Value engineering in public construction projects in Saudi Arabia

It was found that value engineering was in limited use since it has been introduced in 1981. The main reason for the lack of adoption being unfamiliarity with the concept among public sector organizations, as well as local architectural/engineering firms in the Kingdom.     

Real options in project coalitions in Dutch health care: two case studies of construction projects

Uncertainties affecting health organizations inevitably influence real estate decisions since real estate is required to facilitate the primary process in cure and care. Decisions have to be taken when there is little knowledge about the future. Therefore, flexibility is needed in the process of designing, constructing and operating real estate. Real options provide an approach to gain greater insight into flexibility. The aim is to analyse whether real options can be recognized in the real estate strategies of health organizations and what real options are provided by various forms of project coalition. Two case studies reveal that real options thinking can indeed be recognized in specific real estate strategies. The choice of certain real options is partly a result of the type of project coalition applied. Further development of real options thinking in real estate management in cure and care creates opportunities to deal with future uncertainties.     

上海世博会沙特馆工程施工新工艺

介绍了上海世博会沙特馆工程概况,侧重介绍了该工程施工新工艺。     

Project understanding,planning, flexibility of management action and construction time performance: two Australian case studies

Construction time performance (CTP) and flexibility in approaches to project time planning have been shown to be significantly associated. This raises interesting questions about how effective planning and control to facilitate flexibility in overcoming unexpected problems may be achieved. Case study data were used to explore links between planning and flexibility. This paper reports upon a recent study of two highly complex projects, a mental and forensic health hospital and a very large freeway/bridge/tunnel urban infrastructure project. The authors investigated planning flexibility using a framework of project team understanding and knowledge transfer to provide a model that contributes to our understanding of mechanisms and drivers that delivers flexible behaviour that may affect CTP. We conclude that both ability, supported by organizational and team competence, and commitment to explore construction method options in a flexible manner, i.e. responding to unanticipated problems, are necessary to facilitate good construction time performance.     

Important causes of delay in public utility projects in Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted to determine the most important causes of delay in public utility projects, based on the frequency and severity of the causes. A survey of randomly selected samples of contractors, consultants, and owners was carried out to assess the frequency of occurrence and the severity of impact of sixty potential delay causes. A frequency index and a severity index were determined for each cause. An importance index for each cause was then computed as the product of the frequency and severity indices. The results showed that the three parties surveyed generally agree on the importance ranking of delay causes. The causes were grouped also into six major categories of delay. The analysis showed lack of agreement among the parties on the ranking of the major categories of delay.     

A case study approach for developing a project performance evaluation system

Prior project management research has identified a wide variety of measures that describe the outcomes of a project and the input characteristics that impact outcomes. In practice however, project schedules are still used as the sole project performance measure in some firms. Although the use of project schedules is still a good practice for some companies, for other companies the use of project schedules as the sole project performance measure can result in industrial projects falling behind schedule and coming in over-budget. In order to examine how the evaluation of project performance can be improved, a two-step approach is documented that was used to design a new project performance evaluation system at Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (FM&T) that would enable managers to audit a project and determine where improvements could be made. Lessons learned from the development of a project performance evaluation system at Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies are then discussed.     

Fuel-price reform to achieve climate and energy policy goals in Saudi Arabia: A multiple-scenario analysis

Saudi Arabia experiences annual growth of 6% in its power demand. Generation expansion has been driven by low domestic retail fuel prices leading to a power generation mix based on fossil fuels only. In light of current climate change discussions, this research assesses future generation expansion under different potential fuel-price reforms by an enhanced OSeMOSYS model. Results demonstrate that domestic retail fuel price levels >20% [>60%] of expected international wholesale fuel prices¹ are necessary to minimize emissions when considering emissions penalties [without pricing for emissions]. By 2030 renewables can reach 70% penetration by capacity and 30% by energy.     

Privatization of water-supply services in Saudi Arabia: A unique experience

Water-supply services worldwide experienced a wave of privatization over the last three decades, with majority of documented cases deemed failures. This paper reviews the Saudi water-supply service privatization initiative in the context of international privatization models and industry practices. The study shows that the Saudi model is unique in both structure and performance. It concludes that the model is a successful one to date and could be implemented in countries having a similar socio-economic structure. However, the long-term performance and sustainability of the model are inconclusive and need careful assessment based on financial and technical criteria.     

The metamorphosis of the urban fabric in Arab-Muslim City: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has experienced rapid growth inurban development since the 1960s. This urbangrowth is not based on the traditional urbanplanning principles which have been followed inSaudi Arabia for many centuries. Instead,various imported urban forms and planningregulations have been implemented in thecountry. These relate neither to thetraditional built environment and culture norto the local climate of the city. As a result,major cultural and climatic problems haveoccurred. The aim of this paper is to identify andanalyze the types of built environment inRiyadh, as an example of Saudi Arabia's cities,and discuss the cultural conflicts resultingfrom the use of imported planning principlesand regulations. In light of this analysis anddiscussion, the planning regulations will bereviewed and recommendations will be made foramendments.     

Toward a sustainable land management of vernacular landscape in the highlands of south-western Saudi Arabia: indigenous and statutory experiences

The vernacular landscape of the highlands of south-western Saudi Arabia comprises three distinct elements: natural, agricultural and built. The highlands are currently facing land use planning problems which result in deforestation, despite significant attempts at afforestation by several governmental agencies (especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Water) and by municipal governments in the area. Intentions towards more sustainable forms of land management now characterize official documents. With regard to landscape issues, this is marked by a discourse of sustainable land management and the sponsorship of initiatives addressing the relationship between land management and the environment. This paper demonstrates that the approach to sustainable land management is technical, rational and scientific. A more balanced approach would combine scientific knowledge and practice with traditional expertise.     

The ritualization of transitions in the project life cycle: A study of transition rituals in construction projects

To manage the project life cycle and facilitate transitions, Project Management (PM) research often points to temporal models and structuring devices. However, the social and symbolic facet of transitions in projects remains understudied. Therefore, this research focuses on the ritualization of transitions in projects. Specifically, the aim is to gain insight into the practice and meaning of transition rituals in the project life cycle. To do so we draw from field research in the infrastructure sector where participant-observation was carried out during eight transition rituals in four Dutch construction projects, and 58 interviews were executed with project participants. The contribution to the PM debate on temporary organizing lies in the conceptualization of transition rituals as powerful symbolic and strategic practices in the project life cycle, and in the provision of an overview showcasing how, when and why transition rituals are practiced to facilitate transitions and embed a project in its environment.     

Using multivariate factor analysis to assess surface/logged water quality and source of contamination at a large irrigation project at Al-Fadhli,Eastern Province,Saudi Arabia

A multivariate statistical technique, factor analysis, has been used to assess the impact of irrigation on near-surface water at a farm at Fadhli, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. A total of 34 surface water samples were analyzed for 23 different water quality parameters including pH, TDS, conductivity and alkalinity, sulphate, chloride, bicarbonate, nitrate, phosphate, bromide, fluoride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, arsenic, boron, copper, cobalt, iron, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, mercury, and zinc. The water quality data were subjected to both Q-mode and R-mode factor analysis. R-mode analysis resulted in three major factors for both summer and winter sampling events. Factor 1 (representing 48.91% of the summer and 53.66% of the winter variance) comprised elements likely to be due to the application of fertilizers and the dissolution of soil material. Factor 2 (14.04% of the summer and 11.94% of the winter variance) included elements common in irrigation water (related to the dissolution of aquifer materials). Factor 3 (7.36% of the summer and 10.18% of the winter variance) included molybdenum, manganese and nickel, which are common in micro-nutrients. Q-mode analysis showed that the most affected areas are located at the northwest corner of the farm.      

Relational competence in complex temporary organizations: The case of a French hospital construction project network

Large and complex project networks are characterized by the collaboration of heterogeneous organizations and individuals. In addition to project management techniques and complementary skills, relational competence, i.e. the ability to actively create and develop collaborative relationships is an essential asset for managing project networks. Networks represent structured role systems which may be a substitute for stable organizational structures and routines. This study investigates relational competence in the network of a large construction project of a French hospital. Based on network data and qualitative interviews, we compare the formal roles and positions of actors in the network to their actual roles and positions and analyze how relational competence promotes the coordination of project work. We find several actors whose network position and relational competence correspond to the formal organization and several actors with a mismatch between the formal organization and the actual role and position. In the latter cases, other network members step in and contribute to an effective coordination. The concept of relational competence in combination with network analysis contributes to a better understanding of the functioning of project networks. In particular, it reveals dysfunctions in the project network and allows for identifying the reasons for failure.     

Third-party logistics in construction: the case of a large hospital project

The construction supply chain is of temporary nature and complex, with many interactions between multiple actors in different construction projects. This challenging context typically leads to relatively higher costs and lower productivity, compared to other industries. Supply chain management (SCM) has been put forward as a mean to better handle this challenging context. As a part of SCM initiatives some construction industry stakeholders have turned to third-party logistics (TPL) providers, especially in large construction projects. The use of TPL providers is a new, and under-investigated, phenomenon in the construction industry. The main purpose of this study is thus to explore the use of a TPL provider in a large construction project and to analyse its resulting effects. Driving forces and possible concerns for implementing TPL are identified and the possibility for TPL to be a facilitator for implementing SCM in construction is investigated. The research is based on a literature review and an explorative case study of a large hospital project in Sweden, where the client and the main contractor have initiated the use of a TPL provider to coordinate sourcing and materials handling activities on site. The results show positive effects on establishing an effective interface between the construction site and the supply chain. The results also show that a TPL solution facilitates an increase in productive work at the construction site itself, a reduction of costs and an increased utilisation of site assets. On the downside, the study also shows a lack of SCM knowledge amongst the involved actors in the project, hindering them to reap the full potential of TPL.     

Incense (bakhour) smoke exposure is associated with respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function among adults: A cross-sectional study in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Burning incense (bakhour) is a common cultural practice in Saudi Arabia. However, its health risk assessment has rarely been studied. This study aims to investigate the association between exposure to incense smoke on lung function impairments and respiratory symptoms among young adults in Saudi Arabia. A community-based cross-sectional study was designed with a representative study sample (N = 125) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Study participants, exposed group (n = 45), working in bakhour shop and matched control (n = 80), no history of occupational exposure to bakhour smoke, were recruited randomly from the population registry. Socio-demographic and respiratory symptom information were collected through a questionnaire developed based on European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II). Lung function measurements were conducted using a field spirometer. The overall prevalence of wheezing or whistling was 16.8%, with a higher prevalence in exposed group 35.5%. In adjusted models, exposed to incense smoke remained positively associated with respiratory symptoms: wheezing or whistling; breathlessness; chest tightness shortness of breath; woken up by an attack of coughing. Our study suggests that inhaled incense smoke in occupation or at home is a risk factor of lung function impairments among adult population in Saudi Arabia.     

Delays in construction projects: The case of Jordan

The construction industry is a major player in the economy, generating both, employment and wealth. However many projects experience extensive delays and thereby exceed initial time and cost estimates. A host of causes of construction delays in residential projects were identified and classified according to Drewin’s Open Conversion System. The most common causes were evaluated by using both, the data collected in a survey conducted to residential projects consultant engineers, contractors, and owners, and interviews with senior professionals in the field. Most correspondents agreed that, financial difficulties faced by the contractor and too many change orders by the owner are the leading causes of construction delay. Severe weather conditions and changes in government regulations and laws ranked among the least important causes.     

Examining the interdependencies among emotional intelligence,trust, and performance in infrastructure projects: A multilevel study

Regardless of the calls for a distinction between individual and team levels of analysis, studies regarding the multiple-level analysis of emotional intelligence are lacking in the project management literature. This research aims to address this shortcoming by examining the relationships between emotional intelligence, trust, and performance through multilevel analysis. Data were derived from 408 participants from 89 project teams in the large scale projects through three different surveys. We used hierarchical linear modeling and we found that emotional intelligence relates positively to performance and to trust at different levels of analysis. We also found that, at the team level, trust does not mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and project team performance. This research offers a more realistic and comprehensive picture of the management and recognition of emotional intelligence in teams and individuals concurrently and addresses the implications for project leaders of inspiring individuals and teams.     

Discovering complexity and emergent properties in project systems: A new approach to understanding project performance

An integrated performance assessment framework based on consideration of complexity and emergent properties in project systems is proposed in this study. The fundamental premise of the proposed Complexity and Emergent Property Congruence (CEPC) framework is that a greater level of congruence between project emergent properties and complexity can potentially increase the possibility of achieving performance goals in construction projects. Two dimensions of project complexity (i.e., detail and dynamic complexity) and three dimensions of project emergent properties (i.e., absorptive, adaptive, and restorative capacities) in the proposed CEPC framework were verified through information collected from in-depth interviews with nineteen senior project managers. In addition, contributing factors to different dimensions of project complexity and emergent properties were identified from the interviews. The results highlight the significance of the CEPC framework in understanding complexity and emergent properties in project systems and providing a new theoretical lens for project performance assessment.     

The efficient scheduling of resources in engineering construction projects: reflections on a case study from Iran

A particular problem for productivity in engineering construction projects is poor front-end planning, in particular, the lack of attention to resource-loaded schedules. In such projects, resources are highly specific and constrained, resulting in conflicts that can compromise planned durations and add cost. There are many techniques available for mitigating these conflicts. These have been extensively reported and compared in the literature and some have been adopted into commercially available computerized scheduling packages that are used by most major contractors. Project managers normally have access only to the techniques offered by the software that their organizations happen to use. In the reported case, a heuristic algorithm developed by academics was implemented and tested against a well-known standard software scheduling tool on the construction of a combined-cycle power plant in Iran. When results were compared, the performance of the manually applied algorithm was found to be superior in its ability to provide acceptable time–cost trade-offs. The underlying argument is twofold. First, that deficiencies in planning (particularly the reconciliation of resource constraints with completion targets) are responsible for poor productivity in engineering construction projects. Second, as improved techniques for optimizing ‘resource-loaded’ schedules are continually being sought and devised, they should be made available to project managers; and the best way for this to happen is for them to be incorporated into commercially available project management software.     

Development of a partnering performance index (PPI) for construction projects in Hong Kong: a Delphi study

Over the past decade, research studies on benefits, critical success factors, difficulties, process, conceptual and theoretical models of construction partnering have been ubiquitous in the construction management discipline. In fact, there is adequate evidence that an increasing number of client organizations are adopting a partnering approach to undertake their building and construction projects both locally and worldwide during the last decade. With the perceived benefits that partnering brings about, research into Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of partnering projects in construction becomes vital as it can help set a benchmark for measuring the performance level of partnering projects. However, although there are some related studies and papers on this research area, few, if any, comprehensive and systematic studies focus on developing a comprehensive, objective, reliable and practical performance evaluation model for partnering projects. A model has been developed using the Delphi survey technique to objectively measure the performance of partnering projects in Hong Kong based on a consolidated KPIs' conceptual framework previously developed for partnering projects. Four rounds of Delphi questionnaire survey were conducted with 31 construction experts in Hong Kong. The results reveal that the top seven weighted KPIs to evaluate the success of partnering projects in Hong Kong were: (1) time performance; (2) cost performance; (3) top management commitment; (4) trust and respect; (5) quality performance; (6) effective communications; and (7) innovation and improvement. A statistically significant consensus on the top seven weighted KPIs was also obtained. Finally, a composite Partnering Performance Index (PPI) for partnering projects in Hong Kong was derived to provide an all‐round assessment of partnering performance. Different partnering projects can now be assessed on the same basis for benchmarking purposes. Construction senior executives and project managers can thus use the Index to measure, evaluate and improve the performance of their partnering projects to strive for construction excellence. Although the PPI was developed locally in Hong Kong, the research method could be replicated in other parts of the world to produce similar indices for international comparison. Such an extension would aid the understanding of managing partnering projects across different geographic locations.