Perceptions of Skilled Labour Attributes on Delays in Construction Projects in India

Published Conference ProceedingsEvidence from the literature suggests that the causes of delays in construction are well researched. Client, contractor, consultant, design, equipment and material related aspects have varied influence on the occurrence of delay. However, the perception of various labour attributes on the occurrence of delay have been least investigated. Thus, the objective of the paper is to identify the various labour attributes that cause delay and examine how these attributes influence the occurrence of delay. A survey was conducted among various stakeholders that include engineers, contractors, clients, project managers, architects, supervisors, labour contractors and skilled labourers to collect the data on the perception of labour attributes that cause delay. To conduct the survey a questionnaire was distributed among 75 individual stakeholders selected through random sampling process from 3 construction projects in Bhubaneswar city of India. A perception index was developed based on weighted average method to examine the relative influence of the labour attributes on delay followed by descriptive statistics analysis and significance tests to establish the interlinkage between labour attributes and their consequences that cause delay. Findings revealed that lack of appropriate skill, lack of adequate remuneration, poor commitment by the labours to the project work are the major labour attributes which engender delay in construction projects. It is also found that lack of skill and competency lead to poor quality of work and consequently rework and delay. Poor remuneration prompts poor commitment to the projects. Poor commitment slows down the speed of work, and regular availability to the project and consequently influence the level of output, thus contributing to the delay of the projects. The findings contribute to the discourse of delay in construction from the labour attribute point of view

AN APPRAISAL FOR APT TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS FOR EFFECTIVE STUDENT LEARNING IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION

ArticleAs teaching and learning methods evolve with the incorporation of new ideas, innovations and technologies, arguments and debates emerge regarding the apt methods of teaching and learning. The higher education community at large has been debating over the issue for a long time and is trying to unearth appropriate methods that could be effective and enhance student learning (Braskamp, and Ory, 1994; Braskamp, and Ory, 2000; Collins and Robert, 2004; Dash, Patro, Behera, 2013; Khurshid and Ansari, 2012). In this process different methods have been put to practice. Despite the debates and these efforts to put different methods to practice, no unanimity on the effective learning methods has been achieved. For some scholars, it could be a method or process that produces beneficial and purposeful student learning through the use of appropriate procedures (Centra, 1993). Other scholars argue that it is the creation of situations in which appropriate learning occurs (Braskamp, and Ory, 1994; Braskamp, and Ory, 2000; Felder, and Brent, 2004). Similarly, according to McCarthy (1992) an appropriate teaching and learning method is that which presents factual material in a direct and logical manner, inspires the students from experiences, stimulates thinking to open discussion, and develops creativity among the students. This supposition is supported by several other scholars (Kochhar. 2000, p.345; Sullivan & McIntosh 1996). Consequently to achieve effective student learning a large number of ideas and innovations have been incorporated in the teaching and learning process particularly over the last two decades. The ideas and innovations which are largely influencing the teaching and learning process include modulating the behavior and attributes of teachers/ presenters, creation of suitable environment, moving to student centric learning approach, deciding the size and composition of classes, evolving various teaching methods and incorporation of digital technology and e-learning system (Bradford and Wyatt, 2010; Caywood and Duckett, 2003; Khurshid & Ansari, 2012; Rowe, 2006; Teo & Wong, 2000). However, despite the efforts central key points remain unresolved as to how effective teaching and learning can be achieved. The scenario becomes more complex in engineering education because of its nature and type of content it deals with

Influence of Administrative and Political Authorities’ Decisions on the Construction of Community Development Projects in India

Published Conference ProceedingsConstruction of community development projects, particularly in rural areas of India is a challenge. Administrative and political authority decisions play a major role on the construction of these projects. Therefore, the objectives of the investigation are (1) to explore how and to what extent the administrative and political decisions influence the executive agencies at the local level, and (2) to examine the various project parameters that get influenced by such decisions. The investigation was conducted by using the case study of two Community Development Blocks in Odisha State of India and by employing a survey research method. Findings suggest that the decisions influence the construction of projects both positively and negatively. The decisions are found to facilitate funding of projects, administrative and technical approval of projects and build confidence among the contractors and beneficiaries; however concurrently some of the decisions negatively influence the local executive agencies like Block and Village panchayat authorities, technical personnel, design of projects and quality of work, and also engender conflict among the stakeholders, thus influencing the execution of the projects adversely. Besides, the major implications of the negative influences of the administrative and political decisions are setting up of unrealistic target for completion of projects, pressure on spending of funds within unrealistic period of time, poor quality of work, delay in project execution, delay in delivery of projects, poor design of projects, unrealistic estimated project duration, unrealistic project estimate, and conflict in project planning and allocation

Exploring the Politico-Cultural Dimensions for Development of Smart Cities in India

Published ArticleIndian cities seem to be in transition regardless of the various sustainability challenges they have experienced in recent years. Globalization, market economy, and technological developments have brought economic, social and infrastructural advantages. However, population growth, proliferation of urban functions, insurmountable increase in size of cities, and environmental crises because of climate change have caused the cities to experience severe spatial, infrastructural and environmental ailments. Besides, the significant rise of Information Communication Technology (ICT) industries in the cities and their socio-economic and spatial influence have brought about inequitable development. At this juncture emancipation of a political will to build smart cities in India provides a new impetus for changing the planning perspectives and warrants a politico-cultural discourse to examine the prerequisites and paradigms, which could aid in development of smart cities in India. Drawing upon the stimulating mix of past experiences and prospective approaches across the world and discussions with experts in the political science, local governance and urban development, this explorative paper provides a discourse on the concept of smart cities, opportunities, challenges and the way forward to realize the goals of smart city development in a heterogeneous but democratically unified country like India. Based on the discourse, it is argued that the current urban governance system is not congruent for development of smart cities in India. Therefore, it is advocated that a cultural theory inspired politico-cultural mechanism be explored and crafted to assemble the requisite elements of an urban governance system that should enable the dynamics and cohesion needed for developing smart cities in India

MODELLING TO RESOLVE DESIGN LINKED DELAY IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Published Conference ProceedingsConsultants are the major role players in design of construction projects. It is well acknowledged that the consultant and design linked issues are more or less integrated and influence delay in a project. Therefore, the objectives of the investigation are to identify the influential consultant and design related variables, which cause delay; to evolve the causal feedback relations among the most influential consultant and design linked variables and delay; and to develop a model to estimate the reduction of delay under varied strategic interventions. For this purpose a survey was conducted among 120 stakeholders and professionals from various construction projects in India. By using System Dynamics (SD) modelling principles, causal feedback relations among the most influential parameters that influence delay were established and dynamic hypotheses were evolved for developing policy interventions to reduce delay. A SD model was developed by using data from medium sized building projects in India to examine the behaviour of the project schedule and delay under different simulated scenarios, and estimate the reduction of delay under different policy interventions based on the dynamic hypotheses framed. Findings suggest that there exist definite causal feedback relations among the consultant and design linked variables, such as late reviewing and approving of design documents by consultant, delay in approving major changes in the scope of work by consultant, delay in performing inspection and testing by consultant, poor communication/coordination between consultant and other parties, inflexibility (rigidity) of the consultant, delays in producing design documents, complexity of project design, mistakes and discrepancies in design documents, and unclear and inadequate details in drawings, which essentially cause delay. However, the model results revealed that policy interventions based on (1) causal feedback mechanisms involving appointment of highly competent consultant and design team, delay in producing the design documents and delay in construction; and (2) provision of effective communication mechanism, conflict resolution and delay in construction can reduce delay significantly

SOCIO-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES FOR POST DISASTER SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE RESTORATION MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

Published Conference ProceedingsSocial infrastructure restoration after natural disasters in India is a recurring challenge. Often natural disasters like cyclones, storms and floods strike India causing irreplaceable damages to different infrastructures and assets. The social infrastructures, such as schools, houses and community centres particularly in not so developed areas are observed to be worst hit. Restoration of such assets takes long time despite the availability of various measures such as availability of finances, work forces and construction and restoration guidelines. Therefore, the objectives of this investigation are to examine the restoration management challenges of the disaster hit social infrastructures; and to provide a theoretical socio-cultural perspective to enhance efficiency of the restoration management process. Using three Community Development Blocks of Odisha state in India as the case study area, a survey was conducted among the stakeholders to ascertain the influential causes that hamper restoration. Besides, the stakeholders engagement and interaction and their influence on the success of the restoration process were examined. Findings suggest that unavailability of resources (finance, materials and equipment) in time, influence of local political and bureaucratic hierarchy, and non-effective or marginal involvement of appropriate stakeholders are the major impediments in the restoration process. However, general provision of finance; materials, equipment, and availability of human resources do not necessarily ensure smooth and efficient restoration process. Concurrently, it is also revealed that projects where deliberative constructive engagement and trade-offs among the various stakeholders have occurred are found to be more successful. Therefore, it is advocated that an active and constructive engagement among the relevant actors would essentially generate the dynamics and cohesion that would essentially enhance the efficacy of the restoration management of the disaster hit social infrastructures

Perspectives of smart cities in South Africa through applied systems analysis approach: a case of Bloemfontein

There is a changed perspective regarding the development of cities and increasingly many countries in the West and some developing countries, as in South Africa, are making concerted attempts to transform their cities to smart cities. Using the context of the city of Bloemfontein, South Africa and drawing on the perceptions of stakeholders, the objective of the paper is to offer a perspective on such a transformation. The study first assessed the performance of various factors and attributes that influence three important aspects of a smart city: economy, mobility and governance system. It then recorded the viewpoints of stakeholders about how these aspects can contribute to the development of a smart city. Further, Applied Systems Analysis (ASA) linked System Dynamics (SD) conceptual models based on the interlinkage and causal feedback relationships among various factors under each aspect were developed, which could assist in offering perspectives that would enable eliciting of policy interventions to develop smart cities. Findings indicate that there are potentials and positive indicators in all three aspects. It is emerged that reinforcement of the inter-relationship among entrepreneurship, innovation, productivity, economic image and international embeddedness will foster a smart economy. Efficient public transportation and advancement of Information Communication Technology (ICT) system will strengthen local accessibility and ensure an innovative, sustainable and safe transportation system that will result in smart mobility. Effective participation of stakeholders in the decision-making process alongside the elected city council and transparency will aid smart governance. The combined effect of these attributes should enable the transformation of the city to a smart city

SOCIO-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN RURAL AREAS OF INDIA

Infrastructure is the backbone of the society for socio-economic development in rural India. In the past two decades, a large-scale development of social and economic infrastructure, such as schools, roads, water harvesting structures, community centres, and houses have been undertaken, particularly in the Community Development Blocks (administrative units for rural development) of India. However, despite various measures, such as availability of finances, work forces and development guidelines, it is argued that the development of infrastructure does not occur at the desired level. Therefore, using the case study of the Community Development Blocks in Odisha State of India this investigation examined the impediments for development of infrastructure; and how sustainable development of infrastructure in rural areas of India can be attained by using a cultural theory inspired socio-cultural perspective. A survey research method and stakeholders’ discussion were followed to conduct the study. Findings suggest that provision of finance, materials, equipment, availability of human resources and administrative guidelines do not alone ensure sustainable development of infrastructure. Non-effective or marginal engagement of appropriate stakeholders, disagreement and wrangle among local political leaders, and bureaucratic bottlenecks are the major impediments in the development process. However, it is also revealed that a deliberative constructive engagement and trade-offs and decisions based on concessions than consensus among the various stakeholders will enable smooth development process and construction of infrastructure in rural India. Consequently, a cultural theory inspired active and constructive engagement among the various social solidarities is advocated that would essentially generate the dynamics and cohesion among the stakeholders for sustainable development of infrastructure in rural areas in India

Images of Central Areas: A Comparative Analysis between South Africa and European Cities

Published Conference ProceedingsCentral areas depict distinct images of cities. Increasingly, it is seen that the significance of the designated central areas in many cities across the world has been relegated because of the up market developments in other areas of the cities, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. However, central areas could still become the nerve centres of the cities and contribute to their vitality and to the verve of residents. Thus, there is a need to explore to know what ails the central areas, what attributes are necessary and how to revitalize central areas of cities. Using comparative analyses of the images of central areas of different European and South African cities, and qualitative discussions with visitors, this study explores how the central areas of South African cities can be revitalized as well as how to make them more vibrant and attractive. The study was conducted by using images of central areas of cities like Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Port Elizabeth in South Africa; and Vienna, Budapest and Cologne in Europe. It is revealed that despite the availability of similar features, the central areas of the South African cities are less vibrant, active and attractive than the European cities. The major reasons are lack of adequate accessibility, lack of safety and fear of crime, and lack of animated areas to enforce multicultural activities. Besides, they do not portray distinct attractive images in the minds of the people. The experience from European cities suggests that land marks, such as heritage and architecture have certain contribution, but accessibility to the central areas by different public transportation modes, prevention of vehicular movement in core areas, full pedestrianization and walkability, cleanliness, safety, sense of belongingness, and availability of animated areas for various activities, such as shopping, dining, meeting, entertainment and relaxing are major contributors to the vitality of the central areas. Thus, enhancement of accessibility by major modes of transportation, fully pedestrianization of the core areas, safety and creation of vibrant areas of multicultural activities in addition to creation of unique images are the prime requirements to make the central areas of the South African cities dynamic and livelier

SMART CITY PERSPECTIVES OF BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA

Published ArticleTo handle rapid urbanization, there is need to find new ways to manage complexity, increase efficiency, reduce expenses, and improve quality of life. The new ways are rooted in the concept of ‘smart city’. The concept theorize that emerging technologies would shape urban environments in varying ways that would include but not limited to the economy, mobility, governance, and living conditions of a city. While this concept is now a reality in major cities in developed economies, this is not the case in South Africa and the region. Against this background, an evaluation of socio-economic and environmental capital of Bloemfontein has been used as a case example to demonstrate the transformational requirements for a ‘smart city’ in South Africa. The evaluation utilised 74 indicators, and 30 factors of six smart characteristics, which include economy, environment, governance, living and mobility. Reviewed literature and semi-structure surveys were used for the evaluation, which suggests that Bloemfontein is lagging behind concerning key development indicators. In particular, the evaluation indicates that the city lag performance relative to mobility, economy, people and living sector, although environment and governance features appear to be promising. An overall evaluation of the indicators and factors points to a major scope for the city to transform to a smart city, if plausible actions are taken