Multilayer subcontracting system is widely used within construction industry for better efficiency of subcontractors’ operation due to their unique skills. However, the practice raises poor quality products in construction practice and contributes to poor project performance. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objectives to investigate the practice of multilayer subcontracting in Malaysian construction industry, to identify the problems arisen from multilayer subcontracting and to identify the methods for improvement of quality performance by multilayer subcontracting. A questionnaire survey was conducted. Based on the results, implementation of multilayer subcontracting system contributes largely to the poor performance across all major aspects including ineffectively time and cost management, quality works deficiency and poor communication and coordination performance. With various layers, the long communication channel causes various problems such as less control on bottom layers subcontractors, communication errors with the consequent of extra cost and time incurred due to abortive and remedial works are being taken. Recommendations for improving the practice are suggested to enhance prequalification of subcontractors, restrain the use of “supply-and-fix” subcontracting arrangement, and formulate an appropriate subcontractor evaluation system. The findings of this study provided a baseline in examining the multilayer subcontracting practices among main contractors and subcontractors and exploring the areas where the improvements can be made for obtaining the benefits of using this practice.
Globalisation is no longer a new phenomenon in recent years. Many businesses employ eligible expatriates to work in their organisations, including the construction sector. The ability of an expatriate to adapt effectively across cultures is commonly referred to as cultural intelligence (CQ) and cross-cultural adjustment (CCA). Both are cited as essential factors for expatriate performance in the international workplace. Nevertheless, the interrelationship between the CQ of the international construction project team and CCA has mostly been ignored. Hence, this study intended to explore the correlation between CQ and CCA levels among construction expatriates and further investigated the effect of prior international experience on their CQ and CCA level. Spearman rank correlation and Mann-Whitney U test were conducted on the 191 responses accepted. The results revealed their CQ has positively and significantly correlated with CCA, i.e. general, work and interaction, particularly in motivational CQ. Moreover, expatriates' prior international experience in the study domain could lead expatriates to a lower CQ and a lower adjustment level. Respondents with prior international work experience had a higher CQ level. However, the longer the period of previous international work experience, the weaker the cognitive CQ and behavioural CQ. This study can contribute to the predictors affecting the outcome of international assignments that can be employed to select the right applicants to fit into a multicultural project team in the construction industry.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to a combination of hardware, software and communication facilities. Often, ICT is introduced to equip construction stakeholders with information and analytical tools for a better control throughout the entire construction delivery process. The aim of this study is to investigate the issues relating to implementation of ICT in Malaysian construction industry with the objectives of: (i) to identify the benefits of adopting ICT in construction industry; (ii) to determine the constraints of implementing ICT in construction industry; and (iii) to identify the methods to encourage construction industry in adopting ICT. A questionnaire survey was conducted in Johor and Klang Valley of Malaysia, a total of 70 completed questionnaires were collected from contractors and quantity surveying consultation firm. Based on the analysis conducted, the top three benefits of adopting ICT in Malaysian construction industry ranked by the respondents are improvement on accuracy of measurement works, minimization on usage of paper by digitalization and allowed rapid sharing of information among project team. The barriers in implementing ICT in Malaysian construction industry identified included unaffordable initial capital and long term investment required, difficulties encountered to recruit capable and trustworthy in-house IT specialist, and security issues on confidential issues. Training and vendor’s efforts to improve their software have been agreed as the most achievable and practical methods to encourage ICT uptake. This study had explore the implementation and acceptance level of ICT in Malaysian construction industry. The views from both contractor and quantity surveying consultation firm were revealed. The findings from this study could be used as the baseline for future development of ICT in the local construction industry.
Implementation of change management is necessary for any construction projects especially infrastructure projects where government allocated billions of ringgit for the country development and the impact of change can be minimised if attended earlier. Nowadays, subcontractors were hired by the contractor to carry out the actual work as subcontracting is a very common practice in this industry. This research was initiated to identify the possible causes of change and then investigated the current status of change management implementation in Malaysia’s infrastructure project. A questionnaire survey was designed to collect data for this research. 102 out of 130 sets of questionnaires were collected from the targeted respondents. Then, a comprehensive analysis was conducted. It was discovered that “design change”, “addition/omission of scopes” and “ambiguities and mistakes in specifications and drawings” were ranked as top three factors contributing to change in Malaysia’ infrastructure projects. This research also discovered that the implementation status of change management was surprisingly high with 72.54% of the infrastructure projects implemented change management. Lastly, the subcontractors’ involvement in contractor’s change management process affected the project performance positively was confirmed in this research as the projects with subcontractor involvement had statistically significant better project performance in terms of time, cost and quality of work. The identification of the root cause for change in infrastructure project helps the future project practitioners to avoid such situation and more well-prepared for it. Subsequently, this research discovered the benefit of practising change management within the infrastructure projects and getting the subcontractor involvement statistically. The findings of this research could improve the project performance of Malaysia’s infrastructure projects.
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