The first step in performance monitoring relies on the n-dimensional building/civil information model to plan, schedule, and estimate project costs. An analysis of the results are documented and presented in charts to ensure effective communication of the project idea. The charts are used to conduct construction reviews to identify any areas which need improvement.
Once the reviews are over, the second phase of the automated construction performance monitoring commences where each component of the project progress is presented using visual aids to identify all project components that are on schedule, behind schedule or ahead of schedule and take corrective actions.
Unordered photos collections, modeling pipelines, and modeling demos underlie the assessment criteria for establishing the quality, safety, and sustainability of the construction pace of the which is remotely used to monitor construction safety.
Phase three of the automated construction safety uses cameras and remote sensors to monitor the construction safety based on a framework of automated behavior monitoring and the automated vision based tracking. That is followed by the automated construction quality monitoring to detect safe drilling areas, which leads to the automated construction productivity monitoring based on the automated vision based tracking system to identify activities of the excavators.
A construction site information management system which uses a mobile AR system provides high precision information on the construction site using a 3 d model and a hybrid 4-dimenaional model augmented in reality. The performance monitoring system is built by augmenting energy performance in reality with automated monitoring done in extreme events, and systems for disaster recovery put in place with different cases study results compared to build the best case scenario.
The Built & Urban Environment
Information technology plays a role in the construction, invention, and innovation in the construction industry. The generic issues affecting the design and construction of buildings include security, accessibility, buildability, affordability, customer satisfaction, crime, and sustainability.
Process issues which form the next elements of the cycle is defined by assessing project stakeholders, partnering based on relationship building, process coordination, learning organization, and building virtual teams. The process is expressed using visual charts that provide information about the project progress management, health and safety issues, effectiveness in plant usage, measures of productivity, and material management.
The invention/innovation involves creating new ideas, which are exploited in a research, innovation, enterprise, and community cycle. The entire process is defined by key activities which include teaching and learning, research, and outreach to business and community activities. The drivers of innovation which play a critical role include academic and industry elements.
The academic drivers of invention and innovation include policy reasons, core purpose values, industry drivers which include economic factors and policy issues. However the drivers of innovation and invention encounter barriers at the academic and industry levels. Typically, most innovations and inventions do not make it to the innovation/invention stage because of limitations at personal and organizational levels, the prohibitive cost factors involved in the processes referred to as the future thinking perspectives .
However, it is possible that entire process of integrating IT brings about ICT vision management to answer the strategic questions of invention and innovation. ICT brings into plays the role to shape the environmental and political issues to shape desirable future based on different models, with measurable progress on different change platforms.
The construction of any modern stadium should be considered a serious challenge to the agency responsible for this task and the authorities monitoring the process and providing resources for it. The fact is that the complexity of the project comes from the high number of factors that should be taken into account with the primary purpose of achieving success and guaranty the in-time accomplishment of the goal and construction of the stadium. That is why it is essential to review the scope of the project correctly, conduct a risk assessment, and outline the main milestones that should help to determine the status of the construction.
The Project Scope
Scoping is a critical part of any project as it helps to determine its goals and avoid confusion that can precondition the deterioration of results. The first critical element of this process is the SMART test.
Specific
Construct the stadium (clearly defined)
Measurable
The quality of built construction can be managed
Achievable
Achievable with existing resources
Rewarding
The country will benefit from the project because of the sports event, fans, and improved reputation.
The bound
The deadline is FIFA 2022 World Cup
The SMART test shows that the project is feasible, and the main goals can be accomplished using the currently available resources. Thus, the scoping procedure also preconditions consideration of such important constraints as time, cost, and quality.
As for the first element, time, the stadium should be built for the FIFA 2022 World Cup, which means that there is a specific period that can be devoted to all procedures needed to achieve the outlined goal, which is the creation of the construction.
The planned costs should be discussed with the government to create the budget required to create the stadium. It will include the price of materials, equipment, salaries, and other factors related to the project. In general, about AED 500-700 million can be demanded.
Finally, the quality of the build is another important element of scoping as it should meet all international standards for this sort of sports object. For this reason, it is critical to ensure the use of appropriate materials, equipment, and skilled specialists to avoid flaws or critical deterioration of the quality.
In general, the given factors will determine the scope of the project, its main constraints, and feasibility. Moreover, consideration of these aspects is critical to outline risks that might arise during the construction process and introduce appropriate practices or strategies that will help to manage these threats and achieve positive outcomes.
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is another important element of any project as it helps to reveal the opportunity of various problems emergence and decrease the chance by introducing appropriate actions or eliminating some vulnerabilities. In big scope projects, this practice plays a fundamental role and should be integrated into the planning; otherwise, the inability to foresee or predict some risks might have a negative impact on outcomes and precondition the failure (Cakmak & Tezel 2019). That is why the analysis of the stadiums construction helps to reveal the following risks that should be considered:
Performance risk. It can be taken as the main problem of all projects, especially big ones, as there is a chance to fail to produce results consistent with specifications. It happens because of ineffective management, disregard of problems, cultural barriers between workers and problematic cooperation, and poor goal-setting (JetRuby Agency 2017). The minimization of the given risk is one of the pivotal tasks of any manager. It can be achieved via the monitoring of the status of the construction and its ability to meet specifications at different periods (JetRuby Agency 2017). That is why the constant meetings with managers and monitoring to guarantee that all requirements are followed are the effective approaches to minimize the risk.
Cost risk. This is another type of risk that might be associated with any project and precondition its failure. Typically, escalation of costs is associated with poor estimating accuracy, management, or even fraud or illegal schemes used to generate additional income by unfair employees (Koutsogiannis 2019). The demand for extra financing without any serious reasons might deteriorate the image of the venture and distract stakeholders, investors, and even workers. The main method to reduce the impact of this factor is an effective accounting procedure and the monitoring of all costs that are devoted to various activities. Additionally, all spending should be consulted and accepted only if they meet the requirements of the general plan.
Schedule risk. It is another critical problem usually associated with big projects and the construction of stadiums. The fact is that the prolongation of the main activities also preconditions the increase in costs, delays, and negative changes in the image of the project (Risk management in construction projects n.d.). Additionally, the world community might also be dissatisfied with the delays because of the need to organize the World Cup. That is why the main activity aimed at the reduction of this risk is the introduction of milestones that should be observed to guarantee that the status of the project meets the current requirements and the schedule is observed, which is one of the fundamental success factors.
External hazards. The given factor should also be taken into account because of the complexity of relations in the Middle Eastern region, growth of terrorism, and attention attracted to the World Cup, there is a high opportunity of maleficent actions aimed at the destabilization of the situation in the country, the spread of panic, and use of this event as a platform to promote some ideas. Additionally, the large number of workers from various countries also increases this very risk (Koutsogiannis 2019). That is why an effective security system should be created to monitor all areas and check employees to protect the project. Cooperation with the government can also help to guarantee safety to people affected by the project and avoid critical issues.
Environmental risk. Speaking about construction projects in the UAE, one should take into account the extremely high temperatures that can be problematic to people from other regions because of their unpreparedness or different expectations. This factor might precondition the decrease in performance levels, effectiveness, and deterioration of results (Koutsogiannis 2019). That is why a specific schedule should be created to consider the needs of people who cannot work in the hottest hours. They should be allowed to work at night or morning when the heat is not so severe. The given approach might help to solve problems with the climate and guarantee that various shifts demonstrate their best skills.
Quality risk. The final product or stadium for the World Cup should be ready to meet all modern requirements for construction of this sort. It means that the successful end of the project should be followed by the outstanding quality of all elements. Deterioration of this aspect might mean the failure and the stadiums inability to meet guests from various countries. The risk of poor quality can be minimized by using only reliable suppliers and products that can guarantee an outstanding final result (Types of risk in project management 2019). Moreover, experienced and skilled employees should be hired to attain high accuracy during the vital stages of constructing to avoid mistakes or poor results.
Organizational risk. The given issue is closely connected with the schedule risk and should be taken as an aspect that might prevent all departments from their effective work. The fact is that the collaboration between all teams and members of the staff is a key to achievement, and a practical organization of the work can facilitate this very cooperation (Risk management in construction projects n.d.). On the contrary, the failure to align the interaction can promote schedule and other risks. In this regard, effective organizational patterns can be created via the consideration of the need of any department and formulation of the scheme that will be able to meet the requirements of various employees and provide them with the resources they need.
Finally, management or governance risks should also be considered. The factors belonging to this cohort presuppose that there might be flaws in performance with regard to the organization of the whole project, the creation of the appropriate climate, respect for cultures, or cooperation with partners overseas (Szymanski 2017). The inability to achieve success in the given sphere preconditions the lack of attention to the project, its becoming unpopular and decreased motivation of all employees. For this reason, one of the chances to reduce this risk is the observation of the basic principles of strategic management that guarantee enhanced decision making, creation of the appropriate conditions, and cultivation of motivation and achievement (Szymanski 2017).
In general, the given risk factors can be considered the most common ones as they are associated with any big project and might result in its failure or achievement of unacceptable outcomes. That is why, speaking about the construction of the stadium in the UAE, these aspects should be considered and managed to mitigate risks and achieve positive outcomes. The contingency plan is another practical tool that can be used to work with problems and outline the course of actions that can be performed if any of the issues from the risk occur (Szymanski 2017).
Usually, it is designed to respond to a negative event that can cause substantial harm to the organization or a project. For this reason, the adherence to the alternative or a course of actions different from the current one can be taken as an effective method to avoid crisis (Novotny 2019). For the outlined risks, the plan might be the following one:
Identify a risk
Determine its probability
Outline its impact on the project
Select among the possible alternative solutions
Share a new solution
Devote all needed resources
Revisit the plan
The given guide can be applied to every risk mentioned above and serve as a potent tool to eliminate threats and achieve a high level of performance.
Key Milestones
As it has already been stated previously, identification of the key milestones is critical for the monitoring of the progress and introduction of appropriate changes that might be demanded to avoid risks or guarantee the achievement of the positive result. For this reason, the following points are offered:
Design approval
The stadium should acquire an attractive appearance, and the whole project should be aligned in accordance with the design (Planning of a construction project n.d.). For this reason, this milestone is critical for the initiation of work and future decision-making.
Determination of funding and financial aspect of the project
This step is a milestone that is demanded to calculate all spending and investment that are needed to construct the building and achieve the goal. Additionally, the complexity of the given area requires an in-depth analysis of the whole venture to take into account all possible complications or emergencies (Planning of a construction project n.d.). For this reason, the obtainment of funding is an important phase of the project that indicates its correct development.
Recruiting
Employees are the main actors of any project as they precondition its success and the ability to meet the outlined goals. The recruitment of specialists for all positions and the creation of the conditions for their functioning is a key milestone that indicates the successful HR management and the creation of conditions beneficial for the cooperation of all cultures.
Contracts with suppliers
It is another critical element of any project as only after the partnership is aligned, the project can benefit from the continuous supply of machinery or equipment that is needed to construct the stadium and guarantee the high quality of the final product.
I am reaching core performance indicators
Specialists hired as supervisors or heads of departments should report about the current status of the project to ensure that it evolves in accordance with the plan established at the very first stage. The existence of specific indicators will help to meet these goals and reduce performance risk.
Quality assessment
The construction should be checked to ensure that all existing requirements to the quality of such buildings are met, and it can be used to host guests from multiple states.
Elimination of defects
Finally, this is a critical milestone indicating that all phases of the project are accomplished, and some small defects that are almost inevitable in big projects are improved to guarantee positive emotions for all possible users.
Conclusion
Altogether, the construction of the stadium is a complex and sophisticated project that demands consideration of multiple factors that might affect it. For this reason, it is critical to correctly realize all problems that might occur at different stages and devoted attention to them. Risk assessment remains one of the vital determinants of success that is needed to avoid fatal flows and ensure that the project will be completed in time. That is why the recommendations include:
Regular analysis of risks
Creation of alternative plans to solve problems
Monitoring of the process to ensure that all milestones are observed
Cultivation of diversity and improved cooperation with suppliers.
In the fast paced modern life, it had become almost equally complex to maintain road safety. Engineers and other authorities have come across many issues regarding safety of county roads. Similar case that had been analyzed in this paper is about the Verdant Country Commission (VCRC). This paper is a case analysis recommending some of the engineering and construction techniques that would help engineers regarding road safety.
Case Presentation
The Forest drive had recently became the centre of attraction as the Verdant Countys population had been observed to be increasing rapidly. The increase in the population had been observed to be 30% in the past ten years according to the Verdant population statistics. The increase in population had automatically increased the levels of issue regarding road safety.
Traffic had been considerably increasing that is directly proportional to the increase in population of Verdant County. Forest Drive had thus become one of the main roads that transfer the heavy traffic towards industrialized city of Verdant (Online Ethics).
Verdant County Road Commission had assigned the responsibility to Kevin Clearing to solve the problem of Forest Drive as soon as possible. The urgency to go about the problem is due to the increasing accidents by cars and incidents of wreckage of cars due to the lush green forests by road sides (Online Ethics).
Analysis
Previously it had been noted that Mr. Kevin Clearings had proposed the plan to cut down the trees alongside the road because the roads had become quite small in width. At first the plan by Kevin Clearings were accepted by the company but due to the admission of law suit by citizen environmental group, his plan had been questioned by both media and VCRC. The citizen environmental group had come up with petition signed by 150 citizens along with the protests that had been news from quite a long time (Online Ethics).
Many media persons and other social workers had claimed that it is due to the carelessness of the drivers that the roads are now being considered as small in width. The opposing groups have been claiming that VCRC must make sure that the driving rules and speed is being checked by the authorities rather than suggesting the cut down of trees which would be decline for natural habitat (National Academy of Engineering)
It is clear from the above noted case that the problem will continue to grow until or unless the trees are not being cut down. It is suggested that Kevin Clearings make use of the civil engineering theories that recommend engineers to keep a saturation flow values in situations such as Forest Drive in the chosen case.
The traffic in 3.5 meter wide road needs mapping that would allow landscaping as well as activities of pedestrians. It is also to be made sure by planning of Kevin Clearing that he considers the prospects of driving rules and regulations (Turner and Haraharp). The county governing authorities must file law suits against the drivers and not just amount as a fine.
The mapping and modeling of Forest Drive must undertake accurate saturation flow values to manage the increasing Verdant traffic. The citizen environment group also needs to understand that the road safety is far more important than the safety of animals and habitants. The cutting of trees could easily be replaced with landscaping which could be considered in the new modeling of Forest Drive.
Works Cited
National Academy of Engineering. John B. Dilworths Commentary on Cutting Roadside Trees 8/17/2006 National Academy of Engineering 17 August 2006. Online Ethics Resources. Web.
Different workplaces are prone to different kinds of dangers. As usual, these hazards exist in various types of construction demolitions. Some of these dangers occur as a result of cuttings by sharp objects, objects falling, and some chemicals spill on our skin, personal falling, respiratory problems, and even noises from machines that causes ear impairment. Due to the above dangers, there is a need for safety precautions to be put in place. Controlling hazards is one way of ensuring employees good health and improve their performance. Risk management which integrates the recognition of risk and risk assessment then the development of strategies to manage it is crucial. (Gregory 2006)
People in the construction and demolition sector are exposed to chemicals such as lead and asbestos. Asbestos and lead are dangerous to human health. They are introduced to the construction industry by installing products through spraying on fireproofing, pipe insulation, cement pipes, and ceiling tile.most workers are exposed to asbestos-containing products during the removal of these products at demolition periods or renovation aimed at maintaining buildings and other structures in good conditions. (Gregory, 2006)
The danger attached to asbestos comprises fatal diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and gastrointestinal cancer. Employees working on the removal of asbestos-containing thermal systems insulation and toweled on surfacing materials or sprayedon materials are at greater risks than those involved in the removal of resilient floor, roofing, and ceiling materials or any other type asbestos contain materials. It is very important to control the risks of asbestos as it poses these risks to employees.
Some of the measures that should be taken are proper regulation of the area by having competent personnel on such sites, inspecting the materials before the commencement of the demolition process, and having proper inspection and supervision. To further improve on this, employees should go for training on operation and handling procedures of asbestos. Employers should provide the necessary protective clothing and equipment at the workplace.
Many occupations have the potential for high exposure to lead. Exposure to lead is one of the most common dangers that occur in many demolition companies. Lead causes workplace illness. Results from Toxic release inventory show that more than 22 million lead and 194 million kilograms of lead compounds are released on and- site in 2001. Lead has numerous adverse effects on a human being.
A short period of exposure to lead causes various health impairments and diseases by adversely affecting numerous body systems. Lead poisoning in the blood causes loss of appetite, headache, difficulty in sleeping fatigue, decreased sexual drive, and many other problems depending on the toxicity level. Lead and lead compounds are anticipated to be human carcinogens. It is associated with an increased risk of lung, bladder, and stomach cancers. (Boffeta, 1995)
The most effective way in controlling lead hazards in the workplace like in construction demolition is to minimize the exposure through good work practice, engineering controls, and use of personal protective clothing and equipment some of the good workplace practices that are fundamental for implementation includes housekeeping, periodic inspection, and maintenance of process and control equipment. The use of proper procedures and tasks together with appropriate supervision to ensure that the proper procedures are followed still will make a great difference. Observing personal hygiene will prevent direct entry of these chemical substances into the body.
People working in construction often work at high places such as the top of buildings. Fall dangers remain a serious health problem. It is one of the leading causes of traumatic occupational death. Thus, it accounts for eight percent of all the deaths associated with the industry of construction demolitions. Any work at a height of more than four feet is always at risk hence needs to be protected.
In many situations, slips or trips and falls are caused by loose objects, wet spots, polished floors, uneven walking surfaces, grease, electrical cords, and open desk drawers, and damaged ladder steps. The prevention of these hazards calls for the controls such as wearing and using personal fall arrest equipment. They work also need to take precautions by installing and maintaining the perimeter of protection. The use of an unworthy ladder should strictly be discouraged by the person in charge of supervisory work. He should also make sure that all the floor openings are secure and covered if necessary within the demolition site. (Boffeta, 1995)
During the demolition of houses and high towering objects, there is a greater risk of people getting stuck in between the collapsed walls. To make sure that you are on the safe side, it is quite recommendable that you should never weak a place that seemingly may let you being surrounded by it. In an area involving a trench and excavation process, it is too risky to enter an unprotected part like a trench of 5 feet or more without adequate protective systems being put in place.
Demolition of construction may involve working in an area where there high temperatures and intense heat. These working places include demolitions of road works or renovations of old roads. It also comprises heat production by the machines that are being used. such operations involving high air temperature, high humidity; direct physical conduct with hot objects, and finally radiant heat sources pose a high poten6tial of inducing heat stress.
One of the most serious health problems in a hot environment like in the demolition of roads in the direct hot sun is mental confusion other problems that are associated with heat are delirium, loss of consciousness, and convulsion which are likely to cause abrupt illness and death.heat problems can be reduced and prevented by having engineering controls such as installation of general ventilation and spot cooling at [point of high heat production. protection from direct heat by shielding from radiant heat sources reduces such hazards to a greater extent. Elimination of steam leaks from working machines and other equipment may also provide the workers with a better working environment.
Through modern technologies, the provision of improvised tools that are not too manual and personal cooling devices is of great help to the reduction of heat hazards. Employees should be educated concerning the effects of dehydration exhaustion, fainting, heat cramps, heat stroke, and salt deficiency.
Noise is not a new hazard. It has been a constant threat since the industrial revolution. Too much noise exposure causes a temporary change in hearing or a temporary ringing in your ears. These short-term problems usually go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noisy places. However, repeated exposures to loud noise lead to permanent, incurable hearing loss. Approximately every year, 30 million people are exposed to hazardous noise in the United States.
Noise-induced hearing loss is also one of the common occupational illnesses but it is quite much ignored because of lack of visible effects. It also develops over a long period of time, and there is no pain except in very rare cases. Prevention of the peril of noise from the workplace can be done through engineering controls like installing a muffler or building an acoustic barrier. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Hearing protectors such as earplugs and earmuffs should be used when it is not feasible to otherwise reduce noise to a safe level. The introduction of hearing loss prevention programs for all workplaces with hazardous levels of noise is a necessity.
Many employees are unaware of the potential hazards present in the work environment. Poisonous gaseous substances are released into the environment in the area of work. Most workers do not recognize the risks of these poisonous substances occurring in form of gases. Respiration systems are affected by harmful clouds of dust, fogs, and smoke, mists, favor, and sprays. These hazards cause diseases such as cancer, lung impairment, or death. Due to the risks involved in respiration systems, prevention of such risks needs to adhere to the laid down international standards U.S. Department of Labor. (Anderson, 1998)
Welding poses enormous hazards which include many chemical applications in the workplace. These chemicals are all termed to be poisonous in the environment of human nature. Zinc is used in great quantities in the production of brass, galvanized metals, and various other alloys. Breathing of zinc oxide fumes occurs when welding or cutting on zinc-coated metals during the demolition process. Introduction to these fumes is acknowledged to cause metal fume fever, influenza.
Cadmium is used often as a rust-preventive coating on steel and also as an alloying element. Acute exposures to high concentrations of cadmium fumes can produce severe lung irritation, pulmonary edema, and in some cases, death. Long-term exposure to low levels of cadmium in the air can result in emphysema and can damage the kidneys.
Beryllium is sometimes used as an alloying element with copper and other base metals. Acute exposure to high concentrations of beryllium can result in chemical pneumonia. Long-term exposure can result in shortness of breath, chronic cough, and significant weight loss, accompanied by fatigue and general weakness.
Iron is the most important alloying element in steel manufacture. During the welding process, iron oxide fumes arise from both the base metal and the electrode. The primary acute effect of this exposure is irritation of nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Although long-term exposure to iron oxide fumes may result in iron pigmentation of the lungs, most authorities agree that these iron deposits in the lung are not dangerous.
Mercury compounds are used to coat metals to prevent rust or inhibit foliage growth). Under the intense heat of the arc or gas flame, mercury vapors will be produced. Exposure to these vapors may produce stomach pain, diarrhea, kidney damage, or respiratory failure. Long-term exposure may produce tremors, emotional instability, and hearing damage. (Anderson, 1998)
Welding and cutting of lead-bearing alloys or metals whose surfaces have been painted with lead-based paint can generate lead oxide fumes. Inhalation and ingestion of lead oxide fumes and other lead compounds will cause lead poisoning. Symptoms include metallic taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal cramps, and insomnia. In time, anemia and general weakness, chiefly in the muscles of the wrists, develop. Lead adversely affects the brain, central nervous system, circulatory system, reproductive system, kidneys, and muscles.
Fluoride compounds are found in the coatings of several types of fluxes used in welding. Exposure to these fluxes may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Repeated exposure to high concentrations of fluorides in the air over a long period may cause pulmonary edema and bone damage. Exposure to fluoride clouds of dust and fumes has also produced skin rashes.
Various chlorinated hydrocarbons are used in degreasing or other cleaning operations. The vapors of these solvents are a concern in welding and cutting because the heat and ultraviolet radiation from the arc will decompose the vapors and form highly toxic and irritating phosgene gas.
Phosgene is formed by the decomposition of chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents by ultraviolet radiation. It reacts with moisture in the lungs to produce hydrogen chloride, which in turn destroys lung tissue. For this reason, any use of chlorinated solvents should be well away from welding operations or any operation in which ultraviolet radiation or intense heat is generated.
Carbon monoxide is a gas usually formed by the incomplete combustion of various fuels. Welding and cutting may produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide. In addition, welding operations that use carbon dioxide as the inert gas shield may produce hazardous concentrations of carbon monoxide in poorly ventilated areas. This is caused by a breakdown of shielding gas. (Powergen, 1996)
Ozone is produced by ultraviolet light from the welding arc. Ozone is produced in greater quantities by gas metal arc weldings like gas tungsten arc welding and plasma arc cutting. Ozone is a highly active form of oxygen and can cause great irritation to all mucous membranes. Excessive exposure can cause fluid in the lungs. Both nitrogen dioxide and ozone are thought to have long-term effects on the lungs (Powergen, 1995).
The ultraviolet light of the arc can produce nitrogen oxides from the nitrogen and oxygen in the air. Nitrogen oxides are produced by gas metal arc welding. Even greater quantities are formed if the shielding gas contains nitrogen. Nitrogen dioxide is one of the oxides formed with the greatest health effect. Dangerous concentrations can be inhaled without any immediate discomfort. High concentrations can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and fluid in the lungs.
References
Anderson, T.M. (1998): Addressing Barriers to Improve Safety Performance; Construction Manager; Nov. Vol. 4, Issue 9, p. 13-15.
Gregory, E. D. (1996): Building an Environment that Promotes Safe Behavior. Professional Safety; Prentice Hall, New York.
Powergen, J. (1996): A design risk assignment manual published: Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
Powergen, J. (1995): total project management of construction and safety healthy and development; Prentice Hall, New York.
Pierson, P. L. (1997): Construction and Demolition Debris: Recycling and Reuse In Washington State; Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
There have been immense construction projects in China, the U.S. and India. This has resulted in huge consumptions of energy, as well as other resources.
India
The construction sector in India is estimated at 100 billion dollars. Globally, the country is among the top ten nations, which spend a lot in construction projects. This is attributable to the governments spending, foreign direct investment, and private investments. India manufactures close to two hundred and fifty million tons of cement, which places it second to China. According to the Global Construction 2020 report, India is likely to be the 3rd biggest construction market globally, with the USA and China taking the first positions.
India is aware that there is a need to curb infrastructure bottlenecks, which will ensure improved living standards for the masses. It is worth noting that the federal government has declared its commitment to the eleventh 5 years plan. This will direct nine percent of the countrys GDP to infrastructural ventures.
A zenith body of the federal, the National Planning Commission has projected dedicating 515 billion dollars to infrastructural schemes for the next five years. This will be used to construct ports, railways, highways, and bridges, among others (Robert et al 643).
China
While construction projects in India have majorly been internal, construction companies in China engage themselves in global improvement projects. These include Kenyas highways, Brazils power plants, Turkeys high- speed railways, and Dubais skyscrapers. In 2009, fifty Chinese companies were ranked among the top 225 global contractors.
The Chinese government gives the construction industry a lot of attention. This is because the industry has been a source of overseas revenue. Construction companies have to adhere to stringent domestic construction practices. Consequently, these companies have become a powerful force in the global construction market.
USA
In the United States, construction management mainly deals with assessing the resources and risks, which are probable in their construction projects. The U.S. government is aware that construction management is essential for the effectiveness of any project.
Contemporary construction management procedures have been accused of hindering trust between contractors and agencies. Furthermore, they prevent efficiency and innovation. In regard to this, the U.S. government appreciates the need for novel construction innovations and technologies in the industry.
Consequently, there is doubt whether the industry can perform efficiently (Sathaye and Stephen 330). Together with industry partners, highway agencies are considering principal construction and design management principles. Scan teams in the country recommend that the construction industry should invest in partnerships, and concentrate on projects that fulfill customer needs.
New Technologies and Innovations
India
India recognizes that novel innovations and technologies are significant to meet the construction needs in the country. Therefore, India has embraced dry-wall technique, Mivan technology, pre-fabricated construction, and slip form construction. These technological innovations have brought about significant benefits in the construction industry. Some of these technologies were introduced from Malaysia, China and Europe.
Mivan shuttering enhances timely projects and unique finishes. Through Mivan technology, 70% more steel is used, which increases the lifelong of a construction (Ghassemiand Ian 69). Painting can be done without plastering, and construction time is minimized by ten days. During construction, many companies use the de-watering technology, which saves cost and time. Moreover, reconstituted marble enhances uniform finishes during cladding and flooring.
China
The Chinese government has laid down policies to enhance scientific research development in the construction industry. The 10th 5-year plan had objectives aimed at coming up with high- techs, promoting technical innovation, and developing industrialization.
To ensure the implementation of technological reforms and promote the innovative capability of companies, several incentive policies were laid down. Some of the innovations and technologies include Integrated Circuit and Software industries, promoting basic researches, increasing industrialization, promoting adherence to international standards, and promoting global trade.
US
The new innovations and technologies in the country focus on meeting consumer needs. Moreover, they aim at minimal costs and better convenience, comfort, and beauty. To promote the technologies and innovations, there is a need for communication between partners. One of the technological approaches is turnkey, which has enabled the construction of steel, power, and chemical plants. The skyscrapers structural design has been extremely useful in cost reduction when constructing tall buildings.
Laws and Regulations (Labor and Environmental Law)
India
Every city has to adhere to a set of regulations and laws. These are in the form of construction bylaws, which are put into practice at the city and town level. This is carried out by the relevant municipalities and authorities. It is worth pointing out that the economy in India is growing at an alarming rate.
This implies that there have been immense developments and constructions. Consequently, the government has ensured measures that promote environment protection and construction safety. Government agencies have to adhere to NOCs (Non-Objection Certificates) for them to be permitted to proceed with construction (Sathayem and Stephen 328).
The Tree Authority has to establish whether there are important greeneries and trees at a plot before construction is permitted. Commercial properties have to be provided with a NOC by the chief fire officer. Construction plans are shown to the chief fire officer for them to assess whether the construction adheres to fire safety regulations.
Construction in India requires the Building Proposal Office to approve novel buildings development. The authorities then decide if the proposed structures should proceed. The office assesses ozoning, preservation and aesthetic procedures, and the socio- economic consequences the constructions will have (Dixon et al 80).
China
China considers green building as exceptionally significant, where majority of the construction projects have to be certified. The Chinese construction companies are making a mark in the worldwide construction market. This implies that there is a need for construction companies to pay keen attention to lawful risk management.
Law firms have been greatly dedicated to promoting the flourishment of construction practices. This has resulted in more legal teams. The Chinese construction companies adhere to the environmental and labor laws of the countries they work. Consequently,the country has been greatly rewarded for compliance and diligence in this area. To ensure adherence to these laws, the companies work hand-in-hand with law firms.
US
Similar to the case in India and China, the labor and environment laws have to be adhered to whenever a construction is taking place. The relevant authorities have to inspect the site and determine whether construction should proceed. Whenever a construction is taking place, child labor has to be avoided at all costs. Moreover, a conducive working environmentshould be ensured. The city municipality has to be aware of the construction. This promotes accountability and transparency.
Works Cited
Dixon, Robert K., et al. Integrated land-use systems: assessment of promising agro forest and alternative land-use practices to enhance carbon conservation and sequestration. Climatic Change 27.1 (1994): 71-92. Print.
Ghassemi, Fereidoun, and I. White.Inter-basin water transfer: case studies from Australia, United States, Canada, China and India. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.
Robert, Christopher, et al. Empowerment and continuous improvement in the United States, Mexico, Poland, and India: Predicting fit on the basis of the dimensions of power distance and individualism. Journal of Applied Psychology 85.5 (2000): 643. Print.
Sathaye, Jayant, and S. Tyler. Transitions in household energy use in urban China, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment 16.1 (1991): 295-335. Print.
An Evaluation of Current and Potential Future Application of Value and Risk Management into Construction Project Management Professional Services in the Construction Sector in the UAE
Abstract: The UAE had an unprecedented boom in its construction sector between 2004 and 2008. This ended during the international financial crisis of 2008. As a result, the UAE Prime Minister issued a decree requiring all contractors to use green principles in construction projects.
The high-end construction market responded by adopting stronger VRM practices. The state of VRM in the UAE is that it is growing in prominence. However, the professionals in the area are very few. In many cases, external consultants provide VRM services. The future of VRM in the UAE requires better training for undergraduate engineers, to supplement the efforts of the existing postgraduate VRM professionals.
General Structure of the Paper
This paper has two main sections. The paper includes a literature review covering the essential background of both value management and risk management, and the result of the combination of the two, into value and risk management. The paper also presents the findings of a survey conducted to determine the VRM awareness levels of professionals in the construction sector in the UAE. The paper concludes by presenting the conclusions obtained in answer to the problem statement.
Introduction
The UAE is a regional leader in the application of VRM principles. This paper seeks to examine the issues that have an impact on VRM practices in the UAE and the implications of these issues for the future. The period between 2004 and 2008 will remain etched in the memory of the UAE as the heyday of the construction industry.
In that time, value management did not command much respect because investors in the construction sector did not demand efficiency in their projects. They favored fast pace construction over cost management. The result of this attitude is that the UAE is now home to some of the most energy intensive skyscrapers in the world.
Value and risk management is slowly finding its place in the construction sector. The rules have changed. It is no longer survival for the swiftest in the UAE, but survival of the fittest. This article examines the current state and future opportunities of value management in the UAE.
VRM in the UAE
In any business, value comes from business processes. The professional process of ensuring that a certain process yields maximum value for the stakeholder at the least cost is value management . The definition of value in this case is not just the financial value. Rather it is value in the context of the balanced scorecard, which covers the financial value, value from internal processes, value for the customer in question, and value in terms of transferable experience for the contractor .
On the other hand, risk management is an active process of finding potential events or circumstances that can affect the progress of a project if they take place during the life of the project . The occurrence of risk must be uncertain. Otherwise, the event ceases to be a risk. Risks associated with the construction sector range from material defects to industrial action by workers. The cost of many construction projects is very high.
This creates the need to manage risks as effectively as possible. Risk management involves the identification of potential events that will trigger the risk and determining the probability of occurrence of that event. After that, the risk manager quantifies the impact of the occurrence of risk-causing event on the project in terms of loss of life, time, money, and business opportunities.
It is possible to view risk management as a specialized form of value management because risk can erode the value of a project. It serves a preventative purpose. Value management on the other hand aims at increasing value from the processes by reducing costs or increasing the utility of the outcomes of the project .
According to Karim, Berawi, Yahya, Abdul-Rahman, and Mohamed (2007) the value management process has three stages namely, value planning, value engineering and value analysis. Value planning takes place during the planning phase of the project. Value engineering occurs during construction, while value analysis takes place after the construction phase.
Value analysis helps in the establishment of measures to ensure that the value gained during the value engineering process lasts throughout the useful life of the building. The risk management process involves risk identification, analysis, response, and monitoring . Risk identification and analysis take place during the planning of the project at the same time as value planning. Risk monitoring takes place throughout the active life of the project.
The construction teams use risk indicators to monitor the risks. Risk response depends on whether the risk events take place or not. If a risk occurs, risk response takes place. The amalgamation of risk management (RM) and value management (VM) into risk and value management (RVM) comes from the relative similarity of the objectives of these two aspects of construction management. Focusing on RM only can erode value while focusing on VM only can introduce high risks to the project .
The rising stature of VRM in the UAE is as a direct result of the events that took place between 2004 and 2008 in the construction sector . In 2004, the construction sector in the UAE was experiencing unprecedented growth. The country was on the path to achieve its dream of becoming a transport, trade, and commercial hub in the Middle East .
This led to an increase in the number of the immigrants looking for work in the Emirates. In addition, many traders were coming to the UAE to close business deals. The result was that the demand for housing and commercial buildings grew. The country saw the construction of an unprecedented number of new buildings to meet the rising demand. Since investment funds were flowing, the speed of construction became the driving force.
VM was not central to project planning in the construction industry. The UAE ended up undertaking projects that delivered buildings with the highest energy consumption in the world . In 2008, the UAE economy went through a downturn occasioned by the global financial crisis triggered by the US real estate market . Since that year, there has been a growing appreciation of the role VM can play in the construction industry.
The shift towards VM goes back to 2007 when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE, issued a decree that ordered players in the construction industry to conform to a newly established green standard in their projects . The decree took effect in January 2008 just when the global financial crisis was hitting the UAE. From that time, there has been a steady increase in the number of construction companies using VM in order to meet project goals and the regulatory goals.
Evidence in literature suggests that the current state of application of VRM in the UAE is uncoordinated. While there is widespread recognition of the potential saving the use of VRM can bring to projects, the practice is not widespread. It appears that the planning processes of construction projects do not include VRM.
A case in point is the low-income housing project in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi in which VRM principles were not part of the planning process . Some of the design choices made by the project planners seemed unsuited for the construction projects. For instance, the houses contained some utilities such as gas-powered central heating, which is not fitting for low-income housing .
In addition, the water tanks positioned outside on the roofs of the houses started malfunctioning after three years, yet the project requirements stated that the life cycle for each house was to be twenty-five years . The main contention resulting from this situation is that project planners did not carry out VRM with the users of the house in mind.
Rather, the designers used uneconomical design options to raise their design fees since they charge a percentage of overall project cost. The current application of VRM in construction projects in the UAE is also a reflection of the little manpower available to conduct VRM.
The VRM Survey Methodology
A VRM survey conducted for this project revealed several issues regarding the current and future prospects of VRM in the UAE. The survey involved professionals working in the construction industry with decision-making responsibilities.
Results
The key findings of the survey were that only ten percent of the engineering professionals in the construction sector have any form of training in VRM, and none of the respondents have participated in a VM program. VM training in the UAE is available in postgraduate courses in construction management.
The graduates do not all go to practice VRM hence the lack of involvement in any VRM project. The fact that most professional engineers in the UAE without postgraduate qualifications have not formal training in VRM may indicate the low skill levels in the area of VRM in the country.
Other findings in the survey showed that there is a general understanding of what RM is, but the views of respondents on VM did not demonstrate a strong grasp of the concept. When asked about their understanding of VM, most of the respondents used cost savings as the main issue in VM.
The answers included phrases like, help clients reduce costs , managing expenses in construction , and having the best quality with least money . Forty percent of the respondents had no idea what VM meant. There seemed to be a perception that VM is part of project scope management because many responses included phrases talking about time, quality, and money.
The responses for a similar question relating to RM showed a better understanding of RM in a project. RM is a core part of undergraduate construction courses hence it is not surprising that most of the respondents were articulate about RM. None of the respondents had any experience in analyzing the benefits of VRM exercise because none of them had participated in a VRM exercise.
All the respondents felt that the application of VRM in the UAE should continue. The responses depended on their understanding of VRM in the first place. One respondent pointed out that VRM activities take place in large projects only. Therefore, there is a need to downstream the practice.
Another respondent also added that the practice of VRM in the UAE is selective. The project managers choose to implement some elements and ignore others. This leads to low return from the VRM process, which requires implementations throughout the project cycle.
Based on this survey, the need to make VRM conventional is obvious. If the professionals in the construction industry do not have a clear understanding of the basics of VRM, then the construction industry will not have people who can champion for VRM. The best way to tackle this gap is to include VRM in the training curriculums of all construction courses.
Even if this does not produce VRM consultants, it will empower these professionals to evaluate the benefits of VRM in construction projects. The current model where consultants carry out all VRM activities is not sustainable for nationwide impact. If project initiators do not want to spend money on consultants, a project does not benefit fully from VRM. Training all professionals in the industry to understand VRM will increase the appreciation and application of VRM in the industry.
In conclusion, while the data available from industry sources such as The Oxford Business Group may suggest a vibrant VRM environment in the UAE, the data collected for this project shows that there are serious training gaps in VRM in the UAE. Industry publications are niche publications hence they may report in detail issues having an effect on a very small part of the overall environment.
Conclusions
The main conclusions from this project are as follows. VRM is increasing in importance in the UAE, partly because of intervention by the state, and partly because of the lessons learnt after the global financial crisis. The decree by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE that took effect in 2008 requires all construction projects to use green principles in construction.
VRM is an essential part of ensuring all green projects meet the requirements of the decree. Secondly, there is inadequate capacity in the UAE to mainstream VRM across the construction sector. This conclusion comes from the survey conducted for the purposes of this project to find out the current level of manpower available to push forward the VRM agenda in the UAE. If UAE can train professionals at all levels, then it will improve the practice of VMR in the country.
Thirdly, the Engineering Associations in the can play a part in mainstreaming VRM by conducting training seminars for all engineers working in the UAE. Currently the training levels of VRM are too advanced. Undergraduate engineers do not have the skills and experience needed to implement VRM in their settings.
Finally, institutions of higher learning in the UAE need to include VRM as part of the coursework for all construction courses at undergraduate level. This will serve to increase the capacity of the country to make VRM a part of construction planning for all sizes of projects.
References
Abdellatif, MA & Othman, AA 2008, Improving the Sustainability of Low Income Housing Projects: The Case of Residential Buildings in Musaffah Commercial City in Abu Dhabi., Emirates Journal of Engineering, vol 11, no. 2, pp. 47-58.
Davies, RH & Davies, AJ 2011, Value Management: Translating Aspirations Into Performance, Gower Publishing, Surrey.
Gordon, RJ 2012, Is U.S. Economic Growth Over? Faltering Innovation Confronts the Six Headwinds NBER, vol 18315, pp. 1-23.
Jaapar, A & Torrance, JV 2010, Contribution of Value Management to the Malaysian Construction Industry: A New Insight, Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Karim, SBA, Berawi, MA, Yahya, IA, Abdul-Rahman, H & Mohamed, O 2007, The Integration of Value and Risk Management In Infrastructure Projects: Learning from Others, Quantity Surveying International Conference., Value Management Centre (VMC), Faculty of the Built Environment, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumper.
Koenig, M & Meissner, J 2011, Risk Minimizing Strategies for Revenue Management Problems with Target Values. , Working Paper, Department of Management Science, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University Press, Lancaster.
KPMG 2003, Internal Audits Role in Modern Corporate Governance, Risk and Advisory Services, KPMG, KPMG, Hong Kong.
Meredeth, JR & Mantel, SJ 2011, Project Management: A Managerial Approach, 8th edn, John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, NJ.
Othman, AA 2005, Value and Risk Management Protocol for Dynamic Brief Development in Construction, Emirates Journal for Engineering Research, vol 10, no. 2, pp. 23-36.
Othman, AA 2008, Incorporating Value and Risk Managemen Concepts in Developing Low Cost Housing Projects , Emirates Journal for Engineering Research, vol 13, no. 1, pp. 45-52.
The National Petroleum Construction Company is a global construction company which received many awards in fabrication of steel structure sections. It was established in 1973 as a Public Joint Stock Company and its fabrications facilities are located at Mussafah Abu Dhabi.
It started with providing and fabricating the required steel structure for the onshore and offshore Oil and Gas production industries. In 1978, it developed and widened its operations by inaugurating a custom pipe coating facility at the field. In 1979, the company fought an escapade into offshore activities for the Oil industries, installation and knitting works.
In 1986, NPCC began the manufacturing storage tanks which are used in storing various types of petroleum products. In 1994, NPCC built a new modern facility in Mussafah which can produce and fabricate up to 67,000 tons of steel annually. After that by just two years, another modern facility was constructed for fabrication of pressure vessel.
This facility has a capability of producing 6,000 tons per year of pressure vessels in different type and size. The Company takes all developing steps and urban growth carefully to achieve the goals and achievements over the years. That dynamic growth strategy makes NPCC to reach a place in league with the major international EPC contractor of the Oil and Gas industry.Aqeel A. Madhi is the Chief Executive officer and HussainJasem Al Nowais is the chairman-GHC of the NPCC.
Nowadays, NPCC is regarded as a successful and fast-developing global company that ensures high quality services and products in the sphere of gas manufacture, storage, engineering, and installation. More importantly, the company sustains a competitive advantage in integrating offshore and onshore projects.
Core values
The National Petroleum Construction Company is an excellent provider of offshore and onshore services in the sphere of production of gas, as well as delivery of petroleum products. The NPCC takes prides in its highly competitive and confident employees who are able to control and coordinate of advanced technologies. The company is actively involved in the production, testing, and inspection that take control of the modern technologies.
The NPCC ensured well-equipped environment in which employees operate. Therefore, the companys managers realize the importance of ensuring a favorable organizational culture that motivates their employees, as well as provides highly effective coordination and collaboration. The Board of Directors is conscious about its strategic objectives and, therefore it is committed to producing high quality products that meet the established international standards.
Employees are considered as the most important and valuable asset of the company. Therefore, the staff strives to ensure training and development programs for their employees, as well as provide efficient social schemes. According to the NPCC managers, wellbeing of their employees can guarantee expert services for their clients.
Products and Technology
The company, as the provider of offshore and onshore activities, also offers the following services and products to their customers (Product & Services, n. p.):
EPIC and EPC Management that ensures Procurement, Building, and Installation services;
Pipeline Testing, Pipelaying, and Riser Installation;
Building and Installation of Storage Tanks;
PLEM and SPM Building and Installation;
Geotechnical and Geographical Offshore Services;
Delivery and Production of Pressure Vessels, Modules, and other Petrochemical Projects;
Onshore Development of Plants;
Anti-corrosion Coating of Pipelines;
Offshore Installation and Production of Wellhead Jackets, Modules, and Topsides;
Commissioning and Pre-commissioning of Offshore Activities;
The company is also involved into the development of offshore and onshore projects. In particular, the NPCC managers introduced Gas Development Project that includes installation of the Habshan Platform. The project presents the gas manufacture by drilling extra gas wells.
This platform serves to transfer gas through new pipelines. IN addition, the company worked on installation and manufacture of Scraper Decks and Tie-in Platforms in 2007. In particular, the project integrated fabrication, installation, and engineering of such facilities as ZULF TP7, ZULF TP8, ZULF TP5, and ZULF TP6 (Offshore n. p.). There are many other interesting and innovative projects that relate to the development and technological advancement of the facilities.
The NPCC integrates advanced and innovative technologies into constructing its offshore and onshore projects to guarantee safety and quality of products and services. In this respect, the company has achieved numerous awards and quality certificates that enhance the image of an innovative and high-tech organization (Quality and HSE, n. p.).
Social Responsibility
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct features the principles of behavior of employees. The company conducts its business in a fair environment and, therefore, the employees of the NPCC should follow ethical principles in accordance with established laws and regulations. While conducting business activities, the company focuses on integrity as the primary principle in cooperating with clients, shareholders, business partners, communities, competitors, suppliers, and employees (Code of Conduct n. p.).
Companys responsibilities should be accomplished in regard to the international ethical standards to meet the performance requirements. Therefore, employees are not allowed to engage in the in the activity that may undermine the companys reputation (Code of Conduct n. p.). There are a number of rules and principles that the NPCC employees should observe to meet the code of ethics introduced in the company.
To begin with, employees should not abuse the power of their position for personal interests, as well as take advantage of the information for non-business purposes. Second, the employees should also protect all assets of the companys stakeholders to use them for relevant activities only (Code of Conduct n. p.). Finally, employees should also report on the case of improper ethical conduct to avert the situations that pose threat to the welfare of the company.
Assessing the environment and ensuring social corporate responsibility
The NPCC has a full awareness of the consequences of negligent attitude to the business and operation activities. Therefore, the Board of Directors, along with employees, considers social corporate responsibility a priority in conducting business (Quality and HSE n. p.). They understand the environmental issues, as well as the necessity to introduce specific regulations that could prevent the probability of accidents and contingencies that can pollute the environment.
International Cooperation
The company introduces strict measures to ensure that the products and materials meet the established quality requirements. Therefore, the suppliers and vendors engaged with business activities should conform to those requirements. In addition, the NPSS department of HSE and Corporate Support realizes that Media Assistance and Communication are among the most important aspects of companys successful development.
Business Partner
NPCC is considered a subsidiary company since the hold share of 70% is owned by the General Holding Corporation GHC. Thus, NPCC had extent its business throw many engineering fields, making it one of the most important business partners in UAE.
They provide several services to many companies in variety ways suck as offshore constructions, offshore services, onshore/onsite services, fabrications, pipe coating and pressure vessel. With this NPCC becomes a major company in oil and gas industry, turning into a big business partners throw the years.
Offshore construction and services
NPCC help oil and gas companies to establish their Offshore facilities by installation & Commissioning of pipeline systems, Installation of heavy structures using float-over technique Offshore positioning & seabed surveying, and Under water inspection & maintenance. Main business partners in offshore services are ADNOC and ADMA-OPCO.
Onshore/onsite services
With the high demand for maintenance and fabrications on the onshore, NPCC had been success to meet these demands. NPCC had provided engineering teams to solve engineering challenges. They had built state-of-the-art Fabrication Yard which supply all the fabrication needed by clients. Also they can install and inspect to maintain any onshore facility the client asked for. Main clients/ business partners are TAKREER, GASCO and ADCO.
Environment protection
NPCC has been an award company with huge accomplishments since they got their first award British Safety Council Sword of Honor in 1989. Since then, NPCC continued to reserve awards and certifications for their work. They have cared for environment and HSE applications and they proved themselves to the community as well as to their clients.
HSE awards
NPCC had achieved a lot by applying HSE standards and they been given awards for their safe work such as :
British Safety Council Sword of Honor in 1989 for being one of the top 30 safest companies in the world
ADNOC HSE Award 2001, 2002 and 2003
ZADCO HSE Award 2009 & 2006
The Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Award 2011
HSE Certificates
NPCC efficiency in HSE have increased throw the years thus, they been reserving many excellent certificates for their job well done. Since certifications have a limited time, they still managed to continue getting them by the safe practice such as:
ISO 14001:2004 CERTIFCATE OF APPROVAL (following Environmental Management System Standards)
OHSAS 18001:2007 CERTIFCATE OF APPROVAL (the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series OHSAS 18001 )
IPLOCA Safety Awards.
Conclusion
Since its emergence in 1973, the NPCC has managed to conquer the leading markets in manufacture of petroleum products and installation of offshore and onshore schemes. It has a well-developed set of values, missions, and strategies that allow the organization to integrate new initiatives and attract new clients.
The companys managers are involved in constant development of new training and developing programs for their employees being the most valuable asset of the company. They also encourage innovation and use of modern equipment in promoting exceptional quality.
It should be stressed that the NPCC emphasizes the importance of adherence to the Code of Conduct as the foundation for companys business activities. In particular, the executive managers of the company believe that ethical standards should be strictly followed to preserve the organizational culture and increase the welfare of the employees.
Aside from ethical and cultural aspects of companys organization, the company works on expanding their markets and establishing new relations with other international companies. International cooperation and communication is vital for enhancing the companys position and respectable image.
Finally, the company integrates an environmentally savvy policy that guarantees strict adherence to existing environmental laws and regulations.
As a proof, the company has won numerous awards in the sphere of Quality and HSE, which justify their strategies, mission, and values. Being among the most successfully companies, NPCC strives to attract more investors to develop new approaches and techniques. Therefore, the managers never cease expanding the companys potential.
List of References
Awards. The National Petroleum Conestruction Company. Web.
Code of Conduct. The National Petroleum Conestruction Company. Web.
Introduction. The National Petroleum Conestruction Company. Web.
Offshore Constructions. The National Petroleum Conestruction Company. Web.
Onshore/Onsite Services. The National Petroleum Conestruction Company. Web.
Offshore Services. The National Petroleum Conestruction Company. Web.
Offshore. The National Petroleum Conestruction Company. Web.
Product & Services. The National Petroleum Conestruction Company. Web.
Quality & HSE. The National Petroleum Construction. Web.
Vision & Mission. The National Petroleum Conestruction Company. Web.
Value and risk management is a critical component in managing construction projects in the construction industry. It is a process which when integrated into the procurement phases improves and increases project value, enables project managers identify and reduce unnecessary expenditure, optimising resources, enables mangers and stakeholders generate creative ideas, and provides a framework for updating standards and objectives.
Integrating value and risk management provides successful project implementation to identify business needs, and design value and business study to evaluate the potential for implementing value into the project. In addition, value and risk management is critical in minimising minimizing waste, optimizing resources, and in protecting reputation and value of assets.
Value and risk management provides a framework for assessing the contracting process against typical contracts signed in the recent past, which provide a typical example of the procurement contracting for the client. A typical example of the potential value of risk and value management in the construction industry is applied in the Chinese construction industry.
Evidence has shown the potential impact value and risk management has had on the current and future construction projects in the construction industry in China. Typical areas include risk avoidance, reduction or mitigation for project value.
Introduction
Value and Risk Management are critical components in the current project in enabling optimization of team contributions to the value and risk management process to enhance value in the delivery of service by implementing a new-build local government administrative headquarters. The team is obliged to ensure that quality, performance, reliability are upheld while minimising the life cycle costs (Shen & Liu 2004, p.4).
Value management will provide a creative project specific problem solving methodology with stakeholder involvement toward attaining value added solutions to the current project of constructing a new administrative block. The integrative approach of project learning define in value management is evidently optimized in constraining the budget and project complexity.
The results will be sustained performance improvement and reduced costs in the construction of the City Government (Council) headquarters during the projects initial stages (Lin & Shen 2007, p.5).
It will be able to add value to the building project. Mainly, value management will provide maximum value for the project, detailed information about the functions fundamental to a cost effective project which provides value for the users, clearly established and verified project objectives, optimized design solutions, and cost effective project development, making value management identifiably beneficial for the City Government (Council) headquarters project.
Identifying Business Needs
The rationale for constructing a centralized administrative block at the center of the city is to reduce the costs of running different departments located at different parts of the city to optimize governance and service delivery from a centralized location. In this case, the strategic objective of rationalizing the local government service delivery and attain the vision of a progressive and modern city will be attained.
A cost benefit analysis reinforces the rationale for relocating employees to the outskirts of the city while centralizing the provision of services from a single point. In addition, the number of employees requiring to be moved will have to be enumerated, the costs associated with the disturbances, the number of departments to be moved into the central administrative block, the risks to property and other assets when relocating.
Designing Value and Risk Study
It is critical that the risks involved be identified, assessed, and the probability of occurrence of any of the risks evaluated. This study integrating different experts from different disciplines wills benefit the client in many ways. Among the benefits includes identifying and acquiring financial information which is critical for decision making during the deliberations in the workshop.
This includes the costs of the project and accruing benefits. The project can create value if the benefits are more than the costs or if there is value for the money invested. Financial data is useful in his stage because sound decisions can be made based on this information (Shen & Liu 2004, p.7).
The participants in the workshop should be informed about the risks that the City Government (Council) headquarters are susceptible to. Risk will have to be an integral component in value management. Critical data includes the risk categories identified in the project, and countermeasures and controls to address the risks. That is in addition to informing the participants about the costs of mitigating the risks (Shen & Liu 2004, p.8).
The process for managing value for the City Government (Council) headquarters will include testing and validation of planning assumptions. All stakeholders have to agree on the objectives, goals, the changes to be introduced, the impact of the changes on their social and economic lives, and common vision that the project is designed to attain (Graham, Kelly & Male 2001, p.3).
Once the value management team has studied the results of the study of the company procurement rules and policies to ensure no vulnerable points are left susceptible to being exploited in the event of a disagreement, the project manager will develop principles to guide successful attainment of the goals. Critical in this case, is to get value for the money from the project (Graham, Kelly & Male 2001, p.4).
How Studies Will Benefit the Client
Employing value management during the initial stages of the building project will provide the advantage of acquiring greater insight about what the project is all about. The purpose and means of achieving the same will be known to various stakeholders. Often middle managers are not knowledgeable of all the aspects of a project and this will be a good opportunity to gain this insight (Woodhead & Downs 2001, p.4).
Value management will be useful for establishing project objectives, preparing the project brief and the consideration of concept and design alternatives. City Government (Council) headquarters will benefit from value management in many ways. It will be possible to simplify and ease processes in the project. There will be a lot of time, money is necessary to carry out the project successfully.
With proper planning and execution, efficiency will be enhanced hence time and money will be saved. Obsolete and redundant items and procedures can be known and discarded. For instance old technologies with are no longer efficient can be done away with (DellIsola 1982, p.3).
Pre-workshop Activities
The pre-workshop activities include identifying any strategic procurement done recently by any department which is of high quality. Typical examples include a contract signed in the recent past, a typical example of the procurement contracting for the client, and a typical example of a contract that had been completed and that can act as an informing example in the review. The components to consider include:
Strategic targets, contract initiatives, goals, and objectives.
The party responsible for the management of the strategic relationships.
The legal requirements and any other legislation framework used in establishing the contract.
Key performance indicators used in the project.
The risk and value management plan.
Any changes introduced in the process of project development.
Identification of stakeholders
The entire project requires the participation of an integrated supply team comprised of supply chain consultants, facilitating managers, constructors, and an integrated supply chain of consultants working as a team. The value management team is managed by the project manager and project sponsor, the project finance team, design team, project cost manager in the construction of the new City Government (Council).
A value manager must be part of the value management team. This individual is charged with the responsibility of understanding the value problems, coordinating value systems and implementing improvements to the company (Woodhead & Downs 2001, p.5).
The finance team has to ensure that the project being embarked on by City Government (Council) headquarters has a sound capital investment plan. The team should also perform a detailed analysis of the project in order to find useful information that will be used during deliberations and decision-making. The finance team should ensure that the project follows the companys financial policies.
The accounting and financial reporting standards should also be followed. The manager responsibility is to ensure that there is proper planning. This includes asset disposal planning, asset maintenance, planning and capital investments planning. The basis of these plans should be the companys policies (Woodhead & Downs 2001, p.9).
Agenda for each study
The agenda for the value management study is to enhance its effective operations, customer service and business expansion. In addition, it is important that the process clearly show how the organization will get value for the money they invest in the project.
The individuals in the value management team will come up with measures to improve the business while meeting the customers needs. The new project should to add value to the core business of the organization (Woodhead & Downs 2001, p.8; Woodhead & Downs 2001, p.7).
The agenda will be to identify the best methods of managing contract establishment which includes strategic relationships, effective communication strategies, and working with an updated risk management plans.
That could lead to managing contract performance based on good relationship and communication strategies, and clearly stipulated contract and strategic initiatives. It will be important to identify the best strategies to manage contract evaluation with clearly explained up to date risk management plans.
Recommendations
There should be technical documentation provided at each phase of the meeting and during the value and risk management process. A post workshop assessment will include identifying the each of the tasks to follow in managing the whole process. That will include identifying client characteristics, requirements of the clients that City Government (Council) headquarters serves.
In addition, the demographic data, experience, financial capabilities etc., will enable the firm to use accurate methods of adding value to the project. Value will be added in the delivery of services to the public if they will be offered at the central administrative point instead of being scattered across different places.
In addition, the document results will provide a guideline for resolving problems that arise at project level, review design solutions and any changes compatible with new changes in the project, assess each program and activity at each level, evaluate at each stage project stages, and assess the action plan to align it with the project goals and objectives. Tools critical here are cost index, and value index in the project (Shen & Liu 2004, p.9).
Risk Management in Construction
Throughout the construction industry in China, value and risk management is critical in minimizing waste, optimizing resources, and in protecting reputation and value of assets. The potential for effective application of value and risk management is based on the benefits gained into the construction industry at all construction phases to minimise cost overruns, potential for stalling projects, and budget overruns (Ling & Lim 2007, p. 3).
Value and risk management have the potential to enable project managers and stakeholders establish clear project objectives, identify and remove unnecessary expenditure, save money and time, reduce any redundant items, and generate creative solutions to the problems in the industry. The potential for risk in the construction industry is high.
The potential for the value and risk management enables project stakeholders and the project manager to identify specific areas of design, operations, and construction to cut costs without reducing value. Value and risk management enables project managers and stakeholders provide refined project options aligned to project brief and objectives.
Value management has the potential to quantify business benefits associated with working in a better working environment to improving the working conditions and provide value for money. Value and risk management in the construction industry in China is critical because of the potential risks in the construction industry.
Construction risks
Here, the potential impact of value and risk management in the construction industry in China has a potential impact in the construction of residential buildings, office buildings, commercial buildings, hotels, schools, airport terminals, railway stations, harbours and factories (IBIS World 2009, p. 2).
The potential impact of value and risk management in the construction industry in china has had much positive impact because of the new policies of openness the country has had to the outside word. The impact has been accelerated growth, and increases in the total output value with a rapid growth in the construction industry.
Integrating value and risk management in the construction industry in China has experienced rapid growth in the number of foreign investment companies seeking to invest in China. However, because of the high number of risks, many companies get discouraged to invest in China, especially when the country had not integrated value and risk management into the construction Industry.
According to Fong, Fang and Li (2004, p. 4), a comprehensive and clear understanding of the impact value and risk management has on the construction industry is critical in successful implementation of projects that provide value in the industry (Ling & Lim 2007). In this case, the following class of risks are strongly influenced by value and risk management and can be mitigated to provide value for the projects (Fong 1999, p.2).
Technical risk
Here, value and risk management is critical in mitigating the most common technical risks in the construction industry in China, which include equipment malfunction, design inaccuracy, injuries, accidents, and resource shortages. According to Ling and Lim (2007, p.3) default of contactors or subcontractors is a major risk problem that should be addressed to reduce risk to acceptable levels in China.
Value and risk management is critical for project managers to identify incompetent subcontractors and suppliers who push highly qualified and experienced foreign investors out of the market.
Risk management enables managers, organizations, and project stakeholders to identify and address risks such as the breach of contract, delay in the delivery of materials or services and disputes between contractors and subcontractors (Ling and Lim 2007, p.5).
A well-integrated value and risk management strategy in the construction industry has the potential to address the risk that investors are likely to face in the construction industry such as lack or delayed payments. Banks and other financial institutions are usually willing to finance large national projects but reluctant to support small firms.
In this case, value and risk management plays a critical role in facilitating and inspiring confidence in banks and other financial institutions to provide financial support in form of loans to invest in construction projects. That is because the smaller projects have insufficient funds to successfully run the project. With the integration of the strategy, it is possible for smaller firms and projects to be funded to completion.
That will avoid the problem where project managers do not pay contractors in time. In that situation, lack of construction credit facilities and shortage of capital is a disadvantage in that it will be overcome to encourage investment in the construction industry (Ling & Lim 2007, p.6).
Value and risk management is also critical because of the increased demand for construction has led to a very high demand of the necessary resources for investment. With value and risk management integrated into the projects, a decrease in prices of the resources could be experienced in the construction industry.
Despite the increase in labour and material costs due to the increase in demand for the resources, a long term impact on the value of projects and assets could be cost effective.
Financial risks
Value and risk management provides the basis for identifying and eradicating unnecessary expenditure, optimize resources, save money, time, and energy in the construction industry. Among the risks impacting negatively on economic project value in the construction industry includes fluctuation in the foreign exchange rates.
The potential to suffer substantial losses when revenue received and loan repayments are in different currencies is significant. It is possible for an unfavourable exchange rate to plunge a construction company into bankruptcy. In addition, inflation is another risk which affects other variables in the economy such as changes in interest rates and rate of return.
The fluctuation of interest rates has a major bearing on the construction industry as it affects the operations and feasibility of a project. To address the adverse impact of the risks is to integrate risk management strategy to address and mitigate the risks. Here, risk management and value management are integrated and provide the framework for industry players to protect themselves from the effects of inflation.
The higher prices will ensure that the business is not affected during inflation of material of labour costs (Ling & Lim 2007, p.8). Value and risk management could provide the companies with the ability to provide updated standards, optimal use of resources, generation of alternative ideas, and use of simplified methods and procedures in the construction process.
Future Application of Value and Risk Management
It is critical that value and risk management be critically evaluated in relation to the impact on the future of the construction industry. It is evident from the Chinese construction industry that steps have been taken to integrated value and risk management into the construction industry.
Studies by Ling & Lim (2007, p.4) show that firms have evidently attempted to integrate value and risk management into the construction industry to manage and mitigate the risks to acceptable levels for project implementation. One of the solutions include managing foreign exchange risk by making payments for construction in the same currency of the money borrowed for financing the project.
In addition to that, other approaches include identifying and assessing the impact of risks on the interest rate fluctuation in the pricing strategy of resources and project procurement process. It is critical to use fixed exchange rates in contracts to optimise capital fund savings.
Another application of value and risk management in the construction industry is to address high inflation rates by transferring risk of increased material or labour costs to the consumer.
Here, the transfer of such cost risks allows them to transfer the inflation risk to contractors, subcontractors and suppliers (Ling & Lim 2007, p.9). The potential impact value and risk management has in future applications are critically embedded in the risk management process as follows.
Risk management processes
Risk avoidance
Value and risk management will provide strategies for avoid risks all together. In this case, the construction industry stakeholders will identify construction projects that are not vulnerable to any risks. Risks cannot be fully avoided in the construction industry. However, risk avoidance is a difficulty choice when compared with business benefits. Risk avoidance will amount to missed opportunities (Raftery & Reilly 2006).
Risk reduction and elimination
A radical benefit of integrating value and risk management in the construction industry is risk reduction and elimination. While risks cannot be completely eliminated, risk reduction will be achieved by training employees and best practises.
Loosemore, Raftery and Reilly (2006, p.2) argue that risk management can be integrated to enable project managers to positively address technical risks such as by changing projects technologies, project design, and materials while addressing political risks positively.
Risk transfer
Another approach is to transfer risk to another person or firm such as third party bodies such as insurance firms. That is based on the bargaining power of the financiers requirements, company culture and policies.
Conclusion
Value and risk management has a positive potential impact on the construction industry by providing a framework for reducing project costs while increasing and maintaining the project value. In addition, value and risk management will provide a string framework for construction companies from the local and international market to invest in the construction industry in China.
References
DellIsola, A 1982, Value Engineering in the Construction Industry, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.
Fang, D., Fong, P., & Li, M. 2004, Risk Assessment Model of Tendering for Chinese Building Projects, Journal of construction engineering and management, The International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 445-454.
Fong, P 1999, Organizational knowledge and responses of public sector clients towards value management, The International Journal of Public Sector Management. Vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 445-454.
Graham, D, Kelly, J & Male, S 2001. Value management of construction projects Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
IBIS World 2009, Building Construction in China. Web.
Lin, G & Shen, Q 2007, Measuring the Performance of Value Management Studies in Construction: Critical Review, Journal or management in Engineering, vol. 23, no. pp. 2-9.
Ling, F. & Lim, H. 2007, Foreign firms financial and economic risk in China. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 346-362.
Loosemore, M., Raftery, J. & Reilly, C 2006, Risk management in projects. Taylor and Francis, Oxon.
Shen, L. Y., Wu, C. & Ng, C. S. 2001, Risk Assessment for Construction Joint Ventures in China. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Vol. 127, no.1, pp. 7681.
Smith, N. K. K., Merna, T. & Jobling, P. 2006, Managing risk in construction projects. Wiley-Blackwell, New York.
Woodhead, M & Downs, C 2001, Value management: improving capabilities. Thomas Telford, London.
An evaluation of current and potential future application of Value and Risk Management into [QS/CPM/FM/BS] professional services in the construction sector in [my country of study] .
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) gained popularity in the 1970s as a policy function to encourage corporations to run their operations responsibly. Since then, it has continued to gain popularity in different regions, especially as governments embrace it as a way of obligating businesses to help in dealing with different social and development challenges that arise in different communities. This is achieved through laws and regulations, as well as training on CSR.
In the construction industry, CSR plays a significant role in ensuring that projects create employment for the locals, the environment is protected, energy is conserved, the land is utilized in an economically sound manner, construction projects are sustainable, and safety is observed, among many other areas where CSR is applicable. In Jordan, the construction industry is experiencing a vibrant growth, especially from the governments support for less-energy intensive sectors.
This paper analyzes the role of CSR in the construction industry, using Jordan as a case study. Data and information are collected through interviews and the study of past academic resources. The findings support the dissertations hypothesis, which states that CSR programs play a significant role and can contribute to responsible business practices and sustainable development in communities where organizations operate. The paper, however, concludes that this is only possible if CSR programs and initiatives are implemented in the right way. Recommendations are focused on how corporations can achieve this.
Introduction
Corporate social responsibility
Different authors have presented different definitions for CSR. Among them is Banerjee (2007) who defines it as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism, whereby business monitors and ensures its active compliance with the spirit of the law, ethical standards, and international norms . CSR activities affect investors, management, employees, consumers, communities, the environment, and other stakeholders. All these stakeholders play different roles to ensure CSR initiatives benefit each of them equally.
The right CSR initiatives in different regions are ensured through laws and regulations, awareness and training corporations on how they can benefit from CSR. Benefits are spread across all stakeholders and include supported development in communities, allowing employees a chance to participate in beneficial activities to the communities, building a reputation for a business and its brands, as well as support for government-initiated development activities and plans. Major challenges for corporations in their efforts to implement CSR include lack of finances, resistance by communities, lack of support by governments, and legal challenges that arise as a result of being involved in different community activities.
CSR in Jordanian construction industry
Construction contractors are beginning to include aspects of corporate social responsibility into their construction projects, but, arguably, the role of CSR is still not clear (n.a., 2010). Every stakeholder has a role to play to enable the industry to mature in its implementation of CSR. Investors have to be willing to input more finances to support CSR initiatives. Communities play a significant role in helping construction companies identify social needs that need to be addressed. Clients play a role by putting pressure on construction companies to do business responsibly. Construction clients are now asking contractors to embrace and deliver CSR as an integral component of construction activities (Santorella, 2011).
Real estate sector flourished in the middle east region till the recent global recession and the associated setbacks that affect the sector at varying degrees in different parts of the world (Kokash, George and Salem, 2011). In Jordan, the construction industry is considered among the most successful in the region, mainly due to the level of support accorded by the government on less-energy intensive sectors, where construction falls. Nonetheless, several issues remain contentious and the role of the industry in promoting sustainable development in the surrounding communities remains a topic of heated debate among stakeholders.
Purpose of research
The research which forms the basis of the dissertation was inspired by the continuous debates that keep arising on the role of CSR in different industries. It was also inspired by the recent wave of pressure from governments in different regions on businesses to address the issue of CSR seriously. As a researcher, I believe that corporations should be responsible for the negative environmental and social impacts resulting from their day-to-day operations. Therefore, my recommendations will support the implementation of CSR initiatives in corporations, as well as laws that hold businesses accountable for any social and environmental irresponsibility.
Research design
The concept of corporate social responsibility has been adopted by several companies in a variety of industries (Hill, Alan, and Wendy, 2006). As Whellams (2007) continues to explain, CSR programs address a wide array of social and environmental issues, from human rights and working conditions to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions . For this dissertation, it would not have been possible to investigate CSR programs and implementation in all the industries. Instead, the dissertation focuses on the Jordanian construction industry as a case study.
As explained by Whellams (2007), there are two types of case studies, the intrinsic case study in which the case is the focus of research due to its uniqueness, and the instrumental case study where the focus of research is specific issues that the case serves to illustrate . This dissertations case study serves the purpose of an instrumental case study, shedding light on the role of CSR in the Jordanian construction industry. The case is then used as a reference point for other industries in different regions.
Aim
Discuss the role of CSR in the construction industry, using Jordan as a case study
Objectives
Define CSR
Understand the role of CSR in different business environments
Discuss the role of CSR in the construction industry
Discuss the role of CSR in the Jordanian construction industry
Hypothesis
CSR programs play a significant role and can contribute to responsible business practices and sustainable development in communities where organizations operate. However, this is only possible if CSR programs are implemented properly. This paper suggests that the success of CSR and its purposes are dependent on the chosen initiatives, how they are designed, their implementation, as well as the support of the beneficiary communities.
Methodology
As Hill, Alan, and Wendy (2006), many aspects of local sustainable development cannot be quantified, and those which can, often only paint a partial picture of what is happening in a particular community . To test my hypothesis, a variety of research methods were adopted for this dissertation. Primary data was gathered from five semi-structured interviews with people at a management level in the Jordanian construction industry. Secondary data was gathered through observation and studying academic resources such as books, online articles, journals, and past research projects by different individuals and organizations. Conclusion and recommendations were formed from the compilation and analysis of the gathered data and information.
Dissertation structure
The first chapter of the dissertation is the introduction, which briefly summarizes the rest of the dissertation, as well as highlighting the purpose, aim, and objectives to be met by the rest of the work. Chapter two is the literature review, which presents the theoretical aspects of the paper. These include definitions, various discussions by different authors and researchers, the application of CSR in different industries, the role of CSR in the construction industry, the background of the Jordanian construction industry, CSR obligations, and obstacles in the country. The third chapter presents the methodology, which is an explanation of how primary and secondary data is collected. The data analysis chapter presents the data and information collected in chapter three. Finally, chapter five and six are conclusions and recommendations chapters respectively. The last two chapters are formed from data and information collected and analyzed in chapters 3 and 4.
Summary
This paper analyzes the role of CSR in the Jordanian construction industry. The case study is designed to meet the objectives of the paper by studying the background of the topic, collecting data, and forming a conclusion and recommendations based on the results. The introduction chapter defines CSR and briefly highlights several factors that influence its implementation in the construction industry. It further outlines the purpose of the research, the research design, dissertations aim, objectives, and the hypothesis. The methodology and data analysis will all be designed to prove or disapprove the hypothesis of the paper, which states that CSR programs play a significant role and can contribute to responsible business practices and sustainable development in communities where organizations operate.
Reference list
Banerjee, S.B., 2007. Corporate social responsibility: The good, the bad and the ugly. Cheltenham [u.a]: Elgar.
Hill, J., Alan, T., and Wendy, W., 2006. Sustainable development: National aspirations, local implementation. Aldershot: Ashgate, Cop.
Kokash, H., George, T. and Salem,A., 2011. Motivations, obligations, and obstacles to corporate social responsibility in Jordanian real estate companies. International Research Journal of Management and Business Studies, 1(4): 107-118.
n.a., 2010. The role of corporate social responsibility in construction seminar. Web.
Santorella, G., 2011. Lean culture for the construction industry: Building responsible and committed project teams. New York: Productivity Press.
Whellams, Melissa., 2007. The role of CSR in development: A case study involving the mining industry in South America. Web.
To improve its operational efficiency, Parsons Brinkerhoff is in the process of recruiting an experienced construction manager to oversee the construction of the Eglinton-Scarborough Cross-town LRT transit project. To attract a large number of applicants, the company will advertise the position in the newspaper. Additionally, the firm will also use the internet in advertising the position. The advertisement will stipulate the various requirements for the candidate.
For example, the selected candidate should have the capability to perform diverse tasks such as managing the personnel, ensuring on-site construction safety, and executing quality control tasks. In executing the managerial duties of issuing contracts, the candidate must adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Commission stipulations. Some of these stipulations relate to ensuring that contracts are issued competitively.
Additionally, he should act by the law by desisting from any form of discriminative acts such as based on age, gender, disability, age, race, and creed when issuing contracts. The manager must also be able to perform the necessary administrative tasks by the companys clients requirements. He or she should also possess good communication skills to relate well with the various parties.
Analysis of the selection process
To select the most qualified candidate, the construction manager will be sourced from the external labor market. To be effective in its recruitment, the company will tap into both the local and foreign labor markets. According to Mathis and Jackson (183), sourcing human capital from the foreign labor market can be very challenging. To be successful, the company will take into consideration the existing laws in the foreign labor market. In the foreign market, the company will seek approval from local labor authorities.
To be effective in its recruitment process, the firm will form a recruitment committee of 10 individuals. The members of the committee will be selected internally from the various departments. The committee will be composed of board members, an administrator, a chairperson, the recruiter, and a construction staff member. Their role will be to identify the sources of human resources, develop the interviewing process, evaluating the job applicants to identify the most suited candidate for the job, and to assign specific responsibilities. The selected recruiter will also develop a contacts and prospects list and evaluate the applicants credentials.
He or she will also be involved in the negotiation of contract agreements. The committee will decide on the appropriate date to conduct the interview and communicate appropriately. It is expected that the recruitment process will take 3 days.
For the recruitment process to be effective, a comprehensive selection process will be undertaken. Preliminary screening and interviews will be conducted. The screening will be aimed at determining whether the applicants fulfill the stipulated job qualifications. On the other hand, the preliminary interview will evaluate whether the applicant is mentally and physically fit to perform the job. A series of selection tests such as proficiency tests and psychological tests will be conducted. The psychological tests that the recruiter will emphasize include intelligence tests, aptitude tests, and personality tests. Some of the questions to be considered include;
What would you do in case of a conflict with the contractors that have the possibility of derailing the completion of the project?
How easily can you learn new skills and techniques and apply them in practical situations?
What are the most effective problem-solving techniques in the workplace that you possess?
About the proficiency test, the manager will develop a Special Trade Efficiency Test. Some of the questions that will be used in the interview about the candidates specialization include;
What measures is a manager required to undertake to ensure the successful completion of a construction project?
What would you consider to be the most important project management techniques that will be applied in this project?
What are the basic legal requirements that should be taken into consideration when undertaking a project of this nature?
After the successful completion of the tests, a final interview will be conducted whereby various qualities of the candidate will be evaluated. At this stage, the most appropriate candidate will be selected. The recruiter will concentrate on several skills which include managerial skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and administrative skills in the selection criteria. After the selection of the most appropriate candidate, the management team will conduct a background and reference check to gain a further understanding of the selected candidate. The candidate will then be subjected to a medical examination after which a job offer will be presented to the candidate. Upon acceptance of the job offer, the candidate will be required to sign the employment contract.
Works Cited
Mathis, Robert, and Jackson, John. Human resource management. Mason, OH: Southern- Western, 2011. Print.