrated spaces, which in turn help form relationships

Learnings for construction project management personnel about offshore projects : a case study.

Involvement in the global construction project market is becoming more of a norm for designers and construction companies, no matter where the head office is located. As a result, practitioners need to be work - ready in order to be project leaders, consultants and managers on offshore projects, often at a relatively early stage of their careers. The experiences of industry and tertiary professionals also suggests that the challenges and opportunities presented by offshore projects, provide learnings that may also be applied to other construction projects, and should be included in construction sector training and development programmes. The paper and therefore the research question focussed on a qualitative case -study of an offshore tourist resort construction project involving a locally based New Zealand construction company that had recently completed the project. The methodology involved face -to -face interviews with the project management team personnel, as well as an integrated analysis of the project planning, procurement and communications’ documents. Several unique issues and consequent opportunities for innovative solutions were identified for improved practice and training, including managing limited site accessibility, challenging logistics, staffing the teams, plant and materials availability, and maintaining effective communication

Health and safety practices in the Christchurch rebuild - how relevant is the Heinrich Safety Pyramid?

Health and Safety is at the forefront of the construction sector projects in New Zealand particularly as the post-earthquake rebuild gets underway in Christchurch. Health and Safety best practice on all project sites needs to be constantly reviewed, updated, and implemented to reduce on-site accidents. The research investigated whether Heinrich's (1931) Safety Pyramid was relevant to Christchurch's post-earthquake rebuild projects in the civil construction sector. The selected literature specifically focussed on publications that involved or reviewed the validity of Heinrich's Safety Pyramid. Archival accident data in New Zealand for the year ending June 2103 was reviewed and to complement this data a questionnaire was prepared, and distributed to one hundred construction personnel working on civil construction rebuild projects in Christchurch in the latter part of 2013. In addition, semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted with five selected personnel including project managers, supervisors and labourers. The reviewed and collected data were analysed with the resultant finding that Heinrich's Safety Pyramid was still considered to have relevance for safety practices on Christchurch's post-earthquake rebuild projects in the civil construction sector