A systematic review of ‘enablers of collaboration’ among the participants in construction projects

Study on the Improvement Strategy of Trust Level between Owner and PMC Contractor Based on System Dynamics Model

Based on the theory of system dynamics, we investigated the factors influencing the trust relationship between owners and PMC contractors in a Chinese management scenario, and proposed effective management strategies to increase the level of trust between the two parties. In the early stages of PMC project implementation, calculative trust between the owner and the PMC contractor predominated, while relational trust predominated in the middle and late stages. The applicability of the PMC model and the control configuration between the owner and the PMC contractor are also vital factors influencing the trust level. Principal determinants of calculative trust are the management capability and reputation of the PMC contractor, the sufficiency of the owner’s authorization, and the efficacy of the owner’s supervisory measures. There are four factors that influence relational trust, in order of decreasing influence: the sufficiency of the owner’s authorization, the effectiveness of the owner’s supervisory measures, the social similarity between the owner and PMC contractor, and the management capability and reputation of the PMC contractor. The research can be used as a guide for enhancing PMC project management performance and achieving PMC project success.

Critical Factors Influencing the Performance of Highway Projects: An Empirical Evaluation

Highway construction projects have always suffered from cost overruns due to extended project delivery, causing a loss of public funds. Since highways are the backbone of a nation, the purpose of this study is to measure the criticality of the factors that influence the performance of highway projects. A survey instrument was prepared and distributed to 185 project managers. To achieve the aim of the study, exploratory factor analysis was used and the standard factor loading was the criteria to measure the criticality. From the analysis, it was identified that the factors were grouped under four categories: (a) Execution constraints (b) Operational factors, (c) Stakeholder and political constraints, (d) Design Constraints. Further, it was concluded that the complexity of the sub-contractor’s performance, frequent modification in alignment, project design, loopholes in safety, and ambiguities in specifications are the main factors that impact the performance of highway projects. Therefore, it was recommended to develop an efficient project planning methodology which is a continuum of project management skills and tacit knowledge of managing a site which operates efficiently.

A Framework for Selecting Construction Project Delivery Method Using Design Structure Matrix

Determining a project delivery method that matches the characteristics of a construction project is a critical step that affects the success or failure of a project. The Project Delivery Method (PDM) should be adapted to the activities and processes of project implementation. However, the traditional selection method does not come from the internal process of the project which may lead to the delivery method not being able to meet the actual project requirements. This research proposes a DSM-based PDM selection framework model that regroups activities and identifies appropriate PDMs by revealing the dependencies and intensities between activities. The research uses a case to demonstrate the feasibility of the framework. After considering specific project requirements and goals, the framework model can be used as a basis for choosing specific project delivery methods, or as a visualization tool to help owners schedule activities.

Accelerating retail supply chain performance against pandemic disruption: adopting resilient strategies to mitigate the long-term effects

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted global supply chains, revealing dreadful gaps and exposing vulnerabilities. Retailers are challenged to tackle risks and organise themselves to fit into the “new normal” scenario. This global outbreak has established a volatile environment for supply chains; it has raised the question of survival in the market, forcing companies to rethink resilient strategies to be adopted for the post-pandemic situation to mitigate the long-term effects of this virus. This study explores the priorities for retail supply chains (RSCs) to align their business operations and strategies for the post-pandemic world.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has utilised integrated full consistency model (FUCOM) – best–worst method (BWM) for assessment of RSCs to enhance their business performance irrespective of pandemic disruptions. The FUCOM has been employed to identify the priorities of determinants enhancing business performance, whereas RSC strategies are evaluated using the BWM method.

Findings

The current study identifies “Collaboration Efficiency” as the main criterion for accelerating the performance of RSCs in a dynamic social environment. Also, the study concludes that “Order Fulfilment” and “Digital RSCs” are the most appropriate resilient business strategies to mitigate the long-term effects.

Research limitations/implications

Supply-demand balancing is a challenging task at the moment, but highly significant for the future. The pandemic disruptions have placed intense pressure on retailers to deliver products as per consumers' changing behaviours towards the purchase of essentials and other products. Hence, “Order Fulfilment” and “Digital RSCs” should be adopted for meeting customer requirements and to ensure sustainability in the post-pandemic business world.

Originality/value

This work sets out a comprehensive framework which will be helpful for accelerating RSCs performance against pandemic disruption by adopting resilient strategies to mitigate the long-term effects.