Exploring the economic impact of construction pollution by disaggregating the construction sector of the input–output table

It has been argued that much environmental pollution is attributed to the construction sector. Other than the study of how such pollutants affect other parties, emphasis can be placed on estimating its economic impact on the construction sector itself. By knowing this, the sector may think of protecting itself by reducing pollutants. The study employs the disaggregated method in input–output (I–O) analyses to partition the original sector into a construction sector and a construction pollution sector and to employ sensitivity analysis to simulate the economic impacts of different levels of construction pollution. The real I–O tables of Japan are used for demonstration purposes. Results indicate that when the construction sector produces more pollutants, its outputs to other sectors would reduce and the inputs from other sectors would increase. This suggests that the construction sector becomes less economic efficient when more pollutants are generated. As a result, the economic impact of pollution has to be alleviated to improve the efficiency of the sector. This implication may also be applied to other sectors.     

Extending construction linkage measures by the consideration of the impact of capital

Construction linkage is a well‐established research field. However, a significant limitation in previous linkage research is that the flow of capital goods is not addressed. Using the OECD input–output tables, this research first generates a new input–output model considering capital as an intermediate factor. Using the new model, the construction linkages are recalculated and investigated in order to evaluate further the role of construction in national economies. The findings verify that traditional construction linkages were extremely underestimated in previous research. Furthermore, the effect of capital on construction shows a declining trend over the examined period. After considering the effect of capital, most values and rankings of backward and forward linkages show a decreasing trend, which confirms the declining role of the construction sector with economic maturity.     

淤泥地段基坑开挖施工技术

结合具体工程的施工情况,制定了淤泥地段基坑开挖的施工方案,介绍了方案中的具体施工方法,通过实践证明,该施工方案经济合理,取得了满意效果,同时有效地维护了施工场地周边环境的水文地质稳定。     

中国工程建设标准化理念的战略输出

加入WTO后,我国在工程建设标准的建设和管理上,已形成一套比较完整的体系,有着广泛的适应性和代表性.本文针对工程建设标准的特点,在探讨我国工程建设标准化理念向国外整体输出的可能性的基础上,分析工程建设标准化理念战略输出的具体措施和方案.     

Globalization and construction industry development: implications of recent developments in the construction sector in Asia

Recent developments in the construction sector in the Asian region demonstrate three trends: (1) larger private sector participation in infrastructure projects, (2) increasing vertical integration in the packaging of construction projects, and (3) increased foreign participation in domestic construction. This paper attributes the trends to the globalization and deregulation of markets necessitated by fiscal, technological and managerial constraints. Although these trends present intra-Asian opportunities, there are also areas of concern. The trends have helped polarize the financial and technical superiority of the developed countries and the corresponding inferiority of the developed countries in the region of the developing ones. In the long term, this gap could be filled through technology transfer. In the short term, however, there are concerns that imported construction services could grow at the expense of the indigenous sectors of the developing countries. This paper illustrates this dilemma with the case of Japan as a world leader in international construction services. Its dominance has apparently come through the orchestration of industrial and corporate policies, implemented in a highly regulated and protected domestic market. However, construction industries in other Asian economies (such as China) will have to leapfrog in technology, finance and management know-how (e.g. through joint ventures with developed countries' construction companies) before they can become formidable powers in an environment that has become much more global, more de-regulated, more open and more competitive than before.     

An assessment of the applicability of partnering in the Turkish construction sector

There are problems associated with the Turkish construction sector; some of these problems are implications of Government policy, restrictions imposed on public construction projects, bureaucratic procedures, contractual clauses incorporating unfair risk sharing and inadequacies in control mechanisms. Some problems can be attributed to inadequate technological knowhow, and/or lack of education and training incen1 tives in new technologies and management approaches. This paper presents findings from research that was aimed at investigating the applicability of partnering in the Turkish construction sector as an alternative approach in seeking solutions to some of the problems within this industry. The findings suggest that the partnering approach could help reduce some of the problems associated with the Turkish construction sector, although the implementation of this approach is likely to face complications, mainly in terms of cultural change requirements and the bureaucracies associated especially with the public construction process. The findings also suggest that if partnering were to be considered for Turkey, the private construction sector would offer more flexibility in the implementation of this approach, rather than reliance on the Government for the introduction of partnering into Turkey.     

Strategies for the construction sector in the information technology era

The construction industries in many countries are starting to consider seriously the strategic use of information technology (IT). The use of information technology in construction is extending beyond the stage of piecemeal application for improving the efficiency of discrete operations by individual organizations to the advanced stage where IT is applied strategically in commercial enterprises, government agencies and professional institutions. Progress in construction in this regard appears to lag behind that in most other sectors of the economy. This paper considers the nature and the background of this progression in construction by examining proposals by Earl (1989) of nine basic prerequisites to the IT era which make a strategic approach timely. Each prerequisite is outlined and how it has been met in other sectors of the economy considered. The extent to which these prerequisites apply in construction and the scope for their application in the near future are examined. It is argued that all organizations involved in construction will ultimately have to think strategically about their use of IT, and how some are already doing so is described.

In discussing the factors which hinder the strategic application of IT in construction, the nature of the design and construction processes and initiatives that may be necessary to overcome the perceived problems are examined in detail. The strategies that are evolving at a national level in Singapore are outlined.     

The impact of Chinese economic reforms upon the construction industry

The increase in economic activity in China has generated and will continue to generate a heavy demand upon the construction sector. The author studies the impact of the economic reforms upon the construction industry and the consequences of fulfilling an overheating demand. The new types of construction companies and ventures in China are identified and analysed. Both local and international private sector construction companies are needed to tackle the burgeoning demand. L'essor des activites economiques en Chine a suscite et continuera a susciter une forte demande dans le secteur du batiment. L'auteur etudie l'impact des reformes economiques dans le secteur du batiment et les consequences d'une reponse a une demande animee. Les nouveaux types de societe de construction et d'association en participation en Chine sont identifies et analyses. Des societes de construction du secteur prive, tant locales qu'internationales, sont necessaires pour repondre a une demande bourgeonnante.     

The potential of cement-stabilized coal-reject as a construction material

This research investigated the effectiveness of Portland cement in the stabilization of Nigerian coal-reject and evaluated the potential use of the stabilized coal-reject for various construction purposes. Standard laboratory tests were performed to determine the engineering properties of the coal-reject in its natural state and after treatment with increasing percentages of Portland cement. The results indicate a significant improvement in the engineering properties of the coal-reject with a reduction in plasticity and shrinkage, as well as an increase in the strength and bearing capacity. With the addition of 2% Portland cement, the material met most Nigerian construction specifications for fills, embankment and sub-base. However, even with 10% Portland cement, it was only marginally suitable for the base course of heavily trafficked highways.      

Analysis of the causality links between the growth of the construction industry and the growth of the macro‐economy in Ghana

A vibrant construction industry in a developing country, that mobilizes human and local material resources in the development and maintenance of buildings, housing and physical infrastructure, is an important means to promote increased local employment and accelerate economic growth. Ghana, a country of about 22 million people, currently has one of the fastest growing economies in West Africa. The Government of Ghana (GOG) has recently set a target of annual economic growth rate of 8% and above, up from annual growth rates of 5–6% in the past five years (2001–05). It intends to use the agricultural sector as the major vehicle for achieving such high growth rates in order for the country to reach the status of a middle income country by 2015. Surprisingly, the construction industry was left out from the list of major growth drivers of the economy. We contend that with the construction industry currently making up the third largest sector of the economy, special attention should be given to this industry as one of the main drivers of economic growth in Ghana. Therefore we conducted a study to analyse the causality links between the growth in the construction industry and the growth in the macro‐economy of Ghana, measured by the gross domestic product (GDP), to ascertain whether the construction industry can be used to lead the entire economy on a growth path. The analysis was based on a simple Granger causality test using time series data from 1968 to 2004. We showed that growth in the construction industry Granger‐caused growth in GDP, with a three‐year lag. The construction industry needs to be considered as one of the major drivers of economic growth in Ghana.     

The impact of contractors’ attributes on construction project success: A post construction evaluation

The success of construction projects is a fundamental issue for most governments, users and communities. In the literature that deals with construction project success and causes of time and cost overruns in the construction industry, there is some literature that highlights the role of the contractors in project success. While most studies rank contractors’ success attribute from tendering, prequalification, and a long term historical perception perspective, this paper aims to study the impact of contractors’ attributes on project success from a post construction evaluation perspective to identify what critical success factors (CSFs) that greatly impact the success of project. In an attempt to understand and investigate this impact, a questionnaire survey is used to establish construction professionals’ perception of CSFs of contractors that greatly impact on the success of construction projects. Factor analysis reveals nine underlying clusters namely :(i) safety and quality; (ii) past performance; (iii) environment; (iv) management and technical aspects; (v) resource; (vi) organisation; (vii) experience; (viii) size/type of pervious projects; and (ix) finance. Logistic regression techniques were used to develop models that predict the probability of project success. Factors such as turnover history, quality policy, adequacy of labour and plant resources, waste disposal, size of past projects completed, and company image are the most significant factors affecting projects success. Assuming that project success is repeatable, these findings provide clear understanding of contractors’ performance and could potentially enhance existing knowledge of construction project success.     

Assessing the impact of materials tracking technologies on construction craft productivity

Even though previous studies indicate that construction labor productivity can benefit from automated tracking technologies for field materials management purposes, the actual impact of these technologies on construction productivity has not been fully investigated. This study attempted to quantify the productivity impact of automating the identification and localization of engineered components on industrial sites. For this purpose, an extensive field trial was conducted on a power-plant project. Data from both a traditional tracking process and an automated tracking process designed for the purposes of this study were collected. By considering the traditional tracking process as the baseline for comparison, this study quantified and assessed the impact of the automated tracking methodology. The results indicate that materials tracking technologies can significantly improve craft labor productivity.     

Qualifications in the German construction industry: stocks,flows and comparisons with the British construction sector

The paper provides an overview of qualifications in the German construction workforce and draws comparisons with the situation in the British construction industry. The German system of general education and vocational training is outlined. Data from a variety of sources are used to describe both the stocks and the flows of qualifications in the German construction workforce. Particular attention is paid to vocational qualifications, such as apprenticeships and the Meister qualification. Key findings are that the majority of German construction workers are qualified up to apprenticeship level, and that most of these employees have achieved a general schooling certificate from at least a lower secondary school prior to their vocational training. These factors are taken as signs of strength of the German construction workforce. Comparisons between the stocks of qualifications in the construction industry in the two countries suggest that intermediate qualifications of the apprenticeship type are far less prevalent in the British construction workforce.     

Sustainability and the impact of Chinese policy initiatives upon construction

The environment has been perceived as an international issue, and ways of attaining sustainability are becoming important for countries seeking sustainable development. The international community has been active in developing policy frameworks towards achieving the sustainability, such as an ecological modernization approach and environment assessment. Developing countries deserve special attention in the effort to make sustainability an operative criterion in their development activities. Given the difficulties that developing countries are facing, their perceptions of the concept and principles of sustainability differ in various contexts from those of developed countries, and the attainment of sustainability is much more difficult. Therefore, the establishment of a global partnership is important for the vision of sustainability to be realized and operationalized in the world. The current stage of economic development in China provides an opportunity to incorporate environmental provisions into the national development strategies from a relatively early stage, rather than attempt retrofit to strategies. However, at present China's policy initiatives expressed in its Agenda 21 remains only a visionary concept. A comprehensive policy framework and realistic implementation measures are needed. The environmental impacts of the construction industry are extensive, particularly in developing countries. However, as in many developing countries, China's sustainable construction is still at its primary stage and current practice is unsatisfactory.     

浅谈建设项目施工阶段造价控制

造价控制是施工管理的重要环节,本文主要从优化施工组织设计等六个方面,对如何进行施工阶段建设项目的造价控制进行了阐述。     

The business environment of the construction industry in Nigeria

The business environment of any industry consists of systems and structures, which determine the atmosphere under which all the business of that industry is transacted. They affect directly or indirectly all practitioners of that industry, without their being able to influence it. In a scientific investigation into the problems of the construction industry in Nigeria, out of the 47 variables identified that can adversely affect the construction industry, 37 variables were classified under the environment of the construction industry. Of the 18 variables considered to constitute the most serious problems, which occur all the time, 17 variables were related to the business environment of the construction industry. This paper reviews the research findings with respect to the business environment of the construction industry in Nigeria and discusses the implications of some of the findings.     

The effects of construction delays on project delivery in Nigerian construction industry

Construction delay has become endemic in Nigeria. It is imperative to create awareness of the extent to which delays can adversely affect project delivery. This paper identifies, by questionnaire evaluates and through empirical method assesses the effects of construction delays. The findings showed that time and cost overruns were frequent effects of delay. Delay had significant effect on completion cost and time of 61 building projects studied. Client-related delay is significant in Nigeria. Acceleration of site activities coupled with improved clients' project management procedure and inclusion of appropriate contingency allowance in precontract estimate should assuage the adverse effect of construction delays.     

The future of international construction

This opinion survey about the future of international construction concerns several time horizons, but only the five-year horizon is discussed in this paper. The analysis focuses on construction market attractiveness - a measure obtained by combining opinions about the rate of growth, profitability and openness to foreign competition - and construction industry competitiveness with respect to both services and materials. The results of the survey rank attractiveness of construction markets by country and city. The analysis of competitiveness of construction services and materials largely points to the same countries and indicates some important medium-term trends in the international construction market. Cette etude d'opinions sur l'avenir de la construction internationale s'interesse a plusieurs horizons mais seul l'horizon a 5 ans est examine dans ce document. Cette analyse se concentre sur l'attractivite du marche de la construction - que l'on mesure en combinant les opinions sur le taux de croissance, la rentabilite et l'ouverture a la concurrence internationale et sur la competitivite de cette industrie en termes de services et de materiaux. Les resultats de l'etude classent l'attractivite des marches de la construction par pays et par ville. L'analyse de la competitivite des services et des materiaux de construction met nettement en evidence les memes pays et indique certaines tendances a moyen terme qui se dessinent sur le marche de la construction internationale.     

山地历史地段的城市更新问题研究

以重庆市石板坡历史地段为例,通过对其历史发展和现状各项问题的调研以及对该地区已有改造措施和预设更新策略的分析讨论,进一步研究了山地历史地段的城市更新问题,并提出了相应的建议,以促进城市更新、发展。     

Responses of selected economic indicators to construction output shocks: the case of Singapore

The volume of construction output fluctuates in response to changes in demand and supply conditions. Due to the multiple linkages that the construction industry has with other economic sectors and the entire economy, the output shock is propagated through the economic system and reflected in several economic indicators, such as the outputs of other sectors, balance of payments and general prices. A study is reported on the short-term responses of some economic indicators in Singapore following a shock in the construction output, using the Granger causality approach, the impulse response function and variance decomposition analysis. Construction output shock had significant impact on the outputs of the commerce sector and ‘other services’. The heavy reliance of the Singapore construction industry on imported inputs has a direct impact on the balance of payments.