A Survey on Building Systems in Malaysia

In recent years the term "system" has been frequently used in the "Operational Research" jargon, probably is a result of the terms "Systematic Approach" and "Systematic Analysis". In some minds the term system represents computerization, but this word has been used in other fields as well, explaining the complexity and interrelationship between the parts such as building system. Because of this broadness of activities and functions that the term "system" denotes, it has recently been used in the field of construction to show the variety of complex problems which are closely related within the process of building. Malaysia is presently look at building systems as an answer to housing shortage problem. The main advantages of using building system are, speed, quality, and economics, all of which are required to meet such a large demand for housing. The clear understand of the current status of building systems will help to set the housing programs under the Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996-2000). However, the first step in any advance study on building systems and its technology should be initiated by knowing the status quo. In this thesis, three case studies and questionnaire survey were conducted. The case studies have been conducted on the unconventional construction methods, which are full prefabricated; cast in-situ; and composite construction methods. The questionnaire survey was carried out on the building system companies to understand their building system usage and current status. On the basis of the study, the building systems existing in Malaysia have been classified according to the method of construction and type of production

A conceptual framework of the impact of NPD project team and leader empowerment on communication and performance: An alliance case context

New product development (NPD) in an alliance context crosses organizational boundaries and therefore makes team and leader empowerment and communication an ever more important topic for the successful accomplishment of NPD goals. We developed a conceptual model that addresses some key questions: Under what circumstances should the project team and leader be empowered? How much empowerment? And what effects does this have on communication and NPD performance? Using case study research, we developed a conceptual model portraying the impact of NPD project team and leader empowerment in the 'alliance focal company' (AFC - the lead company in the alliance) on the communication with a project's strategic partners, and the subsequent effects on project performance. Our model suggests that the efficiency of the development project (shortest, cheapest, and highest quality possible) is contingent upon how well the actual intensity level and the degree of media-richness of communication fit the required ones. Conversely, the actual intensity level and degree of media-richness of communication are enabled by a varying extent of team and leader empowerment, ranging from limited to significant. C 2012 Elsevier Ltd. APM and IPMA. All rights reserved