Applied Mechanics and Materials Vols. 174-177

Abstract: Delays in a construction project can be regarded as a failure. This paper aims to investigate the causes of delay in Indian construction projects undertaken by private, government and nongovernmental organizations. In view of this 45 causes of delay were identified and developed the questionnaire for the quantitative confirmation of the most causes of delay. Consequently the questionnaire was distributed to construction professionals like Managers, Engineers and others. Subsequently the collected data was analyzed using statistical tool and the factors were measured and ranked under each group by importance index for various construction professionals. The results suggest that delays are mainly due to shortage of labours, shortage of construction materials and extra works (rework and change orders). The resources like manpower and materials are having highest contribution of about 24% compared to other sources. However this paper presents recommendations for a better project management techniques & procedures which can be adopted during conceptual & detailed planning phases of the project in order to minimize the construction delay.

Abstract: The problem of resource allocation in the construction industry is a global phenomenon. Resource allocation plays an important role in Indian construction projects. The effective resource management is a prerequisite for project success. This paper aims to identify the critical factors that influence the resource allocation in Indian construction projects in private and public sectors. From extensive literature survey and based on experts’ opinion, forty four factors influencing resource allocation in Indian construction industry were identified. For the quantitative confirmation of the effectiveness of factors influencing resource allocation during the construction stage of a project, a questionnaire survey was conducted with construction professionals like clients, consultants and contractors. Subsequently the collected data was analyzed using the descriptive statistical method and the factors were measured and ranked under each group with Impact index. The findings reveal that the eleven top most critical factors such as materials selection and changes in types and specifications during construction, improper maintenance of equipment, shortage in construction materials, financing between the owner and contractor, force majeure (Fire, Wind damage, Hurricane, Flood), shortage of labours , poor procurement of materials, skill of labours, available of equipment and poor quality of materials. Results show that there is relatively highest agreement between contractor and consultant of about 66.7%. The resources like manpower, materials and equipment related factors are having a total contribution of about 60% and other groups are having of about 40% in resource allocation. However this paper presents recommendations for a better resource management techniques and procedures which can be adopted during conceptual , detailed planning and execution phases of the construction project.

Abstract: The Construction industry is a challenging, competitive and rapidly growing industry. Because of urbanization, infrastructural development and people's rising expectations for improved quality of living, construction become the second largest economic activity in India. As a result there is a competition for finding efficient and talented engineers which results in increased rate of Engineers’ attrition. Engineers’ attrition affects the overall efficiency of the organization. It results in loss of productivity, profit, time; resources etc.The sample of study consists of 120 engineers working in various construction organizations in India through questionnaire. The SPSS software was used for data analysis and findings. The purpose of this study is to find out the various reasons for Engineers turnover and to suggest effective retention strategies for Engineers’ retention. This study concludes that pay, Job satisfaction, Increased job opportunities, Lack of growth opportunities, Lack of respect from superiors have a great effect on engineers attrition.

Abstract: This paper describes the factors affecting resource based scheduling and the barrier/constraints against the implementation of resource based scheduling in Indian construction project. However the traditional methods such as critical path method and program evaluation and review technique are based on time but actual work is not completed on time. Hence it becomes essential to follow a resource based schedule which is based on actual availability of resource to meet the project deadline. This paper mainly focuses the resource oriented scheduling techniques and it is helpful to investigate the implementation of scheduling, type of scheduling adopted, method of scheduling, status of scheduling implementation in various construction firm. The questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the factors affecting resource oriented scheduling implementation and barriers/constraints against its implementation in the Indian construction project. The collected data was analyzed using statistical tool. Prioritization of the factors by frequency analysis and average index method was carried out. The barriers/constraints against implementation of resource scheduling were identified and presented. Suitable suggestions for the Indian construction companies were given to promote and motivate the professionals entering the firm at the initial stage about the concepts of resource scheduling so that they have a genuine commitment in the implementation of resource scheduling.

Abstract: The construction industry is one of the booming industries in India. The engineers working in an organization plays significant role in implementing the project. The main objective of the engineer’s is to construct a quality product with the use of techniques, tooling and equipment to reduce the cost and time of construction. The organizations need skilled engineers to complete their projects in time. In this research discriminant analysis technique has been employed to study about retention of engineers in the construction industry. A method is proposed which can be applied for existing engineers to ascertain whether they will continue in the same organization or not and the same procedure may applied for the new recruitment also.

Abstract: This paper analyzed the cooperation between construction enterprises in game theory. Research shows construction enterprises in building trade cluster must go out of the "prisoner's dilemma", when they compete or cooperate. Construction enterprise for effective cooperation can make building trade cluster express build-up effect and construction enterprises are in win-win situation. Coordination mechanism of building trade cluster development in China is not effective, research gives advices to improve it.

Abstract: This paper first compares the mapping relationship between biological immune and risk immunization of the core enterprise in supply chain finance.And then it establishes the risk immune system of the core enterprise in supply chain finance by referencing the concept of biological immune system. The main innovation point of the paper is that it realizes the hyperlink between biological immune and risk immunization of core enterprise in supply chain finance.

Abstract: The cooperation of project participants affects the information communication and impacts on project risk. A fuzzy evaluation method of construction project risk based on cooperation was presented. Because the effect of the same risk factor to project objectives was distinguishing, each risk factor had different weight. The cooperation of project participants was considered as the influencing factor to project objectives. The total risk rating of project could be calculated by the fuzzy reasoning method. The new method is practised to be effective in a actual project.

Abstract: Project execution is the guarantee of project success. This paper suggest the project plan system, project organization and governance structure, project execution culture and flow, the execution literacy of the project team are the key factors to affect the construction projects execution. Based on the study of the lean construction theory system, this paper also investigates the TFV, JIT, LPS and 5S can improve project execution from different perspective, so construction enterprises should carry out lean construction to improve project execution.

Abstract: The short length and rapid flow of rivers in Taiwan lead to vast differences between river reservations and silting. River dredging is a necessary measure to reduce flood damage and prevent secondary disasters from striking residents along riverbanks during flood seasons[1]. The government of Ilan County in Taiwan was the first to perform river dredging projects using public administration (PBA). This approach resulted in strong performance in disaster prevention and increased local sources of income[1]. However, operational mode was adopted by government departments, the efficiency of which is lower than that of government-owned but privately-run organizations. In other words, the PBA method increased governmental revenue; however, it remains unknown whether overall effectiveness was enhanced. A river dredging project commissioned by Hsinchu County incorporated professional construction management (PCM) in addition to PBA to increase operational performance[2]. This study analyzed and compared the two projects. From the aspect of management, river dredging conducted under the PBA method complicates operational management. Commissioning PCM for operations enables the coordination of various interfaces and enhances the progress of construction. PCM teams also serve as the connecting link between owners and contractors through the implementation of multi-layer structures, hierarchical responsibilities, centralized management, mutual supervision, and reduced abuses, enhancing overall project quality.