Purpose Most of the previous studies conducted on the subject of subcontractors often focussed on a single phase of subcontracting practice; either on registration, selection of subcontractors or on monitoring of subcontractors without much integration to other different phases involved. Thus, on the basis of that reason, the purpose of this paper is to link the gap between different phases of subcontracting practice. This study also attempts to explore the relationships between the key criteria used by general contractors in selecting subcontractors before job awarding (CSSC) and the key criteria used for monitoring subcontractors during construction work (CMSC); which will then include an investigation of the effects these criteria have on project performance (PP). Design/methodology/approach The data obtained from a total of 162 G7 contractors in Malaysia were analysed. The interrelationships between the criteria and the effects of these criteria on PP were investigated simultaneously by employing a single model based on structural equation modelling (SEM) method. Findings The final model has discovered four major criteria that are often considered during the selection of subcontractors namely, “communication”, “relationship”, “general obligation” and “resource management” of a subcontractor. Meanwhile, the major criteria that are referred to in the monitoring of subcontractors are “workmanship”, “awareness of environment, health and safety” and “communication and relationship”. The four CSSC were found to be interrelated among themselves and affected CMSC during the construction stage. The research also revealed that the criteria used in monitoring subcontractor do affect the performance of a project. Thus, based on the result of this investigation, the monitoring of subcontractor is essential in discerning the performance level of a project. Originality/value An established SEM improves a subcontracting practice by creating platforms for CSSC, CMSC and PP to influence each other. With the gap between selection and monitoring subcontractors are filled, then the prediction of the subcontractors’ performance can be made possible.
Accidents and injuries continue to be major problems in the construction industry despite persistent endeavours over the years to improve health and safety management. Novel approaches using emerging technologies can enhance construction safety performance. Given their limited adoption and lack of empirical evidence in the context of developing countries, this paper examines the predictors influencing the successful adoption of safety technologies in the construction industry. Using a survey questionnaire involving 133 Malaysian construction professionals, the significance of the predictors is prioritised. A factor analysis is used to reduce the predictors involved into a fewer number of dimensions. The most influential predictors are presented. Four underlying dimensions of the surveyed predictors are uncovered, comprising organisational commitment/technology orientation, supporting technological attributes, personal perception/performance expectancy and government support. The rate of technology implementation to improve safety risk mitigation in construction is still limited. By taking cognisance of the critical influential predictors involved, the adoption level of safety technology could be raised. This paper bridges the identified knowledge gap regarding the dimensionality of safety technology adoption predictors in construction, with findings that shed new light on the factors influencing technology adoption in a developing country to stimulate technological innovations to streamline construction safety.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate technology-based health and safety (H&S) management to control the spread of disease on construction sites using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review is conducted to develop a conceptual framework. The variables identified from the literature review are included in a cross-sectional survey which gathered a total of 203 valid feedback. The variables for challenges are grouped under their relevant construct using exploratory factor analysis. Then, a hypothesized model is developed for PLS-SEM analysis using Smart PLS software. Later, the outcome of the model is further validated by nine construction experts using a semi-structured questionnaire survey.FindingsThe results rationalized the relationships between the COVID-19 H&S measures, challenges in implementing COVID-19 H&S measures on construction sites and the innovative technologies in transforming construction H&S management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The possible challenges that obstruct the implementation of H&S measures are highlighted. The potential technologies which can significantly transform H&S management by reducing the impact of challenges are presented.Practical implicationsThe findings benefited the industry practitioners who are suffering disruption in construction operations due to the pneumonic plague.Originality/valueBy developing a conceptual model, this study reveals the contribution of technology-based H&S management for construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains under-studied, especially in the context of the developing world.
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.
The global construction industry continues to struggle with safety issues. Although the existing literature suggests that the application of innovative solutions can reduce workplace accidents and improve work safety, the adoption of safety technologies is still limited, particularly in the developing world. This paper aims to investigate the capacity of advanced technologies to enhance safety management and those suited to the Malaysian context. Following a synthesis of the literature, a questionnaire survey was developed comprising 9 potential applications and 15 types of safety technologies. The feedback from 150 local construction professionals was analysed. The leading benefits are related to advancing safety planning, building safety awareness, delivering effective safety training, improving safety inspections and optimising hazard identification. The most salient technologies for safety management are building information modelling (BIM), camera network systems, mobile devices on site, internet of things (IoT) and digital signage. The findings will provide industry practitioners with an increased understanding of the potential of integrating technological solutions into the various tasks associated with construction safety management. This study highlighted the capabilities of advanced technologies that will revolutionise the future of the construction safety landscape and the need for new technology-based policies, procedures, and practices.
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