Client’s championing characteristics that promote construction innovation

Purpose: clients or users of products, processes or services are being identified as potential sources of innovation in construction. There are concerns on the degree of innovation within the construction industry, despite having potential to be innovative. The role that can be played by the construction client to promote innovation in the industry is well documented. However, lack of knowledge on the desirable characteristics of the construction client was identified as one of the barriers for the construction client to be an effective innovation promoter. Accordingly, the paper evaluates the characteristics of the construction client that promotes innovation. Research Methodology: the multiple holistic case studies were used as the research strategy and semi-structured interviews were used as the principal data collection technique. Code-based content analysis and cognitive mapping were used to analyse the interviews. Data analysis was supported by two computer aided software namely NVivo and Decision explorer. Findings: clients can increase the efficiency of work carried out towards the construction process, stimulate team dynamics and team action through the championing characteristics which in turn can strengthen the innovation process that lead to the innovative product. Being a team player, promoting respect for people, and knowledge and information dissemination are identified as constituents of the championing characteristics of clients that promote innovation in construction projects. The personal skills of clients such as competence, value judgement, flexibility, and self motivation will energise the success of the championing characteristics. Originality/value: the client characteristics identified from the study widen the knowledge base of the client to successfully engage in construction innovation

Structured approach to measure performance in construction research and development: performance measurement system development

Purpose of this paper: This study explore Performance Measurement applications within construction research and development (R\&D) to develop a structured approach to measure the performance of collaborative construction R\&D projects during its lifecycle from initiation, conceptualising, development and launch stages and at the project management. Design/methodology/approach: During the exploratory phase of the study, semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey were carried out to develop the performance measurement system (PMS). During the explanatory phase, the developed PMS was refined with a series of semi-structured interviews. The data was gathered from principal investigators, researchers and industrial partners involved in collaborative construction R\&D work. Findings: Main finding is the developed PMS to measure the performance of construction R\&D that consists of critical success factors, performance indicators and performance measures during the lifecycle of a R\&D project. Practical implications: The PMS developed through the study provides critical success factors, performance indicators and measures that need to be considered during the construction R\&D projects to measure the performance. Thus, through the implementation of the PMS, this study contributes to practice by assisting the performance improvement within construction R\&D projects. What is original / value of paper?: The developed PMS to measure the performance of construction R\&D project will provide value for those who are engaged in R\&D work (Principle investigators, researcher and industrial partners) to ensure the success of their projects

The role of research and development in achieving excellence in construction

Even though the contribution of the UK construction industry towards the economy and society is significant, many studies have shown that the industry is behind its optimal performance. One of the main reasons behind the under performance of the industry is being recognised as insufficient research and development (R&D) activities and innovation. Construction industry faces various challenges due to the changing market needs of the customers, health and safety issues, growing concern on sustainable work practices, government regulations etc. In order to face these challenges while raising the profile of the construction industry, it is essential to invent new ways to deliver the construction output in an economically, socially, and environmentally acceptable manner. In this regard R&D is a key factor behind the development of effective and efficient construction processes, new materials, advance technologies, new procurement routes, and managerial structures. Further, successful implementations of R&D activities create the opportunity for the construction organisations to be competitive in the global market. Hence, R&D plays a significant role by focusing and directing the construction industry towards achieving its excellence. Accordingly, this paper presents a literature synthesis on the role of R&D in achieving excellence in construction. Further, how the Performance Measurement could enhance the construction R&D activities are also discussed

Implementation of critical success factors in construction research and development process

Construction research and development (R&D) process has a number of issues that affect its success. These issues imply that Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of construction R&D process are not properly addressed. Not knowing CSFs could lead to not implementing them and not paying proper attention for them. The study investigates CSFs of construction R&D process and their implementation/consideration during the R&D process. A comprehensive literature review was used first to develop construction R&D process. CSFs and their implementation/consideration were evaluated by a questionnaire survey. Construction R&D process was derived with four phases namely Initiation, Conceptualizing, Development and Launch and Management activities that support coordination and resourcing of R&D process. Study revealed that, as a whole there is a gap between the importance of success factors against their implementation/consideration as majority of CSFs are not properly implemented compared to the importance attached to them. Keywords: Construction R&D process, Critical success factors, Implementation, Consideratio