Project manager-to-project allocations in practice: an empirical study of the decision-making practices of a multi-project based organization

Empirical studies that examine how managers make project manager-to-project (PM2P) allocation decisions in multi-project settings are currently limited. Such decisions are crucial to organizational success. An empirical study of the PM2P practice, conducted in the context of Botswana, revealed ineffective processes in terms of optimality in decision-making. A conceptual model to guide effective PM2P practices was developed. The focus of this study is on deploying the model as a lens to study the PM2P practices of a large organization, with a view to identify and illustrate strengths and weaknesses. A case study was undertaken in the mining industry, where core activities in terms of projects are underground mineral explorations at identified geographical regions. A semi-structured interview protocol was used to collect data from 15 informants, using an enumeration. Integrated analysis of both data types (using univariate descriptive analysis for the quantitative data, content and thematic analysis for the qualitative data) revealed strengths in PM2P practices, demonstrated by informants’ recognition of some important criteria to be considered. The key weaknesses were exemplified by a lack of effective management tools and techniques to match project managers to projects. The findings provide a novel perspective through which improvements in working practices can be made

Association of Researchers in Construction Management

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a global scheme intended to provide a flexible way to comply with carbon emissions reduction commitments through emissions trading. In this scheme, countries can purchase certified emission reduction (CER) credits, each equivalent to one tonne of avoided emissions, to meet part of their emission reduction commitments. The CER credits are generated from emission reduction activities that are undertaken in developing countries. Although the CDM has benefited several sectors, the building sector hitherto accounts for a meagre proportion of the globally registered CDM initiatives. However, recent research suggests that there is potential in using the CDM concept to address carbon emissions associated with buildings. Further to this suggestion, this paper presents a demonstration of how the CDM concept could be applied to building projects in a developing country, Uganda. A two-bedroom residential house was considered as the unit of analysis and carbon emissions associated with constructing its walls were derived, considering materials, plant, and workforce used. Two options for the house were considered: a baseline (i.e. constructed using typical materials, plant, and labour) and green alternative (i.e. constructed using provisions to reduce carbon emissions). The difference in carbon emissions in the two options was found to constitute a basis for a CDM whose structure is presented and discussed in this paper. Considering a bottom-up projection regarding construction of residential houses in Uganda, the findings show that using the CDM concept, carbon emissions reduction of over 200 ktCO 2 could be achieved in a period of 10 years. These figures were found comparable with prevailing CDM initiatives which are not associated with buildings. The overall findings indicated that extending the CDM concept to building projects is plausible and could promote market-based mechanisms of enhancing sustainable construction

Association of Researchers in Construction Management

The Building Down Barriers (BDB) initiative involves adopting a procurement strategy to promote collaborative working through use of incentives to innovate best value for the client. The framework set out by BDB provides a strategy for procuring the supply chain at the first tier subcontractor level. However a strategy for implementation further down the supply chain for smaller subcontractor work packages, at the second tier, is not well developed. This paper describes the work undertaken to gauge the feasibility of implementing a collaborative working incentivization agreement at the second tier subcontractor level. The research employed a case study research strategy. The case was a large regional construction contractor (annual turnover in excess of £100m) engaged as a first tier subcontractor on a prime contract project from a major national client organization (annual construction expenditure well in excess of £1 billion). Through careful analysis of literature, a collaborative working incentivization model was developed and validated with upstream parties. The model was then presented to three groups of second tier subcontractors and data relating to their opinions about the model and factors important to contractor-subcontractor relationships were collected. The results show that while the model was generally feasible, the agreements appropriate for different subcontractor groups vary due to different experience with open book relationships. It is argued that the success factors identified in this work provide a basis upon which contractors can develop strategies to overcome barriers to, and produce an environment that will facilitate, collaborative working

An investigation of construction accidents in Rwanda: Perspectives from Kigali

The International Labour Organization suggests that measuring accident statistics is the first step in reducing accident numbers. However, many developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda, do not record accident statistics. In response to this, a questionnaire survey of 130 construction workers was undertaken in Kigali, the capital of the Republic of Rwanda, to raise awareness of construction accidents within the country. The survey generated information about 482 non-fatal and six fatal/serious accidents from 23 construction sites. This information enabled the determination of the primary causes and frequencies of accidents. Analysis at individual respondent level revealed that accident rate varied with nature of work for some accident causes and the average employee accident rate was high. Analysis at construction site level revealed that accident rates for some accident causes varied with certain construction site characteristics. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this study will support further research regarding occupational safety in Rwanda